Twilight Hotel at Friargate Theatre w/ Jonny Gill

20 April 2012
Friargate Theatre, York
“The dark moods invite comparisons to Nick Cave but the couple have become rulers of their own genre” Uncut ****

2009 JUNO Nominees, Twilight Hotel, is the musical partnership of Brandy Zdan & Dave Quanbury. Together they possess an elusive chemistry and a musical flavor that has been hard to define by their fans. “Sublime harmonies, stellar songwriting and dark, vintage vibes” as described by Performing Songwriter Magazine. Zdan on a ’62 Harmony Rocket, ’57 Silvertone Lap Steel and Honer Accordion, and Quanbury on the upside down 30’s Parlour guitar, homemade stomp box along with a 40’s Stratoliner Vintage Microphone. They can be seen accompanied by a rotating door of ‘junkyard’ percussionists adding to their characteristic dark twang and noir cabaret.

“A collection that pulses with the spirit of Tom Waits The very best moments are when Zdan takes the lead vocal. She is astonishing” Rock n Reel ****

“Supreme country-folk from hugely talented Canadian Duo... a riveting listen and bursting to the gills with magical moments.” Maverick Magazine ****


Hailing from the fertile music scene of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, Zdan & Quanbury met in 2002 at a folk festival and realized the power of combining their talents. They have recently re-located to the music hot-spot of Austin, Texas but remain true to their Canadian roots.

In 2008, they released their sophomore album Highway Prayer, produced by Colin Linden. Recorded in Nashville, TN, Highway Prayer features prolific guest musicians including the late Richard Bell (Janis Joplin, The Band), Stephen Hodges (Tom Waits), and Dave Roe (Johnny Cash). The 12 original songs run the gamut from the opening rockabilly jump manifesto, Viva la Vinyl, the street busker feel of Shadow of a Man, to the heartbreaking confessional closer Sand in you Eyes. Highway Prayer received critical praise both nationally & internationally including a debut at no.2 on the Euro Americana Chart, a Western Canadian Music Award for Outstanding Roots Album Duo/Group, a 2009 JUNO nomination for “Roots & Traditional Album of the Year”, and included as both ‘top 10 to watch in 2010’ About.com Folk Music ’9 to watch for ‘09’ by Performing Songwriter Magazine.

In 2010 Twilight Hotel released their 3rd album, ‘When the Wolves Go Blind’, which they recorded in Los Angeles, California with John Whynot and a stellar rhythm section. The album received outstanding reviews on both sides of the Atlantic and was premiered in Europe during the band’s outstanding tour in March 2011. twilighthotel.ca

Tickets £7 ADV £9 on the door. Available from wegottickets, or from the venue direct - 01904 613000.

Doors 7.30pm, show starts 8pm.