The soulful songs of Vernon's Carolyn Anele will be featured at this month’s Coldstream Coffee House, Saturday, April 16.
An award-winning contemporary folk singer-songwriter, Anele’s natural voice, innovative melodies and well crafted lyrics weave a fusion of folk, country, bluegrass and Celtic roots music into uplifting stories of life, love, family and the simple journey of the human heart.
Anele has recently released her new single Watch Me Fly, written for a friend who died from Parkinson's disease.
Award winning producer, singer-songwriter and tap-style guitarist Andrew Smith co-produced and sings harmony on the song, while Wendell Ferguson, a multiple Canadian Country Music Association winner, Juno nominee and a recent inductee into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame, performs on acoustic guitar and a '64 Precision bass.
Anele was a Top 25 finalist in the 2014 Singer-Songwriter Mentor Experience (supported by the Songwriters Association of Canada) for her song, I’m Not Ready (A Mother’s Prayer) off her third and last album, Where Birds Sing. Another song off the album, Coal Dust Sandwiches, was a semi-finalist in the International Songwriting Competition, while I'm a Baby, also off Where Birds Sing, won the 2013 B.C. Musician Fred Penner Songwriting Contest, named after the famed children's entertainer.
"Carolyn has the gift of music, strong melody and lyric," said Penner. "She thinks and analyzes and finds her bliss in the song... Her wit and humour is revealed as she performs with professionality and her own engaging style...”
Anele will next head to the Kootenays in May, performing at the Kimberley Artist Gathering.
Joining her at the Coldstream Coffee House is Smith on guitar and bassist Rod MacDonald, of Steel Wound and The Legendary Lake Monsters fame.
The open mic portion of the evening, showcasing a variety of local talent, precedes the feature performance. Musicians can sign up at the door. Admission is $5, with a concession by donation. Doors open 6:30 p.m., show starts 7 p.m.
This month’s coffee house takes place at the Coldstream Women’s Institute Hall, 9909 Kalamlaka Lake Rd. Seating is limited.