Vicki Brittle and Dean Batstone shared the stage on June 23rd at Batstone’s Northern Ramble in Renfrew, ON for a captivating night of music, stories and an all around enjoyable time.
Vicki Brittle is a well know local area artist who has been sharing her talents with us for several years now. Knowing from a young age that her passion was music she continues to write and perform regularly improving with each performance.
I spoke with Vicki prior to the show to get an update on what’s been happening and where she is at this point in her career. The biggest notable change is the she is now an acoustic solo artist focusing strongly on reaching her goals. Her main short term goal right now is to record a new album within the next six months. When I asked about her pre-show routine she said she likes to listen to CBC comedy and enjoy a cup of coffee. Coffee and comedy is her thing. When talking about being on stage she says it’s very peaceful and serene to her. It’s a privilege for her to be on stage and to do what she does taking nothing for granted and living the moment.
Now to her performance. Vicki has a very confident and captivating presence on stage. You can sense the emotions in her songs as they grab you and hold your attention throughout. I enjoyed her vocals as she masterfully controls them going from tender and intimate to strong and powerful. Songs like “Going to the Country” which she opened with, and “Little Black Dog” were very well done and high on my list of tonight’s favorites.
Dean Batstone has solidified himself as one of the areas best known artists, also making waves in the USA, with a long list of incredibly wonderful songs that can move you in so many ways. I remember Dean playing the local scene and in my earlier years trying to get front of the stage or dance floor at his shows so we didn’t miss a thing. Dean hasn’t lost a step and has only fine tuned his performance and skills. I enjoyed watching as he becomes one with the songs as he sings them. It’s a sign of a true professional and to me someone that totally believes in the song giving it his all. He and Vicki took turns playing their songs and to me looked like they pushed each other to kick it up a bit – making each other and the songs better.
I truly enjoyed the performances and music and recommend you get out to a Vicki Brittle show as well as catch Dean at his local venue Batstone’s Northern Ramble where he’s always got something happening for your entertainment.
