evalyn parry

“Equally funny and disturbing, this is a songwriter who takes us into uncharted waters.”
CBC Radio

“…a modern day Joni for the young political…”
Xtra Magazine

Witty. Political. Whimsical. Personal. Bold. Outspoken. Real. evalyn parry is a singer-songwriter and spoken word artist with a unique perspective on the world, a commanding voice, and way with words and melodies that won’t let you go.

Whether she’s rhyming off her incisive spoken word rants, costumed as a singing maxipad, or singing about pro-wrestlers, gay rovers or bumblebees, parry’s live performances are as thought-provoking as they are hilarious; as charming as they are eclectic; as deeply political as they are personal.

Small Theatres is Parry’s highly anticipated third studio recording. “I grew up inside small theatres,” says Parry. “Intimate spaces, where the audience sits within spitting distance of the actors; waiting in the dark to watch a story unfold, for humanity to reveals itself, to be transformed.

“I think of each track on this new recording as its own small act of theatre. The story of the wrestler who, as a young man, is sent out in front of a live audience to fight a bear. The sailor, who experiences a profound moment at sea with the ghost of the Edmond Fitzgerald. The rock band, hurtling toward stardom. The crazy ex-lover who suddenly shows up in your closet, standing in your shoes. Each song, each poem, reveals its own drama.

“The music album reflects my growing interest in telling other people’s stories, in addition to my own,” Parry says. “I’ve taken a few incredible tales that people have told me about their lives: stories so much more theatrical, and so much more poignant than anything I could ever invent… and I had to write them down.

“The spoken word album is more weighted toward a personal perspective, and it’s also the place where I let the social commentary really fly.”

evalyn is the recipient of the Colleen Peterson Songwriting Award (Ontario Arts Council, 2003), and The Beth Ferguson Award for Upcoming Songwriter (Ottawa Folk Festival, 2001), and nominee for the KM Hunter Award for Music (Ontario Arts Council, 2006). She has had numerous spoken word pieces commissioned and broadcast by the CBC, and has been a featured performer at the Lincoln Center Out of Doors “Roots of American Music Festival”in New York City, Hillside Festival, The West Coast Poetry Festival, The Halifax Pop Explosion, The Toronto International Storytelling Festival, The Ottawa Folk Festival, The Vancouver Storytelling Festival, North by North East, to name a few. In addition, evalyn has performed extensively at colleges and universities, folk venues, poetry slams, and activist events.

Both evalyn’s previous CD’s of spokenword and music, Unreasonable (Borealis 2004, produced by Canadian music legend Ken Whiteley) and her 2001 debut release Things That Should Be Warnings have enjoyed critical acclaim and airplay across Canada and the US. On DVD: Evalyn Parry: Live at Lula, by Riddle Films was released on Borealis in late 2006. This live concert DVD features evalyn with her all-star backing band: Suzie Vinnick, Anne Lindsay, Ken Whiteley and Brad Hart; it also includes two spoken word videos.

Based in Toronto, in addition to her music and poetry, Parry writes and performs theatre with her company The Independent Aunties (www.independentauntie.ca); the Aunties have won numerous writing and performance awards for their play Clean Irene & Dirty Maxine. She also directs a theatre programme for queer youth at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre. She likes to ride her bike.

Reviews

Parry weaves a profound lyrical tapestry through each song…tackles socio-political issues with humour and intelligence.
Nanaimo News, BC

Parry, gifted with a sharp pen, goes into the attack with wit and refined humour… without using fist clenching slogans, because she’s always saying it with the right innuendo. Strong lyrics… she just tells it like it is.
MazzMusicas, Belgium

Her songs weave the political with the ironic, the fun with sublime, but always with attitude and confidence, much like her performance.
Penguin Eggs

evalyn parry is a voice that demands to be listened to and cherished for its individuality.
Justin Orndorff, Lilith Speaks

Fresh and original.
Between the Lines, Michigan

Equally funny and disturbing, this is a songwriter who takes us into uncharted waters… Parry’s theatrical approach to song writing and her clear vocals are a joy to listen to!
CBC Radio

Parry redefines political folk music… keeps you in rapt attention.
Halifax Daily News

Satirical humour and biting intelligence.
Ontario Council of Folk Festivals

“…equally funny and disturbing, this is a songwriter who takes us into uncharted waters.
CBC Radio One, Bandwidth
Spring 2003

“…Unreasonable is full of cheeky little gems”
Herizons Magazine
Winter 2004

“…a modern day Joni for the young, political queer”
Xtra Magazine
March 2003

“Blessed with a clear, nimble voice, Parry imbues her work with sharp imagery, a flair for storytelling and humorous social commentary”
The Ottawa Citizen

Awards

Colleen Peterson Songwriting Award 2003

Beth Ferguson Award for Upcoming Songwriter 2001
(Ottawa Folk Festival)

Photos

Calendar

No shows booked at the moment.