The Swiftys return to the Sault

The Downbeat Lounge is bringing in a bunch of down-home, good natured, bright boys known as the Swiftys for your entertainment.

The Swiftys are a band that has shared the stage with Lucinda Williams, The Sadies, and Fred Eaglesmith. They are a proud "old school country" band that hails from the land of beef -- Alberta.

Forming in 2002, the Swiftys modelled themselves on the "outlaw" image of country greats like Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash and Steve Earle. Throwing in a dash of The Band, they created a rootsy, honky-tonkin', yearnin' and cryin' in yer beer good time musical outfit.

Led by front man and multi-instrumentalist, Shawn Jonasson, The Swiftys apparently know what it takes to break into the high-lonsome scene of independent country music. Yes, folks, it indeed requires a clever nickname for each band member. Jonasson's nickname is 'Swifty' and apparently he is the brightest of the bunch (as his name would suggest). After all, he did name the band after himself. Not to be left behind, the rest of the band followed suit with the nickname routine. Rounding out the unit are bassist Jody "Thump" Johnson, and drummer Grant "Stovetop" Stovel.

All these clever nicknames and boot kickin' tunes even earned the band a #1 CD on the Alberta charts. Not bad for country boys who like Doc Martens (see picture). If someone bought these boys a good ol' pair of cowboy boots, they would not only be able to honky tonk, they would be able to kick the eyes out of snakes. Until then, we will have to rely on the kickin' country vibe of their songs for entertainment.

The Swiftys will be playing at the Downbeat Lounge, with special guests Old Reliable, on Sunday, May 1st starting at 10:30pm.

For more information on The Swiftys, visit www.theswiftys.net.

The Downbeat Lounge is located at 740 Queen Street East (across from PUC). For more information on the Downbeat Lounge, click here.