As I write this, we’ve just survived Calgary’s longest cold snap in 50 years.  I’m so happy that my recent ticketed shows got people out despite the weather, and I’m ramping up my live music performances for spring/summer festivals and events.

By the way, a good friend of mine, Laura Wilks, introduced me to a lovely fellow, Jeremy Cante- who was so kind to shoot some live videos of two of my recent shows. Those new videos will be posted in a couple of weeks.

The first was on January 17th at the Attic in Inglewood – I called it “Snow Business” as it was in January, and themed it with originals and covers that tied into the cold Canadian Winter Experience.  It kicked off with Sunshine City, an original I wrote for Calgary,  and included songs by classic Canadian acts like Gordon Lightfoot (Song for a Winter’s Evening), Anne Murray (Snowbird) and even Stompin’ Tom Connors (The Hockey Song, of course!). What a hoot.  We’re editing the videos and will have them up here soon.    It was cool to play here again, after a few years break – I used to play there quite often when it was Club Paradiso with my band.  This time, I did live looping and quite a bit of comedy – as a fully solo act – with the help of my amazing soundman/hubby Garry.

The second show was February 14th at Cornerstone Music Cafe, which is in Deer Run, closer to home. Since it was Valentine’s Day, I called it my “Love Compartments” show and themed it all around different facets of love.  It was almost all original songs, stories and comedy too, solo with live looping.  Because Cornerstone has a lovely baby-grand piano, I also did a couple of original songs on piano/vocals.  I debuted a song – one that even Gary had never heard – that I’d written for our son with the help of my sister, Angela Boudreau.  I was quite surprised to look up and see almost everyone in the room crying!  The show ended with a song I’d written just for Valentine’s Day – called “Teeny Tiny Valentiny” – and funny enough, I’d put teeny tiny Valentine’s Cards on every table…blank ones that people could write on, give away to someone else.  People loved these, and I got a huge ovation + encore from the crowd.   The service, food and the room was perfect – Cornerstone ensured tables were arranged to face the stage too.  It’s rare to get such a lovely, quiet listening audience.

So now I’m scheming spring shows.  A cool one coming up is at Spruce Meadows’ new Scotiabank stage….during the PanAmerican Show Jumping.  Meanwhile, it’s been such a long frigid winter that I’m really itching to get outside and play again.  So scheming about that too.  Come on, SPRING!

Check back soon for those new videos!