Folk meets Modern at Fredericton’s Tipsy Muse Cafe
Fredericton’s Tipsy Muse Cafe at 89 Regent ST is the newest in a long line of businesses to fill the space since the closing of the popular Geek Chic in 2016.
Focusing on a natural minimalist and rural aesthetic the decor of the muse is immediately welcoming to the eyes and spirit of anyone walking through its doors. As a venue for live music, it also offers a wild range of talent to tease its guests. Focusing on folk or rural themes “…the music hits home with east coasters wandering in from the winter for a warm cup and a soft place to land.” according to one Mark Worden in attendance.
Although it is a smaller business frequently two service staff, the owner and an audio technician are all running around the space to make sure it keeps working.
Guitarist Lydia Mainville and Cellist Sarah Kiersted performed for a full house while the cafe charged ten dollars cover.
Lydia Mainville, 27, is trained by ear and family as living in Maugerville with her six sisters allowed her to practice and perfect her skills. Joined by two of her younger sisters they sang about family memories both lost and loved.
Danielle Mainville comforted her sister Kelly who broke down crying during Lydia Mainville’s performance of ‘Come home its supper time’. The song focused on her grandparent’s titular call that would bring the family to the table to share a meal and the importance of that.
When Lydia finished playing she embraced Danielle and Kelly.
“When I hear my nieces sing about my parents there is nothing more important in the world. The whole point of everything just sits there because we hear what the next generation remembers and celebrates and it all becomes worth it.”
Sarah Kiersted, 28, is the classically trained third chair of the Orchestre Symphonique de Quebec. Using a looping machine she would play four bars before having it playback and then keep at the process to conduct a one-woman orchestra.
Kiersted’s performance was only interrupted by standing ovations when she would break for water or breath between pieces.
The owner of the cafe Krista Leas Touesnard shared the secrets to the growing business’ successes and shortcomings after the performance ended.
“This crowd is amazing we’ve never had this turn out for a Thursday night. I love the girls so much and they’ve really made this space their own. That was the whole purpose of it. We’ll be coming up on our first anniversary, and I think I’ll finally be able to pay myself if this keeps up. I love it because it feels like our foly roots have finally caught up to us in the modern day.” said Touesnard over a hot toddy as the crowd made their way to the bar for the last call.