As I explained in my article about the recent Martyn Joseph concert, the Trust Me concert series is about the artists who have inspired, entertained and otherwise moved me so profoundly that when I discover there’s an opportunity to bring them home to meet the family on Bowen Island I jump at the chance. They are artists who tour all over the world and for good reason – because they have exceptional gifts as songwriters, musicians, and the ability to transform a room with their warmth, humour and music.
I first heard Jonathan Byrd several years ago when he was on the same 14-date series but two weeks following my shows. The presenters kept writing me about how Jonathan had blown them away, so I arranged to attend one of the shows to see what the fuss was all about. I was spellbound from the first song and have been a diehard fan ever since.
He’s a world class flat picking guitar player, and his songs are heartbreakingly beautiful and alternately steeped of the character of his homeland in the southern US – a 7thgeneration North Carolina boy. The fact that the Chicago Tribune hailed him as “One of the top 50 songwriters of the last 50 years” does not surprise me.
He is also one of my favourite writers of prose and if you want to really get a sense of who he is you can go to his website and read his bio. It’s a great read, trust me….again.
And if you want a taste of who he is, listen to “I was an Oaktree” or “Happy Father’s Day”. You’ll get it.
He will have two remarkable musicians with him – Paul Ford on cello, and Johnny Waken on mandolin, guitar, vocals, and a few surprises.
We are very lucky to have Tir-na-nOg Theatre in our community – it’s a sweet room for concerts, but it is small, which means limited income for the artist, and touring is expensive. So though some might feel $25 is “spendy”, it is often less than these artists command elsewhere, and that extra $5 makes a big difference to it being financially feasible to bring artists to the island. But I never want anyone to miss out because it’s a stretch, so if you’re squirming please do contact me at [email protected]and we’ll work it out.
Note, all of the proceeds (after rent is paid to the well-deserving Tir-na-nOg Theatre) go to the artist.
Tickets are at Phoenix. If need be, you can call them at (604) 947-2793 to have them reserved in your name at the door. Be sure to let me know if your plans change.
Wednesday, Sept. 16, 7:30 pm at Tir-na-nOg! See you there!
