This Saturday, July 2, the Sooke Folk Music Society is delighted to be bringing Sue Medley back for a return visit to our Concert Series stage. Sue was very well received the last time she was here.
Sue Medley’s musical interests began at age nine when she acquired a drum set. At age 12, she took up guitar and began writing songs. By 15 she had gone professional as part of an acoustic duo. In the late ‘80’s she released two independent singles, Cryin’ Over You and Angel Tonight. By then she had made an appearance at the Big Valley Jamboree in Saskatchewan and received a nomination for the Vista (Rising Star) Award at the 1989 Canadian Country Music Awards. The notoriety led to her signing with Polygram Canada and a self-titled debut CD in 1990. On the heels of the singles Dangerous Times and Love Thing, she toured North America the rest of the year including dates with Bob Dylan. She simultaneously became national spokesperson for ‘Ride For Sight,’ a charity to raise funds for the blind. She would write the charity’s theme song, Born To Ride, in 1991 with former Bryan Adams partner Jim Vallance. Her second album, Inside Out, was released in 1992, and continued her radio assault with a handful of additional singles and a support tour with the likes of Tom Cochrane and 54.40 put her back in the limelight. The single When The Stars Fall became a hit on album radio and reaching #2 on The Record’s chart (being locked out of #1 only by U2). She toured with Kim Mitchell and even hooked up with Bob Dylan on a few dates. In October, 1992 she was invited by John Mellencamp to participate in the Bob Dylan Tribute at Madison Square Gardens.
Her third album, however, would not be forthcoming following a two-year dispute with her record label.
She retreated, wrote and recorded much of the material for her comeback release, Velvet Morning, which came out in February, 2000 on Egg Records. She was named West Coast Music Award Songwriter of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year (three times). She has won just about every music award out there. Four of her songs were featured on the hit TV series Dawson’s Creek.
Medley is now back home in the Comox Valley after years of touring and performing all over the world. “It’s been a great ride,” says Medley, “but I felt it was the right time to return home, connect with family and friends and re-establish my roots.”
For 10 years she taught voice and guitar to young aspiring musicians in Los Angeles. Now she brings that experience with her to share with young students here on the Island. “It’s so rewarding, watching young people grow, not only musically but in developing self-confidence.” Sue adds. “I think I get as much satisfaction out of it as the kids do and I’m enjoying the opportunity to teach young people the gift of music here in the Comox Valley.”
Sue currently has 19 students.
Sue continues to perform as a solo artist and has been performing jazz with the Georgia Strait Big Band and on the flip-side a 13-piece dance band which consists of two other female vocalists, called Time Well Wasted.
“We do everything from Doobie Brothers, Chicago, Eurythmics. It’s so much fun to re-visit those old songs.
“I have taken on a new role this year as the Volunteer Coordinator for the Filberg Festival and Lodge. I’ll also be performing at the Festival Friday, July 29 at 3:30 and July 31 at 1:30. I’m really looking forward to returning to Sooke, it was one of the highlights of my year…such an attentive and warm audience.”
Please join us for an extraordinary evening of music with this incredibly talented lady, this Saturday, July 2 at Holy Trinity Anglican Church. Doors at 7:30 p.m., with the concert starting at 8. Advance tickets are available at Shoppers Drug Mart.
Contributed by Dave Gallant
