Anita Best is a true renaissance artist in the Newfoundland folk / traditional scene. Best's involvement in research, teaching, broadcasting and her position as one of Newfoundland's most talented traditional singers has placed her at the forefront of Newfoundland art.

Anita Best grew up on an island in Placentia Bay, which has since been abandoned during Newfoundland's community re-settlement program, under then premier Joey Smallwood. This early life in one of Newfoundland's most culturally rich regions inspired a fire and passion in Anita Best to catalogue and interpret a tradition and culture, which seemed to be departing in tandem with the disappearing communities. Initially Best began professional work as a classroom teacher, oral historian and folk archivist and eventually incorporated these into careers as diverse as radio broadcasting, professional recording and university level instruction.

Anita Best was the host and writer of a local CBC radio series, "A Little Ball of Yarns" in 1995-96 which served as a means for her to continue her much loved oral tradition but it is her singing that has made her most famous. Best has been recorded on any number of albums and has two complete works to her credit, "The Color of Amber", with Pamela Morgan, and "Crosshanded". It is "Crosshanded", Best's accapella rendition of twelve traditional Newfoundland songs, which has established her as one of the leaders in Newfoundland music. Anita Best's beautiful singing and careful interpretation has enriched and extended an art form she has devoted her life to preserving.

Anita Best is the creator of Newfoundland Voices, her own production company witch runs a bi-weekly concert series from Cape Spear in the summer months, and "Bards and Ballads" from Finnegan's wake. Best tours extensively as both storyteller and singer, and also freelances as an editor, copyreader, and as a professional researcher. Anita Best lives in St. John's with her daughter, Kate.

Discography:


Anita Best - Crosshanded
Anita Best and Pamela Morgan - The Color of Amber
Anita Best, Pamela Morgan and others - Amber Christmas
Eleven Eleven - Various Artists
All The Best - Various Artists
Another Time - Various Artists
Rock Within The Sea - Various Artists
Lately Come Over - Bristol's Hope
Mujeres en la Musica - Various Artists (Spanish Release)
Celtic Spirits II - Various Artists - Sony Germany (German Release)
Celtic Feelings - Various Artists - Sony France (French Release)

For more information on Anita Best please see:

Anita Best's website - www.voices.nf.ca

or contact: ambest@nf.sympatico.ca

Hi-Res Photos - Image 1 Image 2