Matlockes kicking off summer comeback with ‘School’s Out’ concert

June 13, 2024 · 0 Comments

Written By Paula Brown

After graduating from Centre Dufferin District High School (CDDHS) last year, members of the Shelburne-based band The Matlockes found themselves heading off in different directions with some off to school, others working and one even moving out of province.

Now, with the summer right around the corner, the band is gearing up to hit the stage at Grace Tipling Hall in Shelburne on June 28 for a return of their summer kick-off concert – School’s Out.

“We weren’t sure exactly what was going to happen once we split off, but we were recording our album and knew this was something we wanted to keep trying to do,” said guitarist Evan Harley. “We’re excited and think this [is] a good way to bring more live local performances to the community.”

The band features members Steven Thompson (lead vocals), Evan Harley (guitar), Colt Fawcett (guitar), Cole Barber (bass), and Dylan Lillie (drums), who are all students at Centre Dufferin District High School (CDDHS).

The band came together as a unit in April 2022, mere weeks before their submission into a local music competition called Dufferin Rising Star. Despite being newly formed, the five-member band placed first out of 18 bands, duos, and solo acts that entered the competition. The band won the music competition with their rendition of ‘No Good’ by Kaleo.

Since winning the Dufferin Rising Star, the band has gone on to play a number of gigs, including the Collingwood GNE, a fundraising event called Kaleidoscope of Talent put on by the Primrose United Church, the Town of Shelburne’s Canada Day festival, Interact’s Music Mania fundraiser at the Collingwood Brewery, and a number of shows at the local high school.

The band also has an upcoming performance at Maple Grove Farm.

The Matlockes draw much of their sound from classic rock, rock and metal, with some of their inspirations including Metallica, Greta Van Fleet, Foo Fighters, Black Sabbath, The Black Keys, and Kaleo.

During the School’s Out concert, the Matlockes will perform a wide range of covers from their favourite bands as well as a few of their own original songs. So far, the band has eight original songs, including – “Tried,” “Thank You and Good Night,” and “On My Own” – and is in the process of launching their debut album this summer.

Opening for the Matlockes at the School’s Out Concert will be Orangeville-based alternative rock band – EYE45.

The bands became acquainted following last year’s Battle of the Bands competition at Orangeville District Secondary School.

Eye45 will do an opening set including two of their original songs “Alright” and “Bottom Bluff.”

Speaking with the Free Press, the Matlockes shared what it means for them to be able to provide an opportunity for a high school band, much like their own.

“It’s pretty amazing, honestly,” said Thompson with a tone of disbelief.

Tickets for the concert are $15 and can be purchased through the band’s Instagram account (@matlockes) or at Shelburne Town Hall with cash. The band also has a limited stock of tickets available online through Eventbrite: www.eventbrite.ca/e/matlockes-schools-out-concert-ii-tickets-888024363777.

Last year, the band played to a nearly sold-out crowd with roughly 190 patrons in attendance for the summer concert.

“The beautiful thing about music is that it brings people together all the time. I believe what people can get from our show is that strong sense of community,” said Lillie.

The Matlockes will be performing their School’s Out Concert on June 28 from 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at Grace Tipling Hall in Shelburne. Doors for the concert open at 6:30 p.m.