Basia Bulat Wins Over Crowd With Auto Harp at Juno Fest

Basia Bulat is up for the New Artist of the Year Juno Award tonight (March 27) -- along with Hannah Georgas, Meaghan Smith, Caribou and Bobby Bazini -- but there's a chance Saturday (March 26) might have made a stronger impression on the Toronto-based folk singer.

"Today's been a crazy day," she told her JunoFest crowd at the Great Hall before her hometown show Saturday night. "Neil Young hugged me, and then I get to play for all of you -- it's been the best night ever. I've got to try my best to keep it together!"

Bulat and her backing band captivated the large crowd, getting a loud and loving response after every song. Their friendly charm was infectious and their sound was big with the auto harp, guitar, viola, upright bass, ukulele, drums and more instruments, no matter how quaint they appear to be. Bulat's work with the auto harp is the most fascinating, especially seeing her fingers fly over it.

"I always love it when people cheer for the auto harp!" she exclaimed as she brought it out for a song.

The band performed mostly songs from Bulat's 2010 album 'Heart of My Own,' including title track 'Run,' 'Go On' and 'Gold Rush.' The audience erupted into cheers, singing choruses, clapping and even some were doing jigs.

The performance was brisk, with Bulat pointing out to a saddened crowd that the JunoFest sets had to be kept to 40 minutes. But halfway through the set, her voice seemed to be strained, as she remarked, "I think I've been enjoying myself too much!"

The venue shook as claps and stomps took over for an encore, bringing the band back out for 'Little Waltz' off her first album, 'Oh, My Darling,' as well as a Sam Cooke cover, 'Touched the Hem of His Garment.'


MORE JUNO COVERAGE ON SPINNER
Our JUNO Wrap Up | Arcade Fire Sweep Junos | Neil Young Adds Artist of the Year to His Juno Humanitarian Honour | Electronic Music Finally Grooves It's Way to Junos | All Things JUNO