It’s been 30 years since Vancouver’s The Paperboys pioneered a genre-blending approach to music that has earned them ardent fans literally around the world. The brainchild of Mexican-Irish singer-guitarist Tom Landa, the Paperboys fused a mix of folk, Celtic and bluegrass that they then further revved up with pop hooks and a rockin’ backbeat. As well as Landa, the core of the band has long included his Chilean-born wife Kalissa, a quicksilver fiddler and emotive singer; and flautist/guitarist/vocalist Geoffrey Kelly, already famous as an original star of those other party-band icons, Spirit of the West. As the Junos and other awards piled up, the band continued to evolve, adding elements of ska, soca, Cuban son, zydeco, and African highlife. Notwithstanding such a diversity of influences, the Paperboys have an organic, lived-in sound that feels just right. “The Paperboys are renowned for their energetic live performances and have wowed festival goers the world over,” says Patrick Donaghy of Rock n Reel Magazine. “They create a buzz wherever they play.”

Though best known for their live show, the Paperboys have a truly impressive discography spanning 10 recordings – including Molinos, their Juno award-winner. They are also twice winners of West Coast Music Awards, have composed scores for two films, and been lavished with praise by MOJO Magazine and Roots Magazine. Critical darlings who are regularly heard on the CBC and NPR, The Paperboys have never seemed destined for mainstream success. “For the most part we have remained an independent band that has remained popular by word of mouth. We’re a live band that tries to make each show an event,” says Landa. In other words, this six-piece powerhouse is unbeatable on stage and guaranteed to make you dance your head off.