Two poetic singer-songwriters — one local, one from Ontario — are celebrating the release of their new CDs with a “Seeing Double Tour” that comes to In the Beantime on Friday, August 14.*

Jenica Rayne, of Kingston, is bringing folk-rock tunes out west from her fourth album, Hit the Ground Running, which includes a song called “Faster” that drove her into the regional finals of the CBC Searchlight talent contest earlier this year.

Cheryl Cohen, who lives mainly on Salt Spring Island but partly in Ladysmith, is showcasing songs from her dynamic debut CD, Love & Exile, which has a bluesy world music feel. The “Exile” side of the album relates to the fact that she grew up in apartheid South Africa and left it at the age of 22.

The pair first met at jazz school in Nanaimo around 2006. Apart from a poetic sensibility, they share a sense of humour that finds its way into their respective songs.

Aaron Bethune is coming in from Victoria to accompany them both. Kingston bass player Lynne Hanson will perform with Jenica as well. Aaron played guitar on the Love & Exile album, which he also co-produced with Rick Salt in Nanaimo.

* Tickets are $10, or $25 for dinner, dessert, drink and show. Advance tickets are available; phone 250-245-2305. See also www.jenicarayne.com and cherylcohenmusic.com