15 December 2008

Ottawa Blues This Week - 15 December 2008

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BLUES SUMMIT IV and MAPLE BLUES AWARDS

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Blues Summit IV

Delta Chelsea Inn, 33 Gerrard St. West, Toronto ON.

January 17-19, 2009

Early bird price - $79 for musicians, $99 for others

The Blues Summit is an essential Canadian blues networking event, back for its fourth edition. This music industry conference brings together festivals, labels, media, musicians, fans and blues societies, and includes showcases, seminars, receptions and a keynote brunch. With representatives from across Canada, the United States and Europe in attendance, there are many lively panel discussions that take place over the course of the three days. Industry experts discuss topics such as blues in the schools, professional development opportunities for artists, and blues in the digital world.

Recognized by professionals around the world for his award-winning programming and innovative production style, San Francisco radio and audio production pioneer Ben Manilla has held executive positions at Radio Today, RKO Radio Networks, WOR Radio, WLIR Radio, and the Progressive Radio Network. Among his hundreds of features, specials, documentaries, ongoing series, commercials, and audio presentations, his radio series ‘House of Blues’ features Dan Aykroyd and his 13-hour award-winning radio documentary for PBS, ‘Martin Scorcese Presents the Blues’ was broadcast on more than 330 stations worldwide. The radio project was the most successful special ever distributed by Public Radio International.

Currently Ben is a frequent traveller to Toronto while working on a special PBS project called ‘The Soundtrack of Our Lives’ which is spearheaded by the Wildheart Group and also includes Grammy Award-winner and Creative Executive, Sir George Martin (Producer of all the Beatles recordings). As this year’s keynote speaker, Ben will be reflecting on current blues industry trends and insights.

Special delegate rates available at the Delta Chelsea. For more information on registration, please visit http://www.torontobluessociety.com 416-538-3885 1-866-871-9457

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Twelfth Annual Maple Blues Awards

Phoenix Concert Theatre, 410 Sherbourne Street, Toronto ON

Monday, January 19; Doors @ 7 pm, show @ 8 pm; Tickets - $28

The Twelfth Annual Maple Blues Awards will honour Canada’s best in blues at the gala ceremony on Monday, January 19th at the Phoenix Concert Theatre in Toronto. The awards gala presentation will feature live performances by some of Canada’s finest blues talents including the Maple Blues Band.

This year’s gala host will be radio personality Garvia Bailey. Guest performers include Canada’s roaming blues poet and one-man band Ray Bonneville, whose storytelling vocals, with a highly percussive guitar style keep it all real and raw. Winner of the 2005 Electric Act of the Year Award, guitar-driven JW-Jones will join the cast of guests for the gala along with the velvety-voiced Juno Award nominee Harrison Kennedy, who brings his 30-years-plus of performing experience and a youthful exuberance to the MBAs. Vancouver’s The Sojourners will also electrify audiences with their heartfelt gospel blues harmonies. Hot ticket and powerhouse singing sensation Shakura S’Aida returns to grace the stage and is also nominated for the Female Vocalist of the Year Award once again.

Backing the guest performers is the Maple Blues Band which includes stellar musicians Gary Kendall, Michael Fonfara, Tom Bona, Teddy Leonard, Pat Carey, Al Lerman, Chris Murphy and Chris Whiteley.

Tickets for the gala are available at the TBS office 416-538-3885 info@torontobluessociety.com or through http://www.ticketpro.ca

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SPECIAL EVENTS THIS WEEK

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Soweto Gospel Choir

Dominion Chalmers United Church, 355 Cooper Street
Friday, December 19 @ 8 pm

The Soweto Gospel Choir’s 26-strong ensemble of superbly talented musicians draws on the long history of powerful and beautiful a capella vocal traditions of this church-based South African choir. Their uniqueness lies in its blend of African gospel and Negro spirituals with reggae and American popular music. Earthy rhythms are combined with heavenly harmonies to uplift the soul and express all the colours of South Africa. This mixture of rural and urban energies creates a new and exciting synergy that celebrates all facets of life, leaving its audience profoundly moved. The choir includes a four-piece band and astounding drummers and dancers in the best African tradition, where music is an indistinguishable part of life and faith. The choir is dedicated to sharing the joy of faith through music with audiences around the world.

