****************************
It’s
always wise to check with
the venue
to confirm the show!
****************************
JUNO NOMINATIONS
****************************
Congratulations
to the 2016 nominees for Best Blues Recording:
Big Dave McLean – “Faded But
Not Gone” (Stony Plain)
Blackburn – “Brothers In This World” (Electro-Fi)
David Gogo – “Vicksburg
Call” (Cordova Bay)
Harrison Kennedy – “This Is
From Here” (Electro-Fi)
Michael Jerome Browne –
“Sliding Delta” (Borealis)
****************************
SPECIAL EVENTS THIS
WEEK
****************************
Special Valentine’s Day show
with Jordan John and Prakash John
Greenfield’s Pub, 900 Greenbank Road
Sunday, February 14, 7 pm; tickets $35
There will be a special Valentine’s Day menu.
To say that vocal sensation Jordan John is a more
powerful and polished lead vocalist and multi-instrumentalist than many players
twice his age would tell just a fraction of the story. He has already
compiled a longer list of credits, and displays more assuredness and maturity,
than many performers twice his age. Adept on drums, keyboards, guitar and
bass, he distils the blues, soul and rhythm & blues into a sound that is
both solidly traditional and a bold departure from the electronically generated
music that has saturated the pop charts in recent years.
Delivering a refined essence of traditional based
Blues, Soul & Rhythm ‘n’ Blues, this musical dynamo adds a breath of fresh
air to the contemporary music landscape. Only time will tell what the
future holds for this rising star. What is certain is that the results
will be potent, powerful and positive ... the soul stirring revelation that is
the music of Jordan John.
****************************
LOCAL HIGHLIGHTS
THIS WEEK
****************************
Brian Downey's
Southern Blue Valentine
1951 West, 1951
Robertson Road
Saturday, February
13, 8 pm-12 midnight
Heart-
and chart-breakers for music lovers - dancing shoes recommended.
Reservations
for delicious dinner and/or dessert @ www.1951West.ca,
613 596 1611
Brian
Downey.ca - drums, vocals
MissRepresentIT.net
- vocals, bass
JamesOH.net
- guitar
****************************
AREA HIGHLIGHTS
THIS WEEK
****************************
Calabogie Presents...The Winter MUSIC Series
Rod Williams & JW Jones Duo
Black Donald’s Pub, Calabogie Peaks,
Calabogie ON
Saturday, February 13 @ 2 pm
Rod Williams, known affectionately
as Reverend Rod, is a highly respected harmonica player and powerful vocalist.
Rod has been performing at regional venues since the early ‘90s and has played
alongside a who’s-who of local and international talent. He brings a passion
for the music that is contagious and undeniable! A member of several bands,
such as The Soul Shakers, Broadcast Blues Band, Lil' Al's Combo, King Rattler
and, more recently, Wicked Grin, and he occasionally appears with international
touring Canadian blues artist, JW-Jones. Entertainment and music that is
perfect for the soul and makes you feel good!
****************************
The Hopeless
Romantics
with the Brothers Chaffey featuring
Kelly Sloan
The Branch, 15
Clothier Street East, Kemptville ON
Saturday, February
13 @ 9 pm
****************************
LOCALS THIS WEEK
****************************
Saturday, February 13
Brian
Downey @ 1951 West, 8 pm
Ball
and Chain & the Wreckers Mardi Gras Party @ Irene’s Pub, 9:30 pm
Sunday, February 14
Clint
Everson Band hosts the Open Jam @ the Rainbow, 3:30-7:30 pm
Bella
Cat @ the Atomic Rooster, 6-9 pm
****************************
LOCAL HIGHLIGHTS
(almost) EVERY WEEK
****************************
Jeff and Shane
Tuesdays in the Irish Village
Heart & Crown,
Byward Market, Clarence Street
Every other Tuesday
Every
other Tuesday, you can find Jeff Rogers accompanied by Shane McEwan playing at
The Heart and Crown Downtown.
**********
The Jam @ Kaffé
1870, Wakefield QC
Every Wednesday @ 9
pm, no cover
6
rotating hosts, each specializing in a different genre
**********
John Carroll
Chateau Lafayette
(The Laff), 42 York Street
Wednesdays, 8 pm
**********
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.
Hosted by Corky
Kealey and Vince Halfhide.
Special
guests:
February
11 – Genevieve Freynet
February
18 – Chuck Karn
February
25 – Jarhead & Jerome
March 3
– Niel Barrington
March 10
– John Yemensky
March 17
– Peter O’Newsom
March 24
– Rod Williams
March 31
– Jeff Hagerman
**********
Jeff Rogers
SALT, 345 Preston
Street
Fridays, 9:30 pm
Every other
Saturday, 9:30 pm
Friday and
alternate Saturday Nights in a gorgeous Piano Lounge, find Jeff singing all
kinds of music, playing a nice new grand piano, while drinking fabulous
cocktails.
**********
Roddy Ellias
Caveau
Mediterranean, 1638 Bank Street
Every Saturday
night, starting February 13
February 13 – Mark Ferguson
(trombone) & Roddy Ellias (guitar)
February 20 – Petr
Cancura (saxophone) & Roddy Ellias (guitar)
February
27 – John Geggie (bass) & Roddy Ellias (guitar)
March 7
– Megan Jerome (voice) & Roddy Ellias (guitar)
**********
The Allaire Show
with John Allaire & special
guests
Quinn’s Ale House,
1070 Bank Street
Last Saturday of
the month, 3-5 pm
Songs and stories from around the world.
