16 March 2009

Ottawa Blues This Week - 16 March 2009

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INDEPENDENT MUSIC AWARD

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Congratulations to Kitchener's Daddy Long Legs who, just moments after performing at a Canadian Music Week Showcase at the Silver Dollar in Toronto, was awarded the Independent Music Award ("Indie") for Favourite Blues Band.

www.daddylonglegs.ca

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INTERNATIONAL SONGWRITING COMPETITION

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The International Songwriting Competition (ISC) is excited to announce its 2008 finalists and semi-finalists. ISC received over 15,500 entries from almost 100 countries worldwide, representing a great depth and diversity of talent.

Here’s the list for blues:
All Going Wrong Darren Watson - Wellington, New Zealand
Black Dog Mickey Pantelous - Athens, Greece
Blind Man Thessex Johns (Johnny Drummer) - Chicago, IL, USA
Falling Garry Meziere (Ellen Whyte) - Oregon City, OR, USA
Get Up (Raise Your Head) Marshall Okell, Mathew Cummings(Marshall & The Fro)-Byron Bay, Australia
I Pray Most Everyday Gina Sicilia - Philadelphia, PA, USA
I Wish You Well Sam McClain, Pat Herlehy (Mighty Sam McClain) - Newmarket, NH, USA
Looking the World Straight In The Eye JW-Jones ( J. Wynne-Jones) - Ottawa, ON, Canada
Mister Coffee Chris James Del Villar, Patrick Rynn - Chicago, IL, USA
My Blues Keep Bringin' Me Home Dalannah Gail Bowen, Michael Creber - Vancouver, BC, Canada
Natural Condition Karl Francis Morgan - Perth, WA, Australia
Reason To Stay Carole Fredericks, Gildas Arzel - Canandaigua, NY, USA
Somebody Else's But Mine Bob Tunnoch (Fathead) - Toronto, ON, Canada
Trapped Dorothy Ellis (Miss Blues)- Norman, OK, USA
U.P. Down Blues Uros Peric - Celje, Slovenia

Congratulations to Ottawa’s JW-Jones and the other Canadian finalists and semi-finalists!

http://www.songwritingcompetition.com/winners.htm

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LOCAL HIGHLIGHTS THIS WEEK

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robert farrell band

Greenfields Pub, 900 Greenbank Road
Friday, March 20 @ 9:30 pm; cover $8

Want a little more rock with your blues? Join Robert and his original band for a heady mix of favourite covers and originals – it will be a smokin' night. Some fine guitars to showcase over the 3-set night as well.

www.robertfarrell.com

www.greenfieldspub.ca

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SPECIAL EVENTS THIS WEEK

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The Broken Hearted

Rainbow, 76 Murray Street

Saturday, March 21 @ 9:30 pm

These guys seemed to have dropped out of sight but it looks like they’re back. A recent MySpace post says: “The Band has taken on quite a few changes this past year, and is currently working on a new record … not only a new record, but a new direction musically. We plan on having it completed by the end of spring.”

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=50713378

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Official Blues Brothers Revival

Centrepointe Theatre, 1 Centrepointe Drive

Saturday, March 21 @ 8 pm; tickets $45 & $55

The Official Blues Brothers Revival captures the spirit of the original Blues Brothers movie and pays homage to Chicago's rich history of blues, gospel and traditional soul music while throwing in Jake and Elwood Blues into the mix. This live stage musical combines the hits from the original movie as well as the five popular albums put out by John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd. Upbeat and uplifting, Blues Brothers Revival is fun for all ages.

Jim Casson says, on Mapleblue-l:  “This is the only Blues Brothers show that is officially sanctioned by Dan Ackroyd and the Belushi estate.  http://www.bbrevue.com  Wayne Catania and Kieron Lafferty are backed by Jim Casson, Uli Bohnet, Paul Martin, Peter Nunn, Peter Kadar, Toby Stewart, Gord Aeichele, and Brian Scriver.  Great band and great show.”

http://www.centrepointetheatre.com

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AREA HIGHLIGHTS THIS WEEK

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Max Cann
Dinner & performance

2 Beans Café, Main Street South, Alexandria ON
Wednesday, March 18; $30; doors open at 5:30 pm; dinner at 6pm
For more information or to make a reservation call Kasey at 613-525-1466

Kasey, chief cook and owner of 2 Beans Café will be offering a true Pub Menu to compliment the evening’s entertainment.

Profits from all beer and wines sales at this event will benefit Betty Healey's Walk for the ‘Weekend to End Breast Cancer’.

