Dave Ogilvie
This year’s “Barn Concert” series at Cornell Farms in La Vallee will kick off this Sunday (June 20) with the folk and traditional roots music of singer/songwriter and guitarist extraordinaire, Cara Luft.
One of the founding members of the Juno Award-winning folk trio, The Wailin’ Jennys, Luft’s music has been described as “a rich roots travelogue whose traditional heart beats with a wholly contemporary pulse.”
Luft has a wealth of experience in the Canadian folk/roots music industry, and has travelled extensively around the world spreading her laughter and love of music.
She has appeared on stage at Lilith Fair, and also played at the prestigious International Guitar Festival in the United Kingdom.
Wherever she travels, Luft’s engaging smile, infectious laughter, and her openness immediately endears her to her audience. Her sense of honesty, integrity, sparkling personality, and spontaneity permeates and resonates throughout both her music and live performances.
According to the Toronto Star, “The Light Fantastic” (Luft’s latest CD) “showcases her exceptional abilities as a guitarist and her compelling and distinctive voice.”
This production is a collection of 13 songs that expertly combines Luft’s use of imagination, rhythmic power, and social commentary.
“The Light Fantastic” can best be categorized as a skillful blend of country music with the best aspects of traditional roots, spiritual, and folk music.
It is clear this Canadian musician literally has spent a lifetime perfecting her musicianship.
Luft’s style of music, which is an appealing blend of country and roots rock, only will be further enhanced by the close, friendly atmosphere and unique acoustics offered by the barn at Cornell Farms.
Kim Cornell is extremely pleased to have such a great performer in the barn.
“I have always been impressed with Cara’s musical accomplishments,” he said. “I first saw her perform as one of the ‘Wailin’ Jennys’ and have followed her career ever since.
“She is one of those Canadian performers who are not to be missed,” Cornell stressed.
As has been the tradition over the last couple of years, Sunday’s “Barn Concert” will begin with a talented local musician.
Cornell Farms is pleased to announce that Kenneth Kellar will be the opening act for Luft.
Kellar, currently studying performing arts at St. Clair College in Windsor, Ont., is well-known for his performances while a student at Fort Frances High School, especially his unforgettable rendition of Jean Valjean in the school’s version of “Les Misérables.”
Kellar also was the 2008 winner of “Quest for the Best,” is lead singer for local band “Haphazard,” and recently performed with the Borderland Community Orchestra as part of its 10th anniversary concert.
Kellar last performed at Cornell Farms last year as part of the “Concert of Excellence.”
He also performed there in 2008 with “Haphazard.”
Cornell Farms is very happy to invite him back for this performance “in the barn.”
Tickets for the first “Barn Concert” cost $15 in advance (available from the Fort Frances Public Library, the Clover Valley Farmers’ Market, Greensides Store in Devlin, and Cornell Farms) and $18 at the door.
If you have questions, feel free to give Cornell Farms a call at 486-3477.
