Acrpost: A Project of the Pacific Association of Artist Run Centres

Event Description

Allen Dobb Album Release Concert
Sunday, February 11th
Doors: 6:30 PM | Show: 7:30 PM
Advance: $30 | Show: $35 | Student (with valid ID): $25
All Ages

Victoria singer-songwriter Allen Dobb will be performing songs from his new album “Alone Together,” along with material from his previous three releases. “Alone Together” is a skilfully crafted collection of ten folk and Americana-style songs inspired by different stories, landscapes, and characters the artist has encountered working as a range management specialist in the BC Interior. The new album was produced and mixed by brother and collaborator Cameron Dobb. The show will feature a talented band with Cameron Dobb on keyboards, lap steel and guitars, Scott White on upright bass and Katrina Kadoski on acoustic guitar, banjo and vocals.

After more than a decade long retreat from recording and performing, singer/songwriter Allen Dobb is returning with a new album scheduled for release February 9, 2024. “Alone Together” is a collection of ten new original songs drawn from characters, stories, and landscapes that are part of Dobb’s experience working as a range management specialist in the interior of British Columbia.  

The new album was produced and mixed by brother and collaborator Cameron Dobb, with much of the recording being done during the pandemic at their respective studios. “I never thought I would make an album that way” says Dobb, whose previous efforts were recorded mostly with musicians playing at the same time “live off-the-floor”, in spaces like the iconic Mushroom Studios in Vancouver.  “Recording that way brings a certain energy, but I felt that at times my voice and the emotional arc of my songs got lost in the band setting.  For “Alone Together”, I captured my performance the way I wanted to hear it first, and then we built on that.   It was the right thing for the time, and the project brought me back to collaborate with my brother Cam.  We understand each other ‘s feel, and that’s why it worked so well.  We had many wonderful long conversations working through the process.  Cam came with a real sensitivity for the songs, and a sympathetic approach to the production. He also performed a lot of the key musical parts on the record.  I couldn’t have realized the vision without his amazing talent.“   

The result is impressive.  The ten-song recording has a warmth and authenticity that harkens back to some of the classic country sounds of the 1970s.  At the same time, it has its own currency.   Steeped in their own rural roots growing up on a farm in northwestern Alberta near the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, the brothers bring a depth and maturity to the songs and the production. Dobb’s narratives explore complexities of the heart on tracks like “All Costs”, “Here and Now” and “Alone Together” and look back at the country’s colonial past in songs like “Black and White 1912”, “Crooked River,” and “Frontier Justice.”  The melodies are carried by acoustic and electric guitars, mandolin, lap steel, piano and other instruments in tasteful arrangements that always create just the right sonic space for Dobb’s intimate and soulful vocal.    

In his early years Dobb left the family farm to attend college in Wyoming and Washington State, finding time to play cowboy dances and participate in collegiate rodeo along the way. Undecided about his future, and ready for an adventure he signed up to do graduate studies in range management in Lesotho, Africa. Two years later he put grad school in the rear-view mirror and headed for Austin, Texas to check out the singer/songwriter and outlaw country scene, before moving to the old west town of Globe, Arizona.    

After a couple years in the southwest, and releasing two independent singles in the Phoenix area, Dobb was drawn back to Lesotho to work on a range development project, and during his spare time helped local artists record demos on a small multi-track tape machine.  He was tempted to stay in Africa, but eventually returned to Canada to form the roots/pop music group Dobb and Dumela. After six years of touring and performances at major festivals across the country he disbanded the group and went back to his solo country acoustic/roots, releasing three full length albums, and touring North America and the UK. With this fascinating journey under his belt, it should be no surprise that Allen Dobb comes back with such inspired songs of lived experience.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allendobbmusic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allendobbmusic
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0aXd2Ov6yxnzt8rBP01wmU
Apple: https://music.apple.com/ca/artist/allen-dobb/63835716
Bandcamp: https://allendobb.bandcamp.com
Website: www.allendobb.com  
YouTube: https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCsjaG7uSH3Y10v_9kc5UtfA
Linkfire: https://bio.to/allendobb 

For questions on refunds, accessibility and more please visit our FAQ page: https://victoriaeventcentre.ca/about/faq/

≫ Land Acknowledgement ≪
We would like to respectfully acknowledge that the territory on which this event takes place is on the traditional, stolen, unceded land of the Lekwungen and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples. We acknowledge the rich cultural history of the many peoples and rituals that have been affected by the ongoing process of dispossession and colonialism. We hold this understanding in our interactions and engagements with this land and its people.

≫ Code of Conduct ≪
At the VEC there is zero tolerance for any type of racist, sexist, ableist, fatphobic, transphobic or homophobic behaviour. By purchasing a ticket and attending an event, you agree to conduct yourself with the utmost respect for everyone at the venue. In the event that you do not, you may be asked to leave without a refund. Respect, as well as, consent are of utmost importance. Those who touch or photograph anyone without their permission will be removed and may be banned from future events at our venue. For more information contact safety@victoriaeventcentre.ca

≫ Refunds ≪
We do not offer refunds on tickets. If you need to sell your tickets, the best way is to reach out to your social circles or post in the Facebook event discussion.

If you would like to transfer the ownership of your ticket to another person, you can do so from your Universe account. See more on how to do this here.

≫ Accessibility ≪
The VEC’s full accessibility report and elevator instructions can be viewed here: https://victoriaeventcentre.ca/attendees/accessibility/ 

Accessibility at the VEC is an ongoing project, and we continue to work to make the space more accessible to all kinds of folks. There are also a lot of different barriers to accessibility that have been identified, that we continue to work on. As part of this process, we ask guests: If you are able to do so, use the Broad Street stair entrance and multi-user washroom. There is only one accessible entrance and washroom, help make sure those who need it can use it. Do not move tables or chairs without venue permission. Keep aisles clear at all times and please return your glassware to the bar.

≫ Substance Use Policy ≪
As per our liquor license we have a zero tolerance policy for outside alcohol in our venue. Bag checks can be performed by security and outside alcohol will be confiscated. There is no smoking or vaping allowed inside the venue. We may refuse liquor service at any time, but commit to practices that are non-judgemental of intoxication, regardless of its form, cause, or base substance and we will treat everyone with dignity and respect. We may, in some situations, have to ask intoxicated people to leave our venue due to circumstances that put the safety of others at risk. We will not do this lightly, or without significant reason. If you require assistance at anytime please come to a staff member for support. See our full policy here: https://victoriaeventcentre.ca/about/transparency/