"These incredible live performers have been garnering quite a buzz across Canada and are a definite band to look out for in 2009"
Carolyn Gregoire - McGill Tribune
OKgiraffe is beaming from an incredible response in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia where the group toured in support of their new CD release! The band performed a notable series of shows in St.John’s during the city’s Mardi Gras celebration, including an after party show for famed fellow Montreal based BC transplant band Stars. Atlantic Canadians are already creating a major buzz about OKgiraffe and are highly anticipating the band’s return.
The official launch of the CD took place in Montreal in October where it was professionally filmed for the upcoming release of a live music video. Without a moment to waste, bassist/guitarist/vocalist Rosa Smedley, bassist/accordionist/guitarist/vocalist Kevin Bertram, and drummer/trumpeter Brandon Goodwin snugly packed “John Candy”, their 1990 wood panelled Buick station wagon with an upright bass, bare bones drum kit, 1960’s Italian accordion, 1920’s saloon guitar, banged up trumpet and mini amplifiers for a lengthy fall tour of Eastern Canada.
As “the choice openers for many bands” (Word Press), OKgiraffe has shared the stage with notable artists Mark Berube and the Patriotic Few, The Fugitives, The Unsettlers, The Winks, The Winter Gloves and Ladies of the Canyon to name a few. During the band’s Montreal incubation period, OKgiraffe spawned a unique and engaging event that was an instant hit with locals. The successful “Mustache Party”, won OKgiraffe positive press reviews in the Montreal Mirror, and a regular gig at popular venue, Le Divan Orange.
In the spring of 2008, OKgiraffe’s diligence in Montreal’s performance circuit really began to pay off. Lead vocalist and composer Rosa Smedley received a grant to compose music from Canada Council for the Arts just as OKgiraffe headed off to the studio to record their first full-length self-titled album. The record was made at Montreal studio The Treatment Room, with notable recording and sound engineer for Plants and Animals, Kees Dekker. After completing the live-off-the-floor analogue recording, the trio began reaching out to audiences nation-wide with tours through BC, Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes. You can expect to see OKgiraffe frolicking about the land again as they strap on their touring legs this June-August.
“What does OKgiraffe sound like? An angel pissing in your ear” -Doug Johnston, Cape Bretoner-
Hey guys, I really want to come see you soon. I don't know if I will be able to drag Owne away from his work but Cath might make a trip out in June and we are planning on exploring Monreal together!
Hey guys, alison here (of kingfisher, alison, of crazy house in the middle of the mountains in winlaw, alison) & i just wanted to say hello! & i love your music. hope you come back to bc sometime. (i'm still livin in ol' nelson town)
heeeeeeeey urban surprise gypsies!!!! you guys rock and I am looking forward to Moustache Party. I will bring you me new band's album at that point. ohh! I am living with a friend of yours, bronwen, it's good times! excited to see you guys and have a good one!!! xoxoxoxox bnanananananaaaaa
Congrats on the new album, hope to get my hands on it very soon:). Also, I was considering hiring an upright bassist just for my jazzy Valentine's day gig, but after hearing you, I know now that I must! Happy to be friends, Rizwan
Click on the bass to see OKgiraffe's Facebook Group 
