Frank Sinatra, David Bowie and Led Zeppelin played a big part in the eclectic soundtrack to the late Sudbury journalist Sherry Drysdale's life.
Now her daughter Miriam Drysdale, a Toronto-based singer, actor and comedian, is presenting a solo show in September called My Mother's Songs featuring her mother's favourite music.
Drysdale, best known for her 25-year career at CBC, passed away from cancer in the spring of 2017.
Her death was devastating for Miriam, who has spent the past two years travelling and backpacking around the world.
A flamenco show she watched in the Caribbean country of Grenada gave her the inspiration to use her loss as inspiration for creativity.
Miriam said a friend who attended the show with her said the performer must have lost someone, and that planted the seed of what became My Mother's Songs.
“Losing my mother was a big life event for me,” said Miriam.
“It seems that there was everything that happened before, and now there's everything that happens afterward.
“I had to take a big break from my life and I went travelling. I really felt very flat. I had no desire to create at all.
“I felt really grateful that finally, at the end of this really long journey of backpacking … that oh my gosh, I have a little bit of inspiration to create something. I want to sing, I want to act, I want to write.”
While the show is a tribute to her mother, Miriam said she's not sure Drysdale would have been entirely on board with the idea.
“I can see her saying 'Oh don't do this show about me,' but here we are, and sorry Sherry, there's nothing you can do to stop me,” she said.
While My Mother's Songs is a solo show, Miriam will be accompanied on piano by her friend Ayaka Kinugawa.
She encourages people to come out to the show, even if they don't know her or didn't know her mother.
“I think that it will be really relatable for anyone, and especially anyone who's ever lost someone, so come one, come all,” Miriam said.
The shows runs Sept. 11 and 12 at The Alibi Room on Durham Street. Doors open at 6 p.m., with the show starting at 7 p.m. There will also be a show in Toronto Sept. 15.
Tickets cost $20 each, with proceeds going to the Living with Lakes Centre. Email [email protected] to purchase advance tickets.
