12 March 2012

Ottawa Blues This Week - 12 March 2012

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LOCAL HIGHLIGHTS THIS WEEK

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The 15th edition of Virée Blues Boréale presents

Shane Murphy

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

Wednesday, March 14 @ 8 pm


The next guest was Virée Blues Boréale 10th edition’s Blues Revelation, in 2009, the same year he won the Lys Blues Award for “Revelation of the Year” and also launched his first official album “Street Money Miracle”. He then performed as part of the XXI Olympic Games in Vancouver, in 2010. Now, he’ll be doing a last performance here before going on a European tour for a few weeks.

Shane Murphy, a Montrealer of Irish descent, has been playing Montreal’s West Island pubs since the ‘90s. His warm voice, often compared to Joe Cocker, sometimes to Dave Matthews, superbly supports his ‘crossover’ style that goes from Blues to Folk, to Soul, then to Funk and Reggae, cleverly and convincingly delivering Blues moods of great quality and simplicity. Officially put together in 2002, the Shane Murphy Trio has since performed thousands of times in highly renowned halls and festivals, reaching an always increasing number of fans in Quebec, and in all of America as well as in Europe.
www.shanemurphyband.com

www.myspace.com/shanemurphyband

www.vireeblues.ca

www.myspace.com/vireeblues

on facebook at: www.facebook.com/Vireeblues

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SPECIAL EVENTS THIS WEEK

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James Armstrong

Rainbow, 76 Murray Street

Friday, March 16 @ 10 pm

James Armstrong has music in his DNA. His mother was a blues singer, his father a jazz guitarist. He hails from LA and began playing when he was 8. By the time he was 17 he was touring the US. He is a touring musician and has felt firsthand the impact of 9/11 especially on cross border travel to either Canada or Mexico. James had an 'international' relationship with a woman for eight yrs, crossing the border to play gigs and to see her, which inspired the music on his 4th CD coincidentally entitled “Blues at the Border”. He has a new record label, a tight band and he's crossing the border to tour in Ontario; he’ll be at the Rainbow on Friday, March 16.

http://jarmblues.com/

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Trevor Finlay

Rainbow, 76 Murray Street

Saturday, March 17 @ 10 pm

Ottawa’s Trevor Finlay now makes his home in Nashville and we don’t get many opportunities to see him back home. His music is defined as an “… eclectic, stir-fried mix of guitar-driven blues, rock and rockabilly … a natural fusion with Southern rock, gospel and contemporary country influences ….”

Want to see what that sounds like? One night only … Trevor Finlay returns to Ottawa to celebrate St. Patty's Day at the Rainbow!

http://trevorfinlay.com/

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AREA HIGHLIGHTS THIS WEEK

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Music By The Bay Live Small Club BIG SHOW Concert Series presents

JW-Jones *** SOLD OUT ***

The Waterfront, 590 Liverpool Road, Pickering ON

Friday, March 16 @ 9 pm

JW-Jones has one of the most energetic and exciting live shows on the scene. In 2009, Guitar World Magazine featured a CD called “Guitar Masters Vol. 2” that put JW-Jones alongside guitar stars B.B. King, Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck, Carlos Santana and more. Some of the biggest names in blues today, including The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Little Charlie & The Nightcats, Rod Piazza, Anson Funderburgh with Sam Myers, The Mannish Boys and the legendary Hubert Sumlin have invited him to join them on stage.

http://www.jw-jones.com/

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Ross Neilsen

RCHA Club, 193 Ontario Street, Kingston ON

Friday, March 16; $5 @ the door

Solo show from one of the best new talents on the continent. Be there early – this show will sell out – read on to see why this show will sell out.

Canada’s hardest working blues rock act, Ross Neilsen, does it right. Taking strong, timeless material to the place that matters. The People. Six years, over 1000 shows and half a million kilometres traveled. In a time of corporate cookie cutter music this is the return to real. Proving hard work pays off, Ross Neilsen has been honoured with a nomination for Best New Artist at The Maple Blues Awards in 2010, two Rising Star nominations from CBC, back to back Blues Album of the Year nominations from the East Coast Music Association, a win for Best Blues Recording for “Redemption” at the 2010 MusicNB awards and more recently Ross was selected to represent Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis TN, where he advanced to the semi-finals. Ross Neilsen is the real, old school kind of artist. Write. Tour. Record. Tour. Repeat.

http://www.rossneilsen.com

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Blues On The Rideau presents

Blackburn

The Cove Inn, Westport ON

Saturday, March 17

Proceeds To Easter Seals Ontario & Habitat For Humanity


Blackburn is a band of three brothers whose music is rich in the tradition of the blues, while inflected with R&B and soul and is electrified with an urban vibe. Blackburn brings it all together with conscious lyrics to create a smooth and soulful groove. The four member group has been writing and performing together since 1995. Their father is highly regarded keyboard player Bobby Dean, a seminal figure of Toronto’s Blues and R&B scene in the 60s.

