There is real sincerity in performer Norman Foote's voice when he calls fellow musician Linda Kidder "one of Vancouver's greatest singers".
It is high praise indeed, as Foote himself is recognized as a skillful musician and artist, having written and recorded songs for Disney, Shari Lewis and CBC TV. He's performed with symphonies, at festivals around the world and given a command performance for Prime Minister Jean Chretien.
"I also produce concerts and shows and Doing It For A Song is something I have been doing for about seven years now," said Foote.
Doing It For A Song is a night of musical extravagance at the Brackendale Art Gallery (BAG), featuring both local and professional artists.
Foote is especially fond of BAG and its owner, Thor Froslev.
"Thor Froslev is one of the hidden gems of the arts in Canada," he said. "He has been providing opportunities to artists of various natures for years. And it is a great venue."
Doing It For A Song takes place at BAG Nov. 13 at 7:30 p.m. and features some great talent.
"Although Linda Kidder is the headliner, all the acts are really fantastic," said Foote. "I really mean it when I say she is one of Vancouver's greatest singers."
Kidder has toured throughout the world with KD Lang, Gary Fjellgaard, Michelle Wright and Ian Tyson.
"She's always been left of centre stage, but she has won awards and toured the world, but it was always someone else's show," said Foote. "But, this is her show."
Kidder will be performing songs from her latest CD, Closer To Bliss.
Along with the jazz and blues-influenced roots music performed by Kidder, audiences can expect Foote's irreverent humour as MC and host, and a plethora of other performers.
Squamish's Emily and Richard Tran will start the show with a couple of songs, followed by young local rockers Black Swade.Brackendale resident Cam Salay will also be performing some of his own material, accompanied by his wife Colleen."It's pretty rootsy music," said Salay. "It's good to perform my own songs. I'm usually a side guy."
Salay has played with many combos over the years, including the Paperboys, but has more recently been working with his new band called Farmhouse (www.farmhousemusic.com).
As if that wasn't enough entertainment for one night, singer/songwriter Leslie Alexander will also be performing songs from her CD Savage Country. Alexander is a talented performer whose CDs have found airplay on CBC as well as on the BBC and Australian NPR.
Tickets for the show are $14 or $12 for students and seniors, available at Mostly Books or [email protected]