www.sowetogospelchoir.com

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AREA HIGHLIGHTS THIS WEEK
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Virée Blues Boréale presents

The Rosy Blues Band

Café Le Troquet, 41 Laval Street (Old Hull sector)

Wednesday, December 17 @ 8 pm

The Rosy Blues Band is: Rosanne Bissonette, ‘Rosy’, the woman, the voice, the strength, the mainstay of the group. Her raw voice, typical of the Blues, gets us traveling on every air and takes us on the wings of her lyric flights. Born in St-Roch-sur-Richelieu in 1982, Rosy started her musical career studying classical piano. She then shifted to vocal performance taught by renowned teachers.

Carl Dutremble, guitar, expert at the Blues that he discovered at the same time as his passion for the guitar was born in Sorel in 1981. Carl started on drums at 12. A great fan of alternative music (Pearl Jam, Nirvana), he practiced on drums till 17. The guitar finally appealed to him and led him to choose the Blues' great adventure. Listening to recordings by Stevie Ray Vaughan, Kenny Wayne Sheppard and Joe Bonamassa, Carl improved his mastery of the guitar. His lively rock-flavoured guitar skills touch the hearts of the many age groups that make up the blues and rock fans. With his classic Stratocaster as well as his flashy ‘Flying V’, without forgetting his favourite, the exotic "Gigliotti", Carl offers a rich and varied sound.

Mario Couture, the bass player is the fusion of the group’s influences; his roots are into jazz while his heart leans toward funk. Born in Sorel in 1979, Mario started on the electric bass guitar by the age of 14. He also opens up to the world of jazz and improves his playing with jazz and funk that will help him perfect his performance, rhythmic and melodic. Jaco Pastorius, Rocco Prestia and Les Claypool are still his most notorious influences. Versatility motivates his many musical quests.

Stéphane Jetté, the drummer, is the driving force behind this happening; he offers all of the group the cohesion of his rhythms. Last to join the group, his definite talent came as a seal to Rosy Blues Band.

This group which pleased so many on its last appearance at Virée Blues Boréale, promises another explosive, electrifying evening full of surprises.

www.rosybluesband.com

www.myspace.com/vireeblues

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The Night Before The Night Before Christmas
Food Bank Fundraiser
with Tell Mama

Royal Canadian Legion, 26 Beckwith St. E, Perth ON

Saturday, December 20, 7:30 pm; tickets $20 plus a donation of food


This is our third year hosting this event and it just keeps on getting better and better! Last year Sue Foley, Christine Graves, Pat Moore and Freshly Squeezed all shared the stage with us. This year, Keith Glass is back in for the ride, Eddie Ashton's blues/rock band Push and Dave Balfour, Guthrie House, are all planning to attend. Second City alumnus, Deborah Kimmett, will be MC'ing the evening.

Last year we raised $3,250 for the Perth and District Food Bank - this year we hope to do even better.

www.tellmama.net

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LOCAL HIGHLIGHTS EVERY WEEK

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Irene’s Blues Jam

Irene’s Pub, 885 Bank Street

Thursdays, 9 pm – 1 am

The Stellar Cast Blues Jam is a bonafide grass roots event that has grown out of the very floorboards of Irene’s Pub and has become a real crowd pleaser for musicians and music lovers alike. The Stellar Cast features Mike Ktenas (bass) and Corky Kealey (drums) as the foundation, and is filled out by a host of great local players who rotate according to availability. Each week the cast is topped up with a guest host who steers the song selections in whatever way they're inspired and the jamming begins. It's a great concept and the proof is in the popularity the night has garnered over the years.

