By: Katrice Sutherland
A college alumni and Technology Store employee is pursuing his musical endeavors as the bassist and singer of Open Sky.
Jared Boucher belongs to the 2012 GMA award winning modern rock group, who held their album release concert at the Student Commons Theater on the evening of March 22.
The band had been anticipating the unveiling of their second CD Let the Light Shine Again, since the project began last year. This was the first time they played the album, produced by Steve Foley at Audio Valley Recording Studio, as a full set.
The band counted down to the launch event for 11 days, posting each song title and sample lyrics from the new album to their Facebook page to rouse fans.
“When you’re as excited about the product as we are, it’s infectious,” said Mike Boucher, Jarred’s brother and the lead vocalist of the band.
“They were energetic and you could tell they had a good relationship with one another,” said Angeline Stankewich, a first-year business student.
The concert featured Finding Chuck and Go Long (!), two Ottawa local bands that have previously played a number of shows alongside Open Sky.
Everyone who performed is mutual friends said Danielle Lalard, 23-year-old singer from Go Long (!). “We know each other through music.”
The members from each band appreciate the creative process and the music their fellow musicians are developing. “They’re an amazing band,” said Jake Korosi, bassist from Finding Chuck, in support of Open Sky’s new record.
During their set, they welcomed a number of collaborating artists to the stage, including Ashley Walker, an Algonquin advertising student who sang a duet with M. Boucher.
Lucas Haneman, 26, from Go Long (!) played the mandola and Foley joined the show as well on rhythm guitar.
At the end of the concert, Open Sky surprised the audience with the premiere of their first official music video. The video features their newest single Mona Lisa which is already receiving radio airplay nationwide.
Once the music ended, the night continued with autographs at the merchandise table and an after party at Chances R in College Square so fans and the bands could socialize.
Now with the launch of their album, Open Sky is planning to take a summer-long radio tour across Canada. Band manager Patrick Digsby is currently making the arrangements.
“We will start with Canada this summer and take it as big as we can go.”