Welcome to the Ramble! A brand-new project presented by Highway 19 Concerts and hosted by J. Plank (Jeff Plankenhorn).

Inspired by the late, great Levon Helm’s legendary Midnight Ramble in Woodstock, NY, each Ramble shines a spotlight on three songwriters from emerging and established local talents to show stopping guest headliners, all backed by the One Spot Ramblers, a stellar Vancouver Island house band led by Plankenhorn. It’s all about lifting up talent, building musical community, and creating unique and unforgettable nights of song and music in our region.

Featuring:
Tina Jones - banjo, vocals and songs
Luke Blu Guthrie - guitars, vocals and songs
Jemma Hicken - banjo, guitar, vocals and songs
J. Plank - musical director, host, guitars and vocals
G. Lee Worden - guitars, keys and vocals
Stefan Schedler - bass
Dallas Carrie - drums, vocals

Gabriola Island’s Tina Jones’ 30-year musical journey has explored classical and jazz to disco and JUNO-nominated kids’ music. The result is an earthy, expressive and unique blend of Canadian folk played on the clawhammer banjo in the clawhammer style, and collaborations with some of Western Canada’s finest jazz musicians. Whether playing solo at house concerts and small intimate venues or with a full band at folk and jazz festivals, audiences are taking notice. With two releases as a singer songwriter, Tina continues to explore foundations of love, diversity, loss and resilience in her songs.

Merville’s own groove-master, Luke Blu Guthrie is a regular at every stop from Royston to Campbell River’s where good live music happens. Known for his charismatic performance, deeply soulful vocals, and ease with any guitar, Guthrie’s fusion of folk, funk, dark country and rock n roll is original and as authentic as it comes.

Cortes Island-based Jemma Hicken (Jemma & the Good Thing) weaves together tender lyrics, funny storytelling, and catchy sing-a-longs to create a feel-good folk show, drawing on the humour and sentimentality of John Prine and Dan Reeder, the innocence of Paul Simon and Ingrid Michaelson, and the fire of Ani DiFranco. Based in Edmonton for three prairie winters, Jemma was featured at the New Moon Folk Club, SkirtsAFire Festival, Kaleido Fest, and won the 2019 Bent River Songwriting Competition. The pandemic brought her back to her Gulf Island home, and in 2023 she recorded her debut album Get It Together, with Cumberland producer Corwin Fox.

J. Plank (Jeff Plankenhorn) is a highly respected musician known for his skill as a slide guitarist, songwriter, and vocalist, both as a solo artist and as a sought-after session musician. He’s been recognized with Austin Music Award nominations for Musician of the Year, Best Guitarist, and Best Misc. Instrument – for “The Plank” a hybrid lap steel guitar Jeff designed himself. For Plank, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of bringing people together to experience the joy music brings. He happily finds himself on the road over 150 days a year. “I like the idea that people get uplifted at my shows; just one of the great ways to escape the hubbub of day-to-day living. I like the idea that everybody who walks in — I don’t care if you’re a biker or a drag queen — I want you there. Music is supposed to bring people together.” His music does exactly that — whether people come to listen or do a little dancing. Or ideally, both.

The Ramble is a family friendly, licensed event. Kids are free with a paying adult, teens pay what you like at the door.