Roots Music Canada 5th Anniversary at the Tranzac

 

So Long Seven played the penultimate set of the night with a highly concentrated dosage of instrumental vitality.

Splendid music, family vibes and five candles burning bright for Roots Music Canada's celebration of the varieties of song and community.

Liv and Braden of Tragedy Ann warming up pre-show on Gordon Lightfoot's "Did She Mention My Name?" with MC / Host David Newland. Roots Music Canada's original inception was on Lightfoot's birthday.

Show runner Beverly Kreller made sure everyone was well caked-up. Seen here in joy mode with Howard Druckman and Roots Music Canada editrix.

A recent recipient of his Canadian citizenship, magnetic singer Kunlé brought the audience into the performance with some singalongs.

Roots brothers David Newland and Andy Frank, who actually founded Roots Music Canada fourteen years ago, are moved to express gratitude for the preservation of their vision of an enduring musical community.

Who was a good boy? Caru resisted the urge to sing along. Mum Linda Turu was very proud.

Lynn Harrison shared some of her edifying lyricism with a solo performance midway through the show.

Duo Tragedy Ann's professional toolkit includes a highly melodic crosscut saw.

Old timey bluegrass was played with incredible finesse by Onion Honey.

Simple songs resonant with joy and beauty were delivered by Tannis Slimmon and Lewis Melville.

Amongst the many awesome songsters in the audience were Isabel Fryszberg and Zoe Ackah, meeting up for the first time. Celebrity sightings also included Ori Dagan, David Woodhead, Howard Gladstone, Laura Fernandez, Emma Jane and Mark Ripp.

Folk artist and accomplished painter Shawna Caspi took in the evening's entertainment and managed to get some lovely shots of the performances. Below is her capture of The Memberz' closing set of reinvigorating reggae.