**********
Jeff Rogers
Deacon Brodie’s,
247 Elgin Street
Every Sunday, 2-6
pm
Every
Sunday afternoon, you can find Jeff playing some tunes at Deacon Brodie's on
Elgin.
Downtown
Ottawa, come for brunch (till 2pm) and then stay for tunes as Jeff takes
requests and kicks off your Sunday Funday!
**********
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).
**********
Sunday Blues, 6-9
pm, no cover
Atomic Rooster, 303
Bank Street (at MacLaren)
****************************
2016 WINTER MUSIC
AT CALABOGIE PEAKS
****************************
Calabogie Presents...The Winter MUSIC Series
January 2, 2016 - March 26, 2016
January 2, 2016 - March 26, 2016
Calabogie Peaks Resort
is excited to bring back the music events this winter with après ski
entertainment!
Rod Williams & JW Jones Duo - February
13, 2016
Rod Williams,
affectionately as Reverend Rod, is a highly respected harmonica player and
powerful vocalist. Rod has been performing at regional venues since the early
90's and has played alongside the who’s-who of local and international talent.
He brings a passion for the music that is contagious and undeniable! A member
of several bands, such as The Soul Shakers, Broadcast Blues Band, Lil' Al's
Combo, more recently, King Rattler, Wicked Grin, and occasionally appears with
international touring Canadian blues artist, JW-Jones. Entertainment and music
that is perfect for the soul and makes you feel good!
Three Times Lucky - February 27, 2016
Three Times Lucky,
formed in 2009, are a group of experienced Ottawa area musicians offering a
combination of classic rootsy blues rock, with a healthy dose of their own
original numbers to boot. So put on your favorite dancing shoes and come out to
a show real soon! Yer Alternative Rockin' Blues Satisfaction Guaranteed!
Mumbo Jumbo Voodoo Combo - March 5, 2016
Mumbo Jumbo Voodoo Combo
was formed in Ottawa, Canada, July 1991, to explore the rhythms and eerie
melodies of New Orleans and of the bayou's of rural Louisiana. They have
transformed these Mari Gras anthems into their own, while keeping true to the
genre.
Elements of Blues,
Boogie, Jazz, Reggae, Calypso & Latin music can be savored in their MUMBO
GUMBO. www.mumbojumbo.ca
Rocket Rached - March 12, 2016
A classic blues shouter
who harkens back to the days of Jimmy Witherspoon and Big Joe Turner. The
"Rocket" is a frontman extraordinaire without equal, who erupts with
energy and once on stage it’s both infectious and entertaining. http://www.fatcity8.ca/jed.html
Maria Hawkins - March 19, 2016
The Maria Hawkins Band
perform in clubs and for public events regularly (blues, soul, R&B, funk
and rock). They have a great following in the Ottawa region and perform
annually for fairs, festivals, community events and fundraisers. Maria and her
band have opened for Colin James and performed with Amanda Marshall. http://mariahawkins.ca/
Three Times Lucky - March 26, 2016
Three Times Lucky, formed
in 2009, are a group of experienced Ottawa area musicians offering a
combination of classic rootsy blues rock, with a healthy dose of their own
original numbers to boot. So put on your favorite dancing shoes and come out to
a show real soon! Yer Alternative Rockin' Blues Satisfaction Guaranteed!
****************************
AREA HIGHLIGHTS
ONCE A MONTH
****************************
Blues On Tues
The Granary Beizli,
3270 County Rd 10, Vankleek Hill ON
Third Tuesday of
every month@ 7 pm; $10
**********
Blues On The Rideau
The Cove Inn, Westport ON
Dinner & Show
Fundraisers
Once a month 7-11 pm; $65
Blues On The Rideau is a Dinner and Show Fundraiser
Series that has been running at The Cove Country Inn in Westport, Ontario for
the past 10 years. The shows start in September and run once a month through to
May (December excluded) and feature some of the best Blues bands in Canada (and
a few American ones too). It has come to be recognized as one of the
premier Blues Series in Canada. Every show is a fundraiser for a different
local charity. To date the Series has raised over $55,000. The goal for this
season is another $5K.
The Cove Inn is located in the beautiful village of Westport on Upper Rideau Lake - about a 90 minute drive from Ottawa, 45 minutes from Kingston. All BOTR shows run from 7 to 11 pm and include a delicious full course buffet dinner. The staff at The Cove are very friendly and the venue is small, intimate and relaxed. After dinner you get to see and dance to the bands up close and personal – the way Blues is best enjoyed – all for a very reasonable price – $65 (plus tax). There are door prize giveaways at every show and 2 Grand Prizes drawn at the end of the season from all of the Comment Cards filled in by attendees over the year.
The Cove Inn is located in the beautiful village of Westport on Upper Rideau Lake - about a 90 minute drive from Ottawa, 45 minutes from Kingston. All BOTR shows run from 7 to 11 pm and include a delicious full course buffet dinner. The staff at The Cove are very friendly and the venue is small, intimate and relaxed. After dinner you get to see and dance to the bands up close and personal – the way Blues is best enjoyed – all for a very reasonable price – $65 (plus tax). There are door prize giveaways at every show and 2 Grand Prizes drawn at the end of the season from all of the Comment Cards filled in by attendees over the year.
ADVANCE RESERVATIONS are required and it is wise to
book well ahead especially if you want to stay overnight. Rooms at The
Cove and nearby B&Bs and motels frequently sell out for Blues nights. Call
The Cove at 613-273-3636 or 1-888-COVEINN to reserve.
