Andrea Menard

Artist Information

Biography

Andrea Menard

With a voice that brings chills to the surface of your spine and an exciting talent that brings audiences to tears, Andrea Menard is an extremely versatile, powerhouse performer. She dazzles audiences on screen and stage, alone - on a bare stage, singing a cappella, or accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra.

Her powerful voice is lyrical, raw, and reminiscent of the jazz and blues singers of the 1940's, yet she captures the simplicity and storytelling style of the great folk artists. Menard owes her tremendous versatility to her mixed blood ancestry of European and Native American cultures.

The creative spark inside Andrea Menard has caught fire on her third album, Sparkle. The original songs, written with long-time collaborator and producer Robert Walsh, cover a wide spectrum. Sparkle describes the crisp, clear winters, “full of icicles, stars, snow, tinsel, and crackling fires,” yet it also contains songs for all seasons including Evergreen, which describes Menard’s own talent – fresh and evolving, with roots that run deeply into her Métis heritage.

The talented songstress’ first two award-winning albums, Simple Steps (2005) and The Velvet Devil (2002), both feature original songs, written by Menard and Robert Walsh, long time collaborators. Simple Steps, produced by Walsh, is “a little bit country, and a whole lot of folk”. It won a number of awards for its outstanding performance and production. Menard's debut CD, The Velvet Devil, is the music of her hit one-woman jazz musical play that swept up awards all across the country. She continues to tour her show across Canada in 2009. The Velvet Devil was also made into a made-for-television movie, starring Menard, and was nominated for the top Canadian performance awards.

Both CDs have received much acclaim and interest across the country and internationally. Original music from The Velvet Devil was featured on the television series Queer as Folk as well as the soundtrack CD for Season IV. As a standout vocalist, Andrea is also featured on numerous compilation CD’s including: Real Divas, a national compilation CD featuring Canada’s finest female jazz artists.


NOTABLE PERFORMANCES

Andrea’s reputation as a powerhouse performer has earned her many invitations to perform for royalty, prime ministers, premiers, senators, ambassadors, and governor generals.

In celebration of Saskatchewan's Centennial, Andrea joined an acclaimed cast (including Joni Mitchell, Buffy Saint Marie, Leslie Nielson, Colin James) in the Lieutenant-Governor's Celebration of the Arts, performing for Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip. Andrea performed with a grand combination of both the Saskatoon and Regina Symphony orchestras for her original jazz song, Sunny Makes Me Sunny. She has also given command performances for His Royal Highness, The Earl of Wessex, at Regina's Globe Theatre and His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales, at the Saskatchewan Premier's Community Luncheon.

Andrea toured western Canada with a fundraising concert tour for the Food Banks with country music star Brad Johner, and toured the country with Tom Jackson on the Huron Carole. Andrea was part of an all-star cast on the George Canyon Christmas Special, and CBC's Holiday Festival on Ice, which was broadcast around the world. Andrea will be starring in her own Christmas special, Sparkle, this winter.

Upcoming Tours:
Ireland (May 2011): The Metis Songstress Tour
Germany (January 2012) The Metis Songstress Tour
Western Canada (December 2010, 2011): Sparkle Tour

Instrumentation

Andrea Menard - Vocals
Robert Walsh – acoustic guitar, electric guitar, background vocals,
John Taylor - double bass, electric bass

Discography

Sparkle (LP)
Sparkle - released to radio December 2008
Evergreen

Simple Steps (LP):
My Laughing Fool – # 1 – NCI Radio, MBC Radio
100 Years – "Best Single" - Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards, country music stations across Canada, U.S., Europe, Australia and others

The Velvet Devil (LP):
If I Were a Man – jazz stations across Western Canada
Sonny Makes Me Sunny – jazz stations across Western Canada

Links

• Facebook
• MySpace

Audio

• Sparkle
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• Winter Is Here
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• Evergreen
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• Santa, I'm Broke
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• The Velvet Devil
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• Sonny Makes Me Sunny
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• Call My Name
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• If I Were A Man
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• Oh, Mama
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• The Mother Song
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• My Laughing Fool
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• Enough Room
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• 100 Years
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Lyrics

• Simple Steps - 100 Years
• Simple Steps - Enough Room
• Simple Steps - My Laughing Fool
• My Neighbourhood
• Call My Name
• Sonny Makes Me Sunny
• Evergreen

Video

Evergreen

Photo Gallery

Press

• The Velvet Devil [+ Show ]
  

  The Velvet Devil Written by Andrea Menard. Music written by Andrea Menard and Robert Walsh. ...The Velvet Devil
  
  Written by Andrea Menard.
  