This is Blackburn's only Show in eastern Ontario for some time and they don't get up this way often. This fabulous band of brothers from Toronto - Brooke on guitar & vocals, Duane on keyboards & vocals, Corey on drums and best friend Mark Ayee on bass - have a dynamite unique sound: a mixture of blues, soul, funk and R&B that has earned them the nickname of "Canada's answer to the Neville Brothers" and won them a Maple Blues Award for Best New Band in 2010. Catch the band live – you’ll be quickly drawn in by their natural, infectious in-the-pocket groove.

http://www.myspace.com/blackburnbrothers

More info:

http://www.choosetheblues.ca

http://www.bluesontherideau.ca
http://www.coveinn.com
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UNSIGNED ONLY MUSIC COMPETITION

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Due to overwhelming demand, the deadline for the inaugural Unsigned Only Music Competition has been extended until April 11, 2012. This will be the final deadline for this year's competition.
Unsigned Only is designed for solo artists, bands, and singers who are not signed to a major label record company or any of its affiliates, subsidiaries, or imprints. The goal of Unsigned Only is to find an outstanding, talented performer: a band, singer, or solo artist ... a newcomer or veteran ... raw or polished – the "gem" that needs to be discovered. Unsigned Only is looking for the total package. Judging criteria includes vocals, performance, originality, and songwriting. There is also a category just for Vocal Performance which accepts songs that are not original.
www.songwritingcompetition.com
www.unsignedonly.com

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SHE’S THE ONE

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The RBC Royal Bank Bluesfest is running their 2nd annual cross-Canada talent search and contest for great emerging female Canadian musicians, ‘She's the One’. Online applications are open now via Sonicbids and Survey Gizmo, with zero cost to the applicant. Check out www.ottawabluesfest.ca/shestheoneinfo for more details and links to applications.

Deadline March 31, 2012.

The ‘She’s the One’ competition is open to female singer/songwriters or bands with a lead female member of any age, of any music genre, who are Canadian residents. There are two categories: Solo and 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 RBC Royal bank Bluesfest for a professional jury, on Saturday, July 7th. 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.

Winner of the solo category will receive a cash prize of $2,000 and winners of the band category will receive $5,000 cash prize. This is a great opportunity to support the talented female musicians from across the nation not only monetarily but also with some great exposure at one of North America's largest outdoor festivals.

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INTERNATIONAL SONGWRITING COMPETITION

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ISC is proud to announce the 2011 finalists and semi-finalists, selected from over 16,000 entries received from all over the world, representing all genres of contemporary music. The ISC listening committee narrowed these entries down to 314 finalists in 22 categories. The finalists hail from 37 countries from all corners of the world, from Latvia to India, from Mexico to Ghana, from China to Russia, and everywhere in between. These songs will now be sent to the ISC judges.

Finalists in the Blues category include Kenny ‘Blues Boss’ Wayne (‘Heaven Send Me An Angel’), Suzie Vinnick & Kristi Magraw (‘Save Me For Later’) and Rita Chiarelli (‘These Four Walls’ and ‘Woman In Blue’).

For a full list of finalists: http://www.songwritingcompetition.com/winners

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WAKEFIELD FILM FESTIVAL

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Wakefield Documentary Festival

Great Hall, Wakefield LaPeche Community Centre

38 Valley Road, Wakefield QC

Sundays @ 5:30 pm

Tickets $10, available at www.wakefieldfilmfestival.ca or at the door

Sunday, March 25

West Wind: The Vision of Tom Thomson (Canada, 2011)

How did an illustrator whose favourite pastime was fishing, find within himself the passion and confidence to portray Ontario's lakes, rivers, trees and skies with glorious colour and energy as no one had before? Shot in Algonguin Park, Georgian Bay, Seattle and Toronto and featuring never-before-seen paintings by this iconic Canadian artist.

Added attraction: National Gallery of Canada director Charles Hill will attend for a post-screening discussion.

Sunday, April 1

Payback (Canada, 2012)

Fresh from Sundance Film Festival, this film undertakes the ambitious task of making a movie from Payback, Margaret Atwood's book of essays about systems of wealth, justice and reparation.

www.wakefieldfilmfestival.ca

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LOCAL HIGHLIGHTS (almost) EVERY WEEK

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Southside Tuesdays
Irene’s Pub, 885 Bank Street

Tuesdays @ 9 pm; no cover

Southside Tuesdays with Steve Marriner.

