Kayla Luky

Long Live Samohon!

2012-10-16T12:15:00.000-05:00

This morning after waking up much too early and watching the sunrise, I sit with my coffee. Fresh from Toronto, the boys of the Gillam Express and I have returned from a very good time. Between experiencing downtown, reconnecting with old friends and partying with each other in Toronto, we did fulfill the purpose of the trip by showcasing at Indie Week and the Ontario Council of Folk Festivals conference.

Before leaving, I received news that a very, very dear friend of mine died suddenly. Losing someone is not easy for anyone. He was far too young and will be missed by all who met him, no matter how brief or long their meeting was.

I first met Zach Konowalchuk in August of 2006 at Canada’s National Ukrainian Festival. I distinctly remember being backstage in costume, getting ready for an afternoon performance when I saw this tall, lanky boy with a mane of gorgeous blonde curls and piercing blue eyes holding his skrypka. Who was this person?! I checked the schedule and it was Zachary Konowalchuk from Newport, Oregon. After winning the talent competition the year prior, he was now playing a set of his lovely music on main stage. I was blown away from the first note.

I went to the upper part of the festival site with my mother and bought his album immediately after the afternoon main stage. He signed the album with a heart and some x s and os – what a tease! In all honesty though, we connected from the moment we met that day. Later that evening with a few vodkas in me, I spotted him at one of the zabavas and asked him to dance. For being a great musician, he sure wasn’t a good dancer, but I didn’t mind. While we danced, my mother and his father commented on being svakhe – parent in-laws. Zach and I hung out the rest of that evening. When it was time to part, we hugged and went our separate ways. As I happily walked, I wondered if I’d ever see him again just as he came running toward me to give me his phone number and email address. Score!

After that weekend, I rested, listening to his album on repeat. I shared it with many, to evoke in them the feeling that his music left with me. I emailed him about a week later and was beyond delighted when he responded. And so continued our friendship. I think I told everyone I knew after that I had met the person I was going to marry. In the last couple weeks of my Baba’s life as I visited her for the last time in the hospital, she told me to make sure I “marry that boy with the blonde hair and skrypka.” Coincidentally, today is six years since she passed away.

Through the years following our initial meeting, we visited multiple times in Canada. Although at times life got in the way, through the miles we kept in touch – whether it was through email or phone. For whatever reason or another (we also had this great ability to piss each other off all the time and forgive each other) we never did get together – although we talked about it! Oh the blue eyed and blonde haired kids we would have!

I could go on and on about us. I find myself sifting through all my memories. He was my best friend in this whole world. We talked about anything and everything. A few years ago, he told me he dreamed of me before we met. I was told that when his car was getting cleaned up I was 1 of 3 people’s names on a piece of paper with the words “Kayla Luky - strong, independent woman” written on it. This was one of our many jokes. I can see him sitting at my kitchen table, eating his celery and peanut butter, wide eyed and laughing saying “Kayla Luky!”

The connection we had was something from a fairy tale – I don’t know how else to explain it. So many great memories I will forever cherish. A gamut of emotions have overcome me, going between crying and laughing, I mostly feel as though half of me is missing. I don’t expect that ever to go away.

He was such a special and magical person – words can’t even describe. And all who knew him would agree. For all my Canadians friends and family who had the pleasure of knowing him, thank you for your support and sympathy. I am so very glad I asked him to dance that day and that he could touch your lives too. Until we meet again, my friend, I will forever love and miss you dearly.

Me with Zach, hanging out on my deck playing music August 2012

One of my favourite songs he did (besides Ukrainian ones of course)

Summer's End

2012-08-18T10:19:00.001-05:00

The other night on the drive home from where I grew up we stopped in the middle of an old dirt road, shut off the car, got out and looked up at the sky. To the northern horizon there was a long, light-green arch of northern lights, the Milky Way spanned the sky and the stars were crisp and bright on the approach of a new moon. As the wind blew through the tall grass and un-swathed fields, I felt alive.

This is such a great time of year – the end of summer/approach of autumn. Visiting friends and family. Eating wonderful seasonal foods. Hearing a million crickets on a lazy, breezy afternoon with the hum of combines in the distance. Seeing your first flight of geese. Watching the leaves slowly fade. All these things make me feel alive too – not to mention nostalgic.

