life with more cowbell

Music and celebration in Mississauga Celebration Square last night as they hosted an evening in honour of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, featuring an all-female vocalist line-up: Arlene Paculan, Shannon Butcher and headliner Jill Barber. Plus: a display of classic British cars, a red-coated guard, and complementary scones and tea.

Arlene Paculan opened the evening with her smooth and soulful R&B sounds, accompanying herself on a sweet Yamaha grand and looking like a goddess in a yellow gown, accented with some gorgeous bling. Paculan offered up tunes from her I’m Worth It CD, including the positive and empowering title track, as well as one of my favourite ballads “Running.” You can find Arlene Paculan at her website here: http://www.arlenepaculan.com/index.html

Shannon Butcher, sporting a stunning (and fun!) plum-coloured fascinator and a lovely summer print dress, served up a big, fun jazz set with a trio of musicians backing her up, with Butcher bringing out her ukulele “Shelly” for a number. Crystal clear, easy and inviting, Butcher’s vocals invite you in and ask you to stick around. And audience participation was encouraged, especially on “Here Comes the Sun” – and she inspired a couple to get up and dance too! You can find Shannon Butcher here: http://www.shannonbutcher.com/

Feature performer Jill Barber – gorgeous in a vintage pale yellow dress covered with rose buds – and her band treated the audience to some silky (with a hint of a purr) crooning, from the title track from her Chances CD to selections from her latest all-original songs CD Mischievous Moon, including “Took Me By Surprise.” And more dancing from the crowd – pretty sure it was the same couple from Butcher’s set. With musical stylings that take you back in time to the days of the supper club, I couldn’t help but picture Jill Barber turning Don Draper’s head while performing in a scene of Mad Men during cocktail hour. Pay Jill Barber a visit here: http://www.jillbarber.com/

Mississauga Celebration Square has loads more events scheduled for the summer, including concerts, movies, cultural festivals and fitness sessions. Check out the program here: http://www.mississauga.ca/portal/celebrationsquare/