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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; no cover

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 15 – Don Cummings

March 23 – Ross Neilsen

March 29 – Parker Estabrooks

April 5 – Dr. Dave

April 12 – Jody Benjamin & Michael Ball

April 19 – Vince Halfhide

April 26 – Terry Gillespie

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

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Firebelly

Atomic Rooster, 303 Bank Street (at MacLaren)

2nd and 4th Saturday each month, 3-6 pm

Firebelly is Mathieu Gagnon on harmonica, Fredy Carriere on guitar, Dan Grewal on bass and Mike McNeil on drums.

https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Firebelly/190110031085946

http://www.atomicrooster.ca

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Big Bill’s Blues Bash

Rainbow, 76 Murray Street

Saturdays, 4-8 pm

Bill Brennan hosts Big Bill’s Blues Bash every Saturday from 4-8 pm. With the tightest rhythm section around there will be a Special Guest every week. So take a load off, have a cool beverage and enjoy the blues in one of Canada's best Blues venues. See you there!!!

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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)

http://www.atomicrooster.ca

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Southwest Sundays

With The Dusty Drifters

Irene’s Pub, 885 Bank Street

Sundays, 9:30 pm – 1 am; no cover

You bet yer ass – it’s bluegrass!

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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

http://kaffe1870.com/

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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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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.

April 4 – Terry Gillespie Trio Winners of the Ottawa Road to Memphis Band Challenge 2011

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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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

March 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
April 20/21

David Rotundo Band w. Special Guests Julian Fauth & Enrico Crivellaro

http://www.davidrotundo.com

http://www.julianfauth.com

http://www.enricocrivellaro.com/
Multiple Maple Blues Award winning harmonica player, singer and dynamite performer David Rotundo brings two of his long time musician friends with him to The Cove for this engagement - Juno Award winning piano player/singer/songwriter Julian Fauth and Italian guitar sensation Enrico Crivellaro. Any one of these 3 artists is worth the price of admission. Together - what a troika! This will be two nights of fabulous high energy, 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.choosetheblues.ca

http://www.bluesontherideau.ca
http://www.coveinn.com

See you there!
James Doran
Choose The Blues Productions

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UPCOMING WORKSHOPS

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Michael Jerome Browne

Open Tunings Workshop (with or without slide)

Ottawa Folklore Centre, 1111 Bank Street

Saturday, March 24; 2:30-4:30 pm

$25 OFC members; $30 non-members

An open tunings exploration with one of Canada’s finest roots-focused guitar players, Michael Jerome Browne. Whether he’s gliding a slide across his national guitar, pulling his bow over the fiddle strings to play a lively Cajun waltz, or frailing away on his gourd banjo, Michael’s passion and virtuosity always shine through. In the true tradition of folk music, his performances inspire us to see the interconnections between the many cultures and influences that gave birth to American Roots Music. Gospel, Blues, Old-Time, Country, Soul and Cajun. This one is a rare opportunity folks!

WKSHP12-05

http://www.michaeljeromebrowne.com/

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JUNOFEST in OTTAWA

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Friday, March 30

The Mockingbird (Bob Kemmis), Silver Creek & MonkeyJunk @ Irene’s

Mike Essoudry's Mash Potato Mashers @ the Black Sheep Inn, Wakefield QC

Saturday, March 31

The Claytones, Autumn’s Canon & the Brothers Chaffey

Slim Moore and the Mar-Kays @ the Black Sheep Inn, Wakefield QC

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SPECIAL EVENTS COMING UP

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Sherri Harding & the Heat

Maxwell’s Bistro & Club, 340 Elgin Street (upstairs)

Thursday, March 22; 9:15 pm to midnight; cover $7

Happy March everyone … Sherri Harding and the Heat and an exciting night of LIVE Rockin’ Soul and R&B music! What a great way to celebrate Spring!

Providing "The Heat" for this show will be: Peter Beaudoin (bandleader/drums); Ed Bimm (keyboard); Gino Scaffidi (guitar); Joe Hincke (bass); and, Bernie Maisonneuve (backing vocals).

YouTube link: http://youtu.be/SWnmK7_-ZNw

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The Claytones ‘Heading to Nashville’ Show

Civitan Hall, Almonte ON

Friday, March 23; 8-10 pm; $15

The Claytones (Kelly Prescott, Adam Puddington & Anders Drerup) are leaving … they’re going to Nashville. Come out and wish them luck in their new endeavour!

