ANGELIQUE FRANCIS

PART OF THE NURSERY NIGHTS CONCERT SERIES IN PARTNERSHIP WITH SANDHILL NURSERY

ABOUT THE ARTIST

JUNO Award winning artist Angelique Francis, is a versatile and exceptionally gifted musician. This multi-talented, multi-instrumentalist, multi-genre singer song writer and composer has wowed audiences across the globe with her electrifying performances, instrumental abilities and powerful textured vocals. She is known for her eclectic mix of various musical genres including Blues, Soul, Folk, Americana, Jazz, Gospel and Rock. Angelique has shared the stage/opened for a large roster of well-known musicians such as Buddy Guy, Gary Clark Jr, Joe Bonamassa, Eric Gales, Keb’ Mo’, Jimmy Vivino, Beth Hart, Tom Cochrane, Burton Cummings, Sugar Ray and the list goes on. Her diversity, passion and love of music can be heard in all of her original compositions.

Born and raised in Ottawa Canada, Angelique is a naturally gifted musician, who first garnered attention as a young prodigy. She first took to the stage at age 7, and by age 13 she was playing at music festivals across North America opening for a variety of acts such as Beth Hart, Trooper and Shameka Copeland; proficient in playing instruments such as the piano, acoustic guitar, upright Bass, electric guitar and electric bass.

Angelique’s soulful Smoky vocals and instrumental techniques are reminiscent of a bygone era, but with a unique and modern sensibility. Within her vocal style, you can hear influences of legends like Big Mama Thornton, Koko Taylor, Aretha Franklin, Bessie Smith and many more. Her instrumental abilities call to mind Willie Dixon on the bass, Sister Rosetta Thorpe on guitar, Big Mama Thornton on the Harmonica and Aretha on the piano.

Over the past few years Angelique Francis has established herself as a bona fide star on the Canadian Blues, Soul, Jazz and Folk scene. Her most recent album “Long River” won the 2023 JUNO Award for Blues Album of the Year. The record weaves through a variety of styles from Blues to Soul and Classic R&B. The acclaimed album showcases Angelique’s signature powerhouse soulful vocals, commanding Bass/guitar hooks and infectious Blues infused melodies.

This highly sought-after musician hosted the 2022 Maple Blues awards (Canadian blues music awards), was awarded with 2 Canadian Blues Music Awards, was nominated for four 2023 Canadian Blues Music Awards, a 2023 Canadian folk music award, a 2022 Ontario folk music award, and was a feature act at the Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea festival (Miami to Jamaica), Grolsch Blues Festival (Germany), Sighisoara Blues Festival (Romania), Massey Hall, Montreal Jazz Festival, Mariposa Folk Fest, Calgary Folk fest, Canmore Folk Fest, Ottawa Blues Festival, Ottawa Jazz Festival, London Home County Festival, Mont-Tremblant Blues Festival, Trios-Rivieres Blues festival, Ottawa Folk Fest, Val-d’Or Blues Fest, Calabogie Blues Festival and the list goes on.

ABOUT THE VENUE

The concert takes place in Greenhouse #4 at Sandhill Nursery. This 1800 sq ft space features an intimate performance space with charming rustic décor and great acoustics. The audience space is floor level sturdy folding chairs facing a raised stage. Seating is by General Admission. There is standing room on sides and in the back.

Audiences are invited to arrive early to explore Sandhill Nursery’s annual Fall Festival. Features include a pumpkin slingshot, two mazes, the scavenger hunt, cornhole games, art installations and more. Beverages will be available for purchase on site and announcements about food service will be coming soon.

CHECK OUT THIS VIDEO FROM LAST YEAR’S SERIES!