Sarah Jane Scouten | John Smith
We appreciate your help!
2019
from
PM
to
PM
MEL LEHAN HALL AT ST. JAMES i
3214 West 10th Ave, Kitsilano
Accessible 
All ages
This event has already taken place.
SARAH JANE SCOUTEN
Three-time Canadian Folk Music Award nominee, Sarah Jane Scouten's music delivers a signature mix of vintage folk and country, with modern sounds and subjects. Sarah Jane is steeped in North American and British folk music from years of finding folk music at its source, from the folklorists of Vancouver Island to all-night jams in West Virginia, Sacred Harp singing in Kentucky, the song craft of Nashville, two-stepping in Louisiana and her Glasgow roots. Touring throughout North America and Europe, this seasoned performer boasts a top-notch live show and considerable acclaim for her last three full length albums.
Raised in a musical family on Bowen Island BC, where harmony singing was as common as watching television, Sarah Jane commits to her roots, using her warbling voice and knack for storytelling to captivate and transport her audiences. Her songs run the emotional gamut, creating a world of characters who come alive in her often haunting, and equally whimsical ballads. Like any songwriter worthy of the name, she explores love with a fine-toothed comb, but isn't limited to romantic love. Love of a place, a time, the natural world and all its inhabitants tug at her sleeve, which she handles with equal power to delight and break a heart.
Sarah Jane's upcoming fourth album Confessions, recorded in Toronto with veteran producer Andre Wahl, out soon on Light Organ Records, is a further exploration of Americana sounds and song forms. It is a collection of revelatory songs -- a series of confessions -- which valorize, condemn and eulogize the most important relationships of her life to new harrowing heights.
Quotes:
"Sarah Jane Scouten showcases a major talent and a whole lot of versatility." - No Depression
"An agile voice, ruminative songwriting, and love for classic country, indie pop, and everything in between." - American Songwriter
"Drawing upon traditional melodies that almost biologically are instantly singable, but combining them with emotions, sentiments and stories that are relatable even now. Stan Rogers was able to do it, Ron Hynes was able to do it, Kate McGarrigle was able to do it, and Sarah Jane Scouten is able to do it." - Tom Power, CBC q
JOHN SMITH
John Smith opened for Patty Griffin at The Vogue Theatre in June. He made a big impression on the audience. Now, he is returning, to play at the intimate St. James Hall for the Rogue!
John has built a reputation as one of the UK’s finest guitarists and songwriters. Born in Essex, raised by the Devon seaside, and making his bones in the bars and clubs of Liverpool, John has released five albums with over 10 million Spotify streams. He has played to audiences all over the world in living rooms, festival tents and sold-out concert halls. He is a genuine folksinger, an inquisitive truth-seeker, devoted song interpreter and enchanting writer.
Steeped in the lineage of British folk, taking his cue from Richard Thompson, John Martyn, Bert Jansch and John Renbourn. Smith has evolved a transatlantic blend of fingerstyle and slide guitar techniques. John’s intimate takes on love, loss and the journey we make, combined with his innovative guitar work, have won him a loyal following. His honey-on-gravel voice and mesmerizing fingerstyle guitar are undeniable. Sometimes using a slide, sometimes with guitar on his lap, sometimes detuning mid-song, Smith’s obsession with the instrument has made a master of him. Whether by way of album or concert, he leads the listener, enthralled in his presence, on a viscerally emotional journey.
A contributor and collaborator, John quickly and effortlessly earns the esteem of his comrades and heroes. He has opened for folk greats including John Martyn, Davy Graham and John Renbourn, who called John Smith “the future of folk music.” On the contemporary side, he has also opened for Iron and Wine, Tinariwen, and Ben Howard. He has guested with artists such as Jackson Browne, Martin Carthy, Richard Hawley, Jarvis Cocker, Jerry Douglas, Glen Hansard and Rodney Crowell; and in his occasional role as sideman, he has played guitar for artists such as David Gray, Lisa Hannigan, Lianne La Havas, Joe Henry and Joan Baez.
He has released five records - his most recent “Headlong” (2017) reached #15 in the Indie Breakers chart, #1 on iTunes’ Singer-Songwriter chart, and amassed over 10 million Spotify streams.
Quotes:
“This man is a really important young folk performer, keeping the tradition alive and kicking!” - CiTR-FM
“The future of Folk Music” - John Renbourn
“You’re smiling even as tears catch in your throat.” - Mojo
“Far from the connotations his name brings, John Smith is one of a kind.” - Wonderland
“I believe in John Smith; his motivations are pure, his vision is straight, his music is honest and true.” - Kelly Joe Phelps
“A guitar genius…He sounds as though he arrived 60 years ago but looks startlingly young, perched on a chair, quietly confident, charming and instantly engaging.” - The Sun
“Staggeringly good.” - Acoustic Magazine
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. Find out more here, or simply contact our Sponsorship Director Morris Biddle at mobiddley@me.com