23 December 2020

Ottawa Blues This Week - 23 December 2020

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OTTAWA BLUES THIS WEEK 

is taking a month off over the holiday/winter season.

The next email/blog will be sent out Wednesday, January 20, 2021.

If you would like to subscribe to the email, please complete the form at http://eepurl.com/bi1E3L

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Info below compiled from Facebook posts.

If you have updated info, or to share any corrections, please contact ottawablues@gmail.com

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OTTAWA PUBLIC HEALTH

Highlights – Special Statement –

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Kwey. Bonjour. Hello.

Over the weekend, I connected with Dr. Williams, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, about the shutdown which was announced [Monday] afternoon.

I want to acknowledge the dire situation much of our province is facing and how important the next weeks will be to stem the tide of COVID transmission across Ontario before it leads to unprecedented hospitalizations and cripples our health care system.

In my discussions with Dr. Williams, I highlighted the incredibly hard work and significant sacrifices Ottawa residents and businesses have made over the last several months to keep COVID transmissions down. I also mentioned the important role that schools play in enabling people to work and providing structure in children and youth’s days.

Through that hard work and most recently this fall, we have seen the number of hospitalizations and outbreaks decline in Ottawa. While no longer in decline, the levels of COVID in our community remain stable, and we know even a small increase in the number of close contacts we have can quickly lead to a significant rise in COVID-19 levels here. We know our hospitals in Ottawa are ready and not seeing the worrying trends seen in other parts of the province. We want to see elective surgeries continue and not be cancelled. We also know we are seeing a rise in numbers in neighbouring regions and we are all connected.

I am disappointed with the decision by the provincial government to apply a 28-day shutdown on the city of Ottawa and I have asked the provincial government to reconsider a two-week shutdown for Ottawa, one that would be as short as possible in consideration of the evidence of the COVID indicators in our community.

We know that in a shutdown, we lose balance in our mental health and freedoms in our lives. For people living with domestic violence, home is not a haven but a dangerous place. Many business owners in the service industry are facing devastating economic impacts and their livelihoods are at risk. Self-isolation and loneliness are having a severe impact on mental health.

People are suffering and everyone is tired.

Today is the winter solstice, the day of the year with the longest hours of darkness. And today, in Ottawa, we are feeling that darkness. BUT the darkest time comes just before the light and I want you to know that I will continue to keep fighting for the people of Ottawa. I will continue to keep speaking to the province, to make it as clear to make this shutdown as short as possible for the city of Ottawa.

Today, there is hope in our community. Last week, nearly 1,500 long-term care workers received the first Pfizer COVID vaccines in Ottawa. There will be a phased and scheduled vaccine campaign to make the COVID-19 vaccine available to everyone who wants it, and we are in the process of reaching out to all long-term care home and retirement home operators and staff to continue to offer more doses of the vaccine. Staff who work at a long-term care or retirement home in Ottawa are asked to contact their employer today for information about how to book your vaccine appointment.

Ottawa, I am proud of the hard work you have done. I know you are committed and that you care deeply about your community.

In the days ahead, please do not gather with people you do not usually live with. This Christmas must be different. Stay with people in your household only. If you choose to see family and friends outside your household, physically distance and wear a mask. Do as much as possible outdoors. Stay home if you are sick and wash your hands regularly.

Caring for your loved ones means doing these things. These are both the simplest things but the hardest, especially THIS Christmas.

We need to keep each other closer than ever before, while being physically apart. Many people are struggling and need you to check in. These are your family, your friends, your neighbours who will struggle with their mental health, who will need food, support, even a friendly hello. No one is alone. Our community is all of us and please connect with them to see how you can bring light to someone’s world. 

Thank you. Merci. Meegwetch. 

Full Text

December 21, 2020 – Special statement from Dr. Vera Etches 

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LOCAL VENUES

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Please check with venues to determine their status.

