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MAPLE BLUES AWARDS VOTING IS OPEN
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The Toronto Blues Society will be celebrating its 15th annual Maple Blues Awards by honouring nationally and internationally recognized Canadian Blues artists from across the country on January 16, 2012. The nominees are recognized both for their talent as well as their contribution to the growing Canadian blues music scene.
Leading the nominations is last year’s big winner, Ottawa's MonkeyJunk, with seven nominations, followed by Toronto’s Suzie Vinnick, who originally hails from Saskatoon, and Fathead each with four. Harry Manx & Kevin Breit also have four nominations. Hamilton’s Rita Chiarelli, who won the Blues With a Feeling Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011, has three nominations, as does Harrison Kennedy, another Hamilton native. British Columbia blues artists are well represented with three nominations each for Jim Byrnes and Bill Johnson. New Brunswick’s Matt Andersen also has three nominations. Nominees for the Blues Booster of the Year Award will be announced at a later date.
Hosted by internationally recognized blues performers Treasa Levasseur and Shakura S’Aida, the 2012 Maple Blues Awards are taking place at Koerner Hall in Toronto on January 16th, 2012. Voting opens Friday, October 28 at midnight ADT & closes Saturday, December 10 at midnight PST. Blues fans can cast their votes online at www.mapleblues.ca .
The Toronto Blues Society is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to the promotion and preservation of the Blues. The Maple Blues Awards is Canada's national blues awards program. Its goal is to promote blues music across Canada, and to recognize outstanding achievement in the field.
For more information contact:
Sarah French
Sarah French Publicity
416-566-4188 | sarah@sarahfrenchpublicity.com
Jordan Safer
Toronto Blues Society
416-538-3885 | info@torontobluessociety.com
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LOCAL HIGHLIGHTS THIS WEEK
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Drew Nelson Band
Irene’s Pub, 885 Bank Street
Friday, November 18
The Drew Nelson Band (six piece) will be making one of its increasingly rare performances at Irene's Pub on Friday, November 18. A splendid time is guaranteed for all.
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Bob Cat House Concerts
Presents Terry Gillespie
Final 2011 House Concert @ Bobcat
Saturday, November 19, 8 pm; $20
This house concert is a very special gig. Terry will be bringing along musician Lyndell Montgomery; it will be the first official Terry/Lyndell Duo performance. Lyndell is a veteran of years of touring with
Ember Swift and plays fiddle and bass.
http://www.terrygillespie.ca
For more info on the house concert: http://bobcathouseconcerts.com
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SPECIAL EVENTS THIS WEEK
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Douglas Watson R&B Revue
Rainbow, 76 Murray Street
Friday, November 18
Raised in Chicago Illinois by Claudia and Eddie ‘Lovie Lee’ Watson, Douglas Watson was born to sing the Blues. Early in his life his first love was the church, where he learned to cherish the soulful sounds of Gospel Music. He later branched out into the world of Blues & R&B Soul, encouraged and inspired by his father and his step brother, the late Carey Bell.
From an early age Douglas learned to love music and performing from his father. Lovie played piano with Howlin’ Wolf, John Lee Hooker, B.B. King and The Muddy Waters Band. Douglas recalls his early years as a youngster listening to his dad’s rehearsals in the house they lived in Chicago. This mentoring from the best, combined with years of performing has moulded Watson into a superb singer and bass guitarist.
Early in his career Douglas worked as a session musician. He played with various Chicago artists including, Koko Taylor, Albert Collins, BB King, John Lee Hooker, Lonnie Brooks, and toured with A.C. Reed and The Sparkplugs for nine years.
Moving his talent north, after several years in London, Ontario, Douglas settled in Kitchener, Ontario where he met Mississippi Pete Temple and their partnership formed The Douglas Watson R&B Revue. The band consists of Chris ‘Mr. Sweetness’ Latta on guitar, Maciej ‘Mr. Magic’ Lukasiewicz on drums and partner ‘Mississippi Pete Temple’ on Harmonica. The band has been together six years and in 2007 won the Toronto Blues Society New Talent Search. In that same year they were recorded live on CKMS Radio. This gave fans and critics an inkling of the band’s potential.
Douglas Watson has been noted for his ‘full throated vocal style… that is matched by few’. His range and style have brought him much acclaim from some of the most respected R&B vocalists in the industry, including the late James Brown. It has recently been written that Douglas Watson “Is one of the finest vocalists and front man on the Canadian scene”. This record shows why.
http://www.douglaswatson.com
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SAB & the Family Band
Tucson’s, 2440 Bank Street
Friday, November 18
Sab has made a living and lived Rock & Roll since the tender age of thirteen. He’s played all over the world as well as almost every ‘watering hole’ in the North. Sab’s persona can hardly go unnoticed with his flare for comedy, top hat, long hair, snakeskin boots and enormous heart. His endeavours to expand the Northern music scene and develop young talent, have won him the friendship and loyalty of people in the industry.
