I would have fought tooth and nail to get the brilliant record, And Now We Sing by London’s Olenka and the Autumn Lovers on this year’s Polaris Prize shortlist. A fist shake to you misinformed Polaris jurors. Mark my words, this talented group will be on that list in due time. Thankfully though, Canadians won’t have to wait to at least see them in concert. This summer, fans will get to experience exactly what makes this band so special as the band have announced a trek across the Westerly half of this nation.
The extensive outing will last for the month of August with a handful of dates in late July and early September. Great news too... A house show at Casa Del Zombie in Calgary has again been scheduled for the middle of August. The tour will wrap up on September 3rd at the beautiful Aeolian Hall in London.
See the full tour schedule below.
Tour dates:
7/29 Toronto, ON - The Great Hall (Out of the Box Festival)
7/30 Peterborough, ON - The Attic
8/1 Sudbury, ON - The Townehouse
8/5 Winnipeg, MB - The Lo Pub
8/6 Bruno, SK - The Bruno Arts Bank
8/8 Calgary, AB - Weeds
8/9 Penticton, BC - Voodoos
8/11 Vancouver, BC - Red Cat Records (early show)
8/11 Vancouver, BC - The Biltmore (late show)
8/13 Kamloops, BC - The Art We Are 8/14 Calgary, AB - haus show
8/15 Edmonton, AB - Wunderbar
8/16 Lethbridge, AB - Tongue and Groove
8/17 Regina, SK - The Creative City Centre
8/18 Saskatoon, SK - Jale
8/19 Yorkton, SK - Fifth Avenue Cup and Saucer
8/20-21 Kelwood, MB - Harvest Sun Music Festival
8/22 Winnipeg, MB - Mondragon
8/24 Thunder Bay, ON - The Apollo
8/25 Sault Ste. Marie, ON - Loplops
8/26 Sarnia, ON - The Urban Nature Centre 9/3 London, ON - The Aeolian Hall
Lastly if by chance you missed this free download nugget I suggest you grab it. Even in this hot July weather Olenka’s voice will give you the chills.
There is something about the fall that I find particularly stirring. Perhaps it’s the explosions of unrefined colour that swathe every treed landscape around here; perhaps it’s the sense of urgency so many silvery clouds and cold frosty mornings imbue within me. I know what lies around the corner and these days feel like a series of gifts. The very ones you have to lock in your heart for safekeeping because by mid-February you’re going to need them. That is always the way.
And Now We Sing, the new record and second full length from London’s own Olenka and the Autumn Lovers feels like a succession of gifts too. Fourteen exceptional songs each comprising a small treasure that will twist around your heart and seize it from the get go. These songs, some of the best I have heard from anyone this year. (Hyperbole be damned.) This is simply one fine record from start to finish. Don’t be surprised if this one figures prominently on the Polaris Prize list of nominees next year.
Olenka Krakus, along with her band of Autumn Lovers has delivered a fine blend of Eastern European tinged folk and urban Canadiana. And Now We Sing, a collection of folk ballads and celebratory songs succeeds because of its grand diversity- Quiet as can be in one moment and rollicking in the next. I imagine this record performed around a roaring campfire- Violins and guitars drawing the listener in and around, warming and enlivening the soul with perfect harmonies. Topping it off, Krakus’ extraordinary voice and wise beyond her years lyrical capacity will leave you more than a little awestruck. With a voice that rivals the sweetest of singers (“Lark”), next delivering poetic words that cut as deep as a sharpened knife (“No Coins”). For the uninitiated, think Gogol Bordello fronted by Patti Smith with Wilco playing in the background.
Standout tracks “Motel Blues”, and my current favourite “Go” showcase the stellar guitar work of Autumn LoverBlair Whatmore. His pedal steel and guitar skillfully weaves its way in and around this record. The results add an original and entirely playful layer to augment the rich sounds of the band.
Produced by Olenka Krakus, And Now We Sing is a powerful achievement that demands repeated listening. Your favourite song will change with every listen. The record is a perfect heartfelt antidote for cold nights and burning soul fires.
Lock this one in your heart too. You never know when you just might need it.
