Michelle Wright likes to see the faces of her fans in the audience and form an intimate and personal connection with them when she performs.
That connection is also part of why she creates music, because each song also has personal meaning for her. Her lyrics are inspired by life experiences and conversations with friends.
Songs like She’s a Keeper was inspired by her female and male friends who are wonderful people but can’t find someone to share their life with. She said it speaks about a world where everyone is so connected but can’t find companionship. Her song I’ll Cry Too is about time spent with a friend and a connection of shared sadness between the two of them.
Wright plays the Nanaimo Port Theatre on her Songs from The Hall Tour Sunday (Oct. 14).
“It’s a celebration of my induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame,” said Wright. “It’s kind of a one of a kind tour. I can’t imagine that this will happen again.”
She was inducted into the hall of fame in September 2011. Wright, a Canadian-born artist from Merlin Ont., has sold more than two million albums in the United States and Canada.
She said it was a wonderful event in her life and this is her chance to share that joy with fans.
Wright said she doesn’t want to give too much away about her performance in Nanaimo because she wants it to be a surprise for her fans. However, she said audience members will get a chance to hear some of her greatest hits, such as Take it Like a Man, mixed among other songs by hall of fame inductees such as Anne Murray, Bonnie Raitt and U2.
Fans also get a chance to hear songs from her upcoming, still untitled, album which will be released next spring.
Wright said she likes performing concerts at smaller venues because she wants to establish a “personal connection” with fans.
“It all comes down to the song and the music …does it have an authentic and an emotional connection,” said Wright. “I really look forward to connecting with my fans. If you can’t see people’s faces you can’t see them respond.”
Songs from The Halls is Sunday (Oct. 14) at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $40, $35 members and groups, $15 students or $5 for eyeGo students and are available by calling 250-754-8550, online at www.porttheatre.com or at the Port Theatre ticket office, located at 125 Front St.
reporter3@nanaimobulletin.com