Sab, “The King of the North” as Ronnie Hawkins likes to call him, has become a well-known celebrity in Northern Ontario. Whether you hear him on the radio or see a live show, that gruff laugh, cherry-whiskey stained voice and out-there personality will always stick with you.
Sab writes, co-writes, produces, promotes, endorses, consults, books talent, and plays a kick-ass live show! With Sab on the scene, it’s all Rock & Roll! It’s not an act. To quote the man himself, “Rock & Roll, that’s who I am, through the good, the bad, and the not-so-bad. I never did anything else but play music.”
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International Guitar Night
Shenkman Arts Centre, 245 Centrum Blvd, Orleans ON
Friday, November 18 @ 8 pm; tickets $37.50
International Guitar Night is the longest-running "mobileguitar festival" in North America and is the most successful guitar showcase of its kind. IGN founder Brian Gore of San Francisco is joined by Lulo Reinhardt, a descendant of the one and only Jango, Adrian Legg, and Marco Pereira.
Gore has also invited Martin Taylor, the jazz guitarist from Scotland, famous for his silky chord melody style; the renowned Brazilian guitarist/singer Guinga, and Brian's newest “discovery” – Solorazaf, a new exciting guitarist from Madagascar.
Check out Eric Thom’s take on this show:
http://www.rootsmusic.ca/2011/11/15/international-guitar-night/
http://www.shenkmanarts.ca/events_evenements/details/november_novembre/ign_en.html
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Treasa Levasseur
CD Release “Broad”
Black Sheep Inn
Sunday, November 20 @ 4 pm; $10
News in a note from Treasa:
hello to one, hello to all
so happy to report that the new album is ready! hooray! it's a collaborative 12 track effort, and i played with many amazing artists on different tunes, including monkeyjunk, raoul and the big time, the wroxton allstars and of course, my own sweet band the daily special. i'm pretty proud of it, alright - and hoping to get it out into the world as soon as i can!
it's for sale officially on november 1st in canada in stores and online, but you can buy it direct from me, if you'd like, off the website, which is brand new - a big thanks to janine stoll for making that happen, to emma-lee for taking such wonderful photos, and to brian kobayakawa, for the magnificent design work on the record. you can find the site here, and even listen to a couple of sample tracks at
http://www.treasalevasseur.com
the big party is November 3rd at the Lula Lounge in Toronto, with doors at 7 pm and the show starting at 8 pm sharp. We will play one long set first, and then Raoul and the Big TIme will help us party into the night.
have a few more cool shows in november - namely the release of the CD at the black sheep in on november 20th at 4 pm, and at massey hall as part of the women's blues revue, on november 26th. hope to see you there if you can make it.
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AREA HIGHLIGHTS THIS WEEK
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Blues on the Rideau presents
Donald Ray Johnson
With The Maurice John Vaughn Band
The Cove, Westport ON
Friday & Saturday, November 18-19; 7-11 pm; dinner & show $60
Proceeds to Westport's Friends Of Foley Mountain and the Westport Food Bank
We have another fabulous American combo coming in November - Donald Ray Johnson, a great Soul/R&B/Funk Blues singer and drummer who was born in Texas, spent years in California and now lives in Calgary. He's toured with artists like Phillip Walker, The Isley Brothers and Big Mama Thornton. In 1978 as part of the band "Taste Of Honey" he won a Grammy Award. He's also won the Real Blues Magazine Award for Male Vocalist Of The Year and earned two Maple Blues Award nominations. Donald Ray will be joined for this Show by his old friend Alligator recording artist Maurice John Vaughn and his band from Chicago. MJV is a triple threat on vocals, saxophone and guitar and has played with many legends over his long career including Luther Allison, Son Seals and A.C. Reed. B.J. Emery - one of the hottest trombone players in Chi-town - is part of the band. Don't miss these guys when they're here. They don't tour our region often.
http://www.alligator.com/artists/Maurice-John-Vaughn
More info at www.choosetheblues.ca
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Al Wood and the Woodsmen
La Grange de la Gatineau
Saturday, November 19 @ 8 pm; $20 plus taxes (includes one beverage)/$15 students
Add a 3 course gourmet dinner including wine for 30$ + taxes (dinner at 6:30 pm)
Reservations required: info@grange.ca, 819-827-3164 or PAYPAL on www.grange.ca
Al Wood and the Woodsmen is made up of Al Wood (harmonica &vocals), Lindsay Pugh (guitar & vocals), Chris Breitner (bass) and Cliff Alloy (drums). Collectively, they deliver their own brand of four on the floor double-barrelled blues, while offering a healthy respect to the masters. The Woodsmen avoid clichés while tipping their hats to simpler times and classic grooves.