  Music written by Andrea Menard and Robert Walsh.
  
  Performed by Andrea Menard.
  
  The Year is 1941.
  
  The stage is set. Sultry, strong, sexy & sweet, the Velvet Devil - radio diva and "star of Vaudeville stage", has returned from the big city lights of Toronto to perform for her hometown crowd. Through blues, roots and jazz torch songs, Andrea Menard tells the story of the fictional Jazz singer Velvet Laurent, a gifted rebellious girl from Saskatoon who ran away to Toronto to become a star. Twelve years later, the famous singing sensation of stage and radio returns to her secret Métis roots accompanied by a flood of music, images, and feelings that have been locked away far too long.
  Andrea Menard, Métis actor, singer/songwriter and playwright is a gifted performer, receiving national attention, accolades from the press, and standing ovations from thrilled audiences. With the Velvet Devil backed by her three-piece band, Andrea's powerful voice portrays the lyrical and raw spirit of '40s era jazz and blues. Her charged emotional story reveals the conflict and struggles of becoming who you desire to be, and accepting who you are. This original, one-act, one-woman show is a Métis story, a Saskatchewan story, a Canadian story and a human story.
  

• Manitoba singer/actress wins big at aboriginal music awards [+ Show ]
  

  Andrea Menard of Flin Flon, Man., was a multiple winner Friday at the eighth annual Canadian Aborigi...Andrea Menard of Flin Flon, Man., was a multiple winner Friday at the eighth annual Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards. Menard garnered best folk album and album of the year for Simple Steps as well as best song single, 100 Years. Menard was one of the hosts of the gala. She is also an actress and playwright, having starred in Moccasin Flats and the one-woman stage play The Velvet Devil.
  
  Other big winners included Toronto-based Tamara Podemski, who took home trophies for best female artist and best songwriter, while Edmonton's Jared Sowan won best male artist and best blues album, Eclectically Yours.
  
  Menard and Podemski, as well as Susan Aglukark and Donna Kay with Little Island Cree, each held four nominations going into the awards show.
  
  The awards, handed out in Toronto on Friday night, are part of the three-day Canadian Aboriginal Festival that includes powwows and an arts and crafts fair.

• CD Review - Andrea Menard, Simple Steps [+ Show ]
  

  Metis singer, songwriter and actor Menard re-invents herself as a pop-tinged-country-folk artist wit...Metis singer, songwriter and actor Menard re-invents herself as a pop-tinged-country-folk artist with Simple Steps. She and producer, guitarist, and songwriting partner Robert Walsh favour the current shift to the kind of light and melodic "next Norah Jones" style of roots music. Which might have been a cynical move were it not for the brightness of her convincing performance, and Walsh's elegant, economical, tasteful arrangements and production. Sentimentality ("Metis Hands," "My Lauging Fool") is evenly balanced with grace and substance ("100 Years," "My Neighborhood"). The album also delivers what every good songwriter should strive for - a sense of time and place.

• Mastering art of Inclusion [+ Show ]
  

  Andrea Menard songs singled out GREG QUILL ENTERTAINMENT COLUMNIST "That is one beautiful, tal...Andrea Menard songs singled out
  
  GREG QUILL ENTERTAINMENT COLUMNIST
  
  "That is one beautiful, talented and courageous woman."
  
  Not a bad review, especially from someone who gets to see many of the best performers in the world. These are the words Prince Charles used the first time he saw Flin Flon, Man.-born singer and actress Andrea Menard in action a couple of years ago. And he should know.Some time later, Menard, found herself sitting beside Charles' younger brother Edward after a command performance in Saskatoon, where she now lives, of her one-woman show The Velvet Devil. The Prince was curious about the kind of work she's doing, her training and background in the Metis community.
  
  "He was very knowledgeable and made me feel quite comfortable," remembers Menard, one of 51 nominees in 17 categories at the 5th annual Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards, taking place tomorrow in the John Bassett Theatre at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. The gala event launches the 10th annual Canadian Aboriginal Festival and Pow Wow at the SkyDome tomorrow through Sunday.The awards and festival are organized by the non-profit Aboriginal organization Indian Art-I-Crafts.
  
