Everybody’s heard of Bobby Taylor and the Vancouvers, but the local R&B legends had some serious competition from the Epics. The latter only released one single—1969’s “King Size”—but DJ-promoter John Cougar describes the Epics as “ the party band along the West Coast”, and he’s bringing them to the Biltmore Cabaret for the first anniversary of his Classix Dance Party on Friday (November 19). “They were inspired by Booker T & the MGs,” Cougar told the Straight. “They played till about ’69 with a lead singer named Jayson Hoover who went on to do a lot of soul records, and they’ve re-formed with his son. They’re mainly playing in the suburbs, so it’s exciting to introduce them to a new audience.”

Founding members David MacPhail (drums) and Jimmy Harmata (guitar) are still onboard, along with second vocalist Christine Best and a horn section. Cougar has booked them before, as part of the Classix mandate to offer “the best of vintage sounds”. “It’s nice to hear a real voice and real drums,” said Cougar. “We’re getting people who are tired of Top 40, club-type stuff and who just want good old-fashioned party music.”