That Darn Kat and That’s What She Said to rock Macallans Pub in Dorval Aug. 7 on double bill

(From left) That Darn Kat bassist Ron Dort, That’s What She Said guitarist Colin Monaghan, That Darn Kat vocalist Erin Malone, That’s What She Said bassist Arnie Dort, Macallans Pub owner Wayne Blunt and That’s What She Said drummer and vocalist Dave Green get ready for an Aug. 7 double-bill at Macallans Pub in Dorval

An upcoming double-bill rock concert will feature a pair of West Island bands with a family twist when That Darn Kat and That’s What She Said team up for a show at Macallans Pub in Dorval August 7.

While the two bands are coming together for a night of rock n’ roll, their connection goes far beyond the stage. That Darn Kat and That's What She Said represent the close-knit spirit of the local music community, where friendships are formed, musicians support one another, and a shared love of music brings people together.

The family connection between the two bands is literal.

Their bass players are brothers Arnie Dort (That's What She Said) and Ron Dort (That Darn Kat.

Arnie Dort, of That's What She Said (left) and Ron Dort of That Darn Kat will take the stage on a double-bill at Macallans Pub in Dorval Aug. 7 at 7 p.m.

 Their shared love of music has helped create a connection between two groups that now feel like one big musical family. The connection between the two bands runs deeper than just the Dort brothers.

For both bands, music has created a second family of sorts, a network of friendships built through years of sharing stages, cheering each other on, and celebrating the joy that comes from performing. “The friendships you build through music become so much more than just playing together,” That Darn Kat vocalist Erin Malone said.

Malone knows firsthand how powerful those connections can be. When she joined the band in 2013, she expected to become part of a band — but found something much bigger.

“I had no idea I was joining a family,” she said. “When I joined That Darn Kat, I never imagined I’d end up marrying our band leader, Dario Fraticelli. When he passed away, I experienced firsthand what this community is really about. My bandmates stood by me, supported me, and helped me find my way back to the stage. Now we’re writing the band’s next chapter together. At the end of the day, it’s good people making good music and sharing that joy with others. I’m incredibly grateful to be part of a community that lifts each other up, both on and off the stage.”

That same sense of connection is what has brought the two bands together. Members regularly attend each other’s shows, offering support from both sides of the stage.

(From left) That Darn Kat vocalist Erin Malone, That’s What She Said guitarist Colin Monaghan, That’s What She Said drummer and vocalist Dave Green, That’s What She Said bassist Arnie Dort and That Darn Kat bassist Ron Dort meet on stage at Macallans Pub in Dorval to prepare for their Aug. 7 double-bill.

That Darn Kat features Malone on lead vocals, Dort on bass and providing backup vocals, Bernie Noradounkian on guitar, Neil Ferguson on keyboards and Asher Fischer on drums.

That’s What She Said is made up of lead vocalist Shari Azjenkopf, Colin Monoghan and Edward Durrant on guitar, Dort on bass and Jason Dozois on keyboards, That’s What She Said consistently provides a fun, engaging set that audiences will enjoy at Macallans.

That’s What She Said drummer and vocalist Dave Green echoed Malone’s sentiments about the two bands’ family and friendship ties.

“I think the family connection is what stands out,” he said. “I have also been friends with Erin, Bernie and Asher for a long time – Ron is the one who introduced us all.”

That Darn Kat bassist Ron Dort, That’s What She Said guitarist Colin Monaghan, That Darn Kat vocalist Erin Malone, That’s What She Said bassist Arnie Dort, and That’s What She Said drummer and vocalist Dave Green get ready for an Aug. 7 double-bill at Macallans Pub in Dorval

That's What She Said has been described as a ‘rock/dance party band,’ and alongside That Darn Kat’s eclectic mix of contemporary, alternative, ‘90s and classic rock, Aug. 7 promises to be “a raucous good time,” Green said.

That’s What She Said formed as a slapdash addition to the Beaconsfield Oldtimers Hockey Association tournament in 2017, after most of the members had spent a few years away from the live-music scene, Green said.

“Most of the guys were in bands in the late ’70s and early ‘80s,” Green said. “Then when the Beaconsfield Oldtimers wanted a live band to play at the tournament – I assume in desperation – they asked me,” he said, laughing.

“It’s going to be a great night of rock n’ roll,” Green said. “We expect the place will be packed and we love playing at Macallans. It’s a great showbar to play at.”

(From left) Macallans owner Wayne Blunt has a word with That's What She Said's Colin Monaghan, while That's What She Said drummer and vocalist Dave Green clowns around with That Darn Kat vocalist Erin Malone (middle) and Arnie Dort and Ron Dort (right) share a word.

That’s what Macallans Pub owner Wayne Blunt is going for. Recent investments into an upgraded stage area, lighting and sound systems have paid dividends for the venue’s live-music program, Blunt said.

“We are trying to position ourselves as the premier showbar in the West Island,” Blunt said. “And we absolutely love having both That Darn Kat and That's What She Said playing here on a Friday night. I know both bands personally, and that makes it even more exciting because their music selection is fantastic. I also can’t say enough about our sound tech, Brian Coelho, who makes the bands sound great.”

Malone agreed, saying the ambience Blunt has created at Macallans Pub lends itself to top-notch performances.

“It’s nice to have a showbar in the West Island,” she said. “It’s a fun place to play with a great atmosphere and such welcoming people. The energy from the crowd makes every show special.”