Armed with their successful debut album, “Mood Swingin' Blues”, the Woodsmen travel from town to town spreading their signature vibe. The Woodsmen are proud winners of last year's Ottawa Blues Society sponsored Road to Memphis challenge. As Ottawa reps, they advanced to the semi-finals at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN.
When the Woodsmen perform live, their show is propelled by a high energy harmonica driven sound and a kick-ass rhythm section that doesn’t quit! This band never fails to win over the crowd . . . see why at La Grange de la Gatineau on November 19.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5fJZ6lhKEc
www.grange.ca
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Ball and Chain & The Wreckers
featuring Washboard Hank (from Peterborough)
The General Wolf Hotel, Wolf Island ON
Saturday, November 19 @ 9 pm; $10 at the door
Ball and Chain & The Wreckers are headed up by Michael Ball (vocals, fiddle, mandolin) and Jody Benjamin (vocals, acoustic guitar). The Hillbilly Honky Tonk they play is early Country mixed with Cajun music from Louisiana with a dab of old time, blues and rock 'n 'roll. It's definitely for dancing to, so bring your dancing shoes and your dancing partners and get ready to cut a rug.
Washboard Hank is a long time favourite from Peterborough whose on-stage antics and hilarious original songs have had us in stitches for many years. He will be seen playing his famous washboard, as well as dobro and whatever other instrument he shows up with.
See you there!!
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UPCOMING FUNDRAISERS
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SHAKE, ROCK & ROLL for PARKINSON'S
Greenfield’s Pub, 900 Greenbank Road, Barrhaven
Saturday, November 26 @ 5 pm; $10
Fundraiser in Support of Parkinson Society Ottawa
Some of Ottawa’s top musical acts will come together for one unique entertainment event, in support of Parkinson Society Ottawa. Shake, Rock & Roll’s musical line-up includes Bluesfest darlings Three Times Lucky, along with popular Ottawa acts Big Newton, Amos the Transparent, and Cougar Chick Tribute Band, plus several others.
The event was created by Leslie Rohonczy, who turns 50 in November, and decided to use her milestone birthday to raise awareness and funds for Parkinson Society Ottawa. Rohonczy's father, Ross Barkell, was diagnosed with Parkinson Disease 8 years ago, and is a shining example of how to live well, and give back, in spite of this disease. The event website features his story, along with other inspiring stories and tributes. "My very amazing Dad has done so much for his community as a volunteer and fundraiser, and he’s inspired me to want to give back through this event. The musical acts are all top notch entertainers, and I'm so grateful that they have agreed to perform." As a local musician and vocal coach, Rohonczy will also be performing with two of her bands: Cougar Chick Tribute Band and Moondogs.
Rohonczy is partnering with 'Gift of Song', a local charity created to support Parkinson Society Ottawa. "100% of the money raised will go to Parkinson Society Ottawa", says Gift of Song president Steve Milton. Steve and his wife Terry Milton, along with Diane Dufour of Accurate Design and Communication, and Robert Littlemore of The Ottawa Citizen, round out the volunteer committee.
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Rhythm Café
Baobab Studio, 415C Piccadilly
All ages drum workshop from 2-2:30
Concert/Coffee & Desserts/Silent Auction/drum workshop
Sunday, November 27, 2-4:30 pm
Admission $10 Adults, $8 Students/Seniors, Kids under 12 free
Baobab Tree will host Rhythm Café, an exciting afternoon of West African drumming, dancing and singing performances, with an all ages drum workshop. The afternoon activities will be in a café setting, featuring homemade treats, coffee from Bridgehead Coffeehouse and hot chocolate from Camino, gift ideas with an African theme, and a silent auction.
The performances will feature teenage drum and dance group, Baobab Youth Performers, the younger ROOTS class, and a special appearance by the new seniors drumming class. Rhythm Café showcases the power of drumming and how it can build community while developing healthy and creative skills in people of all ages. It’s always a fun afternoon for those who attend.
Proceeds raised go toward supporting Baobab’s educational programming.