Recently I spent the afternoon walking around the Luky homestead where I spent most of my childhood and where most of my fondest memories are. The once immaculate yard is now overgrown with grass, weeds and trees sprouting up everywhere. The big, old trees are dying and broken all over the property with deteriorated buildings. Come October, she will have been gone for six years. I thought about how the soul of the place seemed to leave once she did. It broke my heart finally realizing that what my memory has left me will never return again. Since that afternoon, amidst my chaos of memories, feelings and nostalgia, I’ve been struggling with the idea of choosing what to hold on to and knowing what to let go of – in all aspects of my life.

As the fields come off while the days get shorter and the nights get cooler, I’ve been reflecting on this past year as it’s winding down. Much change, growth and renewal has put me in an interesting place internally… I feel alive.

The next few weeks are filled with music across the wide-open prairies. I hope to see you and yours sometime soon! Here is a lovely poster that Kristen Berkel did for the upcoming tour – Thank you Kristen! Take care everyone and hope to see or hear from you soon.

2012-07-07T19:52:00.003-05:00

I've been spending a considerable amount of time on a front porch in Winnipeg through the sweltering heat, thinking about everything and nothing at all. I figured it was time for an update before it was too late!

So Ukraine. Before I left for Ukraine, I was fairly angry about a variety of things. Thankfully, I seem to have lost all that baggage on the way over. Or maybe it was the way back. It's funny how it takes leaving to reevaluate what you're doing, who you are involved with and who and what matters.

I'm not sure how to start explaining the trip - it was incredible. I saw and experienced things that made my heart jump out of my chest and cry like a fool. Thank goodness I drank enough vodka to subdue it for the sake of the others on the trip! One of those things you just had to be there. So instead, I will post these videos to give you an idea of what it was like. The culture was so rich and the people were just... happier there I think. Then I realized that hey, wait a second, I can be happy too! Although sometimes it's not so easy with us artsy fartsy types... Anyway, here are a few videos.

Lately, I've been dancing in Winnipeg, and to say the least it is very much a challenge - physically and mentally. It makes me pretty frustrated, but I try to keep in mind I am there to learn and I can only do my best. And I haven't taken a formal ballet class in about 5 years. Also, being taught properly from the beginning prooobably would have helped me out in the long run! Oh well.

In other news, I will be hitting the road in a few weeks. Then it will be time for Ukrainian Festival. And then I will be hitting the road again. Some road blocks have come up, but I hope things will fall into place. Even if they don't, the world will still turn. As disappointing as that is to me at times, that means there's no need to panic!

Check out the shows, and I hope to see you and yours in a town near you. I appreciate the support. I've been dreaming and scheming of what's next - music, and otherwise. I often catch myself getting wrapped up in my own head - comparing myself to others and what they are doing, and then I realize I would probably have a better time if I just live instead of worrying about what I should be doing or could be doing. So I'm working on that!

This is a really strange update to me. Probably because I smoked too many super slims. Sorry Mom.

The Time It Takes...

2012-05-13T09:45:00.002-05:00

Hey everyone. So it's been a while. 8 months? That's almost how long it takes for new human life to form... don't worry, I'm not having a baby! I'll tell you what I HAVE been up to. Let's start back in September.

Many of you asked whether I got my guitar back or not - the answer is no, I didn't. Fortunately, the tragicness of that event was a drop in the bucket in comparison to the kindness and hospitality I was shown on the road. From giving me a bed to sleep in, a meal to eat or in Toronto's case, a guitar to play, many warm and friendly people opened their arms and home to me on the road. I met many new friends and connected with a few old friends and it was just incredible. So thank you, so much, to all those people. Know that there's always a spot here in Grandview for you!

After my guitar was stolen, I started my trek home. Thinking back to last spring and summer, I can't believe I pretty much drove across Canada, twice, mostly by myself. (Mom, what was I thinking?!) So as I started to weave my way back West, playing the rest of my shows on a rented cheapo-Mexican Martin, I made the decision to return back to my 9 to 5. Not too long after that, I found out that my boyfriend was banging some other girl. After that sign from the heavens, I seriously wondered my decision making capabilities and took up smoking menthol super slims for a brief period of time. While thinking about driving into cliffs, I safely arrived in Winnipeg for the second last show of the cross Canada tour.

