Fortunate Ones fortunate to be in Humboldt

The Fortunate Ones concert saw a full Humboldt and District Gallery house on April 5, sponsored by Causeway Health.

The Humboldt crowd was treated to the Newfoundland duo of Catherine Allan and Andrew James O’Brien’s folk-pop harmonies with Allan on the keyboard, accordion, and percussion and O’Brien on the guitar and some percussion.

Both say they have been welcomed with open arms to communities across the province, Humboldt included, which was stop number seven on the second leg of their Organization of Saskatchewan Arts Councils Stars for Saskatchewan tour.

The duo kicked off the first leg of their Saskatchewan tour in Watrous back in October travelling to nine different communities before wrapping it up for the winter. They returned to Saskatchewan for their spring tour starting in Bengough on March 27 for another nine shows, wrapping up in Swift Current on April 12.

Both legs have been very sturdy, laughs O’Brien.

With so many concerts they blend together a little bit, says Allan but some little gems have stood out for them.

Humboldt does seem to be a lively spot, says Allan, and is one of the bigger spots they have been to.

It may be un-Canadian but O’Brien says they have had some excellent cups of coffee in places that are not Tim Hortons while they are on the road.

They have also had great home cooking and that is what stands out, he says.

“The hospitality is second to none out here. People are so friendly and they’re very happy that you’ve come.”

Besides putting on shows for grateful people, especially the arts council volunteers who really believe in what they are doing, the weather’s been an absolute game changer, says O’Brien.

Newfoundland and Labrador has been pummeled by snow over the past few days with Gander, Nfld. receiving 97 cm over 72 hours bringing their new record up to 238 cm of snow in total.

So when O’Brien and Allan say they are glad for the sunshine, they are not kidding.

“Newfoundland is blocked in ice right now and I’m walking around in short sleeves.”

Travelling around Saskatchewan and enjoying the sunshine has been the biggest challenge because they only get to be in one place for so long.

Allan and O’Brien met thanks to Allan’s older brother. Allan was invited to sing with the band but was hesitant thanks to some stage fright.

“At the time I was only early 20s, so I was like, if I don’t do it know now I might not ever sing in front of people.”

It is all history from there and that was in 2010, says Allan.

“It’s pretty fateful,” she says.

That wraps up the OSAC’s Star’s for Saskatchewan four part concert series. Humboldt and District Museum and Gallery Director, Jennifer Fitzpatrick says that with such positive feedback they are already planning their next concert series for the fall.