Luv Train Band Members bring both a varied and extensive levels of experience to their current performances and have generated a strong following over the years.
Larry Blatchford was born in Sudbury, Ontario and began playing the piano when he was 7 and had his teachers degree in piano by age 16.
He played keyboards in a variety of bands in University , including the Laurentian, Combo, Act IV, The Marquis, traveling on the road with a variety of bands in the 60′ and 70’s . When he came off the road and , he put together the first portable electronic piano lab in Canada . He outfitted a school bus with 6 student pianos and the Instructor piano . All students wear headsets and the teacher can communicate with one or all. He traveled from school to school and students would come out to the bus for their lessons. He also was church organist and choir master for a variety of churches in the area.
Virginia came from a musical family, with both grandparents playing in bands, father always involved with choirs and Barbershoppers . With no real formal training, from about age 12 , Virginia pretty much knew that she wanted to be a singer however nothing transpired until she was 25 when she bought her first guitar . She was encouraged and taught by her new neighbor and BFF from that point on , Kathy Puddy. All styles of music were embraced. When she met Larry , he thought it would be fun for her to sing back up with ‘FRONT LINE’ , the band he was playing in at the time –her first time on stage. From that point onward Virginia’s powerful and sultry lead vocals combined with her onstage persona have enticed and engaged their audiences for many years.
Larry and Virginia Blatchford moved to the west coast 31 years go and they have been performing together since then.
Their original band, Abadango was a pub favorite performing across Alberta and BC in many ski venues during the 1980’s and early 90’s. Music styles included Rock n’ Roll, Rhythm and Blues, Country and Light Jazz.
Since moving to the Cowichan Valley 20 years ago, these two musicians have provided engaging entertainment to various audiences throughout Vancouver Island. A hot, 7 piece R&B funk band, Shadowland, was formed at that time and were the first to perform for the newly established Chemainus Theatre to create higher awareness of the venue. Larry and Virginia were invited back to perform, not only for the 10th anniversary celebrations but also for several other occasions over the years. They have also performed with their entourage at a variety of special town (Chemainus) events from summer festivals to Christmas concerts. In 2006, Larry and Virginia joined forces with well-known musician, Monte Nordstrom, to form a band called Soulmate, featured at both the Providence Farm R&B Barbeque, and the Filberg Festival in the Comox Valley.
Ryk Ryce, base guitarist and vocalist, met Larry and Virginia through their mutual involvement with the One Human Family Gospel Choir. Ryk has been in the Cowichan-Chemainus Valley since 1975 and has played guitar since the 60’s. Guitar greats , Brian Gagnon and lifelong friends Dave “Limpy” Curry and Omer Langlois, were not only his inspiration, but also performed with him throughout the years. Bluegrass music was an inspiration rooted in family musical (The Nitpickers) traditions, and Ryk has also been involved with the famous Kluane Mountain Bluegrass Festival held at Haynes Junction Yukon, teaching guitar at the weeklong Bluegrass camp.
Donny McGillivray has been a rock steady drummer for many popular bands over the last 25 years in the Cowichan Valley. He demonstrates what a single percussionist is capable of, with the right instruments and has an extremely rich tradition of rhythm and percussion behind him.
Sacha Petulli has been playing saxophone for 20years, winning awards along the way. He is experienced playing all styles of music from rock to jazz, R&B , Motown, classical to new age.
GUEST MUSICIANS
Pierre Koman- Sax/ Vocals
Monte Nordstom- Guitar/ Vocals
Terry Edmunds-Guitar / vocals
Colin Campbell- Guitar/ Trumpet/ Vocals
Dean Ozen – Tap dancer extrordinaire