More info on the Series, including Bios, LINKS to
websites and YOU TUBES of all the artists can be found at www.BluesOnTheRideau.ca
2015/16 SEASON – our 11th year!
February 19
From Toronto
JACK DE KEYZER BAND
Jeff Healey called him “the finest Blues guitarist in Canada”. A 2X Juno Award and 7X Maple Blues Award winner for Best Guitarist, Entertainer, Electric Act and Recording of the Year. One of the hardest working Bluesmen in the country with a great veteran band. This is Jack’s 7th visit to BOTR - unquestionably one of our favourites!
PROCEEDS TO ART BY THE LAKE WESTPORT
March 25
From Montreal
ANGEL FORREST BAND
With a career spanning 26 years and 8 albums to her credit Angel is recognized as one of the best female vocalists in Quebec. Now she’s become nationally and internationally famous. Last year she won the Maple Blues Award winner for Best Female Vocalist (her second in a row) and Best Songwriter. A colourful, flamboyant performer with a voice like Janis Joplin. Her first appearance at BOTR and we’re very pleased to have her!
PROCEEDS TO KICK IN FOR KIDS
April 22
From Montreal
RIA REECE BAND
A young, beautiful up-and-coming artist with a powerful, soulful voice who sings Blues, Jazz, Soul & R&B like Etta James & Koko Taylor. 4 Quebec Lys Blues Award nominations for her first album and a finalist in the 2014 Toronto Blues Society’s Talent Search. She hasn’t played outside of Quebec that often yet but that’s about to change – come and see her before she gets famous!
PROCEEDS TO 4-H CANADA
May 13
From Hamilton
HARRISON KENNEDY BAND
One of the best Soul/Blues/R&B singers this country has ever produced - period. Lead singer in the Detroit supergroup “Chairmen Of The Board” in the 1960s Harrison semi-retired when the band broke up, took a “real job” and only played Blues on the side for a few decades. He re-emerged full time in the early 2000s and since then he’s released 7 albums (4 of which earned Juno nominations), been nominated 15X for Maple Blues Awards and an American Blues Music Award. Harrison has been here twice before - now you get to see him with his full R&B band behind him. I guarantee this will be a night to remember. Reserve early!
PROCEEDS TO HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
From Toronto
JACK DE KEYZER BAND
Jeff Healey called him “the finest Blues guitarist in Canada”. A 2X Juno Award and 7X Maple Blues Award winner for Best Guitarist, Entertainer, Electric Act and Recording of the Year. One of the hardest working Bluesmen in the country with a great veteran band. This is Jack’s 7th visit to BOTR - unquestionably one of our favourites!
PROCEEDS TO ART BY THE LAKE WESTPORT
March 25
From Montreal
ANGEL FORREST BAND
With a career spanning 26 years and 8 albums to her credit Angel is recognized as one of the best female vocalists in Quebec. Now she’s become nationally and internationally famous. Last year she won the Maple Blues Award winner for Best Female Vocalist (her second in a row) and Best Songwriter. A colourful, flamboyant performer with a voice like Janis Joplin. Her first appearance at BOTR and we’re very pleased to have her!
PROCEEDS TO KICK IN FOR KIDS
April 22
From Montreal
RIA REECE BAND
A young, beautiful up-and-coming artist with a powerful, soulful voice who sings Blues, Jazz, Soul & R&B like Etta James & Koko Taylor. 4 Quebec Lys Blues Award nominations for her first album and a finalist in the 2014 Toronto Blues Society’s Talent Search. She hasn’t played outside of Quebec that often yet but that’s about to change – come and see her before she gets famous!
PROCEEDS TO 4-H CANADA
May 13
From Hamilton
HARRISON KENNEDY BAND
One of the best Soul/Blues/R&B singers this country has ever produced - period. Lead singer in the Detroit supergroup “Chairmen Of The Board” in the 1960s Harrison semi-retired when the band broke up, took a “real job” and only played Blues on the side for a few decades. He re-emerged full time in the early 2000s and since then he’s released 7 albums (4 of which earned Juno nominations), been nominated 15X for Maple Blues Awards and an American Blues Music Award. Harrison has been here twice before - now you get to see him with his full R&B band behind him. I guarantee this will be a night to remember. Reserve early!
PROCEEDS TO HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
Bands and dates are subject
to change due to unforeseen circumstances. Check the website or call The
Cove closer to the shows to confirm.
BLUES ON THE RIDEAU is produced by Choose The Blues Productions www.choosetheblues.ca
BLUES ON THE RIDEAU is produced by Choose The Blues Productions www.choosetheblues.ca
in cooperation with The Cove Inn, Westport www.coveinn.com
Sponsored by Dan Aykroyd Wines www.danaykroydwines.com
Perth Brewery www.perthbrewery.ca
101.9 DAWG FM Ottawa www.dawgfm.com
LAKE 88.1 Perth/Rideau Lakes www.lake88.ca
Please visit and LIKE us on Facebook and Twitter
www.facebook.com/ChooseTheBluesProductions
Please visit and LIKE us on Facebook and Twitter
www.facebook.com/ChooseTheBluesProductions
****************************
FEBRUARY IS BLACK
HISTORY MONTH
*******************************
Global
Community Alliance Gala Night & Award Ceremony
Sheraton Ottawa Hotel, 150 Albert Street
Saturday, February 27; 6:00 pm–1:00 am (Cocktails @ 6:00 pm, dinner @ 7:00 pm)
Admission: $65 per person (with complimentary cocktails). Advance tickets only.
