Alessandra Woodward
Special to The Morning Star
It’s a new year, and the Vernon Folk-Roots Music Society has an exciting new lineup for 2015.
On Saturday, Jan. 24, the VFRMS is pleased to present concert and recording artist Norm Strauss at the Vernon Elks Hall, with Kim June Johnson joining as the opening act, as well as a band member in the feature show.
Strauss is a singer-songwriter who is accustomed to performing for audiences all over the world. Splitting his living and career between Kelowna and Germany has garnered Strauss a loyal fan following, and with his latest album release The Colour of Everything, the 15th solo recording of his career, he is sure to receive solid affirmation from new and old fans alike.
Though songwriting, studio time, and album production are all close to Strauss’ heart, when it comes to the creative process and result, the singer says “…performing is where the rubber meets the road.”
Strauss’ bluesy eclectic style is one full of classic finger-picking guitar, storytelling, and heartfelt lyrics, with inspirations from the likes of James Taylor, Noel Paul Stookey, and Mark Heard.
Having started with intimate house concerts during his 20s, to producing full live performances in music venues, Strauss still believes that the longevity behind his music can be attributed to the connection the audience feels when they engage with his songs.
He and his music have come a long way since he first learned how to play the guitar in northern B.C. logging camps. Now Strauss can be considered one of the finest musicians in the Okanagan. He maintains that the primary task of any artist is to “observe, record, and somehow convey that which the average person does not notice, or takes for granted.” In this way, Strauss says, creativity allows us to connect, and his songs are full of ways that remind the audience of the common ground we all share, and the feelings evoked by those events.
Joining Strauss on stage, as well as opening for the evening, will be award winning Canadian musician, poet, and creative soul Johnson, who released her third album, Canvas and Clay, in May.
She continues to inspire audiences, fans, and students with her passion for all things creative.
Johnson has been recognized for her outstanding songwriting abilities by an international audience (at both U.S. and international songwriting competitions) as well as right here at home, winning the Best New Artist at the 2006 Okanagan Music Awards, and taking first place at the Shuswap Writers Convention.
Johnson manages to skillfully weave her love of wordcraft into melodic pieces of art, and her music has been captivating audiences for years.
Doors to Saturday’s concert at the Elks Hall, 3103 30th St., open at 6:45 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at www.vernonfolkroots.com, at the Bean Scene, or at the door (where members will receive $5 off the ticket price).
