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Legacy looks to feed music scene in Cochrane

No longer a vacant cavern awaiting yet another retailer to fill its spacious interior, one can walk into Legacy Guitar and Coffee House at pretty much any time of the day at 214 First Street to be welcomed by the dull roar of coffee shop chatter, ami
Angus Wilson of Legacy Guitar and Coffee House is working to bring in a multitude of music acts to help nurture Cochrane’s growing music scene.
Angus Wilson of Legacy Guitar and Coffee House is working to bring in a multitude of music acts to help nurture Cochrane’s growing music scene.

No longer a vacant cavern awaiting yet another retailer to fill its spacious interior, one can walk into Legacy Guitar and Coffee House at pretty much any time of the day at 214 First Street to be welcomed by the dull roar of coffee shop chatter, amid the hiss of lattes being frothed and soup spoons clanging against porcelain dishes.

Judging by the peaceful expression on the face of Angus Wilson, resident musician, store manager, booking agent and guitar teacher, this is exactly the effect he and owner Tom Powell are shooting for — a comfortable space that will assist in making Cochrane one of Alberta’s go-to spots for live music and indie artists.

“Tom has always been a visionary, and he would talk about where he wanted to take this,” explained Wilson, reflecting on their humble beginnings in the small shop on Highway 1A, where Powell opened up Legacy Guitar House two years ago.

The new and improved locale offers not only enough Cordobas, Fenders, Larrivees, Gibsons and their accessory counterparts to satisfy the guitar lovers soul, as well as a roster of guitar teachers to lead the way, but a coffee shop and performance stage that is bringing in talent and selling out shows every Saturday night, courtesy of the booking, sound and production talents of Wilson and the Legacy gang.

“I know how to put a show on that an artist is going to love…I know what an artist wants,” explained the 25-year-old, whose own accolades include two EPs and a full-length album with his alt-roots-rock band, Stoning Mary, as well as two solo full length albums.

“When we started this, I was thinking we would get 20-30 seater rooms…when we sold out our first show (around 80 people) I was blown away. And then that train started rolling and I realized we had filled a niche in Cochrane,” said Wilson, adding that what Legacy is aiming for is building on the musical community championed by indie artist supporters such as the Cochrane Valley Folk Club.

“I believe Cochrane can become a musical hot spot in Alberta — not just Legacy Guitar House.”

Since their early February opening, Wilson has focused on honing an atmosphere where people will feel comfortable bringing their kids to see live shows. This is part of the reason why Legacy has yet to apply for a liquor licence — due to the positive feedback from the community who feel encouraged to take their kids to the Live at Legacy nights without feeling like they’re in a bar.

Upcoming Live at Legacy nights include Karla Adolphe on April 13, Craig Cardiff on April 19, The Travelling Mabels on April 27 and Iryna on April 28.

A singer/songwriter from High River, Adolphe is currently touring her 2012 album Honeycomb Tombs and said she is looking forward to playing at Legacy for the first time.

“Playing in small towns has always been a preference for me, I love the energy that a small town brings, lots of people excited about sharing a night of entertainment together and grassroots promo is excellent,” said the gospel-laden folkie.

Another spring highlight for Legacy is their partnership with the 2013 Cochrane Trade Show May 10-11 for the Cochrane Guitar Show at the Spray Lake Sawmills Centre. The highlight of the weekend includes a workshop with award-winning Canadian fingerstyle guitarist, Don Ross and a Saturday night acoustic performance by Canadian king of modern blues-rock, Colin James.

Various ticket packages for the weekend are available online at legacyguitarhouse.com or by phoning 403-981-1808.

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