In 2021, together with Avon River Heritage and Avon River Arts, Full Circle Festival launched ‘Sofa Sundays’ - a series of intimate performances by local artists in the bright and inviting Artists Landing Art Gallery, located upstairs in the Avon River Heritage Museum. This series was dreamt up as a way to connect with community members, while creating opportunities for artists to share their work.
Sofa Sundays are set for the third Sunday of each month (with some exceptions) from April through November. Keep an on eye on our Facebook and Instagram pages for updates!
We look forward to seeing you in Avondale!
2023 Season:
April 16 - Scott MacKay
May 28 - Sarah Osborne + Jenny Lapp
July 16 - Laura Rae + Freya Milliken
August 20 - Pillow Fite + Piner
September 17 - Matt Steele + Chase Ross
October 15 - Jackson-Wilson Duo + Michael Dalton
November 12 - Mia Kelly + Nick Loyer
OPEN CALL TO ARTISTS.
We will soon be seeking artists for our 2024 season. All are welcome to apply. We encourage Black, Indigenous, and people of color, women, LGBTQ+ people, religious minorities, recent migrants/refugees, people with disabilities, and applicants from different generational and economic backgrounds to apply. Interested artists can apply by contacting info@fullcirclefestival.ca
Sofa Sundays are set for the third Sunday of each month (with some exceptions) from April through November. Keep an on eye on our Facebook and Instagram pages for updates!
We look forward to seeing you in Avondale!
2023 Season:
April 16 - Scott MacKay
May 28 - Sarah Osborne + Jenny Lapp
July 16 - Laura Rae + Freya Milliken
August 20 - Pillow Fite + Piner
September 17 - Matt Steele + Chase Ross
October 15 - Jackson-Wilson Duo + Michael Dalton
November 12 - Mia Kelly + Nick Loyer
OPEN CALL TO ARTISTS.
We will soon be seeking artists for our 2024 season. All are welcome to apply. We encourage Black, Indigenous, and people of color, women, LGBTQ+ people, religious minorities, recent migrants/refugees, people with disabilities, and applicants from different generational and economic backgrounds to apply. Interested artists can apply by contacting info@fullcirclefestival.ca
A look back at 2023
Scott MacKay kicked off the 2023 season of Sofa Sundays on April 16th.
From the sounds of slapback echo, twangy Telecasters and swooning pedal steel, it’s clear that Scott MacKay has an affinity for country music of the 1950s and ‘60s. But the singer/songwriter from Charlottetown, PEI also has a sharp wit that shines through on the 10 original songs that comprise his latest album Stupid Cupid, a collection that offers a fresh, modern take on classic country.
Co-produced with Adam Gallant at The Hill Sound Studio in Charlottetown and mixed by Scott Franchuk in Edmonton, Stupid Cupid features MacKay backed by his regular rhythm section of Josh and Sam Langille, along with renowned guitarist Grant Siemens and pedal steel master Burke Carroll. For MacKay, this third album isthe first reflection of what he describes as getting bit by the classic country bug since his previous release.
The results of that hard work speak for themselves on Stupid Cupid. From the risqué new single Romance Novel, to Brand New Heart’s tale of someone receiving said organ from a man killed by his lover, to the surprisingly philosophical God Walks Into A Bar, MacKay effortlessly breathes new life into longstanding country music themes. However, it’s all designed to put a smile on your face, as well as a tear in your beer.
From the sounds of slapback echo, twangy Telecasters and swooning pedal steel, it’s clear that Scott MacKay has an affinity for country music of the 1950s and ‘60s. But the singer/songwriter from Charlottetown, PEI also has a sharp wit that shines through on the 10 original songs that comprise his latest album Stupid Cupid, a collection that offers a fresh, modern take on classic country.
Co-produced with Adam Gallant at The Hill Sound Studio in Charlottetown and mixed by Scott Franchuk in Edmonton, Stupid Cupid features MacKay backed by his regular rhythm section of Josh and Sam Langille, along with renowned guitarist Grant Siemens and pedal steel master Burke Carroll. For MacKay, this third album isthe first reflection of what he describes as getting bit by the classic country bug since his previous release.
The results of that hard work speak for themselves on Stupid Cupid. From the risqué new single Romance Novel, to Brand New Heart’s tale of someone receiving said organ from a man killed by his lover, to the surprisingly philosophical God Walks Into A Bar, MacKay effortlessly breathes new life into longstanding country music themes. However, it’s all designed to put a smile on your face, as well as a tear in your beer.
On May 28th we welcomed Sarah Osborne, a “sultry folk” singer-songwriter from the West Coast of Canada. With a voice that evokes a little hard loving and raw nostalgia; this Genre-bender has jazz, blues, and country peppered throughout her songs. Sarah’s latest album “Seasons” (2021-2022) was released in four mini volumes (one for each season) and features her rockin’ backing band “The Magic Buttons”.