Do good, eat well and enjoy traditional English music from a real troubadour.

Oh, and be home by 10:30 pm. Beat that!

There’s humour in Max Cann’s live presentations, as well as thoughtfulness, and sentiment (not much sentimentality, though). Most of all, there’s variety and Cann is proof that if you’re still doing music after 35 years, you’re certain to be very good at it.

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Blues on the Rideau presents two shows this weekend; there are still a few tickets left.

Rick Fines & Suzie Vinnick Band

The Cove, Westport ON

Friday, March 20

Proceeds to Juvenile Diabetes Association of Ontario

Two of Canada's best singer/songwriters/guitarists - each worth the price of admission on their own - together on stage with a hot band. Both have been nominated multiple times for Maple Blues and International Songwriting Awards. Suzie just won the 2009 Maple Blues Award for Female Vocalist of the Year. They do it all – from moody and soulful to rockin’ blues – and they do it with style. No wonder this night has been almost sold out for over a month.

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Monkeyjunk

The Cove, Westport ON

Saturday, Marcy 21

Proceeds to Gilda's Club for Cancer Families

How good is this band? In early February Monkey Junk, representing the Ottawa Blues Society, went down to the annual International Blues Competition in Memphis and ended up placing 3rd from over 100 entrants from 36 states and 9 countries. Wow! They don't even have a CD released yet (it will be out in April). Formed only 6 months ago this trio includes Steve Marriner (another great young Canadian blues artist - he just won the 2009 Maple Blues Award Winner for Harmonica Player of the Year) on harp, guitar and vocals, Tony D (a mainstay guitarist – singer - songwriter on the Ottawa scene for decades) on guitar and vocals and Matt Sobb on drums (Jeff Healey, Kim Wilson, Daivd Gogo). Together they have over 56 years of combined experience playing LIVE and in studio - and it shows. If you like your blues "Hound Dog Taylor style" you will love this band - a mix of "swamp R&B, soul boogie and bedroom funk". We were lucky enough to get them before they leave on a month long tour through western Canada. Come and see them in the funky, intimate confines of The Cove before they go. There are still a few tickets left.

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DINNER & SHOW $55 (includes taxes & donation to charity)

Buffet at 7 pm, Show at 8:30

Advance reservations required

CALL THE COVE (613) 273-3636 or 1-888-COVE-INN

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. Even if the nights are Sold Out, be sure to get on the Waiting List. There are frequently last minute cancellations.

Visit www.bluesontherideau.ca for more information

See you at The Cove!

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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 this month:

March 19 – Pat Johnson

March 26 – Dean Dupuis

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

http://www.atomicrooster.ca

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FESTIVALS THIS MONTH

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Festival Jazz et Blues Du Saguenay

March 24-29, 2009

http://www.jazzetblues.com/

Featuring Harry Manx, Émilie-Claire Barlow, Angel Forrest, Roland Tchakounté, Steve Marriner, Harrison Kennedy, Steve Strongman, Ricky Paquette, Rob Lutes, Colin Perry & The House Sereneders, Kitchen Shakers and more.

Tickets & Full schedule: http://www.jazzetblues.com/billets.html

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LOCAL HIGHLIGHTS ONCE A MONTH

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Honky Tonk Saturday Night

With Ball and Chain and the Wreckers

Elmdale House Tavern, 1084 Wellington Street

First Saturday each month @ 9 pm; $6 at the door


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

www.myspace.com/jodybenjamin

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Open Blues Jam

Rainbow Bistro, 76 Murray Street

Last Sunday of each month, 4-7 pm; cover $5 (jammers free)

Hosted by River City Junction, the jam is open to all ages. Jammers sign up on the jam sheet at the door & each jam session lasts for 3 songs. Drums & amps are provided, you only need to bring your instruments (but you can bring your amps if you want to).

http://rivercityjunction.com/

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Blues Jam

Avant- Garde Bar & Restaurant, 135 1/2 Besserer Street

First Tuesday of each month @ 8 pm;

Hosted by River City Junction, this jam is open to guest performers, but is not an open jam’.

If you want to plan, please contact River City Junction in advance to work out what instrument you play & what songs you would like to do.

Contact Jason jason@rivercityjunction.com

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AREA HIGHLIGHTS ONCE A MONTH

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Roots and Blues at Beaus

Beaus All Natural Brewing Company, 10 Terry Fox Drive, Vankleek Hill ON
1st Tuesday of every month, 7-10 pm; $10

Terry Gillespie is on hiatus from Blues on Tues, but has decided to share the gig with his friends. He has always wanted to style a juke and this is pretty close. Every time we play at Beau’s it gets a little better. Steve Beauchesne our host has added xmas tree lighting - much more intimate!