Rolling into the heart of the continent with a broken heart and feeling like I just ran a marathon, I thought things couldn't get any worse. Then, my car broke down in downtown Winnipeg. After contemplating throwing myself under a bus, I made it to Aquabooks in the nick of time, sweaty and dirty and gross. (Good thing they had red wine.) I was opening for the band Tailwind. I'm not sure if it was the wine or the Winnipeg air, but I asked them if they would be interested in backing me for some upcoming shows. To my delight, they said yes and the wonderful group of men learned all my songs! Not all was lost in the world, and believe it or not, it kept turning. Tailwind was the beginning of something new and wonderful for Kayla, which I will come back to shortly...

So, in the meantime, I came back to Grandview and went straight back into the regular schedule of 9 to 5 and teaching dance 4 nights a week. As much as I loved all the things I was doing, it took a lot out of me emotionally and creatively and eventually physically. To be honest with myself, it's been a really tough 7 months. I was trying to fit in music when I could, and visit friends and family. I feel like I've been in robot mode just to get through the day. The amazingness of the album release and the travelling I've done hasn't even set in yet. I can't believe all that happened.

Thankfully I had a bit of an awakening. There's a feeling I get on the road that I can't explain, but I think the people who get that feeling know what I mean. During the last week of March, "the Gillam Express" (the re-formed Tailwind) and I went on a 9 day tour out West and back. It was SO much fun - and these guys are great people and great musicians. I am so thankful I met them and they actually wanted to play music with me - my music! It's hard to find people you mesh well with musically - especially living in a small town. Again, we met many great and interesting people - thank you for your hospitality and welcomeness! It was a real treat. And to those 5 smelly boys, I'm not sure if they'll ever know how much all that means to me.

As you may have gathered, you might say I am a bit of a dancer. When I arrived home from those 9 epic days, a few things immediately happened. I got word that I received funding from the Manitoba Arts Council to help out with a two week Ukrainian Dance tour I had applied for funding for. I have always dreamed of going, and I took this as a sign. Then, I also found out that I was accepted into the Royal Winnipeg Ballet's teacher training program for the summer, and I took this also as a sign. Then I broke up with my cheating boyfriend. I didn't have to feel shitty about myself anymore, and that is a nice feeling. Things really do work in 3s hey?

So this brings us to right now. I am sitting on my deck with Steven on a beautiful sunny and windy Sunday morning in Grandview. I am trying to recharge my spirit and my body for the summer to come. Things are slowly winding down in my everyday life. For those who are wondering, I have not taken a leave of absence from my 9 to 5 - I quit. I have met and worked with some wonderful people and have seen amazing things happen when people come together. I do not plan on leaving Grandview any time soon, but I am excited for what is on the horizon. I am headed for Ukraine in a few short weeks, then will be dancing in Winnipeg for a few weeks. There are many shows planned for the summer, and some much needed R & R for a couple weeks with family and friends. Check out the Performance section for some upcoming dates - there are some good ones on there! Some will be with the band, some with less of a band, some with just me. And there are more to be announced, so keep checking back!

Someone once told me that I often take the long way around things, but eventually make the right decision. I hope he's right about this one. Thanks for coming by and reading. Now with a little more free time, perhaps I will come by and update it more often!

P.S. Happy Mother's Day!! xoxox

Toronto

2011-09-19T19:09:00.003-05:00

Somewhere between 3:30 pm - 4:20 pm my Martin DC-16GTE Premium Guitar was STOLEN from the trunk of my car in the Bay Street/Dundas Parkade in downtown Toronto.

I am fairly certain I missed the thief by minutes, as I could hear the tinkling of glass from the small passenger side window making its way to the ground.

The guitar has rough marks on the back of the head and a few bang up marks on the back. (I dropped it on some rocks when I was drunk... needless to say, me and that old girl had some good times together in our short time together.) It has a colourful strap, that's kind of ratty looking (this is sentimentally what means most to me) and was in a green velvet guitar case with a plain black exterior. There were some harmonicas, a patch cord, capo and some other stuff in there too.

If you could pass on the message to help me find this guitar, that would be much appreciated! Thank you for your help!

200 K !!

2011-09-11T18:44:00.000-05:00

My Adventures...

