Vancouver’s art-pop, torch-folk songstress, Hilary Grist is the next artist to visit Armstrong’s Memorial Park when she performs at the Valley First Music in the Park, Friday.
Grist is said to “embrace the rich details of the heart and paint sparkling vignettes with her poignant musical and visual creations, which have captured imaginations across the globe,” according to a press release from the Armstrong Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce, which hosts Music in the Park.
Born in Quesnel and bred in Maple Ridge, Grist began composing music at the piano in pre-school.
She would go on to take piano lessons and sing with the high school choir, which propelled her to Vancouver, where she studied jazz at Capilano University while deepening her pool of musical influences and honing her songwriting skills.
Grist’s signature brand of firefly folk is said to be dipped in dreamy, jazzy art pop, which envelopes her dulcet, often delicate vocal delivery. The result is a blend of styles that borrows from acts such as Feist, Norah Jones, and Neko Case without being derivative of any single one.
Touring with Grist is Dominique Fricot, who is from Salmon Arm.
Fricot has journeyed to numerous festivals such as the Squamish Valley Music Festival, Winterruption, and Canadian Music Week and is said to own the stage with his rich baritone and his deft fusion of rock, soul, folk and jazz. His songs run the gamut from breezy, Jack Johnson-esque pop to haunting piano ballads that wouldn’t sound out of place on a Coldplay album, and perfectly encapsulate the highs and lows of falling in and losing love.
Valley First is proud to sponsor the Armstrong Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce Music in the Park series from now to Aug. 22. As well as presenting the series, Valley First will also be promoting hunger awareness through its Feed the Valley program each evening.
Concert goers can support the Feed the Valley program by bringing a non-perishable food item to Music in the Park or by making a donation at the nearest Valley First branch, online through www.valleyfirst.com or through the Food Banks B.C. online donations portal.
Memorial Park features a swimming pool, children’s water park, playground equipment and lots of shade. Bring a blanket, chairs, snacks and beverages – even your dinner. Relax, enjoy the fresh air and time with family and friends.
The concert starts Friday at 7 p.m.