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Irene’s Pub     

885 Bank Street

Check for updates on Irene’s Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/irenespub.ca/events/?ref=page_internal

www.irenespub.ca

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Atomic Rooster    

303 Bank Street

Wednesday – Sunday, 4 pm – 11 pm

Check for updates on the Atomic Rooster’s Facebook page:

www.facebook.com/267649179945257

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Rainbow Bistro

76 Murray Street

Check for updates on the Rainbow’s Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/rainbow.bistro.7

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AREA VENUES

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The Cove Inn

Westport, ON

There was a COVID outbreak in one of the schools in Westport last week - and a subsequent rise in positive cases in the surrounding area - so in the interests of SAFETY FIRST (which has been the operating creed at The Cove since the pandemic began) THE COVE INN has decided to CLOSE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE - i.e. until the COVID situation improves and they feel they can open and operate safely again.

www.coveinn.com

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WEEKLY EVENTS

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Please check venue websites for info.

Some venues offer livestream events.

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PROVINCIAL LOCKDOWN to JANUARY 24

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NO EVENTS THIS WEEK

NO EVENTS COMING UP

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MUSICAL ADVENT CALENDAR

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Three of Ottawa’s most popular singers — Angelique Francis, Rebecca Noelle and Kellylee Evans — are among a dozen top-tier local artists featured in a new series of 24 seasonal music videos, with one to be presented each day until Dec. 24. The musical Advent calendar is the result of an innovative collaboration between RBC Bluesfest and the Embassy of Germany. The videos will be posted on the embassy’s website, sogerman.ca/advent-calendar. 

According to Sabine Sparwasser, Germany’s ambassador to Canada, the idea for the online Advent calendar was devised in her office, while the Bluesfest team contributed the expertise to make it happen.

“The Advent calendar is a much-beloved thing in Germany,” said Sparwasser, referring to the holiday tradition of a calendar that has a small treat or gift tucked behind a flap on each day in December leading up to Christmas.

“Every day you open the little door and get the little present. You start off with a little joy in the morning, in particular when it’s dark and cold. It works up the anticipation to the 24th, which is the big present-giving day in Germany.”

Germans are known to be huge fans of music, and the German Embassy has long been a supporter of several Ottawa music festivals, including the Ottawa International Jazz Festival and Chamberfest. There’s normally a modest budget to organize and present cultural events, but because of the pandemic this year that budget was barely touched.

“It’s been a very difficult year to do anything live, and so we thought of doing something where we can engage young, local artists and spread the holiday cheer at the same time,” said Sparwasser. “We came up with the idea of the Advent calendar and found the perfect partner in Ottawa Bluesfest.”

Festival staff then turned to one of their Blues In The Schools instructors, the multi-talented artist Angelique Francis, to co-ordinate the effort, with help from her musician father, Kiran Francis, who also plays in her band.

Bluesfest executive director Mark Monahan said Francis had recently put together a promotional video for the school program, and the results were impressive. All 24 of the Advent calendar videos were shot at Festival House over one weekend, with Angelique and her father handling the myriad details, including producing, directing, shooting, editing, engineering, and mixing and mastering the audio. They also rounded up a selection of artists representing the diversity of the Ottawa music scene.

In addition to Francis, Noelle and Evans, the videos feature the Inuit throat-singing duo Tarniriik, bilingual singer-songwriter Kristine St. Pierre, spoken-word artist Jamaal Jackson Rogers, soprano Cara Gilbertson-Boese, the duo of guitarist Lucas Haneman and vocalist Megan Laurence, bluesy harmonica wiz Catriona Sturton, country-folk singer Julie Corrigan and singer-pianist Jeff Rogers with guitarist JW-Jones.

Most of the artists recorded two videos. The song selections include Christmas carols and winter-themed tunes, along with German favourites, secular standards and tidings from other cultures.

“This year is like no other year before, but the bright side is we’ve had to be more creative to reach out to people,” said Sparwasser. “We’re hopeful that with this calendar, maybe we’re going to reach people we’ve never had a chance to come into contact with before. And it gives artists a little something to do and a little revenue.”

Lynn Saxberg, Ottawa Citizen, 01-December-2020

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BLUES ON THE RIDEAU @ THE COVE
2021 WINTER SERIES
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Dinner & Show fundraisers for local charities
$70 (plus HST) for all shows * 7-10 pm
Two nights - Friday & Saturday - per engagement
Full COVID safety protocol in effect at all shows

Limited capacity due to COVID so book well ahead if you want to attend.
Limited number of tables for 2 available so, to help us maximize seating and for your added safety, please get together with family & friends and create your own "bubble" table.

