January 19th, 2017

Winterruption 2017: Elliott Brood, IsKwé, Begonia

Elliott Brood

Elliott Brood have always been time travellers. The Toronto trio writes songs steeped in history that feel very present. They've done their share of actual travelling, too, these musical troubadours, acoustic guitars and banjos slung over their sharp suits as they barnstormed across Canada and beyond. For the new album Days Into Years it was century-old stories encountered an ocean away that brought them closest to home.

IsKwé

The name IsKwé means ‘woman’ in her native language. Her music weaves her Irish and Cree/Dene roots with hip hop break-beats, left-field R&B and traces of piano pop. She has been called “one to watch” and we couldn’t agree more. This Winnipeg-bred, Toronto-based artist uses her platform to talk about her struggle to fit into/break away from Western archetypes. She carves out her own musical identity, bridging modern and cultural influences while challenging the current mold.

Begonia

On one end of the spectrum there are varieties of the begonia which can be dark, grievous and rough around the edges. And on the other end it is a petite and elegant flower. In between, the plant attempts to harmonize its two poles, forming an array of varieties that each borrow from the delicate and the unseemly. It is in this same vein that Begonia (Alexa Dirks) finds herself, trying to find a balance. Known for her voice in the Juno Award winning Chic Gamine, Dirks has a timbre that both recalls the golden age of soul and is proud and courageous. 

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This venue has mixed standing and seating. Children 12 and under are FREE at The Exchange. 

• Location: The Exchange
• Doors open at 7:30 PM
• Show starts at 8:00 PM
• Advance tickets - 30
• Tickets at the door - 35