‘Riding a wave’
Pop-rock folk artist Megan Bonnell to open for The Once in Charlottetown on Nov. 27
If you haven’t heard of singer Megan Bonnell before, chances are you will very soon.
The Toronto pop-rock artist is coming to Charlottetown later this month after enjoying a string of successes following the release her new CD, “Separate Rooms”.
For starters, “Exclaim!” magazine gave the album a nine out of 10, calling it a “powerful collection of reflective, genre-defying pop-folk balladry”.
Also, the title track of “Separate Rooms”, co-written with Donovan Woods, has been added to Spotify’s “Folk & Friends”, “Fresh Folk” and “Viral Hits Canada” play lists; reaching No. 1 on the CBC Top 20.
“It’s such a great feeling I’m really trying to let myself take it all in,” Bonnell tells me during a telephone interview.
More recently, the Canadian singer has released a stunning cover of “Iris”, the iconic Goo Goo Dolls song.
“I’m so happy with the way this year has unfolded. It’s been so much fun. It’s like riding a wave because of the momentum created by this awesome team we have in place. They’re like the wind beneath the album’s wings,” says Bonnell, who is making a stop in Charlottetown on Tuesday, Nov. 27.
That night she and her guitarist/producer, Chris Stringer, are opening for the Juno-nominated trio, “The Once”.
“I’m so happy that it’s happening. It’s a great way to wrap up a year of touring,” says Bonnell of the concert that hits the stage at The Mack at 7:30 p.m.
As the opening act, she and Stringer will play songs from “Separate Rooms”.
“It will be a stripped-down performance,” says Bonnell, adding The Once will take the stage immediately following her set.
Featuring Geraldine Hollett on lead vocals and Phil Churchill and Andrew Dale on vocals and instrumentals, the Newfoundland folk trio is touring the country in support of its newest album, “Time Enough”.
Praised by Newfoundland songstress Amelia Curran as having “perfect vocal harmonies, thick enough to stand on,” The Once has just debuted a video for the song “Any Other Way”.
For these and other reasons, the trio has taken Bonnell’s heart.
“I love that band… I met them at a Christmas party last year, and we really hit it off. So, I’m looking forward to spending more time with them and getting to watch their set each night.”
Sally Cole is an entertainment writer with The Guardian. She welcomes comments about her column as well as suggestions for future columns from readers. She may be reached at sally.cole@TheGuardian.pe.ca or by phone at 902-629-6000, ext. 6054.