LENNIE GALLANT
Sat, Mar 20
Presented by the Northern Lights Folk Club
Queen Alexandra Community Hall (10425 University Ave.)
Show at 8 pm doors at 7
Tickets $14.00 advance at Acoustic Music Shop, Myhres Music and Tix on the Square

Singer-songwriters can toil in obscurity for decades trying to find the perfect way to express a common experience that touches the soul of thousands of listeners. With dedication, hard work, and some luck they can sometimes find that "sweet spot" and work their way into the collective consciousness of the country. Lennie Gallant may be doing just that. After releasing five well-received albums in the last 15 years, 2003 saw him release his first ever album in his native tongue, French. Le Vent Boheme won "Francophone Album of the Year" at the East Coast Music Awards, took the trophy for "Acadian Artist of the Year" at the Gala Eloizes, and Album and Artist of the Year at the Gala des Etoiles this past November.

Gallant is also not afraid to spread his wings outside the usual hummer and strummer box. He put together a show with the 42 musicians of Symphony Nova Scotia last month, and was part of the East Coast leg of the Bluebird North tour that saw him sharing the stage with Shari Ulrich, Russell DeCarle, and Stephen Fearing. Later this year he’ll be part of the Kerrville Folk Festival. The annual event in Texas is world-renowned for its dedication and support of songwriters. He’ll also make a stop in Denmark at the Tonder Festival.

Saturdays’ [March 20] appearance for the Full Moon Folk Club at Queen Alexandria Hall marks the end of a 15-day, 12-stop tour through Alberta and B.C.

Yet all the accolades and touring are not what Gallant considers the best part of his chosen career. That comes, he has said, "When you really feel locked in with the often elusive ability to convey a story or an emotion in a unique yet, hopefully, a universal way." He hits that mark more often than not, with over 200 songs to his credit. Those songs have been covered by a host of performers, including Jimmy Buffett and more recently, have found their way onto the tube. Both Dawson’s Creek and Joan of Arcadia have featured Gallants’ songs.

Has the well ever dried up? "I’ve got more than enough material for a new album", he said recently, "And I’ll be going back into the studio after this tour of Western Canada to record."

In the meantime, you can catch this newly minted member of the Order of Canada doing what he does best this Saturday night. Telling stories and playing music that touches souls and brings smiles to faces.