Trent Roset performs at the Mahoney and Friends concert at the Esplanade Theatre in this December 2019 file photo.--News File Photo
cgallant@medicinehatnews.com@CollinGallant
Mahoney built up its reputation as Medicine Hat’s good-time band as a duo playing pubs, weddings and even backyard parties, but this year the local act celebrates 10 years of packing the Esplanade Theatre with its annual “Mahoney and Friends” year-end concert.
“We had a cool small show, but a bigger sound than just a two-piece,” explains Trent Roset, frontman of the act with drummer Ryan Massini. “We just always wanted to put together a large show that we could put in the Esplanade.
“Over the years, we started growing into a showcase of local talent and keep that ‘Mahoney vibe’ of fun, exciting, recognizable songs, but do them in a way that’s world class with the greatest musicians in town.”
Limited tickets are still available for this year’s edition, taking place on Friday at the Esplanade.
“We’re at a point where we can have a horn section, or guest banjo player, or a real ringer on piano to add to that for cool sync numbers.”
Despite its traditional timing on the calendar close to Christmas, Roset says, to this point it hasn’t included a nod to the season.
“We’ve never (done Christmas) and I know we should,” said Roset. “Maybe I’ll just hijack the show with the audience and do something.”
The official rundown includes new arrangements and takes on songs from diverse genres, such as heavy metal, bluegrass, classic rock and treatments of a wide array of hit songs.
“We go all the way to Finger Eleven, who were just here; it’s rock ‘n’ roll, it’s country and everything in between,” said Roset.