Guest hosts coming up:

December 18 – Victor Nesrallah (vocals/guitar)

http://bacton.smugmug.com/share/cFoCZfrollzaE

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Sunday Blues, 5-8 pm

Atomic Rooster, 303 Bank Street (at MacLaren)

November 9 & December 21, 2008; February 1, 2009

Zydeco Loco www.zydecoloco.ca

December 7, 2008; January 18th & March 1, 2009

Mumbo Jumbo Voodoo Combo www.mumbojumbo.ca

Other bands & dates to be confirmed; check out their new website

www.atomicrooster.ca

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LOCAL HIGHLIGHTS ONCE A MONTH

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Ball and Chain and the Wreckers

Honky Tonk Saturday Night

Elmdale House Tavern, 1084 Wellington Street


Honky Tonk Saturday Night is a monthly event happening the first Saturday of every month.

www.myspace.com/jodybenjamin

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BLUES IN KINGSTON

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Kingston Blues Society Monthly Jam

With host band Mojo Shooter

RCHA Club, 193 Ontario St. (big blue door), Kingston ON

From 3rd Saturday of month

Come out and see Mojo Shooter (one of Kingston’s best bands) rev it up. Then watch and dance as Mojo Shooter and some of Kingston’s best musicians get together and jam the night away.

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Weekly events

Georgette Fry

Brandees, 178A Ontario Street, Kingston

Every Thursday night at 8:30 pm (new start time)

The Ones

Monte’s in the Prince George Hotel, 200 Ontario Street, Kingston

Every Thursday night at 9 pm

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For more, please contact Kingston Blues Society

www.kingstonbluessociety.ca

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SPECIAL EVENTS THIS MONTH

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The Annual Trevor Finlay Acoustic Christmas Eve

Tucson’s, 2440 Bank Street

Wednesday, December 24, 1-5 pm


Trevor Finlay's Annual Acoustic Christmas Eve with a relaxing candle light atmosphere and good food & friends makes for an enjoyable afternoon as part of the holiday season.

www.trevorfinlay.com

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Raoul & the Big Time

Annual Christmas Show/Homecoming

Rainbow, 76 Murray Street

Saturday, December 27 @ 9:30 pm

Raoul hails from Ottawa where he attended Canterbury High School. He’ll be making his Christmas pilgrimage back home and, with the band, as they play their regular holiday season gig at the Rainbow. We don’t get to see this band often, so don’t miss them!

www.raoulandthebigtime.com

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Tell Mama CD release

Ballygiblin's Restaurant & Pub, 151 Bridge St., Carleton Place ON
Saturday, December 27 @ 8:30 pm; no cover

Roger Weldon from Ballygiblin's has been asking us to celebrate the launch of our CD at his restaurant. We love Roger and we love Carleton Place so we're there!

We had to squeeze the gig into the limited time we have before Franc leaves for Mexico so on December 27th we will get down at Ballygiblins Restaurant and Pub.

It will be a fairly informal night with no cover charge and a whole lot of fun. Local musicians are invited to come out and join us at the end of the night for a holiday jam.

The food at Ballygiblin's is tremendous; Roger makes a point of buying local produce and preparing it in an inspired and creative fashion. Book a table for dinner and stay for the show, that's what we're going to do!

www.tellmama.net

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NEW YEAR’S EVE BLUES

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New Year’s Eve with Trevor Finlay

Tucson’s, 2440 Bank Street

Wednesday, December 31 @ 9:15 pm; tickets $35

Recently relocated to Nashville, Trevor returns to bring in the New Year! His demand as a performer and songwriter has enabled him to work with some of the top recording artists and songwriters in North America. Come send Trevor off in style and celebrate this achievement for this great Canadian Artist.
www.trevorfinlay.com

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New Year’s Eve

With MonkeyJunk

Irene’s Pub, 885 Bank Street

Wednesday, December 31

Canada’s newest blues and roots band is taking the Canadian blues scene by storm. Formed in late March 2008 in Ottawa, they have played the Cisco Ottawa Blues Festival, Mont Tremblant Blues Festival and completed a successful 2-week tour of Eastern Canada in September 2008. In early October 2008, MonkeyJunk won a local contest to represent Ottawa at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN in February 2009. Also of note, MonkeyJunk has been nominated for a 2008 Maple Blues award as “New Artist of the Year”. MonkeyJunk is currently promoting a 4-song EP in anticipation of their winter 2009 debut release entitled “Tiger in Your Tank”.

