On November 9, the Vermilion community will be treated to a musical event as The Allied Arts Council proudly presents “The Patsy Cline Project and Hank Lives” featuring the exceptionally talented Lisa Brokop and her husband, Paul Jefferson. This remarkable project brings the timeless beauty of Patsy Cline’s legendary hits to life. However, one local artist, Amber Bauer, is poised to shine alongside Brokop in this performance.
Lisa Brokop, an artist with a career spanning over two decades, was born in Vancouver, British Columbia. Her journey into music began almost before she could talk, with her mother and brother by her side on stage, performing a wide array of musical genres. By the age of twelve, Brokop was already making music alongside other Vancouver bands, ultimately going professional at just fifteen. She launched her solo career at the tender age of sixteen, releasing her debut release, “Daddy Sing To Me.”
At 19, Brokop achieved the remarkable feat of landing the lead female role in the feature film “Harmony Cats.” Shortly thereafter, she was signed by Capitol Records, setting the stage for a fruitful partnership over the next three years. During this time, she released two critically acclaimed albums, “Every Little Girl’s Dream” and the self-titled “Lisa Brokop.” In 1995, Brokop’s exceptional talent was recognized with a nomination from the Academy of Country Music for Top New Female Vocalist.
In 1998, she signed with Sony Nashville/Columbia Records, continuing to gather accolades, including several Canadian Country Music Awards. Her musical journey eventually led her to Curb/Asylum Records in 2004, where she released “a breathtaking collection of songs.”
However, it was her most recent musical venture that brought “Lisa Brokop: The Patsy Cline Project” to life. This performance pays tribute to one of country music’s most beloved icons, Patsy Cline, and features classic hits like “Sweet Dreams” and “Walkin’ After Midnight,” alongside some of Brokop’s own compositions created especially for this project.
Local artist Amber Bauer has been nurturing her musical talents since her early years, thanks to her parents, Bonnie and Stan Bauer, who were deeply involved in music. Amber’s mother, Bonnie, was a music teacher at Vermilion Elementary School for 35 years and a personal music instructor. Stan Bauer, her father, is a multi-instrumentalist. Amber’s journey into music commenced at just five years old when she began taking lessons from her mother.
For the past 15 years, Amber Bauer has dedicated herself to music professionally, solidifying her status as a respected musician, songwriter, and recording artist since her entry into the music scene in 2008. She’s also been a music teacher for 26 years, with a current project being an online chording/improv program that allows individuals to learn their favourite songs or multiple songs. This innovative program can be accessed on her website, amberbauermusic.com.
Amber’s journey in the music industry started in 2008 when she became a piano and Hammond organ player and backup vocalist for Jesse Farrel. Over the years, she continued to support various artists, including Lisa Brokop, among others. Her solo career took off in 2010 when Canadian Country Star George Canyon signed her as the pilot artist for his new label, Broken Pick Records. Amber toured with George, performed on stage, and released her debut single to radio, “Buy Your Tears,” which she co-wrote and produced with Canyon. She also opened for well-known artists such as Emerson Drive and shared songwriter round stages with Duane Steele, Brett Kissel, and Jake Matthews.
In 2014, Amber released her first full-length album, which was recorded at Beaird Music Group in Nashville and MCC, Calgary’s Studio of the Year, earning her respect as an accomplished musician.
Bauer has been performing alongside Lisa Brokop for the past eight years. This year, they embarked on a U.S. tour in February and March, a unique experience for Bauer as she brought her family along.
Amber shared her joy about this venture, saying, “It was pretty fun taking the babies on the road. Lisa is very encouraging of me being a new mom to a three-year-old little girl and a one-year-old little boy. She is also a mother, and she was like, just bring the babies. So my Mom and Dad and my husband Greg all came on the road in the U.S. with us. The baby was only six months old at the time. We did 19 shows in 30 days, but the babies and my family joined me for about 10 days in the middle.”
In October, Amber Bauer is back on tour with Lisa Brokop, and they are set to grace the stage for the Allied Arts Council presentation on November 9th, promising a night of musical magic in Vermilion.
The collaborative spirit of these two remarkable artists, Lisa Brokop and Amber Bauer, is sure to make “The Patsy Cline Project” an experience for Vermilion residents and music lovers from far and wide. Don’t miss your chance to witness this exceptional musical journey, get your tickets now.
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