Who: Leanne Lamour and Gordo
What: Hoz’s Live Music Lineup
Where: Hoz’s Pub, Creekside
When: Alternating each Saturday night for the winter
Creekside is morphing into more than just a few new glitzy shops, hotels and eateries. It’s become the new breeding ground for local musical talent as well.
One of the oldest haunts in town is the landmark Hoz’s pub, just down the road from the South Side Deli on Lake Placid Road. Follow the twinkling lights along the tree-lined sidewalk on a Monday or Saturday night and you’ll discover a whole new world of entertainment. Owned and operated by Ron Hosner since 1986 and affectionately known as Hoz’s, the locals’ pub decided it was time to move with the changing scenery around them.
Tuesday is now known for Creekside Karaoke, a fun night out growing in popularity by the week.
"We’re into our fifth show now and it looks like it’s here to stay," said general manager Rob Griffin. "The voices are getting a whole lot better that’s for sure. At first the crowd were long on exuberance but short on talent. Now we’re getting some decent singers rolling in."
Saturday nights are acoustic nights, with plans for some bands in the works too. Headlining Hoz’s lineup is local legend Leanne Lamour, renowned for her Celtic, Irish rock and alternative folk tunes made famous from her previous winter stints at the Dubh Linn Gate.
Lamour was nabbed by Hoz’s after management saw her play at the Creekside Street Festival over the summer.
"I played in front of Hoz’s and I guess it opened their eyes to the possibility of music. I’m glad they approached me because Hoz’s Pub is a really fun room to play," said Lamour.
The guitarist-singer-songwriter said Creekside’s crowds were different to the village jet set.
"Hoz’s patrons are made up of workers and regular tourists. The Creekside people are the down to earth people who just want realistic prices, decent food and a warm atmosphere. They make me feel good."
Lamour said playing at Hoz’s has given her a lot of freedom.
"Nobody’s ever played there so there’s no formula to adhere to. I can do a lot of my own stuff now," she said.
Lamour still plays her signature Celtic numbers, but with a new original twist following a summer tour travelling the Maritimes.
" I went to Cape Breton, which was very traditional, very Scottish actually, and the Irish influence was alive and well in Halifax, St. John’s, Newfoundland and New Brunswick, giving me plenty of fresh ideas," she said.
Catch Leanne Lamour at Hoz’s every second Saturday night alternating with Gordo Rutherford and Rob Funk. For more details phone 604-932-5940.
