Whether performing originals, tearing up a fiddle tune or honouring the songs of compatriots and mentors, Sue Smith and Jeff Bird’s performances are an invitation into an intimate and time-tested musical partnership. Boldly carried on Sue’s expressive voice and the driving left hand of her piano playing, the music is deftly elevated by Jeff’s masterful musicianship on a surprising array of instruments.
Sue Smith is a co-founder of Guelph’s legendary HILLSIDE FESTIVAL, an original Bird Sister and Co-Artistic Director of the ethereal choral ensemble ONDINE CHORUS. As Artistic Director of SEASON SINGERS, Sue has written and produced nine original children’s musicals. Sue’s recordings include BIRD SISTERS’ “Flo”, “Different Stories” and “She & She & She”, ONDINE CHORUS’ “Towards A Little Light” and her 2006 debut solo release, “I’m So”. Sue’s second solo album “Tonight We Sail”, will be released later this year.
Sue is the Recipient of the Bonnie McCallum Award for Exceptional Contribution to the community through Environmental Stewardship, 2007 and the 2013 Woman of Distinction Award in Arts & Culture. Sue was the Honorary Chair, Women of Distinction, Guelph, 2017, and in 2018 was named to the Guelph Youth Music Centre’s Wall of Fame.
Sue’s Hillside performances, 1984 – 2019, include
Grapevine
The Bird Sisters
James Gordon Band
Gwen Swick
Albion Houseband
Sue Smith
Jeff Bird is a 40+ year veteran of the Canadian and International music scenes. He is a founding father of the renowned folk group TAMARACK. With COWBOY JUNKIES, he has spent the last 30 years recording and touring the world. In the fall of 2019, Jeff, with COWBOY JUNKIES, was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.
Jeff is a composer, arranger and music producer. As a performance artist and experimental filmmaker, his work has been showcased from Dawson City, Yukon to Vladivostock, Russia. Jeff has realized 17 recordings of solo and collaborative work. His latest is “Felix Anima”; contemporary interpretations of the music of 12th century mystic Hildegard von Bingen performed on the harmonica and other instruments.
Jeff’s Hillside performances, 1984 – 2018, include
Common Ground
This Side Up
Tamarack X3
Hillside Square Dance Band
Albion House Band
The Doreen Smith Trio
Cowboy Junkies X2
James Gordon Band
Dark Monkey
Sue Smith
Molly Kurvink
Harri Palm
Nick Craine
www.suemith.ca
www.suesmith.bandcamp.com
www.jeffbird.com
www.felixanima.ca
www.jeffbird.bandcamp.com