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SPECIAL EVENTS THIS WEEK
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Rocket Rached & the Fat City 8
CD Release Party “Seven Years of Thursdays”
Elmdale House Tavern, 1084 Wellington Street
Saturday, March 12 @ 9:30 pm; $10
Rocket Rached & the Fat City 8 rocked a packed house for two nights back in February 2010 with a few friends on board for the ride at the Elmdale House Tavern. It was a great couple of night with some magical moments. The CD is ready and set for release.
Over the years, almost all of Ottawa’s blues luminaries have played with Fat City … Tony D, Trevor Finlay, Sue Foley and Steve Marriner, as well as players from Canada’s blues community, David Gogo and the late Jeff Healey to name a few. International stars on that list include Otis Grand and members of Roomful of Blues.
Rocket Rached & the Fat City 8 have played across the country and played the Ottawa Bluesfest for 8 years straight, as well as other festivals. They have also opened for Duke Robillard, Junior Wells, Roomful of Blues and the highlight was opening for Ray Charles.
The ‘rocket man’ Jed Rached is a passionate bluesman, a founder of the Ottawa Blues Society, as well as one of 2 hosts of “The Midweek Blues”, a weekly blues radio show on CHUO 89.1 fm for 21 years. His devotion to the music and its players is well known; many local musicians have benefited from his help and guidance.
The time has come to capture the high energy show! We want to invite everyone down to be part of this CD release party.
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LOCAL HIGHLIGHTS THIS WEEKEND
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The 13th edition of Virée Blues Boréale
Presents
A Mardi Gras (just like in New Orleans)
With Mumbo Jumbo Voodoo Combo
Le Petit Chicago, 50 Promenade du Portage, in the Old Hull sector
Tuesday, March 8 @ 8 pm
To help you wait for spring, the team of Virée Blues Boréale thought of offering you, right now, a journey to Louisiana: a Mardi Gras Party, commonly known as Fat Tuesday. But WAIT!! This outstanding event will exceptionally be presented on a TUESDAY ... a Tuesday indeed!! The explanation for this schedule shift is quite simple: This year again, Mardi Gras falls on a TUESDAY! Virée Blues Boréale welcomes for the first time on its stage a group which, as its name states, is dedicated to performing the music and rhythms of New Orleans and of the Bayou, Mumbo Jumbo Voodoo Combo.
Brought together in Ottawa a couple of decades ago, the quartet relies on Mardi Gras and Cajun standards and adapts them its own way into something unique: a strongly-inspired but distinct music where original compositions are presented beside Caribbean Reggaes, tunes with Latin accents, Rhythm ’N’ Blues as well as Jazz. The charismatic drummer, percussionist, singer and washboard player Steve Lund, a 1991 Juno award winner, will lead all. Another founding member still with the group, Brian Magner will perform on saxophone and on percussion. Peter Brown will also perform; he’s a long-time member of the “Boppin Blues Band” that Mike Goudreau, Virée Blues Boréale’s previous star performer leads. And the youngest of them all, Grant Tomkinson will perform on bass and on percussion.
Mumbo Jumbo Voodoo Combo always finds the right balance between various genres to offer a great diversity while maintaining the intensity of the performance which will be savoured to the end.
www.mumbojumbo.ca
or on our facebook page, under “vireebluesboreale”
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Wii Got The Funk
with The FunKtion
Greenfield's Pub, 900 Greenbank Road
Friday, March 11, 8 pm-1 am; tickets $10 advance, $12 at the door
Gettin’ down, gettin’ funky! Get ready to bust a move with the Funktion, Ottawa’s premiere 60s, Motown and Soul band at Greenfield’s Pub on March 11th from 8pm to 1am. Their 12 members create a fun and energetic atmosphere - you won’t be able to sit still! Warm up those dancin’ shoes at the start of the night with a Nintendo Wii Just Dance competition on the big screen and win some fun prizes. Not only that, there will be a balloon pop and a silent auction for you to bring home some more amazing items from our sponsors. We’re breaking out the neon for this one, so arrive sporting the brightest apparel you’ve got. The night is bound to bring back some fond memories, and guaranteed to create some new ones!
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AREA HIGHLIGHTS THIS WEEK
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Phil Motion Trio
Café Nostalgica, 603 Cumberland Street (University of Ottawa)
Friday, March 11 @ 9 pm; free
Come check out the Phil Motion Trio – Phil, Marc Decho and the newest addition to the mix, Pascal Delaquis on drums. A special guest or two, some harmonica, some slide guitar and classic mix of old-school blues, funk and soul … some originals, some of the Meters, Jimmy Reed, Muddy Waters, some new material from a few rare-groove 45s.
www.myspace.com/philmotion
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Michael Pickett
O’Reilly’s Pub & Restaurant, 43 Gore Street, Perth ON
Friday, March 11 @ 8:30 pm; $10
Pickett's unique fusion of sensibilities, driven by his thumping delta guitar rhythms, muscular harmonica and gravel and chains voice is, at once, traditional and relevant. Never content to merely be a musical archivist, Pickett effectively deconstructs and reconstructs those seminal blues, born on the delta, to serve his own singular purpose; writing songs that are authentic both in substance and performance.
After 30 years, Michael Pickett is at a place in his career which he arrived at honestly. An acknowledged harmonica virtuoso, Pickett has led, and performed with, roots/blues bands clearly recognized for their significant contribution to a venerable musical art-form. But that was never enough for Michael. He has a voice. A voice that, without the adornment of a band, ought to be heard. Raw. Honest. And dripping with sly insights. Accompanied only by his guitar, rack harmonica and sensual expression, Michael Pickett is a performer who has stripped away the frills, to arrive at a place that belongs entirely to him.
http://www.michaelpickett.com/
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Roxilla AND Al Wood & the Woodsmen AND the Roosterman
Leslie Hall, Kemptville ON
Saturday, March 12
From George Buys:
Roxilla is a rockin’ Kemptville area band.
