Denise Wolda, formerly of Denise Larson and Friends, will be performing at Sound Advice Music Shop this Saturday, November 16.

Denise was a popular singer/songwriter during the 70's and 80's, becoming well-known for the passion and power with which she both wrote and performed. She left the stage for almost 20 years, but she kept the passion and the power. Her sell-out concert at Sound Advice in March (her first public performance in 20 years) was testimony to that.

She has continued to write, both for herself, and for the Linnaea School Spring Musicals - the result of which has been the production of no less than four CDs in the space of two years! The first CD is the composer's edition of the songs from the school's musical, "Tales from King Arthur", the second is Denise's 4th major album, "To Honour Joy", and the last two are further productions by Linnaea School - "Twelfth Night" and "The Ramayana".

Denise will be joined on stage by old friend and fellow musician, Mark Dowding. Mark is one of the original members of Denise Larson and Friends, and was instrumental in getting Denise to begin performing once more when he called her up a few years ago to remind her that it had been 20 years since they had first performed together. They celebrated by getting together on Cortes Island and performing at the first Tiber Bay Festival. Mark currently plays woodwinds, among other instruments, in two bands in Vancouver, the Djangoesque hot swing quintet The Hot Club of Mars, and the completely eclectic Celtic, Slavic, you-name-it band, The Wheat In The Barley.

Paul Wolda, Denise's son, will add percussion to the mix. Paul, who is just 16, has been playing since he was 9 years old, and has recently released a CD with two of his friends, under the mentorship of Ann Mortifee.

This promises to be an evening of exciting music full of warmth and passion, one you won't want to miss. Tickets are $12. Call 334-4885 to pay by phone, or drop by Sound Advice at 1170 Cliffe Avenue in Courtenay. Doors open at 7:30, concert at 8 p.m.

For more information about Denise, go to www.soundadvice.bc.ca, click on Upcoming Events, and scroll down to Denise Wolda. Back to the TOP

Two of the most celebrated performers in Canadian folk music will be delivering their message of hope and personal healing at a homecoming benefit concert in Eatonia in June. Denise Wolda, who grew up on a farm near Eatonia, will be joined by her close friend, and renowned musician, Ann Mortifee. The story of what brought the two together inspires as much interest as the event itself.

Wolda describes herself as an unique personality from the start. She was very expressive as a child, and says her mother developed patience in listening to her frequent poetry readings. After high school, she attended the University of Saskatchewan, and then spent six years living in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. Her daughter, Mikael, was born during that time. After some personal hardship, Wolda happened to hear the music of Ann Mortifee. Mortifee had just written the music to the play, Ecstasy of Rita Joe, a work which would become one of her signature productions. Upon hearing it in 1974, Wolda was inspired to return to Canada and continue working as a professional musician.

She and her daughter moved to Vancouver and, during the late 70's and early 80's, became well-known on the West Coast for her strongly folk-oriented music. Wolda released three albums, Farmer's Daughter, Second Harvest, and Sage from 1977 to 1982.

It was a the time of a release concert for Sage that Wolda met a her future husband, Ron. The Dutchman caught her attention right away, and the couple was married three months later. From the public's perspective, Wolda vanished out of sight for the next twenty odd years. The new family moved to Merville, B.C. and Wolda took a complete departure from performing. She gave birth to her son, Paul, in 1986, and later moved to Cortes Island in 1994. After taking priority of other facets of her life for awhile, Wolda's husband began to encourage her to begin writing music again. She took on several other projects as well, including teaching at the Linnaea School, writing music for theater and drama programs, and getting involved in Reiki and inspirational counseling.

Finally, at a concert in 1997, Wolda caught the eye of Ann Mortifee, the woman who had inspired her to return to Canada over twenty years before. The two had opportunity to chat and an immediate connection was experienced. So much so that Mortifee immediately phoned her family in Vancouver and they moved to Cortes Island a week later.

Mortifee's story is equally as diverse and transitory. Born in Zululand, South Africa in 1947, Mortifee came to Canada as a young child, and began singing after making her first appearance in a Vancouver coffee house. She has become recognized as one of Canada's most unique and outstanding performing artists. Over the course of her career, she has produces eight albums, three musicals, and several ballet and film scores. Humanitarian efforts have also been very dear to her heart, and her music has led her into several topics as a keynote convention speaker. She has delivered messages on creativity in healing, sexual abuse, death and dying, environmental and women's issues. Mortifee's music has been said to describe the "mystery, difficulty, and extraordinary opportunity of what it means to be human."

