Acrpost: A Project of the Pacific Association of Artist Run Centres

Event Description

Saturday, August 1st, acoustic songstresses Kaya Fraser and Allison Brown take to the stage for an enchanting night of songs at at the Spiral Café (418 Craigflower 250-386-9303). Concert begins at 8pm, Pay What You Can.

Kaya Fraser has been garnering accolades and radio play and it's easy to tell why. Her brand of intelligent pop--combining razor-sharp lyrics with seriously catchy tunes--is all too rare. Then there's her voice: warm, yet wistful, natural, yet incredibly polished. All in all, she's a contender for the ranks of legendary artists like Aimee Mann and Joni Mitchell. As of the daughter of Canadian songwriter Allan Fraser (of the critically acclaimed 70s folk duo, Fraser & DeBolt), Kaya clearly has music in her blood. Her debut EP recording, “Tremor and Slip” startled critics with a level of sophistication rare in a first effort. The Montreal Gazette, in a four-star review, said this: "Fraser's independently released seven-song EP Tremor and Slip is shockingly good. Her voice is intimate, arresting and mature; the songs are moving; and production is polished enough to sound professional without sacrificing authenticity." A returning favourite at the Spiral Café, Kaya's wry-yet-romantic songs about sober self-scrutiny and love-gone-not-quite-right will speak to anyone who ever stayed up late listening to music so sad it makes you feel good. As Ron Sexsmith put it: "Kaya Fraser has a lovely voice and natural songwriting ability." Listen for yourself to hear what that combination can do. www.kayafraser.com

Allison Brown likes her religion a little bit gritty, takes her country music with a side of syrup and keeps her folk as dusty as the ol’ cabin floor. With tales of broken hearts and bad weather, her sweet and powerful singing expresses her enduring character with a striking honesty. Allison brings her truest self to the stage in a refreshing conversation with the audience. Allison’s last appearance at the Spiral Cafe was in 2005 while on the Island recording her debut CD “Everything That Shined”, at the home studio of master of musical tradition, David Essig. Well, it’s time for the followup – Allison’s back on the island recording another album with David that will feature Allison’s newest originals alongside favourite “New Old Songs” from Allison’s hatful of roots, traditional, country, blues and classic folk repertoire. A little bit old-school, Allison booked her ten-date Greyhound tour all the way back to London on her rotary dial telephone. Dedicated to sharing folk music with the community, she is also the host of "For The Folk", every Wednesday night from 8:30 to 10pm, on London's CHRW Radio 94.9fm. She also works at GROOVES Records where she surrounds herself with all the divine vinyl and indie new releases her ears can hear. www.allisonbrown.ca