Al Wood & the Woodsmen play harmonica-led traditionally-based blues and roots music.
The Roosterman band are six guys: three from Halifax, three from Kemptville (includuing George Buys on guitar); they play Dutch Mason style blues.
This event is a birthday benefit for the Kinsmen who do a lot of good stuff around Kemptville.
http://www.myspace.com/alwoodmusic
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LOCAL HIGHLIGHTS EVERY WEEK
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Southside Tuesdays with Steve Marriner
Irene’s Pub, 885 Bank Street
Tuesdays
Join multi-talented multi-instrumentalist Steve Marriner for something different every week - blues/country/roots music of all kinds.
http://www.myspace.com/stevemarriner
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Irene’s Blues AllStars
Irene’s Pub, 885 Bank Street
Thursdays, 9 pm – 1 am
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, this weekly Thursday night jam features Corky Kealey on drums with Vince Halfhide on bass and 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 its continuing popularity.
Special guests:
March 10 – Johnny Mac
March 17 – Dr. Dave
March 24 – Jarhead & Jerome
March 31 – Rod Williams & Murray Kinsley
http://bacton.smugmug.com/share/cFoCZfrollzaE
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Open Blues Jam
Rainbow Bistro, 76 Murray Street
Every Sunday, 4-7 pm; cover $3 (jammers free)
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).
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Sunday Blues, 6-9 pm, no cover
Atomic Rooster, 303 Bank Street (at MacLaren)
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Southwest Sundays
With The Dusty Drifters
Irene’s Pub, 885 Bank Street
Sundays, 9:30 pm – 1 am
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The Jam @ Kaffé 1870, Wakefield QC
Every Wednesday @ 9 pm, no cover
6 rotating hosts, each specializing in a different genre
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LOCAL HIGHLIGHTS ONCE A MONTH
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Blues Jam
Avant-Garde Bar & Restaurant, 135½ Besserer Street
First Wednesday 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 play, 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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BLUES ON THE RIDEAU 6th SEASON
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Blues On The Rideau at The Cove Inn, Westport Ontario, the popular once a month Dinner & Show Fundraiser Series featuring some of Canada's best Blues artists, is now in its 6th season. It’s another superb Line-Up of artists this year with multiple Juno, Maple Blues and American Blues Award nominees/winners. Proceeds from all Shows go to support different local charities. $27,000 has been raised over the past 5 years and the goal is to raise at least $5,000 more this season. If you love good food and great Blues in a small, friendly atmosphere and you haven’t been to a BOTR @ The Cove night before then you owe it to yourself to try one. You won’t be disappointed. If you’re a regular you already know how good these nights are!
2010/11 LINE-UP
All artists appear with their bands
Visit artists’ web sites and MySpace sites for more information, audio and video clips.
March 18 & 19 (*2 night stand) – MONKEYJUNK
Ottawa’s own and a very HOT band these days. Winners of the Blues Music Award for Best New Band Debut and 6 Maple Blues Awards in 2010, 3 more Maple Blues Awards in 2011! Swamp R&B, soul boogie & bedroom funk at its best. Fresh off a European Tour with a new CD about to be released.
www.monkeyjunkband.com www.myspace.com/monkeyjunkottawa
Proceeds to the Friends of Foley Mountain
April 15 – PAUL REDDICK
Canada’s poet of the Blues with his superb harmonica and voice returns to BOTR for a 3rd visit. A multiple Maple Blues Award winner with a great new album.
www.paulreddick.ca www.myspace.com/paulreddick1
Proceeds to Westport In Bloom
May 20 – TREASA LEVASSEUR
Back for a 2nd visit. The slim lady with the BIG voice. A 2010 Juno Award nominee & multiple Maple Blues Award nominee. Delicious Blues, soul, funk & R&B.
www.treasalevasseur.com www.myspace.com/treasalevasseur
Proceeds to the Rideau District Museum
June 10 – RAOUL & THE BIG TIME
Toronto actor and Blues man who blows harp like Little Walter reincarnated. A multiple Maple Blues Award winner. Rough ‘n ready swing Blues.
www.raoulandthebigtime.com www.myspace.com/raoulandthebigtime
Proceeds to Habitat For Humanity
NOTE:
* If there is enough advance ticket demand on single show weekends a Saturday night show may be added - so BOOK EARLY!
* All Shows are filmed by Ken Bowman with audio by Little Chicago Sound Company and one song is posted to YOU TUBE soon after the performance. Visit www.choosetheblues.ca for examples from last year.
* Artists and dates subject to change. Visit www.choosetheblues.ca or call The Cove closer to each show for updates.
The Cove Inn www.coveinn.com is located in the beautiful town of Westport, Ontario on Upper Rideau Lake - a 45 minute drive from Kingston, 1.5 hours from Ottawa, 4 from Toronto and 3.5 from Montreal. Well-priced accommodation is available at The Cove and nearby B&B’s so out-of-town blues fans can stay overnight and enjoy a great little getaway.
$55 (plus HST) for full course buffet dinner, show & dancing.
All Shows 7 to 11 pm
Advance Reservations required
CALL THE COVE (613) 273-3636 or 1-888-COVE-INN
Reserve your tickets early! Most Shows sell out weeks ahead. It’s even more important to book early if you need accommodation. There are a limited number of rooms available at The Cove and the B&B's in town and they fill up fast.
Blues On The Rideau is produced by Choose The Blues Productions, Kenmore Ontario in cooperation with The Cove Inn, Westport Ontario
Visit www.choosetheblues.ca for more information
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SINGING COURSE – R&B
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Sing classic Blues, Soul & Motown favourites
Alcorn Music Studios, 903 Carling Ave @ Sherwood Dr. (Dow’s Lake/Preston area)
10 weeks, Tuesdays 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Dates: March 22,29, April 5,12,19,26, May 3,10,17,24
Cost: $234.00 (non-refundable)
Instructor: vocalist/music educator Elise Letourneau, B.Mus., M.Ed.
