Art pop singer/songwriter Rachael Cardiello heads up ZINNIA.
The Myrna Loy in Helena celebrates its return to live music shows June 17 with the Toronto-based band ZINNIA. The show also marks the band’s first live performance since the beginning of the pandemic.
“One of the things we humans have missed most this past year is listening to really good live music together, in community,” says Krys Holmes, The Myrna’s executive director. “It’s the quickest way I know to build joy. So we’re thrilled to be able to open up our stage to musicians and enthusiastic audiences again.”
Art pop singer/songwriter Rachael Cardiello is lauded for blending “joy with depth, salt, and sequins” in a mix that’s been described as “Kate Bush meets Meatloaf.”
Cardiello, a Montana native who is spending time in Helena this summer, will be joined by her brother, Jon Cardiello, and Sandy Smith, Trebor Riddle and Brody Montgomery, all Missoula musicians. Taking advantage of the Myrna Loy’s grand piano, ZINNIA will debut stripped-down versions of new songs written during the last year and the full band will bring to life the synth-pop magic of their recording, Sensations in Two Dot.
Since debuting on the Toronto scene in February 2019, ZINNIA has released four singles and their debut album to great acclaim, making the CBC’s “Best Lyrics of 2019” list. ZINNIA toured across Canada and the USA, opened for the legendary Shonen Knife at POP Montreal, played to a sold-out theatre in Jason Collett’s series, The Basement Review, and sold out multiple album release shows in Toronto and Montana.
Sensations in Two Dot, which seeks to find compassion within moments of doubt, has helped establish the band as an innovative and confident voice in the arts. The innovative ensemble reaches beyond music to collaborate with dancers, visual artists and filmmakers.
This concert, which is open to an audience of up to 130, will be filmed for a new online show, The Myrna Soundstage Presented by AARP Montana, showcasing Montana artists to the world. The ZINNIA episode drops on July 15, when it will be free to screen on demand.
“Through The Myrna Soundstage, we hope to interest audiences across the region in the diversity and quality of music and art coming out of Montana,” says Holmes.
The Myrna did screen films during the pandemic, and taped live shows with no audiences for The Myrna Soundstage. A puppet festival in April was open to audiences of up to 40 people.
Also on the summer calendar is Rockin’ on Rodney on July 10 – a street party celebrating the Rodney Street neighborhood; and a concert by the Jacob Jolliff Band, featuring the mandolin player for Joy Kills Sorrow, on Aug. 5.
ZINNIA’s concert starts at 7;30 p.m. Thursday, June 17; tickets are $20. For more information visit The Myrna or call 406-443-0287.