The Cowichan Folk Guild is bringing some local favourites and a standout import to the Chapel at Providence Farm on Saturday, Nov. 27.
Headlining the concert will be folk-roots artist Chris Ronald. What’s the buzz?
“Since emigrating from his native England in 2002, Chris Ronald has earned a place as one of Canada’s finest singer-songwriters creating and performing contemporary folk music,” says a press release for the event. “Ronald’s stand-out signature sound is steeped in his British background, poetic lyrics, and a buttery fusion of roots and Americana music. Multi-instrumentalist John MacArthur Ellis produced Chris’s first full studio recording. The resulting Timeline (2014) album catapulted Ronald to a new level in his career with, among other accolades, a nomination for Songwriter of the Year at the 2014 Canadian Folk Music Awards. Shortly afterward, Ronald was signed to esteemed Canadian folk label Borealis Records to release Fragments (2017) followed by Light & Dark (2021) with both albums achieving top 10 ratings on the FAI Folk Radio chart. As an international touring artist, Chris draws on his abilities as a highly skilled singer, storyteller and musician (guitar, harmonica, ukulele) to deliver a show that is captivating and unique.”
To open for Ronald, the Folk Guild turned to locals Jack Connolly and Genevieve Charbonneau of Heartwood.
“Heartwood’s music is described as honey-soaked folk with a hint of indie and a splash of bluegrass that radiates exuberant joy with every delicious song,” says the press release. “From the hearth of their Cowichan Valley homestead, Jack Connolly and Genevieve Charbonneau serve up the pulse and passion of their irresistible songs and tasty harmonies. Their quirky naturalness, endearing humour and raw talent stir affection while their powerful roots draw up a nutrient rich brew of sound bringing warmth and energy to all who gather to listen.”
They are also multi-award winners.
The show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 for Folk Guild members and $25 for non-members. Get them at http://islandfolk.tickit.ca or at the door. Seating is limited, so don’t wait.
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We got a reminder this week from the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre that harpist sisters Miya and Kaori Otake are featured at the next Noteworthy Classical Concert in Duncan.
Hosts the Bergmann Piano Duo welcome the sisters on Monday, Nov. 29 at 10:30 a.m. for an intimate concert on the big stage, where the audience has the rare opportunity to interact with the musicians.
The concert is titled Music for 287 Strings and 17 Pedals!, and promises music by composers including Bach/Gounod, Saint-Saens and Franck.
Get tickets online at cowichanpac.ca, in person at the Cowichan Ticket Centre of by phone at 250-746-2722.
Audience members must show a vaccine passport and ID to enter and masks must be worn by anyone five years of age and up.
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Also on the musical front, this is your chance to plan ahead for what is sure to be one of the biggest concerts of the year at the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre.
Coming to the big stage on May 9, 2022 is multi-platinum and Juno Award winning singer-songwriter Johnny Reid, in his national tour, titled An Intimate Evening with Johnny Reid: Love Someone.
It’s not the first time the country star has come to Cowichan, previously having played the Cowichan Theatre, and Sunfest, and he is always a fan favourite.
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Imagine That! in downtown Duncan is getting into the Christmas spirit starting on Nov. 30, with new holiday-themed window displays.
“Many of us have fond childhood memories of visiting Christmas shop windows, our noses pressed against the glass as we took in the colourful sights of toys, games, sleds, tuques, and woolly mittens,” says Imagine That!’s Katie Daniel. “Imagine That! rekindles those great memories with their annual holiday window display, beginning on Nov. 30. You’ll see the best that our 70-some artists have to offer for your gift-giving. These hand-crafted locally-made pieces come from right here at home and the recipients will treasure them all the more.”
The gallery is located on Craig Street.