Not tempted by the offer of superstardom, Mortifee has chosen to run a unique course in her musical career. "My own healing has become my work," she said. "Musical ability and self-confidence are inseparable. You can have tremendous talent, but if you're shut down emotionally, it can't get out."

A significant point in Mortifee's creative career came with the release of her album, Serenade at the Doorway. Inspired by the grieving process of death, the album eventually found itself in the hands of cancer, AIDS, and palliative care patients, each dealing with their various levels of grief. Today, the disc receives widespread use as a tool for therapists, nurses, doctors, psychologists, social workers, and hospice volunteers.

Both Mortifee and Wolda have carved careers out of a focus on the necessity of living life and understanding the fullness of human potential. With the creation of Wolda's latest album, and first in almost twenty years, To Honour Joy, a beautiful friendship has been nourished through a musical partnership. Wolda is joined on the album by her children, Mikael and Paul, husband Ron, Mortifee, and various members of the original group she used to perform with back when she was Denise Larson and Friends.

Wolda shares her thoughts on the project: "These songs were written in celebration of joy. From a place of deep joy we are truly able to be loving. From that whole place of deep joy, we are enabled to trust. And it is love and trust that empowers us now."

The benefit concert is scheduled for June 14, with proceeds going toward the building expenses of the new community hall in Eatonia. Once those finances are taken care of, there are plans to begin building a community swimming pool. Anne Reinhardt, event organizer and proud aunt of Wolda, is extremely excited about the event and hoping it will be sold out.

For more information or tickets, contact Anne Reinhardt at (306)967-2992 or stop in at Rogers Jewellers (Kindersley), Stueck Pharmacy (Leader), The Press Review (Eston), or Prairie Centre Credit Union (Eatonia). Back to the TOP

Ann Mortifee, and Eatonia native Denise Reinhardt Wolda offered soulful vocals at a benefit concert last Friday night in Eatonia. The concert; a homecoming for Wolda who is well-known among Canadian folk musicians, raised over $3500 towards the Eatonia Community Hall and:gave her the opportunity to welcome renowned musician/friend Ann Mortifee to rural Saskatchewan.

It was a hometown celebration as Denise Reinhaidt Wolda made her long-awaited return to the Eatonia stage. The Eatonia-born singer/songwriter who now resides in Gortes Island, BC presented a benefit concert for the Community Hall on June 14.

Fighting to hold back the emotion to seeing so many familiar faces, Wolda graciously acknowledged her supporters throughout the evening. Her unique, authentic performance was perfectly complemented by her sincere humanity on stage. Stories, jokes, and memories of growing up were appropriately interspersed between songs, allowing the audience the privilege of knowing the artist behind the music.

"It's hard not to have emotion," she said, laughingly adding, "but I'm not that fond of any of you." Truth be told, Wolda felt a e\special connection to everyone in the room, and it was obvious from the beginning.

Alternating between what she referred to as "serious" and silly songs," Wolda immediately demonstrated a wide vocal range. Her style was.rich in.folk styling and was original in every sense. Accompanied only by a gultar, the songs, most of which were wtitten by Wolda herself, were very intricate, and demonstrated her skill as a guitar player as well.

Halfway through her first set, Wolda introduced good friend Ann Mortifee to join her on stage. The two Cortes Island neighbors ahared a little ofthe story that brought them together, and then displayed a pleasing musical blend in the songs that followed. Mortifee's deep alto resonated well with Wolda's soprano, and they sang a number of the songs Mortifee is well known for.

A particular highlight was the "High Flying Fly," a song wiitten for the Linnea School spring program a number of years ago and has made Wolda and Mortifee famous with those under the age of ten. Mortifee was a dynamic presence on stage, and added much to the duo's interaction with the audience.

Audience participation was invited on several occasions, and the Eatonia crowd did not disappoint. Everything from Zulu African songs to Hindu chants were attempted, causing Mortifee to jest, "You're looking blacker all the time."

