Artist of the Day | ANDREA BETTGER
ARTIST OF THE DAY
30.11.2020
ANDREA BETTGER
LOCATION
Yellowknife, NWT
GENRE
Alternative Folk
CURRENT MEMBERS
Andrea Bettger
Pat Braden
Ben Russo
Al Bee
With the current pandemic, the state of the music and touring industry has dramatically changed. Where were you when everything was brought to a halt?
I was and still am in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. I had recently returned from Ladysmith, BC, after recording my latest album, "Bush Chords".
How has that affected your plans for the coming months? Did you have a tour planned, upcoming album release?
My album release was scheduled for September at the theatre in Yellowknife, with some concerts scheduled in other NWT communities. After all of that was cancelled, I decided to plan an outdoor release concert attended by watercraft only so that the audience could be physically distanced. My band played at the edge of the lake while canoes and kayaks paddled up and held on to fishing lines that were attached to the shore and anchored out in the lake. It was wonderful. We continue to play and I continue to write music. I look forward to sharing my music in person when that is possible again.
What have you been doing to fill/make the most of your new-found free time at home?
I have two kids who fill my time quite well! I also teach youth fiddle orchestras.
I have played several concerts in Yellowknife both with my band and supporting other artists, thanks to creative ideas presented by the executive director of our local theatre, Marie Coderre. In the summer months these were outdoor events, and now we are fortunate to have live concerts in the theatre with 50 people attending. These concerts are usually filmed so that those that can't get tickets can watch later. Any extra time that I find I try to keep playing. It always makes life better!
What was the first thing you did/place you went to now the country is starting to slowly re-open?
I have stayed put for now, for the safety of our small community and Territory.
Favourite Starlite Room Moment?
Well I guess being asked to be the Artist of the Day!
Do you have a message for everyone at home reading this?
I hope that everyone will stay safe and surround themselves, in whatever way possible, with support during these challenging times. For those of you who had time to check out my music, I really appreciate it!
If you would like to be our next ARTIST OF THE DAY please email us at:
