In our local woodlands, “old growth” refers to the senior trees which act as hubs to support the younger trees by sharing resources and information via an amazing underground network. There’s no doubt Andy, Mike and Al have the breadth of experience that makes their name appropriate. Old Growth’s roots in Canadian and Island run deep. They have a repertoire of original west coast compositions that reflect life with sincerity and humour. Between them they have released 5 CDs. Lead singer/guitarist Andy Ruszel's songs have been recorded by Juno Award winner Charlotte Diamond and Canadian Country Music Award winners Whiskey Hollow. They have also been covered by the Rovers and Penny Pom Pom. He has played in a variety of West Coast bands, including Cowichan valley favorites Seadog, Nanaimo sweethearts, Jellyroll and the very humorous Andrews and Lawrence. Mike Sadava on mandolin and guitar has played in more bands than he can remember, performing in some of the top clubs and festivals in western Canada. He has played on more than a dozen albums as a backup musician as well as two of his own. He has been a feature musician everywhere from the Edmonton Folk Festival, to the Chateau Victoria, and many places in between. Allan Eskelson is a woodworker, piano tuner and master of the vintage Telecaster bass and adds sweet harmony to the Old Growth sound. Al has played bass and guitar with Cowichan Valley musicians for many years and has been an integral part of bands like Blue Lasso, Seadog and currently also fronts jazz fusion combo, Cat's Meow. From melancholy reflections on life in the 21st century to humorous songs about aging and canoes, Old Growth are sure to make you laugh, cry, swing and then sing along. Sure to be a great night—please come join us.
We respectfully acknowledge that the Filberg Festival takes place on the unceded traditional territory of the K'omoks First Nation, Gila 'kasla...Hay ch q'a'.
