The inaugural Pelham Concert Series continues Sat. Nov. 16 with the Canadian country singer/songwriter, Spencer Burton.
Burton’s 2019 album “The Mountain Man” received a Canadian Folk Music Award nomination for Best Children's Album at the 16th Canadian Folk Music Awards. His latest album “North Wind” was released in 2024.
Pelham Today had the chance to sit down with Burton and find out what makes him tick. Below is a condensed version of the conversation with this fascinating and soulful musician.
PT: How does it feel, playing this new series in Pelham at Old Pelham Town Hall? I understand you live just down the street, did you ever think you would be playing a show there?
SB: I think it’s amazing that things like the Pelham Concert Series are starting to happen. The world’s become an incredibly busy place. So much so that leaving the comforts of a small town can sometimes be overwhelming. This can make travelling to bigger cities to see live music exhausting for some people. Bringing music, culture and art to small communities is what this world needs. It’s what Pelham needs. I feel incredibly fortunate to be playing this year’s series and even more fortunate to be able to do it only moments away from my front doorstep. I truly love this area and the community that comes with it.
PT: What should audiences expect at your show?
SB: Massive stage production. Flaming pillars. Fireworks. Costumes. Special guest appearances by top-tier celebrities. Stunts. Magic tricks and possible alien contact. (laughs) More than likely some comfortable songs and some over-exaggerated stories.
PT: Why the switch to country music?
SB: I’ve been writing folk/country songs now for quite a while. I’m not entirely sure if those songs have made the switch to full-blown country music just yet. However, over the years, my hats have gotten wider brimmed and my continually growing collection of farm animals has gotten quite large. I’m sure that has some sort of influence on the music I’ve been making.
PT: Who's your favourite musician (or top three)?
SB: Currently my favourite musician is my 9-year-old son. While I don’t think he considers himself a musician, he does play a mean piano. Whenever I hear him tickle those ivories it brings me more joy than any album I’ve ever heard.
PT: What are you listening to right now?
SB: At this very moment, I’m listening to the simple sound of a crackling bonfire and the rustling of wind through the trees’ last leaves.
PT: What are some future shows/gigs/tours you are planning?
SB: I like to take things year-by-year and as of now, this concert here on November 16 at the Old Pelham Town Hall is my last concert for 2024, and my main focus.
PT: Do you have a new album coming out, or in the works?
SB: My latest album “North Wind” was just released this year. I’ll be focusing on that one for a while. However, I’m always writing songs and there’s always something in the works.
Get your tickets for this third show of the four-concert Pelham Concert Series, in the beautiful Pelham Old Town Hall, here. Featuring Canadian singer/songwriter Spencer Burton, showtime is Saturday November 16 at 8 p.m.