The vibrant and ever-evolving Vermilion Folk Club is thrilled to unveil its eagerly awaited lineup for the upcoming season. Showcasing a roster of talented artists, this season promises to be a musical journey like no other, blending an eclectic mix of folk, roots, and soul-stirring melodies.
Ray Bonneville: Kicking off the Season with a Musical Odyssey
The season’s opening act, scheduled for October 15, promises to set the tone for an unforgettable series of performances. The Copper Cork, nestled in downtown Vermilion, will host none other than the captivating Ray Bonneville at 7 p.m.
Hailing from Quebec, Bonneville’s life reads like an adventurous novel. At the age of 12, he relocated to Boston, where he embraced English and honed his skills on the piano and guitar. A stint in Vietnam and a pilot’s license in Colorado were just a few of his daring escapades before he wandered through Alaska, Seattle, Paris, and finally, New Orleans, which profoundly influenced his musical sensibilities.
Bonneville’s music can only be described as a “folk-roots gumbo” with a languid Mississippi Delta groove, accentuated by his smooth, weathered vocals and the evocative harmonica wheeze. Thom Jurek of Allmusic.com lauds his ability to strip away musical excess, allowing the songs themselves to take center stage. With nine albums under his belt, critical acclaim, and awards such as the Juno and the International Folk Alliance’s Song of the Year, Bonneville’s performance promises to be a captivating journey through his musical odyssey.
Lynn Miles: A Mesmerizing Voice and Masterful Lyricist
Following this spectacular opening act, the spotlight turns to Lynn Miles, who will grace the Copper Cork stage on Sunday, November 5. Miles is a multifaceted artist - an award-winning singer-songwriter, record producer, teacher, writer, and public speaker. Her voice is often described as “drop-dead beautiful” with a honey-smooth quality that is impossible not to fall in love with. As a lyricist, she possesses a rare gift, transforming heartache into hauntingly beautiful melodies.
In addition to her musical prowess, Miles is known for her sense of humor, with a 3-minute stand-up routine at the top of her bucket list. With 15 albums to her name and a plethora of awards, including the Juno Award for Roots Traditional Album of the Year and numerous Canadian Folk Music Awards, Lynn Miles is a true luminary in the world of folk music.
James Keelaghan and Jez Lowe: A Night of Musical Mastery
As the season unfolds into 2024, the excitement continues to build with the upcoming performance by James Keelaghan and Jez Lowe. On March 2 at 8 p.m., these two legends will grace the stage at the Royal Canadian Legion.
James Keelaghan, often hailed as Canada’s finest singer-songwriter, has spent nearly a quarter of a century captivating audiences with his poetic lyrics and boundless curiosity. His music seamlessly melds unique storylines with a monogrammed artistic vision, earning him the moniker of the “poet laureate of the folk and roots music world.”
Jez Lowe, on the other hand, is a revered figure on the UK folk circuit and beyond. Over four decades, he has entranced audiences worldwide, whether wielding a guitar, harmonica, cittern, or mandolin, often accompanied by his band, The Bad Pennies. His songs are among the most widely recorded by fellow performers, solidifying his status as a national treasure.
Maria Dunn: A Powerful Voice with a Social Conscience
Concluding the season on April 13 at 7 p.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion is the mesmerizing Maria Dunn. Born in Scotland and later moving to Ontario, she has made Edmonton her home since 1990. Dunn’s music is a captivating blend of Celtic folk with North American bluegrass and country influences. Her songs are poignant, offering a compelling mix of historical and social commentary.
Maria Dunn’s accolades speak volumes about her impact in the music industry. With nominations and awards including Prairie Music Award Nominee, Juno Award Nominee, and a recent Juno Award win for Traditional Roots Album of the Year, her performance promises to be a moving and thought-provoking experience.
As the Vermilion Folk Club gears up for this extraordinary season of music, music enthusiasts can anticipate an unforgettable journey through the rich tapestry of folk and roots music. Make sure to mark your calendars for these exceptional performances, as they are not to be missed. Whether you’re a devoted folk music fan or a newcomer to the genre, these artists promise to deliver an unforgettable experience that will resonate long after the final note fades away.
For upcoming shows please follow the Vermilion Folk Club on social media at www.facebook.com/vermilionfolk or on Instagram at vermilion_folk_club