Megan Jerome
The Bluesfest locals series will introduce you to the talented music makers from the Ottawa area performing at this year’s RBC Bluesfest. Come on out early to Bluesfest and discover some great new local music!
Megan Jerome
Sunday, July 16
8:00 pm
Barney Danson Theatre
Bio
If you’ve never caught Megan Jerome’s life-affirming performances, you’re in for a treat. Backed by the Together Ensemble—all stellar musicians in their own right—Jerome brings a big sound, rich harmonies and vintage keyboards to her original compositions. Variously described as roots, jazz, cabaret and R&B, her songs are really just 100% Megan. By intuitively connecting with her audience, Jerome draws us into her stories, her joy, and her love of life. Not to be missed!
The Talent
Megan Jerome – Wurlitzer, voice
Fred Guignion – Guitars
David Bignell – Bass
Mike Essoudry – Drums
Q&A
Who was the first person you told you were performing at Bluesfest this year?
Mike Essoudry, my husband, who is also the drummer in the band.
Please describe your sound.
Here are the songs that are in my heart – that tell stories of magical moments in everyday love – dancing in the kitchen, or in the backyard, midnight blue, starshine, twinkle lights and table wine, earthy love and love divine, spinning stars on threads of twine – your toes in the warm sand, a campfire waltz, twirling dancers, gum so your breath is sweet, a moment of connection so profound you just have to sing! It’s a painting, it’s a bouquet that fills you with so much joy your heart bursts, it’s singing the glorious feeling that comes when you feel completely infused with love, laughter, wonder, togetherness. Like every single person, my life is enriched with the deepest sorrows, and the soaring-est joys – and my songs are an overflowing of that. Pedalling as fast as I can down the streets of New Orleans, to dance in the crowd to the brass bands playing their hearts out on the corners, to the quiet tenderness of being in our own home, delighting in cozy moments, with a morning cup of coffee, or an evening glass of wine.
How did you get started on your musical journey?
My family was very musical – we played and sang most days, around the piano. My father taught me the top part of “New York, New York” when I was four – I’ve always played for fun, casually, with my family.
Summers in Sudbury we lived on a lake, and all our family friends loved music. Music has always been part of my makeup.
What’s your connection to Ottawa and the local music scene?
I’ve lived here all my life, and graduated from the music program at Carleton University, which I LOVED. Many of my friends and music playmates are friends I’ve known for twenty years.
I teach piano lessons, now, and LOVE it too. All my students make their own music!
Will you be playing any new music at Bluesfest and/or releasing/released new music ahead of your performance?
There are 12 new songs on it. Each song, in its way, is about the beauty in the moment of loving exactly where you are. Limited edition physical copies of the album (in cd form) will be available exclusively at live shows. I will release the album online, song by song, for a year – it’s Megan’s Year of Love!
What artists are you hoping to catch during this year’s Bluesfest?
My favorite thing to do at Bluesfest is simply wander, and take in as much as I can, of the overall vibe, and whoever is playing in the moment.