Roger Helfrick, a gift for my soul!

photo courtesy of Vanessa Patterson

Short Bio:

Roger Helfrick is based in Edmonton where his beautiful baritone voice and Celtic harp playing has a repertoire from ancient worlds to his own nature-inspired compositions. He has released 4 CDs receiving national and international radio play. He was a featured performer with many groups including seven years with Vancouver based Winter Harp Ensemble. https://rogerhelfrick.ca/

I am surrounded by musicians, composers, vocalists, poets, playwrights, writers and visual artists. My creative family has buoyed me up and nurtured my visions tirelessly with love and enthusiasm. It’s time that you met one of them!

This blog entry features the phenomenal performer/composer Roger Helfrick who has agreed to be part of my Calgary and Edmonton book launches. What??? I am ecstatic! He is not only unearthing ethereal melodies for my poetry but also providing texture and nuance in musical backdrops to support my story excerpts. It’s a whisper from the ancients that I humbly hear when Roger plays and sings. It’s powerful and magical.

photo courtesy of Vanessa Patterson

On my many stints to Edmonton, Roger and I connect and collaborate artistic elements that will make the launches not just words in an echo chamber but an artistic expression melding sound, voice and movement. Yes! That’s what Art is--this beautiful path of twists and turns with fellow seekers joining me to lift my ideas into new worlds of discovery.

Good-bye one woman shows. Hello collective thinking!

Roger brings his heart, intelligence and curiosity to our work inviting me to do the same as we discover new phrasing and intentions. With gentle nudges, quick-witted humour and wisdom, his influence is invaluable.

Roger is an artist that REALLY listens. Whether we are basking in his garden (everything he touches thrives) or devouring one of his many culinary delights (a kitchen wizard) Roger is present and supportive. He has truly mastered being in the moment. I’m instantly calm and focused seeing so much more potential after his suggestions.

How can I not grow with such an opportunity? Each encounter is filled with joy and inspiration. It's interesting how friendships blossom over the years.

The artist heart is a tender one. I think we forget that in this world. Seeing, hearing and feeling so much so intensely is a challenge but when you become aligned with generous creative spirits like Roger, the anxiousness is replaced with energy.

So we dig in and get working!

We laugh often.

We feast.

We reflect

and then dig in again!

Welcome, dear Roger, to the path that will lead us to so many more!