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Hugh's
Room is a warm, spacious and inviting 200 seat music venue located in Roncesvalles Village in Toronto, and host to the finest in Canadian and International folk/roots artists, since opening in April, 2001. The fully licensed dining room offers a full menu with tantalizing salads, appetizers and lovely main dishes. Hugh’s Room offers an air conditioned dining room, free parking and we are a 5 minute walk from the subway.
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Friday, July 3 Countless press outlets across Canada have called her a stellar talent and labeled her as "one to watch", predicting she will break out big. The Saskatoon Star -Pheonix said"This is the type of artist who can translate half a minute of life experience into a profound musical statement. It's almost scary to imagine the effect a few years will have on her" She's a classically trained pianist with killer pipes and a knack for writing heart-on-sleeve pop tunes that get right down to the heart of the matter.She's spent the past year on the road in support of her new album 'Blink'. Her live show is a spectacle - she's funny, engaging, and can win over even the most cynical audience member with her wit and stage banter, and then she'll turn around and tug on your heartstrings with unflinchingly raw & honest songs. She's shared the stage with Jason Mraz, Justin Nozuka, Jeremy Fisher, Stabilo, The Cowboy Junkies, Jill Barber, The Devlins and many others - -and she is just getting started. This Toronto-based songstress returns home for an intimate show at Hugh's Room before she joins Jason Mraz on stage later this summer for parts of his North American tour. www.lesleypike.com |
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Saturday, July 4 James Carroll James Carroll is a local Toronto singer/songwriter who has been toiling around the bar scene for over 20 years and has continued to present his original songs with a unique delivery. He describes his music as "therapeutic meanderings in an acoustic guitar format" and usually performs as a solo artist. If you can imagine the fusion of bluegrass, blues and country music then you've got an idea of how James Carroll sounds. Nicole Christian and The Caravan Nicole Christian is a little folk, a little cabaret, and a lot bottle-neck blues. Combined with the boisterous sounds of Rich Wiesdorf on keys, Vide on electric guitar and Aaron “Willie” Kazmer on harps, The Caravan’s brand of all-original, home-grown blues is guaranteed to put a little twang in your heart and some tap in your toes. Now playing on Midnight Special Blues Radio and Indietalent.ca, you can hear a sampling at www.myspace.com/torontonicole Brian Cober Brian Cober has been playing music professionally for 37 years. He began as a guitarist in various rock and old country bands, doing "six-nighters" (Mon. - Sat. in old hotels) all over Canada. In 1980 Brian decided to form "The Nationals" (with Paul McNamara and Dave Colter) so he could play original blues. The Nationals released five acclaimed CD's and played with Bo Diddley, King Biscuit Boy, Eugene Smith, Johnny Winter and many others. All throughout his career Brian has played acoustic gigs and sessions. His new CD "Real Far Gone" will be released July '09 Arthur Renwick Arthur Renwick, artist, musician, professor, is from the Haisla First Nation in Kitamaat BC and lives and works in Toronto, Ontario. He has been writing and performing music since 1988 and, most notably, has written, performed and recorded music with Gemini winner, and three times Juno nominee, Jani Lauzon. For the past few years, Arthur has taken the time to focus on writing his own material and has recently started show casing his new songs. When Arthur plays his metal slide on his Dobro guitar, his original songs evoke the old style blues of Robert Johnson blended with the old country of Hank Williams Sr. If you are into current musicians such as Steve Earle, Fred Eaglesmith, John Hiatt and Ben Harper, then you'll DEFINITELY like Arthur Renwick's music! Michael Keith Guitarist/composer Michael Keith's music combines elements of free jazz, blues,ambient, bizarre noises and even hints of 20th century composers like Steve Reich. Utilizing various effects and some bizarre techniques his performance should appeal to guitar and music fans alike. Keith's phrasing and innovative style set him apart from the confines and restraints of a one word genre. As a performer, his pace, stage charisma, and humour sets him apart. He is a true original. In the last few years he has performed at dozens of festivals (du Maurier jazz, Winnipeg & Calgary folk etc.) played a gazillion clubs all across Canada and worked as a sideman for some very interesting and talented people (Juno Nominee Carlos Del Junco, Jaymz Bee's Royal Jelly Orchestra).
