PREVIEW
The Carolines
Saturday, April 14. Dinner 6:30 p.m., concert 7:30 p.m.
Morinville Community Cultural Centre
9502 – 100 Ave.
Tickets: Adult $55, seniors $50 Call 780-939-7839 or at www.tixonthesquare.ca
Just five years ago, three MacEwan University music graduates pooled their love of singing harmonies into a trio singing unique interpretations of classic country's greatest hits.
The result was The Carolines, a threesome that is just as comfortable singing at the tiny Blue Chair Café as singing to thousands at The Calgary Stampede.
And now The Carolines is expanding its sphere with a dinner concert at the Morinville Community Cultural Centre on Saturday, April 14.
The three charming vocalists that make up The Carolines are Katie Perman, Lesley Pelletier and Chloe Albert.
“This is our first show of the year and we’re really looking forward to it since we’ll be performing with a full band,” said Albert.
In addition to the three vocalists, the complete six-piece band also features Christ Tabbert (electric guitar), Paul Bergeron (upright bass) and Matt Grier (drums).
There is something truly infectious about the way The Carolines sing familiar country tunes from the Patsy Cline era to the more contemporary Dixie Chicks.
Anyone who has attended a Carolines concert is usually entranced by their sweet voices weaving in and out of lush harmonies that are complex, yet sung with precision and originality.
“When we got together we decided to do classic country because it lends itself to three-part harmonies. And when we select a song, we all take turns singing lead.”
The Carolines have a knack for injecting oxygen into country hits in the same way The Andrews Sisters influenced boogie-woogie and jump blues.
So why haven’t the singers released an album since their self-titled debut in 2014?
“It’s been a little slower lately since we’re all having babies,” chuckles Albert. “We manage to average about 20 shows a year and we have our own solo projects as well.”
There have been a few mumblings about writing together and recording a new CD, but between raising young children and working on solo projects, time has become a precious commodity.
As days inch closer to the Morinville concert, the trio will finalize a set list. A couple of fan favourites usually included are Loretta Lynn’s Don't Come Home a Drinkin’ and two Dolly Parton mega hits – Jolene and Those Memories of You.
“Dolly is really unique as a country singer. She’s so tiny, but her voice is clear, high-pitched and energetic. And a lot of people don’t know she was a prolific writer.”
To learn more about the trio visit http://www.thecarolines.ca