Pre-requisite: Some singing experience preferred.
Maximum participants: six
Register: 613-729-0693 info@alcornmusicstudios.com
Location: Note: This is a "less Scent" class we ask all participants to avoid wearing perfume, body spray or cologne.
This course will focus on the stylistic considerations of the R&B and Blues genres. You will learn vocal techniques for breath support, phrasing, flexibility, range, judicious use of vibrato, diction, how to “belt” responsibly, lyric interpretation. Explore the art of backing vocals. All participants will be singing lead and back-up. Last class the students rehearse with a live band and participate in the Alcorn Music Studios adult student Coffee House at Tucson’s Sunday May 29th!
You will have an absolute blast!
http://www.alcornmusicstudios.com
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MUSIC FROM THE BIG HOUSE
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Ottawa Premiere of
Music From the Big House
Mayfair Theatre, 1074 Bank Street
Wednesday & Thursday, March 23-24 @ 9 pm
Mayfair Theatre members $6, non-members $10
4 bands, 1 woman, and 2 hours of the blues.
From acclaimed director Bruce McDonald, teaming with an Emmy- and Oscar-nominated documentary producer, comes a rare and exclusive musical journey. Rita Chiarelli, an award-winning recording artist, has decided to take a pilgrimage to the birthplace of the blues — Louisiana State Maximum Security Penitentiary aka Angola Prison. She never imagined that her love of the blues would lead her to play with inmates serving life sentences for murder, rape and armed robbery. In what was once the bloodiest prison in America, inmates relatives were invited to listen alongside other prisoners, to hear remarkable voices singing stories of hope and redemption.
Let yourself be swept away by one of Blues’ most soulful pilgrim daughters who is finding out if music really is an escape.
“Morally complex… there are no answers here, [but] there is plenty of emotion, atmosphere, and great music.” (Montreal Gazette)
http://www.musicfromthebighouse.com/
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SPECIAL EVENTS COMING SOON
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Three Times Lucky
“Mojo Offa Muddy” CD Release Party
Elmdale House Tavern, 1084 Wellington Street
Friday, March 18 @ 9:30 pm; $6
Originally formed in early 2009, with a common appreciation of music, decades of friendship and live music experience, and a commitment to making uncompromised musical statements, Three Times Lucky always bring their top game to any live music venue, studio or festival stage near you.
Our Mission Statement: Write, record and perform live, our own home-grown brand of Canadian Blues/Roots music, that we hope will entertain people, and resonate with their own lives and individual experiences. We also hope to relay our own heartfelt and sometimes humourous observations on current and past socio-political issues of Pan-Canadian and Trans-Global concern. Or maybe just have a good time playing our music. In short, Three Times Lucky just might be that Rootsy/Folk Rockn'/Blues Alternative Band you've been looking for all your life.
Opener Rock Snake
http://www.myspace.com/3timeslucky
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Rita Chiarelli
Black Sheep Inn, Wakefield C
Friday, March 18
“These past few years, I took long and lonely journeys to Mississippi and Louisiana... the songs you will hear are the bluesy swampy rootsy experiences I had... they are real and they are from the heart”
www.ritachiarelli.com
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Phil Motion Trio
Kaffé 1870, Wakefield QC
Friday, March 18 @ 9 pm; $5
Come check out the Phil Motion Trio – Phil, Marc Decho and the newest addition to the mix, Pascal Delaquis on drums. A special guest or two, some harmonica, some slide guitar and classic mix of old-school blues, funk and soul … some originals, some of the Meters, Jimmy Reed, Muddy Waters, some new material from a few rare-groove 45s.
www.myspace.com/philmotion
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David Gogo’s Birthday Weekend Celebration
Rainbow, 76 Murray Street
Friday & Saturday, March 18-19
Although still relatively young in "blues years", David Gogo has accomplished much in his career. So far he has three Juno nominations, was named Musician of the Year at the Western Canadian Music Awards, was twice named Guitarist of the Year at the Maple Blues Awards, and has been bestowed with the CBC Saturday Night Blues, Great Canadian Blues Award for a lifetime contribution to the blues in Canada.
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“He Said – She Said”
Peter Karp & Sue Foley
National Arts Centre Studio
Saturday, March 19 @ 8 pm; tickets $30
"He Said - She Said" is the new inspired show featuring a collaboration of original songs by Peter Karp and Sue Foley. The project is based around a correspondence the two shared through letters that were written over a year period. These letters started as a casual exchange between two committed performers sharing their common bond of the loneliness of the road, the pain of separation from family and home and above all, the drive to make music. But as time went on the letters they shared became more poignant, more revealing. Those letters became their songs.
The result is "He Said - She Said." The show features songs of two artists in development, sharing artistic purpose and spiritual kinship in a meeting of hearts and minds. Whether they're performing as an acoustic duo or with their electric band the music encompasses elements of folk, jazz, flamenco, and blues resulting in a show that is moving, literate, romantic, rocking and exciting.
http://www.myspace.com/thehesaidshesaidproject
http://www.nac-cna.ca/en/whatson/event.cfm?ID=6532
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Morningstar Productions presents
Rita Chiarelli
Octave Theatre, Kingston ON
Saturday, March 19
MUSIC FROM THE BIG HOUSE...the amazing documentary chronicling her visit to the Louisiana maximum security prison in Angola...will be debuting in Toronto just two days later on March 21. This show promises to be unforgettable.
http://www.musicfromthebighouse.com/
Rita is going to be thoroughly stoked and the Octave is going to be one cosy little room full of rock & blues thunderbolts.
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Terry Gillespie
The Granary Beizli, 3270 County Road 10, Vankleek Hill
Tuesday, March 22; $10
With Jody Golick, Peter Measroch, Stephen Barry and Gordon Adamson, Jody Golick and Terry’s Annual Birthday Party.
