Daniel Koulack and the Knappen Street All-Star Band are planning their next eclectic concert, but you might say they are sticking close to home. Joining their evening concert Monday June 16 at the Crescent Arts Centre is another Knappen Street talent, bringing the beautiful tradition of Georgian chants and melodies into the musical mix.
Matt Knight met his wife Kiko in a choir, and the two left to live and study Georgian music in eastern Europe while Matt pursued an ethnomusicology degree. Singing the harmonies and melodic arrangements that they learned together are still one of their favourite activities, and their children have joined in too.
Like may traditional forms of music, says Matt, Georgian music has always had a participatory element to it. “Its a very unique kind of harmony,” says Matt, but also intended to sung with a “loud chest voice… where you get to really belt it out and just kind of have have fun raising a racket.”
The style of singing has survived over the centuries, and is one of the traditions to announce weddings, and special occasions in the community. But it is also a tradition, that by its nature brings the body and mind together. “The lyrics have a meaning in and of themselves, but you have to breathe, stand in a certain way you feel strong and ready…its like one of those things that can get you into a flow state, and you can kind of sometimes have a bit of an out of body experience. You kind of forget about everything else outside of that.”
“ I think that’s something that’s really powerful for for mental health and emotional well-being and I’m really glad it’s something that I get to experience, share with my family and share with friends.”
Koulack says he moved onto Knappen Street and found out he was living on the same street as musical mentor Cathy Marx had lived on. While living there, the spirit compelled him to compose some of the original folk inspired songs the Knappen Streets All Stars will play.
His own children, George Bajer-Koulack, and Ameena are also musicians in their own right and will be adding to the energy of the concert.
All ages are invited to the concert, says Koulack, and kids under age 12 get in for free. Tickets for kids ages 12-16 are $10, adults are $20 and can be bought online, or at the door at the Crescent Arts Centre, 525 Wardlaw Avenue.