Why not make this a nice little staycation getaway? Well-priced accommodation available at the Cove and nearby B&Bs.

ADVANCE RESERVATIONS REQUIRED * CALL THE COVE
613-273-3636 or email thecoveinnwestport@gmail.com

If you can't be there in person, all shows will be broadcast live on the BOTR YOUTUBE channel. https://www.youtube.com/channel/ucwljdqbzal87xbjlg9sw-CQ
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JACK DE KEYZER TRIO - CANCELLED
Friday & Saturday,
January 15 & 16
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CHUCK JACKSON TRIO - CANCELLED
Friday & Saturday, February 19 & 20
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PAUL REDDICK TRIO
Friday & Saturday,
March 19 & 20
Proceeds from these shows go to P.A.W.S (Prevent Another Westport Stray)

A wonderfully talented singer, songwriter and harmonica player, Paul has been performing his critically acclaimed original material on stages across Canada, the USA and Europe for over 30 years. He has 10 albums to his credit and has recorded and written with Colin Linden, Tom Wilson and MonkeyJunk, among others. His most recent album "Ride The One" won him a Juno in 2016. Paul will be appearing with long time friend and collaborator Kyle Ferguson (from The Sidemen days) and Steve Marriner from MonkeyJunk (who is fast becoming a regular at The Cove) - both on guitars. 
www.paulreddick.ca

NOTE: The above show is subject to postponement depending on the COVID situation at the timeWatch for email updates, visit the BOTR website www.bluesontherideau.ca or the Cove website www.coveinn.com or call the Cove 613-273-3636 for updates
as the show dates approach. 
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KINGSTON SPECIAL EVENTS

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For more info, please contact Kingston Blues Society

www.kingstonbluessociety.ca

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MOVIES

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ByTowne Cinema    

325 Rideau Street

Shows are going ahead on December 23 and 24.

The Best of the ByTowne Update from Bruce

The Best of the ByTowne, all screenings in our "21-fun salute" of great ByTowne hits must be cancelled, owing to the pandemic.

But here's what I propose: What if we postpone the Best of the ByTowne series to late January or early Februa

We already have the movies; we have a fully equipped cinema; we have 1050 tickets sold (21 screenings x 50 person capacity). All we need is a place in the calendar when it's safe to go to the movies again.

Here's how it would work: Give me a couple of weeks to work out the details. We need to be sure that the restrictions won't be extended, and there are a few other ducks I need to get in a row. Meanwhile, don't request refunds just yet.

When I know the dates of the Best of the ByTowne: Plan B series, customers who had tickets to the original Dec. 26-31 series will get advance notice, and an opportunity to use their credits to reserve the same number of tickets in the Plan B series. You'll be allowed to book tickets for any of the shows (not necessarily the same movies that you first signed up for). After 72 hours of head start for the original ticket holders, any unsold seats will be released to the rest of the cit

This may not work for everyone. I know your schedule from Dec. 26 to 31 might have had a bit more time for movies than you might have available later on, or maybe you're fed up with COVID restrictions and plan to move to Kamouraska to wait out the pandemic. 

So if you need a refund now, we'll do it. Just email your reservation code (or forward the email confirmation that includes the code) to tickets@bytowne.ca and we'll process your credit card refund, no questions asked. (We're proud NOT to be Air Canada!)

If, ultimately, we can't pull off the Best of the ByTowne Plan B: I'll let you all know, and THEN we can process all your refunds.

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Mayfair Theatre    

1074 Bank Street

https://mayfairtheatre.ca/schedule/

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BLUES ON THE RADIO

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DAWGFM.com Blues 24/7 on the internet

Streaming at http://www.dawgfm.com/

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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.

http://www.ckcufm.com/black-and-blues

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Wednesdays: 9-11 pm

In A Mellow Tone

Hosted by Bernard Stepien, Ron Steeds, Allan Wigney, Jean-Michel Labatut and Aidian Thomas, ‘In A Mellow Tone’ introduces listeners to the entire history of jazz, from its beginnings to the latest innovations. Every program has a focus: on a musician, a city, a festival, an instrument, a record label or on recent releases. The hosts draw on their large personal CD and LP collections to supplement CKCU's extensive resources.

http://cod.ckcufm.com/programs/94/info.html

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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 40 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 13th year.  It can be heard throughout the Ottawa Valley and streaming on the internet at valleyheritageradio.ca.

