P.E.I.'s Eastern Belles head west

The Eastern Belles, a P.E.I. supergroup of singer-songwriters featuring Meaghan Blanchard, Ashley Condon and Catherine MacLellan, are heading out on the second leg of theirfirst-ever tour of Western Canada.

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After a week in Manitoba and Ontario earlier this month, the group, which plays an Americana country-folk blend, has seven concerts in the next two weeks across Saskatchewan and Alberta starting Monday.

I feel very lucky to share the stage with such amazing women. We are all so proud of ourP.E.I. roots and the art of songwriting. Meaghan Blanchard, The Eastern Belles

"We decided to do this project not really realizing the impact it was going to have," said Condon. "Three singer-songwriters that have already had a bit of an established career coming together was really exciting and was a really great package."

'It can get kind of lonely'

The women have all retained their solo careers, but come together a few times a year to play together as The Eastern Belles.

"We've all been enjoying it, because when you're out doing stuff on your own as a solo act it can get kind of lonely," said Condon.

"All three of us have explored Western Canada as solo acts, so it is really nice to return with the trio," adds Blanchard.

The group plays its shows in an intimate songwriter's circle-style each artist will tell a story or lead a song and the others back them with instruments and harmonies the "magic of what we do as the Eastern Belles" said Condon.

"They're getting three different artists doing their unique style of what they do but they're getting essentially a fourth artist, which is the coming together of the three of us."

The western tour came about after the Belles played several showcase events across the prairies last fall, generating interest from venues and booking agents.

"We were lucky enough to get on a couple circuits out West," said Condon. "Which makes it really nice for the artist, cause you get a bunch of shows booked together and it's easier."

'Ambassadors for P.E.I.'

The shows in Mantioba brought in about 200 people a night, Condon said, and the group will play some larger venues up to 500 seats in Alberta.

"It's been great. We're meeting a lot of new people, getting in front of some nice-sized audiences," she shared.

How did the relatively new Eastern Belles attract crowds in Western Canada, where they've never toured? Condon said she asked audience members the same question.

"They said 'Well when we heard there was three songwriters from P.E.I. coming, we bought a ticket!'" she laughs. "I don't even know if they'd heard us before."

People elsewhere romanticize P.E.I. and East Coast music, she said, and they've become "ambassadors for P.E.I."

"And of course, individually we all have fans across the country," she noted.

"I feel very lucky to share the stage with such amazing women. We are all so proud of our P.E.I. roots and the art of songwriting; that is really what shines through in an Eastern Belles show," said Blanchard.

Better together

The Belles got together two years ago and have written several songs, although have yet to record an album as a group.

"There's power in numbers," said Condon, noting decision making among three "really confident, opinionated women" can be challenging but good.

The women have supported one another in learning new instruments and singing harmonies, said Condon, noting she's gained confidence.

"It's really strengthened what I do as a solo artist," said Condon. "When you come together with two other people, you get to really celebrate what's unique about yourself."

"And hanging out with two ladies is awesome," she smiled, commenting they each have a unique sense of humour. "It's gotta be fun or else it's not worth it, right?"

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