Playing their original style of swamp boogie R&B, bedroom funk and love songs that will break your heart, MonkeyJunk is Tony D on guitar, slide guitar and vocals; Steve Marriner on vocals, guitar, baritone guitar and harmonica and Matt Sobb on drums, cymbals, percussion and background vocals. These 3 musicians apply a combined 56 years of experience in the music business to entertain in a raw and captivating manner you will not soon forget … catch their show back where it all began in the spring – at Irene’s.

myspace.com/monkeyjunkottawa

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Celebrate New Year’s Eve

With Ian Tamblyn & friends

NAC 4th Stage, 53 Elgin Street

Wednesday, December 31 @ 9 pm; tickets $60

With special guests Margaret Feuerstack and Dave Johnstone.

Champagne & cake at midnight.

www.tamblyn.com

www.nac.ca

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New Year’s Eve Party with the Hammerheads

Rainbow, 76 Murray Street

Wednesday, December 31 @ 9 pm; tickets $25

Tickets include party favours, snacks and champagne at midnight.

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BLUES ON THE RIDEAU – 2008/2009

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This popular Dinner & Show Fundraiser Series – now in its 4th year – continues to gain momentum this season. Shows are now starting to sell out in advance again and Saturday night Shows are being added – subject to artist availability – when ticket demand warrants it. This has already been the case with Roxanne Potvin – Friday, January 16 is Sold Out and Saturday January 17 has been added. Those who have booked for the Friday night Show but would prefer Saturday night can call The Cove and let them know you want to change nights. That should open up seats for both nights. And please – when you are booking for new Shows tell us if you would prefer the Saturday night if it is added and we will contact you to offer you first choice of seats.

Remaining 2008/09 Schedule for Blues on the Rideau @ The Cove:

January 16 – ROXANNE POTVIN BLUES BAND

Due to high advance ticket demand – the Friday, January 16 Show is sold out and a second Show Saturday, January 17 has been added.

Proceeds to Westport Area Food Bank & Lions Club Mobility Van

February 20 – FATHEAD

Proceeds to Friends of Foley Mountain & Rideau District Museum

March 20 – RICK FINES & SUZIE VINNICK w. BAND

Proceeds to Juvenile Diabetes Association of Ontario & Gilda’s Club for Cancer Families

April 17 – PAUL REDDICK & THE SIDEMEN

Proceeds to Rideau Waterway Land Trust & Westport in Bloom

May 15 – DANNY BROOKS & THE MEMPHIS BROTHERS

Proceeds to Compassion Canada Sponsor a Child & Habitat for Humanity

June 19 – STEPHEN BARRY BAND with

Special Guest MICHAEL JEROME BROWNE

Proceeds to Lucy Drysdale Memorial Scholarship & Westport Library

Accommodation at The Cove and nearby B&Bs is available at very reasonable rates. If you live out of town this is a great way to enjoy BOTR – no driving home after a few drinks, you can relax and enjoy and as an added bonus – you get to meet and talk with the artists the next day at breakfast! It’s a perfect mini-getaway. Book well in advance though – rooms fill up fast. Call The Cove and they will make the arrangements for you.

Artists may change - check the web site or call The Cove for updates.

Visit www.bluesontherideau.ca for more information

See you at The Cove!

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BLUES ON THE RADIO

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On CKCU-FM 93.1

The Mighty 93.1

www.ckcufm.com

Community Radio serving the Ottawa Carleton Region

Sundays: 9-11 pm

Black and Blues

with John Tackaberry

The show features a heavy dose of electric blues and rhythm and blues, with the occasional selection of sixties soul. The first hour is dedicated to artist profiles and reviews of recordings on particular labels. In the second hour there is a blues calendar, a rundown of events in Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa, and interviews with “new and reissued blues and rhythm and blues tracks on wax” alternating with “live blues and R&B for a Sunday night” in the last half hour of the show. On the last Sunday of every month, the show goes “down in the delta” for a selection of acoustic blues tracks in the final half hour of the program.

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Wednesdays: 3:30-4:30 pm

Iron Maidens

with Diane Wells (D.D. Rocker)

Where female musicians of steely determination dare to challenge their male peers in the wide, wonderful world of music. From roots to heavy metal, she’ll cover it all. To the women of the world, let your voices and instruments be heard!