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Sunday, July 5 The Jim Kenzie Band - "The Compleat Works on their Mid-Life Crisis Tour." INDY IS BACK! Meet and greet from the Mortimer Racing Team, two-time Canadian Formula Ford Champion, the rainmeister Matt White who will be driving a Mantis Racing Porsche during the Indy weekend. And also from the Mortimer Racing Team, Maj.-Gen(Ret.) Lewis MacKenzie, commander of the United Nations peace-keeping forces in the former Yugoslavia in the early 90s. Lew is also a Targa Newfoundland winner, and a Formula Ford champion- did you know he joined the army in the first place so he could afford to buy a race car? |
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Tuesday, July 7 New Brunswick's Matt Andersen has a larger than life showmanship that has been earning him a fervent and steadfast audience wherever he graces the stage. Matt's sprawling blues, roots and rock musical hybrid with his sorrowing and soulful voice has sparked a phenomenal buzz on Canada’s East Coast and that grass roots word of mouth cannot be contained any longer! In the past couple of years, Matt has released an introductory EP along with two critically-acclaimed live fans’ favorite’s and the full length release “Second time around”. Along with a very busy touring schedule as a headliner at major festivals, clubs and theatres throughout North America, Matt has also shared the stage and toured with America, Randy Bachman, the late Bo Diddley, Little Feat and a host of others. Matt has just finished his second successful UK Tour along with airplay on the BBC and opening dates for Mississippi Delta Blues Icon “HoneyBoy” Edwards. Matt’s hectic touring schedule includes over 200 live dates a year that encompass North America and the rest of the world. Matt’s new release “Something In-Between”slated for July 2008 is on Canada’s Busted Flat Records (Distribution – Sonic Unyon/Universal) and is one the most anticipated original studio releases this year. Matt Andersen is a very real, rare, raw talent and career artist,- vital to our musical landscape. For more info on Matt and the new studio release go to www.bustedflatrecords.com |
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Wednesday, July 8 Isn’t life wonderful? For close to 40 years there was nary a peep out of The Kensington Market and then, in less than one year their two albums were remastered and released by Pacemaker Entertainment, they reunited and have also given two s.r.o concerts at Hugh’s Room - in fact the gigs were so successful that they have been invited back for a three-peat on Wednesday, July 8! The “Market” was one of the most lauded groups of the time - iconic manager/label chief Bernie Finkelstein managed them, Felix Pappalardi (Mountain) produced the group and the world was their oyster for a while. The current Kensington Market is: Luke Gibson, Keith McKie, John Jackson, Scott Kennedy and Mitchell Lewis. A third founding member, Eugene Martynec spends much of his time in Europe these days, but has indicated that, if he’s on this side of the Atlantic he would love to reunite with his old bandmates. In addition to many of the classic ‘Market songs, the group is incorporating material written by John and Scott and also new co-writes from this reconfigured ‘60s group. |
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Thursday, July 9 He's a lot of things to a lot of people - rock to some, smooth to others, AC to many. Alfie is established enough that he's just Alfie - an incredibly gifted talent beyond any genre tag. Alfie Zappacosta has a distinguished career and still today, he continues to write compelling lyric and melody. Yes Alfie Zappacosta is a songwriter! He is also an accomplished guitarist, premier vocalist and actor. In 1995, Zappacosta left his pop stardom behind to pursue a more intimate style of writing and performing. The roots of his new sound started when Zappacosta began playing solo before crowds at a Toronto club. Playing only guitar, he explored new harmonies and melodies, later combing rootsy elements such as harmonica and accordion, which eventually manifested itself in a contemporary Jazz/AC sound. “The difficult part was finding an audience that was willing to sit and listen to my songs.” states Zappacosta. I had to believe that a legitimate artist was allowed to grow and could be appreciated and accepted for producing music that was heartfelt and not what the industry felt was appropriate for the times.” “The older I got, the more uncomfortable I became.” Zappacosta confesses. “There were always elements of what is on the current project in my music. I wanted to get back into a form of music that I knew I was not only capable of doing but also a style of music that would fulfill me both artistically and spiritually. I realized that chasing down fads is really a losing proposition.” His passion for beautiful melodies and grand songs manifested into four stunning CD's - Innocence Ballet, Dark Sided Jewel, Start Again and his brand new CD – Bonafide!. |
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Friday, July 10 TRUE EXPERIENCE is a truly inspiring annual celebration of life, music and poetry, featuring the multitalented award winning artist Craig Doyle Henry a.k.a. CDH Live!. Now in its Third year, True Experience is a dynamic presentation hilighting some incredible guest artist.
