No stranger to the touring circuit, Zachary Lucky has played the Sault a number of times over the years.
“I’ve been through Sault Ste. Marie a few times before [and played] at the Gore Street Cafe and a couple shows at Loplops over the course of my twelve years of touring back and forth across Canada,” says Lucky.
“I’ve always had a soft spot for Northern Ontario and all the little towns that dot the 17. I’ve met some awesome folks up there and played some great shows.”
This time around, community-based, event coordination organization Dryer Fire is bringing in the prairie artist to the Sault, with venue fees for the show being sponsored by Case’s Music.
Lucky’s performance will be complemented by folk act Penno Cash opening the show.
The songwriter describes his songs as “straightforward folk-roots” but he acknowledges that many people refer to it as “country,” a label he doesn’t necessarily put on himself.
“Folks like Colter Wall, Corb Lund, The Dead South and others are all bringing awareness to this kind of music and people are loving it,” he says.
The roots artist’s latest album, Songs for the Hard Times, has a traditional roots country sound.
“I think it is safe to say that there has been a huge resurgence of people listening to and enjoying the current roots country movement,” says Lucky.
“A lot of the songs are story-songs and relatable. I think people like that they can listen to a song and see themselves in it.”
Lucky’s music definitely bridges the gap between roots and country, much like classic artists like Townes Van Zant did.
“Townes Van Zant was definitely one of the gateway drugs into this specific genre of song,” says the songwriter.
“His music introduced me to the idea of story songs, and I think you could say that was definitely one of the main things that set me down this path.”
Despite the influence of Van Zant, Lucky says that it wasn’t one type of music that brought him to where he currently is as a songwriter.
“I played a bunch of different music growing up and my road sort of naturally lead me to where I am.”
What should people expect from a Zachary Lucky show?
“Every show I do is different than the last,” says Lucky.
“Each show plays to the audience and the room that were in. On this tour, I’m going to be singing songs from my whole catalogue and a few songs by a couple of my favourite songwriters too. I always love getting into the stories of the songs as well.”
Tickets for the Zachary Lucky and Penno Cash show at the Elk’s Hall on Tuesday night (Sept. 20) are available for purchase at Case’s Music (636 Queen Street East), the Rad Zone (721 Queen Street East) and will be available at the door. Doors open at 7 p.m.
To find out more about Zachary Lucky, visit his website or check out his Instagram page.
For more information on Dryer Fire, who is putting on the show, visit their Facebook or Instagram pages.