If
you have never had the occasion to see one of the Yukon Women
in Music’s presentations you are missing an integral part
of the Yukon music scene. The YWIM regularly stage shows in
local venues that highlight songwriters and musicians known
and soon to be known.
Last Saturday I was privileged to witness the performances of
three of TheYukon’s finest, on stage at The Backwater
Lounge.
I got to the venue a bit late but was able to see most of Heather
Loewens set.
Loewens alternated between acoustic and electric guitar as the
song required. Other that one cover tune she played exclusively
original compositions. Her lyrics, heartfelt and often witty
were sung with a clear honest voice.
One of her songs, “Black Widow Death Drive” was
particularly amusing. It’s the kind of song that I wish
I could have on a personal jukebox to play over and over.
Next on the stage was Kate Weekes. With songs that tell a story,
this balladeer sings and plays guitar with conviction.
Though she has a strong voice, it contains an airy quality that
hints at an underlying vulnerability. Her songs are strong on
story and peppered with just enough lyrical hooks to tickle
my ears. Musically I heard references to classic 60’s
folk, 1930’s or 40’s popular styles and straight
ahead rock mixed together.
I really enjoyed her set and look forward to hearing her again.
It never crossed my mind until Lara Lewis got behind her keyboard
that most of the acts I’ve seen and reviewed have been
guitar acts.
With a firm posture and a big smile on her face, Lewis showed
that guitars are not the only game in town. Her repertoire included
a stylistic mix of jazz, pop, blues, and even a saloon styling
with her rendition of Tom Waits,” Dirt In The Ground”.
During her set she broke into an improvised version of name
that tune with members of the audience.
It takes a lot of guts to perform originals in front of complete
strangers who are out looking for a night of entertainment.
What this evening showed me was a willingness of the audience
to suspend judgement while letting the performer get on with
her job and perform. The result is a vibrant scene that can
only get better time goes on.