related items
Roxi Copland played weekly gigs around central Iowa for years, but Des Moines fans haven’t seen much of the jazz singer since she moved to Vancouver last summer. This week, she’s back as a part of the Lunch Unplugged concert series, and Copland said she’ll be back before too long for more shows.
Q: So why did you leave Des Moines?
There were a number of factors; one is that I wanted to get back to the West Coast for a while and do some performances near where I grew up (Aberdeen, Wash.). The other is that my husband got a job at the University of British Columbia, which opened up a lot of opportunities.
Q: What have you been working on lately?
The biggest thing is that I have an album coming out May 1, “Pretty Lies.” I’m really excited, because it’s been a while since I released new material. It’s a solo acoustic recording, just me, a baby grand and live takes. I recorded it at Cap Audio Productions in Norwalk last November when I had several Midwestern dates.
Q: How did your approach change to working on material solo after working with other musicians regularly in live settings?
The arranging was very different. I wanted the fullest sound I could get without other musicians, while replicating what I had been doing in solo shows on tour. But I also wanted them to be songs I could re-create with bands. Depending on the event, I’m more likely to have a band.
Q: What’s the jazz scene like in Canada?
I’ve had a blast. Vancouver is a hotbed of cultural activities, and it has a lot in common with larger cities in the U.S. I’ve had a great reception and met a lot of amazing people. It’s been a blast, but I’m looking forward to reconnecting with fans in the states.
Q: I heard you recently had the police show up at a photo shoot. What was going on?
It was a photo shoot for “Pretty Lies” on the top floor of an old parking garage. Someone called me in as a jumper. The police showed up about five minutes after I left, but the photographer was still there. Several police cars came, and were really concerned as to what happened. I imagine looking down and not finding me solved the mystery.
Q: Since you’re back for a Lunch Unplugged show, are there any Des Moines lunch spots you’re missing?
For sure, Miyabi 9 and Alba. I’ve been craving both and absolutely plan on hitting them up.
Lunch Unplugged with Roxi Copland
When: Noon Friday
Where: Temple Theater, 1011 Locust St.
Cost: $8
Info: Ticketmaster
