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Event Description

Then & Now: Singer Burdett Back in Full Bloom after 15 Years

“Cari Burdett's Magnolia is a stunning accomplishment. Burdett's voice is strong and versatile... bringing listeners on a rich journey across genres and musical eras.. they breathe new life into a beautiful collection of classic songs, supported by a remarkable cast of superb musicians.” – Kelly Nakatsuka, CBC Radio

Nearly Fifteen years ago - in August of 2000 – there was quite a buzz around town about the label-defying, theatrical mezzo-soprano chanteuse Cari Burdett, as her face hit Victoria newspapers accompanied by headlines like “Marching to A Different Beat.”

Since the time the Victoria spotlight was on her in 2000, Burdett’s journey has been quite the interesting ride. The Cole’s Notes version is that she earned a vocal music degree from Montreal’s McGill University and a Master’s degree from London’s Royal Academy of Music, she lost her voice, got it back, survived a car accident, lost the will to sing, moved to Sweden for four years to raise children, and finally came to the place she finds herself now, back in hometown Victoria, passionate about singing again, and releasing a brand new album – Magnolia.

“The Magnolias were in full bloom in Victoria when we were in our longest studio time,” Burdett explains. “They are the first flower to bloom in spring and last the longest throughout the season. This album is about rebirthing for me in a way - new beginnings, opening like the flower, radiant, bright, beautiful. And it will be released on the Spring equinox - a time for renewal…A year ago, I planted a Magnolia in my garden to represent this new birth - like I was saying YES to giving myself permission to sing and perform.”

Burdett – who cites Edith Piaf, Joni Mitchell and Nina Simone as influences – says her live show is an opportunity for people to “go on a world tour in one night”, as she musically moves from country to country and from language to language. This movement is reflected on the new album she is releasing March 21st, when she performs in the Upstairs Lounge at the Oak Bay Recreation Centre. This is in addition to the release concerts scheduled in Vancouver, Mill Bay, Sooke, Salt Spring Island and Cumberland – a vocal journey through Italy, Spain, Sweden, France and Canada. This European fusion of opera, folk, jazz and world music is theatrical, virtuosic, and at time impromptu.

The album is produced by Juno Award Winner Joby Baker, and the record boats an impressive line-up of acclaimed musicians, including the young award winning multi-instrumentalist Quinn Bachand, Canada’s beloved Miles Black, and Juno Winners Adrian Dolan and Richard Moody. The album release concerts feature an equally impressive line-up, including Black, Moody, and the high-in-demand rhythm section of Mark Atkinson, Sean Drabbit, and Kelby McNayr. The Vancouver shows will be with Juno Award Winner Jodi Proznick, Miles Black and Kelby MacNayr.

CD Release Tour dates:
March 13: Vancouver – Canadian Music Centre
March 14: Vancouver – St. Mark’s Anglican Church
March 19: Sooke – Wild At Heart Temple Home
March 20: Mill Bay – Sylvan United Church
March 21: Victoria – Upstairs Lounge @ Oak Bay Recreation Centre
March 22: Salt Spring Island – All Saints By-The-Sea