Special Guest Performances, Licensed event, light lunch.

https://www.facebook.com/events/120217431434463/

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Canadian Music Week Blues Showcase

Annex Wreckroom, 794 Bathurst Street, Toronto ON

Friday, March 23; doors @ 8 pm, music starts @ 9 pm

DAWG FM in association with the Toronto Blues Society presents the Canadian Music Week Blues Showcase on Friday March 23. The show will take place at the newly renovated Annex Wreckroom (794 Bathurst St), conveniently located at the Bathurst/Bloor subway station. The performing artists in order of appearance beginning at 9 pm are Chris Antonik, Suzie Vinnick, Harrison Kennedy, and Shakura S'Aida.

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The 24th Street Wailers

Wilno Tavern, Wilno, ON

Friday, March 23

Phone613-756-2029 for tickets

Rainbow, 76 Murray Street

Saturday, March 24 @ 10 pm

The Acoustic Grill, 172 Main Street West, Picton ON

Sunday, March 25 @ 6 pm (all ages show)

Sponsored by the Toronto Blues Society, this band made a real impression at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, February 1-4. Their first performance on Wednesday at Wet Willie’s initiated a buzz that resulted in a full house for their second performance on Thursday; they closed out the First Great Canadian Polar Bear Blues Showcase in fine style on Thursday afternoon; they filled their venue to capacity for their appearance in the semi-finals on Friday night; and they were the only Canadian band asked to participate in the Kings of Beale Street competition on Saturday night. And they sold a whole lot of CDs.

Following the success of “Dirty Little Young’uns”, they’re heading off to Halifax to record their 2nd CD in March (more about that below) and will be swinging through our area on their way home from the recording session. So they’ll have new tunes to share, not to mention the incredible high energy of these four extremely talented young musicians. This is a ‘don’t miss’ show!

http://the24thstreetwailers.com/

Please Support the new CD … from the 24th Street Wailers

The 24th Street Wailers are heading to Halifax in March 2012 to record our second CD. Here is a sneak peek … called "No One Needs to Know" (our only instrumental)! You can help fund the project by pre-ordering your copy online or via cheque or money order or cash when we see you! Be sure to include your correct email address and mailing address! You may also add donations aside from the purchase of the new CD on the Pay Pal website.

As an added bonus, we are having a contest for our friends and fans to NAME THE NEW CD! When you pre order your copy, you can enter your title suggestion. We will name the CD according to the winning entrant’s suggestion and the winner be thanked in the liner notes. The contest is only open to those who pre order the new CD. Please add your suggested CD title to the note to seller section in PayPal check out or if paying by cash/check send us an email with your suggested title.

http://the24thstreetwailers.com/?p=888

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Spirit of Rasputin’s presents

Rasputin’s Beard – Open Stage for Groups

Westboro Masonic Hall, 430 Churchill (at Byron)

Saturday, March 24 @ 8 pm

Sarah Drader & Friends, Three Little Birds, Tower of Song, and very special guest Maria Hawkins.

Pass-the-hat donations going to Maria’s school program stopthebullying.ca

http://www.rasputins.ca

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Still Dangerous & MonkeyJunk

The Valley BBQ, 10470A Highway #7, Carleton Place ON

Saturday, March 24 @ 8 pm; $16 (advance), $19 (at the door)

The Ottawa Valley has been the playground of Still Dangerous for several years, now. Emerging from the Blues Jam phenomenon of the Mississippi Blues Society, Barry, Larry, Mike and Gary have managed to carve out a unique niche in the local venue as a funky and vigorous Blues and Swing band, performing at festivals, fund raisers, pubs, private bashes, questionable dives and high brow establishments throughout Eastern Ontario. This fun loving, very talented group of good friends has a chemistry that mixes originals, great dance numbers and classical Blues with a new feel to make your feet move and your spirit soar. Live Dangerously....track 'em down at a venue near you.

http://stilldangerous.com/

Swamp rhythm and blues, soul boogie and bedroom funk.

http://monkeyjunkband.com

http://thevalleybbq.com

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House Concert

With Steve Marriner & the Brothers Chaffey

Alison Edgar’s home, Centretown Ottawa

Sunday, March 25 @ 2:30 pm; tickets $25 in advance

Multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Steve Marriner needs little introduction in the blues world. With his band MonkeyJunk, he has earned numerous individual and collective Maple Blues Awards, a Blues Music Award and, recently, a Juno nomination for "To Behold", an album he co-produced! He also fronts popular country band Tumbleweed.

The Brothers Chaffey combine their love of soulful blues, rock and country to create in their original songs a spirit and honesty well-suited to Matthew's powerful vocal style and Curtis' commanding guitar work. They have delighted audiences across Canada.