Sheraton Ottawa Hotel, 150 Albert Street
Saturday, February 27; 6:00 pm–1:00 am (Cocktails @ 6:00 pm, dinner @ 7:00 pm)
Admission: $65 per person (with complimentary cocktails). Advance tickets only.
An annual event to highlight the diversity within the Ottawa community and recognize individuals, associations, businesses and organizations that have made a significant difference within our diverse community. Featuring a keynote speaker, award recipients, and enlightening entertainment for the evening. Part of the proceeds to be donated to Black History Ottawa.
Information: Yomi or Kelly Pratt Yomipratt@hotmail.com or rsaborn@hotmail.com
Fax: 613-824-6392
****************************
Black Music Series
National Arts
Centre, 53 Elgin Street
Tickets $25
February 24 – Abel Maxwell
March 5 – Diane White
MDA Productions is an
organization that facilitates performance opportunities for local artists,
raising awareness of World Music through concerts and music productions. The
main purpose of their artistic projects is to enrich the cultural experience of
Canadian audiences in the National Capital Region. Black
Music Series will highlight
performances of black artists representatives of the Ottawa music scene in
different genres such as Gospel, Soul, Jazz, Pop, R&B, Hip Hop, and others.
Don’t miss the chance to attend these
unique and exciting concerts in collaboration with Miguel de Armas Quartet.
****************************
SPECIAL EVENTS – FEBRUARY/MARCH
****************************
The Brian Downey
Band
with Special Guest Danny Draher
Rainbow Bistro, 76
Murray Street
Sunday, February
21; 9 pm – midnight
Brian
Downey on drums & vocals, MissRepresentIT on vocals & bass and special
guest Danny Draher on guitar.
MissRepresentIT
says: “Danny Draher is the real deal and not only deserves attention but his
groovy playing and extremely unique tone will keep things very exciting in each
of his stylish tunes, just ahead of releasing a live CD with his NYC Organ Trio
with Lonnie Gasparini.”
BrianDowney.ca
**********
Harry Manx
Salle Odyssée,
Maison de la Culture de Gatineau
855 Blvd. de la Gappe, Gatineau QC
Wednesday, February
24; doors @ 8 pm; tickets $39
“Mysticssippi”
bluesman Harry Manx has been called an “essential link” between the music of
the East and West, creating musical short stories that wed the tradition of the
Blues with the depth of classical Indian ragas. He has created a unique sound
that is hard to forget and deliciously addictive to listen to.
His
latest release is “20 strings and the truth”.
http://harrymanx.com/
http://www.songkick.com/concerts/24182664-harry-manx-at-salle-odyssee
**********
http://www.songkick.com/concerts/24182664-harry-manx-at-salle-odyssee
**********
House Concert with
Vince Halfhide
McKellar Park,
Ottawa (see below for info)
Friday, February 26
@ 7:30 pm; $20
In 1969 guitarist / singer / songwriter Vince Halfhide
began playing blues and reggae with the Ottawa band Heaven's Radio. Work
with other artists (Sneezy Waters, Missy Burgess, Toasted Westerns, Ball &
Chain, Andrea Karam, the Jivewires, Mighty Popo . . . ) added elements of
country, folk, R&B, jazz and African music to his unique guitar sound and
established his reputation as a consummate sideman.
For years Vince has appeared every Thursday night at
Irene’s Pub as a member of the “All Star Blues Jam” house band. He also
performs under his own name as guitarist and singer in various small group
settings, mixing blues and other rootsy genres with his own songs.
Vince’s solo performances – “one guy playing an acoustic
guitar and singing mostly his own stuff” – might seem to fit under the “folky
singer-songwriter” umbrella, but he stretches the umbrella pretty
wide. His musical vocabulary leans towards Americana and the blues but is
inflected by many other genres. His lyrics, simple on the face of things
and full of nods to traditional sources, can change tone in an instant from
funny to sadly beautiful, or from playfully ironic to plain and simply
devastated. Some listeners report being surprised by the familiar, lulled
into accepting the unexpected and smiling at stark truths gently delivered.
Reservations required. To reserve your seat go to www.houseconcertschezpat.weebly.com.
You will receive directions upon receipt of your advance reservation.
Thanks!
**********
Ben Racine Band
La Basoche, 120 rue
Principal, Gatineau
Friday, February 26
@ 8 pm
Ben’s
soulful voice is reminiscent of the greatest Rhythm and Blues vocalists of the
‘50s and ‘60s. Inspired by artists such as Junior Walker, Bill Withers, Stevie
Wonder and Clarence Carter, he will take you back to the days when vocals were
the centre-point of music. …. His guitar playing covers a wide range of styles
– pleasing blues and funk fans alike. From the moment he hits the stage, his
contagious energy and charisma combine for a sound that is truly original.
**********
Cecile Doo-Kingué
Rainbow Bistro, 76
Murray Street
Saturday, March 5
An exceptional stage presence, guitarist /
singer-songwriter Cécile Doo-Kingué blends blues, afro-roots and soul to create
a unique sound. Born and raised in New York City, first generation from
Cameroon, she has lived in the USA, France, and is now an adopted Montrealer.
In February 2015, Doo-Kingué released her third solo album “Anybody Listening Pt. 1: Monologues”, the first chapter of a trilogy exploring blues, roots and life in their myriad of aspects (Monologues solo acoustic, Dialogues full band, Communion live), showcasing Doo-Kingué’s songwriting in its rawest form. The album earned her accolades and multiple Maple Blues Award nominations for her exceptional guitar playing, soulful vocals, and powerful songwriting.
