Full Bio

Since opening for Doc Walker, Prairie Jewel has grafted an edgy, urban cynicism into the best of Canadian folk music's storytelling tradition.

With voices that play like evening sun on dappled wheat fields, Sarah Hatherly and Katherine Johnson's crystal tones and rich harmonies hypnotize audiences. The duo writes collaboratively and their playbook of originals swings from hymn-like acoustics in The Parting Glass and Fly, to a sharp-tongued, street/folk hybrid in their original Orange Girl.

Adrian Chamberlain, award-winning west coast music reviewer for CanWest Global says Prairie Jewel is "very talented, with great harmonies. They are more than an opening act."

One-on-One

Sarah Hatherly follows in the tradition of North America's best musicians by singing in churches as a small child in Manitoba and Trinidad, where her parents served in a Methodist church. A versatile musician and stage performer, Hatherly plays piano, guitar, trumpet, French horn, harmonica, bass and percussion. When it comes to alternative folk artists, this girl is the real deal. Hatherly says, "Music is the answer to everything." Funny and footloose at heart, she says, "I could see myself getting addicted to life on the road. There's something very liberating about it."

Katherine Johnson is a classically trained pianist, whose love affair with Celtic music began at school in Scotland. While prairie born-and-raised she spent some of her childhood being toted across the globe by her parents. Her travels have imbued her musicality with an international flavor that is strengthened by an ear that distills songs to their pure elements. She's described as dedicated, driven and committed to her art. Although a natural wanderer, it's home comforts that Johnson loves: Family, friends, a home-written song and hot mug of herbal tea.

Quotes

December 9, 2008 "Sarah Hatherly, Katherine Johnson & Natalie Ramsay have what it takes to truly entertain people. What melody, what talent these girls have. Their voices blend so beautifully, you would think they were genetically connected. If you have a chance to hear Prairie Jewel please don't miss the opportunity!" -Grace Braun (Altona & Area Recreation Dept.)

December 3, 2008 "[Prairie Jewel is] very talented, with great harmonies. They are more than an opening act." -Adrian Chamberlain (CanWest Global)