Music Runs Through It – June Programming

A look ahead with at some of the shows happening in June under the Music Runs Through It banner.

Matt Carter

With shows now happening across four different Fredericton venues, we thought it might be helpful to plot out the “who and where” for Music Runs Through It’s upcoming June programming. Take a look.

First of all, for those of you not in ‘the know’, Music Runs Through It is an ongoing music series based in Fredericton dedicated to presenting intimate (and often acoustic) performances for listening audiences. When MRTI founder Emma Chevarie first decided to start booking performances, her goal was to create a quiet space for artists and audiences to engage, free from the noisy rooms typically associated with the bar scene.

“A listening room to me is simply an atmosphere of mutual respect between audience members and the artists,” said Chevarie. “I see it as a space in which the people attending are there specifically to hear the music and the stories that go along with the songs. The artists then don’t have to compete to be heard over conversations – it also allows for more interaction for everyone in the room. We are all participating in the experience together.”

But despite MRTI’s growth, evolving from Corked Wine Bar’s 50 seat room to larger spaces like Wilser’s Room and Dolan’s Pub, Chevarie remains committed to creating these “atmospheres of mutual respect” regardless of the room’s size.

“My intention in programming is still the same regardless of the venue – to set the scene for the audience and the artist to respect each other and to enjoy their time together,” she said. “I want people to be moved by the music as it runs through them, to really let the sounds and the words seep in, which seems to work best if we are truly present in the experience and not distracted. I want people to laugh, cry, feel challenged in some way and to sing along whenever possible.”

MRTI’s June programming includes three performances at three different city venues. The Young Novelists (June 7) and Craig Cardiff (June 16) are both return performers, while John Smith (UK) and Dennis Ellsworth will be making their MRTI debuts with a show on June 23.

“It is a huge compliment when artists ask to return,” said Chevarie. “It usually means they’ve enjoyed their experience and that speaks highly for our series. I consider it a privilege to work with very talented musicians and after spending some time with them I most often come away from the encounter feeling we’ve become friends. So, of course, I always want to spend more time with good friends, but I also want to balance that with presenting new acts to ensure we are all exposed to as much music as possible. In the case of John Smith and Dennis Ellsworth, I was approached by my good friend Kate [Gracey-Stewart] in my music industry network based in PEI. John is from the UK and had previously taken part in an artist exchange program where their connection was made. I trust Kate’s recommendation and feel confident we will be impressed. He is poised to really take off and we will be able to say we saw him before he exploded onto the world stage.”

The Young Novelists

The Young Novelists are a Toronto-based band fronted by husband and wife Graydon James and Laura Spink. Since the band’s inception in 2009, they have played stages across the U.S. and Canada, released three full-length albums, won numerous awards and continuous praise for their unmatched, effortless harmonies. Their last record, “made us strangers”, landed them a Canadian Folk Music Award for New/Emerging Artist, a nomination for Vocal Group of the Year, and reached top 20 on both !earshot and Stingray Music (formerly Galaxie) folk charts. With a sound that has been compared to everyone from The Band to ‘pre-weirdness’ Wilco, the band’s personal mission is to create sad songs for happy people — whether that means a nostalgic ballad or an upbeat anthem, The Young Novelists’ ability to tell familiar stories with a modern folk edge make them, and their songs, instant classics. WEB

Craig Cardiff

Craig Cardiff is a Canadian singer-songwriter. Known throughout Canada, Craig is developing a following throughout North America and into Europe. With guitar in hand, Craig can turn any setting into an intimate affair. Infusing his music and lyrics with an uncompromising humanism rarely seen in today’s production-heavy climate.

Songwriter, troubadour, Craig Cardiff builds landscapes of sound using live digital loops, bringing the room to a hush. Edged, folk, beautiful, melancholy and left leaning, one song breaks your heart, and the next one puts it back together.

Craig makes it a point to keep the relationship with his fans personal, inviting and accepting any opportunity to make his audience as much a part of the performance as he is. Don’t be surprised if one day you find yourself enjoying one of Craig’s renowned performances from the comfort of your own living room. WEB

John Smith w/ Dennis Ellsworth

John Smith is told almost every day that he has the most common name in the world. However, other than the name, there is nothing commonplace about him. John has played to audiences all over the world, in living rooms, festival tents and sold-out concert halls. He tours relentlessly with a guitar and a suitcase, sometimes with a small band, always looking to communicate through a song and to share something intangible with those willing to listen. WEB