Heather Dale book launch at the Renaissance Cafe, Toronto

Heather Dale is one of those performers who pours her soul into her live performances. You can see the joy in every movement, every note. Last night she gave a mesmerizing performance at the Renaissance Cafe.




As you can see from the above photo, I was the first to arrive! I sat at a table with Allison and Walter, and we were soon joined in that corner by Phil, Jane, Marsha, and Marsha's son. You can see Allison's report and some pictures here, including a photo of me and Walter. In the picture, I'm holding up my autographed copy of The Legends Of Arthur. By the time Heather took the stage, the place was packed to overflowing.

The Renaissance Cafe is a small coffee shop out on the Danforth (1938 Danforth Ave., Toronto, ON M4C 1J4 416-422-1441) that offers a lunch menu as well as a selection of beer and coffee. It's not air-conditioned, but who cares about the heat when you're listening to Heather Dale? :-)



The concert was part of a book launch for Heather Dale's The Legends of Arthur, the culmination of ten years of Heather's creative work with the King Arthur legends. It contains sheet music for twenty original songs (basic and advanced arrangements), along with twenty-eight engaging short stories, written in the style of a traditional storyteller. The Celtic designs in the book and original cover art are by Canadian illustrator Martin Springett.



Martin Springett opened for Heather. I had heard Martin speak at a recent CANSCAIP meeting, and had also attended one of his concerts years ago. At this event, Martin played mainly original instrumental compositions inspired by literary works like Lord of the Rings; I was impressed by his guitar skills! I wish he had sung more.

The cover charge was only $5, which surprised me. I'd have paid considerably more to hear Heather perform. Anyway, here's what she played:

1. Kingsword

2. Lady of the Lake



3. As I am

4. Mordred's Lullaby

5. May Queen

6. Holly, Ivy and Yew

7. Lily Maid

8. Exile

9. Hawthorn Tree

10. Crashing Down

11. War Between Brothers

12. Miles To Go

13. Tarnished Silver

14. Three Queens

Heather and Ben were called back for an encore, of course. :-)



Heather was accompanied by Ben Deschamps, who also co-edited her book. Both played a wide range of instruments, including keyboard, guitar, electric fiddle (I don't know the proper name for this, sorry), mountain dulcimer, regular and low whistles, the electric bass you see in the photo above, and a cool percussion thingy that Ben tied around his leg.

I've also seen Heather perform at several filk venues. She's one of those performers who is as nice in person as she seems on stage: friendly, easygoing, approachable. In filk circles, she'll often do more listening than playing, and has always been supportive of new performers.


Publicity photo from Heather's site.

Anyway, Heather will be performing again next Friday (June 1st); she'll be the featured entertainment at Mitzi's Sister (1554 Queen St W, Toronto ON 416 532 2570 from 7 pm to 1 a.m.). Tickets are FREE(!).



She'll also be performing in Hamilton at an outdoor craft fair on Saturday, June 2nd at the Workers Arts and Heritage Centre from noon to 5 pm. Cost $2 for the afternoon.

You can hear samples of Heather's music here.
Her Web site: http://www.heatherdale.com/.

You can find out about upcoming events at the Renaissance Cafe here.




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[shoes for less]

In filk circles, she'll often do more listening than playing, and has always been supportive of new performers.
-shoes for less