Cynthia Kerr (singer/songwriter ~~ second vocals and harmonies)
Email me: [email protected]
OPEN MIND, the brainchild of Cynthia Kerr (songwriter and second vocals) and Chantal Chamberland (lead vocals) quickly became one of Southern Ontario’s hottest duos.
Kerr began composing and performing her original compositions in the 1970's and was influenced by the rich story-telling of Harry Chapin, Cat Stevens and Carole King.
Kerr toured with a local youth group "The Glory" for two years playing her original compositions and garnering exposure when they appeared at Ontario Place. Little did she know this experience and exposure to live audiences was laying the ground work for what was to come in the not-so-distant future.
The union between Kerr and Chamberland began in 1987 on a quiet street that several writers, artists and musicians called home. Cynthia Kerr had relocated there from Guelph while Chantal Chamberland had just arrived from Quebec.
Early that spring, Kerr could hear “someone†singing down the street. With warmer weather finally arriving, Chamberland and her guitar appeared outside on her front porch and the mystery was solved. Kerr waited several days before introducing herself as a fellow musician. Chamberland was thrilled to meet her new neighbour, and the two began singing together that same day.
After playing cover tunes and the occasional Kerr original composition in local clubs and coffee houses, OPEN MIND was thrown into the national spotlight in 1990 with the release of their video/single “Give Us Back The Nightâ€, a protest song about violence written by Kerr.
Suddenly Canada wanted more and there was an instant showcase, thanks to the incredible media coverage for "Give Us Back The Night", for Kerr's songs to be heard by a much wider audience.
In 1991, OPEN MIND’s debut CD, “the stones we carry…†showcased Kerr's unique songwriting style and the duo’s breathtaking harmonies. Kerr and Chamberland's passionate live performance along with their affable stage presence made OPEN MIND a staple on North American college campuses.
Sharing stages with some of Canada's most popular bands, such as Junkhouse, Crash Vegas, Spirit of the West and Barenaked Ladies, introduced OPEN MIND to a whole new audience. The highlight of their performing career was being invited to open for and tour with Sarah McLachlan (Solace Tour).
In 1990, Kerr was the recipient of a prestigious Ontario Arts Council grant which allowed her to take time from their busy touring schedule to concentrate on writing more songs.
Before long, this powerful duo produced a second CD, “Suspect Terrainâ€, and won coveted spots on Canada’s top folk festivals, including Winnipeg Folk Festival, Edmonton Folk Festival, Mariposa Folk Festival, It’s Your Festival, and more.
Kerr's music and OPEN MIND's performances brought rave reviews wherever they landed with guitars in hand.
In 1994 Kerr was recognised with second Ontario Arts Council grant which brought another wave of music to their live shows.
"OPEN MIND, LIVE" was released in early 1994 and quickly became a favourite amongst the die-hard folk festival crowd.
OPEN MIND was invited to showcase their talents at the prestigious BLUEBIRD CAFE in Nashville, Tennessee, twice, resulting in a "very rare" standing ovation. The showcases are limited to three songs each act and the crowd would not let OPEN MIND go that easily!
In 1995, OPEN MIND performed its last show when Kerr relocated to Australia. Kerr continues songwriting preferring the quiet, creative process rather than the live performance aspect of the business.
"Give Us Back The Night" has since been elevated to anthem status by the renowned Canadian folk musician and song historian Beverlie Robertson and author of "Knowing Eyes - Canadian Women in Song", honouring Kerr's contribution to modern-day Canadiana folk music.
Chamberland continues to perform and is celebrating the release of her critically acclaimed jazz CD - Dripping Indigo
