For the first time in her expansive career, Juno Award-winning singer and songwriter, Shari Ulrich, is making her musical debut in Hope while solo touring the release of her latest album, Back to Shore.
Born in sunny California, Ulrich has called British Columbia her home for more than four decades, and began her musical career while in her early 20s. “I’m sure it’s relatively late compared to some people these days,” commented Ulrich during a telephone interview. But when you find your passion, age isn’t as important as following your dreams.
Or as important as sharing our collective adventures during this journey called life.
“Much of my audience has grown up with me,” Ulrich explained, “so I tend to speak about their lives (as well as my own).”
Not officially released until June 21, Ulrich says Back to Shore doesn’t necessarily carry theme, but rather cross-examines aspects of the human experience.
“It’s about life, about whatever’s going on with me (and others): it’s about aging, dementia, the absurdity of going to Mars, a cautionary tale of infidelity.”
Really, it’s a bit of everything, but Ulrich wouldn’t have it any other way, as her style is just as eclectic.
“My music style is an amalgamation of singer, songwriter, acoustic-folk-pop, and certainly, this new album runs that entire gamut as well,” Ulrich continued.
On Wednesday, May 29, Ulrich will kick off her solo tour of Back to Shore at the Blue Moose Coffee House (322 Wallace St.) at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20, and can be purchased at the Blue Moose, or online at BrownPaperTickets.com/event/4238166.
“I’ve never performed in Hope—we’ve always gone through to anywhere else, or stopped and slept there—so I’m excited about (this)!”
READ MORE: Blue Moose goes unplugged
And although the tour begins nearly a month prior to the album’s release, Ulrich says anyone wanting to buy a copy at the concert will be able.
“I have a whole bunch in my car that I’m bringing with me, but they’ll be available online (in) June,” Ulrich added.
Back to Shore is Ulrich’s nineth solo album, and while she wrote all 12 songs, her daughter and daughter’s partner—James Perrella—co-engineered and -produced the album alongside her. “It’s wonderful (to keep it all in the family). I love it.”
Also featured on the album are contributions from Cara Luft on banjo, John Reischmann on mandolin, Scott Smith on electric guitar and dobro, Michael Creber on piano and B3, Peggy Lee on cello, drummer Geoff Hicks, bassist Rob Becker, and harmony singers Julia Graff—Ulrich’s daughter—and Kirby Barber.
With two Juno Awards, several Juno nominations, a 2014 Canadian Folk Music Award for English Songwriter of the Year, and an induction into the BC Entertainment Hall of Fame, Ulrich’s impact on the music scene is undeniable. Visit her website at ShariUlrich.com.
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