The Rose and Kettle Tea Room was host to a good old fashioned kitchen party last week when award winning singer/songwriter Lana Grant performed there as part of the regular Thursday night concert sessions.
Grant is a winner of the 2012 Progress Women of Excellence Award within the Arts and Culture Sector.
She said it was a blessing to play at the Tea Room, which is a part of the Cole Harbour Heritage Farm.
"What a lovely little spot to sing at and the audience were a perfect, emotive, engaging and kind group," said Grant, who lives in Cole Harbour.
Grant and 18 other inspirational women who play an important role in our community will be honoured at the Progress Women of Excellence Awards Gala on Nov. 14 at the World Trade and Convention Centre.
Proceeds of that event support the Phoenix Youth Program.
Grant's award winning voice and easy banter with the audience was the perfect fit for those gathered at the Tea Room.
The Rose and Kettle concerts are now in their fifth season and organizer Vince Morash said he only picks artists he knows will entertain and relate to the audience.
He said Lana Grant was definitely a great choice.
"Coming here is good for the soul," said Jill Hogg, who came out to hear Grant. "I have been coming to these Thursday night concerts for five years now. Lana Grant sounds wonderful tonight."
Grant's voice has been compared to musical greats, such as Bonnie Raitt. When she sang Pieces and Buckle Down, tales of real people, pain and inspiration, you could see how the audience was affected, as their heads nodded and eyes glistened.
Betty Freeman, who says she tries to attend the concerts as often as she can says it is a great way to socialize.
Grant put people at ease by chatting and joking between songs. Accompanied by Chris Iannetti, her co-writer and guitarist and Pete MacDonald on bass the trio combined pop, blues, soul and country into what Grant said has been described as soul stories wrapped as music.
Organizer Morash who also hosts the concerts says he always has a gut feeling about who he picks to play.
"It could be up and coming artists more established ones, people come from all over.If somebody wants to hear music in a quiet setting and support the farm, then this is the place to be on Thursday nights."
Admittance is by free will donation and proceeds from the sale of refreshments go to support the Cole Harbour Heritage Farm.
All the donations go back to the artist except for a small percentage to support the Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada.
"This is the best deal in town," said Morash. "Come experience the music with us."
QUICK FACTS
To see who is playing at the next Rose and Kettle Concert Session go to www.roseandkettleconcertsessions.blogspot.com
The farm is located on Poplar Drive, just off Cole Harbour Road, and is reachable by city bus routes 59, 61, and 68.
Concerts run from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Coffee, tea and baked goods are available for purchase
For more information on Lana Grant and her music go to www.lanagrant.com