CDH Live! Bio Craig Doyle Henry, better known as CDH Live! has been compared to legendary icons like Wyclef Jean, Kirk Franklin and DC Talk’s Toby Mac. He is a powerful poet, moving seamlessly from spectacular spoken word to the heart pounding sounds of Hip Hop and Rock, CDH never fails to deliver a cool mixture of urban feel and popular appeal. CDH has been featured on mainstream radio and Television including MTV 2. He is a winner of the “Favourite Rap Single Award” from the Virginia R&B Indie Artist Awards and was nominated as a writer and producer for Best Gospel song at the International Reggae and World Music Awards. His new book “My name is Poetry” is gaining significant acclaim and He is currently working on His Debut Solo CD for release this later year. CDH LIVE has delighted audiences across North America from Toronto to New York City, Chicago, Atlanta and more. He is a compelling stage performer, a respected recording artist and award winning songwriter and producer. His magnetic stage presence is a true experience of pure joy as he consistently displays dynamic versatility while maintaining a clear positive message of faith, hope and love Karen Jules Bio
Karen Jules has is a remarkable artist artist rising onto the world scene. Comprised of a sound that is soulful, with a hip-hopesque edge to it, Karen uses this backdrop to explore the stories and real life experiences she and so many others face; through it all, she consistently delivers a message of the hope and peace experienced through her relationship with God. As a the writer and co-producer of each track she delivers a message of encouragement in trying times. Her debut CD Creation Groans Features collaborations with some of T.O's most talented up-coming producers and musicians.
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Saturday, July 11 Dave Bidini (born 1963) is a Canadian musician and writer born and raised in Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada. He is a founding member of acclaimed rock and roll band Rheostatics, and has published several books about (mostly) music and sports. His first solo record, "The Land Is Wild" will be released in May 2009 and his next book, "Home and Away: The Story of the 2008 Homeless World Cup," will be published by Greystone Books. After Rheostatics broke up Bidini began performing with the BidiniBand, featuring Paul Linklater on guitar, Doug Friesen on bass, and (former-Rheostatic) Don Kerr on drums. Their upcoming album was produced by Don Kerr and will be released on Pheromone Records on May 23, 2009. Bidini's website describes the album as possessing "more songs about dead hockey players, cannibalism and lesbian school teachers." [1] Bidini has collaborated on music with Dave Merritt of The Golden Seals.[2] On his website, he has released a song from these sessions entitled "Desert Island Poems", which presents a narrative in which the Rheostatics survive a plane crash in Drumheller, Alberta, but are forced to "eat the drummer" in order to survive. [3] This song appears on the upcoming release, "The Land Is Wild" |
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Monday, July 13 Bill Mason was an award-winning Canadian naturalist, author, artist, filmmaker, and conservationist, noted primarily for his popular canoeing books, films, and art as well as his documentaries on wolves. He was born in 1929 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and graduated from the University of Manitoba School of Art in 1951. He developed and refined canoeing strokes and river-running techniques, especially for complex whitewater situations. He canoed all of his adult life, ranging widely over the wilderness areas of Canada and the United States. Called "wilderness artist," in one book about him, Mason left a legacy that includes books, films and artwork on canoeing and wild nature. He died of cancer in 1988. |
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Tuesday, July 14 Drawing inspiration from artists such as Prince, Jimi Hendrix, The Police, Stevie Wonder, Shuggie Otis Bob Dylan and Blues legends such as Freddy King, BB King, T-Bone Walker, Willie Dixon and Howlin’ Wolf, Tim has created a soulful collection of original, music that often pays tribute to his heroes. Screaming guitar solos, funky compositions and soaring vocals are all key element to Tim’s sound. With a unique expertise on a variety of styles and instruments, Tim is quickly becoming known as a “Renaissance Man”, far beyond his years. |
