British Columbia

CBC Musical Nooners August 7: The Washboard Union

B.C. country and bluegrass band The Washboard Union have worked and toured with some of the biggest names in music.

An authentic blend of country and bluegrass, where it's come from and where it's headed

The founding members of The Washboard Union met while living together in a 1920s Tudor-style mansion in Vancouver. (Christopher Edmonstone)

Vancouver-based sextet The Washboard Union bring their authentic blend of country and bluegrass to the CBC Musical Nooners stage Friday.

The Washboard Union

The band was born when long-time friends Aaron Grain (guitar and vocals) and Chris Duncombe (vocals and banjo) moved from Kelowna to Vancouver and rented out a 1920s Tudor-style mansion.

Their impromptu jam sessions were joined by David Roberts, a multi-instrumentalist who also lived in the building and contributed to the sessions with harmonica, guitar, mandolin, and of course, the washboard.

The three found they shared a similar vision for music and an unbridled love for songwriting and storytelling. 

Since then the group has expanded to six members. In January 2015 they headed to Nashville, Tenn. to record their latest EP In My Bones, working with renowned country producer and songwriter Trey Bruce (who has worked with Faith Hill, Randy Travis and Diamond Rio). 

This summer they performed at the Calgary Stampede and also shared the stage with country superstar Keith Urban. 

For a taste of what's to come on Tuesday, take a listen to Some Day:


The CBC Musical Nooners are a series of free, live music concerts every weekday from noon to 1 p.m. at the CBC Vancouver Plaza on Hamilton Street (between West Georgia and Robson). 

While we do control the lineup, we can't control the weather. Follow us on Twitter at @CBCVancouver or #musicalnooners in case of changes to the schedule due to inclement weather.