Terry Halifax
Northern News Services
Hay River (Mar 26/01) - A long shock of blonde hair and a thick French accent suggests that Toby Beaulieu is not a Northern Beaulieu. Toby pronounces his last name as 'Bol-yoo,' and hails originally from a small town near Quebec City.
Invited North by fellow members of the Bahai faith, Beaulieu has been touring schools, sharing his unique brand of entertainment.
Lightning-fast fingers pluck and strum his custom-made guitar in a flourish of flamenco with radical rock overtones. Between songs he cracks jokes and does slight-of-hand magic.
"I am kind of a Renaissance man," Beaulieu smiled, following a performance at the Hay River public library.
"I learned about music, but I also know how to change the shaft on a motorcycle."
Inspired by guitar legends Joe Satriani and Eddy Van Halen, Beaulieu loves rock guitar but feels just as comfortable playing classical or making his axe sing like a humpback whale.
"When you blend it all in your own style, you can get some pretty interesting results," Beaulieu said.
His act is a combination of wandering minstrel and court jester, but he has loftier ambitions.
"Today, I was doing stuff just to entertain, but down the road, I want to help people discover what is in them,"he said.
"My goal is to empower them with their own talent."
In May, Beaulieu will travel to Siberia to record the first ever Russian Bahai CD with fellow Bahai members.
In a recent effort to broaden his horizons, Beaulieu worked with one of the special effects artists from the Jim Carrey movie, The Mask in a multi-media performance he plans to tour.
He describes his new show as a complete experience, with essential oil, slides and movie show and of course, music. He plans to tour with an African drummer, sound and light technicians.
"It's an osmosis between the stage and the audience -- there is no ego trip," he said.
"You let people feel involved; as one with the stage and with the audience."
From busking on street corners, to packed auditoriums, the artist feels comfortable with any audience. "I love people...love makes it easy."
