Created by composer/double bassist Mark Haney, “Aim for the Roses” is a unique and compelling hybrid of experimental double bass music, song and storytelling that tells the amazing true story of Canadian daredevil Ken Carter and his 1976-79 quest to jump one mile over the St. Lawrence River in a rocket powered Lincoln Continental. Ken Carter narrates his story, with 6 other characters (including Evel Knievel, who was sent by ABC’s Wide World of Sports to examine the jump site) performing the songs. In 1976, after nearly 20 years as a traveling daredevil, Ken Carter announced his plans to mount the ultimate jump: One mile over the St. Lawrence River from Morrisburg, ON to Ogden Island, NY. Ken Carter then spent four years and almost a million dollars trying to realize this dream, doggedly pursuing daredevil glory despite a host of setbacks. Ken Carter’s narration is comprised entirely of direct quotes; these are his words. The sonic backdrop for this story is one of the most intricate double bass recordings ever produced. With the notable exception of engineer/co-producer David Gannett’s acoustic guitar on each of the 9 songs (and some footsteps on “The Ramp Engineer”), the entire recording is constructed from layer upon layer of double bass. Throughout the piece there can be anywhere from 4 or 5 to over 40 double bass tracks, several of which would include intricate, multi-layered loops that help give “Aim for the Roses” it’s distinct aural texture. Mark Haney’s expressive, imaginative double bass playing not only helps to tell Ken Carter’s story, but opens the listener’s ears to the musical possibilities of his instrument. Mark Haney is one of Vancouver’s foremost freelance double bassists, and is in demand in a host of genres. From playing with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, to experimental theatre for Vancouver’s largest theatre companies (including the Vancouver Playhouse and the Arts Club) through improvising with his bandmates in The Beige, Mark Haney’s extensive musical language has been shaped by his travels and studies across Canada. As a music educator Mark has been on faculty at the UBC Summer Music Institute, the Whistler Music Festival and the Sarah McLachlan Music Outreach. The role of Ken Carter is brilliantly played by Canadian stage legend Andrew Wheeler, perhaps best known for the role of “Tony” in the Toronto production of “Mamma Mia!”