TANGLEFOOT is indeed a thunderous live band, perhaps best known for its big vocal harmonies. The band members are also a group of adept songwriters skilled at portraying Canadian experiences. “One of Canada’s most accomplished musical mythologizers,” wrote Robert Reid of the Kitchener-Waterloo Record. And after more than twenty years, this Canadian roots institution is stronger than ever, with its double-barreled combination of deft songwriting and exhilarating performances.

Having joined in 1988, guitarist Steve Ritchie’s is the longest tenure. Toronto bass player Al Parrish has been around since 1994. Terry Young came on board at the beginning of 1999, bringing a gaggle of instruments including mandolin, guitar, tenor and five-sting banjo, harmonica and whistle. Piano player Bryan Weirmier joined in the summer of 2002. Sandra Swannell on fiddle and viola, who joined in 2006, is their most recent recruit.

Rob Ritchie, probably best known from his days as the piano player with Tanglefoot, opens for the band. From 1996 to 2002, his signature keyboard stylings were integral to the group's sound, and many of his songs still rank among Tanglefoot's most recognizable. Now he's struck out on his own with a debut solo album, Five O'Clock Shadow, which draws from Rob's own wry and colorful piano centric sensibilities.

• www.tanglefootmusic.com

• www.robritchie.ca