Getting to know our special guest Heather Bambrick

Heather Bambrick, You’ll Never Know

 - 2018 ECMA Nominee:  Jazz Recording of the Year

 - 2017 JUNO Nominee:  Vocal Jazz Album of the Year

Heather Bambrick, Fine State

 - Best of 2019  (Ottawa Citizen)

 - Best of 2019  (JAZZCAST.ca)

 - Best of 2019  (EarShot's Jazz Notes)

1.    What is the next step from singing in the shower to singing on stage?

I guess that depends on each individual person.  For me, it was the realization that while I’m sure I could do other things, the fact is, I didn’t want to do other things as much as I wanted to perform and entertain people.  (And trust me:  no one’s being entertained in my shower … so stage it has to be!)  The one thing I will say is this:  it’s a crazy, often heartless and defeating business, so you have to really wantto be in it.  Nothing comes easily, so you need a strong work ethic, thick skin, and the ability to think outside the box when it comes to making a living.  It also helps to be a good person who's easy to work with. Oh, yeah … and I suppose there has to be a certain amount of talent involved.  (Then, again, in today's business … ) 

2.    What is one of the most exciting things you can experience ONLY at a jazz concert?

I’d definitely say it’s the spontaneity of the show.  You will neverhear the same song performed the same way twice, so you know you're always getting something fresh, new, and created "in the moment."  I also love the way musicians "play" together.  Sure, there's work involved, but when they're having a great time and truly into the music, riding the vibe being created by the other musicians, there's something absolutely joyful about that, and you can see it on musicians' faces.  You'll often see them smiling, laughing, cheering each other on … it's so great to experience that! 

3.    Coming from Toronto, what do you think is one of the best things about Calgary?

Oh - good question!!  I LOVE the people I've met in Calgary over the years.  I've done a lot of work with various choral festivals there, and I've loved meeting young singers, educators, etc.  I also love the "vibe" of the city.  There's a kind of "laid-back excitement" that's hard to describe, but you can feel it when you're there.  I also love the support that the community shows to musicians.  There are some amazing concert series in Calgary. This shows terrific support for musicians who want to share their performances with enthusiastic Calgary audiences.

4.    Why do you think the arts scene is essential in our culture?

Wow … where do I start?  Art is CRUCIAL to ANY culture!  It's the soul of any community.  It's what inspires us, what moves us, what identifies us.  It gives us the escape from reality, OR it presents our reality right back to us in beautiful, heart-filled, creative ways.  Without an arts scene, a community is grey, dull, and lifeless.  WITHan arts scene, there's LIFE and personality, and character, and quality, and so much more!  I could go on and on and on …  particularly as a Newfoundlander whose art scene is permanently ingrained in my heart and mind.  There's a quote on the previous Canadian $20 bill.  It was from author Gabrielle Roy:  "Could we ever know each other in the slightest without the arts?" That pretty well sums it up for me. (And it also makes me think:  if the government can put "the arts" on their money, they should definitely put their money in the arts!)

5.    Anything else you would like to say?

I’m really looking forward to being a part of this show for several reasons, but one of the big ones being thatJohnnyis just so freakin' great!  He's a true entertainer and show person, and I really appreciate that in a performer.  He's also got the goods to put forth a killer musical evening.  Someone once described my show as what happens when "Ella Fitzgerald meets Carol Burnett at a Newfoundland kitchen party."  So, that, along with Johnny bringin' the goods? This is going to be a fun and highly entertaining evening!