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 sixth brunch in this series, I was joined by musician Veda Hille at Two Chefs and a Table in East Van talking music, theatre, food and more!

Veda makes records, writes musical theatre, scores films, teaches songwriting, tours, and generally keeps busy. I have seen her perform on numerous occasions including the Vancouver Folk Music Festival and most recently at FUSE Night at the Vancouver Art Gallery this past Spring.

How long have you playing the piano?

Almost 40 years.

Have you always wanted to be a musician?

Always wanted to play, but in my early 20’s I started song writing and then realized It could become a career.

What Genre is your music?

Arts song – drawing from folk music, punk rock –mixing things up that is humanly possible and subtley complex.

Has your music style changed over the years?

I think so, not radically, just a continuation in my music style, broadened my writing.

What is your favourite food?

• Potatoes
• Popcorn and Wine  – favourite combo

What is your favourite restaurant inside and outside Vancouver?

• La Taqueria in Vancouver
• Wei Ber in Berlin

 

Veda had the Smoked Salmon Benny ($9) with smoked salmon, spinach and cream cheese. Served with bacon and potatoes.

Richard had the Whole Wheat French Toast ($10.50) caramelized apples, syrup, cream cheese, bacon and potatoes.

What do you do in your off time?

• Read
• Love to cook
• Eating with friends

How far in advance do you plan your concerts?

• Symphonies & Theatre – a year in advance.
• Backyard Concerts in the summer for the past few years – kind of spontaneous.

Do you come from a musical family?

Yes – my father is a musician, my mom used to play, my husband is a drummer and my brother is a musician.

Where was your most recent musical trip?

Victoria to perform with the Victoria Symphony “Emily Carr Song Cycle”

Where is your next musical trip?

Europe in April with “Theatre Replacement”, Dublin, Cardiff, Oldenberg and Berlin afterwards.

What is your favourite music festival that you have performed at?

Vancouver Folk Music Festival (attended since I was 12 years old, playing there was a great memory)

What is your favourite city for live performance music?

New York

Is there a music festival that you have wanted to perform at and have yet too?

All Tomorrows Parties in London, curated by a senior musician.

Who are your mentors?

• Gary Crystal (my Manager)
• Robin Holcombe

Who are you favourite musicians to collaborate with?

• Martin Walton (bass, lap steel, ukulele, jaw harp, also a member of the Martin Walton Trio. all 3 members actually.)
• Barry Mirochnick (drums, whatever, also plays with Great Aunt Ida, Christine Fellows, Neko Case)
• Skye Brooks (drums, singing, also plays with Copilots, Fond of Tigers, Inhabitants)
• Ford Pier (electric guitar, organ, French horn, also fronts the Ford Pier band and plays with Carolyn Mark, Martin Tielli, Showbusiness Giants)
• Peggy Lee (cello, also fronts the Peggy Lee Band and plays with Standing Wave and countless new music/jazz ensembles)
• Jesse Zubot (violin, also plays with Zubot and Dawson, Fond of Tigers, and runs Drip Audio)
• Patsy Klein (vocals, flute, glockenspiel, also a member of The Fits)
• AK Coope (clarinet, also plays with Standing Wave and other new music and classical ensembles)
• Shaun Brodie (trumpet, also plays with AC Newman, Las Candelas, The Hidden Cameras, and many others)

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

• Michehu (England)
• Judee Sill (in the 1970’s)
• Owen Pallett (Art hipster & pop music)

I understand you have written for musical theatre, tell us about some of your experiences and shows.

• Peter Panties –working with a bunch of “Bank Dogs” 15 year olds
• Craigslist with Bill Richardson
• Dress me up in your Love – a show about clothing, changing outfits, talking about them and singing songs

How did the Craigslist show happen?

It was Bill Richardson’s idea, I asked Bill to do a similar musical with me, then we decided to go forth together.

What’s next for you or what’s on the horizon musically speaking?

• Peter Panties record
• Solo show retrospective (20 years of music and records working with a theatre company)
• Push Festival at the Arts Club Revue stage on January 19^th ‘Craigslist’