Tuesday, March 3rd features an obvious first choice, our friends: Stephen Barry, Gord Adamson, Andrew Cowan and Jody Golick, AKA the Stephen Barry Band.

The Stephen Barry Band plays a whole range of styles - some bluesy, some that swing - songs performed with such outstanding musicianship you can't imagine them done any better." Montreal International Jazz Festival

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Drum Church

Beaus All Natural Brewing Company, 10 Terry Fox Drive, Vankleek Hill ON

Every Sunday Starting April 4th, 10 am to noon; $5

DRUM CHURCH: Because Terry Gillespie loves music and thinks everyone should be in a band.
Drum Church has rules: No Songs and No solos!

Bring any instrument you want; electric or acoustic guitar, drums, broom stick, spoons, whatever.

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BLUES IN KINGSTON

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Kingston Blues Society Monthly Jam

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

3rd Saturday of each month, 9 pm – midnight; $3 at the door

Saturday, March 21 will feature special guest, keyboardist Craig Tousignant


Always one of the best nights of entertainment Kingston has to offer – come early as seating is limited.
Come out and see Mojo Shooter (one of Kingston's best bands) and a special guest each month. 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, 178 Ontario Street, Kingston ON

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

The Ones

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

Every Thursday night @ 9 pm

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For more, please contact Kingston Blues Society

www.kingstonbluessociety.ca

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SPECIAL EVENTS COMING SOON

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Mr. Something Something

Rainbow, 76 Murray Street

Friday, March 27 @ 9:30 pm

A little something for the body, a little something for the mind: your soundtrack to a joyful revolution. Mr. Something Something represents four years of composing, performing, risk-taking, improving and ultimately mobilizing the original vision of founding members Larry Graves [drums/percussion] and John MacLean [saxophone/voice]. Twenty years of playing, studying and traveling passed before these two childhood friends settled on the unbeatable dance rhythms of Nigeria, Senegal, Mali and Ghana as the most natural gathering place for the elements that would ultimately make up the Mr. Something Something sound.

Western instruments and concepts of improvisation are explored and layered over what used to be called Afrobeat; but the term strains to contain the innovations happening in the rhythm section at every show. It also fails to express in fiery-enough terms the imaginative solo work of respected jazz guitarist Paul MacDougall. Liam Smith dependably delivers basslines designed to induce and sustain a state of ecstatic dancing. And there is always inspiration to be drawn from mesmerizing on-stage dancer/choreographer Jennifer Dallas. The horn section strikes with power and uplifts with melody. And above it all, acting as a lightning rod, is the lyric statement of the case for change and consciousness, passionately delivered by electrifying frontman Johan Hultqvist.

Aside from wildly energized and unpredictable live shows, the band is becoming increasingly well-known for its green politics and environmental activism. The group did a number of “eco-dates” in 2007, playing a wind-powered show and performing in such unconventional venues as organic farms and food co-ops to highlight communities that are trying to minimize their ecological footprints.

The fresh sound and powerful message of the band’s second album “The Edge” led to a nomination for a 2007 Juno Award for World Music Album of the Year. Over the last three years the band has toured relentlessly in Canada, playing more than 300 shows, including appearances at most major jazz festivals and many folk festivals from coast to coast.

http://www.mrsomethingsomething.com

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Fathead

Tucson`s, 2440 Bank Street

Saturday, March 28 @ 9:15 pm

Fathead convincingly combine elements of Soul, R&B, Gospel, and “straight-down-the-line” Blues. Their distinctive musical imprint is characterized by solid grooves, soul-drenched melodies, ace musicianship, and compelling true-to-life songwriting. (Rico Ferrara)

www.fathead.biz

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The Perpetrators

Rainbow, 76 Murray Street

Thursday, April 2

Following the recent departure of Ryan Menard, the Perpetrators are now a duo – J Nowicki and Chris Carmichael. One of Canada’s rockin-est blues bands. Check them out in their new conformation.

http://www.perps.ca

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MUSICAL TRIBUTE TO AL KIRKCALDY

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AL K’S ALL DAY BLUES PARTY
A Musical Tribute to Al Kirkcaldy
Market Hall, 336 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-749-1146 (parking available nearby)
Sunday April 5; Two Shows: 2-6 pm and 7-11 pm; doors 1 pm

$20 for one show; $35 for both shows

Al Kirkcaldy, a friend to all things Blues, passed on February 12th due to complications resulting from his battle with cancer. Al championed the Blues whether it was introducing a new local artist or promoting an established international star – and he did both with equal verve. For Al, all roads led to the Blues.

