One of the great things about the Manitoba music community is the mutual support that artists give each other – competition is shrugged away, and friendship is the chosen way. When a creator releases to the world something they have been working on for a long time, it is a thing to be celebrated. Such was the case at Carly Dow‘s launch party for her new album, Ingrained – friends gathered, friends performed, friends danced, and all witnessed the essence of the creator shining through her musical creations.
The up-and-coming Roger Roger and the always-awesome Crooked Brothers warmed up the stage for Carly, and all made appearances backing her up throughout the night.
Roger Roger warms up the stage with their shameless harmonies and storied songs.
Feeding off each other, they find a groove that draws the audience in.
Named Madeleine Roger and Lucas Roger, can you now understand where the band name Roger Roger comes from? Together they are a beautiful sibling folk/roots duo.
Good vibrations…
…and good times.
Songs from the heart.
Roger Roger was a part of the Young Performers Program at the Winnipeg Folk Festival last year…
…and will be back again this year! Seek them out on a stage this summer.
The Crooked Brothers take the stage for a quick, jam-filled interlude. Darwin, Jesse, and Matt (left to right) dance around one mic as they perform a relaxed set. Back in December they had a launch party for their latest album too, which I covered here.
And now, introducing the lady of the night: Carly Dow.
Carly Dow and Jesse Matas, her secret weapon.
Beautiful harmonies. Carly wears her heart on her sleeve as she shares a little bit of who she is through her music.
Carly Dow, with her co-producers Jesse Matas and Darwin Baker backing her up.
Intimate storytelling in and between songs.
“Music is a gift – one to give, live, explore, experience. A universal language. I am full of gratitude because I can share this gift with you.”
-Carly Dow
Throughout the evening, friends took turns joining Carly on stage. By the end of the night, everyone gathered for a good ol’ Tom Waits singalong.