Sarah has played diverse stages from train cars crossing the country (VIA Rail Artists on Board), to big festival stages (opening for John Fogerty & Keb Mo), to intimate little spaces in tiny towns across the America’s. Merging art, nature, and a dash of humour in the vessel of her music, Sarah believes song is a powerful tool to invoke positive change in people.
Recovering from her science career, Sarah currently resides on Gabriola Island, BC, in a tiny home among the trees. When she’s not on the road holding court as a one woman show or accompanied by a talented musical entourage, she can be found walking in the woods, swimming in the sea, and having a good laugh with the locals.
Sarah has played diverse stages from train cars crossing the country (VIA Rail Artists on Board), to big festival stages (opening for John Fogerty & Keb Mo), to intimate little spaces in tiny towns across the America’s. Merging art, nature, and a dash of humour in the vessel of her music, Sarah believes song is a powerful tool to invoke positive change in people.
Recovering from her science career, Sarah currently resides on Gabriola Island, BC, in a tiny home among the trees. When she’s not on the road holding court as a one woman show or accompanied by a talented musical entourage, she can be found walking in the woods, swimming in the sea, and having a good laugh with the locals.
Joining Sarah on May 28th was Jenny Lapp. Jenny writes songs rooted in a folk sensibility that span between ethereal drifting and grounded storytelling.
Originally from rural Ontario, she is now based out of Halifax, where she came of age with equal footing in sacred choral music and the local folk scene. Her shows draw attention for intricate guitar stylings, literary lyrical breadth, and a voice that cuts to the truth with celestial tones.
In 2022 she put out her debut EP and took to the road, playing 32 shows across Canada. Sometimes Jenny’s performances shapeshift from solo to duo to full electric folk-rock outfit, but for the Sofa Sunday she’s keep it living room-style.
Originally from rural Ontario, she is now based out of Halifax, where she came of age with equal footing in sacred choral music and the local folk scene. Her shows draw attention for intricate guitar stylings, literary lyrical breadth, and a voice that cuts to the truth with celestial tones.
In 2022 she put out her debut EP and took to the road, playing 32 shows across Canada. Sometimes Jenny’s performances shapeshift from solo to duo to full electric folk-rock outfit, but for the Sofa Sunday she’s keep it living room-style.
On July 16th we welcomed Laura Rae and together we gathered to take refuge from the relentless heat and enjoy an intimate afternoon of live music.
Bilingual chanteuse, songwriter, producer, multi-instrumentalist and educator Laura Rae dances between languages and genres, influenced equally by soulful Norah Jones as rock legend Sheryl Crow.
Since releasing her first single, Laura has been nominated for Music Nova Scotia’s New Artist Recording of the Year 2022 and has taken home bronze for Halifax The Coast Best Folk Artist 2022. Her debut French AlbumChansons pour ma grand-mère, which she co-produced with Gabrielle Papillon, was released on March 10, 2023.
Laura's show includes acoustic guitar, dynamic electric guitar, and live-looped vocals that are sure to impress listeners every time.
Bilingual chanteuse, songwriter, producer, multi-instrumentalist and educator Laura Rae dances between languages and genres, influenced equally by soulful Norah Jones as rock legend Sheryl Crow.
Since releasing her first single, Laura has been nominated for Music Nova Scotia’s New Artist Recording of the Year 2022 and has taken home bronze for Halifax The Coast Best Folk Artist 2022. Her debut French AlbumChansons pour ma grand-mère, which she co-produced with Gabrielle Papillon, was released on March 10, 2023.
Laura's show includes acoustic guitar, dynamic electric guitar, and live-looped vocals that are sure to impress listeners every time.
Closing out the afternoon of July 16th a Full Circle fan favourite Freya Milliken soothed us with her enchanting voice, even encouraging the audience to sing along "Feels just like falling in love" - and that we did!
Freya is an emerging singer-songwriter based in the Annapolis Valley in Nova Scotia, currently wrapping up her music degree at Acadia University. Since 2021, Freya has been gaining momentum on the Maritime festival scene, capturing the hearts of audiences of all ages and recognition from fellow artists on the East Coast.
Freya draws inspiration from a variety of genres, making her music sit in the realm of folk-pop and soft-rock. Her songs are often complimented for their thoughtfulness, combining perceptive lyrics with heartfelt melodies and tasteful accompaniments on guitar.
Her latest single “Tumbleweeds”, released in December 2022, is available on all streaming platforms, and her debut album can be expected later in 2023.
Freya is an emerging singer-songwriter based in the Annapolis Valley in Nova Scotia, currently wrapping up her music degree at Acadia University. Since 2021, Freya has been gaining momentum on the Maritime festival scene, capturing the hearts of audiences of all ages and recognition from fellow artists on the East Coast.
