Brunch with Lindsay May at The Kingston Taphouse

Brunch is a favourite past time shared by many and should be an extraordinary experience, one that you will cherish. Vancouver has some wonderful places for brunch. Each of the places I visit is unique for what is offered along with the type of service and selection of dishes. I am on a journey around the city to find these extraordinary places and, at the same time, I will be joined by a notable personality who may be a Film Producer or Director, Musician, Arts Festival Director, Actor or other well-known individual for Brunch at restaurants in and around Vancouver.

For my forty seventh brunch in this series, I was joined by Singer/Songwriter Lindsay May over brunch at The Kingston Taphouse downtown Vancouver.

Lindsay May

Born and raised in Kelowna BC, Lindsay May made the move out to Vancouver in 2004 after she had an encouraging opening set for international folk singer James Keelaghan and a spot in Kelowna’s Woodstock Festival. Her debut full length album ‘Bronze and Blue’ (2008) with its retro sounds showcased her ability to marry blues and rock while keeping you swaying on the dance floor until dawn. ‘Bronze and Blue’ was nominated for 3 BC Interior Music Awards. She released her last album ‘Shimmer’ in March 2012. With a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and shelves overflowing with books from songwriting, to the music industry, to self-help in all its forms.

You can follow Lindsay May on twitter @lindsaymaymusic

Did you always want to be a singer?

Always since I was 9 years old, in the Shushwap my grandfather asked me what I wanted to be and I said a singer.

What style of music do you sing and perform?

Roots Americana

What is your instrument of choice?

Acoustic Guitar – Jumbo guitar Gibson SJ200

Do you come from a musical family?

Not at all, mom was a retired school teacher and my father a carpenter

Are there any musicians who have influenced your musical career? If so who?

Stevie Nicks
Fleetwood Mac
Bonnie Rait
Jan Arden
Sarah McLaughlin

What type of music did you listen to growing up?

Classic rock and I was the only teenager listening to classic rock. In university, I listened to 80ès music such as Bruce Springsteen, and Don Henley.

Who are your top 3 favourite singers currently?

Gillian Welch
Lindi Ortega
Joan Osborne

If you could tell me about 3 of your favourite concerts of all time which ones would those be?

Vancouver Folk Music Festival – any given year
Big Sugar – at the Commodore Ballroom
Guy Clarke, Lyle Lovett and John Hyatt – together on tour in Kelowna

Tell me about the Vancouver Folk Music Festival’s ‘Pickin’ a Folk Star’ Ukelele Song writing Contest that you participated in.

I come from a long line of songwriter challenges, I heard about this one that the Folk Fest was doing awhile back. Since I love song writing challenges, I entered it, rented a ukulele for the weekend and then learned the instrument and wrote the song. I became runner-up and won free tickets to attend the folk festival that year.

What 3 foods do you like?

Kale
70% dark chocolate with caramel and sea salt
Red wine (Argentina or Spain)

What are your favourite restaurants in Vancouver?

Ouisi Bistro
Joe Fortes
Burgoo
LAbbotoir

Breakfast Sausage Sandwich

Buttermilk Pancakes

Corned Beef Hash

Mixed Berry Apple Crumble

Triple Chocolate Cake

Lindsay had a Breakfast Sausage Sandwich along with a Cappuccino, while Richard had the Buttermilk Pancakes (without the side of eggs) and the Corned Beef Hash. For dessert, Lindsay and Richard shared the Mixed Berry Apple Crumble with vanilla ice cream and Triple Chocolate Cake.

What do you want your listeners to learn from listening to your music?

That they are not by themselves out there. A musical journey and you are taking me along with you, have some fun. I hope people like the majority of my albums.

What do you do in your off time?

Hiking
Golf
Ski
Yoga
Bike riding
Stock market trading
Coffee roasting
Nanaimo bar hunting

Where is your favourite vacation spot?

Winter – Whistler

Summer – Ossoyoos

Where was your most recent musical trip?

Music conference in February in Toronto

I understand you like to roast your own coffee, tell me how you got into that and why?

A musician friend of mine who I made my 1^st album with was telling me he was doing this. I was on a trip in Costa Rica on a coffee plantation and I was able to buy the highest premium beans they had available and I bought a hot air popper from the local thrift store. Put in my cup of coffee beans, turned on the oven range fan and 8 minutes later I had roasted coffee beans. I cooled it down and ground it.

Tell me about your ongoing Nanaimo Bar hunt

After my mom passed away, I was thinking back to my childhood memories. I set out on a hunt to find the best Nanaimo Bar. I went all over town and tried the Nanaimo Bars at Whole Foods, Choices, Meinhardts and the others. You find the old school types of bakeries and so far my ultimate favourite was at Moores Bakery in Kerrisdale.

Tell me about your Cheese Hunt

Basically a few months ago, since I love cheese, I started to buy a different cheese every time I go grocery shopping and it is always a different type of specialty cheese.

Who are your mentors?