  The music made by aboriginal artists in Canada these days is surprisingly inclusive, embracing all genres from traditional native forms to jazz, rock, hip hop, country, world music and folk/roots. You won't find much on Menard's 2002 CD The Velvet Devil - it's named in Best Folk Album and Best Female Artist categories - that evokes impressions typical Indian music. It's a richly textured set of original songs, written by Menard and Robert Walsh, that cross boundaries between blues and old-time hurtin' ballads, ensemble jazz and salon music.
  
  "My mom and dad were both incredible singers, not in public, but around the kitchen table," says Menard. "As we moved around the prairies during my childhood, they'd sing these wonderful harmonies. Music is what I know best, but I've never had the desire to be a huge rockstar singer."
  
  "I perform a lot in Montreal, where we recorded the album. There are some great players there, and people know they'll get a good show."
  

• Menard a versatile performer [+ Show ]
  

  Red Green would approve. And who wouldn’t! Andrea Menard’s creative talents are definitely 3M. She i...Red Green would approve. And who wouldn’t! Andrea Menard’s creative talents are definitely 3M. She is seriously Multi-talented, amazingly Melodious, and proudly Metis. I spoke with her at Regina’s Folk Festival this summer. In only minutes I was convinced. Her artistic genius has applications even Red could never imagine.
  
  Menard’s audiences are sure to find her handsome—even gorgeous. The world of stage and screen must surely find her handy. When it comes to any artistic endeavour, Menard is more versatile than duct tape! (She can change, if she has to—my guess.)
  
  The Velvet Devil is a case in point. Menard wrote the play, then co-wrote the music and lyrics for her one-woman, stage-musical, rendition. The original play has been spun into Andrea’s award-winning debut CD. There have been performances at the National Arts Centre and throughout Saskatchewan. Just recently the play became a made-for-television movie produced by CBC. Andrea’s plans include taking the show to Toronto, Edmonton, and Calgary.
  
  Menard has this to say of her original artistic endeavour: “Velvet Devil helped me get over the humps because she just wouldn’t die.”
  
  Writer, producer, actor, and now folk singer and songwriter…. How did this all begin? Andrea admits family genetics play a role. She comes from a creative family. Still, she is the first one actually to pursue an artistic career.
  
  It was simply a matter of deciding. Andrea sums it up this way: “Well, when you finally realize you are a creative person, it is something you just have to do. When I made that decision to do it [become a writer and performer] you let open the plug and, whoa, watch it flow.”
  
  Saskatchewan’s flatness has its own value. The topography teaches people there to value the up-and-ascending. It is a fine place to develop a profile. Andrea’s career has been able to flow there in diverse directions.
  
  The province’s theatre community, APTN, and CBC were quick to channel her talents. Andrea’s achievements have been recognized and uniquely honoured. She has given command performances for royalty. It was Menard’s voice singing the Saskatchewan Centennial jingle last summer. More recently, there is a new CD, Simple Steps. And, of course, Andrea plays Constable Strongeagle on APTN and Showcase’s Moccasin Flats television serial.
  
  But what of the person behind these achievements? The theme of Menard’s Regina stage performance was her proud Metis heritage. I suggested to her that the world is now a place where all cultures are blending.
  
  That drew this strong response. “Well, it’s more about realizing we are one family. It doesn’t matter what our culture is. It’s not a blending because we don’t need to be the same. We can all be one family and still love and respect each other.”
  
  My global village contracted to a family and its implications for identity and caring. What brainy beauty in that statement! Andrea Menard’s appeal is more than skin deep.
  

• Airplay comments [+ Show ]
  

  Simple Steps Andrea Menard Some radio station comments from around the world Media name: Jim Ro...Simple Steps Andrea Menard
  Some radio station comments from around the world
  
  Media name: Jim Rogers
  Company name: WIUP-FM
  Feedback: Andrea is a wonderful talent. The songs are wonderfully interpreted and recorded. Very happy to add this recording to our playlist and library. Pennsylvania, USA
  
  Media name: Goran Ohlzon
  Company name: Folkradion
  Feedback: This is really a great country music album. We love "Ancestors" and "Dance Old friends" which were onto Top 30-playlist in May on our radiostation. And we keep playing songs from the album. FOLKRADION Skutskar, Sweden
  
