Franz Ferdinand Frontman Makes Surprise Appearance At Mint Records Christmas Party

12/04/06 7:30pm

by Trevor Hargreaves (CHARTattack)

Christmas came early for attendees of the annual Mint Records Christmas party in Vancouver on Saturday. The concert has a reputation for being a good time, but few expected the excitement that unfolded.

The evening began as scheduled and featured several mainly local bands on the Mint roster, including well-received performances by Young And Sexy, Duotang and The Choir Practice. But the fun really began at the end of a performance by local act the Evaporators.

Fronted by Chart contributor/MuchMusic personality Nardwuar The Human Serviette, the group delivered an energetic performance that took a surprise turn on the last song when Nardwuar unexpectedly leapt into the audience to seek out a "surprise guest.

"He soon returned to the stage with Franz Ferdinand lead singer/guitarist Alex Kapranos. Before the stunned audience had time to react, the Evaporators broke into an energetic rendition of the Franz Ferdinand hit, "Take Me Out."

After the performance, Kapranos mingled in the crowd, chatted up excited fans and posed for photos. When asked what brought him to Vancouver, Kapranos said he was producing the Cribs' next album at Warehouse Studios.

"We've been here for two weeks, and we're staying for another three," he added. Kapranos joked that the constant rain and snow that's plagued Vancouver in recent weeks was so similar to the seasonal climate in his hometown of Glasgow, Scotland that he feels right at home.

He was also impressed by the bands that he had seen that evening.

"Whatever nation you go to that has a good music scene, it's always the indie bands that are pushing any kind of edge and are doing anything unpredictable. And in Canada, Mint Records are a great example of that. They have great bands that are unpredictable and exciting."

Nardwuar's friendship with Kapranos dates back several years to a segment he shot with the band for the MuchMusic program, Going Coastal. He's done several interviews with the band since then and a bond has grown.

"It's true, I am leaving Franz Ferdinand to become the guitar technician for The Evaporators," Kapranos joked, before adding that it was his destiny for his group to open for Nardwuar's band.