Looking forward to seeing you for: Lorraine Nygaard at Hermann’s, on Thursday, December 12th, for “In The Spirit.” Accompaniment is by the stunning trio of Attila Fias on piano, Kelby MacNayr on drums and percussion, and Scott White on bass. Each of these men is a gladiator-like musician, taking on exciting challenges with skill and flair. When they come together, the repertoire will be cooking! Guest artists are Tyler Lieb on steel guitar, and Rowan Farintosh on saxophone. I am thrilled that they all said “yes” to the event, and we’re excited to present the show based on the following.
Earlier this year, I got hooked on the series, Queen’s Gambit. Sets, costumes, but mostly the music, took me back to a time of brave new sounds and trends, the groovy vibe of the 60’s. With intention to do a “Queen’s Gambit” tribute show, I eventually found that there were just a handful of songs from the score that would be appropriate for this year-end show. I’ll bring those and the groove to Lorraine Nygaard at Hermann’s “In the Spirit”, playlist, including many of your seasonal favourites. You’re encouraged to dress the era to add to the fun!
Several new-to-me songs, lyrics are currently bouncing around in my head with the memory work. I’m diligent about offering new selections for each show, so even if you’ve been to my winter show before, come again! Hermann’s, at 753 View Street, is the longest-running jazz club in Canada, and an all-ages venue. Safe parking is free next door after 6 p.m.; the staff and volunteers for the Arts on View Society are friendly and efficient; and the food and drinks menu is wonderful. Doors at 5:30, reservations recommended but drop-ins also welcome. A live-stream version is also available, by clicking on the Hermann’s site link. Did you know that showing up and being present with live music is scientifically proven to have multiple health benefits!
As I write now with a summary of the year’s activities, it feels a bit like Christmas card writing, filling the details onto an extra note in the envelope. With the Canadian postal strike, this may be the only card that gets posted.
2024 has been a year full to the brim with good things locally, and sad things globally, and there was no time for connecting with local performance venues for solo shows. Regardless, I’ve been percolating behind the scenes in events and experiences that inform the work that I do as a singer. Once again this year, blessings abound.
In the spring, returning to the Island Soul Choir (ISC) saw me regularly travelling north to the Nanaimo rehearsals and performance. After 12 years of leading, it was the last season for director Karla Mundy and pianist Michael Creber. It was important to show my gratitude to them in that setting, as ISC has helped foster my growth as a vocalist over the years, and supplied an abundance of good times and friendships with other singers. For Nanaimo’s Port Theatre performance, it was an honour to be chosen as a soloist for composer Coco Love Alcorn’s song, “Rebirth” . A great song with a driving force, it encourages everyone to bounce back from hard times.
A new granddaughter arrived in June, along with house renovations that saw me rolling paint on walls till early November. Shoulders healed, we’ve moved into the fresh new space, and meanwhile, the granddaughter has delighted her big sister and all the family.
Songroots vocalists’ camp on Gambier island beckoned, so by the second week of July, my tent was pitched near the swimming cove. The gathering of renowned vocal professionals from all genres was inspiring and enriching. Balance in head and heart in the natural setting, it is a reset switch for everyone. In the full group masterclass, jazz icon Jennifer Scott offered her wisdom to the evening’s participants, and we loved witnessing the stunning transformations that took place in each and every performer. Collaboration and support felt from kindred spirits was a balm to the soul.
By September, I had signed up for City Soul Choir, and have appreciated the twice-monthly trek to Vancouver. Practising amongst this 100+ voice choir has been uplifting, sending happy vibes throughout my body. Harmonic parts in excellent balance, the hum in the body cells cannot be beat! Getting to the rehearsal venue on Kaslo Street required taking public transit from Victoria. The #16 Hastings bus means witnessing the wandering and homeless throughout that region, a time travel experience after working in the fashion district of East Van in my early 20’s. The cattle drive-like scenario of being a walk-on passenger on the B.C. ferries is character-building. In the midst of this, there are brilliantly happy and deeply moving connections made with total strangers. Going over on the morning sailing, and coming back on the evening, I’d often bump into the same travellers: the rugby team members, the recent immigrant from Nigeria, or the family of 5 that was going to see the circus. All of this has informed my journey.
I look forward to performing with CSC this Friday and Saturday, Dec. 6 and 7th in the “Walking In the Light” concerts. My solo offering is in the title song, and it’s very special to me. Learning “Walking in the Light” last year at Gambier Island through visiting choral conductor Dr.Kathy Bullock, it was a huge rush to belt out the soprano parts in the pavilion there. It’s too bad that the tickets are sold out for both shows at the Canadian Memorial United Church….but I’ll report how it goes!
As November turned to December, I was thriving in a heart-opening vocal improvisation workshop with facilitator David Hatfield. The singers that gathered were by invitation, and each of them were genuinely inspiring individuals. I loved diving into the enriching work, and recommend David’s coaching or workshops to whomever might get the opportunity.
Thank you to those coming to Lorraine Nygaard at Hermann’s, for “In The Spirit”, and to those that go to the livestream link and view it there. Please consider making a contribution during the livestream as the show leader pays both the musicians and the club: Your donations make a positive difference.
As the year comes to a close, I want to thank each and every one of you for your support and friendship. I wish all good things to you and your loved ones. Be safe, be healthy, and keep In The Spirit throughout 2025.