In February 2015, Doo-Kingué released her third solo album “Anybody Listening Pt. 1: Monologues”, the first chapter of a trilogy exploring blues, roots and life in their myriad of aspects (Monologues solo acoustic, Dialogues full band, Communion live), showcasing Doo-Kingué’s songwriting in its rawest form. The album earned her accolades and multiple Maple Blues Award nominations for her exceptional guitar playing, soulful vocals, and powerful songwriting.
In January 2016, Doo-Kingué released the second chapter of her trilogy exploring blues, roots, and life in their myriad of aspects. “Anybody Listening Part 2: Dialogues” features her strength and versatility as an all-around guitarist and musician, from blues to jazz to folk to soul to rock n’ roll. Fiery licks and seamless melody compliment her deep, laid-back voice throughout the album, leaving no doubt as to the guitarist’s oneness with the instrument, nor the unity of her sound. Surrounded by a stellar cast of Montreal’s finest musicians, Doo-Kingué presents an eclectic collection of contemporary blues adding to the social commentary of “Anybody Listening Part 1:Monologues”, and celebrating life and music with fellow artists she is a fan of, in spaces that exude positive energy.
Cécile Doo-Kingué isn’t just another token “chick” guitarist; her talents are measured not by gender lines, but by the fact that she is quickly earning a stellar reputation and a place alongside Canada’s current roster of great guitarists. Powerful and raw, Cécile Doo-Kingué’s guitar prowess, lyrics, and sound make for enthralling and intimate communion.
**********
Lucas Haneman
Express
The Branch, 15
Clothier Street East, Kemptville ON
Saturday, March 5
His one of a
kind sound lends itself to styles as diverse as blues, funk, jazz, folk,
reggae, rock and world music. Lucas
has been focusing on writing and recording original music with his new project
called "The Lucas Haneman Express", in which Lucas performs as a
guitarist and singer alongside Jeff Asselin (drums) and Martin Newman (bass),
with Megan Lawrence on vocals. The Lucas Haneman Express represented the
Ottawa Blues Society at the recent International Blues Challenge in Memphis TN,
where they advanced to the semi-final round.
**********
Steve Hill &
Paul Reddick
Shenkman Arts
Centre, 245 Centrum Blvd, Orleans
Friday, March 11 @
8 pm; tickets $40
Paul Reddick kicks off the show and Steve Hill drives
it home. A spectacular night of blues that you don’t want to miss!
Easily and widely considered one of Canada’s most prolific and exciting guitarists, Steve Hill is the 2015 Juno Award Winner for Blues Album of the Year, 2015 Maple Blues Award Winner for Electric Act of the Year, Guitarist of the Year, Recording/Producer of the Year and Entertainer of the Year.
With tracks that are heavy and hard hitting, deep and melodic, Hill manages to nail a wide range of emotions with his songwriting and masterful guitar playing. When it comes to one-man bands, Hill has no limits. Throughout his lengthy and intense live shows, Hill performs standing up while singing and playing guitar, with his feet playing bass drum, snare drum, hi-hats and with a drum stick fused to the head of his trusty guitar, along with any other percussion within reach. With roots in blues, rock and a little bit of country, Hill performs his original songs, blues classics, and, quite often, raucous renditions of Jimi Hendrix tunes.
Seven-time Maple Blues Award winner, JUNO and American Blues Music Award nominee, Paul Reddick’s distinctive voice covers a wide emotional palette; always engaging; sometimes a shout, more often a conversationally vivid whisper. But it is Reddick’s songs — sometimes sweet, sometimes bitter, always thought-provoking and rarely sentimental — and the passionate way he delivers them that best illustrate what the influential British magazineMojo described as his “wayward brilliance.”
Reddick has long been a part of Canada’s rich roots music scene; he is one of the best harmonica players in the country, and he’s contributed to the recordings of other key artists, among them Kathleen Edwards, Colin Linden, Treasa Levasseur, Scarlett Jane, Suzie Vinnick and more.
Easily and widely considered one of Canada’s most prolific and exciting guitarists, Steve Hill is the 2015 Juno Award Winner for Blues Album of the Year, 2015 Maple Blues Award Winner for Electric Act of the Year, Guitarist of the Year, Recording/Producer of the Year and Entertainer of the Year.
With tracks that are heavy and hard hitting, deep and melodic, Hill manages to nail a wide range of emotions with his songwriting and masterful guitar playing. When it comes to one-man bands, Hill has no limits. Throughout his lengthy and intense live shows, Hill performs standing up while singing and playing guitar, with his feet playing bass drum, snare drum, hi-hats and with a drum stick fused to the head of his trusty guitar, along with any other percussion within reach. With roots in blues, rock and a little bit of country, Hill performs his original songs, blues classics, and, quite often, raucous renditions of Jimi Hendrix tunes.
Seven-time Maple Blues Award winner, JUNO and American Blues Music Award nominee, Paul Reddick’s distinctive voice covers a wide emotional palette; always engaging; sometimes a shout, more often a conversationally vivid whisper. But it is Reddick’s songs — sometimes sweet, sometimes bitter, always thought-provoking and rarely sentimental — and the passionate way he delivers them that best illustrate what the influential British magazineMojo described as his “wayward brilliance.”
Reddick has long been a part of Canada’s rich roots music scene; he is one of the best harmonica players in the country, and he’s contributed to the recordings of other key artists, among them Kathleen Edwards, Colin Linden, Treasa Levasseur, Scarlett Jane, Suzie Vinnick and more.
