Shadows and Light

Fundy Folk returned to the Evergreen Theatre at the end of July hosted by Dave Carmichael.Dave Carmichael at the Evergreen

(View Gallery) Those who knew Fundy Folk of old and were in attendance on that night were able to bask in the nostalgia of a fondly-remembered era. To start the night off just right we had local talented singer-songwriter Rick MacNab who claims the distinction of performing the first ever open mic at the original Fundy Folk. He immediately got the audience singing along and his fans – old and new – were delighted with this lively spot.

The next performer was myself, which makes it difficult to write a comment. Melissa Trottier who was part of the featured performance this evening has kindly sent her thoughts on this which I am now quoting – thanks Melissa! :

Ellie Kennard added a delightful literary aspect to the evening’s artistic variety. Her first piece was a poem entitled “Tout Compris”, which chronicled a train journey through France, her once home for several years. This touching and profound memoir surely instilled borrowed feelings of nostalgia for a place that many audience members have never been. Her second piece, named “Does Your Chicken Have a Pépie?”, was a light and humourous short story about an odd poultry infection, taking place again in France, on a farm. It contrasted beautifully with the more sombre tones of the initial poem, and left the crowd chuckling.

Rick MacNab – open mic at the Evergreen

Eric Young is active in the music scene in Truro and entertained us all with some of his own compositions, accompanying himself on guitar and harmonica.

The next spot was a very popular performance by Ukulele Mike. This talented musician delighted everyone with his spirited renditions of many ukulele tunes, some familiar and some new to us.

Kate Adams and Cathy Arsenault are well-loved performers from the old Fundy Folk days and their spot was highly anticipated. The opening song, Beautiful Storm, is one of my personal favourites and their lovely harmonies were perfect for the mood of the piece. It was great to have you back performing at the Evergreen, Kate and Cathy!

The Evergreen Theatre, as it has evolved out of Fundy Folk, has a reputation for attracting acts of a very high calibre, and our hosts, the featured performers of the evening, Dave Carmichael and Melissa Trottier were an excellent example of this quality. Dave’s association with Fundy Folk dates from its earliest days and since then he has gone on to become a well-respected singer-songwriter with two critically acclaimed albums and several East Coast Music Award and Music Industry Association of Nova Scotia Music Award nominations. His latest CD, Spirit Dance, (the track ‘Smile’ from this CD is featured on the photo gallery of the evening) was nominated for the 2006 Canadian Folk Music Awards for New/Emerging artist of the year.

Dave and Melissa’s performance was packed full of emotion, smooth and tight in their harmonies. Their song “Beautifully Simple” was deeply moving with clean and gentle harmonies that articulated emotions many find hard to admit, but we can all relate to. I really liked a song by Melissa, titled “Going, Going, Gone”, as well as a cover they did of Rufus Wainright’s “My Phone’s on Vibrate for You”. Another piece that was beautifully sung by Melissa was her “Are you Sending Me Away?”

This performance really brought the evening to a perfect finale. Thanks so much for bringing your music to the Evergreen Theatre, Dave and Melissa.

Go to performance photo gallery.

Ellie

(View gallery)A large Acadian family brought a traditional Kitchen Party to the Evergreen Theatre last weekend and the atmosphere was charged with the incredible energy of La Famille Arseneault.

From the oldest members, Emerie and Bella (grandfather and grandmother, whose picture you see above) through their children and down to the youngest grandchild, everyone took part in this lively and entertaining evening, dancing and playing an interesting (and not always traditional) array of musical instruments. In the photo gallery of their show that you see on the Evergreen Theatre page, you will get a chance to hear their music with a track from their CD “La Famille Arseneault, Ca Swing Encore!” and see photos of the performance.

In the second half audience members were invited to join them to take part in the performance and the stage was lined with children and adults alike playing spoons and bones and even dancing. The family radiated an infectious enthusiasm that none in the audience could resist and at times the clapping and stamping to the beat vied with the music coming from the stage.

This was a most enjoyable evening, thank you all for bringing your Kitchen to our theatre!

Ellie

Our very first visit to The Music Room in Halifax was part of almost a fairy tale story.The beginning of it was that someone was looking for a song on the internet and came across a different one entirely that he liked, called “Harriet’s Song” by a UK duo, Breeze and Wilson. This was sent to Stan Carew, host of CBC’s Weekend Mornings, who played it on the air.

You can hear this song on the photo gallery of their performance, by the way.

Stan liked their music and so did many Weekend Mornings listeners who wrote to the duo and requested CDs, so Toby Wilson and Graham Breeze sent out about 300 free CDs to all who asked for them. Next thing they knew, a whirlwind tour was arranged for them in Nova Scotia. Graham and Toby flew over for two performances in The Music Room in Halifax which was filled to capacity both nights. The proceeds of the concerts went to the Canadian Diabetic Society. Stan Carew and the Magpies opened the show and played with Breeze and Wilson for a few songs at the end of their performance.

It was a wonderful evening. Of course Stan Carew and the Magpies are getting well known in the province as they have been performing at fundraisers for different music venues and they played a great set. Breeze and Wilson entertained everyone with their English wit as well as their performances of their own songs – including one they wrote specially for us “Oh! Nova Scotia” – as well as covers of well known favourites.

They will be coming back to the Maritimes next year when they hope to be able to travel around the area more and are also going to be playing at Stanfest.

This was the first show that we attended at The Music Room in Lady Hammond Road in Halifax and we really loved it. It is an intimate venue, holding no more than 110, so creates a special ambiance all of its own. We hope to be back there again sometime.

We were really glad to be a part of this story and to be on hand to document their first ever show in Nova Scotia. Thanks Toby and Graham! We loved the show and really look forward to seeing you next year.