The Canadian songstress Basia Bulat made the pilgrimage to Foster’s Inn in the middle of winter to brighten our night with songs that remind us of spring rains and summers nights. Firda and I first “discovered” Basia when she opened for Hayden at the Gig (Kitchener) on January 25, 2008. We had never heard of her before that night but ended up enjoying her set and pick up her first album at the merchandise stand.

Foster’s Inn has been holding the Dinner Concert Series for at least two years (since we were lucky to see Royal Wood last year at the same venue). This time around we decided to go for the Dinner as well – since it assure you a seat plus the food is very very good. I decided on the bacon-wrapped chicken breast (stuffed with mushrooms, caramelized leeks and with a side of risotto), and Firda went with the pasta with bacon and P.E.I. mussels. Desert for me was apple crisp while Firda went with the Crème Brûlée. In all the meal was delicious and we were stuffed by the end of dessert.

Basia was just as amazing as the food. Since she only has two albums out she was able to run through most of the songs we were hoping to hear. She also covered a Polish song that she was currently enamoured with and played us a new song she has been working on. The set lasted for about an hour or so with one encore. After the show she talked with fans at the merchandise area and we ended up buying a record of her new album. She was kind enough to sign it and when she screwed up Firda’s name took the time to correct it (she even offered to give us another album – which we declined). Out of all of the artists we have talked to after shows she was by far the most approachable and personable.

So go out now and buy her albums or check her music out on the CBC Radio 3 link provide here. You definitely won’t be disappointed.