**********
The Sheepdogs
Bronson Centre
Theatre, 211 Bronson Avenue
Friday, March 11
Trends come and go, styles fall in and out of
fashion, but The Sheepdogs remain steadfast in their commitment to rock n’ roll
excellence. Since their inception, the band has always sought to play the kind
of music they themselves love: “Pure, simple, good-time music,” as
singer/guitarist Ewan Currie puts it. It’s no surprise, then, that the band’s
fifth LP, “Future Nostalgia”, is firmly rooted in the rock tradition that
listeners have come to expect from the boys.
**********
Bill Durst
Irene’s Pub, 885
Bank Street
Friday, March 18
Back in the day, Bill Durst co-founded the band
Thundermug which existed from 1970 to 2001 (with a few hiatus periods in that
time). In 2009, he released the first of four blues/rock recordings on his
independent Durstwerks label. About the most recent, “Good, Good Lovin’” released
in November 2015, Bill says: “It’s a real kick ass blues rocker. It pumps and
thumps and it blows my hat off. Can you tell I like it?”
**********
Matt Andersen &
the Bona Fide
NAC Southam Hall,
53 Elgin Street
Thursday, March 24
@ 8 pm
A powerhouse performer, Matt
Andersen’s “fingers sail over his acoustic guitar strings with the speed and
grace of a hummingbird,” he has a giant yet soul-filled and passionate voice,
and a commanding stage presence. In a word, Andersen is awesome! With over 5
million views on YouTube, independent album sales topping 30,000, a European
Blues Award, Maple Blues Awards and Best Solo Performer at the Memphis Blues
Challenge, Andersen’s worldwide fan base shows no signs of slowing down.
“The blues is a big part of
what I do, and in my solo show some tunes are straight-up blues, for sure,” he
says. “But I would never stand beside B.B. King and say, ‘I play blues, too.’
None of my albums are blues albums – I’ve won blues awards with them, but I
wouldn’t say they’re blues albums.”
Since the release of “Weightless” in early 2014, Andersen
has received a Juno nomination for Roots & Traditional Album of the Year, a
CIMA Road Gold award, and a Maple Blues Award for Male Vocalist of the Year.
His ninth full-length album “Honest
Man” is set for release February 26 via True North Records.
Supporting the release of “Honest Man”, Andersen will
take to the road for four months through North America and joining him on the
Canadian dates will be another JUNO Award nominated songwriter, Donovan
Woods. No stranger to each other, the Toronto artist and Andersen penned
two tracks together for “Honest Man”
including the album closer ‘One Good Song’.
Joining him on stage behind
the drum set is Geoff Arsenault (Daniel Lanois, Matt Mays, Al Tuck, Mary Jane
Lamond), a multifaceted artist with a soulful sensibility known for his
generous and harmonious style. On bass and harmonica is the JUNO Award winning
multi-instrumentalist and producer Steve Marriner (MonkeyJunk, Harry Manx). And
taking up the guitar and keys is Chris Kirby (Wide Mouth Mason, Big Sugar), a
10-time ECMA nominee, 5 time Music Newfoundland Award winner, and in demand
songwriter, co-writing with the likes of Tim Chaisson, Phil Churchill (The
Once), Eddie Schwartz, Stephen Fearing, and many others.
**********
Sussex, featuring Rob Lutes
Sussex, featuring Rob Lutes
Irene’s Pub, 885
Bank Street
Friday, March 25;
$10
SUSSEX – “Parade Day” (Lucky Bear Records)
Review from Folk Roots/Folk Branches
with Mike Regenstreif, February 6, 2016
I’ve known Montreal-based
singer-songwriter Rob Lutes a long
time and have enjoyed watching (and listening) to him develop as a singer,
songwriter, guitarist and performer. He knows well how to combine his gritty
voice and fluid, blues-based guitar playing into something very compelling.
With Sussex, Rob has taken his
music to a new level.
Sussex is a collaboration of
Rob, who is rooted in folk and blues, and vibraphonist Michael Emenau, whose roots are in classical music and jazz. Rob
and Michael played together 25 or so years ago as high school students in New
Brunswick and began collaborating again after Michael moved to Montreal in
2011.
“Parade
Day”, the first Sussex album, includes five songs
written or co-written by Rob, one by Michael, and five of their songwriting
collaborations. They also include a charming cover of Randy Newman’s ‘Dayton, Ohio – 1903’.
Rob plays acoustic guitar
and fronts the band as lead singer while Michael is heard throughout on vibes
and occasionally on percussion and piano. And they get some great backup from
the likes of guitarist Ben Charest
(best known for his infectious film score for Les Triplettes
de Bellville); trumpet and flugelhorn player Ivanhoe Jolicoeur; upright bassist Sage Reynolds; and violinist Josh Zubot.
The album opens strongly
with ‘Hollow Log’, a song about maintaining a sense of balance in the face of
life’s problems. The vibes weaving in and around the vocal lines give the song
an irresistible jazzy-rootsy flavor. The jazz-meets-roots fusion really comes
alive on such numbers as ‘Truth and Lies’, with some nimble, Reinhardt-like
guitar lines by Ben; ‘Superman’s Escape’, a bouncy song with the vibes,
guitars, violin, bass and horn all contributing to the toe-tapping groove; and
‘Sparkle Blues’, a slow, jazz ballad. I also really enjoyed Sussex’s take on
‘Dayton, Ohio – 1903’, a gentle period piece from Randy Newman’s classic 1972
album “Sail Away” (which
was also memorably covered on Priscilla
Herdman’s “Forgotten
Dreams” – a 1980 album I had a little something to do with).
