There’s a lot of personality squeezed into Accordion Noir, Shawn Conner reports.
1. Jason Webley
Back after playing the second Accordion Noir Festival (this is the 11th), Webley is known for his adventurous folk stylings. He started out playing the streets of Seattle and has since released several albums, with fan favourite tunes including Dance While the Sky Crashes Down and The Drinking Song. He is the brains behind the touring extravaganza Monsters of Accordion and is an infrequent collaborator with musician Amanda Palmer. Also, he has been known to incorporate vegetables in his act.
2. Wendy McNeill
“Even the best accordion can’t save an unlucky man,” McNeill once sang in In Bocca Al Lupo, a song told from an accordion’s point of view. The Albertaraised singer/songwriter, who lives in Europe, will brings twisted squeezebox-laced tales from her latest album Hunger Made You Brave to the fest.
3. Dogtooth and Nail
This Portland accordion-banjo duo plays folk tunes about feminism, anti-capitalism, revolution — and the companionship of dogs and cats (in Friends Fur Life, off the 2018 album Learning How to Unlearn).
4. Basilissa
The Vancouver trio performed at this year’s Vancouver International Jazz Festival and the Accordion Noir stage at Car-Free Day on Main. With music rooted in Portuguese fado, Basilissa will add even more diverse sounds to an already eclectic lineup.
5. Echoes and Ripples
The Accordion Noir Fest unofficially starts with a pre-show today that features music and art. The pre-show takes place at Creative Coworkers (343 Railway Street) from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets are $10 at eventbrite.ca.