The East Pointers & Fortunate Ones
November 10, 2023
The Rivoli, Toronto, ON
The East Pointers and Fortunate Ones, gracing the Rivoli Stage in Toronto, with East Coast Charm, Fierce Fiddling, and energy that is contagious. With two sold-out shows, the Rivoli was alive with toe-tapping, clapping, swaying music lovers.
Fortunate Ones: Since 2015, a contemporary indie folk duo from St. John’s, Newfoundland, consisting of Andrew James O’Brien (guitar and vocals), and Catherine Allan (keys, vocals, and accordion), have been touching the hearts of audiences all across North America. 2019 Canadian Folk Music Award for Vocal Group of the Year, and a Juno nomination for their album The Bliss.
With harmonies, sharing songs that run deep infusing personal day-to-day experiences, and radiating their most authentic selves. James and Catharine sang songs that are totally relatable, and down to earth; mixed with a little wit and wisdom. Allan and O’Brein will leave you with much to contemplate, and smooth harmonies swimming around in your head.
The East Pointers: Another Folk group from the East Coast, Hailing from Prince Edward Island. Their folk-pop sound makes a lasting impression on all who listen. Blazing a trail all across the globe. Their Debut album ‘Silent Victory’ won a Juno for Traditional Roots Recording of the Year in 2017.
Despite the still-fresh loss of bandmate Koady in 2022, the now duo filled the stage with joy and Celtic folk tunes. The two slender gents went all out and played reels and melodies that got the Rivoli clapping and dancing on spot. This pint-sized venue could not contain the magic between Jake and Tim on stage, and the packed audience inside.
After only hearing about these two groups from out East over the years, they certainly gave me a good first live impression. Living up to their recognition, is easy to see and hear why they are both frequent the folk music scene. Another amazing new music find for me, and a little jig in my step.