Freya draws inspiration from a variety of genres, making her music sit in the realm of folk-pop and soft-rock. Her songs are often complimented for their thoughtfulness, combining perceptive lyrics with heartfelt melodies and tasteful accompaniments on guitar.
Her latest single “Tumbleweeds”, released in December 2022, is available on all streaming platforms, and her debut album can be expected later in 2023.
The Sofa Sundays Archive
Kim Joy Lake + Factory Girls, October 24th, 2021
Surrounded by the work of local visual artists, Kate Vasyliv, Emma Greer and Tacha Reed, the inaugural Sofa Sunday's kicked off on October 24th, 2021 with performances by Avondale's own, Kim Joy Lake and festival favourites, Factory Girls, from Cape Breton. We returned on November 14th with a performance from Zakary Miller and reading from poet J G Lutes and finished the season with an extra cozy performance from Sarah McInnis and Pat Lepoidevin on December 12th. Below you will find recordings from these performances, enjoy!
"We were so fortunate to have been asked to share the sofa with Kim Joy Lake for Sofa Sundays! The experience was a heartwarming one, with an intimate setting and a captive audience of all ages. The space was a great listening room with natural acoustics and beautiful artsy surroundings. The community was extremely welcoming and made us feel at home. We hope to come back someday! "
- Factory Girls
- Factory Girls
DUST ON THE RUN - Kim Joy Lake
FLESH AND BONE - Kim Joy Lake
HONEY AND RAIN - Kim Joy Lake
GEMINI - Kim Joy Lake
LET IT BE - Kim Joy Lake
LUMBERYARD - Factory Girls
GLORIA - Factory Girls
GOLDEN COAST - Factory Girls
I'M GONE - Factory Girls
LOOK AT MISS OHIO - Factory Girls
SLEEPWALKER - Factory Girls
STAINED - Factory Girls
THE GREAT DIVIDE - Factory Girls
THE REMEDY - Factory Girls
J.G. Lutes + Zakary Miller, November 14th, 2021
“It’s been challenging to find places to share artistic creations. Sofa Sunday’s did just that. The space was amazing, audience was listening and the entire thing was special. More please!”
- J G Lutes
- J G Lutes
WHAT YOU STAND FOR - J. G. Lutes
WEDNESDAY'S SYMPHONY, HAWAIIAN MANTA-RAY - J. G. Lutes
RHETORICAL - J. G. Lutes
FLAT EARTHER - J. G. Lutes
IT MIGHT NOT BE - J. G. Lutes
"My name is Zakary Miller, I'm an artist playing music in the Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia. I was invited to play Sofa Sundays as part of Full Circle Festival's winter programming this past November. It was an incredibly unique opportunity to connect with the community surrounding the Full Circle Festival grounds. I found the intimacy of the Sofa Sundays series to be a comforting break from both the woes of our daily lives amidst a global pandemic, but also a break from the pressures and fast pace that come with summer and its many festivities. I have had some of my most enriching musical experiences thanks to the team at Full Circle and am writing this note to wholeheartedly endorse any venture they may embark on. There is love not only for musical experiences, but for community enrichment pouring out of those involved with Full Circle and I Zakary Miller am proud to be, have been and be forever more part of their community. Thank you."
- Zakary Miller
- Zakary Miller
LUCK VERSUS EVOLUTION YODEL - Zakary Miller
FIVE LITTLE BERRIES - Zakary Miller
Sarah McInnis + Pat LePoidevin, December 12th, 2021
"Being asked to play as a part of the Sofa Series was a welcome invitation to receive after the ups and downs of COVID and live performance. This delightfully intimate setting literally made me feel like I was sharing music among friends in my living room, and offered the opportunity to have songs be truly heard. The venue lends itself to displaying artistry, both in the natural, open sound of the room and artwork that adorned the walls, and I would love to see this series happen again in the future. I especially appreciated the uncommon collaborations, whether it be music and poetry, or having two musicians that normally would not perform together, in order to further foster that sense of community and connection. Thank you Full Circle for your tireless support of musicians and artists during a time when we need it most."
- Sarah McInnis
- Sarah McInnis
LOOKING FOR LINES - Sarah McInnis
WORRY - Sarah McInnis
THE LONG WAY - Sarah McInnis
FLOWERS - Sarah McInnis
ASH AND MUD - Sarah McInnis
WHO WE'LL BE - Sarah McInnis
STRAIGHT TICKET TO HEAVEN - Sarah McInnis
FARMER, COAL MINER - Sarah McInnis
"It was a pleasure to be part of Sofa Sundays. There is nothing I love more than to play an intimate show surrounded by a welcoming community and local history. Sofa Sundays really has a special thing going."
- Pat Lepoidevin
- Pat Lepoidevin
ON THE WALLS
UPCOMING SHOWS
