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Fisher Peak Performing Arts Society & Key City Theatre presents:
Fisher Peak Winter Ale Concert Series 2024:
Jenny Allen
with Dave Prinn & Heather Gemmell
April 17th at 7:00 pm
Tickets: Regular $35 | FPPAS, Big Ticket Plus, & Big Ticket Members $30 | Subscription (Tickets to all 4 shows $120
About the Show
Jenny Allen
Sensual, frank and fearless", said Calgary Fast Forward Magazine about
performing songwriter Jenny Allen. Her first solo recording, 'Something to
Say', produced by Canadian folk legend Valdy, led to invitations at major
festivals both in Canada and the US. and widespread critical acclaim.
Opening for the likes of Taj Mahal, Jennifer Warnes, and Shawn Colvin, her
music invited comparisons to Mary Chapin Carpenter and Tracy
Chapman, swinging effortlessly between a rich variety of styles such as
roots, blues, pop and rock.
On the heels of her acclaimed sophomore release 'If I Fall', Allen joined
forces with Calgary-based songwriters Lin Elder and Lori Reid. Their trio
'The Fates' became one of Albertas most beloved concert acts, touring
extensively throughout Western Canada over nine years in support of their
three studio CD releases, receiving extensive airplay and charting at #2 for
best album of 2008 on CKUA Radio.
From 2012 to 2015 Jenny teamed up with fellow singer/songwriter Leslie Alexander, and what started as a double bill quickly became 'Allen and Alexander', a high energy, winsome duo, the two supporting each other vocally and instrumentally.
Continuing to write and perform as a solo artist, Allen released her third solo project "Blanket" in the spring of 2012. For her many fans it's no exaggeration
to say the record was highly anticipated, featuring production by BCCMA Producer of the Year John MacArthur Ellis (Ridley Bent, Leeroy Stagger) and a set list of original songs well-seasoned with experience, insight, and emotional impact. Backed by Pat Steward on drums, Rob Becker on bass, John Ellis on guitars, and Mel Smith, Pete Loughlin and tour mate Leslie Alexander on vocals, the album is garnering rave reviews, leaving one critic to say, "Blanket is alive from the onset, then begins to build into a class, or category of its own.' (Victory Music)
Currently working on new material and collaborating with long time musical compadre Peter Loughlin Jenny will be recording a new solo project in the fall of 2021. soon to appear clean across Canada and the US, captivating audiences with her songs
and stage presence, clearly demonstrating she's a musical force to be
reckoned with.
About Dave Prinn:
Dave hails from Montreal and spent the bulk of his adult life globetrotting with the Canadian Military. In his travels he was exposed to many genres of music and played with a variety of performers in a number of styles of music from a cappella vocal ensembles to folk trios and classic rock and roll bands. His heart lies in the story and as a result his go-to music is the ballad with a mix of original and cover tunes. He moved from Alberta to Cranbrook in 2007 and he now calls the East Kootenay “Home”.
About Heather Gemmell:
In the realm of mountain music, Heather Gemmell stands out with her signature style — a flat-brimmed hat, cascading golden locks, and an infectious smile that radiates through her performances. From Kimberley BC, A trailblazer in her own right, Heather secured the prestigious CBC Searchlight 2022 Fan Choice Award for her compelling song "NorthStar Burning," a poignant narrative that resonated deeply across western Canada. The song delves into the devastating arson that crippled her hometown ski hill and local economy, capturing the hearts of thousands.
Heather's songwriting spans the emotional spectrum, a skill complemented by her diverse instrumental abilities that have become the hallmark of her musical identity. Not just a musician, but a one-woman band, Heather seamlessly blends traditional instruments with a contemporary flair, creating a stage presence that sets her apart. With a radiant energy, captivating stage performances, and undeniable talent, she has redefined what it means to be a solo artist.
Boasting three full-length albums, Heather weaves a tapestry of stories that captivate listeners with each phrase. Her musical journey, she notes, is a perpetual quest for tone and stage sound, an ongoing exploration fueled by a relentless passion for her craft. Her setup is unparalleled — an acoustic guitar, clawhammer banjo, electric lap steel, and overdriven harmonica rack mic, and a uniquely designed double-chambered cajon, all part of a mesmerizing performance that involves drumming with her feet, playing multiple instruments, and triggering loops with precision. As a Seydel Harmonica endorser, she never leaves behind her arsenal of mouth harps and Rackit 2.0 microphone.
Heather's uniqueness extends beyond her instrumentation; it permeates her evolving persona. Over her fifteen-year career, she has become a powerhouse in the East-and West Kootenay musical landscape, garnering respect and acclaim. Her dedication to music is palpable every time she takes the stage, delivering performances packed with what she describes as "Roots & Blues-grass," a fusion of Canadian/Americana flavor. Always one to engage with her audience, Heather steps off her kick drums, mingles with the crowd, and distributes hand-made percussion instruments during her shows. With a new wireless instrument system enhancing her interactions, her performances are a captivating, eye-catching experience that transcends age barriers. Heather Gemmell is not just a musician; she is a dynamic force shaping the future of mountain music with her unparalleled talent and evolving artistry.