“Blink” – Lesley Pike to Perform at Inaugaration
In the event industry, word of mouth continues to be my best source for resources. This follows closely with my philosphy of sharing contacts, knowledge, tips and tools. I received an e-mail from an industry colleague, Christina Burns, who introduced me to a talented artist, Lesley Pike. Within hours we met and I am delighted to share with you Lesley will be performing at Special Event Boot Camp’s Inaugaration Reception on August 12. Today, Lesley performs in Welland, Ontario, with the Cowboy Junkies at the Ilumminaqua Festival.
"Her stage repartee is clever and cunning enough to keep even the most cynical of audiences engaged and chuckling between songs. Unfaltering strength and lyrical prowess have audiences cheering for her like a local sports hero by shows’ end. And somewhere in the midst of her star presence, charm and powerful verses, we’ve forgotten that Pike has written, arranged and delivered each of the tracks in their complex musical glory – floating between the guitar stand and piano bench with ease.
The thing is, you just can’t help but like her. She has an uncanny ability to engage any audience, and her shows are consistently spontaneous, entertaining, impactful, and memorable. Fans love seeing her over and over because you never get the same show twice. At a recent showcase for COCA (The Canadian Organization of Campus Activities), Lesley performed for college promoters and industry folks and managed to have them in tears of laughter during one of her more ’serious’ numbers. It’s no wonder they’ve invited her back to showcase at their National event this summer.
Countless press invested kind words and precious limited column space to those first two musical releases, and many suggested that it wouldn’t be long before her stellar talent and profound musicality would be ‘discovered’. Early responses to her most recent musical offering suggest that her most recent album, "Blink" (April, 2008) is the telltale disc in which such premonition has been based. Produced by Bill Bell (Tom Cochrane, Justin Nozuka, Jason Mraz, Shaye), and recorded at The Orange Lounge and Soleil Studio in Toronto, Ontario, the disc features 11 studio tracks and a host of talented musicians: Kevin Fox ..o (Chantal Kreviazuk, Sarah Slean), Kevin Breit on dobro and tenor guitars (Norah Jones, Celine Dion), Sean Ashby on lap steel & electric guitars (Sarah McLachlan), Pat Kilbride on bass (Sass Jordan, Ian Hunter), and Davide Direnzo on percussion (Jacksoul, Diana Krall)." Visit Lesley Pike’s My Space: www.myspace.com/lesleypike
