After rumours it may not survive, the Jasper Heritage Folk and Blues Society (JHFBS) is about to put on its second show in as many months for 2010.

Using a different, but extremely intimate, venue of Evil Dave’s, the society will host three female Canadian artists on Feb. 11, who, according to JHFBS artistic co-ordinator Scott Crabbe, include “folk rock, skirtin’ country pop” from Sarah Burton, “jazzy, bluesy indie folk” from Faye Blais, and “back-up vocals, accordion, and assort percussion” from Jacquie B.

As part of their Cherry Picking West Coast Tour, the trio are headed as far west as possible in a search of beaches and sun to escape “the long thick winter,” according to Jacquie B.

A sentiment echoed by both Blais and Burton. “We’re all on the same wave length. It being the thick of winter, we kind of all wanted to get away, and play our way there,” said Burton.

While the ladies haven’t played together before, they have played as duos in various formations.

While Burton and Blais are touring on their latest CD’s and are both singer/songwriters, Jacquie B said she is only just beginning to move into song writing.
“I primarily play with a dude called Jessy D,” she said, “so I haven’t really delved into the song writing era.”

Burton is touring on “May Flower”, which should be released in the next couple weeks, and will be playing material from this album and her first EP.

“It’s sort of rootsy American with a folk/country,” she explained.

Blais has her new CD on tour with her which won’t be released until May. Blais recorded it in Australia and said it has a lot of “piano, electric guitar... it’s sort of indie folk, with jazzy blues undertone.”

The trio isn’t ruling out the possibility of a couple collaborations over the next month.

“It’s probably going to happen – probably in the next 40 days,” said Burton, noting that the trio will start their shows with herself and Blais playing solo, then the two playing together and eventually all three playing by the end of the night.

“It’s a different thing to offer and a bit of showcase,” said Blais. “There’s going to be so much dynamic I know that it’s going to be different from what a lot of people are doing,” she added.

Burton and Blais are particularly excited to play at the intimate venue of Evil Dave’s.

“You get a little more personal and Sarah and I are very lyrical writers, there is a strong emphasis on our words... the audience is able to decipher our lyrics and get into the music,” said Blais.

While it’s the second show for the JHFBS in 2010, Crabbe is anticipating at least one show a month in the JHFBS gig series.

Tickets for this show are on sale at Evil Daves for $15, with the show starting about 9 p.m.