(The following article originally appeared in The Huntsville Forester on Aug. 5, 2009.)
Japanese taiko drums, tenor John McDermott round out week of entertainment.
Having performed on Huntsville’s Algonquin Theatre stage with Jim Cuddy, Stuart McLean and as part of the Neil Young: Borrowed Tunes tribute concert, the rapidly rising acoustic pop duo Dala returns Thursday, Aug. 6, as part of the Huntsville Festival of the Arts’ August lineup.
Amanda Walther and Sheila Carabine of Dala (the name was formed by combining the two last letters of each artist’s name), have come a long way in a short time. The two best friends, who met in their high school music class and wrote their first song together in 2002, have since performed at Toronto’s legendary Massey Hall a total of six times. Darlings of the Canadian music scene, Dala are now poised to bring their fresh brand of acoustic pop music to the world.
Drawing upon influences such as the Beatles, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young and Bob Dylan, Dala write songs that are both catchy and insightful. Walther’s ethereal soprano voice blends seamlessly with Carabine’s velvety alto, creating the lush harmonies that have become their trademark. The sheer joy with which they perform is infectious, turning first-time listeners into instant fans.
Dala have toured across Canada six times, opening for artists such as Jann Arden, Tom Cochrane, and Matthew Good. No strangers to the festival scene, they have also performed at the Edmonton Folk Festival, Mariposa and the Ottawa Folk Festival, among others. Most recently, they performed at the Newport Folk Fest, the only Canadian group invited, sharing the bill with Pete Seeger, Bob Dylan and Joan Baez.
Dala’s last two albums Angels and Thieves (2006) and Who Do You Think You Are (2007) earned them a total of four Canadian Folk Music Award nominations. Dala’s new album Everyone Is Someone is a wonderful journey for the listener, bringing together all the elements that set this talented duo apart.
On Friday night, the mesmerizing sound of Japanese drums will reverberate through the theatre as world-renowned percussionist Kiyoshi Nagata returns to Huntsville with his group Nagata Shachu. The group (formerly Kiyoshi Nagata Ensemble) has enthralled audiences with its captivating and heart-pounding performances of the Japanese drum (taiko) since its formation in 1998. The ensemble has toured widely throughout Canada, the U.S. and Italy performing in theatres, concert halls and at major music festivals.
While rooted in the folk drumming traditions of Japan, the group’s principal aim is to rejuvenate this ancient art form by producing innovative and exciting music that seeks to create a new voice for the taiko. Taking its name from founder Kiyoshi Nagata and shachu (an old term for a performing troupe), Nagata Shachu has become renowned for its exacting, straightforward yet physically demanding performances as well as for its diverse repertoire.
Combining thunderous, primal drumbeats with subtle, intricate rhythms, the ensemble is able to produce a wide spectrum of sound. Featuring a vast array of Japanese taiko (including the massive O-Daiko), gongs, bells, wooden clappers, shakers and bamboo flutes, Nagata Shachu will provide an unforgettable experience that is both powerful in expression and heartfelt in its sincerity.
Also this year, dancers from the Muskoka Dance Academy will dance to a couple of the group’s pieces. The concert is a fitting opening night to the annual Dragonboat races being held on Saturday, Aug. 8, at Avery Beach Park.
Closing out the weekend, on Aug. 8, is festival favourite John McDermott. McDermott has performed at the festival for the past five seasons and his concerts regularly sell out. Although tickets for this evening were still available at press time, concert-goers are encouraged to act fast so as not to be disappointed.
All the above shows are at the Algonquin Theatre commencing at 8 p.m. Tickets are available at the Main Street box office, by calling 789-4975, or online at www.huntsvillefestival.on.ca.
