An exciting lineup of Nova Scotian, National and International artists will take to the stage at the intimate Shannon Studio between now and June. The Shannon Studio Concert Series will kick off on Saturday, January 29th with singer and storyteller David Francey. Also featured will be bluesmen Garrett Mason & Joe Murphy on Februaury 26th; stalwarts of Irish music Makem & Spain Brothers on March 18th; Juno winner Amelia Curran with up and comer Erin Costello April 30th; burgeoning maritime pop group In Flight Safety May 7th and roots soul singer Thom Swift on June 11.
The price of each show is $24.00 or a series package can be purchased for $132.00. Tickets can be purchased in person at the Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre Box Office, by phone at 625-2591 or online at phcivic.com
Since leaving construction to record Torn Screen Door in 1999, Scottish-born Canadian David Francey has been recognized as one of today’s finest singer songwriters. Francey’s wry humour and astute observations combined with his openhearted singing style have earned him a loyal following.
“Francey has made a reputation for himself as one of Canada’s most revered folk poets and singers… [His songs] are small and beautifully crafted pieces of work that have made Francey both a folk festival favourite and something of a latter-day Canadian poet laureate.” – Greg Quill, the Toronto Star
David Francey was born in Ayrshire, Scotland where he got his first taste of the working life as a paperboy. David learned to read at an early age, and by age 12, was devouring the newspapers he delivered, establishing a life-long interest in politics and world events while developing the social conscience that forms the backdrop of his songs. David was 12 when he and his family immigrated to Toronto.
David’s attachment to Canada grew with his travels. The Franceys sang traditional Scottish tunes as they drove through the Canadian countryside. David’s dad and sister sang melody while David and his mother sang harmonies. He hitchhiked across the country three times and then thumbed his way to the Yukon. This attachment surfaces in his songs of rail lines, farms and the St. Lawrence Seaway. His understanding of the people grew as he worked in Toronto train yards, in the Yukon bush and in construction in the Eastern Townships of Quebec.
This year’s series is presented by PHCC, Music Nova Scotia’s Bringin’ it Home program and 101.5 the Hawk and is sponsored by Maritime Inns & Resorts, ECBC, and The Reporter.
