Frankie and the Fairlanes are revving up for a special concert at Carlisle United Church in early November - and it will be a homecoming of sorts.
Micheal "Frankie" Lambert is excited to be bringing the band's latest show, "Lucky 13", to the town where he grew up - and where his mom, Muriel still lives.
It’s also where he got his first taste of performing, fronting heavy metal bands Prowler and Axent on stage at gigs around the Hamilton area. He later got into Christian heavy metal, before changing gears and launching Frankie and the Fairlanes about 18 years ago.
Lambert, now based in St. Thomas, Ont., says the current show is a family-friendly spectacle that combines classic rock from the 1950s and ‘60s and beyond - complete with costumes, humorous banter and even a couple of special guest appearances by rock royalty.
“It’s a pretty entertaining show,” he told FlamboroughToday. “There’s props, and I think I do six costume changes and the band probably does four. It moves along at a pretty quick pace. There’s a lot of jokes and comedy involved in the presentation, so we keep it light.
“I’m sure it’s our best show we put out yet, as we’ve kicked it up a notch with video presentations and some audio clips.”
Lambert says this is the second year for the Lucky 13 show - something they’ve never done before. Typically, the band plays about 20 shows from April through November, and he takes the winter months off to come up with a new show.
For those who are wondering, the band and its retro name came about after Lambert acquired a 1956 Ford Fairlane, combined with his middle name (after his grandfather, Frank), which made for a nice alliteration. The imagery stirred his imagination, and they took the concept on the road, to area car shows and other special events, with a focus on partnering with service clubs and non-profits for community fundraisers.
Proceeds from the Nov. 10 show, says Lambert, will help the church cover some of its facility and maintenance costs.
Lambert, who recently retired from teaching theatre arts to high school students in St. Thomas, also balances his passion for music with visual arts. He is joined on stage by his fellow bandmembers and his wife Tina also has a role.
It’s been five or six years since Frankie and the Fairlanes played in Carlisle and Lambert has put the call out to some of his former band members and hopes they’ll come out to see the show. As a bonus, Carlisle United Church choir director Heather Olavson will sit in on keyboards for a number, added Lambert.
“I think it'll be quite a treat for the congregation, the people that are at the concert that are from the home congregation, to see their organist tearing up some Jerry Lee Lewis,” said Lambert. “It will be great fun.”
The Frankie and the Fairlanes show takes place Sunday, Nov. 10 at 3 p.m. at Carlisle United Church (1432 Centre Rd.). Tickets are $20 per adult and $10 per child. Homemade cookies will be served up as an intermission treat.
For more information or to order tickets, visit the church website.