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Benefit for Children at Risk
GOOD2GO
+
The Cutmen
Irene’s Pub, 885 Bank Street
Saturday, December 3
http://www.childrenatrisk.ca/Events.html#MaudesGood2Go
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LOCAL HIGHLIGHTS EVERY WEEK
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Southside Tuesdays
Irene’s Pub, 885 Bank Street
Tuesdays
Southside Tuesdays with Doug Gouthro until Steve Marriner returns in December.
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John Carroll
Chateau Lafayette (The Laff), 42 York Street
Wednesdays, 10 pm
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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:
November 17 – John Yemensky
November 24 – Vince Halfhide
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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Acoustic Roots Series
Georgian House Restaurant, 146 Main St. S., Alexandria ON
First Wednesday of Every Month
The best Roots/Country/Americana artists will be joining Terry Gillespie for a new Acoustic Roots Series in Alexandria. Some of them will be up-coming artists and some will be household names … a different musical guest each month. All of the musician guests are very accomplished and have toured extensively. We are very privileged to be able to host them right here at home.
Terry will open each evening with a set of his music then the guest will follow with a set of their music. Each will accompany the other. Don’t miss a single one.
December 7 – Stephen Barry
If you desire to see a special guest, let us know. If they are on the road, we might be able to grab them.
The Georgian House special musical menu has something fresh and delicious for all budgets.
http://www.georgianhouse.ca
http://www.terrygillespie.ca
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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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AREA HIGHLIGHTS ONCE A MONTH
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Blues On Tues
The Granary Beizli, 3270 County Rd 10, Vankleek Hill ON
Third Tuesday of every month@ 7 pm; $10
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Mississippi Blues Society Jam
Thirsty Moose Pub & Eatery, Bridge Street, Carleton Place
First Tuesday of every month @ 8:30 pm
Hosted by The Thirsty Moose Pub & Eatery & The Mississippi Blues Society, and featuring Barry Buse & Peter Brown, the MBS Blues Jam is the longest-running blues jam in the Greater Ottawa area & one of the best, attracting both musicians & fans from in & out of town.
*8:30 PM is the Estimated Start Time *There's No Cover Charge *Free Parking *Good Food *Ends Early [approx. midnight]
And - just so you know...we pack 'em in for this event, so come in early if you want a good table.
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BLUES ON THE RIDEAU
DINNER & SHOW SERIES
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Blues On The Rideau @ The Cove Inn, Westport Ontario
A Dinner & Show Fundraiser Series featuring some of North America's best Blues bands.
Proceeds to support local charities
Dinner & Show $60
Advance reservations required
Call 1-888-COVE-INN or (613) 273-3636
Blues On The Rideau Shows, and the rooms at the Inn for those nights, sell out early.
2011/12 SEASON LINE-UP
November 18 & 19
Donald Ray Johnson & Maurice John Vaughn Band, from Calgary & Chicago
http://www.donaldray.com
http://www.alligator.com/artists/Maurice-John-Vaughn/
Grammy Award winning singer/songwriter and one of Chicago's best Blues guitarists with band in support
Blues, soul, funk, R&B
Proceeds To Friends Of Foley Mountain & Westport Food Bank
January 20 & 21
Diana Braithwaite & Chris Whiteley Band, from Toronto
http://www.braithwaiteandwhiteley.com
Old School Blues - smooth, beautiful and classic
Winners of 8 Maple Blues Awards & 6 Juno nominations
Proceeds To Rideau Vista & St. Edward's Elementary Schools
February 17
The Original Homewreckers with Miss Angel, from Kitchener
http://www.shawnkellerman.com
http://www.missangelbrown.com
The late great Mel Brown's former band and singer/partner
Hip shakin', home-wreckin' Blues!
Proceeds To Rideau Waterway Land Trust
March 16 & 17
Blackburn, from Toronto
http://www.myspace.com/blackburnbrothers
2010 Maple Blues Award Best New Artists. Blues, funk, soul & R&B
Canada's version of the Neville brothers!
Proceeds To Easter Seals Ontario & Habitat For Humanity
April 20/21
David Rotundo Band with Julian Fauth, from Toronto
http://www.davidrotundo.com
http://www.julianfauth.com
A multiple Maple Blues Award winning harp player/singer matched with Juno Award winning keyboardist
Barrelhouse, rockin' Blues!
Proceeds To Westport In Bloom & Westport Library
May 18
Chris Antonik Band, from Toronto
http://www.chrisantonik.com
2011 Maple Blues Award nominee for Best New Artist
Outstanding guitarist/songwriter and arranger. Smooth blues, soul, R&B
Proceeds To Rideau District Museum
More info:
http://www.bluesontherideau.ca
http://www.coveinn.com
See you there!