2011-09-07T11:50:00.001-05:00

The other day I went for drive along the coast of Nova Scotia. Facing the waterfront, there were beautiful, old character homes dotted along the highway, in all shapes and colours. I stopped in at Rose Bay and waded through Sand Dollar Beach. I couldn’t believe how much warmer the water was here compared to my dip in the Bay of Fundy while at Grand Manan – it felt like a warm bath in comparison. Even though I wasn’t sure what exactly I was looking for, I decided to come back to the Beach when the tide was lower. I desperately wanted to find one of those sand dollars!

I made a quick stop in the Ovens Park, and although I did not do much exploring I stood and listened to the waves crash in the bay of rock as they slowly came in off the ocean. I figured these waves were pretty small, but I couldn’t believe the sound they made! This is what I wanted to hear from the ocean for a while. Mesmerized by the way the water moved so powerfully, I realized how terrified I am of the ocean – and it felt great!

I continued onto Lunenberg. It was as lovely little town, full of old, colourful shops. I thought about how much I liked colour – almost every room in my house is a different colour. Someone once told me that that wasn’t proper decorating, but I think all those colours make things way more interesting. I was reminded of “A Mighty Wind” and thought maybe my belief is also that humankind is simply materialized colour operating on the 49^th vibration. Just kidding. (If you haven’t seen that movie, do.)

After a lovely meal by the ocean, I ventured my way back to Sand Dollar Beach. The tide was on its way out, so the sand was exposed. I combed the beach, barefoot, feeling the warm sand in my toes. I watched the waves, which were much more gentle here, wash in and out. They made a nice soft sound, and it was really quite nice. After a good hour, and finding anything but a sand dollar, I decided to give up. There was fog approaching from the South West.

As I started to drive back through the fog, I was reminded of a book I read, either Momo or the Never Ending Story. Regardless, both were written by Michael Ende and should be read, but in one part of the story there is this nothingness that takes over the land. Whenever I see fog I am reminded of that and it is eerie and also terrifying to me – which also feels great! Whenever I have moments like that it keeps things in perspective and makes me feel alive.

I am currently in Terence Bay, Nova Scotia, staying with a wonderful couple in their home with an amazing view. I can see the ocean from where I type this, and below me there are boulders scattered with brush and spruce trees. It’s pretty surreal – I feel like Momo or Atreyu in an adventure.

Long time, No Post...

2011-08-21T19:48:00.001-05:00

Remember that time I said I was going to update this thing at least once a week? !

So it’s been a while. I’ve got a fairly decent excuse. Since the last time I updated this, I watched four beautiful couples sign their lives away (just kidding), went on a quick jaunt out West again, visited friends and family, attend and survived (just barely) another Ukrainian Festival weekend, watched the Harry Potter saga in its entirety, and of course played some music.

I am currently sitting in downtown Ottawa. Today involved three life-changing realizations. The first epiphany happened over a mug of tea and my reading of Sky News after waking up to a tent with water. Reading about all these distant stars and galaxies made me realize how small and pretty much insignificant most of my problems are in the big picture, and how very short of time we have here.

Later on, under time constraints, I was trying to take in as much as possible of the Caravaggio and his Followers exhibit at the National Gallery of Canada. Over the past few months, I seem to have developed a new fascination and appreciation with all kinds of arts forms, so I found this quite overwhelming (in a good way). Many of these fantastic paintings were based on characters and stories from the Bible. This brings me to my second epiphany: I don’t know much about anything, and I am going to read the Bible, even if I’m not religious.

After taking in as much as the Gallery as I could in two hours, I decided to wander Parliament Hill. The architecture was gorgeous and it got me thinking to all the crazy things that must have gone on and continue to go on within those walls, and it hit me again: I don’t know much about anything, and I am going to start reading the news.

I am just going to speak for myself. Perhaps it’s too much time alone in a car, perhaps it’s this self-obsessed social networking world we live in (as I update my blog…) but I tend to get lost in my own world at times. And it’s NOT good! All of these realizations helped me find a new perspective that I can’t wait to explore.

So in the joy of self-obsessed social networking, if you would like to see pictures of my adventure so far, they can be viewed here

Hope to see you at a show soon! Until next time, bye bye!

Late Night Update

2011-06-18T11:30:00.002-05:00

Check out a couple more videos from Field, BC on youtube.com/kaylaluky !!

