Vagabond Concert

Vagabond is a Penticton based acoustic trio specializing in “rockabilly, blues, and country soul.”  The group comprises veteran lead guitarist Lindsay Mitchell, lead vocalist Leslie Thompson, and double bassman Stefan Bienz. An eclectic repertoire features radio hits from the 1950s and 60s, plus original tunes penned by Mitchell as founder and principal songwriter for the classic 1970s Canadian rock band PRiSM. 

Lindsay Mitchell

    Mitchell began his career in the mid 1960s as lead guitarist and songwriter with the notorious Vancouver-based rock band the Seeds of Time.  His 1969 composition My Home Town (Coast Records) was a nationwide hit. In 1977 he formed the multiple Juno Award winning group PRiSM (GRT Capitol) for whom he composed numerous multi-gold and platinum hits including Armageddon, Young & Restless, and A Night to Remember. Along the way he has shared the stage with a host of rock celebrities: Rod Stewart, Tom Jones, the Byrds, Meatloaf, Heart, Roy Orbison, kd lang, and AC/DC just to name a few. He has also performed with many blues and R&R legends: T-Bone Walker, Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, Del Shannon, Willie Dixon, Pinetop Perkins, Big Joe Duskin, Albert Collins, and many more.  But the musical memories he holds most dear involve old friends: the late Billy Cowsill and Long John Baldry, and celebrated BC bluesmen Kenny Wayne and Jim Byrnes.  

Leslie Thompson

    Okanagan Falls-based Thompson began taking music lessons at age 5, and was soon playing drums in her parents’ country western band (mommy played bass, daddy lead guitar). After studying music at Capilano University in the late 80s, she took to the road in Western Canada with a number of country-rock acts, later returning to BC to reunite onstage with her parents. An Okanagan resident since 2000, she plays and sings in several local outfits. 

“I saw her a few years ago playing drums for a Penticton country-rock group, and was so impressed by her voice (a cross between Bonnie Raitt and June Carter), that I resolved to call her up if I ever needed a singer in the Okanagan.” 

Stefan Bienz

    Summerland-based Stefan is the undisputed number one “go to” bassman in the South Okanagan. As such he has performed with a host of local and visiting musicians and singers. Accordingly, we are delighted to have him on board. 

“When I first invited Stefan to play with us,” Mitchell says, “he asked what kind of bass playing was needed.” 

“I’m looking for a Willie Dixon,”  I answered, “simple, low down, with a deep groove.”

“I’m your man.” he replied.  

The rest is history. 

Cheers, LM