Sometimes it takes a global pandemic to slow down and focus on the fundamentals. When Ben Caplan lost the opportunity to tour and create with the regular cadre of musicians he typically works with, he went into a tiny studio and made an achingly beautiful solo album. Caplan is now back in the UK touring a solo show full of contrasts and surprises. He's bringing along support act Terra Spencer to share sneak peeks from their upcoming collaborative album too!

Combining timeless melodies with a contemporary folk-rock twist, singer-songwriter Ben Caplan explores the immigrant experience with profound understanding and wry humour on his latest album, Old Stock. 

Born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario, Caplan moved to Halifax for college but stayed when he discovered the city’s rich and interwoven music scene. With his band The Casual Smokers, Caplan released two acclaimed albums, In the Time of the Great Remembering (2011) and Birds with Broken Wings (2015). The sound is rooted in Caplan’s resonant baritone voice, at times sounding like lamb’s wool, and in another moment like steel wool, supported by a wide-ranging tapestry of piano, accordion, organ, clarinet, saxophone, violin, drums, and the occasional acoustic guitar. 

With his enormous beard, unruly mane, intimately booming voice and beguiling charm, Caplan brings a striking presence to the stage.

Terra Spencer
Since her 2018 solo debut, Nova Scotian funeral director-turned-songwriter and 2021 CFMA Contemporary Singer of the Year nominee Terra Spencer has won over audiences by marrying fingerstyle guitar, gospel piano, and her butterscotch voice with onstage humour and 70s wood-paneled warmth. Her self-produced second album Chasing Rabbits was recently named 2021 Music NS winner and nominated for 2021 ECMA Folk Recording of the Year. Terra is joining Ben Caplan for a cross-Canada tour in spring 2022 to introduce their new album, Old News. In a room of 5 or 500, every show is a knee-to-knee conversation with a natural storyteller.

"The real deal." Ron Sexsmith

Terra Spencer

Date: Wednesday 24 August, 8:00pm
Tickets: £15

  • Ben Caplan

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