Paul Tessier
For The Monring Star
Vernon made a lasting impression on Welsh folk singer Martyn Joseph. He clearly remembers his first visit to the city back in April of last year.
“I went for a lovely walk before the show,” he recalled. “I found a great second-hand bookstore and bought The Book of Amigos, and I also went to a beautiful place where they sell the most amazing balsamic vinegars. I happened to meet some people on the street who were looking forward to the gig. The town was very welcoming and the gig was fantastic.”
Joseph is returning to Vernon for another show Saturday, March 18 at the Vernon Lodge and Conference Centre. He is well known for his uplifting shows and we can expect more of the same.
“I’m just going around reminding people of self-evident truths right now about who we are, despite what’s going on politically,” he said. “Though things have changed politically, much of the world has not changed. There are no less good people in the world and I still think the majority of the people in the world look to light and things like inclusiveness. I feel the job of artists right now is to remind people of the greater good and that there are amazing projects all over the world where people get out of bed everyday and do fantastic things.”
He also commented on the seemingly never ending negativity in our modern-day media.
“People are exposed to all this negativity on a continual basis and we get fearful. When we get fearful, we forget who we are, so we need to remind people of our true nature… love, empathy and compassion.”
Joseph will also bring a bit of the Welsh psyche to the performance.
“I do have a great deal of pride in the place that I come from and I do think we have a bit of an underdog mentality,” he said. “I think it permeates in what I do on stage. Wales is a very small country. I believe that if you come from a small place, you’re quite often on the side of the small guy; people who don’t get all the opportunities and chances. It’s about wanting a level playing field for everyone.”
Joseph is also looking forward to his return engagement in Vernon.
“I’m just going to sing a lot of songs, some of which might move you to tears, and some which will make you laugh. We’ll have a great night of community together. As Bruce Cockburn said, hopefully we’ll ‘kick at the darkness’ and it’ll be a win-win for everyone.”
Martyn Joseph performs for the Vernon Folk-Roots Music Society March 18 at the Vernon Lodge and Conference Centre. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 ($15 for VFRMS members) at ticketseller.ca (250-549-7469), Bean Scene (Vernon) or at the door, if available (cash only).
More information is at vernonfolkroots.com or e-mail info@vernonfolkroots.com.