I first met Garner one lazy sunny Sunday a few months back. I can honestly admit that I had never met any of the members before, not even laid eyes on them for one second. Still though, I found myself grabbed in a huge friendly bear hug that almost knocked the wind out of me.

In a musical scene that is feeling more and more like home, Garner fits in perfectly. If you don't know them already, you soon will. They have a talented yet laid back and friendly style that will make it seem like you've known of them forever.

Garner initiates the Lost Lounge Sept 29 @ 9pm. For more info on their upcoming CD "Its About Time" and the CD release party at the Westside Concert Theatre in Hamilton, on Nov. 30/07, please see their official website at:  http://www.myspace.com/garnerband

Sit back and have a beer and feel like your part of the performance. But don't forget for a second that this band, although highly entertaining is also highly trained. Vocalist Matt McKenna was trained at Redeemer University in jazz and classical piano.  Guitarist James Bloemendal also attended Redeemer for jazz. Matt McFarland is the sole member of the band that didn't study at Redeemer but that doesn't make him any less learned. He stated playing drums at the age of 18 and has studied under (and later worked with) famed instructor Jeff Salem.

Learning hasn't stopped for them and most of the members of the band still teach regularly. "The most surprising thing I've learned as a teacher is that the biggest hurdle to being excellent is our own mind." Matt McKenna says. "People assume they aren't one of those "gifted" people, and that music is just there in your soul. It's not something that you can learn. I've seen that with boldness and persistence the limits nearly disappear."

Knowing to play and knowing history and theory isn't the only thing their music is about. "Theory and history help. But, to me, they're not enough. Even a good song on its own is not enough. It's all about the players. A mechanically phenomenal player only goes so far. They wow the listener for a bit, but listeners crave connection, and emotion." Matt McKenna smiles. "I've learned that people respond to passion and emotion far more than they respond to technique. Even a good song without passion is not a good song."

Their influences are just as surprising wide as the scope of their talent. "I would say that our musical interests and influences are varied. I think we all like the Dave Matthews Band. Individually it ranges from Jars of Clay, Miles Davis, John Meyer, Metallica, Blood Thirst, and U2. I think we are compared to The Barenaked Ladies the most."

It's Matt, the drummer, who is the one most generous with the breath taking bear hugs. He's also the one that maintains their website. There, he posts weekly blogs on a myriad of subjects. It is here that just how important the personal connection between Garner and the fans can be seen. The internet is also a great tool for them to share their music and spread the word about upcoming shows. "The internet revolution has been really helpful. We are all hooked up to myspace and facebook, so that really helps. If the true fan likes the music, they will come with advanced notice. Honestly, I think as a band, we would like to make contact with an audience. Be it large or small, nothing feels better than to see the faces of the audience when you are really in the zone as a band. We just enjoy playing. It's scary and wonderful. There are the concerns "what if something goes wrong?" "What if people don't like what we do?" But those things are mostly out of our control."

What is in their control though, is ensuring the audience has a great time. "The wonderful thing is seeing people groove and sing along to whatever we're doing. The music becomes a connection with people we might not have connected with otherwise." Matt McKenna explains. "It certainly helps that we love what we're doing and the music we're playing. That makes it loads of fun. I want them to enjoy themselves. I want them to feel like we're putting our finger on a true part of the human experience, and that we're giving them words and a tune with which they can express themselves or empathize with others. I want people to connect with us, the people around them, and themselves. We aren't making music so that we can make music. It's all for the listeners. Without the audience, none of this makes sense."

So sit back and have a beer with a band that actually wants to make you feel as if you're an important part of their performance. You won't doubt for a second that you're hearing some of the very best independent music that our province has to offer.

Don't forget -- tickets to the CD release party (Nov. 30 - Westside Concert Theatre) are now available for $10.00. For more info and to reach the band, e-mailing them at garnerband@gmail.com OR visit www.myspace.com/garnerband

Garner. Left to Right: Matt McFarland, Matt McKenna, James Bloemendal.