Tickets are $25 in advance by PayPal or other arrangement. All monies collected go to the musicians. Soft drinks, coffee and light snacks will be provided; BYOB. Seating is limited! Music will start at 2:30 and there will be an intermission. Albums will be available for purchase (and autographs)!

For further details, please respond by email to alison@alisonedgar.com and include your phone number in your email, just in case there are last minute changes!

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Riot & the Blues Devils

CD Release “No One To Blame But Me”

Le Petit Chicago, 50 Promenade du Portage (Old Hull sector)

Wednesday, March 28 @ 8 pm

Before Rock and Roll there was Blues, the core of Riot and the Blues Devils. It all starts with the Blues, add some Rockabilly attitude, and Riot and the Blues Devils will grab your attention in all of their recordings and live performances. They like to call it their special blend of Blues-a-billy!

Riot and the Blues Devils is a three piece combo of experienced musicians: Riot on lead vocals and guitars, Big Papa Mike on bass and vocals, and Mark DiClaudio on drums and vocals. They have made quite an impression over the past decade either when performing in major festivals or while playing hundreds of shows in different venues. They’ll be hosting a CD release party for their new release “No One To Blame But Me”, at Le Petit Chicago, as part of the Virée Blues Boréale series.

http://www.riotdevils.com

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“Eug-Knows Fest”
Zaphod Beeblebrox, 27 York Street

Wednesday, March 28 to Saturday, March 31; Doors 8 pm; Age 19+/ General Admission

Wednesday, March 28 – THE CURIOUS INCIDENT (UK/ South Africa)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Mtn9yt0RLQ
Thursday, March 29 – RICKY LAURENT (Gatineau, Canada)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2TaDmnrn54
Friday,March 30 – PAPERMAPS (Toronto, Canada)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QGeUhPB2Ck
Saturday, March 31 – THE BRIGHT LIGHT SOCIAL HOUR (Austin, USA)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_qv21l3ILU


Because Eugene books bands that are “Heard Before The Herd”.
Before the Junos.

Before the Grammys.

If you were wondering why Zaphod’s is not part of this year’s JunoFest, the answer is simple: Zaphod’s has booked some of the best bands to play during this time. Bands that ought to be seen and heard. We’re the incubators of many of the bands and artists that have gone on to win awards and “Eug-Knows Fest” is a curation of some of the best touring bands that we’d like to present to Ottawans and the music industry professionals that will be visiting during the Junos. We’ve got a stellar lineup representing Canada and the World. “Heard Before The Herd”. It’s that simple.

Advance Tickets: http://www.ticketweb.ca/snl/VenueListings.action?venueId=10807 or by phone 1.888.222.6608

http://www.ZaphodBeeblebrox.com

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JW-Jones CD Release Party

Rainbow, 76 Murray Street

Friday, March 30 @ 10 pm

On his 7th release, aptly titled “Seventh Hour”, Jones has teamed up with multi-Juno award winning artist/producer, Steve Dawson, to mix the album. After performing in 17 countries, 4 continents, and releasing 6 critically acclaimed discs, it's time for a change. No famous guests. No fancy studios. This is JW-Jones and his band doing what they do best – right at home, recorded in J-Dub’s living room. Tracked on a crisp fall weekend, this cool release is sure to stir up some discussion about where his music is going as he soars in a vibrant new direction. Shattering visual boundaries is also an integral part of this project. Mitch Lenet, 3D artist and commercial photographer, has developed a concept for this package with cutting-edge technology that is guaranteed to turn heads in the music and fashion world. While keeping one foot firmly planted in the roots he came from, this Maple Blues Award winner believes that appealing to a younger audience is the most important way to ensure the evolution of blues-based music.

Check it out at the CD release, Friday, March 30 at the Rainbow.

http://www.jw-jones.com/

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Al Wood & the Woodsmen CD Launch

Neat Coffee Shop, 1715 Calabogie Road, Burnstown ON

Friday March 30 @ 8 pm; tickets $13

Al Wood & the Woodsmen launch their new CD, “Right On Cue”, on the SchoolHouse Stage at Neat Coffee Shop in Burnstown.

http://www.alwoodmusic.com/

Ticket prices are $13 and are available at http://www.neatfood.com/upcoming-shows, by dropping by the shop, or calling (613.433.3205)

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Tyler Bryant And The Shakedown + Frankie Whyte And The Dead Idols

Zaphod Beeblebrox, 27 York Street

Monday, April 2 @ 8 pm; tickets $20

Tyler Bryant opened for Jeff Beck at the National Arts Centre and wowed the crowd!

http://tylerbryantmusic.com

http://www.zaphods.ca

Advance tickets are available at Compact Music locations and through Ticketweb.

