Edmonton will be well represented at the next Vernon Folk-Roots Music Society concert when soulful indie folk singer-songwriter Ann Vriend and Marv Machura take the stage.
Machura, who is now based in Vernon, and Vriend have recorded together and were part of the same folk scene in Alberta’s capital.
The co-founder of the non-profit VFRMS, Machura is opening for Vriend at their performance in Vernon, which takes place at the Vernon Christian Fellowship Hall, Saturday.
Vriend is an act you definitely don’t want to miss. With impressive instrumental talent, songwriting acumen, and a voice that captures your attention along with your heart, the performance is sure to highlight some of the best talent Canada has to offer.
Vriend’s sound is said to be difficult to pin down to any one genre. Her soulful voice can evoke nostalgic memories of legends such as Amy Winehouse and Aretha Franklin, and yet there is an original, fresh quality to her music that sets her apart from any other.
Vriend’s parents knew they had a musical prodigy on their hands when she mastered the violin and then the piano before she was 10 years old. Since then, her career has been on a steady incline of positive recognition for her stunning vocals and appreciation for her inspiring, soulful lyrics.
Her latest album, For the People in the Mean Time, released in March, tells the story of the struggles of inner city life, portrayed through Motown beats and bluesy, rockabilly folk.
This past summer saw Vriend take home the She’s the One prize for best solo performance at the Ottawa Bluesfest, while one of the songs from her latest album has been chosen for an upcoming Russian film.
Vriend was also featured on a CBC Vinyl Café episode with Stuart McLean.
Her humour on stage, along with consistently amazing live performances, have garnered her not only worldwide recognition, but also a loyal and appreciative fan base.
A seasoned performer, having shared his poetry, folk-rock music and songwriting with audiences for more than 25 years, Machura is known for his fun, relatable tone, with discernible influences that include Gordon Lightfoot, Steve Earle, Fred Eaglesmith and John Denver.
He has released four studio albums to date. The latest, I Want You, came out in 2011.
Doors to Saturday’s performance at Vernon Christian Fellowship, 4506 29th St., open at 6:45 p.m., with Machura on stage at 7:30 p.m., and Vriend at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online at www.vernonfolkroots.com, at the Bean Scene or at the door. VFRMS memberships start at $20/year, and members receive $5 off the ticket price at the door.