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NPR from Canton NY

For those who live south of the city, the National Public Radio (NPR) radio signal at 89.5 FM in Canton NY comes in pretty strong in Manotick. “The Blue Note” Tuesdays 3 pm-5 pm, and “The Radio Bob Show” Wednesdays 3 pm-5 pm are both excellent shows – blues, ‘50s & ‘60s, rock & roll, R&B.

http://ncprmusic.org/ncpr-music-hosts/ellen-rocco/

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Unsung and On The Side

With Carolyn Fe

Carolyn wrapped up Unsung and On The Side after 200 shows. Previous episodes available at carolyn-fe.com/radio.

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16 December 2020

Ottawa Blues This Week - 16 December 2020

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OTTAWA BLUES THIS WEEK 

has moved back to an approximate weekly frequency.

If you would like to subscribe to the email, please complete the form at http://eepurl.com/bi1E3L

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Info below compiled from Facebook posts.

If you have updated info, or to share any corrections, please contact ottawablues@gmail.com

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OTTAWA PUBLIC HEALTH

Highlights – Special Statement – December 15

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Kwey. Bonjour. Hello.

Today is truly a historic day for Ottawa. Earlier today, health care workers who work in some of Ottawa’s long term care homes became the first people in the city to receive the first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Today, with a new vaccine available and others anticipated in the weeks and months to come, there is a light on the horizon. We now have another layer of protection to add to our toolkit. And I want to strongly encourage anyone who can receive the vaccine now to do so and continue to protect themselves, their loved ones and our community.

I know there are many people with questions and concerns about this new vaccine, and Ottawa Public Health is working with you to get you the answers you need. Today, we launched a new webpage on ottawapublichealth.ca/Covid19Vaccine which we will continue to update over the next several months.

Every single action to prevent COVID-19 transmission counts, and the next few months will require our patience and perseverance. The screening measures and mask wearing and physical distancing and hand washing will remain important layers of protection against the virus, including for people who are vaccinated.

There will be a phased and scheduled vaccine campaign to make COVID-19 vaccine available to everyone, however it will take many months before large segments of the population are vaccinated. I know the million people who call Ottawa home will keep doing their best with the hard work to protect their friends, family and coworkers. 

There’s No Place Like (staying) Home for the Holidays

We know what we need to do to slow the spread of COVID-19 in the community. We must stay consistent, stay strong, stay focused in the weeks and months ahead. We must support people who may be having more difficulty this winter and link people to services when needed.

COVID-19 indicators on our dashboard and the other information we monitor daily remain stable; our numbers are no longer declining. A small increase in the number of close contacts we have can quickly lead to a significant rise in COVID-19 levels in our community. As we enter the holiday season, we need to continue to make informed decisions that keep us and others safe from the COVID-19 virus. Avoiding crowded places and close contact with people outside our households are most important.

This means the holidays this year will be like no others before. OPH has also updated its website to reflect the holiday guidance announced by the provincial government. We continue to ask that celebrations happen only with the people you already live with, virtually or physically distanced with anyone else, and that those who live alone can exclusively join one other household.

I’d also ask that if you know someone who is isolated and not part of your close contacts to please reach out virtually, give them a call or send them a card or another token of kindness. The holidays can be a difficult time for anyone who is alone, COVID or no COVID. Now more than ever, we need to support one another and our entire community.

With the latest vaccines news, my hope is that we can return to celebrating with our extended loved ones by this time next year. In the meantime, the public health measures you’ve become familiar with will need to be in place for some time. And when it is your turn to receive the vaccine, please roll up your sleeve – for your safety and the safety of our entire community.

Stay strong Ottawa and take care of one another. Thank you. Merci. Meegwetch.

Full Text

December 15, 2020 – Special statement from Dr. Vera Etches

December 10, 2020 – Special statement from Dr. Vera Etches

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LOCAL VENUES

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Please check with venues to determine their status.

