1960s - present day
Members
- Bob Balabuck- Banjo, Mandolin, Fiddle
- Jamie Gerow- Guitar, Mandolin, Mandola and Bouzouki
- Brian Thompson- Bodhran, Bones, Spoons, Washboard, Mandolin, Bouzouki, Guitar
- Jack Wall- Bass
Biography
After nearly forty years in the music business, Flipper Flanagan's Flat Footed Four is as culturally significant to Thunder Bay and Northern Ontario as are Persians, The Hoito and George the Porter. Born out of the folk music scene of the nineteen sixties, Flipper embraced Celtic and Bluegrass music while regularly playing The Spike Coffeehouse. The varied talents of the four flat footed friends allowed them to draw on the influences of several other musical genres with a resulting brew best described as Progressive Pub Music.
The band is well known for it's irreverent sense of humour and high energy performance. "Banjo" Bob Balabuck, "The Fiddling Fool, The Fastest Fingers Alive", plays Banjo, Mandolin and Fiddle for the band. Jamie Gerow plays Guitar, Mandolin, Mandola and Bouzouki along with Brian Thompson who is famous for his musical renderings of various kitchen implements including spoons and washboards. Brian also plays the Bodhran, Bones, Mandolin, Bouzouki and Guitar. Jack Wall provides unique Bass guitar stylings rarely heard in Celtic and Bluegrass circles.
In 1978, the band released a full length recording called "It's Alive". The project was followed up with many commercials for politicians, pizzerias and ski events. A second recording, "The Welcome" was released in 1982. On November 3, 2005, Flipper will release a brand new CD of all original tunes. "Damn Big Lake" celebrates their passion for the north and their home town.
In 1983, the band was presented with an achievement award for The City of Thunder Bay for it's distinguished contribution to the culture of the city. As well, the band has been enshrined in the local music museum and has made significant contributions to music education in city schools.
Individually, the members of the band have been recognized for their talents at various banjo festivals, music festivals and vocal competitions. They have performed from the Isle of Lewis in Scotland to the British Columbia coast, from as far north as Longlac and south into the Midwest United States. Recently, the boys appeared on CBC Radio's final taping of "Basic Black" with Arthur Black at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium on June 19th, 2002. The show was broadcast to an audience of 650,000 on June 29th, 2002 and as one reviewer reported, "They still have it!" Arthur honoured the band by specifically asking for them for his retirement show.
At your first opportunity, please become one of Flipper Flanagan's Flat Footed Friends, because you, the audience, are the most important members of our band. Without you, the music just isn't complete. So clap your hands, stomp your feet, sing along and just let your hair down as "Flat Footed Friends" for a musical evening.
Arthur Black said: "I don't think any of them are flat-footed, none of them are named Flanagan but there are four of them." Vicki Gabareau called them: "The Rockers in Walkers!" The Thunder Bay Post said: "They've still got it!"
Like so many others, they were talking about good times with none other than Flipper Flanagan's Flat Footed Four
For booking information contact: Jamie Gerow: 807-622-3098 Bob Balabuck: 807-622-7137 flipflan@tbaytel.net www.FlipperFlanagan.com
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Discography
- "It's Alive" (1978)
- "The Welcome" (1982)
- "Damn Big Lake" (2005)