Don’t ask Wayne Omaha’s Yawd Sylvester if his name is short for something or if it’s an “ethnic” name. He won’t answer the question but will say that he likes flannel shirts and say that he’s proud to own two Fun Boy Three albums on vinyl.
I had the pleasure of seeing Wayne Omaha play for the first time ever at the Horse Shoe Tavern in Toronto a few years ago when they opened for the Chickens. Never having heard any of their music before, I was blown away by their unabashedly fun-seeking and unpredictable style. They typically don’t have a description of their music, but it’s definately good for what ails you. My definition of their music is a mix of rock, with a touch of country, surfer music, and melodica’s. (Melodica’s are the things you had as a kid that you blew into like a tin whistle, but played keys on it like a piano, and sounded a bit like a funky harmonica).
After that show, I ran to their merchandise table and bought as many of their CDs as I could. There was just something electric and ass kicking about the energy and their pure love for their music they put out while on stage. If you like their CDs you’ll love what they do on-stage.
Since that night, they’ve put out three more CDs and I have experienced their live shows four more times and it’s the same thing; their live shows kick-ass. From a writer’s perspective, I’m disappointed I can’t come up with a better word for the shows than kick-ass. There’s no fancy light show or pyro, just good music that makes you want to move and have a good time.
I’ve yet to hear any of their stuff (or even their name) on mainstream radio or MuchMusic. Most of their airplay comes from alternative press and college radio and they admit they depend on their live shows to create word of mouth. If they keep doing what they’re doing, word should reach everyone who has any interest in music shortly.
The last time I had the pleasure of witnessing Wayne Omaha was at the Corktown Tavern in Hamilton Ontario’s underbelly. Scary, scary bar. I thought I would never see my car again nor would I make it away from there without my preppy face sporting a new shiner or beer bottle upside the head. By the time the opening acts were done, the only souls left in the music half of the bar were myself, my friend, two or three others genuinely interested in the music and a gross, drunk old lady making out with a gross, drunk old man directly in front of me. Despite the small crowd, they once again kicked-ass.
According to the band, the numbers don’t matter. They would rather play to a small crowd who is into it, rather than a packed house full of people who don’t care or aren’t into the music.
Rumour has it, Wayne Omaha has some new material in the works and would really like to tour with Selina Martin again as they had a blast touring with her for their last CD, Let it Mellow, which was recorded on Transsiberian/Scratch Records. The band is hoping to be on the road sometime in the fall, but no dates have been set. Dates will be posted onto their website, aptly named, www.wayneomaha.com. There, you can also download a few of their songs including It’s Alright, which features some fine examples of their melodica playing talent, that just makes you smile, play desk-top or steering wheel drums, and whistle along.
If you are lucky enough to see an upcoming Wayne Omaha show, you’ll find the band members are all quietly approachable and willing to chat. Just don’t ask Yawd about his name.


JEFF CROWDER