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Garrett Mason & Keith Hallett

Irene’s Pub, 885 Bank Street

Wednesday, April 11 @ 9 pm

Kaffé 1870

Wakefield QC

Thursday, April 12 @ 9 pm

ULTIMATE BLUES GUITAR GRUDGE MATCH!!

GARRETT MASON VS KEITH HALLETT

Juno Award Winner and 'Bluesabilly' guitar master, Garrett Mason has carefully selected his opponent in this battle of the axes. Nova Scotia's favourite sons Garrett Mason and New Brunswick's slide guitar freak, Keith Hallett, have teamed up to tour the Nation and battle it out on stage, letting Canada decide who shall be named Canada’s blues hero of the six string. Garrett and Keith may be friends back home in the East Coast, but when it comes to show their abilities to play, they take it very seriously!

To see and hear Mason and Hallett together on the same stage is to share a part of Canadian music history. Garrett Mason and Keith Hallett both have an extensive list of accomplishments and are well respected amongst their peers and fans across Canada and beyond. This is the 'ultimate guitar grudge match' and they are looking forward to letting their talent do the talking.

Go to www.keithhallett.ca for tour dates and more!

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Chris Antonik

Rainbow, 76 Murray Street

Saturday, April 14 @ 10 pm

In February, Chris began work on his highly-anticipated second album, which will feature an amazing guest line-up including: Grammy award-winning vocalist Mike Mattison (The Derek Trucks Band, The Tedeschi-Trucks Band), Juno-award winner Julian Fauth, as well as Maple Blues award-winners Shakura S'Aida and Steve Marriner. Josh Williams, Chris Chiarelli and Andrew Taylor will once again form the core band. Chris also has a showcase spot during Toronto’s Canadian Music Week.

He’ll be at the Rainbow, probably road-testing some of his new material, on Saturday, April 14.

http://www.chrisantonik.com/

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Al Wood & the Woodsmen

CD Launch

The Branch Restaurant & Texas Grill, 15 Clothier St. E., Kemptville ON

Saturday, April 14 @ 9 pm

Al Wood & the Woodsmen launch their new CD, “Right On Cue”, in Kemptville at The Branch.

http://www.alwoodmusic.com/

The Branch Restaurant has become what it was probably always meant to be — The Branch Restaurant and Texas Grill. Come on out and celebrate with some real Texas BBQ, or Tex-Mex or even Cajun or Southern foods favourites. Don't worry, it’s still the same old Branch in more ways than not with local and organic foods first and a commitment to the environment and the community.

http://www.thebranchrestaurant.com/

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Swing into Spring

With Kim Kaskiw & Steve Berndt

NAC 4th Stage, 53 Elgin Street

Saturday, April 14; 7:30-10:30 pm; tickets $20

Door prize is 20% off any purchase at Celadon Spa & Salon with ticket stub!

This yearly spring event features two of Ottawa's finest jazz singers performing duets of standards and original compositions with arrangements by Steve Berndt and J.P. Allain. Kim & Steve perform this jazz and swing revue with an excellent group of Ottawa musicians: Piano: J. P. Allain; Bass: Ken Kanwisher; Drums: Don Johnson; Tenor: Brian Asselin; Trumpet: Kelly Craig. It’s always a fun & exciting show. Come and celebrate the return of spring and the joy of jazz!

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James Hunter & guests

Mavericks, 221 Rideau Street

Sunday, April 15 @ 9 pm

James Hunter‘s second U.S. album, "The Hard Way", (released on Hear Music in June 2008), was among that year‘s most eagerly anticipated new releases. In terms of both inspiration and quotation, James has taken much from the musical past – as he will be the first to admit. But it‘s his own infectious sound and inventive songwriting, blessedly free of slavish mimicry or retrograde nostalgia, that today‘s audiences are responding to.

http://www.myspace.com/jameshuntermusic

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John Pizzarelli

Centrepointe Theatre, 101 Centrepointe Drive

Thursday April 19 @ 8 pm; tickets $59.50

Using performers like Nat “King” Cole, Frank Sinatra and Joao Gilberto and the songs of composers from Richard Rodgers, George Gershwin to James Taylor, Antonio Carlos Jobim and Lennon & McCartney as touchstones, John Pizzarelli has established himself as one of the prime interpreters of The Great American songbook and beyond, bringing to his work the cool jazz flavour of his brilliant guitar playing and singing. His latest recording, “Rockin’ In Rhythm”, the singer-guitarist’s first ever Duke Ellington recording, features 12 classic tracks that prove Pizzarelli – like Ellington – knows how to show off the strengths of the musicians in his band. In addition to a cut for solo guitar, four songs highlight the quartet (with pianist Larry Fuller, bassist Martin Pizzarelli and drummer Tony Tedesco) and seven include the Swing Seven horns with arrangements by Don Sebesky.

