“You wind up creating from silence, like painting a picture on a blank canvas that could bring tears to somebody’s eyes. As songwriters, our blank canvas is silence. Then we write a song from an idea that can change somebody’s life. Songwriting is the closest thing to magic that we could ever experience. That’s why I love songwriting.” ~ Rodney Atkins
Join local singer-songwriters on a journey where they unveil the inspiration that filled their blank canvas of silence. Tickets can be purchased for $10 at the Habit.
///PHIL DROST///
Born and raised in Thunder Bay, Drost just released his third album, ‘Rerooted’ which was written and recorded during Phil’s first year after returning home. He lived in Alberta for five years where he wrote and released his first two albums ‘Drifting With A Dream’ and ‘Better off Believing’. He draws inspiration from artists like Van Morrison, John Mayer, and Neil Young when writing his heartfelt lyrics to his bluesy folk-rock music.
///DANA SWARBRICK///
Swarbrick blends inspiration from blues and jazz in her folk songs. With a voice reminiscent of Norah Jones and a mouth trumpet that wows audiences, she delights as much as she inspires. She studied music cognition and enjoys sprinkling neuroscience research into her performances leaving listeners both entertained and enlightened.
///KRIS TONKENS///
Originally from Toronto, Kris moved to Thunder Bay this year from Melbourne, Australia. She writes music and sings like she’s got nothing to lose: honest, raw & passionate.
///CONNOR HAMILTON///
Forged on the icy shores of Lake Superior, Connor was raised in a home filled with the traditional music of Scotland and Ireland. His songs tell stories of the days of old in the Celtic nations while being played on a variety of folk instruments. Connor draws influences from artists like Andy Irvine, Daoirí Farrell, and The Dubliners; as well as the many traditional songs that have been passed down for centuries.