Julie Fader is probably best known as back-up singer to the indie stars. I mean, she's no slouch on keys as part of Great Lake Swimmers, Chad VanGaalen, or Sarah Harmer's bands, but it's that golden voice of hers that really elevates whomever she's playing with.

Last night she played a solo set opening for Peter Elkas as part of the Summerworks Music Series in Toronto. It was pretty clear from the who's-who in attendance that Julie's talent (not to mention her general sweetness) had made her a good number of fans among her fellow indie rockers. Who knows? Maybe like me they were as much curious about her solo-side as they were supportive.

Julie's fragile, lovely tunes were bolstered (albeit gently) by her band that included Sarah Harmer on drums and vocals, Paul Lowman (Cuff the Duke) on bass, and Pete Hall (A Northern Chorus) on electric guitar, pedal steel and some stunning harmonies of his own. The Sexiest Man in Indie Rock (as voted by you!), Peter Elkas, joined Julie on the last song for a little nod to Neil Young.

As if that fabulous foursome on stage weren't enough, the audience consisted of Ron Sexsmith, Bob Wiseman, Justin Rutledge, Matt Barber, and members of By Divine Right and Cuff the Duke. Julie's already late-ish start meant I sadly couldn't stick around for more than one song from Peter. As it was I tangled with a few phrases on Q today thanks to my (totally worth it) late-night in Toronto.

[Photo: Jian Ghomeshi staring me down for going out last night and not having a perfect pronunciation-score while filling in for him.]