The Stephen Fearing Trio
We appreciate your help!
2018
PM
MEL LEHAN HALL AT ST. JAMES i
3214 West 10th Ave, Kitsilano
Accessible 
All ages
This event has already taken place.
Stephen Fearing
Stephen was born in 1963 in right here in Vancouver, but grew up in Dublin, Ireland where his schoolmates included future members of U2. In 1981, he moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota and immersed himself in the music scene, learning the fundamentals of song writing and performing, while washing dishes to stay alive.
By 1984 he was back in Vancouver, determined to become a professional musician. In the years since, he's been named as one of the finest songwriters in Canada. He built a national and international audience for his music, doing it old school through countless performances at intimate venues and on the concert stages of festivals and theatres across Canada, the US, and the UK, with appearances at major events like the Reading Festival and WOMAD, to name just a few.
Fearing has released ten albums as a solo artist, featuring musical guests including: Bruce Cockburn, Margo Timmons, Richard Thompson, Shawn Colvin, Sarah McLachlan, and Suzie Vinnick. As co-founder of Blackie and the Rodeo Kings he has released nine albums, and two albums as half of the duo Fearing & White. Like the guests on his albums, the many awards and nominations* that have come his way over the years speak to the respect he has earned among his peers, presenters, and critics.
With a life of many relocations and countless months on the road performing, Fearing is a gifted storyteller and true musical nomad with the ability to captivate audiences of all sizes and attitudes. “Getting on stage is the fun part, especially when the adrenaline kicks in,” he says, with a broad smile. “People want to relax and be taken on a journey. I sketch out my shows so they deliver on that.”
When not working behind the microphone, Fearing spends time producing records including Suzie Vinnick’s Juno Award-nominated album Happy Here. “With producing, I really enjoy collaborating with other artists. It’s a blast and, as a bonus, gives me a chance to learn and expand my skill set.” The Juno Award-winner also shares his knowledge and experience with fellow musicians through songwriting workshops (often scheduled in conjunction with festival appearances). “The classes dovetail nicely with performing,” he said. “My students are from all walks of life and I enjoy helping to coax them out of their comfort zones to create songs they might not have otherwise developed.”
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING:
“Fearing (is) a king amongst minstrels.” – The Halifax Chronicle Herald
“A master of the finely-turned phrase and the perfectly-pitched line.”- Maverick Magazine [UK]
“Fearing’s music crackles with ideas and collaborative energy… masterful guitar work from acoustic rock rhythm to elegant finger style.” Acoustic Guitar Magazine [USA]
Riley Calcagno & Vivian Leva
Vivian Leva and Riley Calcagno are tapping into the deepest parts of American music, taking old songs that have seldom been heard and presenting them next to their own timeless and visceral originals. When they are not performing as duo, they’re often found sitting knee to knee, playing under the canopy of trees at fiddle festivals across the country, such as the gathering where they met in June of 2016. Across any campground, or concert venue, the echos of their vibrant and magnetic harmonies ring out.
Vivian Leva, is from Lexington, Virginia grew up playing and performing with her parents, Carol Elizabeth Jones and James Leva, learning traditional songs from their sources and honing her rhythmic guitar style. This past June, Vivian recorded her debut album in close collaboration with Calcagno during an inspired session in the small town of Floyd, VA. She will be releasing a debut solo album of original music in late winter 2018.
Together, Vivian and Riley have toured across the country, in living rooms and concert halls. As individuals, they have shared the stages with and played, both nationally and internationally, in the bands of Elvis Costello, Rhiannon Giddens, The Lost Tribe Of Country Music, and Bruce Molsky to name just a few. To this collaboration they bring both the steady hands of experience and a refined taste for American music, yet still a youthful abandon that can’t be forced. In 2018, they will be on tour internationally to support Vivian’s new release and bring their distinct brand of old-time and country to a festival, hall, bar, or fireplace gathering near you.
The Rogue Folk Club is pleased to provide great SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES 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
Please note that the admission price for this concert includes a $2 Venue Improvement Fee that we are required by the St. James Square to collect from every patron. Starting in September 2016, the proceeds from this temporary fee will be used for construction projects such as air conditioning that will make the hall a nicer place for you to visit in the future. If you wish, you can make a secure donation of any amount over $5 (NOT $100 as it says) by clicking on the big blue button at the bottom of the page at www.sjcommunitysquare.org. For information on donating by phone or post, please contact the St. James Square office at 604-739-9373.