Spotlight on Marvest will introduce you to the talented music makers in Ottawa performing FREE! shows as part of the Marvest offshoot of CityFolk.
Jessica Wedden
Friday Sept 15, 2017 – 6:00 PM – The Papery (850 Bank St)
Friday Sept 15, 2017 – 7:15 PM – Whole Foods Market (951 Bank St)
What was your reaction to the news you’d be a part of Marvest and who was the first person you told?
Jessica: When I received the news that I will be part of the Marvest line up, I first told my new back up guitar player, Reilly Donnelly who will be accompanying me for Marvest. Thankfully, Reilly started playing back up guitar for me on the spur of the moment, when I was unexpectedly asked to fill in for a band that had to back out at the Stewart Park Music Festival, Youth Showcase, just mid July of this current year. I also have two other back up guitar players, Jon McLurg of Kingston and Bruce Barton of Maberly.
Reilly Donnelly (guitar): When I first found out about Marvest, I first told my mother after Jessica Wedden asked me if I would like to play rhythm guitar for the show. Naturally, I was excited for the opportunity! Playing music is always fun!
Please describe your sound.
Jessica: I have been described as having an east coast sound along with a bit of traditional Ottawa Valley tossed in. Reilly sings country songs which include fiddling.
Reilly: I would describe my sound as primarily Country, but I also draw influences from Folk, Pop, and Rock. My guitar tone has been described as clear ringing with a gentle attack.
How did you get started on your musical journey?
Jessica: I started my musical journey at the age of nine, not quite six years ago with the Blue Skies Community Fiddle Orchestra of Maberly. Not too long after I was invited by professional fiddler Scott Woods to play a tune on his stage and that really inspired me to pursue a career in music with the help and encouragement of my private fiddle teacher Cindy Thompson. I have since performed on many stages across southern Ontario, and I became nominated in 2016 for a Canadian Folk Music Award, based on my very first CD I recorded when I was 12.
Reilly: I initially started on my musical journey when I was 13 years old. It was on Christmas break when I found myself bored and with nothing to do. I decided to pick up my Dad’s acoustic guitar, and looked up on YouTube, “How to Play Knocking on Heavens Door”. From there I began playing guitar a lot more. I kept setting goals for my playing, and would gain great satisfaction from completing them. I’ve now made it my goal to pursue a career in music because there is nothing else I’d rather do!
What can music fans expect from your show? Will you be playing or releasing any new music?
Jessica: This year at Marvest, music fans can expect to hear a lot of upbeat fiddling, step dancing, trick fiddling and a country song sung by Reilly in each 30 minute set.
I may be incorporating a fiddle medley in my sets I composed just last spring. I am considering on a new CD within the next year or so, but it is still in the “thinking stage”.
Reilly: At Marvest I’ll be playing backup to Jessica Wedden. Music fans can expect a show that will consist of upbeat fiddlin’, step dancing, tricks, and a country song.
What artists are you hoping to catch during this year’s Cityfolk and Marvest?
Jessica: I have been so busy with school, performing and practicing that I honestly have to say that I just only started researching the CityFolk lineup, let alone the Marvest lineup! I have to admit that Ian Tyson for CityFolk certainly caught my eye!
Reilly: A band that I’m hoping to catch is Silver Creek, who will be playing at Irene’s Pub as part of Marvest!
Connect with Jessica Wedden:
[youtube=https://youtu.be/cggEtQUYtL8]