Greater Victoria Remembrance Day musical honours Second World War singers

Sidney singer-songwriter Edie Daponte will be transporting audiences to the 1940s by performing wartime songs in her upcoming show right before Remembrance Day.

The Nov. 10 performance, We’ll Meet Again: A Musical Tribute, will let audiences explore the wartime era through songs from such singers as Edith Piaf, Vera Lynn and Marlene Dietrich.

“They were the singers who really brought a lot of comfort and hope to the forces and the civilians during the Second World War, and their music is timeless,” said Daponte. “Whether you’re, you know, a 20-year-old or an 85-year-old, you’re going to love the lyrics and the melodies. So that’s the show – to really commemorate Remembrance Day with some memorable music from that time.”

The musician will sing in English, French and German throughout the show. This is to portray the three different wartime singers and show their heritage.

“I find the audience really is surprised when I switch languages and it’s entertaining,” Daponte said.

Piaf, born in France, was only 25 and had just begun singing when France was occupied by Germany. Although Piaf’s home country was invaded, she continued to sing throughout the war.

“It was a huge comfort to her own country,” said Daponte. Piaf was also known for helping Jewish soldiers.

During the performance, Daponte will sing Piaf’s classic song, Autumn Leaves in English and French.

Daponte is also portraying Lynn, who passed away in 2020 at the age of 103.

“Well Vera Lynn, she’s the real sweetheart of the wartime songs,” said Daponte. “When you think of the Second World War there’s like no other voice like hers that kind of resonates with people. Beautiful voice, very emotional singer.”

Daponte describes Dietrich as “very whimsical and was very sexy and funny … she brought a sort of a lighter edge to her music. She has a very deep voice.”

On stage at Herman’s Jazz Club, Daponte will be accompanied by pianist Attila Fias, bass player Joey Smith, accordion player Aaron Watson and drummer Damian Graham. Daponte is jazzed while feeling reflective about her upcoming performance in Victoria.

“At Herman’s, we’re going to have an audience there and there’ll be an opportunity for us to all be together and remember it as a community.”

Daponte’s performance in Victoria will be at Herman’s Jazz Club on Nov. 10 starting at 7 p.m.

In Parksville Daponte’s performance is at Knox United on Nov. 11 starting at 2 p.m.

In Sidney, her performance is at St Paul’s United Church on Nov. 18 starting at 3 p.m.

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