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Terry Gillespie & Lynne Hanson Birthday Party
Giving it back at The Blacksheep!
Blacksheep Inn, Wakefield QC
Friday, March 25 @ 8:30 pm; $12
Terry's birthday is March 30th, and Lynne's is March 17th, so they decided to join forces on a double bill at the Blacksheep Inn each with a full band to celebrate. As part of the birthday celebrations Terry will be giving away copies of Faux 45 - A Heaven's Radio Social Club Hit Single, and there will be a free draw inbetween sets for CDs. Terry and Lynne have each had a great year and this is a chance to give something back to their audience and friends.
Terry Gillespie – Righeous Blues seeded with a hint of R&B!
Lynne Hanson – Porch music with a little Texas Red Dirt
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Angel Forrest
La Basoche, 120, rue Principale (secteur d’Aylmer), Gatineau
Friday, March 25 @ 8 pm; tickets $25
Quebec's answer to Janis Joplin, Angel Forrest has captivated audiences for more than 20 years with her charismatic stage presence and powerful voice. No matter the setting, this blueswoman is capable of making an instant connection with her spectators.
http://www.myspace.com/angelforrest
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Guitar Workshop with Rick Fines
Wintergreen, 9780 Canoe Lake Road, South Frontenac ON
Friday – Sunday, March 25-27
Celebrate spring on the early side with a weekend of guitar with Rick Fines. The workshop will begin with a scrumptious gourmet dinner at the lodge on Friday evening. Later in the evening, you will enjoy the first informal session of music making.
On Saturday and Sunday, there will be a series of workshops on various styles of acoustic blues guitar playing. Workshops will help you develop your skills in rhythm, soloing, slide and fingerstyle blues. Bring an audio recorder if you like, to capture the parts you’ll want to work on later (no video recording please). Each student will receive Rick’s “Fingerstyle Blues” DVD with 75 minutes of instruction on Delta style guitar.
When you’re not working on your guitar playing, you will be able to enjoy the many trails on our hundreds of acres of land, or relax in our wood-fired sauna.
Saturday evening will feature a public concert by Rick Fines (free to workshop participants) – see info below. Late night jamming after the concert is a strong possibility!
After another morning of guitar playing and instruction, lunch will be served. The workshop will close after lunch on Sunday.
Tuition: $195 (20% discount on tuition if you come with a friend - $310 for two). HST extra.
Accommodation and meals for the duration of the workshop: $220 (bunks p.p.), $260 (shared rooms or cabins, p.p.), $300 (double bed, single occupancy), $395 (double bed, shared). Facilities and meals only (for registrants staying off-site): $150. HST extra.
http://www.wintergreenstudios.com
Dinner & Concert with Rick Fines
Wintergreen, 9780 Canoe Lake Road, South Frontenac ON
Saturday, March 26; dinner @ 6 pm, concert @ 7:30 pm; tickets $30
Reserve by email (info@wintergreenstudios.com) or by phone (613 273 8745)
Rick Fines is one of Canada’s leading blues, roots music, and slide guitarists, and he returns to Wintergreen for a second year, offering both a guitar workshop and a concert for the public. Recipient of Songwriter of the Year along with Suzie Vinnick, Rick’s work with Jackson Delta brought nominations from both the Juno and the Handy awards. He has played for legendary blues piano player Pinetop Perkins, songstress Colleen Peterson, and folk icon Penny Lang, among others. He tours from the Gulf of Mexico to the Arctic, from BC to NYC. Rick is also a gifted instructor. For the past quarter century, he has worked both with young students and adults – as an instructor at Sir Sanford Fleming College and at Trent University, as a featured artist in the Blues in the Schools program, as a youth mentor in the Winnipeg Folk Festival, and as a private instructor in Peterborough, Kerrville Texas, and on Hornby Island.
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Joe Bonamassa
Ottawa Civic Centre
Friday, April 1; $63.70-$86.30 + sc
Some tickets still available for this special deal … buy 3 tickets and get 1 free - Enter code: JB4PACK into Special Offers Box.
Touring in support of his soon-to-be-released album “Dust Bowl”, his 11th full-length solo release and 9th studio album, Joe Bonamassa will be playing the Ottawa Civic Centre, one night only.
A child prodigy, Bonamassa opened shows at age 12 for blues legend B.B. King, who said after first seeing him play, “This kid's potential is unbelievable…He's one of a kind.” His recording career began in the early ’90s with Bloodline, a rock-blues group also featuring Robby Krieger’s son Waylon and Miles Davis’ son Erin. His solo debut was in 2000 with the Tom Dowd-produced “A New Day Yesterday”.
Bonamassa tours constantly and averages 200 shows every year, almost always playing to sold-out crowds and ever-larger houses, and with each gig, he comes more into his own as a virtuoso and a vocalist. As he heads back to the road in support of his new album, he remains infinitely passionate about playing live, connecting with his audiences and making new fans along the way.