Slugs

2011-05-27T17:39:00.000-05:00

An update from the Cedar Creek Cafe...

Another update from Room #6...

2011-05-22T18:44:00.003-05:00

This time in Waterton, AB! We have had beautiful weather so far in this quaint little place, taking in all the little shops and scenery. The mountains are surreal, the water is so clear, the air is fresh. There are deer and mountain goats all over the street here. It's awesome. This morning we went with yoga mats in hand to the shore of Waterton Lakes and did some sun salutations and such. The wind was just right, the sun was shining, the scenery was beautiful, the water was gently splashing on the shore. I think that feeling and memory will be my new zen place when I am doing yoga in January and it's -45!

This afternoon, you know what I found? Turkish Delight! I love Turkish Delight. Actually, I pretty much love anything that's bad for you. I only ate 6 pieces though... And some ice-cream... Everything in moderation right? This afternoon was spent walking around and taking in Cameron Falls. And you know what else? I got my first sun-burn (sort of) of the season!

I have added a few more shows to the calendar. One that I am looking forward to in particular is on Tuesday May 31 in Westlock, AB. I was flattered to be asked by an old friend to perform at a benefit concert she was arranging with funds going towards Red Cross and those who have been affected by the recent fires in Slave Lake. With a gap in the schedule, it worked out perfectly and I am so happy I can help and contribute in some small way. We are so lucky to have people like Jolene working hard for the betterment of communities, so my hat is off to you fine lady!

Today is Day 11 of tour. The shows have been pretty good so far and I've met more than a few great people. I am so thankful every day that I have been given an opportunity to do this, and grateful for those who have supported me. I never take any of that for granted. It's only over the past few days that I've realized how much stress I was putting myself under over the last while. I have never taken this much care of my health before, and it feels great. (PS thanks to Dr. Gryba for the immunity booster. I have been upping my doses and I think it's working wonders!) Physically, mentally, emotionally... Maybe it's the no-alcohol, but it really changes your perspective on a lot of things. I know I am sounding like some kind of "Eat Pray Love" guru, but... I'm just thankful. I know it's not always easy, but it becomes more apparent every day how good and simple life can be. So for those of you back home who are wondering how I am doing (I heard through the grapevine you were!) I am just fine and dandy! :)

Update from Room #6

2011-05-19T20:35:00.000-05:00

Here's a little video update from my hotel room bathroom in Nanton, AB!

Moose Jaw

2011-05-18T00:34:00.003-05:00

Hey! Life on the road has been pretty good. I'm having a great time. Definitely a different lifestyle than what I have been used to, and that's a good thing! I'm currently sitting in Riel's house (not Louis'!) in Moose Jaw and thought I better send a quick update along. This tour is a little different than last time, mostly because 1. I'm not drinking alcohol (yet) and 2. Holly and I have been keeping a swear log. For every swear we say, we owe each other money. I am loosing majorly, but I'm working on it. We've also been keeping a tour journal, which is pretty funny too.

Tomorrow I am doing an interview with the radio station here in MJ and then it's off to Medicine Hat. Thanks to all the familiar faces that have come to the shows thus far and all the new friendly faces I have met. And thanks to everyone's hospitality so far. It's been quite the slice! I am very lucky.

After loosing various rounds of "Janitor" tonight, here's a little late night laugh for you all:

Goodbye Grandview!

2011-05-12T13:23:00.000-05:00

Trying out the new technology (actually this is my first camera ever...)

Countdown is on...

2011-05-01T18:37:00.005-05:00

Things are starting to (somewhat) wind down as I get ready to leave... Only one more week of the nine to five! Thanks to everyone over the last few months for their involvement with the dance I teach and for all the great volunteers who make my day-job much easier. Teaching dance for the season has now finished, and boy did it go out with a bang! I’m sitting at my Mom’s place looking out the window and can now see the sun. We had an insane snow storm over the past day and a half!

It's been an interesting past few weeks, to say the least. You could say there have been a few different life-changing events from all over the spectrum of life that have happened. My brain has a million thoughts running through it and none at all. Every day I gain more appreciation for where I live, what I do, what I have and the people I know. Each day I gain perspective on what actually matters in life. I don’t know if it’s me getting older, but it feels... relieving. I am constantly reminded of how time flies, and that’s about all I have to say about that.