Sussex has already
launched “Parade Day” in
Quebec City and Montreal. Several more launch concerts are coming up including
a show on March 25 here in Ottawa at Irene’s.
**********
Jerome Godboo
La Basoche, 120 rue
Principal, Gatineau
Friday, March 25 @
8 pm; $30
Auteur-compositeur-interprète
et harmoniciste hors pair, le Torontois Jerome Godboo compte pas moins de douze albums en vingt ans de
carrière, dont son plus récent, Sanctuary City. Récipiendaire du prix Lee Oscar du meilleur
harmoniciste à l’International Blues Challenge de Memphis en 2014, il a joué
aux côtés de Prince, James Cotton, Dutch Mason, Ronnie Hawkins, Jack de Keyzer
et Jeff Healey. (PR from Ovation Events)
**********
MonkeyJunk in
Concert
with Ross Neilsen
Black Sheep Inn,
Wakefield QC
Saturday, March 26
@ 8:30 pm; $20 in advance
Sunday, March 27 @
4:30 pm; $20 in advance
MonkeyJunk - multi-Maple Blues Award winning rock and
roll/swamp/blues band; JUNO award winner.
Ross - ROOTS –
BLUES – RAWK
“Your material is strong and timeless. You can play your instruments.
The drums are strong. The guitar is hot. The bass is in the pocket.” Jim
Dickinson, High Priest of Memphis Music
****************************
EVENTS AHEAD in
2016
****************************
Colin James –
Up Close and Personal
NAC Southam Hall,
53 Elgin Street
Saturday, April 2
For his
16th studio album, Hearts On Fire, Colin James wanted to try
something different. While still working with longtime friend Colin Linden they
added a “team” of seasoned musicians that each brought their unique talents to
the studio. Whether it was at The House of Blues in Nashville, TN or Magic Ten
Studios in Vancouver, BC the team effort has resulted in a record James is very
proud of.
The first
thing one will notice on Hearts On Fire is James’s vocals: warm, expressive,
upfront. For someone who’s as well-known as a guitarist, this is something of a
change of pace. The songs are very well chosen and highlight James’ seasoned
vocals. Mostly composed by James and Tom Wilson (one third of Blackie & The
Rodeo Kings & Lee Harvey Osmond front man).
“My last
acoustic album goes back to National Steel in 1998,” Colin reflects. “It seemed
a good time for some quieter material, especially as I will be touring more as
an acoustic group this time around.”
Colin
James is an inductee in the Canadian Music Hall Of Fame. He has won six Juno
Awards including “Male Vocalist of the Year” and the “Best Producer” award for
his efforts with The Little Big Band. He is the recipient of 17 Maple
Blues Awards having most recently been honored in 2013 with “Entertainer of the
Year”.
**********
Rita Chiarelli
& Sweet Loretta
Shenkman Theatre,
245 Centrum Blvd, Orleans ON
Friday, April 8 @ 8
pm
"It's a Rockin' all
Female R&B Blast!"
JUNO-winning Canadian music icon Rita
Chiarelli is famous for thrilling audiences across the world as 'Canada's Blues
Queen'. Chiarelli's latest concert show has her wowing audiences with her
all-star female bluesy R&B band, Sweet Loretta. Together, Rita
Chiarelli and Sweet Loretta have brought the crowds to their feet at
Ottawa's National Arts Centre, Toronto's Hugh's Room and Massey Hall, with an
exciting stage show and stellar musicianship. It's a show not to miss!
**********
Michael Kaeshammer
NAC Theatre, 53
Elgin Street
Saturday, April 23
@ 7:30 pm
Kaeshammer’s performances, on record and on stage, are
an invitation to join the party. He doesn’t play at you. He plays with you. At
one of his shows, you’re all in it together – not only part of the story, but
virtually part of the band.
“For me the performance is as much about the energy
coming off the stage as the energy coming from the audience. It’s about being
myself, writing from the heart and showing my love for life. That’s what I want
to convey. After the show, people ask me, ‘do you really have that much fun?’
And I say ‘you don’t know the half of it. It’s even more exhilarating than it
looks’.”
A night with Michael and his band isn’t the kind of
show where you just sit, watch and applaud politely every now and then. Their
goal isn’t to intimidate you with the scholarly depth of their music, it’s to
entertain, inform and include you – A wild ride with no fixed destination
except where he feels he and the crowd want to go.
On stage and on record it’s all about drawing the
audience in. That’s where the joy is, pure and simple. And while joy is
something Michael Kaeshammer has never had difficulty expressing, on
“KAESHAMMER”, his third record on Alert Music, the German born, Canadian bred
pianist expresses it more enthusiastically than ever.
**********
George Thorogood
& the Destroyers
Opening – JW Jones
National Arts
Centre, 53 Elgin Street
Monday, May 9 @ 8
pm
In 1973, a barely-out-of-his-teens Wilmington guitarist
piled his gear into the drummer’s Chevy van to play their very first gig at a
University of Delaware dorm. More than 4 decades, over 8,000 live shows, and
some 15 million albums sold worldwide later, that same maverick guitar-slinger
is still making electrifying music, still thrilling audiences, and still the
most bad-to-the-bone performer in rock.
