Whitehorse singer/songwriter Sarah MacDougall opened for Newfoundland folksters The Once at the historical and quaint St. Ann’s Academy last night, and she stole the show.
The concert was sold out; some of the (mostly white-haired) fans were even lingering at the door trying to get last-minute tickets. It was one of the most intimate concerts that I have ever been to: the auditorium seats only 200 people.
MacDougall’s performance was the highlight of the night. She was a one-woman show, singing and playing the guitar without any band to back her up. Nonetheless, she emitted the power and energy of a large choir.
Passion gleamed through MacDougall’s singing. She sounded amazing, for the most part; however, she would sometimes go off key because she either got excited or emotional, but that just added to her passionate performance.
Her confidence oozed on songs such as “Cold Night” and “It’s A Storm.” Uncertainty seemed to creep in when she sang her new single “I Want To See The Light,” unsure of how the audience may perceive the song.
MacDougall’s presence reminds me of actress Ellen Page. She not only resembles Page with her chestnut locks and small physique but she also behaves in a similar awkward fashion. For example, the ending of the show was abrupt; she briefly thanked the audience and exited the stage. We were all a bit shocked when she did not return. As a lady behind me said, “That felt inconclusive.”
The Once was impressive (and had some hilarious jokes), however, this night belonged to MacDougall.