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Jack de Keyzer
Rainbow, 76 Murray Street
Saturday, April 2
Blues, jazz, funky R&B and swing are all part of the palette that colour Jack de Keyzer’s musical portraits. The much acclaimed guitarist, singer and songwriter has worked with artists as varied as King Biscuit Boy, Etta James, Blue Rodeo, Robert Gordon, Otis Rush and the Bop Cats. His guitar playing has been featured on hundreds of recordings; as a song writer he has been covered by Prairie Oyster on their hit album ‘Everyone Knows’ ; and as a singer he once sang a duet with kd lang. (Alright... it was a Budweiser commercial...) He performs internationally over 150 shows per year, and is a multiple Maple Blues Award nominee & winner and two-time Juno winner.
www.jackdekeyzer.com
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DOUBLE BILL –
John Primer
and Trevor Finlay & the Hot Damn Band
Rainbow, 76 Murray Street
Saturday, April 9
In 1995 former Muddy Waters and Magic Slim sideman John Primer released his major label debut "The Real Deal". He has since toured extensively in support of ten solo albums to date. With his strong traditionalist Blues phrasing and lightning fast slide technique, few artists can match him. A master storyteller and songwriter, his catalog of songs is endless and his sound is unforgettable. John Primer & The Real Deal Blues Band continues to electrify audiences at clubs and festivals, and remain a driving force in the world of Blues music today.
http://johnprimerblues.com
Multi-faceted guitarist/singer-songwriter Trevor Finlay has stormed stages around the world from his native Canada to Australia and France, wowing audiences and winning fans everywhere. He is now setting his sights again on his audience with an exciting new tour and "Live" Bootleg Album. Onstage, Finlay is a musical dynamo, showcasing an eclectic, stir-fried mix of hard-driving roots rock, rock and rockabilly on electric guitar and Violap. Whether performing solo or backed by his new band, he's an engaging and highly-popular crowd-pleaser.
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Fundraiser for the Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre & Kidney Cancer Canada
Koyman Art Gallery, 1171 St. Laurent
Saturday, April 16, 7-11 pm; tickets $10 at the door
A fundraiser is being hosted in honour of JP (Jean-Pierre) Bélisle on Saturday, April 16th 2011 from 7-11 pm at Koyman Art Gallery, at 1171 St. Laurent Blvd. This will be a heart-warming event to raise funds to be equally divided between The Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre and Kidney Cancer Canada. JP has recently been treated with the Cyber Knife machine acquired by the Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre in 2010 (a minimally non-invasive treatment for brain tumours). Drs. Shawn Malone and Christina Canil will be in attendance to speak on the Cyber Knife and Kidney Cancer. We promise to have a wonderful night with live music including Blues, Rock, Pop and Country, a light lunch, silent auction and a 50/50 draw.
If you wish to donate an item, a service or a monetary donation or if you have any questions please call Bonnie at 613-321-1548 (bmacdonald561@gmail.com) or Roxanne at 613-834-1561.
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Johnny Max
Irene’s, 885 Bank Street
Friday, April 29
FINALLY … it’s certainly been a long road, but now everyone in Ottawa gets a chance to enjoy a Johnny Max Band show!
Johnny is a soulful singer whose respect and passion for all types of music is evident. He is also a brilliant entertainer who has audiences thoroughly enjoying each show. Johnny Max has built up a solid reputation as one of those guys who gives 110% and is one of the most action-packed and satisfying entertainers around. Johnny takes to performing like a fish to water, a perpetual motion machine, galvanizing his spicy blend of Stax/Volt, Atlantic, Funk, and Blues into frenzied heights, often propelling himself into the audience’s eager arms.
To listen to Johnny Max tell it, and to watch Johnny Max present it, you understand very quickly that there’s more to creating great music than simply performing a first-rate piece of music well. It’s much more all encompassing than that.
Max’s take includes engaging the audience, making his show accessible. He wants to more than simply feed off the audience, he looks to make them part of the experience. And he does so with his good natured wit.
Using humour to get your point across is always risky because there’s a fine line between entertaining and being the comic. To his credit Johnny Max knows how to tread that line because the music always comes first.
Max’s music doesn’t always follow conventional Blues lines. Rather than be confined to the traditional 12 bar influenced forms, this veteran of the musical wars favours substance rather than convention.
While his first three releases firmly established Max in the Blues idiom, it was on his fourth, the Juno nominated “A Lesson I’ve Learned” that Johnny added to his Blues sensibilities, and found his groove. And that groove had more to do with Southern Soul than straight up Blues. Of note, check the title track whose chorus might have been lifted from the Dan Penn songbook.
Max’s new disc “It’s A Long Road” picks up where “Lesson” left off – with a wallop! Partnering with a brand new band, Johnny lays down a dozen tracks with a heavy dosage of Gumbo R&B, nods to Rock’em Sock’em Soul, and hints of all-out Boogie work-outs and Tom Waits styled tonalities. Along the way, Johnny relates his most deeply personal stories to date.
You would think that all of the above would be enough to keep anyone busy but Max also finds time to host a radio show: “Sunday Morning Soul” on The HAZE FM, www.thehazefm.ca, Canada’s only commercial web radio station Sunday mornings at 11AM and Wednesdays at 10PM, and co-program the CNE Bandshell BluesFest, (with Rico Ferrara), among other ventures.
It’s all in days work for Max. And he and his fans wouldn’t have it any other way.
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PRAIRIE SCENE
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From April 26 to May 8, Canada’s National Arts Centre will present Prairie Scene, the fifth in a series of national Scene festivals celebrating and showcasing our country’s finest established and emerging artists.
Prairie Scene will invite more than 500 Saskatchewan and Manitoba artists to take over the nation’s capital. Musicians, actors, choreographers, visual and media artists, filmmakers, writers and master chefs will be bringing their unique talents to audiences in concert halls, theatres, galleries, bars, clubs, museums and restaurants throughout the region – a virtual Prairie invasion!
Prairie Scene will also offer a chance for 70 national and international presenters to discover the best of Prairie culture, creating new performance opportunities for Prairie artists across the country and around the world.
Prairie Scene will present a vast living portrait of the region – combining rural and urban, traditional and contemporary, shaking stereotypes and celebrating new voices. Don’t miss it!
http://www.prairiescene.ca/en/
Prairie Scene bluesy offerings include:
Colin James Acoustic Duo
NAC Theatre, 53 Elgin Street
Wednesday, April 27, 7:30 pm; tickets $39.00
Get up close and personal with Colin James as he brings his acoustic duo show to Prairie Scene. In a career spanning two decades, Colin (who was mentored by the legendary Stevie Ray Vaughan) has flourished into a multi-platinum artist many times over. His self-titled album debuted worldwide in 1989, garnering him two hit singles (‘Voodoo Thing’ and ‘Five Long Years’) as well as the first of many JUNO Awards. The emergence of The Little Big Band in the early 90s saw Colin’s career soar to new heights, and he remains one of the country’s most revered musicians.