It’s 2016, and George Thorogood & The Destroyers
are Badder Than Ever. For George and his longtime band – Jeff Simon (drums,
percussion), Bill Blough (bass guitar), Jim Suhler (rhythm guitar) and Buddy
Leach (saxophone) – their new Badder Than Ever Tour is indestructible proof
that staying true to yourself and the music can still mean something. And with
a catalog of classics that includes “Who Do You Love”, “I Drink Alone”, “One
Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer”, “Move It On Over”, “Bad To The Bone” and more,
being able to share it with audiences is what will always matter.
Special Guest: Ottawa’s own JW-Jones, JUNO Award
nominee, singer/guitarist, who tours constantly and is known for his high-energy
show. “Like his music, he’s smooth on stage, the band always swings.” (Mike
Moss, Callahan’s Music Hall, Detroit MI)
**********
Steve Strongman
La Basoche, 120 rue
Principal, Gatineau
Friday, May 27 @ 8
pm
Le public de Gatineau en demande
encore et encore! Lauréat du Maple Blues Award du meilleur guitariste de
l’année (2012 et 2013) et du prix JUNO du meilleur album de l’année (2013), Steve
Strongman sillonne
la planète depuis plus de vingt ans, séduisant tous les publics par son
charisme, sa voix puissante et son jeu de guitare incomparable. Son plus récent
album, “Let Me Prove It To You”, est
en nomination pour un prix JUNO du meilleur album de l’année au Canada (2015).
Il sera de retour à Gatineau avec un nouveau spectacle et un CD! (PR from Ovation Events)
****************************
KINGSTON SPECIAL
EVENTS
****************************
Jerome Godboo
RCHA Club, 193
Ontario Street, Kingston ON
Friday, February 19 @ 8:30 pm;
$15 in advance
reserve by
calling 613 384-8168 or
Back by popular demand … IBC 2014 best
harp player and his smoking hot band (Eric Shenkman and Shawn Kellerman)
**********
Blues And Company
RCHA Club, 193
Ontario Street, Kingston ON
Friday, February 26 @ 8:30 pm; $5 @
the door
**********
Three Times Lucky
RCHA Club, 193
Ontario Street, Kingston ON
Saturday, March 5 @ 8:30 pm; $7 @
the door
****************************
KINGSTON REGULAR
EVENTS
****************************
KBS Monthly Jam
The Standeasy
RCHA Club, 193
Ontario Street, Kingston ON
Third Saturday each
month @ 8:30 pm, $3 at the door
The KBS monthly jam is
always full and both the musicians and the audience always have a great time.
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.
***************
For more, please
contact Kingston Blues Society
****************************
BLUES ON THE RADIO
****************************
101.9 DAWG-FM, CIDG, is ON
THE AIR! Blues 24/7
Live
streaming on the website at http://www.dawgfm.com/
Sundays, 8-9 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, February 14 – OBS DAWG’ON BLUES – Eclectic Love Thanwith Larry Deszcz
Next week, February 21 – OBS DAWG’ON BLUES – with Blues Bud Brent
Sundays, 7-8 pm: INSIDE THE BLUES
with James Doran
Inside The Blues features music and interesting
backgrounder information on today’s top Blues artists with a strong focus on
Canadian talent mixed in with some great Blues classics. All Shows are archived
on www.insidetheblues.ca
after broadcast and can be listened to there at any time.
**********
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.
**********
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.
**********
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 35 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/
**********
The Bluesmobile
with Elwood Blues, CHEZ FM 106.1
Sundays 6-7 pm;
Wednesdays 11 pm – midnight
**********
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 7th year. It
can be heard throughout the Ottawa Valley and streaming on the internet at valleyheritageradio.ca.
**********
Sunday Morning Soul
with Johnny Max
Check www.sundaymorningsoul.com
for times … and you can hear the best in Brand New Blues, Roots, Soul and
R&B, each and every Sunday morning.
**********
Streaming great Blues,
Roots, Soul, R&B, Folk, East Coast and Celtic music across Canada and
around the world 24/7/365.
Check out their Canadian
Blues shows and hosts, including James Doran’s ‘Inside The Blues’, Brant
Zwicker’s ‘At The Crossroads’, along with Mark Stenzler's ‘Blues Zeppelin’ from
Switzerland … and lots more Canadian and international Blues shows.
**********
"Spektakel"
with MissRepresentIT
Airs on Radio
Tonkuhle
Every 2nd Saturday
of the month @ 11 am EST
Live stream on www.tonkuhle.de
Infos and and
playlists are on her blog at www.abroadcom.net
****************************
LOCALS LOOK AHEAD
****************************
Friday, February 19
Gary
Slim Moore and the New Soul Project @ the Black Sheep Inn, 8:30 pm
Saturday, February
20
Fonograph
@ the Rainbow, 4-8 pm
Shawn
Tavenier @ the Atomic Rooster, 4 pm
The
Tony D Band @ the Rainbow, 10 pm
Sunday, February 21
Steve
Thomas Band hosts the Open Jam @ the Rainbow, 3:30-7:30 pm
Dan
Deslauriers @ the Atomic Rooster, 6-9 pm
Wednesday, February
24
Tom
Waits Tribute – Songs From A Drunken Piano @ Irene’s Pub, 8 pm
Friday, February 26
Bella
Cat Blues @ The Black Sheep Inn, Wakefield, 8:30 pm
The
Kingmakers @ Irene’s Pub, 9:30 pm
The
Back Beat @ Buster’s Bar & Grill
Sunday, February 28
River
City Junction hosts the Open Jam @ the Rainbow, 3:30-7:30 pm
Double
Double @ the Atomic Rooster, 6-9 pm
****************************
****************************
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