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Thursday, July 15 "Yes, it's a provocative title," says Patricia O'Callaghan of her new recording, Naked Beauty. "But the song refers to the naked beauty of the soul." The same kind of beauty found in O'Callaghan's singing - honest; straight from the heart. Naked Beauty will leave you "breathless and inspired," to quote lyrics from the title track. The fourth recording by 33-year-old O'Callaghan is her boldest to date, a gem-filled journey through idiosyncratic pop and cabaret songs by composers including Randy Newman, Neil Young, Leonard Cohen and Kurt Weill. O'Callaghan, called "the most promising cabaret performer of her generation" by Billboard Magazine, brings the sensual theatricality of her live performances home with this new release. With much of the recording done "live off the floor," O'Callaghan sings with what could aptly be called naked abandon, her voice matured by experience, through sharing her music with audiences in every sort of venue from smoky bars to opulent concert halls. She's no stranger to the camera either: O'Callaghan recently starred in the CBC Television special Youkali Hotel, in addition to her much lauded role as "The Singer" in Ken Finkelman's acclaimed 1999 television series Foolish Heart. Through it all, O'Callaghan says, "My musical tastes and boundaries have continued to expand and change." She adds, "Naked Beauty is distinctly less classical than some of my earlier work," making it a natural evolution from 2000's Real Emotional Girl. Naked Beauty marks a significant new collaboration for O'Callaghan, with Barenaked Ladies lead singer Steven Page. It was a natural fit. "Barenaked Ladies are truly a unique voice in the world of pop music, a rarity," she says. The same can accurately be said of O'Callaghan; consequently it's no surprise that what was planned as a single Page/O'Callaghan duet grew into a fuller collaboration. "Steven's responsible for many of the artistic choices made on this CD and was a trusted ear," says O'Callaghan. Her own artistic choices are revealed in a bounty of marvelous songs, from Newman's "Dayton Ohio" to Weill's "Lost in the Stars." The latter has particular resonance for the singer. "Even though I've come to a place of happiness and fulfillment in many areas of my life, sometimes I can feel completely 'lost in the stars.' I picture Kurt Weill sitting in his little room writing the song, looking out the window and sending his star out into the night, to try and connect with all the other lost stars out there." Of the two traditional songs on the recording, "Yo m'enamori d'un Aire" and "Noches, Noches" - sung in the medieval language of Ladino - O'Callaghan says, "I feel like something magic happens when I sing these Ladino songs - and people who've heard me sing them often tell me they have a similar experience." O'Callaghan is surrounded by a cast of Canadian greats on Naked Beauty, including Kurt Swinghammer, Kevin Hearn (BNL), James Robertson, John Gzowski, George Koller and Tyler Yarema, among others. The diversity of instrumental talent is an indication of O'Callaghan's determination to refuse musical limitations. She brings to each kind of song whatever it asks of her, through a searching honesty that ultimately reveals the song's own "naked beauty." Li Robbins |
