Six plucky musicians of the Pulling Strings ensemble performed a full-length concert at the Gibsons Public Market on Feb. 19, entertaining a crowd some 40 listeners strong with a blend of vocal harmonies accompanied by banjo and ukuleles.
The Valentine’s-themed lineup included two of the group’s favourite numbers: Bye Bye Love, a 1957 hit made famous by the Everly Brothers, and a medley of Somewhere Over the Rainbow and What a Wonderful World, evoking the ukulele arrangement by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole that rocketed to worldwide acclaim in 1993.
The group has been performing together for four years. Its members coalesced through the Beachcombers Ukulele Group Singers—an informal collective of self-described “ukulele friends,” which itself makes occasional appearances at the Public Market.
Lynn Solomon, the leader of Pulling Strings and its sole banjo player, is flanked on both sides during performances by ukulele-wielding bandmates, all who reside on the Sunshine Coast. An accordionist, Helen Blank, was absent from Saturday’s performance but normally appears with the group.
“During the COVID pandemic, we’ve really been laying low,” said Solomon. The group rehearsed virtually using the Zoom web conferencing system, while a handful of members huddled in Solomon’s studio in Gibsons. “It was really difficult when the [Public Market] venue was at half-capacity,” she said, “but now that’s all lifted now. So it’s great. And we’re so happy to be back on the road again.”
The ensemble’s vocal coach, Janet Shimuzi, encourages exuberant delivery tempered by scrupulous attention to harmony. Several times during Saturday’s concert, seated spectators sang along with the performers.
Most of the group are retired professionals with a passion for crowd-pleasing diversions. After winding up his accounting career, ukulele player Errol Lipschitz embraced a new identity as a professional clown.
“So [Errol] is always putting in little chirpy noises or birds or funny whistles or something like that,” said Solomon. “I’ll tell you, we have a lot of laughs when we’re performing.”
The group has performed at local brewing companies—Persephone and Tapworks—as well as the Christenson Village assisted living complex. Their swing-infused repertoire is sometimes accompanied by a guest guitarist or pianist, and has established a loyal following. Under normal circumstances, Solomon said, the Public Market is filled to capacity.
Pulling Strings will return to the Gibsons Public Market in March with an Irish-themed program, and a springtime set is due for an April performance.
Members of Pulling Strings are Errol Lipschitz, Ken Oka, Joanne Proulx, Janet Shimuzi, Elaine Stokalos (ukuleles), Lynn Solomon (banjo), and Helen Blank (accordion).
