folkus concert series

Stephen Fearing Launches folkus concert series into its second year Saturday October 26th 2002

Four-time Juno nominee Stephen Fearing kicks off the second acoustic music-filled season of the folkus Concert Series at the Almonte Old Town Hall Sat. Oct 26th.

In addition to Stephen Fearing, the folkus Concert Series brings traditional fiddler and stepdancer Kelli Trottier and her band Jan. 25th; the four-member African-inspired female a capella group Malaika March 1st, and April 26th welcomes back Toronto's Dylan-esque folkie Greg Hobbs and his band after his standing-ovation performance as an opening act at The Ragged Flowers' sold-out concert last year.

Started as a three-concert series by a group of Almonte and Pakenham residents last fall, in its first year folkus consistently filled and even sold out Almonte's 220-seat heritage theatre. With the objective of providing original Canadian music and culture in an intimate small-town setting, this year the folk music series expands to four shows going into April, including four opening acts from the Ottawa Valley.

"We're absolutely pleased and excited to be starting our season with someone of Stephen Fearing's caliber," says folkus Artistic Director and Almonte-based singer-songwriter Peggy White. "He's been celebrated across North America for good reason as a superb example of the Canadian folk music tradition." White also says that in the tradition of having regional opening acts at folkus, Order of Canada puppeteer Noreen Young and her artist/property developer/puppeteer brother Stephen Brathwaite have agreed to spoof the music community with what we are sure will be an irreverent, hilarious skit.

For almost 17 years, Stephen Fearing has been penning some of the most literate, stirring and emotionally charged folk music anywhere. Couple this with stunning guitar work, and a smooth intimate voice, and you have the elements of the unique performer that is also part of the Willie P. Bennett-inspired Blackie and the Rodeo Kings.

After a year of touring throughout Canada and the United States Fearing is back with a new studio album. "That's How I Walk" is the sixth solo album for this four-time JUNO nominee, and follows up the critically lauded "So Many Miles".

It is the spirit of the road and the constant motion of touring that form the foundation of Fearing's latest album, with most of the songs written completely, or at least started, whilst enroute from one gig to another. "I found that late at night, after the show, was the best time for making miles between gigs and also the best time for writing," says Stephen. "The songs reflect this, as characters in motion, and images of darkness and travel haunt many of the songs."

Admission to the Oct. 26th Stephen Fearing concert is $15 in advance from The Miller's Tale bookstore in Almonte, 256-9090, with four-concert series tickets priced at $50. In the case where a concert is not sold out, tickets can also be purchased at the Almonte Old Town Hall the night of the performance. Doors open at 7:30pm, and the show begins at 8:00pm.