Jeff Green | Jun 01, 2016
The Cardinal Café in Sharbot Lake is presenting live music from 6-9 pm each Wednesday this summer. The shows feature small acoustic combinations, and started off last week with Arden's Sympathy Ghost, the husband and wife duo of Dan Keeler and Kate Turner.
With Keeler on guitar and lead vocals on most tunes, and Turner on a variety of hand-held percussion instruments and vocals, they played two sets of engaging original tunes, complemented by covers in the alt-country vein.
The songs, funny and poignant in turn, were well served by Keeler and Turner's plaintive delivery, their voices working well together throughout the evening. The atmosphere at the Cardinal was casual, even though many of the songs had an emotional depth more reminiscent of a smoky late-night bar.
The Cardinal is located in a former Catholic church, and as was the case for a Baroque concert that was held there in late January, the acoustics and the light in the space are excellent. Sympathy Ghost used very minimal amplification, and the room easily did the rest.
The second Wednesday evening show, which takes place before this goes to print, features the flute trio Toute Ensemble (Anne Archer, Melanie Fyfe and Debbie Twiddy). Still to come this month: June 8, Trxtr (Gerard and Diana Smith); June 15, Alan Brian (Bryan Roche and Alan Kitching); and June 22, Auburn Mystery (Nancy and Rob Moore); June 29 TBA.
While there is no admission to the shows, patrons are encouraged to help cover the musicians’ expenses by putting money into the jar that is passed around, reminiscent of the offering basket back in the day.
Cardinal is licensed, and offers coffee, sandwiches, and baked goods throughout the evening. It is open Tuesday to Saturday in the daytime, Friday and Saturday until the early evening as well.
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