2009 saw him release his 12th CD, “Rooftops and Satellites”, featuring rock radio hit ‘Man’s Gotta Be a Stone’. His greatest hits, “Take it From the Top”, released on March 15 with EMI, features bonus tracks recorded with legendary producer Bob Rock, bringing Colin full circle back to his original label. Today he captivates audiences everywhere with his seductive vocals and lush guitar playing in an exceptionally intimate acoustic duo with guest guitarist Chris Caddell.
Saskatchewan songstress sisters Jen and Megan Lane with noted guitarist John Antoniuk (aka Smokekiller) open the show.
Prairie Scene Women's Blues Night
With Suzie Vinnick, Little Miss Higgins, Romi Mayes & Megan Lane
Library & Archives Canada Auditorium, 395 Wellington
Friday, May 6
These four powerhouse prairie singer-songstresses can outplay and outsing just about anyone, and that’s just what they’re going to do at Prairie Scene. Saskatchewan’s Suzie Vinnick is a four-time Canadian Maple Blues Awards winner as vocalist of the year, with a voice described as “spun gold”. Little Miss Higgins is a Western Canadian Music Award (WCMA) winner for Outstanding Blues Recording, with a down-home raw talent that makes you sit up and pay attention.
2009 WCMA Songwriter of the Year, Manitoba’s Romi Mayes is a whisky-drinking straight shooter whose heart-on-your-sleeve lyrics and serious badass guitar playing have made her a favourite in venues from coast to coast; and Megan Lane’s distinctive voice and intense stage presence bridge the gap between blues, jazz, rock, and soul with a fierce passion.
http://www.littlemisshiggins.com/
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OTTAWA BLUESFEST NEWS
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She’s the One
. . . and she'll launch her career at the Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest!
Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest organizers today announced a call for submissions for their She's the One Emerging Female Artist Competition. The competition is a cross-Canada talent search for the best in emerging Canadian female music talent. With the help of EZ Rock 99.7, Bluesfest is looking for promising female Canadian singers/songwriters or bands with female lead-members of any age.
The competition will include two categories: One is 'Solo', which means a female lead singer who also plays an instrument, and the second is 'Band'; two or more people in an act or group, with a female lead singer (or lead performer, if it's an instrumental band).
Ottawa Bluesfest organizers will gather submissions, with three finalists selected from each category. These six finalists will have a 20-minute slot to perform at the Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest for a professional jury, on Saturday July 16, 2011. One winner will be chosen from each category. Judging will be based upon various criteria, including performance, stage presence/showmanship, originality, musicality, audience reaction, and the ever-important ‘It’ factor.
Up for grabs are cash prizes: Band Category winner will receive $5,000; Solo Category winner will receive $2,000. There’s also the bragging rights and exposure that go along with performing at one of North America’s pre-eminent music festivals.
Criteria for the competition and applications can be found at ottawabluesfest.ca. Deadline for submissions is midnight, March 28, 2011.
http://2011.ottawabluesfest.ca/shestheoneinfo
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'Street Lights'
Great Canadian Theatre Company (GCTC), 300–1227 Wellington West
Sunday, April 10, 11 am - 10 pm
Doors @ 11 am, play @ 2 pm, Acoustic Waves concert @ 8 pm
A day-long event called ‘Street Lights’ will include the showing and selling of art-work done by YSB youth. 'Street Food' will also be available.
This event is being held to promote a play called The Middle Place, which runs at the GCTC from March 29 - April 17, and to raise funds for the Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa’s housing program for homeless youth (a program which helps youth permanently move off the streets and into safe and stable housing, go back to school, find a job, and feel hope for a brighter future).
Created from interviews conducted at a youth shelter, The Middle Place brings to the stage the extraordinary voices of 16 homeless teens, three tired caseworkers and one well-intentioned outsider. Lauded by critics, this piece of documentary theatre explores the lives of society's forgotten youth.
A talk back session after the play will be held, with youth who have experienced homelessness.
The day will culminate with an Acoustic Waves concert, presented by the Ottawa Folk Festival and featuring Tara Holloway and her band:
Tickets for the Tara Holloway concert go on sale Saturday, February 26 and will be available for $15 in advance at the GCTC box office and for $18 at the door (if still available).
Tickets for the event in its entirety are available by contacting the YSB Charitable Foundation at ysbfoundation@ysb.on.ca or 613-729-0577x1206)
http://www.ottawafolk.org/?concerts
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BLUES IN KINGSTON
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Michael Pickett
The Standeasy - RCHA Club, 193 Ontario Street, Kingston ON
Saturday, March 12
Limited number of tickets available; call 613 384-8168 to reserve
Pickett's unique fusion of sensibilities, driven by his thumping delta guitar rhythms, muscular harmonica and gravel and chains voice is, at once, traditional and relevant. Never content to merely be a musical archivist, Pickett effectively deconstructs and reconstructs those seminal blues, born on the delta, to serve his own singular purpose; writing songs that are authentic both in substance and performance.
After 30 years, Michael Pickett is at a place in his career which he arrived at honestly. An acknowledged harmonica virtuoso, Pickett has led, and performed with, roots/blues bands clearly recognized for their significant contribution to a venerable musical art-form. But that was never enough for Michael. He has a voice. A voice that, without the adornment of a band, ought to be heard. Raw. Honest. And dripping with sly insights. Accompanied only by his guitar, rack harmonica and sensual expression, Michael Pickett is a performer who has stripped away the frills, to arrive at a place that belongs entirely to him.
http://www.michaelpickett.com/
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KINGSTON COMING EVENTS
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Downchild Blues Band
Grand Theatre, 218 Princess Street, Kingston ON
Saturday, April 16 @ 8 pm; $40.00 + applicable extras
Forty years and sixteen albums on, the legendary Downchild Blues Band is a thread of gold in the fabric of Canadian music history. Led by founding member Donnie ‘Mr Downchild’ Walsh, they remain our premiere purveyors of jump and Chicago-style blues, the dues-payers for everyone who has followed them since they came together in Toronto in 1969.