Al hosted "blue in the face" on CFFF (92.7 FM) in Peterborough, wrote a regular Blues column in The Examiner, booked the Peterborough Holiday Inn Summer Blues Series, and was on the nominating committee for both the Blues Music Awards and the Maple Blues Awards. He had impeccable musical taste and his engaging manner when conducting interviews provided an opportunity to display the wit that characterized him.

In a show of appreciation, a long line of artists including Rick Fines, Jack de Keyzer, Paul Reddick, Roxanne Potvin, and local favourites The Rocket 88s are scheduled to perform in the course of the two scheduled shows.


Tickets available at Showplace, 290 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-742-7469

Proceeds will be donated in support of Blues In The Schools programs.

For more information please contact Rico Ferrara at Blues For A Big Town; 416-423-2224, ricoferrara@rogers.com

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BLUES ON THE RIDEAU – 2008/2009

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Demand for these great Dinner & Show fundraiser nights, featuring some of Canada's best blues artists in the intimate friendly setting of The Cove Inn in Westport, is growing and they are once again selling out well in advance. 2nd Shows on Saturday nights are being added. Watch for updates on www.bluesontherideau.ca

Remaining 2008/09 Season Schedule

March 20 - RICK FINES & SUZIE VINNICK BAND – a few tickets left

2009 Maple Blues Female Vocalist of the Year partnered with one of the best singer/songwriters/guitarists in the business and a fine band.

"Tasty guitars, heartfelt vocals & original lyrics - from moody and soulful to rockin' blues"

Proceeds to Juvenile Diabetes Association of Ontario


March 21 - MONKEY JUNK – a few tickets left
Ottawa's own with legendary Tony D on guitar & vocals, Steve Marriner on harp, guitar & vocals (2009 Maple Blues Award Harmonica Player of the Year) and Matt Sobb on drums. Just finished 3rd out of over 100 bands at the International Blues Competition in Memphis!

"Swamp boogie, R&B, bedroom funk & lethal love songs"

Proceeds to Gilda's Club for Cancer Families

April 17 – PAUL REDDICK & THE SIDEMEN

Proceeds to Rideau Waterway Land Trust & Westport in Bloom

April 18 – JW-JONES BLUES BAND

May 15-16 – DANNY BROOKS & THE MEMPHIS BROTHERS

Proceeds to Compassion Canada Sponsor a Child & Habitat for Humanity

June 19-20 – STEPHEN BARRY BAND with Special Guest MICHAEL JEROME BROWNE

Proceeds to Lucy Drysdale Memorial Scholarship & Westport Library

DINNER & SHOW $55 (includes taxes & donation to charity)

Buffet at 7 pm, Show at 8:30

Advance reservations required

CALL THE COVE (613) 273-3636 or 1-888-COVE-INN

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. Even if the nights are Sold Out, be sure to get on the Waiting List. There are frequently last minute cancellations.

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: 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, March 18 – Ron Miles: Introducing a contemporary trumpeter from Denver with a very personal style, who has recorded with Ginger Baker, Bill Frisell, Fred Hess and Wayne Horvitz as well as making several recordings as a leader.

Next week, March 25 – Piano Special: Six superb pianists share the spotlight tonight: Achmin Kaufmann, Livia Minafra, John Stetch, Michael Jefry Stevens, Ross Taggart and Amanda Tosoff; one American, one German, one Italian and three Canadians.

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Last Saturday of the month, 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 CJHR 98.7 Valley Heritage Radio

Thursdays, 8-10 pm

Got The Blues

Pat Watters has been hosting this blues only radio show for the last 2+ years. It can be heard throughout the Ottawa Valley (except downtown Ottawa).

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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, March 17 @ 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, March 23 @ 9 am – Mae Moore and Lester Quitzau: In Their Own (2005)
Documentary examining the lives of the acclaimed folk singer and her blues-guitarist husband on British Columbia's scenic and tranquil Pender Island, through engaging interviews and performances.

Tuesday, March 24 @ 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, March 31 @ 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.

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

Blind Boys of Alabama (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 The Blind Boys of Alabama.

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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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Saturday, March 28

JW-Jones @ the Rainbow, 9:30 pm

Friday, April 3

Bluestone @ Tucson’s, 9:15 pm

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