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Saint John's music scene has taken something of a hit lately. The recent closing of Akhord, one of the city's few venues that showcases original talent and material, has left many music fans in the dark.

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Jen Jewett

Enter Karen Palmer and her Lily Fair. The free monthly concert series takes a bold leap by creating an evening with the focus on female talent at the increasingly popular Lily's Café in Rockwood Park. It's something unheard of in the city and it's proving to be one of New Brunswick's most popular musical nights out for people in search of local artists playing original material.

Karen Palmer returned to New Brunswick after spending time in Halifax where she honed her craft as a singer/songwriter with considerable talents on the guitar. Last year she released her debut CD, I Drive, to critical acclaim. The disc features some of the region's top players like Tom Easley (Hot Toddie) and Darren Arseneault (the hippie-dippie musician/artist of the Maritimes). Songs on her record straddle musical boundaries giving folksie songs a funky feel and vice verse. The one constant between the excursions of musical style is her crystal clear voice.

With Lily Fair, Palmer is providing the opportunity to fellow females to have their musical voices heard in a supportive environment. The idea for Lily Fair was born when Palmer returned to New Brunswick after her time in Halifax, where she participated in the hugely influential Battle Axe folk series. Battle Axe was the launching pad for talents like Rose Cousins, Amelia Curran and other top east coast female talents. It was there that Palmer felt the support that encouraged her to take her music further.

"It was such a wonderful experience. We all loved and supported each other as musicians and artists and people. The whole environment of that scene was incredibly positive that when I came back to Saint John I wanted to do something like that here."

As Palmer reveals, the idea came to fruition with surprising ease and Lily Fair's success has surpassed all expectations.

"I had this great idea and I loved Lily's Café, it's such a wonderful room with great food. I called Allan Connors the manager and told him that I wanted to look into booking a music night once a month. He agreed and it's really taken off. For our first show in September you had to book a table to ensure that you'd get a seat and we expect this month's will be the same. For the September show I made a lot of calls looking for talent, now I have people coming to me wanting to be a part of this and we're already booked until February!"

Lily Fair takes place on the last Thursday of each month. This month's show happens Thursday the 29th with special guest Jen Jewett. November's Lily Fair features Moncton's Julie Aube and Halifax artists Kim Wempe and Carmel Mikol.

Lily Fair is aimed squarely on building an opportunity for regional female talent to hone their skills in a comfortable environment. Palmer notes that men are absolutely welcome to attend she also understands that the reality is that the majority of people that come to the shows are in fact female and that creates a unique environment for the performer.

"I think it really helps with the comfort and confidence. I do see a difference in how men and women appreciate music. Men seem to understand the songs very well, and understand the art and structure. I think women better understand the emotions of the artist playing the song because we are emotional beings. So far the experience has been that the crowds celebrate and encourage the artists and the artists are happy to be playing and sharing the experience."

Thus far the musical lineup has been what you would expect from an event like this, but Palmer is aiming at broadening the palate for future events.

"I'm not going to lie to you, right now we've got girls with guitars."

Palmer laughs over the phone when quizzed on the sterotype.

"But I really think we can do something very interesting here. We've got some cellists coming to provide accompaniment and we can switch genres from folk to blues or even country. I'd like to see a female DJ or a poet. There are all kinds of opportunities to collaborate and do something unique. Hey, I don't care if they play the kazoo. If they do it well and can entertain an audience for 90 minutes I want to hear from them."

You can check out Lily Fair Saint John's monthly female music night at Karen Palmer's website www.karenpalmermusic.com or off of her MySpace page. Lily Fair runs the last Thursday of every month at Rockwood Park's Lilys Café. This is a free event but book a table as seating is limited.

If your NB based musical act, event or venue would like to be featured in this column please contact the columnist at oneyearofnbmusic@yahoo.ca