You never know where a song will end up, Norman Foote says.
While the process of writing a tune can be a journey in itself, nowadays music travels, the internationally acclaimed songwriter and musician said. And sometimes it takes off in unexpected places. Foote’s folk-meets-rockabilly song “Shake a Leg” sold a million copies in Brazil.
Songwriting is a craft, one in which the storyline and words resonate with different people and demographics, Foote noted. It’s that creative process that’s being celebrated at the 15th annual Doing it for a Song concert. At the Brackendale Art Gallery on Saturday (April 12), five acts will showcase their original tunes and adaptations.
“They’re always amazing evenings,” Foote said, adding the event showcases local talent and draws in some of the Lower Mainland’s best musicians.
The Juno Award-winning troubadour will host the concert. Legendary Vancouver blues and roots guitarist and singer Russell Marsland is the feature act. Marsland shared stages with fabled performers such as B.B. King, James Brown and Ray Charles.
“He is such an incredible guitarist,” Foote said. “You don’t want to miss it.”
Squamish’s Anne and Stan Thomson will get out their instruments, along with local strings player and vocalist Cam Salay.
Anne Thomson is a performing arts teacher at Mamquam Elementary School who has played a key role in infusing arts into learning activities. Last May, Anne took the school’s music program to new heights. The students gathered in an singalong with Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield while he was aboard the International Space Station.
The trio are all amazing musicians, Foote said. He first heard them play at the Howe Sound Inn and Brewing Co. and immediately knew he wanted them to be a part of the annual concert.
“Anne’s taught half of Squamish music,” Foote added.
Doing it for a Song is a swift-flowing whirlwind of musical treats, he said. The show will include Foote’s mix of Canadiana, blues and comical numbers, as well as powerful tunes from vocalist Rita Kyle’s powerful tunes and the work of up-and-coming Squamish artist Cameron Larson. The concert kicks off at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $20 at the door.
“Live entertainment is the one thing one can’t download,” Foote said.
For more information visit www.brackendaleartgallery.com.
