Photo by Kensie Wallner

The Best Little Winter Ever

By Rosemary Sauvageau
Contributing Writer

The 15th Annual Celebration of Women and their Music is headed our way Feb. 18 at 6:30 pm in the beautiful and historic Fargo theatre downtown. Each year, a group of local, regional and even national musicians come to Fargo to share their passion for music with the Fargo-Moorhead community.

To get you acquainted with the event before the big show on, each week we will be giving our readers an inside look at some of the artists performing at this years event!

First up is Calli Adamson (cellist/vocalist/panist) of the local group Little Winter. She will be one of the performers in the main show at the Fargo Theatre. HPR got an exclusive interview with her to discuss her role in Little Winter and her love of performing.

HPR: When did you first start writing?

Calli Adamson: It is completely embarrassing but I’m pretty sure my first song was one that I wrote about a boy I met at summer camp. If I’m not mistaken, the only person who had previously known anything about it was a pen pal in Texas. I couldn’t even sing it now if I tried.

HPR: Is there any rhyme or reason to your writing? Do you write lyrics or music first?

CA: When writing I seem to have the most luck by starting with the lyrics then coming up with a chord progression before finishing them.

HPR: How did the band get its name?

CA: I can’t really say where the name of the band came from…I feel like it must be related to living so far north and the winter being such a big part if our lives.

HPR: What’s your favorite Little Winter song and why?

CA: Picking my favorite song is tough—I really love all of them. And the content of many of the songs just have such strong personal connections. We have been there for each other through a lot, and knowing the personal meaning—or what I think is the personal meaning—is so melancholic for me. At this particular moment, I would say that either “Night Drive” or “Long Way to California” is my favorite song at this point. They both have so much to say and are so fun to perform while making me feel so connected to the music and the guys.

HPR: What artist did you have on repeat on your iPod in 2011?

CA: I am absolutely in love with the music of Jeff Pianki. His approach to lyrics and melody is just so natural and sincere. Now that I am familiar with his music, I can’t imagine going more than just a few days without listening to him.

HPR: What artists would you compare yourself to?

CA: It is really hard for me to think of a band that I would be comfortable comparing us to. I think we have an intimate feel to our music which reminds me of Iron And Wine. I also think we have a folky element that resembles early James Taylor. But I in no means am saying that we can compare to these incredible men.

HPR: Where do you draw inspiration from when writing a song?

CA: When I’m writing music I tend to think about situations that have played a role in shaping who I am, which is funny to say because I tend to shy way from being too specific or open. I seem to start with one line and build from there. It is great to be able to bring an idea in and have the guys take a look at it and contribute. I feel like I definitely need some outside input since I tend I over-think everything and it takes me so long to get something out.

In addition to the main show at the Fargo Theatre, be sure to catch Little Winter at a pre-show event on Thursday, Feb. 16 at the Hodo from 8:30-11:30 p.m.Admission is free but it is a 21+ event.

To listen to Little Winter check out their website http://www.littlewinter.com/

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IF YOU GO:

WHAT: The Celebration of Women
WHERE: The Fargo Theatre
WHEN: Sat., Feb. 18, 6:30 p.m.
INFO: $15 for Adults; $10 for students

IF YOU GO:

WHAT: Little Winter (Celebration Pre-Show)
WHERE: The Hodo
WHEN: Thurs., Feb. 16, 8:30-11:30 p.m.
INFO: 21+, no cover