[Spotlight Post] Queen Anne’s Lace
This weekend heralds the final weekend of the Scarborough Renaissance Festival. In honor of this, I’m featuring one of the staple acts–Queen Anne’s Lace. Queen Anne’s Lace (QAL) is a female a Capella singing group that not only has tight vocal harmonies, but also great humor and bigger hearts. And in the last weekend of Scarborough, QAL has had a tradition going of doing a special show during the Sunday 5:30 “Tart” show – The All Chandler’s Wife Show. This one will be this coming Sunday, May 27th at 5:30 – tell them I sent you.
The Chandler’s Wife is a traditional tune about leaving a wife at home alone– and what can happen when you do. There are spots in the song that allow the singers to add their own bits and pieces. This is where the girls of Queen Anne’s Lace let their Geek Flags fly (and one of the reasons I love them so). Their added sections come from Science Fiction Pop Culture, classic movies, television, and commercials. It’s beyond funny… and something you have to experience for yourself…or buy the cd, but seriously? It’s much better live.
Now, if you don’t care about 30 minutes to an hour of just one song have no fear, QAL is here. They do shows throughout the day/season that are traditional Celtic/Renaissance Faire songs, Sunday songs, and even 40s and 50s swing music. They also have some classic rock thrown in for good measure. I happen to think their rendition of “Seven Bridges Road” is excellent. And though they SAY they don’t do “modern” or Pop music, they have a few thing like “Cordellia” by Simon and Garfunkle, and (in honor of the 5:30 “tart” show – which is saucy and can go a bit…adult) I keep pitching a “Pop Tarts” album project. They keep laughing at me.
This group is so much more than music. Don’t get me wrong, their music is excellent. It’s so hard to do GOOD a cappella music, but they do it very well (they’ve had a lot of practice). And I do actually love a cappella music, I have a playlist on my iTunes – it’s got more than QAL and Straight No Chaser, but yeah, it’s mostly them. And they end up on high rotation it seems because it’s just that good. These women are a family. It’s obvious in their shows that the humor and the quality come from the fact they care about each other on a personal level, and they share that with their audience.
I encourage you to buy the cds and downloads. I really do, but you don’t get the FULL QAL effect without seeing a show. They do sing outside of Scarborough. There is an events page on their website. Check them out. And seriously, for supporting local artists? You can’t go wrong here. Promise. Or check them out on Facebook.