Thank you

2011-04-15T09:35:00.005-05:00

On the evening of April 3^rd 2011 I was honoured and privileged to share a special milestone in my life with an amazing group of people. What started as a humble idea grew into something more than I could have imagined. Many people were involved in making this night a tremendous success.

A big thank you to the following businesses and people for their contributions to the rainbow and silent auctions, and to Marie Mitchell and Caroline Koroway for their involvement:

Bee Jay’s Country Kitchen, Cairns Pharmacy, Cuthburth, Penarowski, Dunsmore Dental Centre, Brian & Gail Cords, Dauphin’s Countryfest, D.R. Minshull Electric, Dauphin Music & Electronics, Elliott Seed Farms, Friesen Electric, Tim Horton’s, Intermountain Snowmobile Club, Mark & Connie Goossen & Family, Gilbert Plains Firepit Restaurant, Gilbert Plains Pharmacy, Gilbert Plains Co-op, Gilbert Plains Hotel, Grandview & District Recreation Commission, Grandview Credit Union, Hairtrends, J & D Corner Store, Lobert’s Electric, Lukey’s Shop Easy, McMunn & Yates, Sandra Melnychenko, Lyle & Pat Morran, Nelson Farms, Nutter’s Bulk & Natural Foods, Pink Petals & the Black Bean, Brad & Bev Slyziuk, Sneath Strilchuk Funeral Services, Stoughton Farms, Stella & Harry Talpash, Canada’s National Ukrainian Festival

To Grandview Insurance, Stirling Enterprises, and Home Hardware for supplying the wine for the evening.

To Flo Branconnier for her kind words, Bruce Leperre as the master of ceremonies, Vern & Arlene Nelson, Cory Brasch, along with the Grandview Credit Union, Grandview Kinsmen and CKDM for their contributions and for their involvement in the day and the hours leading up to it. Thank you to Gayle Donald for her help with decorations, David Romaniuk for Grace and all the volunteers who helped with the door, bar and clean up.

From preparation to clean up, thank you to all the hands that helped with the fabulous meal all enjoyed: Vivi Martinez, Jessica Melnychenko, Danielle Deslaurier, Carla Butt, Maria Lobert, Cammy Shiells, Sharon Storozuk, Alex Koroway, Gladys Silewich, Zach Konowalchuk, Holly Goossen, Dallas Bryson, Bonnie McDonald, Connie Goossen, Pratts Wholesale, Bob & Nancy Tokar.

Rene Roncin for doing sound and the lovely men who graced the stage: Dan Kristof, Jordan Allard, Lucas Goetz, Levi Winters, Zachary Lucky and Zachary Konowalchuk and Greg Rekus.

I am not sure how to begin thanking Jim & Connie Tanasichuk for all their hard work. Their tireless hours that went into this event and the many other things they do in this community do not go unnoticed. We are very lucky to have a pair like them here.

Lisa Luky & Greg Dyck put many hours into this event, and have done more than words can express for me throughout the years. In comparison to their support, thank you is a small token of appreciation, but know that it is most heart-felt.

To each of you who attended and supported the evening and have supported me over the years while I have pursued my passion. Thank you.

To all those who have donated monetarily before and after the release. I have received an overwhelming amount of support, and because there were so many, I fear to list them all as to not miss anyone. So thank you.

Basically, I am very grateful and thankful for everyone. I will never forget the kindness and encouragement I have received. I am very proud to be from this area. Thank you.

Kayla Luky

Artwork

2011-03-23T22:05:00.003-05:00

Things have been so busy around here lately! I thought I would give you an idea of what the physical album looks like. These pictures are taken by Jodi Lee of Memories by Me Photography - the awesome lady who did the photography for the album. She is so fantastic at what she does, and is equally as great a person. I can't really say enough good about her, and I know I am not alone when I say that! I was so lucky to have her be part of the album - thank you!

Plans are still underway for the Album Release - It's coming up so soon, it will be here before I know it. Ticket sales have been going quite well. Get yours today! Or tomorrow. It's pretty late already tonight. I feel so very grateful for my community and all they have been doing for me to make this quite the party... thank you to those involved and for everyone's kind words of encouragement and support. I don't regret for a day moving back to the Parkland, and this is a great example why.

