Local Bluegrass Group to Lose Part of its Heart – Emil and Alberta Roy

It is an unfortunate, sad and sorry note that will precede the most active portion of the Bluegrass Festival Schedule this year. The Summerland Bluegrass Group will be saying goodbye to two of its most active and talented members - Emil and Alberta Roy. Resident in Kelowna the Roys joined the Summerland Group where they provided active leadership, organizational support and musical talents that thrilled everyone that had the pleasure of seeing and hearing them. Both of these people are multi-talented. Emil’s essentially quiet and reserved social nature belied the fact that when he takes the stage he is capable of dazzling just about any professional musician with his hyperactive fingering on the full spectrum of plucked stringed instruments. Included in his repertoire of instruments played are the guitar, banjo, resophonic guitar (Dobro) and his odds-on favourite - the Mandolin. To see and hear Emil play as an individual or as part of an over-all group was one of life’s simple but essential pleasures. Emil was idefatigueable in his music and with his vocals not to mention providing labour and common sense expertise when repair was in the air. One would not want to guild the lily of Emil’s abilities without recognizing the similar contribution to the bluegrass genre by his life partner, wife, and mentor - Alberta. Alberta is the musical equal to Emil in every way and then some. If not inherently endowed with the talents specific to plucking the strings she could surely impress you with her vocals and ability to add harmony in backing up, not only her group, but any other wannabe vocalist. No shrinking violet this lady is always ready to cut to the quick defining requirements, getting things organized, and finishing things off without waste of time and effort. Emil and Alberta are also key members of Kelowna’s own award winning Bluegrass Group known as ‘CRABGRASS’ where their combined talents will be sorely missed. (Crabgrass was the subject of this column in June 2006. The group will be appearing with replacement members at the Summerland Bluegrass Festival 13 to 15 June 2008). Intimate friends as well as musician friends and acquaintances have hosted several events to say farewell to this versatile and talented couple who are moving back to their family home in Gatineau, Quebec. Our loss is Quebec’s gain. To our friends in music, Emil and Alberta Roy, we extend our best wishes for a safe journey, an easy settling in, and a continued joy in the making and sharing of their musical experience. Emil and Alberta we bid you - Au revoir et Bon Chance!

 

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