It is always a pleasure to bring old friends back to Sooke to perform for us. Such is the case for the Sooke Folk Music Society’s next concert on Saturday, November 1, when we are most proud to present the incredibly beautiful and talented Shari Ulrich.
Born in San Rafael, California, Shari came by her musical bent naturally through both her mother and father. Shari’s mother was raised in a social culture where piano lessons were a given, and her father - well, he simply had it in his blood.
In all, Ulrich has released 21 albums – as a solo artist and as part of various “supergroups,” which have garnered her two Juno Awards, several award nominations, and an induction into the British Columbia Entertainment Hall of Fame.
Shari first hit the stage as one-third of the infamous Pied Pumkin String Ensemble. The Pumkins -- Ulrich, Joe Mock and Rick Scott – embodied a joie de vivre and intellectual whimsy that became the foundation of British Columbian music for an entire generation. Big changes came in ’76 when Shari was hired to tour with West Coast folk artist Valdy as part of his backing group, The Hometown Band. Shari was called on every show to step forward and sing Joe Mock’s stunning “Flying” and her reputation across Canada was sealed. On the strength of that song, and the eclectic and remarkable musicianship of the members, The Hometown Band was signed with A&M, released two albums and won a Juno award for Best New Group. The top single from the second album was Shari’s very first song – “Feel Good.”
When The Hometown Band dissolved in ‘78, Shari embarked on a solo and songwriting career. 1989 marked the start of her collaboration with long-time friends Bill Henderson and Roy Forbes - UHF - the much praised acoustic/vocal trio with whom she continues to record and perform.
As well, Shari resumed touring and recording with The Pied Pumkin in 1999, touring nationally and in 2007 releasing “Pumkids” which won several International awards. (Shari’s contribution “Annabelle’s Fiddle” won the 2011 John Lennon International Songwriting Contest for best Children’s Song). She has also teamed up with the legendary Barney Bentall and Tom Taylor to form a new trio, releasing Live at Cates Hill in 2009, and joined Barney in a new bluegrass band, The High Bar Gang, in 2010, nominated for a Juno Award in 2013.
Please be sure to join us for this evening of inspiring music from Shari Ulrich. It’s sure to move you and touch your very soul.
It all takes place at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, 1962 Murray Road. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the concert commences at 8.
Tickets will be available at the door or in advance at Sooke Shoppers Drug Mart.