Rocking the Shelves

Craig and the Frenchman kicked off the After Hours Music series when they transformed the Matawan Aberdeen Public Library into a concert hall.

The duo played the soprano saxophone, dobro, acoustic guitar and mandolin, using more than one instrument for a song at times.

The 16 song set included classics by The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Louis Armstrong and other artist from the genres of rock, jazz, blues and Cajun music. Songs were performed in English, French and even a mix of both to create a truly unique vibe. Certain songs the audience was encouraged to sing the verse out load. In between songs the two gave a brief history on why these chose the songs and about their own life.

The show, held July 8, was a different atmosphere and vibe compared to other shows that are usually inside bars according to Dardour.

“We need to get close to these people and come up with a learning aspect so we can relate to them from the stage,” said Dardour. “This is a different vibe than if you were at a club. It’s a tough thing to relate.”

There is a strong French heritage all over the U.S.A. according to Dardour.

“The turnout was good and the people were interested,” said Hoek. “There was a good relationship with the audience. The people who were here seemed to enjoy it and were singing along. It was a mix of people here today. The youngest were six and older people in their 80’s and everything in between. When you have that kind of an audience you can’t play one kind of music,” said Dardour.

“We do this so people can hear something different,” said musician Craig Hoek. “I happen to find the French language beautiful as a non French speaker to listen to and I think other people, as a new dynamic, can hear a song and understand it in English and try to follow along with the words in French. Some of the words you can pick out even if you’re not a French speaker and if you can’t understand the words it’s just beautiful to listen too.”

Two friends Hoek and Philippe Dardour began playing together for fun and after encouragement from their wives formed a band. Each has played professionally since 17 and together for the last two years.

“It started out as something fun to do and our wives were very supportive,” said Hoek.

Anyone interested in contacting the band may reach Hoek at craighoek@verizon.net.

The next After Hours Music will be August 12 with Caryn Lin. To register for this free event, contact Adult Services Librarian Jill Stafford at jstafford@lmxac.org.