Hitting the right note
By Melissa Piche Times Contributor
Strathmore’s music scene will come alive this spring as the Strathmore Musical Arts Society welcomes Canadian duo Scarlett Butler to the Travelodge on April 26.
Scarlett Butler is more than just a band – it’s a collaboration built on love, creativity and a deep-rooted passion for song writing. The Calgary-based duo is comprised of married couple Troy Kokol and Joni Delaurier, singer-songwriters who met by chance and started their journey writing for other artists, contributing to over 300 songs in their careers. But it was the quiet reflective time of the pandemic that sparked a new chapter for the pair.
“We’d kind of threatened to do something together for a while,” said Delaurier. “As a couple we loved singing on each other’s songs and performing together, but it wasn’t until we had more time during the pandemic that we really started writing just for us. And that’s how Scarlett Butler was formed.”
Writing for themselves has opened new creative doors. Influences range from legends like Willie Nelson and Hank Williams Jr. to contemporary icons such as The Weepies and Jason Isbell –artists known for their lyrical storytelling.
“We’re all over the map,” laughed Kokol. “The Beatles, Nirvana, Dolly Parton, even Taylor Swift. If you only ever listen to what you like, you’ll never learn anything new.”
Scarlett Butler’s upcoming performance was originally scheduled before the pandemic and had to be postponed. Now, after crossing paths with local organizer Linda Storkson several times, the duo is excited to finally bring their music to Strathmore audiences.
“It feels like we’re visiting old friends,” said Delaurier. “We’ve gotten to know some of the folks through other events and this one feels extra special.”
The April 26 concert promises more than just music.
“We’re an acoustic duo, so it’s intimate. We poke fun at each other on stage – it’s like being invited into our living room,” said Delaurier. “We hope people sing along, laugh with us and maybe even cry a little. We’ve had 20 years of learning how to write songs for others. Now we’re telling our own stories,”
Attendees can expect to hear a mix of those songs written for others, but also brand-new tracks from their upcoming debut album titled Until Now, set to release this fall.
Beyond the concert, Scarlett Butler is also focused on building community through song writing. They co-founded The Calgary Songsmiths, a barrier-free group that welcomes songwriters from across southern Alberta.
“We meet monthly and it’s one of the largest independent song-writing groups in North America,” said Delaurier. “It’s all about support and growth.”
For aspiring musicians, their advice is simple but powerful.
“Read great books. Listen to great music. Falling in love with the written word is really how one becomes a great lyricist,” said Delaurier. “Be patient. The apple tree analogy is our favourite – you plant it, water it and have faith that it will bear fruit in five to 10 years. It’s hard to have that kind of patience but those who are able to tend to have success.”
Kokol explained the importance of being patient and persuing your Dreams.
Looking ahead, the duo plans to tour across Western Canada continuing to explore new venues and connect with audiences in meaningful ways.
“We’ve always believed music will guide us if we keep it joyful,” Kokol reflected. “We have that ability to allow doors to open when they’re ready and the adventure is always a good one.”
Scarlett Butler performs at the Strathmore Travelodge on Saturday, April 26. The evening will also feature special guest Charlie Ewing. Tickets can be purchased online (strathmorearts.com) for $60 or at various ticket outlets in town. Cocktails are at 6 p.m., dinner is at 7 p.m. and the concert starting at 8 p.m.