Juno-nominated David Leask & scotch whisky at Loplops this Thursday

Performing songwriter David Leask returns to Sault Ste. Marie to make his first appearance there in over two years. Appearing at Loplops Gallery Lounge on Thursday, March 3rd, Leask brings his own mix of CanAmericana and Celtic rhythms in an intimate show filled with story and song.

On this special night expect Leask to celebrate his Scottish roots and turn up in his kilt as Loplops Gallery and Lounge have organized a special Scots Whisky tasting during the evening.

Who is David Leask? He was the 2004 Mississauga Performing Artist of the Year and has been compared to the likes of John Prine, Joe Henry and John Hiatt.

Originally from Edinburgh, Scotland, Leask is a powerful performing songwriter, who has been building a spiritual and artistic bridge between the influences of his birthplace and the fresh possibilities of his newfound Canadian home to produce three critically-acclaimed CD's, one Juno nomination and a bag full of songwriting awards. His music explores the diverse landscapes of human emotion while combining the story-telling tradition of his homeland.

In the last year, the strength of Leask's songwriting catalogue has been recognized by winning the Nashville Songwriters Association's "Single Song Showdown", 1st & 2nd place in the Unisong International Songwriting Competition, 2nd place in the John Lennon competition and a finalist in the USA Songwriting Competition - all with different songs. The greatest honour in 2004 was winning the Mississauga Established Performing Artist of the Year, an award won previously by Oscar Peterson and Rik Emmett.

Leask's first recording, "100 Camels", was released by Iron Music/BMG and met with rave reviews. His sophomore CD, "Ancestors Eyes", was equally well received and was nominated for a Juno Award. Both albums have received considerable radio airplay throughout Canada and singles from both albums have received chart action. His latest CD, "Tightrope of Dreams", captures his highwire walk between the influences of his Scottish homeland and those found in his new life in Canada. The result is his finest work to date.

Playing alongside artists such as the Waterboys, The Barra MacNeil's, Natalie MacMaster, and Bruce Guthro at theatres across the country, Leask continues to captivate audiences with the intensity of his performance and the disarming honesty of his songs.

Leask will be performing on March 3rd at Loplops Lounge beginning at 8:00 pm. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door.

For more information, visit http://www.davidleask.com

Loplops Lounge is located at 651 Queen Street East (next to the Duke of Windsor). For more information, visit www.loplops.com