Singer/songwriter Chantal Kreviazuk lit up the stage to a sold out crowd at the Red Deer College Arts Centre last evening.

Kreviazuk, a well-known and acclaimed singer/songwriter played many tunes from her latest CD Hard Sail during her show, which was opened by the talented cellist Kevin Fox.

Fox, a Toronto-based musician, was engaging with the audience and offered many superb tunes from his collection as well as a few cover songs. Things took a funny turn when his bow broke, in which he said that has never happened before. However, later in the show, it happened again and he had to rig something up to continue on. He took it all in stride though and the whole performance was much to the audience’s delight.

Meanwhile, Kreviazuk shared much about her family life including the challenges of raising three young boys. What many people may not now is that although she took a seven year hiatus from recording, she’s been busy penning hits for a number of famous artists including Britney Spears, Carrie Underwood and many more.

But last night, it was really her music that stood out. Vocally she was absolutely on the mark as she sang songs from Hard Sail, which was released earlier this year, as well as a number of classics from her lengthy repertoire such as Leaving on A Jet Plane, Surrounded and Feels Like Home.

Kreviazuk showed her humorous side when she shared her story of one woman’s particular use of Feels Like Home.

“She used it for her first wedding, her second wedding and her third wedding,” laughed Kreviazuk, much to the audience’s delight, adding one wedding was a destination wedding, the second a church wedding and the third a courthouse wedding. “It all feels like home,” she said.

As mentioned, she also talked about her home life with her three boys and her husband Raine Maida, frontman for Our Lady Peace. She discussed how raising three young men has its challenges and how she often has to use her “mean voice” to gain control over the trio.

Not only is Kreviazuk a true talent, she is relatable, down to earth and sincere. You can feel her passion for music and for what she does.

With only Kreviazuk and Fox on the stage, the dynamic between the two was enjoyable to watch as well. The banter between them was humorous and even through it was only the two of them, it was just enough to compliment her songs and gift for singing.

efawcett@reddeerexpress.com