James Doran
Choose The Blues Productions
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SPECIAL EVENTS COMING SOON
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Keith Hallett with Garrett Mason
Rainbow, 76 Murray Street
Wednesday, November 23
and
Kaffé 1870, Wakefield QC
Thursday, November 24
Keith Hallett is a young East Coast guitarist, vocalist & songwriter, nominated for a Maple Blues Award at 17 years old, the same year he made an impressive debut with his power trio at the 2008 International Blues Challenge in Memphis. He’s just released his sophomore recording “I Just Lost My Mind”, produced by Garrett Mason who also plays baritone guitar on the disk. Stripped down, raw … the liner notes tell us ‘No Computers Were Use in the Recording and Mixing of This Album’. Check out Keith Hallett & Garrett Mason at the Rainbow, Wednesday, November 23.
http://www.harvestjazzandblues.com/index.php/artistbio/garrett_mason_keith_hallett
http://www.myspace.com/keithhallet
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David Gogo
Tucson’s, 2440 Bank Street
Friday & Saturday, November 25-26
Coming off a recent tour opening for Johnny Winter, David Gogo continues to tour in support of his latest release, “Soul Bender”, a sizzling, hard rocking blues album that is filled with heavy grooves, grit and emotion. Opening with Elmore James’ classic blues shuffle ‘Please Find My Baby’ and closing with Procol Harum’s ‘Whiskey Train’, “Soul Bender” features five original songs, and five covers, all benefiting from David’s unique interpretation. He’s in Ottawa for a weekend, November 25-26, at Tucson’s.
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The Indelible Shameless Blues Westside Tap and Grill, 1200 Pembroke St W, Pembroke ONFriday November 25 Blues with Groove – Good Friends, Great Tunes, Great Food and Good Cheer, we got it all downhere.www.shamelessblues.com ******************************************************
Music By The Bay presents
Paul Reddick ***SOLD OUT***
The Waterfront Bistro, 590 Liverpool Road South, Pickering ON
Friday, November 25 @ 9 pm; tickets $30 (incl HST)
Since the early days of Charlie Patton, every generation of blues artists has added their special contribution to the art form. Paul Reddick is no exception. The innovative Reddick calls his music "Hard blues for modern times." Reddick is a superior harmonica player and a blues belter of the first order who receives solid support every step of the way from the seasoned players that comprise his band. They are not blues purists but their sound will move mountains.
The Paul Reddick Band is Jody Brummel on drums, Greg Marshak on bass and Kyle Ferguson on guitar. Their sound is “big, gutsy, and mean and has, at times, a raw energy that whips across the room like a downed power line on wet highway.”
http://www.myspace.com/paulreddick1
Tickets and info www.musicbythebaylive.com or 905-831-8661
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Studebaker John & the Hawks
Rainbow, 76 Murray Street
Saturday, November 26 @ 10 pm
Who is Studebaker John? Studebaker John Grimaldi was born in an Italian-American section of Chicago and started playing harmonica at age 7. Under the spell of music he heard on Maxwell Street, Chicago’s famed blues melting pot, Grimaldi began performing as Studebaker John and the Hawks in the ‘70s. The band name referenced the Studebaker Hawk, a car Grimaldi still owns today, and was also intended as a tribute to his friend, J.B. Hutto and the Hawks. John began playing guitar after a life-changing experience of seeing Hound Dog Taylor and the Houserockers perform. “…Hound Dog started playing, hitting notes that sent chills up and down my spine. He was versatile and powerful and would play rhythm as well as leads. I left there knowing what I wanted to do. I had to play slide guitar.” As a songwriter and musician, Studebaker John has emerged as a major creative force in the world of the blues today. Ahead of the pack, with vision and foresight, creating a new standard and landscape for this music’s future… with John at the wheel, the future is now!
http://www.studebakerjohn.com/
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John Mayall and His Blues Band
Victoria Hall, Cobourg ON
Sunday, November 27 @ 8 pm; tickets $61+HST
Market Hall, 140 Charlotte Street, Peterborough ON
Monday, November 28 @ 8 pm; tickets $61+HST
As always, John has picked the cream of the crop to play in his band. Current band members have toured and recorded with Jimmy Page, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, Buddy Guy, Freddie King, Robbie Robertson, Joe Walsh and even Al Jarreau.
