Crystalena and leMeow | Dress For Success Ottawa Fundraiser

Two multi-talented local Ottawa area bands came together on June 8 with Crystalena and leMeow at the Blacksheep Inn in Wakefield, Qc in support of Dress For Success Ottawa which, as  noted on their website, helps empower women with clothing and career workshops, a true network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. A perfect opportunity for these musicians to do what they love to do all in the name of a great cause.

Dress For Success Ottawa  has been around since 2011 and through their non-profit organization have given several thousand women an opportunity to gain skills and confidence to help change their lives and the lives of their families. I found this well written piece on their Facebook site l that I felt needed to be included in this post:  It summarizes what they do better than I could have written:  “Through challenging circumstances, they may have forgotten, or may never have known, that they are important, valuable members of our community who have a lot to offer potential employers. Dress for Success suits women for employment, from the inside out“.  If you are unaware of this organization or would like to know more please follow the Dress For Success Ottawa link to learn more or get in touch with them.

First up at the magnificent BlackSheep Inn  along the water on the entertainment menu was Crystalena who brought to us her bright enthusiastic voice, a voice with the ability to cut through and the music, and a collection of songs that were all performed with shear perfection.  Her vocal acapella abilities are so very strong and a highlight throughout her performance. This was Crystalena’s second time playing the Blacksheep Inn and I’m certain will not be her last.  Among the songs played was the 4th song “The Chain” by Fleetwood Mac which included her flavor on the classic song which was very well received. Along with the talented artists on stage by her side, and after this set, I’m more than confident she’s added a few more fans to the fan base. If you missed her this time make sure you catch her when she’s in your area.  A remarkable talent that you’ll certainly hear more from in the future.

leMeow with their smooth soul indie pop style of music put on a clinic with their passionate performance that had the crowd on the edge of their seats all night.  Lead singer Gin Bourgeois has a rough gritty edge to her vocals along with a power and smoothness built in that is a delight to sit back and soak in. I haven’t heard a voice like her’s for a while taking me back to the likes of Amy Winehouse who I hold in high regard for the work she has done.  I also enjoyed the artists on stage alongside of her but because I am also a guitar player I found myself taking in everything the guitarist was doing – playing the right notes at the right times and the right moment.  Fantastic.  Debut album York St. is out now and available at the lemeowmusic.com link.