StettlerLocal.com May 1, 2023 at 8:25 pm
Jenn Beaupré and Lewis Frere gave something special to the audience during a recent afternoon concert in Stettler.
The pair played the Performing Arts Centre on Sunday, April 30, in a relaxed and entertaining performance.
"We're going to play more sad songs," deadpanned Beaupré at one point. "Fun is over now."
The concert featured a mix of covers and original pieces, which made for an engaging blend of music.
For example, Beaupré did an imitation of Alanis Morrissette's "Hand in my Pocket", and she nailed it.
Frere sang "On the Road Again", in the style of Willie Nelson, to enthusiastic applause.
It appeared Beaupré and Lewis were "winging it" with their sets, but the improvisational style gave the audience a peek at the way a successful musical partnership works.
It also illustrated how talent and experience makes music seem effortless.
Beaupré, who is also a vocal teacher based in Calgary, had a voice that filled the auditorium. She quickly developed rapport with the audience, and teased concert-goers about being "Artistic Farmers – Fartmers," she joked.
Frere is half of another musical duo, the musical comedy team Lewis and Royal. He played a soulful guitar and could switch from one song to another without skipping the proverbial beat. On a whim, he regaled the audience with a song about halitosis.
"It's nice to come to a venue like this," said Beaupré, "where it's well kept, and the staff really care about music."
"I was worried only 27 people were going to show up," quipped Frere.
Both Beaupré and Frere seemed genuinely moved by the standing ovation at the conclusion of the afternoon concert, and they performed an encore.
Jean Beaupré and Lewis Frere played two shows at Stettler PAC on April 30, 2023, at the last Stettler Variety Showcase performance for the season. The 2023-2024 season begins November 4, 2023.
