Something a little different for me on a weeknight – a cultured and enjoyable evening at the Fugard Theatre watching piano & vocal artist Shannon Hope.

I don’t listen to a lot of female artists and, with the exception of Tori Amos, I don’t listen to any female piano artists. There’s no real reason for it, it just so happens to be that way…I won’t say I’m converted now, but I did enjoy listening to Shannon Hope – she has a really impressive range and a great voice.

The venue was perfect for that kind of intimate performance – it was my first time at the Fugard and both the building and the stage design impressed me. The uncovered walls and the old windows are especially cool.

Apart from guitarist/singer Jeremy Douglas and a cellist who accompanied her for a few songs, it was just Shannon Hope, her piano, her music and her anecdotes (which were both amusing and emotional, enhancing the effect of the music accordingly) on stage.

Her opening song (accompanied by guitar, cello and harmony) was really lovely, as was the track that had stuck in my mind from the Youtube clips I watched before seeing the show: Why I bother. Although stylistically quite different, there were moments of the show that made me think  bit of comedic pianist Tim Minchin, which is definitely a good thing.

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Shannon Hope on Facebook  |  Watch/hear her perform on Youtube

Photos on Facebook over here