Canadian folk-roots duo Zonnis will release their album, ‘Rise Of The Sheep’, on May 17.Â
Husband and wife team Andrea and Adam Zonnis first performed on stage together New Year’s Eve, 2009, married in 2010, and formed Zonnis in 2013. ‘Rise Of The Sheep’ is their first full-length album, after four demos, and many live shows. The album contains eleven songs, all fun, rollicking adventures in melody-driven harmonies. Andrea’s lush and full voice, which perfectly demonstrates her technical musical training, particularly in the arrangements and operatic vocals, is the perfect complement to Adam’s folky tones and guitar. Adam’s drive, skill and love of fun are evident in his songs.
Adam Zonnis started learning violin aged 5, and plays a wide range of instruments, including guitar, banjo, harmonica, and trumpet. Andrea, who had loved the stage since she was 8 years old, studied Opera at the University of Victoria, and Musical Theatre at the Canadian College of Performing Arts. Although the pair grew up only 20 minutes from each other, it wasn’t until they attended an open mic in Victoria that their eyes met – and the rest is history.
Adam and Andrea formed Zonnis as a celebration of the birth of their son Zander, and have played the ArtsWells Festival and MoM Festival, as well as numerous other small festivals in Western Canada. They’ve also performed in Costa Rica and Nicaragua.
Zonnis, known for their thoroughly engaging and entertaining live shows, formed out of a desire to spread peace, love and good times, with their music encompassing a wide range of styles, from blues and country, to rock’n’roll and soul.
‘Rise Of The Sheep’ is a highly appropriate name for an album which is essentially an invitation to freedom – two black sheep leading the rest on a musical journey, in keeping with Zonnis’ message: follow the heart, and peace and love will flourish.
Our favourite track on the album was ‘The Ghost Song’, a tale of thwarted love and murder, from Victoria. The wailing violin and somber tone of the vocals gives it an eerie, spooky feel.
All in all, ‘Rise Of The Sheep’ is a feel good album, made from love, that does exactly what it sets out to do – it brings a smile to the face of the listener, and an an irresistible urge to tap your foot. Shouldn’t all good music do that?
Zonnis will be touring Western Canada to support the release of their album. You can see them at the following:
May 17 – Herman’s Jazz Club, Victoria, BC: ‘Rise of the Sheep’ Album release party with opening guest Wes Borg, and a closing set by The Party on High Street.Â
June 10 – The Packing House, Spences Bridge, BC
June 11 – The Golden Taps, Golden, BC
June 15 – Café Koi, Calgary, AB
June 18 – Gravelbourg Summer Solstice Festival, Gravelbourg, SK
June 22 – The Artful Dodger, Regina, SK
June 23 – Qu’apelle Valley Center for the Arts, Fort Qu’apelle, SK
June 25 – Palmer Festival, Palmer, SK, with headliner B.A. Johnston
July 1 & 2 – Lazy Acres Canada Day Bash
July 7 – Wine-oh’s, Calgary AB, with opening guest Michelle Baker
July 8-10 Soulfest, Twin Butte, AB
July 11 – Horse Thief Pub, Radium Hot Springs, BC
July 14 – Sleep is for Sissies, Winlaw, BC
July 16 – Cottonwood Market, Nelson, BC
July 17 – Farm in Vernon
July 19 – Lorenzo’s, Enderby
July 20 – Barry’s Dock, Kelowna, BC
July 21 – Venue TBA, Vernon, BC, opening for Barefoot Caravan
July 22-24 Hootstock Festival, Forest Grove, BC
July 26 – Red Crow Café, Lac La Hache, BC
July 28 – House Concert, Quesnel, BC
Aug 5 – Shiraz Restaurant, Prince George, BC
Aug 6 – Cambala Festival, Fort Fraser, BC (By Invitation Only – please email for details)
Aug 9 – Nancy O’s, Prince George, BC
Aug 12-14 – Robson Valley Music Festival, Dunster, BC
Aug 19-21 – MoM Festival, Ft. St. James, BC
Sept 27 – The Copper Owl, Victoria, BC, with guest Sean Burns
If you can’t catch Zonnis on tour, you can find them online on Facebook and their official website. Check out ‘Too Little, Too Late’:
