The Sultry Songstress!

Halifax vocalist Karen Myatt has had a lot to celebrate as of late; her recent run of Broadway Without Borders at the Chester Playhouse (with musical partner Stuart Hiseler) was a smash hit, earning rave reviews from fans and critics alike. Thursday, the sultry songstress performs a collection of standards and show-tunes at St. Matthew’s Church on Barrington Street in downtown Halifax as part of the Summersounds Concert Series. AE spoke with Myatt about the performance.

How did this concert come about?
My favorite piano man; Scott Taylor mentioned that the music director at St. Matthew's church, Wayne Rogers, was looking for a female vocalist to add to the Summersounds @ Barrington line-up. Of course I jumped at the chance to perform in the series, especially with Scott, Fayette Taylor and Stephanie McKeown in the band!

What pieces will you be performing?
We've got a nice set list of jazzy, quirky, and sultry tunes. Some are from Broadway Without Borders, a show that the band and I, along with Stuart Hiseler, recently wrapped up at the Chester Playhouse. Songs like Stars and Moon by Jason Robert Brown, and a few Judy Garland classics have become favorites of ours. I will also be singing a few new songs, ones I've longed to sing for some time like But the World Goes Round, and Stephen Sondheim's Losing My Mind. Peppered in the mix are some swingy jazz numbers like Peel Me a Grape and Misty. Overall, its a concert of new and old tunes with a real cabaret feel.

What can audiences expect?
Beautiful slick and stylish accompaniment from the trio, some sexy jazz tunes, a few silly numbers, some heartfelt ballads and a rousing anthem or two. I hope to provide an exciting, refreshing, easy listening afternoon concert, with both traditional and contemporary flair. Something for everyone!

Will you be performing other solo shows in the months ahead?
I'll be appearing in the upcoming season at Neptune Theatre. My theatre company; Wild Abandon Productions also has a few things in the works for the fall and winter seasons. Stuart Hiseler and I are working on a monthly standards evening in Halifax, as well as a remount and provincial tour of our Christmas show; A Wild Abandon Christmas. Yikes, plotting the holiday season already! 

Karen Myatt and Trio at St. Matthew’s Church, 1479 Barrington St in Halifax.
Showtime is 12pm and is open to the public.

www.wildabandonproductions.ca