By Yensy Lopez, Rooney Gopaul
On October 22, Brandon will get the rare chance to hear the music of The Band live. Touring group Chest Fever is bringing its 50th anniversary The Last waltz tribute to The 40, with a special twist of local performers.
Chest Fever is a tribute act to The Band, founded in 2022 by Dan Cervantes and Jody Bagley. They are members of the San Diego rock band Mrs. Henry created in 2012. In 2017, The Belly Up venue, invited Mrs. Henry to stage The Last Waltz a recreation of The Band’s legendary 1976 farewell concert. The experience was so powerful there was a documentary made about it, which premiered in 2019.
The Quill has had the opportunity to interview Dan Cervantes about the upcoming concert in Brandon.
What motivated you to keep The Bands legacy alive and founding Chest Fever?
He says it came down to the opportunity, a chance to carry on the music of this influential group. Ultimately, he realized if he didn’t take this opportunity somebody else would.
How do you create a new show while honouring the original legacy?
Chest Fever creates a new show by not copying The Band note for note, they instead aim to create a new show, by rearranging songs so performances are never the same. Creating a unique experience for fans at each show.
Do you have a favourite song to play live?
“The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down”, he says its “consistently is one of my favourites to play live” because it is a very passionate song and the experience is very rewarding.
“An entire day in Woodstock New York” where The Band made its first record, they also had the opportunity to pay respects to Levon Helm and Rick Danko and managed to get photos at Big Pink. And to top it off they had an amazing show that day. Describing this moment as “a little movie of a day” and that every day on tour is “its own little universe.”
Describe your new album in three words.
Their new album released in September, is The 21st Century Last Waltz – Live at Massey Hall, recorded in Toronto 2023. Dan Cervantes describes the album in three words as “Rock and Roll.” Saying the album takes a page from The Bands, while making it their own, like finding a recipe online and adding your own touches, he states he took the time to produce it and decide how he wanted to showcase the band.
What are you most excited for fans to experience?
He didn’t single out a specific moment of the show, but the band is excited to bring their music to Brandon and meet fellow fans. He says he doesn’t know if it’s happened here in “who knows how long.”
What do you think about AI in art and music?
He shares he uses his uncle’s advice, his uncle once told him “You can’t fight technology.” So he sees ai as a powerful tool, but never uses it for his music, saying ai is not needed to be an artist.
If you could only perform one song for the rest of your career, which one would it be?
“Find a Circle”, their original song and the albums most streamed track.
You bring a collaborative spirit to the stage by inviting local artists to guest in your performances. Why did you choose this approach, and why is it important to support Canadian musicians and create spaces for local talent?
Dan says the band sees touring as a chance to get involved in communities. Giving the band a chance to meet locals and fellow artists, and to drive local economy by hiring local musicians for their shows. He says it is important to foster local artists, because they were given an opportunity and feels it is their duty to do the same for others.
He says this comes from his own experience, referencing to a specific event. While living in Los Angeles, he was invited to sing Harry Nilsson’s “Jump into the Fire” at a Nilsson tribute night, afterwards Nilssons daughter told him her father would have been proud of his performance. He felt honoured to have been given the opportunity to perform and being able to show people what he can do. For them to pass on the opportunity, continues the story and the evolution of this music, and shares the light and love of it, saying it “just seems right to be doing it.”
What is the most influential message you hope fans get from Chest Fever?
“That the power of music is very real” and brings people together to celebrate music and the arts.
Join Chest Fever and Guests for a tribute and celebration of The Bands Iconic The Last Waltz concert, with local Brandon performers. Doors open at 7pm and show starts at 8pm. The event is 18+. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience the music of The Band, in a show built on new arrangements of classic songs, creating a unique night of live music.
