The Uniter

Chris “Old Man” Luedecke charmed audiences at this year’s Winnipeg Folk Festival with his funny stage banter and simple songs about hard times, love and kids named Monsanto. While he performs live with just his voice and five-string banjo (with the occasional foot-stomp thrown in for good measure), Luedecke’s alt-folk songs get the full band treatment on Proof of Love, his third CD. Standout tracks: “Thrown By the Bull,” a ballad about a run of bad luck, and the title-track, a lively song driven by drums, bass and fiddle that has Luedecke singing, “All I want is to be a little part of the things that I love.” All in all, Proof of Love is proof of a great talent. See him tonight (Oct. 23) when he plays at The Park Theatre.

- Aaron Epp