A pair of famed singer-songwriters are bringing a night of music, storytelling and hilarity to town.
Danny Michel and Steve Poltz are in concert at the Vernon Performing Arts Centre Sunday, Nov. 24 at 7:30 p.m.
The duo met at a little Canadian folk festival a dozen years ago and became quick pals, creating one-of-a-kind live musical experiences on the spot.
On this fall’s Canadian tour, they hit the stage with their own solo sets “and sweeten the evening” with impromptu collaborations. Carefree. Fearless. “You have to be there to see it live. Expect the unexpected!” writes Canadian Beats’ Jenna Melanson.
With nominations for three Junos, the Polaris Prize, The CBC Heart Of Gold and a pile of albums under his belt, Michel is unquestionably one of Canada’s finest songwriters. He is celebrated for his thoughtful lyrics and earnest performances which have earned him a devoted fan base. A musical chameleon, he is able to slip into many musical genres with ease.
Michel’s single Don’t Be So Hard On Yourself from his album Ghost Town was the #1 Fan Voted Song Of The Year on CBC Music’s Top 20 in 2022, and won two Canadian Folk Music Awards for Producer of the Year and Pushing the Boundaries in 2017 for his album Khlebnikov.
Halifax-born, California-raised Poltz is a storytelling genius, weaving threads through songs to make you laugh and cry. He’s hyper, charismatic, spontaneous, joyous.
Singer-songwriter and guitarist Poltz is known for his engaging acoustic performances. He began his relationship with the guitar at six-years old.
“We’re joined at the hip and lip and it’s always near my grip,” he affirms.
He grew up in LA and Palm Springs (where he met Elvis and Liberace) and settled in San Diego—where he cut his teeth “under the tutelage of The Beat Farmers.”
Poltz kicked-off his musical journey in San Diego-bred underground favourites The Rugburns. However, the world got to know Poltz when he co-wrote two tracks from Jewel’s diamond-certified debut album Pieces of You, including the multi-platinum Billboard Hot 100’s #2 You Were Meant for Me (also appearing in the official video). He delivered his own full-length debut One Left Shoe in 1998 and paved the way for an extensive solo catalogue, defined by what he calls “evocative lyrics mixed with positivity and traces of tragicomedy.” Recent hits include Quarantine Blues, Ballin’ On A Wednesday, Conveyor Belt, and Miles In My Heart.
“I’m just a weirdo, a freak, a bon vivant, a rounder, a rabble rouser, a workaholic, a people pleaser, an idiot and a grateful kid who ran away and joined the circus,” Poltz claims.
And on YouTube (2016), he said: “Hey God, I'll Trade You Donald Trump for Leonard Cohen?"
Michel last performed in Vernon in 2015 as the frequently featured musical guest with the late, widely-loved Stuart McLean as part of his touring The Vinyl Café show. Of Michel, McLean said: “Just fabulous. He’s kind of like Paul Simon in the Rhymin’ Simon days.”
For tickets, contact the Ticket Seller Box Office at 250-549-SHOW (7469) or visit ticketseller.ca to purchase online.
