Local band Chambermade reuniting for Weir Rockin concert

upper SACKVILLE
By Kevin Toal - The Weekly News
Evelyn MacNamara can't wait for this year's Weir Rockin' concert. The popular event, held at Weir Field in Upper Sackville, is in its third successful year. This year's headliners are Trooper with special guests Harlequin and local group Chambermade as supporting acts.
"I love Weir Rockin'," MacNamara said. "It's certainly like a high school reunion. It's like a very comfortable reunion, with more focus on a night of fun than how everyone looks or what they do for a living."
The reunion theme is strong for MacNamara. Her husband, Mike MacNamara, is lead guitarist for Chambermade who are reuniting for the concert.
When the band formed in 1982, Mike MacNamara was the only non-family member. The remaining members, Sylvain Lachance, Mitch Lachance and Johanne Lachance, were siblings with a love of music that ran through generations.
"Our father, Claud Lachance, was chief in the Stadacona Band (of Maritime Forces Atlantic)," recalled Sylvain Lachance. "He served in military bands for 25 years. He roped us into playing in bands like the church and choir."
The musicians still have fond memories of their early years playing in a variety of establishments around HRM.
"We played in a lot of bars that don't even exist anymore," said Mike MacNamara. "Like Mama's Lounge."
Although the band's name may at first seem like a spelling mistake, it was done on purpose.
"We wanted to accentuate the fact we had a female singer," explained Johanne Lachance. "Then we played around with the spelling."
The playful name also reflects the attitude of the members.
"It's a fun project," Sylvain said. "Not just the music, but getting together with friends and family."
The last gig for the original members of Chambermade took place in 1983 at Mama's Lounge in Sackville. Despite the band's dissolution, the members continued playing in different bands, often together. An impromptu reunion occurred November 2008 at the Cobequid Cultural Centre of the Arts Society Variety Show and Concert. The four original members were joined on stage at Knox United Church by yet another sibling, Dan Lachance.
It was at this point that the idea of opening for the next Weir Rockin' concert took root. The band had been to all of the previous Weir Rockin' concerts - as audience members. What they noticed was the lack of female artists and this sparked some discussion.
"We said, 'Where are all the female singers?'" recalled Johanne. "And now here we are!"
Bob Warren and Christine Lachance were added to the roster as the band began preparation for what will be an hour-long set. The cover songs include music from many Canadians groups and are from the era Chambermade first performed at local bars.
"It really fell together nicely," Mike MacNamara said. "We started thinking about the tunes we used to play in the '80s." He added that fans of Chambermade can take heart that the group has not ruled out future concerts. "For special events, we may be up for it."
Tickets for the Aug 22 show are on sale now at all Ticket Atlantic outlets and at www.ticketatlantic.com.
atoal@ns.sympatico.ca