Harmony House announces 2024 summer season

Harmony House in Hunter River will feature four shows as part of its summer lineup for 2024.

“Inside American Pie” will return for its fourth summer with a limited run until July 20. This unique docu-concert dives deep into the meaning of the classic Don MacLean song, “American Pie.”

Using this staple of American songwriting, Mike Ross, Alicia Toner, Brielle Ansems, Greg Gale and Kirk White take the audience on a ride through the thrill and turbulence of the 1960s, trying to explain the meaning behind the cryptic lyrics of one of the greatest songs of all time.

Also returning is “The 27 Club.” Harmony House investigates one of the strangest mysteries in all of rock ’n’ roll – the deaths of iconic artists of the 20th century at the age of 27. They include Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison, Amy Winehouse, Kurt Cobain and many more. Featuring Ansems, Keziah Collie, Carlie Howell, Max Keenlyside, Ross and White, these multi-talented artists celebrate the music of icons who were gone too soon.

The third show, “The Leonard Cohen Songbook,” celebrates one of Canada’s most treasured songwriters. It was chosen for the summer lineup after its four-night run last fall had an overwhelming response. Joining Ross will be the power vocals of Amanda Jackson and Brandon Howard Roy, along with Tanya Davis (P.E.I.’s poet laureate), Carlie Howell on bass and young up-andcoming percussionist Garrett Sherwood. In Harmony House's unique interpretive style, it will look at the Cohen catalogue from his early days in Greece all the way until his last years in an experience that will bring his soul alive.

The fourth presentation is “Ladies of the Canyon,” a world premier created by Toner and Ross. Joni Mitchell, Mama Cass, Crosby, Stills and Nash, Carole King, The Eagles – these are just a handful of the extraordinary songwriters who took up residence in the legendary neighbourhood of Laurel Canyon in California. Located

just outside Los Angeles, this artist commune created a musical alchemy that birthed some of the greatest songs and artists of the 20th Century. Featuring Ansems, Joce Reyome, Toner and Keelin Wedge, the audience will learn about this incredible time in music history and celebrate the songs that came out of Laurel Canyon.

Performances run June 14 to Sept. 28 at 8 p.m. with selected 2 p.m. matinees. Tickets can be purchased at www. harmonyhousepei.com.