When fedora-hatted Mexican/Canadian Tom Landa formed The Paperboys in 1993, success in the music industry meant finding a genre and staying there. The gifted vocalist/guitarist/bandleader never got that memo. On any given night, this globe-touring sextet has a playlist without borders: Celtic reels, Mexican folk, New Orleans brass band music, classic pop songcraft, bluegrass, philosophical waltzes, and Latino/West African singalongs.
A Canadian treasure making critically acclaimed music now for over 30 years, The Paperboys were among the earliest, most enduring indie bands from Vancouver to sport an eclectic mix of roots and multi-cultural sounds starting with Celtic grooves. Over the years critics and members of the band have struggled to define what the band does and one of Landa’s own descriptions; “Guinness with a tequila chaser while listening to an American jukebox” works as well as any.
They reinvent their live show every time they step onstage. Once the band agrees on the opening song, there is no set list. The song finishes, the crowd reacts, Landa reads the room, and the journey begins. Every night. As Tom puts it: “We’re a live band that tries to make each show an event.” That means the final show of our 50th Anniversary season is going to go out on a very festive and joyful note!
The Paperboys
When fedora-hatted Mexican/Canadian Tom Landa formed The Paperboys in 1993, success in the music industry meant finding a genre and staying there. The gifted vocalist/guitarist/bandleader never got that memo. On any given night, this globe-touring sextet has a playlist without borders: Celtic reels, Mexican folk, New Orleans brass band music, classic pop songcraft, bluegrass, philosophical waltzes, and Latino/West African singalongs.
A Canadian treasure making critically acclaimed music now for over 30 years, The Paperboys were among the earliest, most enduring indie bands from Vancouver to sport an eclectic mix of roots and multi-cultural sounds starting with Celtic grooves. Over the years critics and members of the band have struggled to define what the band does and one of Landa’s own descriptions; “Guinness with a tequila chaser while listening to an American jukebox” works as well as any.
They reinvent their live show every time they step onstage. Once the band agrees on the opening song, there is no set list. The song finishes, the crowd reacts, Landa reads the room, and the journey begins. Every night. As Tom puts it: “We’re a live band that tries to make each show an event.” That means the final show of our 50th Anniversary season is going to go out on a very festive and joyful note!
Ryan McMahon
Long scaling the perimeter walls of Canada's music industry, Ryan McMahon has never fit into any one box. He brandishes folk, roots, Americana & contemporary rock songwriting, all the while delivering a show where one can expect plenty of interaction, laughs & tears.
Ryan’s music is raw, heartfelt, and deeply human; crafted with honesty, delivered with soul, and powered by a voice that’s balanced on that razor’s edge where Americana/folk meets rock. A true music lifer who is passionate about his craft, Ryan spends upwards of 150 days on the road each year, singing his heart out and entertaining audiences of all ages wherever he goes.
Ryan’s vocals always leave crowds in awe, his songwriting skills are second to none, and he has an amazing way of connecting with each and every person in the room." ~Aaron Pritchett, Canadian Country singer/songwriter