ATHABASCA – Heartwood Live is getting ready to wrap up a successful season of sold out shows and lineups out the door, and what better way to do it then with some true Albertan talent.
Over the Moon, a two-piece acoustic act featuring Suzanne Levesque and Craig Bignell, is bringing their highly acclaimed combination of traditional folk, country and western styled music to the Nancy Appleby Theatre May 6.
“They’re a beautiful combo of harmony and musicianship. When I saw them, I walked right up afterwards and said you guys should come to Athabasca,” said Charlie DeShane, Heartwood Live’s artistic director.
One of three Juno nominees from this year’s spring showcase — Over the Moon was nominated for the 2022 Juno for Best Traditional Album after the COVID-19 delayed release of their second offering, Chinook Waltz — the country duo brings delightful harmonies and rhythm from the province’s ranching community to the north for a one-night-only show.
Since their debut album, Moondancer, was released in 2017, the duo has had time to perfect their near-perfect harmonization on stage. A staple of any review for the couple is a mention of their singing, which blends together to create a rich sound backed by instrumentals.
Concertgoers can expect a softer sound than the previous three acts this season. From the duo’s first ever co-written song, self-titled Over the Moon, to covers of artists like Ian Tyson and the Everly Brothers, Levesque and Bignell capture a wide range of sounds like all hearken back to the ever present cowboy spirit.
Despite Heartwood’s move away from a dyed-in-the-wool folk club, Over the Moon is exactly what the club’s original supporters love to hear. The show starts at 7:30 May 6, with the Athabasca Cares Community Housing Society set to provide concessions at the midway intermission.
Tickets are available online, or at Whispering Hills Fuel, the Value Drug Mart, and Athabasca Health Foods. Advance tickets start at $30, rising to $35 at the door, demand dependent. As always, anyone 16 and under gets to enjoy the show for free.