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Irene’s Pub    

885 Bank Street

Check for updates on Irene’s Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/irenespub.ca/events/?ref=page_internal

www.irenespub.ca

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Atomic Rooster    

303 Bank Street

Wednesday – Sunday, 4 pm – 11 pm

Check for updates on the Atomic Rooster’s Facebook page:

www.facebook.com/267649179945257

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Rainbow Bistro

76 Murray Street

Check for updates on the Rainbow’s Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/rainbow.bistro.7

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AREA VENUES

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The Cove Inn

Westport, ON

There was a COVID outbreak in one of the schools in Westport last week - and a subsequent rise in positive cases in the surrounding area - so in the interests of SAFETY FIRST (which has been the operating creed at The Cove since the pandemic began) THE COVE INN has decided to CLOSE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE - i.e. until the COVID situation improves and they feel they can open and operate safely again.

www.coveinn.com

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WEEKLY EVENTS

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Please check venue websites for info.

Some venues offer live stream events.

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EVENTS THIS WEEK

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Al Tambay

Waterfront Gastro Pub, 12 Bell Street, Carleton Place ON

Thursday, December 17; 8 pm – 11 pm

Saturday, December 19; 3 pm – 6 pm

 and

The Neighbourhood Pub, 2557 Baseline Road

Friday, December 18; 6 pm – 9 pm

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Miss Emily, with full band - CANCELLED

The Cove Country Inn, Westport ON

Friday & Saturday, December 18 & 19; 6 pm – 10 p

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Saturday Night Revue with Jamieson & Friends

Irene’s Pub, 885 Bank Street

Saturday, December 19 @ 7 pm; pay what you can

An Evening of music with Jamieson MacKay. Socially distanced seating available indoors.

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Rainbow Sunday Blues Showcase Series

Rainbow Bistro, 76 Murray Street

Every Sunday afternoon in December 2020

Door at 2, show 3/3:30-7/7:30ish; cover $5

Dec 20 - Crunchy Flower
Dec 27 - River City Junction

This is NOT an open jam.

Due to the nature of jams and the inevitability of cross-contamination, the new Sunday format is not an open mic/jam.

Please respect COVID restrictions:
- Wear your mask and use hand sanitizer.
- Stay at your table, please remain seated.
- No dancing,
- Groups no larger than 4 per table,
- Do not approach other tables.

Please note last call is at 8:45 pm, and that everyone must be gone by 9:30 pm.

Cover is $5, you may pay it in cash or with plastic to the bartender while they collect your ID for contact tracing.

Thank you for supporting live music.

Play safe, be respectful.

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Lynn Miles Solo

Irene’s Pub, 885 Bank Street

Saturday, December 19 @ 3 pm

          Tickets: www.eventbrite.ca/e/lynn-miles-winter-solo-tickets-130141852785

Sunday, December 20 @ 3 pm

         Tickets: www.eventbrite.ca/e/lynn-miles-winter-solo-tickets-130142057397

Lynn Miles is an award-winning singer-songwriter, record producer, teacher, writer, public speaker.

https://lynnmilesmusic.ca/

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The Chocolate Hot Pockets

Irene’s Pub, 885 Bank Street

Sunday, December 20; 8 pm – 11 pm

The Chocolate Hot Pockets will be gracing the stage for a Christmas Funk & Soul show featuring the incomparable Michael Hanna live at Irene's Pub on Sunday, December 20.

This event will be a ticketed event that can be attended in person (assuming COVID protocols allow) as well as a paid online Zoom link which will be available soon. We'll be paying tribute to great artists such as Bill Withers, Steely Dan, Mavis Staples, Blood, Sweat & Tears and many more.

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EVENTS COMING UP

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Jamie Douglas – Solo, Acoustic

Heart & Crown, 353B Preston Street

Thursday, December 31; 2 pm – 6 pm   

Jamie Douglas returns to Heart & Crown Preston for an afternoon solo acoustic show on New Years Eve Afternoon on Thursday, December 31.

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Weber Brothers Band

The Historic Red Dog, Peterborough ON

Thursday, December 31 @ 9 pm; tickets $30

          Please call the Red Dog to reserve a spot or table.

Come join The Weber Brothers Band this New Year’s Eve at the Historic Red Dog, Peterborough ON. We’ll have to ring in the new year an hour early with restrictions being what they are, so join us as we ring in the New Brunswick New Year!