Wolda knew well to bring some familiar tunes to the stage as well, and her performances of"Edelweiss,” "Danny Boy," and "Amazing Grace" were fresh and creative.

Mortifee's indelible talent was especially prominent in her performance of "Healing Journey," a song inspired by the plight bf "many of us who spend the first half of life [building up sorrows], and the next half trying to fix them."

The concert was a joyous occasion for many family members and friends who were scattered throughout the room, and having Mortifee with her brought Wolda a new appreciation of her home as well.

"When you bring a close friend home, you get to see it all over again through-they’re eyes,” she said. Bringing attention to the many names of other talented locals, she concluded, "I'm proud ofus in Eatonia."

The benefit concert was to raise money for the expenses incurred by the building of the Eatonia Community Hall. The hall was praised for its excellent acoustics and design. Organizer and proud aunt Anne Reinhardt said, "The faster we can get the hall paid off, the sooner the money can go towards other things, such as the swimming pool." After expenses, the concert raised $3500 to be put toward the facility.

It has been almost 23 years since Wolda'e first performance in Eatonia, but she promised Friday night that it will not take 23 more years for her to return. Back to the TOP

Denise Larson Reinhardt Wolda and special guest Ann Mortifee appear in concert at Sound Advice Music Shop on Wednesday, March 13, 2002. The concert is part of the first West Coast Women's Music Festival, and what could be more appropriate than to have these two fine singer-songwriters on the stage at the same time.

In the late 70's and early 80's Denise was a well-known performer to West Coast 'folkies' appearing in almost every festival, and having gigs in Vancouver venues.

Ann Mortifee needs no introduction to music lovers. She is perhaps best remembered for "The Ectasy of Rita Joe". In 1992 she was awarded the Order of Canada for her work in the performing and healing arts.

This is a rare opportunity to hear these two fine performers on stage together. Tickets are $10.00. Call 250-334-4885 to pay by phone, or drop by the store at 1170 Cliffe Ave., Courtenay. Doors open 7:30, concert at 8 p.m. Back to the TOP

Sound Advice Music Shop was packed to capacity on March 13, the audience anxious for the concert to start. And what a night it was.

Denise Wolda (formerly of the band Denise Larson and Friends) was performing a full length concert, off Cortes, for the first time in almost twenty years. With her first song, Denise proved that in that twenty years she had not lost the power or the passion for which she was known in the 70's and the 80's. Her voice soared as she started the evening with the title song of her new CD, which bears the same name - To Honour Joy. She apologized for talking quite a lot during the first set, but felt that with an absence of twenty years, there was some catching up to do.

The first part of the evening she performed alone on stage, starting with songs from her early performing days. There was a collective "I've been there" feeling in the audience as we were all of an age, and she took us back to a time in our lives when "loving friends" and "friendly lovers" were interchangeable descriptions for relationships that tended to remain platonic for maybe a whole hour!

Denise moved quickly on to music she has been writing since moving to Cortes Island - they reflect the changes in her life - as she said herself when introducing the first one - they are not about anger and activism, but about love and hope.

Denise was joined on stage at this point by Ann Mortifee, her mentor, neighbour, and closest friend. Ann, who first became famous for her work with Chief Dan George when she wrote the music for "The Ecstasy of Rita Joe", very happily sang back up vocals for Denise. Her voice has the same resonance as Denise's and the vocal power of those two women very nearly peeled the paint off the walls!

Several times Denise and Ann were joined by Denise's son Paul and Ann's partner Dwayne. They sat off to the side and provided quiet (if you can believe that!) percussion.

Some songs, for me, stood out. "Feel the Island" immediately had me on a ferry to the nearest Gulf Island on a sunny day. "High Flyin' Fly" - the only song that Denise and Ann have written together, had the audience in stitches. It was written for a school production the year Ann moved to the island. In fact, Denise has written all the music for the annual production at Linnaea School for years. Another highlight for me was "Do You See Me", a beautiful lovesong from "Tales of King Arthur".

When called out for an encore, Denise and Ann shared the moment with the audience, insisting that we join them for the last two songs of the night. The standing ovation that followed was well deserved - and an indication that Denise has made the right choice to start performing in public once more. Back to the TOP