Matt Dusk forges new musical ground

September 29, 2016

Celebrated Canadian crooner performs at River Run Centre October 15

GUELPH, ON September 29, 2016 – While it’s well known Chet Baker served as one of Matt Dusk’s greatest musical influences, the celebrated Canadian singer says Frank Sinatra also helped open his eyes to a world of possibilities.

“When I first heard Frank Sinatra’s voice when I was 17 or 18 years old, it immediately captured my attention,” Dusk says. “It was an eye-opener and I fell in love with the genre.”

Dusk, who will perform on River Run Centre’s Main Stage on October 15 as part of the Richardson GMP Music Series, is expanding on his crooner roots after forging an international career that includes gold and platinum recordings, No. 1 radio hits and celebrated live performances.

Dusk recently launched a unique duets project that sees him singing with artists from around the world. The project has seen three albums released in different international markets to date, with at least three more releases in the works. The first two recordings – featuring Dusk singing with Japan’s Karen Aoki and Polish pop sensation Margaret – were released in 2015. That was followed by an album featuring Dusk and Canada’s Florence K.

“The project provides the opportunity to show what jazz really is,” Dusk says. “It’s a way to interpret – and every artist will interpret the songs differently. It’s music that has no expiry date.”

Dusk is planning future albums with artists from Finland, the Netherlands and the U.S. as part of the duets project. Prior to undertaking the project, he released the Juno-nominated My Funny Valentine: The Chet Baker Songbook, an album that paid homage to one of his greatest musical influences.

Dusk performs an average of 100 to 120 concerts each year. He says the way he interprets the classic songs he showcases has changed over time as he’s experimented with expression, lyrics and notes.

“When I first started I tried to copy artists but, naturally, over time things change,” he says.

Dusk says the audience attending his River Run Centre performance can expect a tribute to a bygone era in music. And the artist known for his classy and cool style also says the audience will have an important role to play.

“I see what I do as an avenue to communication and music is a very powerful communication tool,” Dusk says. “During a live performance, the audience is just as important as the artist. It’s like being at a great party and having a wonderful conversation with someone.”

Tickets to see Matt Dusk cost $49 for adults and $47 for seniors and students. $20 uGO tickets are available to university and college students with valid ID. $5 eyeGO tickets are available to high school students with valid ID. Tickets can be purchased at River Run Centre box office, 35 Woolwich St. in Guelph, by calling 519-763-3000, or online at riverrun.ca/matt-dusk.

Media Contact:

Angela McEwen
Marketing and Development Coordinator
River Run Centre
519-837-5662 extension 2493
[email protected]

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