A succession of great musicians defined their artistic roots under John's leadership. He became known for discovering the best talent in Blues including Eric Clapton, Peter Green, John McVie and Mick Fleetwood who later became Fleetwood Mac, Andy Fraser who formed Free and Mick Taylor who joined the Rolling Stones.
As Clapton has stated, "John Mayall has actually run an incredibly great school for musicians."
Special intimate shows with an absolute Music Legend, each theatre with less than 350 tickets available.
Special Guest opener Julian Fauth and David Rotundo
http://www.johnmayall.com/
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Leon Redbone
Shenkman Arts Centre, 245 Centrum Boulevard, Orleans ON
Thursday, December 1; tickets $41.25
Leon Redbone — a master guitarist, dry comedian, and a warm and witty singer who recreates the classic jazz, blues and pop music of the ’20s and ’30s — will make his first appearance in Ottawa since, as he put it “I can’t remember when.”
In fact, he probably does know when he was last in Ottawa, but he has always cultivated an aura of mystery about his background, in part because he wants the emphasis to be placed on the music, rather than the “personality” behind it.
He does, however, claim to have been born in 1929 (on the date of the stock market crash), but later told interviewers he was born in Bombay during a monsoon to violinist Niccolo Paganini and Swedish soprano Jenny Lind. (It should be noted that Paganini died in 1840, and Lind in 1887).
Mr. Redbone is a laid-back singer, a dry story-teller, and an archivist with wide musical tastes — as long as the music is more than 70 years old. His concerts will likely include forgotten old pop songs, classic ragtime, blues from the likes of Lonnie Johnson or Blind Blake, and jazz standards by Fats Waller or Dixieland jazz pioneer Nick La Rocca.
He began his career in Toronto in 1970 and in his early days, he could be found in the pool hall that used to exist in the entrance to a downtown subway station; if you asked for Mr. Grunt, he would, guardedly, answer the telephone. A fixture in local folk clubs, he also had an acoustic duo, called Little Sonny, with David Wilcox.
Since then he has gone on to make numerous television performances (he was a regular for many years on the Johnny Carson Show, as well as on Saturday Night Live), and he has recorded some 15 albums, the first in 1975. He has toured around the world, appeared in numerous television commercials, and was even featured in a Far Side cartoon. He recently recorded material for the television series Boardwalk Empire.
A superb acoustic guitarist, Mr. Redbone is also a skilled pool player and is dangerous with a deck of cards; people are advised not to engage him in either pursuit.
http://www.shenkmanarts.ca/events_evenements/details/december_decembre/leon_en.html
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2nd Annual Christmas Gospel Celebration
With Rev. Ernie Cox Band & Choir
National Arts Centre, Studio Hall, 53 Elgin Street
Friday & Saturday, December 2-3 @ 8 pm; Tickets from $37
Come celebrate Christmas with two unforgettable evenings of joyous gospel and Christmas gospel music led by Ernie Cox. Sing the carols in black gospel style, led by the choir and soloists, along with Ernie and his band.
This year Ernie is back in Studio Hall, complete with a full band and horn section anchored by NYC sax player and arranger Mike Webster. The choir, along with the smooth and soulful sounds of The London Trio Plus (20 voices in total) will be back on stage for both nights’ performances. Last year’s shows were sold out, and this year’s are expected to do the same.
Cox, who has previously performed with the Montreal Jubilation Gospel Choir, and recently performed in the Ottawa Bluesfest, plans to make his Christmas Gospel Celebration an annual tradition.
More info at erniecox.com
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Peter Karp & Sue Foley
He Said – She Said
Showplace Performance Centre, 290 George Street N, Peterborough ON
Friday, December 2 @ 8 pm; tickets $37; Box Office: 705-742-7469
Grand Theatre, 218 Princess Street, Kingston ON
Saturday, December 3 @ 8 pm; tickets $37; Box Office: 613- 530-2050
Capitol Theatre, 20 Queen Street, Port Hope ON
Sunday, December 4 @ 8 pm; tickets $37; Box Office: 905-885-1071 or 800-434-5092
Centrepointe Theatre, 101 Centrepointe Drive, Ottawa ON
Saturday, December 10 @ 8 pm; tickets $40; Box Office: 613-580-2700 or 866-752-5231
It started as a casual exchange of emails and letters between two performers on the road ... Peter Karp & Sue Foley ... it evolved into “He Said – She Said”, a powerful musical collaboration chronicling the hopes, dreams and fears inherent in a budding and developing relationship. What sets this project aside, however, is synergistic charisma ... not only the interweaving ideas and emotions, smiles and eye contact, but the extraordinary interplay between the instruments, the complimentary yet so different vocals. Folk, jazz, flamenco and blues, moving between nylon acoustic guitar, dobro, piano and electric guitars ... an event that is moving, literate, romantic, rocking and exciting!
