Opening Act by Raye Zaragoza
Raye Zaragoza is an award-winning singer-songwriter who carries an acoustic guitar and a message. Her quiet yet powerful song “In the River,” written in response to the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline near the Standing Rock Sioux reservation in North Dakota, resonated strongly with listeners and went viral in late 2016, garnering half a million views on the video, national media coverage, and a Global Music Award and Honesty Oscar.
Donovan’s new album is a study in contrasts, as one would expect from its name: Both Ways. That push-and-pull, especially in relationships, has long been his stock in trade. As the lead track of Both Ways, “Good Lover” unfolds with acoustic instruments and Donovan’ quietly compelling delivery — not what a listener might expect from the title alone.
That masterful perspective has led to nominations for the Polaris Prize and the Juno Awards. In addition, his single “What Kind of Love Is That?” climbed to No. 1 on the CBC Top 20 Chart, while his catalog has accrued nearly 45 million streams.
Donovan is also a notable Nashville writer with credits by Billy Currington, Charles Kelley, Tim McGraw and Charlie Worsham. No Depression noted that Woods’ style is “as fresh and captivating as any out there.”
“There are very few writers who can make you laugh and break your heart in the same song.”– NPR Music
“Sarnia Ontario’s crown prince of new Canadiana.”– (National Arts Centre)
