Festivals booked for Sarnia, Ottawa
Having never left the more organic side of music, Wanchic adds now is the time for younger fans to relate to what they’re doing.
Especially with festival dates coming up in Ottawa and Sarnia, for example, which will present their show to broader crowds.
Wanchic says Mellencamp and the band haven’t played many festivals, but they make sure to match the same kind of performance level in every show, regardless of venue.
“We don’t really do that much different because the show is built in a way that we have energy flow that always rolls toward the end,” he says.
“So whatever we do, it’ll always end up at the same place.”
In addition to playing guitar, Wanchic has produced many Mellencamp albums, such as “Human Wheels” and “Dance Naked,” as well as providing backup vocals, co-producing, or mixing some of the recordings.
Wanchic says the reason he’s been able to work with Mellencamp for all these years is because the music and life don’t always separate.
“There’s a brotherhood,” he says. “You know, we grew up experiencing life together as young cavalier men. Then growing into adulthood, having children at the same time, watching grandparents and friends die at the same time. It’s just a life shared.”
That bond extends right across the band, Wanchic says, which he hopes will make for a great show that will leave fans satisfied.
“The No. 1 thing is to have a fantastic musical experience and to be able to come into the room with us and join us through a variety of eras of ours and various forms that we put the music in,” he says.
“From acoustic to screaming rock ‘n’ roll. It’s a musical journey.”
The “No Better Than This” tour features special guest Cowboy Junkies. Tickets are available from Mellencamp’s website, mellencamp.com, or from the Mile One Centre ticket office.