*Note*: Typically I write sorta whatever comes from my brain and then Terri goes and edits it so that you the reader can actually understand what the hell I am trying to say.  Tonight… this is not happening — so good luck!

Tonight I saw Carnival Moon at the Tiki Room in the Tranzac.  I heart the Tranzac… if I could pick one venue to own and book the shows at it would be this lovely place.  However, I had never saw a show in the third and smallest of their rooms (the Tiki Room).  Picture a rather large living room with some chairs, a couch, and a makeshift stage setup and that’s basically the Tiki Room.  I’ve been in there before during the day and never had a clue shows went on there.  It was here surrounded by some friends and a bunch of people who clearly are passionate about music to have ended up here on a Monday night that I had my first experience with Carnival Moon.

Or as Elaine Kelly put it because of the absence of Stefan Banjevic the other half of the band, Carnie Moon for tonight.  You might know Elaine from playing fiddle with Key Witness, or have been at a show she played with the Weather Station.  But neither would really provide any indication as to what you get with Carnival Moon.

Armed with nothing but a beautiful, semi intimidating harp Elaine nestles in close to the harp while still trying to keep the microphone close enough that you can hear.  I can’t tell you who is a good harp player and who isn’t… my knowledge of the harp begins and ends with the lovely Joanna Newsom.  I can however tell you that it looks harder to play than any instrument I have ever witnessed.

If you closed your eyes and listened to any of Elaine’s songs you might have thought there were two people playing.  Instead it was just her two hands somehow playing two distinctly different parts so well that you could easily be fooled.  Vocally… Elaine has a quiet voice and one that may cause her some difficulties in bigger more jammed rooms.  But I post this as a blog because Elaine is a friend and I am biased.  Still, I know that she’ll overcome that because her voice is beautiful… she just needs some confidence in it.

Now I need to see the full Carnival Moon asap to see how Stefan’s unique talents compliment Elaine’s.  I definitely think this is an act to watch, and recommend you find a way to see them in the near future.

Me?  I’m going to spend the rest of my night re-listening to that old Joanna Newsom record I love so dearly and had somewhat neglected in recent times.  Thanks for the reminder Elaine!

Dan