Singer-songwriters Laura Kelsey and Carl Longstaff are ready to make up for time lost during the COVID-19 pandemic with a performance at the Nanaimo Bar on Saturday, May 7.
“The isolation and uncertainty of the last two years has definitely taken a toll on people,” said Kelsey in a press release.
“I think listeners might relate to the feeling of looking for solace when you can’t find any – like grabbing a ghost,” she said, in reference to her recently released single Grabbing a Ghost which was inspired by her own struggles with night anxiety and insomnia.
The release for the show also noted that Kelsey recently received a Storyhive grant, funded by Telus, to film an eight-part series titled ‘New Home, New Music.’ The series will highlight musicians who have immigrated from other countries to Nanaimo, and will air later in 2022.
Kelsey also received a 2022 Creative B.C. recording grant and plans to record her debut solo EP with producer Winston Hauschild on Bowen Island, according to the release.
Also taking the stage on Saturday will be Longstaff, whose debut EP Divine, released in September, is a testament to recovery and healing that chronicles past traumas and addictions through a collection of grunge-tinted alternative rock.
The show’s release noted that a full-length documentary about Longstaff’s life is in production by Vancouver Island filmmaker Nathan Reimer.
“I want to build a community that helps and supports one another with skills to better deal with how we feel as humans who have had a rough road – which is most of us,” said Longstaff, who is currently completing his second EP, Honesty.
Kelsey and Longstaff will play the Nanaimo Bar, 2-75 Front St., at 9 p.m. on May 7, with tickets $5 and available at the door.
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