On Feb. 16 at the Happy Nun in Forget, Juno Award winning artist Cara Luft will be performing. Luft is known for her work in the band The Wailin' Jennys, but has been a solo artist for a number of years.
The artist was born and raised in Calgary, though now lives in Winnipeg. Luft has three solo albums out currently including Tempting the Storm, The Light Fantastic, and her most recent release, Darlingford which debuted in 2012.
Her music is self described as, "folk roots music with a little bit of a rock twist." Luft explained her influences came from her parents who were folk singers and the artists they listened to, while rock music in the form of Led Zepplin and The Beatles helped her create a unique sound.
As a singer/songwriter Luft was introduced to music at an early age and is adept in playing both the guitar and banjo.
"Growing up in a family of musicians there were a lot of instruments and records, we didn't have a television when I was young and a lot of my free time was spent experimenting with music," Luft explained.
With a heavy influence from her parents Luft had decided she would pursue music, though thought she would have a "day job" and do music in her spare time. She is extremely thankful to have been blessed with the ability to do what she loves.
Her music has taken her touring across Canada and into Europe. She is currently touring through the prairies, will then head to Toronto, over to British Columbia, down the West Coast, and to Europe.
"I've gotten to know quite a few people in different parts of the world and it is a great way to connect with them," Luft said about being able to tour.
This includes being able to play at venues such as the Happy Nun, which Luft played at once before a number of years ago.
"It's been so long since I was last out there, 2006 or 2007. At that time they were still running concerts in the rectory," Luft stated.
"I'm overdue for a return," she laughed.
"I'm really looking forward to it [the Happy Nun]. The first time I was there it was a really magical experience and I'm looking forward to sharing my new album and new material with everybody."
Luft is currently playing solo shows, which are able to connect her to the audience making for a memorable performance.
"I'm able to get a nice big full sound just on my own," Luft said.
She will mainly be performing her new material with the audience, but has also explained she does play traditional music and the odd cover song. Her cover songs, however, are made her own through a unique and fun twist, which is entertaining.
"I'm having fun with interpreting rock songs on the banjo, or just doing a song on an instrument in a style you wouldn't normally associate with it," Luft explained.
The talented musician is able to make these different pieces work.
Overall she is looking forward to being able to come back to the Happy Nun.
"I get to see lots of interesting places while touring. I wouldn't have known about Forget if it weren't creating such a great arts network," Luft stated, while explaining she is very much looking forward to returning to play.
Her music can be found through visiting her website, caraluft.com, if interested in getting a small taste of what the evening has in store.
This concert is one of several which are sponsored by the Ananda Arthouse and will begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 each and the Happy Nun offers limited seating for dinner reservations, so you are encouraged to reserve seats early if dinner and a show interests you.
