The Estevan Arts Council (EAC) kicked off the Spark series in Estevan on Friday night with a concert by Saskatchewan musician Rachel Elizabeth at the Estevan Art Gallery and Museum (EAGM).
Elizabeth, who used to perform under the name Fern, sang for an intimate crowd of young people and board members from the arts council and the EAGM. She played songs on the guitar and the piano from her albums.
Her songs ranged from Morning in a Burnt Room, which she said came from a Margaret Atwood poem, to Wildflowers of the Prairies, which was inspired by her grandfather.
Between songs, she told stories about her career, and provided background on her music.
Elizabeth joked that the banter and the stories between songs should lighten the mood from her music, which she said could often be serious.
During the past year, she wrote full-time for the first time in her career, with support from the Saskatchewan Arts Board.
The Spark program is targeted towards people between the ages of 13 and 29. Spark committee member Victoria Utman told the audience that Spark’s arrival was a “monumental occasion” for the EAC, because they put on a lot of concerts and events relating to the arts, but they’re trying to reach out more to teens and young adults.
“It’s designed to engage youth … in the arts and culture of your community,” said Utman. “This is the first concert of many that we’re hoping to bring to Estevan with this series, and we’re also hoping to host other events.”
Utman suggested karaoke nights and art-related activities could happen in the future.
