the acoustic diaries: Find what your footsteps already know

Back at the Malkin Bowl last night to watch Sarah Harmer perform. The layout of the show was different than the previous night as it was reserved seating with general admission on the side lawn. There were also a few environmental display booths setup to offer information on worthy causes such as the David Suzuki Foundation and The Land Trust Alliance of British Columbia.

Carolyn Mark opened the evening. The alt-country songstress from Victoria did a good job setting the tone and mood for a great summer night of music. Playing with Carolyn was Gregory Macdonald, former member of one of my favourite local acts Pepper Sands.

Sarah Harmer came onstage to a warm welcome and opened her set with Came On Lion. She recently did a few shows with Bruce Cockburn and this was her last date on her tour.

Sarah was exceptional on this night, much like when I saw her perform back in April. Her voice is captivating and displays a raw emotion that really connects you to her songs.

The Ontario native was accompanied by a few other musicians onstage and they sounded very tight as a collective.

During the set, Sarah mentioned there was a friend in the audience that had a special announcement to make to someone. She then performed two romantic songs, Silver Road and Open Windows.

For Lodestar, Sarah hopped on the drumkit to play out the last part of the song. Her bandmates left the stage afterwards for Sarah to perform a short solo acoustic set. The set included an excellent solo version of Basement Apt. after an audience member had requested the song.

Ms. Harmer and her bandmates sure like drinking their red wine during sets.

Other highlights from the 1hr 50min set included great performances of Coffee Stain, Greeting Card Aisle, Around This Corner, Goin' Out, and The Hideout. I loved that they played Dandelions In Bullet Holes near the end.