by Kelly Babcock
On May 8th at 7:30PM, the Owen Sound Singers in Accord (OSSIA) is inviting you to St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church to experience Spring Forward, their spring concert celebrating five years of singing. Local musicians Joachim Ostertag on flute, Keira McArthur on cello, Bob Menzies on djembe, and Fiona Evison on piano will join the choir and proceeds will go to the Men's Program and the Women's Shelter of Bruce-Grey.Tickets, available at the Bleeding Carrot, the Ginger Press, and at the door, are $10, plus a "give what you can" donation. For more information phone Louise at 519-371-8227.
Singer-songwriter Ken Dunn and his wife Anna are Gypsy Starfish and this delightful duo will perform at the Frog Ponds Café on Saturday, May 9th from 12-1:30pm. Canadian singer-songwriter Ken Dunn has performed his original, folk-inspired music across Canada, the U.S., and Central America at hundreds of venues over the past 25 years, including benefit concerts for Amnesty International and the Harry Chapin Food Bank. With themes ranging from love and world peace, to social justice, and environmental responsibility, his music has received international airplay, and garnered critical acclaim in both Europe and North America. In addition to his solo career, Ken performs in the duo Gypsy Starfish with his wife and musical partner, Anna Green. Performing both Ken's original songs, as well as folk-oriented covers, the duo features lush vocal harmonies, with Anna on acoustic guitar and keyboards. PWYC for the artists.
Although Joni Mitchell is now a Canadian musical legend, she didn't record an album of her own until other artists had recorded and popularized her songs. On Saturday May 9th, the Georgian Bay Folk Society will continue that tradition with a tribute to Joni Mitchell at the Harmony Centre in Owen Sound featuring seven local acts performing their favourite Joni songs. In deciding which influential Canadian musician to honour next, Joni Mitchell's name quickly rose to the top of the list. "There is hardly an artist living today who has had more effect on the singer songwriter scene than Joni Mitchell," said Summerfolk Artistic Director James Keelaghan, who will also be performing on Saturday. The tribute will include performances by Tara MacKenzie, Beckon, Drew McIvor, James Keelaghan & Tyler Beckett, Our Shotgun Wedding, The Village of Sound, and Carole Warren. It's all part of the Folk Society's ongoing work to promote Canadian music and musicians. Doors open at 7pm, the music begins at 8pm, and it is a licensed event. Tickets are $20 and available at summerfolk.org, the Georgian Bay Folk Society office, and by phone at 1-888-655-9090.
Sounds At The Market will take place Sunday, May 10th from 2:00PM to 4:00PM. This months musical feature is the duo of Rebecca Johnson-Morelli & Kelly Babcock performing as "Hot Black Coffee" and the spoken word feature will be Larry Jensen reading from his newly published book of poetry, "Some Are Songs." As always there will be several open mic spots available. Bring your mom for some original songs and poetry in celebration of Mother's Day.