R&B AllStars
The Allstars are a dynamic twelve-piece rhythm and blues band from Vancouver, BC. The band was formed in 1980 and gained popularity at venues like The Town Pump, Commodore, Richards on Richards and 86th Street. After a decade of recuperation from groove fatigue, the Allstars reformed in 2013.
The original band, wearing their signature white tuxedos, first opened for Long John Baldry at O’Hara’s, a long-gone venue at the foot of Main Street. Harry Brandolini, the owner of No. 5 Orange Street saw the band at this gig, and thought that the Allstars and the “5” would be a great weekend fit. Harry hired us, and the line-ups began, as did the curiosity. We were featured on local news, radio and TV shows, and in articles by local writers such as Tom Harrison.
All of these helped our popularity, and we not only became a fixture on the local Vancouver night life scene, but were invited to open for touring acts that came through Vancouver such as War, James Brown, Paul Butterfield, and Chuck Berry. We performed at many Jazz and Blues Festivals, and were a long weekend fixture at Buffalo Bill’s in Whistler . Allstar recordings include Choo Choo Boogie, Ain’t That A lot Of Love, Crazy Mama, Satisfaction, and two originals; You’ve Got To Make Up Your Mind and Money Screams. With great support from local radio, the band created a following that endured for well over 20 years. More than 30 members have come and gone, including some of the best talent ever to have come out of Vancouver.
We have relaunched the Allstars for the same reason we introduced it in 1979. Because we love it!