CKUA will be the host venue for a special event on October 8. CFR Backroads Series and CKUA Radio present: Sister City Sessions Edmonton. Celebrate Canadian Finals Rodeo Week with an intimate evening of songs and stories connecting two sister cities through music.
Sister City Sessions brings Edmonton and Nashville together in the round at CKUA’s Beresh Arts Den, featuring Lillie Mae (Nashville), Joe Nolan (Edmonton), and Lucette (Edmonton) sharing the stage, trading songs, and telling the stories behind the music.
Lillie Mae is an Americana singer, songwriter, fiddler, and guitarist. She’s been performing since she was a child, as part of a family band. They moved often, traveled in a motor home, and even worked in Dolly Parton’s dinner theatre show.
She describes her own style as “a variety of things,” and says her style can include traditional bluegrass, original tunes, singer-songwriter tunes, and playing fiddle in other people’s bands.
Lillie Mae has been north of the border many times. “The first time we played in Canada I was seven. We played a bluegrass festival in Ontario.” Her family band also played the Calgary Stampede when Lillie May was a teenager. She also notes that two of her sisters are married to Canadians. “I have three Canadian nieces,” she laughs.
Her brother, Frank Carter Rische, will be joining Lillie Mae on stage. He plays electric and acoustic guitar and often provides harmony vocals. “I’m really looking forward to it. And I can’t wait to play with my brother again. We’ve both been so busy. It will be a highlight.”
Alberta’s own Joe Nolan is also happy to be participating. “The Bluebird Nashville-style songwriter in the round format is my favourite thing ever. And of course I know Lucette, who will be performing. I’ve never met Lillie Mae, but I’m excited to share the stage and collaborate with her as well.”
Nolan mentions Neil Young’s “Harvest Moon” as a song that might be in the mix on October 8. “I think the evening will be pretty spontaneous,” he says, “but I have a few songs in mind, mine and covers, that will fit the rodeo theme.”
Tickets for this event are by donation. Meals from Pitt County BBQ will be available for advance purchase and will be ready to enjoy before the show.
We love hosting community-minded events here in our building, at CKUA’s Beresh Arts Den. Register here. We’d love to see you on October 8!
Learn more about the CFR Backroads Series here.
