BTU — Tom Taylor, Shari Urich and Barney Bentall will perform at the Empress Theatre on March 8 in the final installment of the Centre Stage Series.
Acoustic trio BTU are coming together at the Empress Theatre on Saturday, March 8 as the final show of the 2024-25 Centre Stage Concert Series.
Comprised of three of Canada’s most celebrated singer-songwriters — Barney Bentall, Tom Taylor, and Shari Ulrich — BTU blends rich harmonies, masterful songwriting, and decades of musical experience.
Their collaboration is a testament to their shared love of storytelling and melody, drawing on folk and roots influences to create a timeless sound.
The story of BTU began as a natural convergence of talent.
They first played together in November 2007 at a song-writer concert on Bowen Island.
Their collaboration grew, and a year later, they recorded Live at Cates Hill, an eclectic mix of the character, voices and songwriting talents of these three unique artists.
Barney Bentall, best known as the frontman of Barney Bentall and the Legendary Hearts, has been a staple of the Canadian rock scene since the 1980s, delivering hits like Something to Live For and Come Back to Me.
After years in the spotlight, Bentall turned toward folk and roots music.
Tom Taylor, formerly of the Vancouver-based band She Stole My Beer, has built a reputation for crafting evocative lyrics and warm, understated melodies. His solo work is marked by introspective songwriting and a voice that conveys both grit and tenderness.
Shari Ulrich, a Juno Award-winning multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter, first rose to prominence in the 1970s with The Hometown Band and later as a solo artist. Her work spans folk, pop, and jazz, showcasing her ability to weave intricate narratives with soaring vocals and skilled musicianship.
BTU’s music is a seamless blend of their individual styles, emphasizing intricate vocal harmonies, acoustic instrumentation, and heartfelt storytelling.
From Bentall’s road-worn reflections to Taylor’s poetic imagery and Ulrich’s crystalline melodies, BTU crafts songs that resonate deeply with listeners.
Their performances are a mix of new material and reinterpretations of past favorites, offering a fresh yet familiar experience for fans.
Tickets to see BTU are available at www.macleodempress.com, by calling 403-553-4404 or at the Box Office on Main Street.
All Empress concerts are sponsored by Alberta Foundation for the Arts.