Attendance numbers have to be quite limited this year due to Covid restrictions and safety, so it’ll be a first come first get type situation, but we look forward to seeing you there.

All Covid precautions and protocols will be in place and closely monitored and strictly practiced.

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MUSICAL ADVENT CALENDAR

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Three of Ottawa’s most popular singers — Angelique Francis, Rebecca Noelle and Kellylee Evans — are among a dozen top-tier local artists featured in a new series of 24 seasonal music videos, with one to be presented each day until Dec. 24. The musical Advent calendar is the result of an innovative collaboration between RBC Bluesfest and the Embassy of Germany. The videos are posted on the embassy’s website, sogerman.ca/advent-calendar.

According to Sabine Sparwasser, Germany’s ambassador to Canada, the idea for the online Advent calendar was devised in her office, while the Bluesfest team contributed the expertise to make it happen.

“The Advent calendar is a much-beloved thing in Germany,” said Sparwasser, referring to the holiday tradition of a calendar that has a small treat or gift tucked behind a flap on each day in December leading up to Christmas.

“Every day you open the little door and get the little present. You start off with a little joy in the morning, in particular when it’s dark and cold. It works up the anticipation to the 24th, which is the big present-giving day in Germany.”

Germans are known to be huge fans of music, and the German Embassy has long been a supporter of several Ottawa music festivals, including the Ottawa International Jazz Festival and Chamberfest. There’s normally a modest budget to organize and present cultural events, but because of the pandemic this year that budget was barely touched.

“It’s been a very difficult year to do anything live, and so we thought of doing something where we can engage young, local artists and spread the holiday cheer at the same time,” said Sparwasser. “We came up with the idea of the Advent calendar and found the perfect partner in Ottawa Bluesfest.”

Festival staff then turned to one of their Blues In The Schools instructors, the multi-talented artist Angelique Francis, to co-ordinate the effort, with help from her musician father, Kiran Francis, who also plays in her band.

Bluesfest executive director Mark Monahan said Francis had recently put together a promotional video for the school program, and the results were impressive. All 24 of the Advent calendar videos were shot at Festival House over one weekend, with Angelique and her father handling the myriad details, including producing, directing, shooting, editing, engineering, and mixing and mastering the audio. They also rounded up a selection of artists representing the diversity of the Ottawa music scene.

In addition to Francis, Noelle and Evans, the videos feature the Inuit throat-singing duo Tarniriik, bilingual singer-songwriter Kristine St. Pierre, spoken-word artist Jamaal Jackson Rogers, soprano Cara Gilbertson-Boese, the duo of guitarist Lucas Haneman and vocalist Megan Laurence, bluesy harmonica wiz Catriona Sturton, country-folk singer Julie Corrigan and singer-pianist Jeff Rogers with guitarist JW-Jones.

Most of the artists recorded two videos. The song selections include Christmas carols and winter-themed tunes, along with German favourites, secular standards and tidings from other cultures.

“This year is like no other year before, but the bright side is we’ve had to be more creative to reach out to people,” said Sparwasser. “We’re hopeful that with this calendar, maybe we’re going to reach people we’ve never had a chance to come into contact with before. And it gives artists a little something to do and a little revenue.”

Lynn Saxberg, Ottawa Citizen, 01-December-2020

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Southminster United Church

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December 2020
  Presented by 
Southminster United Church
  Wednesdays at noon, live at Music at Southminster

Dec 23    A FESTIVAL OF LESSONS AND CAROLS
Caelis Academy Ensemble honors the season with a traditional Christmas festival of lessons and carols in the English Cathedral style. Caelis Academy Ensemble is directed by Matthew Larkin.

Support the DOMS series with a donation.
Thanks for reading and sharing,
Roland Graham, Artistic director, DOMS

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BLUES ON THE RIDEAU @ THE COVE
2021 WINTER SERIES
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We are still hoping - and planning for - the WINTER SERIES of BLUES ON THE RIDEAU at The Cove to proceed as planned, beginning with the January 15 & 16 shows with the JACK DE KEYZER TRIO but that will depend entirely on the COVID situation at that time and when The Cove reopens. We are monitoring the situation day by day and will make a decision about the January shows no later than January 4 at which time we will notify everyone.

