Bry Webb & Cots at Belong Sharbot Lake

Caylie Runciman | Nov 01, 2023

This past Saturday evening marked the first installment of the Frontenac Folk Club's concert series, presented by Port William Sound and Belong Sharbot Lake, featuring Bry Webb and Cots.

Some show goers started the night with a meal and one of Belong's fall cocktails before candles were lit, the special snack-menu was released and Cots (Steph Yates) took the stage, nestled into a cozy corner by the lake-facing window.

Cots performed without the accompaniment of a band, and presented her songs beautifully stripped down though they felt perfectly full – her voice almost trumpet-like, flitting around bossa nova rhythms on classical guitar, with occasional brush & floor tom backup by Webb. Her dark jazz and ethereal presence captivated the dimly lit room, her shadow projected on the stark white ceiling and car headlights outside slowly illuminating the stage and then disappearing as they passed.

Friends shuffled to top up drinks and snacks before settling in again for Bry Webb's set. He played songs from his new record, Run With Me (set for release Nov 3 on Idee Fixe Records), though early copies of the LP were available at the show) along with tracks from 2011's Provider and 2014's Free Will, and a Constantines favourite, Young Lions, which he sweetly dedicated to the littlest devotee (our 4 year old, Gem). The lovely, attentive audience asked for an encore, and Webb obliged by playing Asa, a song for his daughter - “When I say Asa, I sing Asa. Let the shadows grow til the end of the road, I will carry you home.” With that, we carried ourselves home, feeling warmed by and connected to this community.