Folk/pop singer-songwriter Ann Vriend regularly tours Europe, North America, and Australia, and has sold over 11,000 albums independently, mostly off the stage. Her gripping voice (described as a cross between Dolly Parton and Aretha Franklin), her strongly melodic and poetic writing style, reminiscent of artists such as Paul Simon and Leonard Cohen, and her self-accompanying prowess on the piano all contribute to Vriend’s definitive sound. Vriend is also known for her rapport with her audience, engaging them with witty humour and gripping stories between her powerfully delivered songs. October 2009 saw the release of Vriend’s latest CD entitled “Closer Encounters”; a live album recorded at various concerts and studios between 2008 and 2009.