PPPPP
Olenka and the Autumn Lovers:
Olenka Krakus - classical guitar, lead vocal Sara Froese - violin, vocals Simon Larochette - trumpet Daniel Mancini - drums Kelly Wallraff - cello, vocals Blair Whatmore - electric guitar, lap steel, mandolin, accordion
Olenka and the Autumn Lovers have been gradually releasing And Now We Sing on a recent tour of Eastern Canada, premiering the disc in every city they visited. Now its London’s turn as their homecoming show and record release happens this Friday night at the Aeolian Hall.
From Olenka and the Autumn Lovers:
first and foremost, some of you may be aware that Friday will be Blair's last show with the band. it's sad news, but we wish him well in his future musical pursuits. we hope you guys will make an extra effort to come out and see him off.
secondly, our dear friend and bass-guru, Kevin Brasier, is taking the train all the way from Sackville, New Brunswick to join us for the show. we had the fortune of playing with Kevin during a few of our recent Maritimes dates, and we can't wait to share the stage with him again this Friday.
also joining us at Friday's show will be Shawn Clarke on saxophone, Kelly Webb on trumpet, and Christian Hegele on keys/piano. that's right! a fairly large brass contingent and a dollop of keyboard sweetness!
also, Kite Hill will amaze you. we've played a bunch of shows with them over the past few weeks, and each night they get better and more inspiring. we can't wait to share their music with you guys.
finally, Marc Gammal at APK Live has invited us all over to his lovely new venue for an afterparty. bring your tickets to bypass the line, and i think if you mention something about the show to Marc, you get a treat... or a trick, not sure. you'll have to try your luck.
WHERE: Aeolian Hall 795 Dundas St.
WHEN: Friday Oct. 29, 8:30p
HOW MUCH: $15 adv, $20 @ door
thanks for your love and support,
O and AL
And Now We Sing will be available for sale the night of the show.
Concertgoers are invited to the official after party at The APK Live (340 Wellington St. at York, downstairs). Kite Hill is also on the 9 p.m. bill at the 795 Dundas St. (at Rectory) hall. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door, plus applicable charges.
Good friends, talented musicians, and all round amazing people they are- Olenka and the Autumn Loversare headed east once again for a fall tour. If you do have the opportunity to see them I would strongly encourage you to do so. This band’s warm stage presence and mesmerizing music is a rare treat. The absolute perfect soundtrack for those brisk Maritime evenings... Oh and don't forget- with a couple dates closer to home before the big trip this is your chance to send them off in style and witness something very special.
hey all. the leaves are falling, and we're heading east again, this time 'round for Halifax Pop. we'll be visiting a bunch of cities and hanging out with new and old friends alike. come out to the shows and help us share in the wonderful experience that is touring through this beautiful region of Canada in the most perfect of seasons.
In December 2008, 10 artists made the short list for CHRW's 2008 Local Album of the Year. Observant readers might even remember a post I wrote to commemorate this accolade. Great news then that on Friday March 20th, CHRW (Radio Western) are presenting winners Olenka and The Autumn Loversalong with nominees James Cummins and his Bloom Band, and Fraser in concert at the Aeolian Hall in London.
Only one week left to get pre-sale tickets for this show: Cost is $15 ($20 @ the door) and available at a number of locations:
CHRW Studios, Room 250, University Community Centre OR online at the CHRW store (after purchasing tickets, simply print the receipt and bring it to the show for entry) InfoSource in the University Community Centre Aeolian Hall (or online at their website) Grooves Records, 353 Clarence Street, The Village Idiot, 135, Wortley, Wortley Village L'Atelier Grigorian, 620 Richmond Street
This event is also a fundraiser for CHRW to help subsidize several worthy projects that include: Revamping their production studio with a Mac Pro and an Allen & Heath mixer, replacing their tube transmitter with a new solid state one, hiring a full-time News, Sports & Spoken Word Director, and the development of a new website. All of these projects are being undertaken to ensure CHRW hosts can continue to promote London & Western events and artists.
Be sure to come out to support these great local artists and enjoy one of London's best live venues, the Aeolian Hall, Friday March 20th. The event is licensed and all ages, doors open at 7:30pm and the show gets underway at 8:30pm!