Tickets available at Grand Theatre box office (613-530-2050)
Information: morningstar@bell.net (613-378-2736)
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KINGSTON REGULAR EVENTS
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KBS Monthly Jam
Mojo Shooter with Special Guest
RCHA Club, 193 Ontario Street, Kingston ON
Third Saturday of the month
Always one of the best nights of entertainment Kingston has to offer – come early as seating is limited.
Sponsored by the Kingston Arts Council and the City of Kingston
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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
Sam Hopkins and Spencer Evans
Upstairs @ the Brew Pub
Every Second Sunday 2-4 PM
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For more, please contact Kingston Blues Society
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BLUES ON THE RADIO
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101.9 DAWG-FM, CIDG, is ON THE AIR! Blues 24/7
Live streaming on the website at http://www.dawgfm.com/
Sundays: 8 pm
Ottawa Blues Society DAWG’ON BLUES
Each week OBS hosts keep you up to date on what’s happening on the Ottawa area blues scene, play some great blues from local bands and showcase regional and Canadian talent.
This week, March 13 – new music from Three Times Lucky, Wicked Grin & Rocket Rached & the Fat City 8
Next week, March 20 – Diana Braithwaite & Chris Whiteley and Rita Chiarelli
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Sundays: 6-8 pm
INSIDE THE BLUES with James Doran
Inside The Blues features music and interesting backgrounder information on today’s top Blues artists with a strong focus on Canadian talent mixed in with some great Blues classics. Hour Two features an in-depth interview and music from a different artist or blues industry VIP every week. All Shows are archived on www.insidetheblues.ca after broadcast and can be listened to there at any time.
This week, March 13 – Interview guest – John Campbelljohn
Next week, March 20 – A Tribute to Mel Brown
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On CKCU-FM 93.1
The Mighty 93.1
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 2010. 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 9 – Sax Appeal: Saxophonists Dmitry Baevsky, Jane Ira Bloom, Alex Dean, Jake Fryer, Peter Macdonough, Mike Murley, Bud Shank, Wil Swindler, Paul Van Kemenade and Chris Woodbury.
Next week, March 16 – Henry Threadgill: Co-Host Jim Reil explores the career of seminal Chicago musician and composer Henry Threadgill through selections from the recent Mosaic 8-CD box set of Threadgill’s Columbia and RCA recordings. Outstanding and diverse music from one of the greats.
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Alternate Sunday overnights (Monday morning) from 2-7 am
Rockin' the Blues From Canada
with Diane Wells
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On CBC Radio Two 103.3 FM
Saturdays: 6-8 pm
On CBC Radio One 91.5 FM
Saturdays: 9-11 pm
Saturday Night Blues
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 and now streaming on the internet at valleyheritageradio.ca so Ottawa folks can now listen!
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CBC RADIO CONCERTS ON DEMAND
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Some bluesy selections from this week's Canada Live broadcasts at 7 pm nationwide on CBC Radio Two...
Monday, March 7
concert 2: Chiwoniso, recorded at Cabaret du Mile End in Montreal
While Zimbabwean performer Chiwoniso's musical influences range from soul and R&B to reggae and rock, the entrancing sounds of the mbira serve as a central underpinning for her songs. "I am like a mirror," declares Chiwoniso, "I basically sing about what I see happening in the world. If someone comes up to me in the street to ask for money I'll sing about that. If people are jumping borders because their economic situation is too difficult, I'll sing about that. If the police are beating people up and intimidating them, I'll sing about that." In this Canada Live recording at Le Cabaret du Mile End in Montreal, Chiwoniso rocks the house with a band populated by a mix of Haitians, Americans and Europeans.
Wednesday, March 9
concert 1: Catherine MacLellan, recorded at CBC Radio Studio H in Halifax, Nova Scotia
There are some who believe that genetics has a great deal to do with artistic ability. If you take Catherine MacLellan as an example, you'd be hard pressed to prove that idea wrong. The daughter of the late Canadian songwriting icon Gene MacLellan, whose songs were covered by everyone from Ann Murray, to Bing Crosby to Elvis Presley, Catherine has that same knack of cutting right to the heart of the matter, with lyrics that examine the inner workings of the human soul.
Thursday, March 10
concert 1: Nikki Yanofsky, recorded at the Pantages Theatre in Winnipeg as part of the Jazz Winnipeg Festival
Since breaking onto the music scene four years ago at the tender age of 12, Montreal's Nikki Yanofsky has established herself as a stunningly vibrant singer. When she was 13, Nikki became the youngest artist ever to record for Verve Records with her version of "Airmail Special" for a CD dedicated to Ella Fitzgerald. Her first album, "Ella Of Thee I Swing," came out in 2008 and picked up two Juno nominations. Since then, Nikki has worked with a who's who of songwriters and performers. Her profile took a huge leap when she performed during the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver to a global television audience. This concert from the historic Pantages Theatre in Winnipeg, where Ella Fitzgerald once performed, was much anticipated, and very well received. Nikki possesses a wonderful tone, exacting intonation and an innate ability to swing. You could almost feel the spirit of Ella Fitzgerald watching over Nikki's exciting performance that night.
Friday, March 11
concert 1: Jully Black, recorded on the John Street stage at CBC Toronto
2010 was quite the year for Jully Black. She played at the Winter Olympics in Vancouver, performed in London, England on Canada Day to 15,000 people, and opened for Kanye West in Singapore. All of this would be enough, but she continues to write songs and release albums. Jully's rightfully earning the title "Canada's queen of R&B." Hear her amazing pipes in this blistering set, recorded during last year's FIFA World Cup, as part of a special Soccer Nation concert in Toronto.