  Media name: PAULIN PASCAL
  Company name: RCF Mediterranee Radio
  Feedback: Very great musical pleasure. A superb voice and a disc perfectly carried out. Andrea will still be regularly programmed to make it possible for the listener to discover a truth and single talent. Thanks … France
  
  Media name: Tubby Dyer
  Company name: 2CCC FM
  Feedback: Haunting and evocative......an experience i relished, want more!!!! Currently exploring your heritage on www...............include you with buffy and others as an inspiration.....Regards, "Tubby" Dyer, Australia
  
  Media name: Bill Ashford
  Company name: Warpradio.com, Worldwide
  Date: 2006-06-20 10:41:34
  Feedback: Dear Andrea and others involved. I am truly enjoying "Simple Steps", and while I'm sure you're aware it takes a while to build an audience base, we're using 3 cuts in our programming. Andrea, you have a full yet tender voice, your writing is good and the band is ace, so what's the problem? Get rich & famous, so I can lie and tell people that I know you. Seriously.... 100 Years, It's Simple, Right Here, Right Now are all excellent cuts and work well in our alt country/AAA Freeform mix. Best wishes, and keep us posted. Bill Ashford Rock Garden Warp Radio, Ocala, FL, USA
  
  Media name: Ad van Hoof
  Company name: Country Shop Radio
  Feedback: Simple Steps is a beautiful album. Pretty songs, beautifully sung by Andrea Menard. Simple Steps should be in the collection of every music collector. Kind regards, Country Shop Radio, Belgium
  
  Media name: Lloyd Coles
  Company name: Swansea Sound Radio
  Feedback: this is a excellent offering and i will certainly play some of the tracks, quality and great vocals, United Kingdom
  
  Media name: Raúl J. Tejeiro
  Company name: TOP COUNTRY HITS
  Feedback: This cd is an absolute delight, from beginning to end . Great lyrics and sensitive and heartfelt singing. If you are into artists like Kathy Mattea, Alison Moorer or Holly Williams, this CD is a must. Uruguay
  
  Media name: Jan Nederveen
  Company name: Radio Heerde
  Feedback:
  Till now I didn't know anything about Andrea Menard. And that is a shame, because she's a very fine singer. But I know her now and the listeners of my program know her now, too. "Peace". Andrea, thanks for your album. Netherlands
  
  
  Media name: Wyn Machon
  Company name: Oamaru Heritage Radio
  Feedback: What a great voice ,lovely songs with a story . New Zealand
  
  Media name: Lars G Lindberg
  Company name: Radio Siljan
  Feedback: There is a wonderful blend of easy listened tracks on Andreas superb new CD and for the genuine music lover the album is loaded with great tunes. It’s a personal touch in each song and several of them give the listener a warm and cozy feeling. Music that fits in to the Country genre as well as the light pop scene. Great production and very talent musicians surrounds Andrea with an A class job. Way to go ..... Lars G Lindberg MD / Radio Siljan Sweden
  
  Media name: Goran Ohlzon
  Company name: Folkradion
  Feedback: You really surprised us and our listeners with your excellent album. We’ve played a lot of the songs for our listeners and they really liked it. Many people have phoned us and asked who you are.... Goran Ohlzon Folkradion Skutskar, Sweden
  
  Media name: Ron Hoysted
  Company name: Country FM 89.3
  Feedback: Simple Steps is the first album, I have received from this artist, though not her first, this Canadian singer has me hooked, I can't fault one track on the album, all tracks have been included in playlist, and I'm getting good responses from all who hear her. Am looking forward to hearing more from Andrea, Australia
  

Setlist

Sparkle Tour (Christmas set)
1st 45 Minute set:

Gather Round
Answer the Call
The Family Test
Brand New Holiday
Hundred Years
Evergreen
Santa Baby

2nd 45 Minute set:

Santa, I'm Broke
Yuletide You
Winter Is Here
Call My Name
The Christmas Slump
What is it About Christmas
My Winter Song
Sparkle

__________

The Velvet Devil Tour:
Song List:

The Velvet Devil
Sonny Makes Me Sunny
If I Were A Man
The Radio
Call My Name
Queen Of The Parade
It’s In The Bag
Looking For A Mate
Fly To You
Like Everybody Else
Look Up Boys
Ouch
Oh Mama
Halfbreed Blues
The Mother Song
Angel Wings
Pinch To Grow An Inch
Don’t Need A Devil

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