Over the years, local roots rock singer Samantha Martin has moved from classic R&B and rockabilly toward a gospel-tinged but equally nostalgic southern soul sound.
Through this stylistic evolution, her big, dazzling, Serena Ryder-approved voice has stayed gritty and full of early rock ‘n’ roll attitude.
Martin showcased her new direction on last year’s Mississippi Sun EP, recorded live-off-the-floor in a day with her session musicians.
On Wednesday, she and her renamed band, Delta Sugar – she used to be Samantha Martin and the Haggard – celebrate the release of 11-track album Send The Nightingale (out February 17) with a party at Lula Lounge. Andria Simone opens.
Wednesday (February 18) at Lula Lounge (1585 Dundas West), doors 7 pm, show 8 pm. $20, adv $15.
STARS, HEY ROSETTA! Danforth Music Hall (147 Danforth), Thursday to Saturday (February 12-14) See preview and Q&A.
TAFELMUSIK BAROQUE ORCHESTRA & CHAMBER CHOIR Trinity St. Paul’s Church (427 Bloor West) Thursday to Sunday (February 12-15) Baroque music goes multimedia.
WINTERFOLK w/ Jack de Keyzer, Gary Kendall, Al Lerman, Lynn Miles, Lynn Harrison, HOTCHA!, Swamperalla and others Various venues, Friday to Sunday (February 13-15) Mid-winter folk festival.
LONG WINTER FAIR w/ Darlene Shrugg, Bruce Peninsula, Mortified, Nautiluss, Crosss and others 99 Sudbury (99 Sudbury), the Great Hall (1087 Queen West) and Theatre Centre (1115 Queen West), Friday (February 13) Indie music fest spills into the streets.
WAVELENGTH MUSIC FESTIVAL 15 w/ Speedy Ortiz, HSY, Art Bergmann, Controller.Controller, Lowell, Del Bel, Mozart’s Sister, Fresh Snow and others Various venues, Thursday to Sunday (February 12-15) See Del Bel preview and more here.
YES YES Y’ALL VALENTINES Harbourfront Centre (235 Queens Quay), Saturday (February 14) Ice skating jams named “Valentines.”
OBLITERATIONS, SICK FEELING Hard Luck Bar (772a Dundas West), Saturday (February 14)Stephen McBean hardcore side project.
THE SECRET SONGS OF SAM LARKIN Tranzac (292 Brunswick), Monday (February 16) See preview.
ALEX CALDER, CALVIN LOVE, BEDS, JAUNT Silver Dollar (486 Spadina), Monday (February 16) Jangle-pop in a slacker disguise.
RICH HOMIE QUAN, MARCUS HARAN Phoenix Concert Theatre (410 Sherbourne), Tuesday (February 17) Rising ATL rap star.
FATHER JOHN MISTY, GUY BLAKESLEE The Danforth Music Hall (147 Danforth), Wednesday (February 18) See preview.
