Not only is it an all-star line-up at the Rogue Folk Club this month, it’s also a very diverse line-up.
Where else can you see one of the hottest Canadian singer-songwriters on the circuit right now; one of the hottest global jazz fusion artists and one of the artists at the forefront of Canada’s Indigenous musical renaissance?
There are no watch at home options this month, so you’ll have to check out these shows in person. But don’t worry, there are plenty more watch at home shows to come.
For more information on any of these shows, or for tickets, check out http://www.roguefolk.bc.ca.
Terra Spencer – March 15 at Mel Lehan Hall at St. James
Bad ideas, VCRs, crumbling factories, hairy dogs, questionable tattoos – all are fair game for Nova Scotian funeral director-turned-songwriter Terra Spencer. And the songs are good ones, judging from the accolades her four albums have received, and from the caliber of collaborators Cinematic storytelling is a hallmark of many great Canadian folk songwriters, but in Terra’s case, it is charged with the wood-paneled ’70s warmth of Elton John, Carole King, and Jackson Browne. A fun-loving and fearless solo performer, Terra grew up as an only child on the banks of the Avon River surrounded by country music. As a shy teen, she took refuge in her grandparents’ basement where she played Broadway show tunes on a battleship upright piano, learning guitar in secret from her granddad’s Chet Atkins records. Her passion for songwriting came much later, after being hired on as a backup singer by country performer Ryan Cook. Their travels set the stage for Terra’s solo debut in 2018, blooming into a solo career that quickly overshadowed her funeral ambitions.
Ahmed Moneka and Arabic Jazz – March 27 at Mel Lehan Hall at St. James
Drawing on his Afro-Sufi musical heritage, Juno-nominated Ahmed Moneka presents a vibrant and transcendent fusion of African rhythms and Arabic folk melodies, enriched by contemporary influences of funk, soul, and jazz. Reflecting on his personal journey as an artist, actor, and activist—who fled Baghdad for Toronto as a refugee after his involvement in a film about gay rights—Ahmed, alongside his stellar global ensemble, invites listeners to a jubilant celebration of life. His music explores love in all its forms while evoking a deep sense of longing for one’s homeland, all through original compositions and timeless Middle Eastern classics.
As an Afro-Iraqi, he has a deep connection to his roots and culture, which he honours and preserves through his work. Ahmed’s artistic projects revolve around togetherness and harmony, which he believes are the core values of every endeavour he’s been a part of. His unique background and diverse skill set allow him to bring a fresh perspective to Canada’s entertainment industry.
Morgan Toney and Keith Mullins – March 28 at Mel Lehan Hall at St. James
Music is an almost alchemical force to Juno nominated Mi’kmaq fiddler and singer, Morgan Toney. The legacy of the first European explorers and the Mi’kmaw bridging two worlds lives on in the songs and fiddling of this Cape Breton breakout roots artist. With thousands of years of tradition behind him, Morgan melds the Scottish heritage of his Nova Scotian island with Mi’kmaq songs, stories, and languages in his own genre of music – “Mi’Kmaltic” – meaning Mi’kmaq + Celtic.
Joining Morgan is Keith Mullins (guitar, vocals, percussion), whose professional career, beginning at the ripe age of 15, has taken him around the world and onto many stages, sharing the spotlight with some genuine musical greats such as Matt Anderson, Ron Hynes, Bruce Guthro, Lennie Galant, Gordie Sampson, Jimmy Rankin, Natalie MacMaster, The Mellotones, and Garrett Mason.