Peter Karp, who critics liken favourably to John Hiatt and John Prine, is a master songsmith with an art for spinning true-to-life emotions, humour, and candour into tunes that hit their mark with an economy of words. Ottawa native Sue Foley, having shared the stage with blues legends such as B.B. King, Buddy Guy, and John Lee Hooker earlier in her 27-plus-year career, is now considered one of the finest blues/roots artists working today, an idea well-supported by her dozen and more Maple Blues Awards.
It's not a concept you see every day - two artists chronicling their growing relationship in song. Make those artists as gifted as Peter Karp and Sue Foley, and the results are as compelling as they are candid.
www.karpfoley.com
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Eddie Shaw & the Wolf Gang
Rainbow, 76 Murray Street
Friday, December 9 @ 10 pm
As his Mississippi Blues Trail marker reads:
Blues saxophonist extraordinaire Eddie Shaw was born on a Stringtown plantation on March 20, 1937. He learned music at school in Greenville and performed in various local bands before moving to Chicago to join the Muddy Waters band. Shaw served as bandleader for Howlin’ Wolf for several years and launched his own busy touring career after Wolf’s death in 1976. His hard-hitting horn work won him Instrumentalist of the Year honours in the 2006 and 2007 Blues Music Awards.
http://www.midcoast.com/~bluesman/eddie_shaw.html
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Ross Neilsen & the Suffrin’ Bastards
Irene’s, 885 Bank Street
Friday, December 9 @ 10 pm
To say that Ross Neilsen is a dedicated, chronic over achiever would be an understatement. He’s on the road constantly, criss-crossing the country. He’ll be taking his solo show south to the International Blues Challenge in 2012, representing the Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival.
Whether telling tall tales or capturing the spirit of the blues through his own originals and unique covers in his intimate solo shows or combining clever lyrics with old school, in-your-face guitar playing with his band, he will take you on an emotional journey through the joys and pains of life, death, triumph and defeat … he will touch your heart, soul, body and mind, sending you home to sing yourself to sleep. And in the morning? You will want more, much more.
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Big Soul Project
Dominion Chalmers Church
Saturday, December 10
‘Hallelujah’ a bouncing gospel interpretation of Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus and other uplifting music.
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Maria Hawkins pre-NYE bash
Rainbow, 76 Murray Street
Friday, December 30
Maria hosts her annual pre-New Year’s Eve bash.
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NEW YEAR’S EVE SHOWS
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MonkeyJunk
Rainbow, 76 Murray Street
Saturday, December 31
Formed in late March 2008 in Ottawa, they play an 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, B3 and harmonica and Matt Sobb on drums, cymbals, percussion and background vocals. These three 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 . . . see for yourself!
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BLUES IN KINGSTON
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KINGSTON REGULAR EVENTS
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KBS Monthly Jam
The Standeasy
RCHA Club, 193 Ontario Street, Kingston ON
Third Saturday of the month @ 8:30 pm, $3 at the door
Come out and see Mojo Shooter with special guests.
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
Brandee’s, 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.
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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, November 16: Stephen Neale: Guest host Stephen Neale fills in tonight. The first hour will feature selected works from blues singer and pianist Charles Brown. In the second hour, Stephen pulls out jazz selections from the CKCU-FM library.
Next week, November 23: Co-Host Ron Steeds provides us with a chronological survey of jazz and blues recordings recorded on November 23.
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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.
And check out SNB videos here http://www.cbc.ca/snb/video/
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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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CBC Radio 2 – November 14-18, Canada Live relives the warm, sunny days of summer with a week of summer festival concerts.
Tuesday, November 15 – Folk Festival highlight
concert 1: Kelly Joe Phelps & Corinne West, recorded at Jericho Beach in Vancouver as part of the 2011 Vancouver Folk Festival
Kelly Joe Phelps and Corinne West each are both well known for their solo work, and they bring a wealth of musical talent and experience to their new duo project. The result is pure and simple folk music that rings true to the times we live in. It was a dreary rainy morning when these two took the stage at the Vancouver Folk Festival. The rain was pouring down, but an audience assembled just the same to hear the duo weave their musical magic.