In fact, in light of recent world events, I am finding a new appreciation in many things I sometimes take for granted. It sure keeps thing in perspective. Watching that footage of Japan was surreal... or tonight, I watched a performance of these orphaned children in Uganda whose parents were killed from either AIDS or from war or maybe even both. I have a hard time wrapping my head around things like that, and all I know is that I am very fortunate. On a lighter note, I try to find time once in a while to do Yoga again. It really is quite a remarkable practice. If more people did Yoga in the world, I am pretty sure we would have less problems. Namaste. Just kidding. But not really!

It has arrived!

2011-03-14T22:07:00.006-05:00

Hi everyone!

It's another late night in Grandview. I wanted to tell you though... Many pretty little copies of "The Time It Takes" arrived on my doorstep today! I am very happy with how the artwork turned out, and I can't wait for you to see it!

Work has been underway for the CD release happening Sunday April 3 at the Grandview Kinsmen Community Centre. I am very fortunate to have the Grandview Credit Union and 730 CKDM hosting the event. Doors will open for the evening at 5:30 pm with a wonderful supper catered by Bee Jay's Country Kitchen starting at 6:30 pm. Greg Rekus will be performing at supper with myself taking the stage at 8:00 pm. Joining me on stage will include Flatsilver's Levi Winters and Jordan Allard, The Deep Dark Wood's Lucas Goetz, Zachary Lucky, and my old chemistry teacher Mr. Kristoff. Here is the poster for the event. Please feel free to share it! Better get your tickets in advance!

Slowly but surely the Western tour is getting finalized and soon I will be starting on the East. If you'd like me to come out to your neck of the woods, I would love to! I am so excited to get out on the open road.

I was thinking of all these things I could write about today, but it is getting late and I could use some sleep. Hope all is well with you and you're enjoying the extra sunshine! Talk to you soon. c:

Cover

2011-03-02T09:05:00.004-06:00

Hi everyone!

Hope you're surviving the winter alright. We're on the home stretch! I know I sure enjoy the days getting longer...

So as you read this, the new album is in a printing press, getting all beautiful. I thought I would show you guys a sneak peak of the art work. This is the front cover:

The front image is a scene from out where I grew up. It's also the scenery I wrote about in the title track "The Time It Takes" so I thought this tied up the theme nicely. It looks a lot different in the summer, so perhaps I'll use a summer scene for the next album. Just kidding.

I have a couple of shows coming up in Brandon this weekend: Friday at 9:00 pm at Clancy's and Saturday at 6:00 pm at Lady of the Lake. I hope to see you there! Brandon has really started to grow on me, and I'm really looking forward to spending the weekend there. One of my favorite things about Brandon is all their great green space and walking trails. Great stuff!

The official Album Release Party is scheduled for Sunday April 3 in Grandview at the beautiful Grandview Kinsmen Community Centre. We are currently ironing out the last of the details to be released in the next couple days. I don't mind telling you, it's going to be one heck of a party! I am so very fortunate to be working with a few different groups to make this event as successful as possible. Please put the event in your schedule! You don't want to miss out!

About

2011-02-22T12:28:00.002-06:00

Hey you know what? I have a new biography! Wrote by Jared Story. Thanks Jared! Check it out!

"We all have hometown appetites. Every other person is a bundle of longing for the simplicities of good taste once enjoyed on the farm or in the hometown [he or she] left behind."
– American food writer Clementine Paddleford

It’s a cuisine quote, but Paddleford’s words perfectly portray Kayla Luky. The singer-songwriter grew up in Grandview, Manitoba, a small farming community nestled between the Riding and Duck Mountains, but like many young folks in the area, Luky fled to Winnipeg following high school. Setting up shop in One Great City, the prairie girl penned, performed and produced her 2008 album "Story of my Life" in the ‘Peg. Recorded live in one-take, the record received very positive reviews from the Winnipeg Free Press, The Uniter, The Manitoban and Uptown Magazine. Still, something wasn’t right, and it wasn’t long before Luky realized the “Heart of the Continent” wasn’t where her heart was at.

