Reid returns to Strathmore

By Melissa Piche Times Contributor

Singer-songwriter Blake Reid is returning to Strathmore with a performance that promises storytelling, harmony and a deep connection to prairie life. 

The Alberta-based artist will appear as part of the Strathmore Musical Arts Society’s concert series on May 2.

“Yeah, I’ve been there (Strathmore) a few times, but I think this is the second time for Strathmore Musical Arts Society, so excited to be coming back, for sure,” said Reid. “I would say that definitely a country folk roots flavour. I would just say my music is centred around small towns and prairie life and farm life. A lot of stories from life in rural Alberta, for sure.”

That storytelling becomes central in theatre-style performances like the upcoming Strathmore show. 

“We have two different shows that we do. Sometimes if we’re doing a festival, we bring the full instrumentation and we’re loud and proud,” he said. “Then when we come into a theatre situation, or an arts touring venue, we’ll tell the stories behind the songs, which I would say is more of an intimate feeling, to reflect why we wrote the songs and so forth.”

Reid said the smaller setting helps create a stronger connection with audiences. 

“I think they will really be able to relate to the stories and the songs,” said Reid. “When we’ve done this type of show before, it’s a real intimate look into the joys and the struggles of rural life. They’ll have some laughs and also have some heartfelt moments.”

Musical influences for Reid run deep, beginning close to home. 

“First and foremost, as a musician, my grandpa was probably my biggest influence,” said Reid. “He was a banjo player, so I always admired his love for music.” 

The Strathmore performance will feature a stripped-down trio. 

“We’re going to be showing up as a three piece, which is a really nice acoustic,” he said. “It’s probably the best way to see our band. We’ll have a stand-up bass, myself on rhythm guitar, and then another lead guitar player who’s just phenomenal. We have full harmonies and these guys are incredible musicians.”

Audiences in Strathmore will also get a preview of new material. 

“We’re actually working on a brand-new record. It’s all written, and we’re hoping to record it here maybe late spring or the summer. We will be performing probably five or six new tunes at the show,” said Reid. “It’s always best to play (new songs) live before you record them because then you kind of realize them in a different approach. For release, I think we’d see a fall release.”

Ultimately, Reid hopes concertgoers leave with a sense of connection. 

“I think they will really be able to relate to the stories and the songs; it’s a real intimate look into the joys and the struggles of rural life,” he said.

The Strathmore Musical Arts Society’s concert series, featuring the Blake Reid Band, is May 2 at the Strathmore Travelodge. 

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for cocktails, dinner is served at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts promptly at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $60 and can be purchased online (strathmorearts.com).