Singer-songwriter Ron Sexsmith and new darling of the Canadian roots scene Alana Levandoski will both be performing at Fopp's Earlham Street store, Covent Garden on 30th June as part of the free Canada Day celebrations happening in Trafalgar Square.
Ron Sexsmith is one of the heavyweights of the Canadian singer-songwriter scene. His new album Time Being has recently been released in the UK. It is the 8th full length album from the talented Canadian following on the heels of 2004's critically acclaimed Retriever. Time Being sees Ron Sexsmith being reunited with legendary producer Mitchell Froom (Paul McCartney, Elvis Costello, The Corrs, Crowded House). He will play at 5:30pm.
Alana Levandoski is already being touted as the one to watch in 2006 and her lilting blend of folk, and country rock has drawn comparisons to the work of a young Nanci Griffith or McGarrigle sister. The album
Unsettled Down, with its beautifully crafted songs and haunting themes, has won her a dedicated hoard of fans across the UK, Ireland and Europe. Her Fopp set will start at 6:15pm.
Canada Day is an initiative by the Canadian High Commission and the Canadian community living in London bringing together an all-day programme of Canadian entertainment and activities. The event kicks off in Trafalgar Square at 2pm and, as well as live music, includes street hockey displays, arts and crafts, Saskatchewan dancers and talented street performers.
Fopp in-stores - acoustic sets from breaking bands and artists performed in Fopp stores across the UK - are becoming something of an institution. The Kooks, Mystery Jets and The Feeling have all played at Fopp stores recently. Fopp's ability to provide a platform for cutting edge bands to play to fans across its stores is being developed all the time. There are now 25 Fopp outlets in the UK, with the last few months seeing three new stores open in London, along with further Fopps springing up in Bath, Brighton, East Kilbride and Southampton. Fopp have recently been awarded the Retail Success of the Year 2006 award at the British Video Association Awards.
