Event Poster
This night was music to my welcoming ears. For starters I am in love with the atmosphere at Ecce art and yoga and then to add to my excitement music was illuminated through the artsy spaces. After being an audience member at the event I was hoping do a reflection on my night and the joy that it brought me. Have you ever had one of those days were you badly needed a pick-me-up? Well, this was the best spa-day ever.
Shane Maland
Starting off the night was Shane Maland. I first heard of Shane through word of mouth and soon became his Facebook Fan which led me to jump head first into his music. Shane has this unique connection with lyrics which is one of the main reasons I ever get hooked on a song or an artist in general.
Shane Maland
With being one of the biggest Ray LaMontagne fans out there I am very picky when it comes to comparing someone to someone else, especially LaMontagne. But Shane Maland has a similar style to LaMontagne with his rugged warm voice so I was immediately connected to his style. Another comparison on the delivery of his songs would be to Damien Rice. Even with some similarities to a couple of my music favorites, Shane Maland is clearly doing his own thing.
Shane Maland
I rarely come across an artist who takes me into the land of folk music and I find myself dreaming of being out on the countryside. And his song “Red Roses” touched me. Check out Shane Maland’s Facebook Fan page.
Eden Parker
Next up was Eden Parker and please let me be perfectly blunt- this artist should be permanently parked under the spotlight for as long as possible. This guy is made for the stage. When it comes down to it- the pure energy that flows out of Eden’s soul is contagious.
Eden Parker
Coming from a Theatre background I know a performer when I see or hear one. I met Eden Parker for the first time at Teaberry when one of our mutual friends introduced us. Eden played a set of original/cover songs at Teaberry and I’ve been following his adventures ever since. Have you ever seen him play the piano? He makes cheetahs look slow. And his vocal range is out of this world. I really wish I had someone who came to mind to compare him to but I don’t when it comes to his style. As Garth Brooks would say “I thank God for unanswered prayers” because I honestly don’t wish Eden Parker was anyone but himself-he is one hundred percent original. And yes, I really did just quote Garth Brooks.
Eden Parker
One thing I love about artists is the background stories to their songs. Throughout his time with us at Ecce he made sure to welcome the audience into the infinite abyss of what inspires him to write a song. Check out Eden Parker’s Facebook fan page and watch his music video by typing in Eleventh Hour Angel (Official Music Video) + Eden Parker on Youtube.
Dann K & Black Casket
The third performance was from the band Dann K & Black Casket. What a sweet treat to hear totally three totally different styles of performers in the first three acts. With Dann K & Black Casket I think anyone who has a cello in their band has automatic brownie points.
Steve Smedshammer- Cello & Dann Keller- Guitar/Lead Vocals
Andrew Hansen- Piano
The lead singer Dann Keller played guitar while Steve Smedshammer was on the cello and Andrew Hansen played piano. This was the first time I have heard of Dann K & Black Casket. This acoustic/alternative/folk band has many dimensions to it and I look forward to seeing them perform again so I can get much better acquainted. Check out their Facebook Fan page!
The Last 3 Artists Hit the Stage
Shape Then Shift, Brooks West and Brenda Weiler took the stage to do a Carousal Performance switching the spotlight to one another every two songs. I hate to say it but my flash on my camera went bonkers right before their performances so I don’t have any pictures taken of them. But this did allow me to gear even more of my focus on the three performers and it was truly magical.
Shape Then Shift
Shape Then Shift is made up of Michael Weiler. Weiler has this hauntingly beautiful and tender sound that can take you into a different world. Weiler’s voice reminded me right from the start of Manchester Orchestra’s Lead Singer Andy Hull. Which is AWESOME. That is when Andy Hull does his own acoustic sets. Shape Then Shift is pretty well known around the music community and Michael Weiler is always doing something positive for the local music scene. Weiler’s personality shines through in each song with his quirky lyrics and his true wit. Check out Shape Then Shift’s Facebook Fan Page and become a fan!
Brooks West
This guy is living in North Dakota? Lucky us! I started to Youtube Brooks West the day after the show and I felt as though he was immediately one of my new local favorites. His songs were filled with life with the lyrics he sang out. He had a story for each song and he shared with us a little overview of what his songs were about which always makes me happy. I like to put myself in someone else’s shoes or imagine how a song would relate to me so hearing a sneak peak of a song before it is sung is a little piece of heaven. Is it just me or does this guy have a little Irish zest in his voice? I love that. If you Youtube Brooks West I really recommend the songs Back Around and Green to Red.
Brenda Weiler
Now Brenda brought me right back to High School- in a GREAT way! I remember walking the halls of Fargo South and seeing event posters up of Brenda Weiler. This was a good 6-7 years ago. I always wondered “what does she sound like?” So one day a couple years ago I looked up her music and thought “Ok…I could have went to one of her shows 7 years ago and already be hooked and have all her lyrics memorized….etc….” Do you ever just feel sad when you overlook good music? I do. Then when I was working as a Reporter for Fox News last year I interviewed Brenda Weiler for a community event and I wanted so badly to tell her I loved her music but I felt like it wasn’t the time and place. But now I finally got to see her play live. She sounds so unique. I hear a little bit of the old school Jewel in her but paired with her own flavor. I will always be on the lookout for her upcoming shows.
Recap
Overall this was a heartfelt night. I am already looking forward to the next Ecce art and yoga Singer-Songwriter Series night Friday, May 6th at 6:30-9:30pm. With Performances by Michael Pink, Scott Kelsh, Shape Then Shift, Little Winter, Rosemary Sauvageau and The Ogg Band. And it is only $5 dollars to get in! Come on out and experience what I experienced and share with me the love of music!
Event Poster
All Photos and Text besides the Event Posters by Natalie Kaye Lindberg.