Dinner & Show fundraisers for local charities
$70 (plus HST) for all shows * 7-10 pm
Two nights - Friday & Saturday - per engagement
Full COVID safety protocol in effect at all shows

Limited capacity due to COVID so book well ahead if you want to attend.
Limited number of tables for 2 available so, to help us maximize seating and for your added safety, please get together with family & friends and create your own "bubble" table.

Why not make this a nice little staycation getaway? Well-priced accommodation available at the Cove and nearby B&Bs.

ADVANCE RESERVATIONS REQUIRED * CALL THE COVE
613-273-3636 or email thecoveinnwestport@gmail.com

If you can't be there in person, all shows will be broadcast live on the BOTR YOUTUBE channel. https://www.youtube.com/channel/ucwljdqbzal87xbjlg9sw-CQ
____________________________

JACK DE KEYZER TRIO
Friday & Saturday,
January 15 & 16
Proceeds from these shows go to St. Edwards elementary school

No need to introduce this act to Blues On The Rideau aficionados. Canada's King of the Blues guitar, Jack and his band are the most popular group to have ever played BOTR @ The Cove. This will be his record 10th visit since the Series started. A 2X Juno Award and 7X Maple Blues Award winner, Jack's career continues to blossom. He has a new album out and has just been nominated for 5 more Maple Blues Awards this year - Best Entertainer, Electric Act, Guitarist, Male Vocalist and Recording of the Year. And Alan Duffy (bass) and Richard Thornton (saxophone) who will be accompanying Jack for these shows are both up for MBAs in their respective categories as well. Blues, Rock, Funk, Soul and R&B at its best!
www.jackdekeyzer.com
_______________________

Update from James Doran:

Some hard news just came in: Chuck Jackson has been diagnosed with cancer - on his tongue. The good news is that they found it early and have started aggressive chemo/radiation treatment over the next 5 weeks. They say there is an 89% chance that he will recover fully which are excellent odds.

However - this means Chuck won’t be able to do the February 19/20 BOTR gigs at The Cove Inn with his Trio as planned. (He is aiming to be healed up and ready for the next Downchild tour tentatively planned for late April).

Stay tune for updates re: a replacement group for the Feb BOTR dates but given the current COVID situation - and the fact that The Cove Inn is closed until further notice due to a local outbreak - we will wait for awhile before making any further decisions of announcements about the Blues On The Rideau WINTER SERIES. Stay tuned.

If you want to send a note of love and support to Chuck while he is going through his treatments his email is chuckjackson2@rogers.com

CHUCK JACKSON TRIO
Friday & Saturday,
February 19 & 20
Proceeds from these shows go to Rideau Vista elementary school

Another BOTR favourite - Chuck has played here with The Hogtown Allstars multiple times and is of course is famous as the lead singer and harp player in the legendary Downchild Blues Band. He lists his major influences as Big Joe Turner, Otis Redding and Junior Wells and you can hear a lot of each of them in his music - he has an unmistakable powerful, soulful Blues Shouter style. He's also an accomplished songwriter and is the founder and Director of the famous Southside Shuffle Blues Festival in Port Credit, Ontario. Chuck has won 2 Juno Awards and 5 Maple Blues Awards with Downchild over his career and has been nominated 6X for the MBA for Best Male Vocalist - and won it 3X. He's up for another one this year. Joining Chuck for this performance is long time friend (and a former member of Downchild) Tyler Yarema on keyboards and Pat Carey on sax (another Downchild member) who has won the MBA for Horn Player of the Year an amazing 7X. 

www.chuckjackson.com
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PAUL REDDICK TRIO
Friday & Saturday,
March 19 & 20
Proceeds from these shows go to P.A.W.S (Prevent Another Westport Stray)

A wonderfully talented singer, songwriter and harmonica player, Paul has been performing his critically acclaimed original material on stages across Canada, the USA and Europe for over 30 years. He has 10 albums to his credit and has recorded and written with Colin Linden, Tom Wilson and MonkeyJunk, among others. His most recent album "Ride The One" won him a Juno in 2016. Paul will be appearing with long time friend and collaborator Kyle Ferguson (from The Sidemen days) and Steve Marriner from MonkeyJunk (who is fast becoming a regular at The Cove) - both on guitars. 
www.paulreddick.ca