Wednesdays: 9-11 pm

In A Mellow Tone

with Ron Sweetman

Jazz from every era & every style – from 1917 to 2008. Each program features an artist, group, instrument, event, city or record label. Check out Ron’s website www.inamellowtone.com for info on upcoming shows and playlists (current show is posted several days in advance and past shows are archived). Ron is always happy to hear from listeners at ronsweetman@kalixo.com

This week, December 17 – Canadian Shopping List: Some gift suggestions of CDS by Canadian instrumentalists and singers including Ken Aldcroft, Antoine Berthiaume, Hubert Bruno, Harley Card, Francois Carrier, Chantal Chamberland, Morgan Childs, Marie Josee Houle,Mike Martell, Les Poules, Danielle Roger, Paula Shear, John Stetch, Don Thompson and Al Wood.

Next week, December 24 – December 24 – Dance Party: Danceable jazz, blues & rhythm ‘n’ blues.

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Monthly, every 4th Saturday, 9-9:30 am:

Honky Tonk Saturday Morning

with Ball and Chain

This 12-part series features Michael Ball and Jody Benjamin performing live on radio. Each month will have a different theme like classic country, bluegrass, old time, drinking, cheating and yodelling.

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On CBC Radio One 91.5 FM

Saturdays: 10 pm – midnight

Saturday Night Blues

www.cbc.ca/snb

Host Holger Petersen has been a broadcaster, record producer, album collector, and serious blues fan for over 30 years. His collection of blues records numbers in the thousands. On Saturday Night Blues each week you’ll hear a mix of classic blues from the ‘Petersen Vaults’, concerts, interviews, artist features, new releases, plus anything that boogies, jumps, or swings, plus your requests from the Bluesline.

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On CHEZ106 FM

Sundays: 6-7 pm

House of Blues Hour

The House of Blues Radio hour, hosted by Dan Aykroyd aka Elwood Blues, features an hour of rockin’ blues from a wide variety of performers ranging from traditional to contemporary. The show is the most widely syndicated radio program dedicated to the blues in North America, and has been running on stations across the continent for over ten years.

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On CHMR 93.5 FM (St. John’s, Newfoundland) – www.chmr.ca

Blind Lemon Top Twenty Canadian Blues Albums of 2008

Official Rules:

1 - Each E-mail Address can only vote once. Any votes beyond the first will be ignored.

2 - Votes can be sent to drcosmic@hotmail.com with "Blind Lemon Top 20 VOTE" in the subject line. If you do not use this in the Subject Line, the Spam Filter could eat your e-mail and your vote will be lost!

3 - When you vote, select one Album as "Canadian Blues CD of the Year", plus 2 "Honourable Mentions". You must include Artist Name, Album Title and Recording Label!

4 - Eligible albums are any blues or roots recordings recorded by a Canadian Artist (Independent or otherwise) that would qualify for Canadian Content Status as per the MAPL regulations, and released between December 1, 2006 and November 30, 2008,

5 - Voting closes Tuesday, December 23, 2008 at midnight ET.

The Blind Lemon Top Twenty Canadian Blues Albums of 2008 Special will broadcast live on the web, on Monday, January 5, 2009 @ 7:30 pm, ET. To listen, just visit www.chmr.ca The Blind Lemon Top Twenty Canadian Blues of 2008 is produced through the facilities of CHMR FM in St. Johns Newfoundland, and is open to all Canadian Residents. Please show support for your favourite artists by voting, and forwarding this e-mail on to anyone you think might be interested in voting!

Many Thanks,

Terry Parsons, CHMR FM

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WEEKLY EVENTS ON THE SMALL SCREEN

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ALWAYS check local listings to confirm.

On BRAVO – www.bravo.ca

Tuesday, December 16 @ 7 am – Talkin’ Blues

Another Shade of Blue (2004): Series exploring the world of contemporary blues music. This episode features jazz guitarist Doug Wamble, a video from Fathead and profiles of Chuck Jackson and the Port Southside Shuffle Blues Festival.

Tuesday, December 16 @ 7:30 am – Rhythm, Roots and Soul

Long Walk to Nowhere, Broken Joe (2008): This series profiles R&B, soul, gospel and roots musicians through their words and music. Mako Funasaka documents a moment in time of these wonderful musicians from many different musical genres. This episode features the members of Broken Joe -- Joe Toole, Jerome Godboo and Alec Fraser.

