by WGO staff
Joella Foulds has been known for many things since moving to Cape Breton Island in the late 1970s: broadcaster, artist manager, festival founder, advocate for the arts, and industry builder. On Saturday, May 20, Joella’s first love will take focus centre stage at the Cape Breton University Boardmore Playhouse for a one-night-only performance of her new show Joella: My Life, My Songs.
The evening will feature Foulds’ original songs which were written over a span of more than 35 years. The show will include theatrical and audio-visual elements bringing the audience on a journey through Joella’s life as she shares stories that have inspired her songwriting. Showtime is 7:30 PM.
Joella’s love of music began early on and she was learning to play piano by the age of 10. By the time she entered university, Joella had picked up guitar and begun singing and performing. In 1979 she joined Rita MacNeil’s first band as a guitarist and supporting vocalist. It was during the six years spent with Rita that Joella began writing her own songs, at Rita’s encouragement, and in 2018, she released her first album “Looking Back”.
Joella has contributed greatly to Cape Breton Island’s music, culture, and arts scenes over the years. As a member of numerous committees, organizations, and working groups, and sitting at many tables, Joella worked tirelessly to protect and promote arts and culture, and to advocate on behalf of artists of all types. With Max MacDonald, she co-founded an artist management company, Rave Entertainment, and together, they created the Celtic Colours International Festival. Joella served as Artistic Director, then Executive Director, of Celtic Colours until her retirement in 2016.
Joella’s work has been acknowledged locally, regionally, and nationally, and her many accolades include induction into the Nova Scotia Music Hall of Fame (2015), as well as the Cape Breton Tourism Hall of Fame (2011), and the Cape Breton Business Hall of Fame (2006); being named a Member of the Order of Canada (CM) (2012), having a Doctor of Letters, Honoris Causa, bestowed upon her by Cape Breton University (2011), and being recognized by ECMA with an Industry Builder award (2000). Joella continues to pursue her life’s passions which include gardening, performing in local theatrical and musical productions, spending time with her family, and creating music.
Joella: My Life, My Songs was created under the direction of Robyn Cathcart.
“Robyn has been encouraging me to do this show since I released my album. I am so grateful for his gentle guidance. It’s wonderful to be retired and finally have some time. I’ve had overwhelming support for the idea from an amazing circle of friends who have been helping bring it to life. It just seemed to be the right time to do it,” says Foulds.
For Cathcart, the timing of the show is significant.
“It has been a lifetime in the making,” he says. “In the chaos and uncertainty of the last few years, it became clear to me that Joella’s songs are powerful beacons of light and hope. They remind us that we are part of everything and everyone we meet, and how important it is to take stock and celebrate every moment.”
The show is produced in partnership with the Cape Breton University Boardmore Playhouse. A discounted ticket price is offered to those who wish to donate food items to the CBU Student Foodbank. Donations will be collected at the door on the night of the show. Tickets can be purchased online through Eventbrite at joella.eventbrite.com.
