Percussionist Lance Yamada and guitarist Brad Melnyk share stories and rhythms in an evening of world music

The Kamloops Museum and Archives will host an afternoon of international sound and storytelling when the Sirocco Project takes the stage on Saturday, Oct. 11, from 1 to 3 p.m.

The duo, percussionist Lance Yamada and guitarist Brad Melnyk, blend flamenco guitar with Latin, Taiko, and world percussion traditions, offering audiences both music and the stories that inspire it.

For Melnyk, the guitar is more than an instrument, it is a lifelong pursuit of musical craft. A graduate of the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, he has built a career exploring both classical and contemporary guitar traditions. 

“After years of playing cover tunes, things got a little stale,” Yamada said. “Brad is the only flamenco guitarist I know in town, so we decided to put this duo together. Playing world music like Jesse Cook or the Gipsy Kings is something Kamloops audiences don’t often get to hear live.”

His deep knowledge of flamenco, in particular, will be on display during the performance. 

Known for its intricate rhythms, rapid strumming, and expressive melodies, flamenco has roots in southern Spain but resonates far beyond, drawing connections to the improvisational spirit of jazz and the energy of world music.

“My side is Taiko drumming, which adds another layer to the cultural music we perform. Kamloops has always been more of a country and rock ’n’ roll town, but people are slowly opening up to these sounds,” Yamada said. 

At the event, Melnyk will not only perform flamenco works but also demonstrate the techniques behind the style. Audiences will have the chance to see how rhythm, melody, and movement combine in a form that is as physical as it is musical. 

“Brad plays on four different Spanish guitars, all handcrafted in Spain,” Yamada said. “He tells the story behind each piece before he plays, which gives audiences a sense of the history and emotion in the music. That storyline makes every performance unique.”

He will also share practical tips for those curious about starting their own flamenco journey, offering a rare chance for music lovers in Kamloops to learn directly from a seasoned guitarist.

Together, Melnyk and Yamada form the Sirocco Project, a collaboration that celebrates the diversity of global music. 

“Brad and I both came from rock and country backgrounds, and we know how to read a crowd,” Yamada said. “That lets us be interactive while also showcasing our talents in something very different from the cover bands we started in.”

Their performance promises a mix of rich textures, cross-cultural rhythms, and a welcoming introduction to flamenco guitar. For Kamloops audiences, it is both a concert and an invitation to explore the wider world of sound.

“There’s a community here that really loves cultural music, and it’s a blessing for us to share something refreshing that sticks in people’s heads after they leave. It’s our way of giving back,” Yamada said. 

The event is free to attend, and the public is encouraged to come out and enjoy an afternoon of music and storytelling at the Kamloops Museum and Archives.