Monday, December 22 @ 8 pm

Bravo! celebrates the holiday season with "Christmas at the Concert Hall." Hosted by Erica Ehm, this special features Holly Cole, Barenaked Ladies' Ed Robertson, Hawksley Workman, Serena Ryder and Mary Margaret O’Hara. The house band includes Aaron Davis on piano, Colleen Allen on saxophone, John Johnson on saxophone and flute, Davide Direnzo on drums, Marc Rogers on bass and Suzie Vinnick on background vocals and guitar.

Tuesday, December 23 @ 7 am – Talkin’ Blues

Harvest Blues (2004): Series exploring the world of contemporary blues music. This episode features singer Mighty Sam McClaine, a profile of the Fredericton Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival, and a segment on Bobby "Blue" Bland.

Tuesday, December 23 @ 7:30 am – Rhythm, Roots and Soul

In Good We trust, Harry Manx & Kevin Breit (2008): This series profiles R&B, soul, gospel and roots musicians through their words and music. Mako Funasaka documents a moment in time of these wonderful musicians from many different musical genres. This episode features Harry Manx and Kevin Breit.

Tuesday, December 23 @ 5 pm

Wednesday, December 24 @ 10 pm

Thursday, December 25 @ 11 am and 4 pm

Bravo! celebrates the holiday season with "Christmas at the Concert Hall." Hosted by Erica Ehm, this special features Holly Cole, Barenaked Ladies' Ed Robertson, Hawksley Workman, Serena Ryder and Mary Margaret O’Hara. The house band includes Aaron Davis on piano, Colleen Allen on saxophone, John Johnson on saxophone and flute, Davide Direnzo on drums, Marc Rogers on bass and Suzie Vinnick on background vocals and guitar.

Tuesday, December 30 @ 7 am – Talkin’ Blues

Brownes With A Feeling (2003): Series exploring the world of contemporary blues music. This episode features a look at blues great Mel Brown recording his new album, and a profile of Newfoundland musician Darren "Boobie" Browne.

Tuesday, December 30 @ 7:30 am – Rhythm, Roots and Soul

Keep on Believing/Lou Pride (2007): This series profiles R&B, soul, gospel and roots musicians through their words and their music. Mako Funasaka documents a moment in time of these wonderful musicians from many different musical genres. This episode features Chicago R&B soul musician, Lou Pride.

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WEEKLY EVENTS EVERY MONTH

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Wednesdays: Dr Dave Revue @ the Rainbow, 5-8 pm

Wednesdays: Brian Downey @ The Avant-Garde Bar, 8:30 pm

Wednesdays: Acoustic music with Jeff Rogers @ Tucson’s, 7:30-11 pm

Wednesdays: Open Jam @ the New Bayou, 9 pm

Thursdays: Acoustic blues with Al Tambay & friends @ Tucson’s, 7:30-11 pm

Thursdays: Mike Ktenas hosts the Blues Jam @ Irene’s, 9 pm to closing

Saturday afternoons: Guy del Villano @ Royal Oak, 318 Bank Street, 2-6 pm

Sunday afternoons: Blues jam @ the Rainbow, 3-7 pm

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LOCALS LOOK AHEAD

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Friday, December 26

Jivewires @ the Rainbow, 9:30 pm

The Dr. Dave Revue @ Tucson’s, 9:15 pm

Saturday, December 27

Quicksand @ Tucson’s, 9:15 pm

Tuesday, December 30

Annual Pre-New Year Show with Maria Hawkins @ the Rainbow, 9:30 pm

New Year’s Eve – Wednesday, December 31

New Year’s Eve with MonkeyJunk @ Irene’s Pub

Trevor Finlay’s New Year’s Eve show @ Tucson’s, 9:15 pm

The Hammerheads @ the Rainbow, 9:30 pm

Friday & Saturday, January 2-3, 2009

Tucson’s Annual No Cover Customer Appreciation Weekend with Wicked Grin as the house band, and performances by The Mud Boys, Sweet & The Back Beat, Trevor Finlay, Ricky Paquette, Lee Bowie, Double Double and more!!!

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