It’s practically a Strumbellapalozza in The Shwa. Juno winning trad-folk rocksters The Strumbellas return to Oshawa for two nights at the Moustache Club, Nov. 26 and 27, 2015 and will return again to open for Blue Rodeo at the General Motors Centre Feb. 20, 2016. The Strumbellas are also opening for the alt-country stalwarts for another two-night stand; Massey Hall Feb 18 and 19.

“I'm personally very excited to play the GM centre, home of the Gens,” says Dave Ritter, Oshawa native and keyboardist for The Strumbellas.

He says the band are humbled to be touring with Blue Rodeo.

“My first Blue Rodeo experience was hearing my sister play “Lost Together” on her ghettoblaster. it was probably a cassette tape. The song “Lost Together” was a big song for all of us in my high school (Eastdale Collegiate) learning to play guitar, singing at school assemblies. In terms of influence, I think there's a little Blue Rodeo in every Canadian folk band,” he says.

“Our guitarist Jon (Hembrey) is a particularly big fan, and I often hear them in how he plays,” he adds.

Blue Rodeo have a tradition of inviting their opening act to close out the night. If that continues Ritter will be well prepared to get lost together with “one of the greatest, most enduring Canadian bands of all time.” (his words, not mine although I do agree). The Strumbellas will open for Blue Rodeo on the Eastern leg of their cross-Canada tour. Hamilton’s Terra Lightfoot will open the western shows.