WESTLOCK — The Cultural Arts Theatre Society (CATS) will wrap its 2022-2023 season with the sweet sounds of Edmonton-based folk artist Maddie Storvold when she makes her Westlock debut March 10.
Since her first public performance in 2016 while studying English and philosophy at university, the young folk singer has been dedicated to her craft, evolving from a spoken word poet to a full-time folk singer-songwriter since 2018. Incorporating her love of poetry and music, Storvold has brought both cover pieces and original works to life with her sweet melodies and guitar, which she has played for more than 15 years. Tickets for her CATS performance can be bought in person at MTech Printing and Signs, 10039 - 107th Street, by calling 780-349-6877 or visiting here.
Tickets for next season are also now on sale until mid-March for current season ticket holders, who can purchase packages for all six shows for $165 per person or a new option will be a four-pick for $125 per person. Starting March 14, new subscribers can purchase tickets with individual tickets on sale starting July 1. More information on the 2023-2024 CATS concert series is available here.
“I’ve always been quite moved by word craft,” said Storvold, noting the long lineage of folk artists, their music and traditions which continue to be shared today. “There’s so few oral traditions in North America and folk music is one of the Appalachia, Americana, roots (traditions). It’s all about that kind of sharing which doesn’t really happen that much anymore.”
The 27-year-old folk artist grew up listening to artists like the Eagles, Bob Seger and Neil Simon, but was also influenced by other folk, roots and rock artists including Joni Mitchell, noting that “I was very much moved by that tradition from a very young age, and I’ve always wanted to be a (folk music) creator,” she said.
For her Westlock debut, Storvold will be joined on stage by upright base player Jill McKenna and fiddle player Aline Deanna, both who will join in with three-part harmonies for several musical numbers, some of which originate from one of Storvold’s three albums. The first two entitled, “The Old Brag of My Heart (2017) and “Freedom, Books, Flowers and the Moon (2018) will soon be joined by Storvold’s third album, “Sunstorm” expected to be released this spring (April 2023).
In addition to her folk music, concert goers will be entertained with stories about Storvold’s career and touring. “I do comedy as well and I like to intersperse that into my sets. I think that’s important and I want people to feel a full range of emotion at my shows,” said Storvold. “I think everybody needs that.”