CBC Radio 1 broadcast, Fridays at 2:05 PM
Friday, March 11 on CBC Radio 1
concert 1: Nikki Yanofsky, recorded at the Pantages Theatre in Winnipeg as part of the Jazz Winnipeg Festival
Since breaking onto the music scene four years ago at the tender age of 12, Montreal's Nikki Yanofsky has established herself as a stunningly vibrant singer. When she was 13, Nikki became the youngest artist ever to record for Verve Records with her version of "Airmail Special" for a CD dedicated to Ella Fitzgerald. Her first album, "Ella Of Thee I Swing," came out in 2008 and picked up two Juno nominations. Since then, Nikki has worked with a who's who of songwriters and performers. Her profile took a huge leap when she performed during the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver to a global television audience. This concert from the historic Pantages Theatre in Winnipeg, where Ella Fitzgerald once performed, was much anticipated, and very well received. Nikki possesses a wonderful tone, exacting intonation and an innate ability to swing. You could almost feel the spirit of Ella Fitzgerald watching over Nikki's exciting performance that night.
Canada Live podcast, released on Fridays
Friday, March 11 on the Canada Live podcast
Catherine MacLellan, recorded at CBC Radio Studio H, Halifax NS, January 18
There are some who believe that genetics has a great deal to do with artistic ability. If you take Catherine MacLellan as an example, you'd be hard pressed to prove that idea wrong. The daughter of the late Canadian songwriting icon Gene MacLellan, who's songs were covered by everyone from Ann Murray, to Bing Crosby to Elvis Presley, Catherine has that same knack of cutting right to the heart of the matter, with lyrics that examine the inner workings of the human soul.
Lots of blues available in the concerts on demand section of the CBC Website …
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WEEKLY EVENTS ON THE SMALL SCREEN
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ALWAYS check local listings to confirm.
On BRAVO – http://www.bravo.ca
Monday, March 14 @ 10 pm
Long John Baldry: In the Shadow of the Blues (2006)
The life and legacy of guitarist and singer Long John Baldry is examined in this one-hour documentary. Baldry played a key role in the growth of the British rhythm and blues movement, and led bands in the mid-1960s that featured Rod Stewart and Elton John, both of whom are interviewed in the documentary. In the ’80s, Baldry emigrated to Canada, living first in Toronto and then in Vancouver, where he died in 2005.
IN MARCH: Yonge Street: Toronto Rock & Roll Stories
This series of three one-hour shows debuts the week of the Junos in celebration of their 40th anniversary. Directed by Bruce McDonald, this series is a love letter to Toronto and to the birth of Canada's music scene.
Monday, March 21 @ 10 pm – Part 1: (1955-1960) (repeated Monday March 27 @ 6 am)
Travel back to sleepy and dull Toronto in the 1950s, where they rolled up the sidewalks after dark. There was no rock ‘n’ roll music until that fateful night when Ronnie Hawkins & Levin Helm pulled up in their car from Arkansas, popped the trunk and let that Rock ‘n’ Roll out.
Features interviews with Robbie Robertson, Ronnie Hawkins, Cathy Young, Grant Smith, Stan Endersby and many more key people in the music scene.
Tuesday, March 22 @ 10 pm – Part 2: (1960-1965) (repeated Monday March 27 @ 7 am)
In the early 1960s, the Toronto music scene spread out to Yorkville, where folk music began to thrive. But Yonge Street was still the home of the more raucous, wild Rock & Roll bands like Levon and the Hawks.
Features interviews with Ian Tyson, Sylvia Fricker, Gordon Lightfoot, John Finley, Kay Taylor, Shawne Jackson and many more key people in the music scene.
Wednesday, March 23 @ 10 pm – Part 3: (1965-1970) (repeated Monday March 27 @ 8am)
In the mid-‘60s, Yorkville had become the mecca for folk music but, when Dylan went electric, everything changed. Rock & Roll and psychedelic music began to share the clubs with the folk music coffeehouses.
Features interviews with Skip Prokop, John Kay, Ritchie Yorke, John Brower, Jan Haust, George Olliver, David Clayton-Thomas, Daniel Lanois and many more key people in the music scene.
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LOCALS LOOK AHEAD
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Friday, March 18
Three Times Lucky CD release @ the Elmdale House
Sweet & the Back Beat @ Tucson’s
Saturday, March 19
King Rattler (Double Bill with Iz & the 3 Alley Cats) @ the Elmdale House Tavern
Sunday, March 20
Al Wood hosts the Sunday afternoon Blues Jam @ the Rainbow, 4-7:30 pm
Friday, March 25
The Priorities @ Tucson’s
Sunday, March 27
River City Junction hosts the Sunday afternoon Blues Jam @ the Rainbow, 4-7:30 pm
Wednesday, March 30
Al Tambay @ the Elmdale House Tavern
Friday, April 1
Drew Nelson Band @ Irene’s
Sunday, April 3
Maria Hawkins hosts the Sunday afternoon Blues Jam @ the Rainbow, 4-7:30 pm
Friday, April 8
Sherri Harding & the Heat @ Irene’s
Sunday, April 10
Dr Dave hosts the Sunday afternoon Blues Jam @ the Rainbow, 4-7:30 pm
Sunday, April 17
Al Wood hosts the Sunday afternoon Blues Jam @ the Rainbow, 4-7:30 pm
Wednesday, April 20
Bluestone @ the Rainbow
Sunday, April 24
River City Junction hosts the Sunday afternoon Blues Jam @ the Rainbow, 4-7:30 pm
Saturday, April 30
Tony D Band @ the Rainbow
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1 comment:
Letters
Wow such a long post.. taken 2 hours to read and understand completely..
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