WEEKEND MUSIC: A match made in folk music heaven
Imagine, if you will, two of Western Canada’s most outstanding folk artists on tour together. Then imagine if they decided that instead of doing separate sets, one opening for the other, they’d play on each other’s songs, together.
It’s not The Twilight Zone. It just what Michael Bernard Fitzgerald and J. J. Shiplett have decided to do for their “Come As You Are” tour. Edmonton’s lucky enough to be included on their itinerary, Thursday at Station on Jasper.
Both veterans of the festival tours, the pair have crafted a career out of heartfelt, folk rhapsodies about themselves, their lives, and their environs. Often referred to as troubadours, and undoubtedly qualify for all of the history and legends surrounding the word, it’s their first time sharing a stage together, and it is expected to be an epic event.
Show at 7 pm, advance tickets $24, BUY.
Thursday 16
Dead Fibres – This local psych-grunge-sludge act are putting on a tour kickoff show, trying to put together a little extra coin to fund said tour. Good luck, guys! Doom Patrol and Heavy Beak also perform. Sewing Machine Factory, 8 pm, $10.
Friday 17
Jenn Grant – This Halifax folk-pop artist often finds herself in the company of some of Canada’s musical luminaries. Her debut album in 2007 included Ron Sexsmith, Matt Mays, and Jill Barber. The same album catapulted her onto a bill with The Weakerthans; she’s been shortlisted for the Polaris Prize, and nominated for multiple Junos. 2017’s Paradise was her most adventurous album to date, adding synthesizers throughout, and a distinct rhythm-and-blues vibe. Her newest and much-anticipated album Love, Inevitable, is set to drop at the end of this month. Its opening single, Keep A Light On, is a delightful sortie of Grant’s cloudlike voice and sweet harmonies. Keltie and Avery Simpson also perform. Station On Jasper, 8 pm, $20. BUY
Saturday 18
Needtobreathe – This Christian rock band out of South Carolina has six albums in their catalog, and has a plethora of Gospel Music Awards to their credit. The band prefers not to label themselves as “Christian,” however, preferring to be known as a band that writes and records music for everyone. Their last four albums have scored the number one spot in both the US Alternative, and US Christian, charts. Trent Dabbs opens. Jubilee Auditorium, 7 pm, tickets $28-$108
The Provincial Archive and Merin – Craig Schram and his indie-folk brethren in the Provincial Archive don’t do a lot of shows these days – on their website they even refer to being on a “hibernation” of sorts. So it’s well worth the trip over to the Aviary by itself – but then add in Manitoba’s Merin, and you’ve really got something to talk about. Fronted by Cole Zachary, Merin is a delicious blend of ‘90s melancholy alternative and succulent bedroom pop that pulls you along on an intense but delightful musical journey. Slow Girl Walking also performs. Aviary, 8 pm, $8. BUY
Sunday 19
Chief State – This Vancouver pop-punk band is currently on an Alberta-BC tour to support their newest release, a four-track EP titled Nothing More Than This. Bellevue and CVSTLES are also on the bill. Buckingham, 8 pm, $10. BUY
Valve Body – Join this groove metal band for their debut show! Based on a couple of tunes found around the web, it should be a great one. Corrupted Fundamentals and Mitch For Mayor are also on the bill. Aviary, 8 pm, $8. BUY
