Cheeky Monkey, Sarnia’s records & more store, is honoured to be hosting a very special musical guest for the August 3rd First Friday Cultural Walkabout. Emm Gryner will be performing selections from her newest album release, ‘Only of Earth : Days of Games’, along with songs spanning her distinguished career.
Ms. Gryner’s release of ‘Only of Earth : Days of Games’ is the first in a planned trilogy. From her website it is explained as “musically, ‘Days of Games’ sees Gryner infusing the songs with crunching rock riffs, soaring vocals, powerhouse beats and layered synthesizers of the best of 1970s and 1980s rock and pop music – a marked departure from the more folk and roots inspired solo albums she has released over the past decade and a half. The compositions were created in a way that suited the musicians she worked with, particularly noted Winnipeg jazz guitarist, the late Greg Lowe, who himself channelled his childhood rock roots to create some amazing solos, riffs and runs.”
Saying Emm’s musical history is impressive is an understatement. Not only is she renowned internationally as a songwriter, singer and multi-instrumentalist with nearly 20 albums under her belt, but she is also an accomplished businesswoman having founded her own record label in the mid 1990’s. Along with all this, she manages to find time to be a much sought after public speaker giving interesting talks on her experiences in the entertainment industry as well as a semi-regular host on various CBC Radio programs.
Her personal connections and collaborations in the business over the years are impressive. She has worked with David Bowie, Joe Elliott of Def Leppard, astronaut/musician Chris Hadfield, has appeared in films including ‘One Week’ with Joshua Jackson and most recently on her new album worked with David Rhodes of Peter Gabriel’s band to name drop a few. Emm is also an active member of the indie trio, Trent Severn, who recently release a new album called “Portage” noted for songs dealing with Canadian history and experiences.
For your visual entertainment of the evening, a new art exhibit and sale by Bill Walters that he is calling “Escape” will be premiered. Bill’s preferred method of painting is in the great outdoors where his keen eye for colour and motion is evident in each of his ‘en plein air’ pieces. Painting landscapes in this style, requires intuition, powers of observation and willingness to brave the elements. Having said this, Bill felt the weather in April was far too gray for his liking so he ‘escaped’ to his studio to create several interesting still life paintings that will be including in this show. His creations are his visual way of sharing the world as only he sees it.
Stop into Cheeky Monkey located at 130 Christina Street North from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. during the August 3rd First Friday so you can hear for yourself why Emm Gryner is admired by fans around the world and take a moment to enjoy the original art of Bill Walters.
