'Sonic Elder': local music legends rock aging

Emelia Symington Fedygrew up without grandparents and admits she was even a little scared of old people as a child, not having anyone of that generation in her life.

Now there are six seniors she sees daily and they're really cool each of themfounders of Vancouver'srock 'n roll scene and currentlyat the Penthouse Night Club for a run of TimCarlson'sSonic Elder:a musical exploring the process of aging while still wanting to rock.

Fedyalong withAnitaRochonrunthe Chop Theatre, which is putting on the production at the Penthouse.

Most of them got their start playing live for exotic dancersat the Penthouse the only venue that would allow bands of mixed-race to play together at the time.

"This is a stage that many people in our band have played on but sometimes 40or 50years ago"saidRochon.

The players literally take the dancing pole down each nightfor the production, which runs from September 27thtoOctober 2nd. They put it back up after the show andshare the change rooms with the exotic dancers.

"For them it's normal these are folks who played music for strippers," said Fedy."Their friends were all strippers. It wasn't this taboo or anti-sexualized thing. That's how how they made money as live music for the entertainment."

Founders of Vancouver rock 'n'roll

Rochon and Fedyhave enjoyed working with the people who brought this city the original "youth culture" people going out dancing to bands.

They include B.C.Entertainment Hall of Fame member Bill Sample, Harry Walker of the High Fives, Joni Moore who's been singing professionallysince she was 14, legendarydrummer Buff Allen andRon Kosaka of the Shades.

"It's a beautiful thing to witness these folks who thought they were done," said Fedy.

"They thought their careers were over. They're getting this second chance a week at the Penthouse where they used to rock 'n roll. It brings tears to my eyes."

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Staging Sonic Elder does have its challenges. Snacksneed to bediabetic friendly andRochon says they have to give the players more time to get around.

"I mean it's so fast and furious when you make a new play so we have to be conscious of what we are doing and super clear about limitingrehearsals to five hours and checking in with people."

The audience will get to help the band re-live the past as there will be an opportunity to dance at the end of each performance.

With files from CBC's Our Vancouver

Watch AnitaRochon and EmeliaFedy tellOur Vancouver's Gloria Macarenko all about Soinc Elder