I'm so honored to be included in Chatelaine's January issue, featured as Ms. Chatelaine.  Writer Grant Black met with me in Saskatoon, and we really hit it off.  It's always amazing to me to find unbelievable talent in the hidden corners of the prairies. While I was in Ontario this October, I had a photo shoot for article, which included my sleepy eyed 16 month old who had just woken from a nap. I'm eager to actually see the piece and find out if little Eliot made it into the magazine! Be sure to pick up a copy of the magazine and visit Chatelaine online.

Check out Jeanette Stewart's article in the Star Phoenix outlining the 3 best parties in Saskatoon in 2011.  Now, I do love a good party.  And I'm really excited to have been heavily involved in 2 out of 3 of the BEST!  Below are some pics from LUGO and the Two Twenty's Grand Opening: two of three of Stewart's favorites! Let's see if we can top 'em in 2012.

A wild crew of dancers, singers, and drummers that made our LUGO performance truly memorable!

Hats first.  Music secondary....

Oh yeah.  Red carpet and champagne!

I'm sitting at the airport, waiting for a plane to take be back from the bustling metropolis of Toronto to the snow-covered prairies. It's been an amazing weekend that began with the AGM of Folk Music Canada--when I joined the board! The AGM marked the beginning of many conversations that took place that weekend: during the meeting, at the late night jam, the next day throughout the Canadian Folk Music Awards, continuing through two days of strategic planning sessions for Folk Music Canada, over dinner, at the bar between songs...  The conversations were about music. About the folk music community in Canada.  The opportunities that are coming its way and what we can do to make it stronger. As I sit in the airport, I'm exhausted and excited, and only beginning to let those conversations settle into my consciousness.  But I have a renewed enthusiasm stirring me up.

I know alot of musicians that don't consider themselves folk.  And certainly some of those conversations over the course of the weekend asked, "what is folk?" I know so many great people that belong to this community, but may not think themselves "folk". At the Canadian Folk Music Awards, I came across a piece by David Newland, Roots Music Canada's Editor-in-chief that responds to that question in a really beautiful way.  If you're thinking about Folk Music Canada and wondering if you're folk....(or if you've ever enjoyed a folk festival, love music, or are simply curious!) READ THIS!

We just returned home after a really busy few weeks in Ontario, and are trying to collect ourselves!  Had a few great shows, and reconnected with friends at Ontario Council of Folk Festivals.  I showcased 7 times over the course of two days, with Hal Schrenk, who came out from Saskatoon.  We had an amazing time, and talked alot about the prospects of promoting/presenting shows at The Two Twenty or starting a festival in Riversdale. Lots of ideas floating around these days.  And here's some more updates for you...

BEST SINGER/SOLO ARTIST IN PLANET S
Every year, Saskatoon's weekly Planet S does a "Best of" series where readers vote to name people and businesses who excel in every category imaginable!  This year, I am totally shocked and honored to be named Best Solo Artist, and to tie with the Sheepdogs' Ewan Currie for best singer. A huge thanks to my fans for their support--even when I don't ask for it:)

THE TWO TWENTY GRAND OPENING NOV 10
My amazing lover Mr. Curtis Olson and his company Shift Development are finishing a project called the Two Twenty.  Located in Riversdale in Saskatoon, it includes a workspace, excellent cafe (Collective Coffee), co-working space, artist studios and an event space (The Den)! On November 10, we're celebrating the Grand Opening with an amazing party, featuring slam poetry, live music, DJs, breakdancing, theatre, modern dance, film, and a few other surprises.  Visit the facebook page for updates and MAKE SURE YOU'RE THERE!

 

I have to say a huge thank you to Karen Turner, a good friend and mentor who has taught me so much about partnering with local business owners. Her event management company Turner Coben Event Marketing helped me release Green-Eyed Soul, and I learned so much from her in the process.  So when she approached me about being a model for her new business White Hot Smile, I couldn't say no!  She brought together an amazing team, and we hit the river to do some photos. 

Thanks so much to my sponsors: Dena's in Saskatoon provided a smokin' hot dress.  Boutique Beyouteful provided makeup from Ecco Bella.  I totally LOVE these products because they're free from toxins and they look great.  I am SO excited about these partnerships. Also, Ellen's Whole Body & Health, and the photographer David Recordon (from David Renee Photography)!