Hey friends!
I’m beyond excited to share something really special with you. This November, I’ll be paying tribute to one of my biggest musical influences – the incomparable Aretha Franklin – with two live performances ahead of rare screenings of her legendary concert film Amazing Grace at the VIFF Centre, co-presented by Infidels Jazz.
If you don’t know the story, here’s the magic of it:
Back in 1972, Aretha took over the New Missionary Baptist Church in Los Angeles and recorded what would become the live album Amazing Grace. The concert was filmed by director Sidney Pollack and the album was released soon after – but the film footage was shelved due to technical issues. It sat unseen for 45 years before finally being released, and since then has been celebrated as one of the greatest concert films of all time.
The Shows
On November 15 & 16, the VIFF Centre is presenting two special screenings of Amazing Grace (99 mins), and I’ll be opening each night with a live set of Aretha’s music. Performing these songs – the ones that shaped me – in honour of the Queen herself? Goosebumps already.
And I won’t be alone! I’m bringing an all-star band with me:
André Lachance – Bass
Max Zipursky – Keys
Mike Ardagh – Drums
Tristan Paxton – Guitar
Yours truly – Voice
I can’t tell you how much this music means to me. Aretha transformed the sound of America in the ’60s and ’70s. She defined what we now call Soul Music and inspired generations of singers – including me.
Come for the film, come for the music, come for the spirit of Aretha. I can’t wait to share this experience with you.
Love,
Dawn xo