After a steamy summer, Vernon’s Bean Scene Coffee House is re-opening its upstairs venue to monthly live performances starting with a sorority circle of some of the valley’s finest singer-songwriters.
The salon-like forum, taking place Friday, Sept. 21, features four female composers: Carolyn Anele, Jane Eamon, Betty Johnson, and Betty Anne Northup.
Vernon-based artist Anele is a contemporary folk singer who performs her own original songs.
“The intimacy and warmth of her delivery recall a Judy Collins/Joni Mitchell vibe, which immediately directs her stories straight to the senses… Her music glows with western light and pure energy,” said Morning Star music reviewer Dean Gordon-Smith of Anele’s last album.
Kelowna’s Eamon is also a prolific songwriter, and winner of several B.C. Interior Music Awards.
She was a finalist of the prestigious Kerrville New Folk Competition and is the producer of six CDs of original music.
Eamon gave up writing and singing for 25 years, but returned in 1998 with a determination to keep going.
“It’s what drives me. It’s my passion,” she said, adding she has always been fascinated with the written word, teaching songwriting and pushing herself to write more and more.
“It’s not a living anymore, but it’s a great other life. I can’t imagine not writing songs.”
Johnson, also from Vernon, is known for her expressive voice and accomplished guitar playing.
Her performances are emphasized through acoustic jazz, blues and originals, and her ambient exploration and re-styling of beloved familiar tunes have attracted audiences.
There are two words Johnson uses to describe songwriting; “agonizing and amazing.”
A veteran participant of the George Ryga Centre’s songwriters’ intensive workshop, Johnson says she has been encouraged by workshop facilitators and B.C. music legends Bill Henderson and Roy Forbes to “get her stuff out there… Don’t hold back! People want to hear your music.”
An accomplished studio singer, songwriter, and musical mentor, Vernon’s Northup is a passionate engaging performer with a career spanning more than 35 years.
Accompanying herself at the piano or fronting a band, Northup’s pop, country, folk and jazz influences are revealed in her expressive voice.
Since 1997, she has owned and operated Vernon Recording and Teaching Studios, where she provides a learning environment dedicated to teaching singers of all ages and abilities the healthy way to develop their own unique vocal style.
Tickets to see the women are $20 each, now on sale at the Bean Scene. The show takes place Friday from 7 to 9 p.m.
