After almost 15 years on the Halifax music scene, The Mellotones need no introduction.

Though thriving as a “dance band,” frontman Jeff Mosher tells me covering the classics isn’t all sunshine and lollipops.

“People don’t even refer to us as a cover band. We prefer to call
ourselves a dance band. Because we have a horn section and we’re a very
versatile group of musicians we can play more challenging material," Mosher says. “There’s been criticism for not having original material,” he adds, “but we’re always finding something you haven’t heard, or something that was sampled by a rapper that is a great song in its own right. That’s our creative outlet.”

Mosher and his saxophone joined the group in 2000, eventually providing backup vocals, but now he can be found front and centre.

“I still feel that I’m in the same role,” Mosher explains. “I can chime in with the horn lines, and when I’m not needed on the horns, I’m singing.”

Mosher and the rest of the boys have shared the stage with artists both local and legendary.

“I’ve been playing as a sideman pretty much my whole career,” he says. “I’ve played alongside Matt Minglewood, Dutch Robinson and [the Mellotones] were on stage for Dave Foster’s gala.”

Foster, a legendary music producer, songwriter, music executive and general big shot, visited Halifax in 2008 to host the David Foster and Friends Charity Gala, bringing in names like Natalie Cole and Lionel Richie.

No big deal.

In short, it was a notable, and well-deserved honour in the careers of the boys in this group. Their passion extends even further into their daytime professions.

“Everybody in the band is full time music,” Mosher points out. “Teaching it, playing it, recording it, or just living it.”

Adding more to their plates, the boys have been working on original material and look to release something in the near future.

“But for now you can catch us live,” Mosher  says. “You can count on that.”

“People don’t even refer to us as a cover band. We prefer to call ourselves a dance band. Because we have a horn section and we’re a very versatile group of musicians we can play more challenging material.”

Around town

What: Halifax Dance Fashion Explosion!
Where: The Ballroom at The Lord Nelson
When: Saturday, 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $100, $175 per couple. Phone 422-2006

Halifax Dance company members in residence, Young Company, professional models and special guests will present dancer performances and showcase fashions from local merchants and designers.
With a cocktail reception, featuring the culinary talents of RCR catering, a complimentary wine tasting presented by Bishop’s Cellar, topped off with a silent auction, this is sure to be a night to remember.

What: The Beauty of Queen Leenane
Where: Neptune’s Fountain Hall
When: Through Sunday   
Tickets: 429-7070 or neptunetheatre.com

This weekend is your last chance to see Neptune’s production of The Beauty of Queen Leenane, a brilliant drama by award-winning Irish playwright Martin McDonagh.

Trapped by her old cantankerous mother, 40-year-old Maureen finds an opportunity to escape when a chance comes along to find love and make a new life for herself.

Her mother however has other ideas, and her interference sets in motion a chain of deceptions and betrayals, heart-breaking tragedy, and savage irony.