Biography
They were known as one of Toronto's best kept secrets. Another secret: one of its members was former Blue Rodeo member James Gray! Martin Menard, Al Beardsell and Julian Brown rounded out the line-up.
The Pollyannas' local success led them to tour Holland, Belgium, and Germany. They also performed on the side stage at Blue Rodeo's Stardust picnic and the main stage of Toronto's Taste of Danforth. Following these performances, The Pollyannas contributed to DROG Records' Food Songs compilation CD, and released their own album, Hope To Burn in 1999.
While plans for a second CD were in place, The Pollyannas broke up in 2001.
Quotes
James saw the Pollyannas play at the Rivoli in 1999 when Mary Harmer was on keyboard. James was impressed with the band's performance that night. "He loved us." - Martin Menard
"Slap Pollyannas' Hope To Burn on between Blue Rodeo's Diamond Mine and The Hip's Up to Here and you've got yourself a super set afternoon." - Howard Druckman, Chart Magazineaggbug