Yes, those cliches are all true: Fredericton, NB is indeed cold, but the people really do make things awfully toasty.
I arrived late Thursday night to find that winter had just arrived via a snow storm Wednesday. This meant very snowy streets and to my Vancouverite sensibilty - a nasty chill. But then again, if you're going to host a festival called Shivering Songs - the weather best cooperate.
The second, three-day Shivering Songs festival kicked off last night at the beautiful Wilmot United Church on King Street. The pews filled up with people eager to take in an event dedicated to a quieter kind of music that really does fit quite perfectly with the darkness of winter.
The organizers of the event, Fredericton's The Olympic Symphonium started the night off with a set filled with their chamber folk-pop and soaring harmonies. The songs were sparse and dreamy and in no way got me prepared for the next event: the return of Hot Toddy Trio.
I was at a disadvantage for this event, the first show in nearly four years for this jazz-blues trio. The band played their entire album Shoe Factory, an album so well known that the audience was shouting out the next songs before the band had a chance to start playing. A truly memorable show.
Then it was off to an alley way that led to something called "The Capital Complex", a bunch of clubs connected by icy stairs and frequent club hoppers. The Capital Bar seems to be the go-to place in town for R3 bands given the album covers behind the bar (or should I say "ba-hr"). Fine folk-pop sets from Quiet Parade and Acres and Acres.
I was all set to head out when the siren call of curry poutine called me. My new most-friendly Fredericton friend suggested we eat our late-night snack in Dolon's. The cover band ended the night with a cover of "The Gambler." And yes, I also knew it was time to fold in for the night.
Off to many more shows today, including a Songwriters and Storyteller matinee.
CC photo of the Wilmot United Church by Piddleville
posted by
Lisa Christiansen
on Feb 04, 2012