Wednesday, November 16 – Jazz Festival highlight
concert 2: The Nightcrawlers with the Big Band Sound, recorded in CBC Studio One in Vancouver as part of the 2011 Vancouver International Jazz Festival
Inspired by the music of Brother Jack McDuff, The Mighty Burner, Big John Patton, and Booker T and the MGs, the Night Crawlers play gritty, soulful, down home music that is all about having a good time. Some years ago, bandleader Jesse Cahill, along with a handful of like minded musician friends, released their first Night Crawlers CD as a quintet on the Cellar Live label in 2007. But deep down they were all hearing a bigger ensemble to flesh out the sound of the Night Crawlers. So the Night Crawlers eventually evolved into something more massive and even more fun. The Night Crawlers with the Big Band Sound was born. Their second CD "Down In The Bottom" is getting rave reviews and just won best jazz recording at the 2011 Western Canada Music Awards in Whitehorse.
Thursday, November 17
concert 1: Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, recorded at the 2011 Edmonton Folk Music Festival
Earlier in 2011, Blackie and the Rodeo Kings released their 7th album Kings and Queens. This ambitious project saw the group performing with some of their favourite female musical friends, including Emmylou Harris, Lucinda Williams, Holly Cole, Cassandra Wilson and others. At this year's Edmonton Folk Music Festival, Blackie and the Rodeo Kings were featured on the Sunday afternoon concert on the festival's Main Stage. Thanks to good fortune and insightful booking by the festival producer, two of the 'Queens', blues artist Janiva Magness and Canadian chanteuse Serena Ryder, were also performing on the weekend, and joined them during their set.
Friday, November 18
concert 1: Robert Plant & The Band of Joy, recorded at the Centennial Concert Hall in Winnipeg as part of the 2011 TD International Jazz Winnipeg Festival
There are few artists in the music world who have maintained a vibrant career over the course of more than 40 years. One such person is Robert Plant. From his work with Led Zeppelin to his Grammy award winning project with Alison Krauss, Plant has reinvented himself while staying true to his passion for music. His latest project, Band of Joy, features some of the most well respected musicians on the scene, including guitarist and musical director Buddy Miller, multi-instrumentalist Darrell Scott and vocalist and instrumentalist Patty Griffin. In June of 2011, he appeared with his group Band of Joy at the TD International Jazz Winnipeg Festival to a packed concert hall. The audience was made up of rough-looking sixty year old biker types who clearly went back to the early days of Plant's career as well as twenty and thirty year olds.
CBC Radio 1 broadcast, Fridays at 2:05 pm
Friday, November 18 on CBC Radio 1
concert 1: Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, recorded at the 2011 Edmonton Folk Music Festival
Earlier in 2011, Blackie and the Rodeo Kings released their 7th album Kings and Queens. This ambitious project saw the group performing with some of their favourite female musical friends, including Emmylou Harris, Lucinda Williams, Holly Cole, Cassandra Wilson and others. At this year's Edmonton Folk Music Festival, Blackie and the Rodeo Kings were featured on the Sunday afternoon concert on the festival's Main Stage. Thanks to good fortune and insightful booking by the festival producer, two of the 'Queens', blues artist Janiva Magness and Canadian chanteuse Serena Ryder, were also performing on the weekend, and joined them during their set.
Lots of blues available in the concerts on demand section of the CBC Website …
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LOCALS LOOK AHEAD
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Thursday, November 24
Wicked Grin @ Maxwell’s, 930 pm
Friday November 25
Blues Tues Jam Reunion with Barry Buse, Mike Lush, Bill Serson & friends @ the Elmdale House Tavern
Rainbow’s 27th Anniversary–JW-Jones @ the Rainbow, 10 pm
Saturday, November 26
Annual Movember Party and Fundraiser for Prostate Cancer @ the Elmdale House Tavern, with Rocket Rached and the Fat City 8
Sunday, November 27
River City Junction hosts the Sunday afternoon jam @ the Rainbow, 4-7:30 pm
Zydeco Loco @ the Atomic Rooster, 6-9 pm
Tuesday, November 29
Robert Farrell Band @ the Elmdale House, 9 pm
Friday, December 2
OBS Christmas Party & AGM with Terry Gillespie Trio @ Tucson’s
Saturday, December 3
Wicked Grin @ Tucson’s, 9:30 pm
Sunday, December 4
Dr Dave hosts the Sunday afternoon jam @ the Rainbow, 4-7:30 pm
Sunday, December 11
Maria Hawkins hosts the Sunday afternoon jam @ the Rainbow, 4-7:30 pm
Sunday, December 18
River City Junction hosts the Sunday afternoon jam @ the Rainbow, 4-7:30 pm
Friday, December 23
Brothers Chaffey @ Irene’s
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