The legendary guitarist/vocalist is no stranger to Ottawa (he was last here at the 2006 Ottawa Jazz Festival), but he has never before appeared in such an intimate environment.

http://www.johnpizzarelli.com

http://www.centrepointetheatre.com/events_tickets/apr_2012_en.html?view=poster

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Music By The Bay Live presents

David Gogo ***SOLD OUT***

The Waterfront, Pickering ON

Friday, April 20 @ 9 pm

David Gogo has garnered three Juno Nominations, the Saturday Night Blues’ Great Canadian Blues Award for a lifetime contribution to the blues in Canada, WCMA Musician of the Year, and has twice been named Maple Blues Guitarist of the Year. Over the years, he has performed with blues and rock legends B.B. King, Bo Diddley, George Thorogood, ZZ Top, and numerous others – most recently touring with Johnny Winter on Canada’s west coast. David Gogo is one of Canada’s hardest working blues-rock guitarists and multiple Award Winner who adds heart, soul and grit to the international blues scene.

http://www.davidgogo.com

www.musicbythebaylive.com

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Jimmy Bowskill Band

Picton Regent Theatre

Friday, April 20 @ 8 pm

Wilno Tavern

Saturday, April 21 @ 8 pm

Jimmy Bowskill was discovered by Jeff Healey at 12, he is the youngest Juno Nominee ever and, at 21, has 5 critically acclaimed releases under his belt. He toured last year opening for Jeff Beck and will be touring in support of his latest release.

http://www.jimmybowskill.com

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Ground Breaking Blues
Wrokstarz Club & Venue,75 Consumers Drive, Whitby ON
Thursday, April 26 @ 7pm
; tickets $100 (Available Online Only) http://www.musicbythebaylive.com

Music By The Bay Live and 94.9 The Rock are proud to present an evening of World Class Blues featuring The Maple Blues Revue. Also appearing will be Braithwaite & Whiteley performing their original presentation of The Underground Railroad and The Jack de Keyzer Band.
http://www.musicbythebaylive.com
Standard Open Bar / Cocktail hors d'ouvres/ Silent Auction / Charitable Registration tax receipts
Proceeds will support the Habitat for Humanity Durham Centre Towne set to commence in May 2012, building homes in Oshawa for 24 families.
We need your help to provide a hand up … not a hand out. Habitat for Humanity; building homes, building hope.
Sponsorship Opportunities http://www.habitatdurham.com

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Paul Reddick

Rainbow, 76 Murray Street

Friday, April 27 @ 10 pm

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 superb songwriter, often referred to as “Canada’s blues poet laureate”,

http://www.myspace.com/paulreddick1

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1st Annual Ottawa Grassroots Mini-Folk Festival

Royal Canadian (Montgomery) Legion, 330 Kent Street

Saturday, April 28; noon to 11 pm; tickets $25 advance, $30 at the door

The OGF festival will be an annual family-oriented celebration of folk music, dance and other participatory arts. The 1st Annual OGF has announced the following headliners and programming for its community-oriented celebration of music and dance: Rick Fines, Katherine Wheatley, Missy Burgess and many more.

The one-day festival will consist of a number of different components which will take place in various parts of the building. In the afternoon, the downstairs area will offer a diverse range of participatory activities, including a ukulele sing-along, contra dancing, yoga and a "playback" theatre performance.


At the same time, the hall upstairs will feature several respected and talented performers, including the wonderful singer-songwriter Ana Miura, along with Open Stage performance opportunities for children as well as adults. The Open Stage is a Spirit of Rasputin’s (SoR) presentation. All afternoon activities are FREE, with donations accepted for CKCU FM, Ottawa's long-running community radio station.

The evening concert will feature Ottawa's own Missy Burgess as the opener, celebrating her latest CD, "Play Me Sweet" followed by the award-winning, ever-popular singer-songwriters Rick Fines and
Katherine Wheatley.

Tickets for the Ottawa Grassroots Festival are on sale now at the Ottawa Folklore Centre (1111 Bank Street), and are also available through PayPal on the Ottawa Grassroots Festival website

http://ottawagrassrootsfestival.com/

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BLUES IN KINGSTON

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The Kingston Blues Society announces a new series of blues shows – BLUES BANDS OF ONTARIO – which will take place the first Saturday of each month.

