An Evening with Logan & Nathan (& Mary!)

When my wife and I first signed up our living room as a live music venue, we never thought that anything would come of it. But something did, and one show led to another, followed by one more. Upon the successful completion of this, our third gig booked through Side Door Access, we now feel moved to keep our door open to musical acts who are willing to share their craft on a personal level, and who are able to inspire people in the process.

Like Vancouver “freak folk” duo Logan & Nathan, who recently visited Kamloops to grace our makeshift stage along with folk-blues artist and photographer Mary Matheson. Within minutes of welcoming the three of them into our home, I recall thinking “These are my sort of people!” That sort of people being ones who readily embrace each moment, who take genuine interest in strangers, and who approach every interaction from a vantage of open-minded positivity. On top of that, they are all massively talented musicians who sure can entertain a crowd!

The night began with Mary, whose vocal stylings ranged from trilling highs to raspy lows, accompanied by expert finger-picking on her guitar (and some complimentary earring jangles). Her selection of delightfully moody cover tunes could be surpassed only by her enthralling originals. For a taste, check out her work Maryonette online!

Then came Logan & Nathan, all smiles and melody while they playfully bickered over space in which to sway with their guitars and banjo. Between conversing with the audience, they spent much of their set gazing into one another’s eyes as their voices alternated and blended across a range of songs from their debut full-length album, Chasing Tales (and a few other things). All the while they encouraged group singalongs, lots of laughter, and touching moments that made you want to hold your hand against your heart and say “Aww.” The chemistry between the two is palpable, their energy a positive contagion. Such a joy to witness and be part of!

To sum up the evening in simple terms, it really was just a whole lot of fun, and the room was abuzz when both performances had ended. Much of the crowd stuck around to chat awhile, and I doubt a single person left without having made a meaningful connection. I know I made a few!

— Cory Stumpf