Multi-instrumental folk artist Bronwyn Claire Asha will be combining myths and folklore through Celtic folk music as part of a tour that will take her through Nanaimo.
“The theme of the show is really ‘connection’ and connecting in that ability to know we’re not alone with each other but also with Earth,” Asha told the News Bulletin. “Since the beginning we’ve always been living with nature and connected with nature but I’m feeling we’re losing that.”
Asha now lives in Portugal but used to be based on the West Coast. She has toured through Europe with Scottish singer-songwriter Simon Kempston and also toured internationally as the frontwoman for the Celtic folk group Knacker’s Yard. In 2022 she released her first solo album, The Maiden’s Lament.
Her upcoming tour, As I Roved Out, will be structured around Asha playing a ‘bardesse’ who will be telling different myths, with arrangements of traditional songs on fiddle, guitar, harmonium and banjo woven throughout. Myths include the Greek legend of Orchis, who the story says was transformed into orchids for his crimes. Other tales include Irish and Inuit creation myths.
“It’s an immersive experience, they are going to be experiencing storytelling and folk music and there will be audience participation,” she said. “Hopefully they’ll sing together with me for some of it.”
Asha said the show is good for anyone who has an interest in the past, and says the message she would like the audience to be able to take away is that they can always access connection, “whether it’s through a conversation with a loved one, or through our voices together.”
The Nanaimo show is set for April 21, from 2 to 4:30 p.m. at Unitarian Hall, 595 Townsite Road. Tickets can be purchased at the door or at www.eventbrite.ca. The show is presented by the Around Town Tellers storytelling group.
READ MORE: Storytellers get ready to weave tales for Nanaimo audiences