A new musical project with a serious dose of vintage swagger hits the Rainy River District this fall as Tin Lizzie makes its official debut Friday night, Oct. 30, at Hallett Brewing for an All Hallows’ Eve celebration.
Founded by award-winning performing artist and multi-instrumentalist Jennifer Thorpe, Tin Lizzie brings a fresh, rhythm-driven fusion of Western country, vintage roots, and deep-groove blues to the local scene.
Thorpe anchors the trio’s sound with lead vocals, guitar, accordion, and acoustic foot percussion. Joining her are veteran local musicians Rob Donaldson (vocals, electric and acoustic guitars, mandolin) and Bill Shine (drums), the two are known throughout the area for their work, both playing with Brent Newman in Rough Cut Pine, and Donaldson is a stalwart member of Quest for the Best house band, The Faculty.
“I love Rob and Bill’s playing. I’ve been a big fan of their work in Rough Cut Pine, but they’re always solid in whatever they play, and of course Rob’s always amazing in The Faculty,” Thorpe said.
“It’s the deepest joy to share musical ideas with people who get you, and they’re exactly who I wanted to build the rootsy, bluesy sound for Tin Lizzie and collaborate on new songs. We had the most fun filming promo at the train station in a ’29 Ford Model A (Canadian-made & locally owned by Ed Halvorsen); they really went above and beyond bringing the vintage vibe to Tin Liz! I’m really digging where we’re taking this music, and I can’t wait to share it.”
The trio’s repertoire spans reimagined classics and deep cuts from legendary songwriters—including Doc Watson, Hank Snow, Ian Tyson, Corb Lund, John Prine, Johnny Cash, Tami Neilson, The Band, Ray LaMontagne, Sheryl Crow, I’m With Her, Lindsay Lou, with some original songs added in for good measure. The group proudly grounds its sound in the iconic Canadian catalogue, honouring legends like Blue Rodeo, The Tragically Hip, Neil Young, Bruce Cockburn, Joni Mitchell and k.d. lang, while playfully embracing contemporary Canadian pop, from rootsy takes on Justin Bieber to Devon Cole’s cheeky hit “Hey Cowboy.”
“Tin Lizzie was born out of pure love and respect for great songwriting—served up with some redheaded sass and a little outlaw grit,” says Thorpe. “It’s unpretentious, earthy, and made for anyone who loves their Canadian roots music and wants to shine up their boots. We’re leaning hard into the Canadian songbook, putting our own spin on classics and bringing our own original stories to the stage through a vintage lens. I love the sound we’re creating. It’s soulful, a little irreverent, and completely authentic to who we are and where we live.”
The band will make its debut as part of a stacked lineup of local performers at Hallet Brewing’s Hallow’s Eve at the Hallett on Friday, Oct. 30 ‘from 6 p.m. ‘til the musicians quit.’ They will also be at Boston Pizza Nov. 21 from 7-9 p.m.
