Also appearing Friday
Lauren Mann
[ When I was visiting the UK, many summers ago, my son arranged a house concert in our home in Prince George for Lauren and her band who were on tour. Who would have known that years later we would both be living on Pender? Immersed and much loved and respected in the Pender Arts scene I am delighted to have Lauren play for us! J. ]
In an industry where an “all or nothing” approach is often believed to be the only way to make it work, Lauren Mann has embraced the island mentality of slowing down and creating space for the different facets of life to coexist. After touring relentlessly through North America, winning the 2014 CBC Searchlight contest, placing second in the Peak Performance Project the same year, and charting on CBC Radio and Earshot, Lauren has seen the highs and lows that accompany the full-time musician and knows first-hand the toll it can take on the mind and body. Settling in the Southern Gulf Islands was the complete antidote to the hustle of the touring lifestyle, and becoming the Creative Director of a local arts organization gave her the opportunity to be on the other side of the industry. Through her position, she has played a strong role in supporting local and touring artists, as well as running arts programming in the community, including Pender Island’s annual Mosaic Festival.After her last tour in 2019 and subsequent release of Memory & Desire in 2020, Lauren took an informal hiatus to focus on her work in the community, take up sailing, go backpacking, plant a garden, get married, and become a mother. While adventuring and embracing new seasons of life, the desire to create through lyrics and music has always been simmering just below the surface. All of these various endeavours inspire her artistic pursuit, giving depth and breadth to her writing and playing. She has returned to the studio to explore new ways of collaborating and recording in the midst of regular rhythms, exploring new musical directions with the piano-driven folk pop foundation for which she is known.
Listen to her on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/uV8idt1iQbg?si=eP-o5J9kO9i-NFAc
Olivia Barrett
[ Being half Irish I immediately identify with Olivia’s pieces. Adam Dobres recommended Olivia to apply to play at The Crisp. As a huge fan of Adam’s I took a listen and I know why Adam in turn is a big Olivia fan! J. ]
Summoning a wave of modern nostalgia, Olivia’s masterful fiddle playing flows seamlessly between the old and the new, breathing life into traditional tunes through the rhythms of contemporary folk. Elegant, playful, and precise, Olivia’s music is defined by her gift for crafting new melodies from the threads of the traditions of Ireland, Scotland, and Scandinavia.
Based in Victoria BC, Olivia's playing has become known for its elegance and fluidity, and has brought her to stages across Canada, the US, and Europe, with recent performances at Celtic Connections and Milwaukee Irish Fest.
Olivia's debut solo album, Elsewhere (September 2024), gracefully blends her own enchanting melodies with the sounds of her favourite traditional tunes. Drawing on a lifetime's obsession with Irish traditional music, Elsewhereweaves Olivia's fiddle with accordion, guitar, and harp in tunes that journey effortlessly from the delicate to the driving.
Listen on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/GQUS81L8Mj0?si=bZ0Lgaw-XfZ1va0P
Grayson Lenner
[ Last year Grayson came as part of Emily Olsen’s Connection Project. I was bowled over by his voice and asked him to sing one song at the second evening concert. This year we welcome him back for a few more! J. ]
Grayson Lenner is a Victoria, BC-based singer-songwriter dedicated to crafting and sharing his original music. His distinctive sound seamlessly blends indie-folk, pop, and contemporary rock elements, drawing comparisons to esteemed artists like Ben Howard and Ryan Adams. With a lifelong passion for music, Grayson has honed a unique voice in songwriting that has garnered recognition, including a top 15 finish in the prestigious Canadian Songwriter Challenge. Currently working towards his debut solo studio album, Grayson's music is characterized by thoughtful lyrics, memorable melodies, and a captivating live presence. Whether performing solo or with a full band, his soulful voice and skilled guitar work consistently leave a lasting impact on audiences, solidifying his position as a rising talent in the music scene. Listen on YouTube: https://youtu.be/MVqo4p9Gcjs?si=YoFnY-KidqXotOHc