NOTE: All shows are subject to postponement depending on the COVID situation at the timeWatch for email updates, visit the BOTR website www.bluesontherideau.ca or the Cove website www.coveinn.com or call the Cove 613-273-3636 for updates
as the show dates approach. 
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KINGSTON SPECIAL EVENTS

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For more info, please contact Kingston Blues Society

www.kingstonbluessociety.ca

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MOVIES

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ByTowne Cinema    

325 Rideau Street

Update from Bruce

What can we do to help?

First, let's all take advice from the front cover of the Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy: Don't Panic!

You've already helped. Your donations to the Staff Appreciation Fund have been amazing, and they will definitely help the staff bridge the gap between jobs.

Nothing else needs to be done on your end. I've been pretty clear that running an indie cinema is not feasible during a pandemic. No investments or donations or cost-savings measures can solve this; there are few customers, and fewer films to show to them.

But after the pandemic, it will be a different story. There was interest in buying the ByTowne business prior to the pandemic, and the prospective buyer is still considering the options. Plus, my announcement last week has generated a lot of reaction from some people with ample wealth, and some with ample knowledge of running an arts-oriented business.

I will soon turn my attention to finding out whether all this reaction can be converted to action. Meanwhile, enjoy the remaining movies, and the holiday season in general. And keep your subscription to Cinemail active, so that I can keep you up to date on the prospects for ByTowne 2.0. It's going to need you just as much as you need it.

Let's get stuffed on cinema.

I'm sorry that the ByTowne has to close. And from the outpouring of support that I and the staff have received over the past 10 days, I truly understand that you're as disappointed as I am. Thanks for all your messages.

But let's not be maudlin. After the pandemic, there may be someone willing to re-open the ByTowne. And right now, we might as well make the best of things, right?

In that spirit, I now present to you the final week of ByTowne movies. The Best of the ByTowne is a 21-gun salute to the strange and wonderful movies that have made the ByTowne such a fascinating place to be.

The Best of the ByTowne spans the decades from the 1980s to now. It includes popular hits, award winners, comedies, dramas, 10 different languages, and some personal favourites of mine. And it all wraps up with shows of Stop Making Sense, the film we played at the ByTowne's opening night party, October 1, 1988.

Perhaps you've noticed that our 50-person screenings are selling out rapidly these days. (There aren't many tickets left for the movies playing from now until December 24.) So take a look at The Best of the ByTowne https://www.bytowne.ca/movie-browser and act decisively!

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Mayfair Theatre    

1074 Bank Street

https://mayfairtheatre.ca/schedule/

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BLUES ON THE RADIO

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DAWGFM.com Blues 24/7 on the internet

Streaming at http://www.dawgfm.com/

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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.

http://www.ckcufm.com/black-and-blues

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Wednesdays: 9-11 pm

In A Mellow Tone

Hosted by Bernard Stepien, Ron Steeds, Allan Wigney, Jean-Michel Labatut and Aidian Thomas, ‘In A Mellow Tone’ introduces listeners to the entire history of jazz, from its beginnings to the latest innovations. Every program has a focus: on a musician, a city, a festival, an instrument, a record label or on recent releases. The hosts draw on their large personal CD and LP collections to supplement CKCU's extensive resources.

http://cod.ckcufm.com/programs/94/info.html

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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 40 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 13th year.  It can be heard throughout the Ottawa Valley and streaming on the internet at valleyheritageradio.ca.

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NPR from Canton NY

For those who live south of the city, the National Public Radio (NPR) radio signal at 89.5 FM in Canton NY comes in pretty strong in Manotick. “The Blue Note” Tuesdays 3 pm-5 pm, and “The Radio Bob Show” Wednesdays 3 pm-5 pm are both excellent shows – blues, ‘50s & ‘60s, rock & roll, R&B.

http://ncprmusic.org/ncpr-music-hosts/ellen-rocco/

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Unsung and On The Side

With Carolyn Fe

Carolyn wrapped up Unsung and On The Side after 200 shows. Previous episodes available at carolyn-fe.com/radio.

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