Though her name may not ring any instant bells of familiarity, Halifax native Ruth Minnikin has been a part of the vibrant music scene here in Atlantic Canada for more than a decade now. Having logged miles performing with the likes of the Booming Airplanes, The Guthries, The Heavy Blinkers and former New Brunswick natives Reels, Minnikin has an enviable knack for delivering passionate songs as evidenced on her latest release Depend On This, released in 2009.
Minnikin will be bringing her songs to Parkindale Hall for a special performance tomorrow night. Her special guest for the show is Moncton’s Marco Rocca. The show time is set for 8 p.m.
From her home in Halifax, Minnikin says that music has always played a big role in her life and is a major part of some of her earliest memories.
“Both of my parents were huge music fans and musicians,” she begins. “They started taking my brother Gabriel and I to bluegrass festivals when we were just babies. I was singing harmony to traditional music before I started school.”
Minnikin says that she has consistently made songwriting a personal experience, despite having been a part of a band for a large part of her career. Some of said career has included shows and tours with her brother Gabriel under the guise of The Minnikins. The duo has landed some high profile opening slots including a show in Europe opening for Jools Holland and fellow Haligonian Joel Plaskett.
“My brother and I have been playing and singing together since we were kids and have become very instinctual about how we make music together,” she says. “We can be very honest and open with each other when working on arrangements plus our voices, him being a bass/baritone and myself being a girl, blend and complement each other quite nicely.
“Gabe and I both play a few different instruments, so the variety in songwriting styles and instrumentation keeps us both on our toes and gives the audience an ever-changing performance.”
Minnikin has two nominations heading into next weekend’s East Coast Music Awards, one for Alternative Recording of the Year and the other for Female Solo Recording of the Year. Though she has been a nominee in years past, she still gets a bit of a thrill from being invited to the party
“What do people in this position say? ‘It is an honour just to be nominated!’ I am going to completely enjoy traveling to Charlottetown and performing a couple showcases. It will also be a real treat to see my Maritime musician friends share their own talents as well.”
Article published in April 8, 2011 edition of the Times & Transcript