About the Artist/Ensemble
VERONNEAU – music with a global twist
“Inspiring & joyful…excellent performers” Washington Post
“Alchemists of cool jazz, bossa nova, and folk” Capital Bop
“A kaleidoscope of internationally flavored tunes and varied textures delivered by a gorgeous voice.” All About Jazz
Award-winning, Arlington based VERONNEAU are an husband-and-wife duo featuring Quebecoise vocalist Lynn Veronneau and UK guitarist Ken Avis. Their shows delight and captivate all ages with multilingual performances of jazzy, retro, soulful original songs and classics from the worlds of bossa nova, French chanson, folk, blues and pop. They tell stories that inspire and unite. Their performances are fresh, fun and engaging.
VERONNEAU’s repertoire is carefully chosen for powerful melodies and lyrical imagery, and is tailored to the audience. Heartfelt and artful vocals are framed by virtuoso guitar, and a magical on-stage chemistry. The duo have built a devoted following through constant tours and recordings. Since releasing their 2011 debut album “Joie De Vivre/Joy of Living”, which includes their hit “La Mer”, streamed over a million times on Spotify, they have released four Top 10 charting studio albums, two acclaimed live full length albums and several singles with a variety of collaborators. The band’s cross-genre appeal is reflected by their albums having charted in the Jazz, World and Folk categories!
VERONNEAU have toured in Spain, Portugal, France, Switzerland, Sweden, the UK, USA and Canada, appearing live on BBC radio, on festival stages, clubs, and prestige venues like Strathmore Music Center, Kennedy Center, Blues Alley Jazz Club and more. They’ve earned 7 WAMMIE awards, and their original songs have won multiple songwriting awards.
Concert/Performance Description
VERONNEAU performances include original and classic songs performed in English, French, Portuguese and Spanish. Classics from the worlds of French chanson, bossa nova, swing, and folk music. Music which evokes a timeless, retro, sun-drenched atmosphere, French flair, Latin rhythms and thoughtful, musical mastery, and audience engagement. Shows can be performed as a duo or with additional musicians for a full band sound. This music is performed for all ages at venues, libraries, schools and senior facilities.
VERONNEAU also present these special shows – duo or full band:
”Blue Tapestry” celebrates Joni Mitchell & Carole King. Much loved songs from their iconic albums ”Blue” and “Tapestry”, and tied together with stories about the songs, and the era. This show has proven extremely popular selling out back to back shows at Strathmore AMP, and 100-250 seat theaters. Audiences can’t resist singing along to songs like “You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman”, “You’ve Got A Friend”, “Carey”, and “River”. Live Video
”The Great French American Songbook” A unique bilingual show, full of surprises and great music. Celebrate the enduring cultural friendship between the two nations. with songs like La Vie En Rose, Autumn Leaves, Je Ne Regret Rien, Beyond The Sea, and even Pink Martini’s Sympathique. This show can be presented in English and/or French. The music of Edith Piaf, Charles Aznavour, Trenet, and guitarist Django Rheinhardt evoke the classic age of French chanson and beyond. Live video
”Bossa Fever” Takes you to Brazil with the irresistible rhythms of samba and bossa nova, featuring the music of Antonio Carlos Jobim, Joao Gilberto and others. Stories and songs and bring to life the era of bossa nova….and the role played by Virginia musicians Charlie & Joe Byrd in bringing this music to the world. You can almost feel the sands of Ipanema Beach beneath your toes. VERONNEAU are often asked for this repertoire for Hispanic Heritage events. Live Video
Technical Requirements
VERONNEAU can provide their own sound systems for small to mid-sized rooms or work with your sound system. Technical requirements depend upon the size of the ensemble, duo, trio or fuller band. Electricity and an audience are the main requirements!
Educational Programs
In addition to musical performance Ken and Lynn also present a number of workshops:
Jazz Guitar for Non-Jazz Guitarists: 60-90 min. small group session for guitarists with intermediate level of experience and comfort on guitar. An opportunity for guitarists playing blues, folk and pop chords to spice up their sound and expand their musical chops. A minimum of theory and a lot of practical information to step into the sound of jazz and try it for size.
Owning the Stage for Vocalists: A workshop-masterclass with Lynn Veronneau, focussed on stage presentation. Thoughtful feedback and ideas for upping your stage game. Make the most of the positive and iron out the wrinkles in your stage craft. For small groups with 2-3 volunteer singers to work with Lynn.
Popular Music History: Entertaining presentations linking the development of all styles of Popular Music to social and technology change. Presented previously at Smithsonian, Universities and for private groups. Multiple topics.
Fees
Duo Concert: $1,000-$1,600 Trio Concert: $1,500-$2,000 Full Band Fee depends on the number of musicians. Fees vary depending on location, travel distance to the venue, length of the performance, sound system requirements, etc. Special rates for block-bookings, multiple dates, back-to-back school assemblies, etc. Educational Programs/Masterclasses/Workshops: $500