Many of the bands showcased in this new series have produced CDs; some have been playing together for many years and some are new and upcoming. For $3, you just can’t beat it.

April 7 – Firebelly (Ottawa)

May 5 – Wicked Grin (Ottawa)

June 2 - TBA

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KINGSTON - REGULAR EVENTS

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KBS Monthly Jam

The Standeasy

RCHA Club, 193 Ontario Street, Kingston ON

Saturday, April 21 @ 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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Ross Neilsen

RCHA Club, 193 Ontario Street, Kingston ON

Friday, March 16; $5 @ the door

Solo show from one of the best new talents on the continent. Be there early – this show will sell out – read on to see why this show will sell out.

Canada’s hardest working blues rock act, Ross Neilsen, does it right. Taking strong, timeless material to the place that matters. The People. Six years, over 1000 shows and half a million kilometres traveled. In a time of corporate cookie cutter music this is the return to real. Proving hard work pays off, Ross Neilsen has been honoured with a nomination for Best New Artist at The Maple Blues Awards in 2010, two Rising Star nominations from CBC, back to back Blues Album of the Year nominations from the East Coast Music Association, a win for Best Blues Recording for “Redemption” at the 2010 MusicNB awards and more recently Ross was selected to represent Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis TN, where he advanced to the semi-finals. Ross Neilsen is the real, old school kind of artist. Write. Tour. Record. Tour. Repeat.

http://www.rossneilsen.com

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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

www.kingstonbluessociety.ca

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ON THE SMALL SCREEN

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Capital Music Sessions

Rogers TV, Cable 22

March 25 to March 29 @ 8 pm

Five special episodes will highlight some of Ottawa's best musical acts and industry expert interviews!
THE LINE UP
The Cooper Brothers; MonkeyJunk; Amos The Transparent; The Terry Gillespie Trio; The Tyler Kealey Band; Jack Pine and The Fire; John Carroll; Silver Creek; Ana Miura; The PepTides; Camp Radio; Jim Bryson; Kalle Mattson; The Acorn; Renée Yoxon
THE EXPERTS
Eugene Haslam, Owner of Zaphod Beeblebrox; Dick Cooper, Musician; Greg Harris (aka Lefty McRighty), O-Town Hoedown; Ana Miura, Folk Festival; Lynn Saxberg, Music Writer - Ottawa Citizen; Jon Chandler, Musician; Chris White, CKCU
http://www.rogerstv.com/page.aspx?lid=16&rid=4&tid=33287

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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 18 – More New Blues

Next week, March 26 – Juno Awards

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On CKCU-FM 93.1

The Mighty 93.1

www.ckcufm.com

Community Radio serving the Ottawa Carleton Region

Sundays: 9-11 pm

Black and Blues

with John Tackaberry

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

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Wednesdays: 9-11 pm

In A Mellow Tone

with Ron Sweetman

Jazz from every era & every style – from 1917 to 2011. 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 14: Sam Rivers: Co-Host Alnoor Allidina presents a look at the late musician and composer Sam Rivers. We sample from his many varied projects, and include his work as both sideman and leader.

Next week, March 21: Carlo Actis Dato: Ron Sweetman celebrates the 60th birthday and the recording career of this innovative Italian saxophonist, composer and band leader.

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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

www.cbc.ca/snb

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

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 is your host for this blues only radio show, now in its 5th year. It can be heard throughout the Ottawa Valley and streaming on the internet at valleyheritageradio.ca so Ottawa folks now listen!

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CBC RADIO CONCERTS ON DEMAND

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Lots of blues available in the concerts on demand section of the CBC Website …

http://www.cbc.ca/radio2/cod/

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LOCALS LOOK AHEAD

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Thursday, March 22

Mathieu Gagnon Blues Trio @ Fatboys Southern Smokehouse, 8 pm

Friday & Saturday, March 23-24

Wicked Grin @ Fatboys Southern Smokehouse, 9:30 pm

Sunday, March 25

River City Junction hosts the Open Jam @ the Rainbow, 3-7 pm

Thursday, March 29

Firebelly @ Fatboys Southern Smokehouse, 8 pm

Friday, March 30

The Powergoats @ Tucson’s, 9:15 pm

JW-Jones CD Release Party @ the Rainbow, 10 pm

Thursday, April 5

River City Junction @ Fatboys Southern Smokehouse, 8 pm

Saturday, April 7

Brothers Chaffey @ the Elmdale House Tavern, 9:30 pm

Friday & Saturday, April 13-14

Ball & Chain @ Fatboys Southern Smokehouse, 9:30 pm

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