Schedule
Saturday, September 14, 2024 at 6:10 PM (Main Stage)
Sunday, September 15 at 10:00 PM (FAIS DO DO Closing SHOW - Sheridan OPERA HOUSE)
If you don’t already know about Neal Francis, you’ll walk away from his set wondering why this stellar musician hasn’t been on your radar before now. His work has been critically lauded and BBC Radio 6 even called him “the reincarnation of Alan Toussaint.” Not kidding. His music has a loose-limbed, deeply soulful quality a la Mr. Toussaint, that’s a fact. His piano playing might make you think of Elton John – it’s propulsive, dramatic and melodic, but without the rhinestones and feather boas. His latest record, Francis Comes Alive (a play on Frampton Comes Alive, right down to the cover photo) is perhaps the best first record to get to know. The songs he pulls from his first two records, Changes and 2021’s In Plain Sight leap out of the speakers and into your veins. It’s a fine showcase for his crack band, Kellen Boersma (guitar), Mike Starr (bass), and Collin O’Brien (drums) who layer Neal’s soul-deep songs with color and urgency. He’s a rising star and, we believe, more than lives up to the praise being heaped on him. We’re positive you’ll add your huzzahs, too.