Kari McClelland at home in East Vancouver.
If you haven’t seen today’s #ArtistAtHome Khari McClelland singing as a member of The Sojourners... Well, you’re missing out! They’re a trio of gospel singers that were initially formed when Vancouver Blues Legend Jim Byrnes called their founding member Marcus Mosely to round up some friends to record backup vocals. I have photographed them collaborating with several other Vancouver artists including C.R. Avery, and Ben Rogers and they are always impressive.
Kari has been busy this past year with various projects including reimagining of songs that inspired people of African decent as they escaped slavery and headed north to Canada in the 1800s. For the project, Kari travelled to Nova Scotia, Southern Ontario and Detroit, tracing the footsteps of his great-great-great grandmother who escaped slavery and sought refuge in Canada. There, he spoke with elders and historians, looked through archives and began stitching together a suit of songs from this important chapter in history.
Kari recently opened for Lauren Hill and played SHOREFEST at the Honda Celebration of Light. Be sure to check out his website for show dates and music.
