Classic hits from The Eagles, Johnny Cash and Dolly Parton, combined with the fresh sounds of local independent artists will be bellowing from the Wesley United Church during a pair of concerts on March 4 and 5.
Those in attendance can expect a musical experience like never before, artistic director and conductor of Grand River Voices Amy Di Nino says.
“Backed by a full band, the audience will enjoy fresh arrangements of familiar favourites sung by the choir in the first half and the original music of Amanda Kind and JP Sunga with the choir after the intermission,” Di Nino said.
“The approach I’m taking with the choir is quite unique, with a focus not only on creating community through song but also highlighting the music of local singers and songwriters.”
The combination of Kind and Sunga, both from Waterloo, with a 40-person choir will provide a unique sound and is a special opportunity for everyone involved, Di Nino says.
“The choir members adore the opportunity to work with local singers and sing their songs with them on stage for friends and family,” she said.
“The singers also love the opportunity to hear the voices singing behind them as they perform their original songs.”
Kind is no stranger to the local music scene. Growing up in a home with a mother who was constantly seated at the piano, she's been singing and songwriting her entire life.
A former groups coordinator and marketing associate at Drayton Entertainment, many of her country tunes can be heard on the radio. Her song "Slow Dance" was No. 10 on SiriusXM's Top of the Country Radio.
Being an independent artist, it isn’t every day that Kind gets to perform with the backing of so many other talented singers. It’s an opportunity she’s looking forward to.
“As independent artist we usually perform alone and with instrumentalists,” Kind said.
“I’ve never been backed up by a 40-person choir. It creates community engagement among musical sectors as the choir doesn't always intersect with the independent musicians.”
Kind is excited to see what kind of sound will come from the combination of voices and thinks some of her songs will become more empowering.
“I have a ballad about grief and I think the added voices can really heighten the emotion of the song,” Kind said.
“There’s something to be said about having more voices.”
When residents walk out of the show, Kind hopes that they have a greater appreciation for local independent artists than when they walked in.
“With the price of major hit concerts, I hope the community tries to explore lesser known music,” she said.
“I’d love to see our community take a chance on musicians they don’t necessarily know yet, that's how you find artists you love.”
Tickets to the show are $25 online or $30 at the door and can be purchased by visit grandrivervoices.ca.
