I’ve long been a fan of concerts in unconventional settings.
One standout: the backroom of a bar in Brooklyn, New York City, circa 2010. Montreal singer-songwriter Patrick Watson performed at a piano installed under a skylight with a small audience lining the perimeter of the room. I don’t remember the venue or the exact date, but I can instantly conjure up how special it felt to be in a tiny, pindrop-quiet space for something completely unique.
Did I sell you? Edmontonians have at least three chances this spring for a similar experience.
The John Walter Museum, located in the river valley right beside the Walterdale Bridge, will welcome lucky concert-goers into its parlour for a pared-back concert series, dubbed the Tiny House Concerts, featuring three wildly varying local artists with 35 seats per show. Its traditional decor doesn’t immediately signal concert venue — think heavy wooden furniture, china cabinets, lace doilies — but the space and sound come together to make a truly unique experience.
“This is the first time we’ve held the concerts in this fashion,” says Kae Stinnissen, natural and human history program coordinator with the City of Edmonton. “Last year we tried out a spring concert for the first time with Mallory Chipman (Top 40 Under 40, ’23) and Sam the Living each playing on the same night, one set after the other. It was magical! I almost can’t describe it, but being in such a tiny house with strangers and surrounded by such big creativity, you come out feeling more connected, and the world feels closer after an experience like that.”
Performers this year include Olivia Street, who fronts alt-indie band King of Foxes, on April 16; D’orjay, The Singing Shaman, a CKUA darling with a fresh spin on country on April 17; and alt-pop powerhouse Lindsey Walker on April 18.
“I like to pick groups that can scale their performances back to an acoustic version and can still work with fewer band members,” Stinnissen says. “We don’t have the space for a drum kit, so being able to perform without one is necessary. I’d say the most performers we can have on the stage carpet is four or five. I was aiming for diverse genres when selecting performers, but mostly I put a lot of thought into how the music will feel in the house.”
For the uninitiated: the Walter family house was built in 1884, the first residence located on the North Saskatchewan River’s south bank. Walls are adorned with the Walters’ family photos and the space is still filled with their furniture. “It’s open to the kitchen, so you also get to see the beautiful wood-burning stove,” Stinnissen adds. “It is truly a tiny space, but we fill it up and make it cosy. I always feel transported in time there.” For the concert, guests will be seated on chairs and benches with the performers set up on a large carpet. The scene is complete with candles and ambient lighting.
“We have a responsibility as keeper of one of the historic gems here in the river valley, to breathe life into it and keep giving the community memories in new contexts,” Stinnissen says. “I hope that guests get some revitalization and inspiration from the concerts, and I hope the artists can make great connections with their shows.”
John Walter Museum
River Valley Walterdale | Kinsmen Park | 9810 Walterdale Hill NW, Edmonton | John Walter Museum website
