Dala

Archie may have been making headlines recently by ending his decades-long dilemma between Veronica and Betty, but with the first act of the evening on Friday night, CFC patrons seemed to be getting (for one too-brief set at least) the chance to experience something even a fictional red-headed heart-throb wouldn’t dare dream of: the best of both worlds.

In Dala, the dynamic and beautiful musical duo from Scarborough, Ontario, it appears that Veronica and Betty have set aside their differences, ditched Archie for a life on the road, and combined their copious talents towards something much more worthwhile: the creation of exquisite and unforgettable music.

Much was made of the fact that the youthful Sheila Carabine and Amanda Walther had the presence and talent of folk musicians twice their age: “They sing the songs their parents used to sing,” Mansel Davies said during his introduction for the ladies, “and one gets the sense that these beautiful old songs are more than safe in the hands of these young people.”

Indeed, in their set which was an interesting mix of musical styles, original music and reinvented covers, the loving renditions of old familiar tunes struck a chord in the hearts of the CFC regulars. An incredibly tender version of the traditional tune “Red is the Rose” prompted an audience response of robust participation complete with full harmony. A slightly shocked Amanda commented after the song, “Wow. That’s the best that has ever sounded. Can we take you guys with us?”

While their version of Neil Young’s “Ohio” triggered Garnet Rogers (perhaps with jealousy?) to comment much later in the evening, “Get your own decade!”, a number of their original songs harkened back to previous musical epochs as well. As they both sat down at the same keyboard to perform one of their own compositions called “Lennon/McCartney” someone in the audience light-heartedly asked, “Are you going to play chopsticks?” but what followed was a performance reminiscent of all the spark, showmanship, and vocal dexterity of The Andrews Sisters.

In the final song of the set, “Levi Blues,” a lyric seemed to say what all the CFC audience was hoping to hear: “I’ll always come back to you.” With any luck we will see this vivacious and talented duo visit our club again.