Live Music Monday: The Oak Republic

The Oak Republic is a five-piece “Heavy Wood” band based in Kimberley BC. Drummer Paul Bouchard and singer/songwriter Jason Toner preformed in the East Kootenays together as the Surf Dragons from 2008-2011. Guitarist/Irish bouzouki/mandolin player Shawn Robertson came from the city to work in forestry in BC. He met Jay while playing his unique brand of “Leo Kottke finger-style guitar” and they formed the acoustic duo “Counterweight” in 2008. Violinist Allyson “Ally” Hunter brought her celtic influences and feminine charm from her homeland of Ireland and Counterweight played as an acoustic trio in the East Kootenays until 2011. In 2012 bassist and fellow Surf Dragon Murph Martin from The Kelly Jay Band (Calgary) joined the lineup and The Oak Republic was born. Currently the band is arranging original material for their debut recording while performing in the East Kootenay region.

Find them on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/TheOakRepublic/?fref=ts