Luky’s latest album "The Time it Takes" marks not only a homecoming for the young songstress, but a complete countrification of her sound. Take the sentimental saddle song "Cowboys Are Coming", the banjo-driven boot stomper "Lonesome Ranger" or the aching, heart-breaking "My Flowers Are Empty" with its sad pedal steel and love lost refrain “You left me in shambles, you left me in pain, the summer dragged on and my heart didn’t change.” Metropolitan music makers would be hard-pressed to write a hard-luck song so genuine, but Luky’s small town setting gives it absolute authenticity. There can be a lot of loneliness in a one-bar town, but this is no individual effort.

In addition to Luky, "The Time it Takes" features instrumentation from Saskatoon folk artist Zachary Lucky, Lucas Goetz of Saskatoon’s Deep Dark Woods and Daniel Péloquin-Hopfner of Winnipeg’s Fire & Smoke. Armed with liquor and lottery tickets from the local Home Hardware, the four musicians, along with London, Ontario-based singer-songwriter Sean Craib-Petkau (The Bravest Ghost), holed up in Luky’s big, old house in Grandview for a week in December. With a little help from her friends, Luky has surpassed the spare, straightforward sound of her previous folk-pop projects and created a bona fide alt-country album. The extra players inject an audible intensity into already strong songs. Take the title track, which starts with Luky’s heavyhearted harmonica, enough to put you into a melancholy mood, but when Goetz’s banjo enters the mix, you get a good hard yank at the heartstrings. Another case of added depth is Lucky’s electric guitar at the end of "Arizona." His bluesy tone is the perfect companion to Luky’s localized lyrics, which concern such community issues as pogey, puck bunnies and coffeeshop complainers.

Satiated with small town stories, chock-full of well-crafted country, if you’re hankering for some home cooking, Kayla Luky’s "The Time it Takes" will satisfy your hometown appetite.

Jared Story

First Single

2011-02-20T10:34:00.002-06:00

Hey everybody,

You can request my first "single" titled "Two Long Years" on Parkland's 730 CKDM! Be sure to stay tuned in tonight, as a few of my songs will be featured on Bruce Leperre's "No Fences" program airing at 10:00 CST.

Pretty soon I will have a new bio for your reading pleasure too, so stay tuned for that.

Happy Louis Riel Day!

Album Preview!

2011-02-15T17:55:00.003-06:00

Hi everyone,

I just finished updating all the websites I could think of that my music can be found on with three tracks off of the new record!

I really hope you enjoy them. If you like what you hear, please forward them onto your friends and family! I would love to hear what you think too, so drop me a line at kayla@kaylaluky.ca

Thanks for listening, and we'll see you soon!

Kayla

Stevie

2011-02-14T08:54:00.005-06:00

It's that time of year! Some people get pretty bitter about Valentine's Day when they are single, but not me! Look what I got:

Crazy cat lady? I think so!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-13T18:03:00.002-06:00

Giving you a little pre-Valentine's Day surprise...

I've decided this Tuesday I am going to show you guys a preview off of the new album "The Time It Takes." Tell your friends, tell your family... I can't wait for you to hear it! I really hope you like it.

In other news, the official CD Release Party for "The Time It Takes" is going to be the weekend of April 2/3! Pencil it in, it's going to be a party. I will be sure to give you more details soon.

Much Love,

Kayla

Hump Day

2011-02-09T22:15:00.005-06:00

Hey everyone! This is day 10 of being sick for me! My nose is so sore from blowing it all the time... but it could always be worse, right?

I juggle a pretty full schedule here in little old Grandview, and it doesn't seem to be slowing down for me. Lately, every night when I get home (which is usually around 9:30 pm) from whatever it is I am doing, I'm on the computer or the phone trying to organize the Western part of the tour. Fingers crossed that everything works out in my favour! If you've got friends or family anywhere in the country that would like to host a house concert, I would love to play for them!

Next week, expect a few new things... a few songs off of the new album, new photos, maybe a new biography.

This past weekend I had the pleasure of doing some photography with Jodi Lee of Memories by Me. She is such a wonderful and talented woman, full of great ideas and tons of positive energy. We trudged through snow and tolerated the cold like no others! I am so lucky and thankful to have caught her to get some new photos done. You should check out her work, she is just great. Her photography will be used for the album artwork, which I will be working on this weekend. All the photographs were taken out where I grew up. I feel like it makes them all the more authentic for the album, and all the more special.

Thanks again Jodi so much!

In other news, I kind of failed at Veguary. Sorry guys.