Ben Caplan and his band The Casual Smokers  pose for a photo. Photo courtesy of May Maryanovich.

The Empire Arts Center is preparing for acclaimed Canadian singer/songwriter Ben Caplan to perform in its historical venue this evening. Caplan is a diverse folk-musician, performer and songwriter from Halifax, Nova Scotia. He has been described by CBC Music as,“a charismatic charmer, smasher of pianos, madman and an earnest poet.”

Caplan’s music is fuelled by a quality of melodrama and powerful lyricism that has arguably set Caplan apart from his peers in the genre. Either solo or backed by his band, Ben Caplan has captured the attention of music fans and media across Canada, Australia and throughout Europe.

He is currently touring Canada and the United States to debut his new full-length album “Birds With Broken Wings.”

On his band website, Caplan is described as “rugged, raspy and roaring with charisma.” Not only is Caplan commended for his songwriting and bold voice, but he also brings a unique blend of instrumentation to his live performances.

During his live shows, Caplan is supported by upright bass, drums, Eastern European inspired strings and occasionally horns. Caplan himself moves between guitar and piano.

Now, after several years of nonstop touring and having played more than 1,000 live shows since the release of his last album, Caplan will be making his first appearance in Grand Forks this evening.

While on tour, Caplan will be performing with his band The Casual Smokers. The group is scheduled to play fifty shows across the United States and Canada.

Before Caplan and his band take the stage tonight, Canadian artist Taryn Kawaja is scheduled to open. Kawaja is a Nova Scotian classical pop artist who has been featured on CBC and various morning talk shows.

All students and members of the community are welcome to attend this event as it is an all-ages show. If students would like to attend this event, tickets can be purchased by calling the Empire Arts Center at 701-746-5500. All tickets for the show are $15.

Opening act Taryn Kawaja is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. and the headliner Ben Caplan is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. tonight. Further scheduling and ticket information for the event can be found on the Empire Art Center website.

Amanda Hefner is a features reporter for The Dakota Student. She can be reached at [email protected]