Chris Ronald Trio | Syd Carter West

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Since emigrating from his native England in 2002, Chris Ronald has earned a place as one of Canada’s finest singer-songwriters creating and performing contemporary folk music. Ronald's stand-out signature sound is steeped in his British background, poetic lyrics, and a buttery fusion of roots and Americana music reminiscent of 1960’s revivalists and 1970’s singer-songwriters.

Ronald first got hooked on songwriting at age 15 when he put to music a poem he wrote in high school, but he only started to go public after he moved to Vancouver in his thirties and self-produced his first albums so he had CDs to sell at the intimate gigs he was playing in and around the city. One of these early works caught the attention of The Georgia Straight who praised Ronald’s songwriting and “beautifully clear tenor voice” and wondered “where his obvious talent has been hiding for so long.”

Fast forward a few years and Chris now has 5 albums under his belt, a number of accolades including a Canadian Folk Music Awards nomination, and is signed to Borealis Records. His new album Light & Dark released May 2021 has been topping the charts (Folk Radio, CKUA, Earshot), and Chris is looking forward to sharing the new music at Rogue Folk for this belated hometown CD launch concert.

Joining Chris will be his long-time producer and sideman John Ellis as well as Eric Reed to make for a multi-instrumental feast. Special guest Syd Carter West will open the night and add her stunning vocals to the trio mix.

REVIEWS

"I put the CD in the player and then bam !! I realise straight from the outset this Singer / Songwriter is very polished and accomplished both with his lyrics and the message contained within." - Justin Stone FATEA Magazine (UK)

Ronald possesses a keenly luxuriant voice matched with immaculate song craft.” - The Georgia Straight

“Essential listening from an artist who needs to be more widely heard.” - Roots & Blues Radio 

SYD CARTER WEST

From hushed intimacy to audacious authority: Syd Carter West possesses an extraordinary voice. Her artistry maps a fertile musical crossroads where Southern roadhouse blues and rustic country/Americana ignite with the bravado of Seventies arena rock. Finely tuned narratives and expansive melodies match the fierce and soulful vocals of the Vancouver, British Columbia based singer-songwriter.

By age 12, Syd was following a musical path as an opera student with vocal training and music theory studies at the Royal Conservatory of Music. Conveying words that audiences may not understand in multiple languages taught her to translate drama through eye contact and body language, techniques that she now employs on stage and in videos.

She has always been a storyteller. It was this poetic imagination that illuminated her path from young opera diva to an accomplished lyricist. The songs are brought to vivid life in the studio. “One Home,” inspired by the wave of activism encompassing the struggles of Black Lives Matter, the indigenous people of Canada, and the LGBTQ community, is a poignant invocation of inclusion.

A provocateur, a magnificently expressive vocalist and a deeply evocative songwriter, Syd Carter West arrives as a new artist with commanding courage and disarming authenticity. “I’m still discovering myself,” she concludes “Genuine, and a little quirky -- I am an open book.”

 COVID-19 Policy: We will be operating in full compliance of all BC Health restrictions. We are limited to 50% of our usual capacity. Dancing is not permitted. The wearing of masks is required. Everyone in attendance must have proof of being fully vaccinated. Volunteers, staff and performers will be as well. (If you haven't been vaccinated, the concert will be streamed.) Restrictions may change if more BC Health announcements are made.

Sponsorship Opportunities: These are available for all our shows. For a nominal cost, individuals or businesses can sponsor any of our shows and reap a number of benefits - free tickets, reserved table, recognition on literature, our web site and at the concerts. For more information simply contact our Sponsorship Director Morris Biddle at mobiddley@me.com