The Mount Elizabeth Theatre in Kitimat is set resonate with the soul-stirring music of Beau Wheeler Dec. 8, a queer non-binary composer and singer from Vancouver. Known for a voice that rivals the expressive power of Torch-and-Twang-era KD Lang or a young Robert Plant, Wheeler is unveiling two new albums, showcasing the diversity of their musical vision.
Wheeler’s music explores narratives of love, loss, and redemption, and reflects their journey in surviving cancer and their recent coming out as trans. Their songs emphasize that both pain and joy are integral parts of the human experience.
Adrian Mack from The Georgia Straight described Wheeler’s voice as “effortlessly big.” Their performance is a journey marked by dynamic tension, counterpoint, and emotional phrasing.
Wheeler’s musical roots run deep, with a family history that includes a grandfather who played piano with Nat King Cole and Sammy Davis Jr. This heritage has inspired Wheeler to record two contrasting albums simultaneously. The first, an acoustic album, captures the roots music tradition and was co-produced with Jesse Waldman. The second, a dark wave synth-pop album produced by Jason Corbett of Actors, showcases Wheeler’s versatility as they perform all instrumentation and vocals.
Wheeler’s career boasts significant achievements, including a performance at the Vancouver Juno Awards in 2018, collaborations with A.C. Newman of the New Pornographers, and sharing the stage with artists like Dan Mangan, Shane Koyczan, and Tanya Tagaq. Whether performing solo or with their band, The Black Salt Sea, Wheeler’s music is a light of hope in dark times.
As one of today’s most honest performers, Wheeler’s live show is an experience of genuine connection and healing, a testament to the power of being unapologetically oneself.