Roots Ramble Concert Series continues with music stars Michelle Willis and Lori Cullen

Michelle Willis and Lori Cullen join forces for the Winter Amity Tour coming to Stratford Nov. 21 at Revival House.

Barry James Payne and String Bone Presents!, in association with OnRush Music Festival, are once again bringing world class musicians to Stratford for an intimate concert Nov. 21 at Revival House.

Michelle Willis and Lori Cullen have just recently embarked on a tour called the “Winter Amity Tour” with Stratford the second stop of ten dates.

Willis is a Scottish-born, Canadian-raised singer/songwriter that most notably worked with the late David Crosby for 10 years as his writing partner and bandmate. She was last in Stratford for the extraordinary performance of “The Songs of Nick Drake” last year at Copperlight. It was there where Payne, who also performed, met Willis and talked about performing again here in town.

Cullen is a Canadian singer/songwriter that Stratford ought to be familiar with already, as she has performed here in the past where she shared the stage with songwriting sensation Ron Sexsmith at Tom Patterson Theatre for his “Ron at 60” celebration.

“Stratford holds a special place in my heart. It’s the only place I’ve ever seriously considered moving to outside of Toronto. My friend and collaborator Ron Sexsmith and his partner Colleen have introduced me to Stratford’s lively and welcoming social scene,” wrote Cullen in an email.

It has often been said that Stratford punches above its weight artistically and musically and these two coming to town for a one-night performance on their tour reinforces the sentiment.

“Another Stratford favourite, Aaron Davis, will be my special guest on Nov. 21. We’ve played the Revival House before, and I can’t wait to share the stage with him again in this beautiful town I love so much. Michelle and I are really looking forward to showing you what we do best and hope you can join us,” added Cullen. Davis was a founding member of the Holly Cole Trio.

The evening will feature the two musicians each performing a set while supporting the other. The audience can expect music in the veins of sultry jazz, pop and folk from their respective new albums. David Crosby has said that Willis is one of the best singers he has ever heard, which puts her in fine company given he is of the generation of Aretha Franklin, Joni Mitchell and Bonnie Raitt.

“Lori and I have both been writing and releasing a lot of music in the last few years. We’re fans of each other’s music as much as we are friends. I’m so glad to perform these songs together across our home province, from great venues like Revival House to the eastbound living rooms of music lovers along the way towards Montreal in Quebec. It’s going to be gorgeous,” wrote Willis in an email.

The concert takes place Nov. 21 at 8 p.m. at Revival House. Tickets can be purchased for $35 by visiting stringbone.ca/the-roots-ramble.