The words are from “Borderlands”, written by David Francey and Lori Watson during their time in the Songwriters’ House at the 2008 Celtic Colours International Festival.
Francey, one of Canada’s best contemporary folk singer/songwriters, returns to Cape Breton this Friday, November 25, 8:30pm, for a concert at the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre in Sydney.
Along with being named SOCAN Folk Music Artist of the Year, Francey has been nominated for two Canadian Folk Music Awards (Solo Artist of The Year and English Songwriter of the Year), and he has also earned three Juno awards.
Francey’s song “Skating Rink” is part of Hockey Day in Canada as the official theme song, earning this bit of praise from Hockey Night in Canada host, Ron MacLean: “One of Canada’s outstanding poets, songwriters, storytellers.”
This past April, Francey released his ninth CD album, Late Edition.
Francey’s songs have been performed by artists worldwide. Del McCoury, James Keelaghan, Raylene Rankin and Harvey Reid, among others, have each recorded Francey tunes. Four choirs–Toronto’s Common Thread, Kingston’s Open Voices, Vancouver’s Solidarity Notes and the Seattle Labor Chorus–have performed works by Francey and his songs are being taught to school children in classrooms across Canada.
Francey has performed at all of Canada’s major folk festivals, including multiple visits to Cape Breton’s Celtic Colours International Festival, along with Denmark’s prestigious Tønder Festival, the Towersey Village Festival in Oxford, England and the Carrying Stream Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland.
He has hosted workshops that included such artists as Jesse Winchester, Dougie MacLean, Garnet Rogers, the Ennis Sisters, and Ray Bonneville. He has shared workshops with Steve Earle, Billy Bragg, Utah Phillips, Oysterband, Kate Rusby, James Keelaghan, Sylvia Tyson, Karen Savoca, Shooglenifty, Ashley MacIsaac, the Waifs, and numerous others.
Michael Johnson, of Exclaim Magazine, says of Francey’s work, “Like country blues legend Mississippi John Hurt, David Francey writes in a direct, snapshot style. And, like Hurt, his folk-based songs ought to be played 100 years from now.”
This concert is being presented with cabaret seating for those 19 years and older. Doors open at 7 pm with show time at 8:30pm.
Tickets are on sale at the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre box office or by calling 539-2300. Box office hours are from 10 am to 6 pm, Monday to Friday.