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Thursday, July 16 Bewitching like moonlight on water- Little Miss Higgins captivates audiences with her original, gutsy, spirited country blues songs. Crystal clear vocals that go on forever and amazing guitar licks - she’s the real thing! Though she’s raring to go anywhere from solo to a full band of minstrels, Little Miss is mostly accompanied by partner/guitar player Foy Taylor. Together they are creating innovative guitar work rooted in a country blues style and an unforgettably “top hat” stage show. Little Miss Higgins was born in southern Alberta and raised in Independence, Kansas. As a young girl she began her love of music by carving her name into the mini grand piano that her father brought home from a local saloon. Growing up playing piano, she now uses guitar and voice as her main instruments as well as her theatre background to bring a “refreshing sound and story to the stage”. As a songwriter, she has been influenced by a range of artists from Memphis Minnie and Big Bill Broonzy to Joni Mitchell. Higgins has the ability to paint pictures with words and engage audiences with unabashed passion and presence. She has shared the stage with, to name a few, Big Dave McLean, Corb Lund, Suzie Vinnick and Tim Williams. Spring of 2006, she and Foy created music for and performed in the Globe Theatre’s production of Joey Tremblay’s Oh, George. She was nominated for a 2006 WCMA for her album Cobbler Shop Sessions and won the IMA Vox Populi Award for her song “Ferry Boat Blues”. Produced by Tim Williams, her second CD, Junction City, is an extension of the authentic songwriting and performance styles of Little Miss Higgins, as well as, Foy Taylor and the “junction” of talent that helped create the album. |
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Friday, July 17 Multi-instrumentalist David Lindley performs music that redefines the word "eclectic." Lindley, well known for his many years as the featured accompanist with Jackson Browne, and leader of his own band El Rayo-X, has long championed the concept of world music. The David Lindley electro-acoustic performance effortlessly combines American folk, blues, and bluegrass traditions with elements from African, Arabic, Asian, Celtic, Malagasy, and Turkish musical sources. Lindley incorporates an incredible array of stringed instruments including but not limited to Kona and Weissenborn Hawaiian lap steel guitar, Turkish saz and chumbus, Middle Eastern oud, and Irish bouzouki. The eye-poppingly clad "Mr. Dave's" uncanny vocal mimicry and demented sense of humor make his onstage banter a highlight of the show. David Lindley grew up in southern California, first taking up the banjo as a teenager, and subsequently winning the annual Topanga canyon banjo and fiddle contest five times as he explored the American folk music tradition. between 1967 and 1971 Lindley founded and lead what must now be seen as the first world music rock band, the Kaleidoscope. In 1971, Mr. Dave joined forces with Jackson Browne, serving as Jackson's most significant musical co-conspirator until 1981. In 1979, Lindley had begun working with old friend Ry Cooder on 'Bop Till you Drop' and 'The Long Riders' sound track, a musical collaboration that lasts to this day, and has spawned many recording projects and several world tours as an acoustic duo. In 1981, Lindley created his own remarkable Band El Rayo-X, which integrated American roots music and world beat with a heavy reggae influence. 'El Rayo-X', 'Win This Record' and 'Very Greasy', as well as a live e.p. during this period he also came forth with a solo album, 'Mr. Dave'. Lindley and guitarist Henry Kaiser went to Madagascar for two weeks in 1991 and recorded six albums of indigenous Malagasy music (including two collaborative cd's, 'A World Out of Time' volumes one and two on Shanachie) which proved to have a major impact on the world music scene, both for the quality of the Grammy nominated music recorded, and the fair and ethical way the Malagasy musicians were dealt with. Throughout this long and distinguished career, Lindley has been one of Hollywood's most in demand session musicians, lending his skills to the recorded works of Bob Dylan, Rod Stewart, Linda Ronstadt, Crosby and Nash, Warren Zevon, and many others. In 1990 a chance meeting of Lindley and Jordanian born percussionist Hani Naser led to an impromptu jam and an instant decision that "we should take this on the road." David and Hani toured the world for the following six years. The duo recorded two self-released "Official Bootleg" compact discs, 'Live in Tokyo Playing Real Good' and 'Live All Over the Place Playing Even Better' on Pleemhead audio. At his expansive and eclectic live performances David Lindley consistently gives one of the most unique concert experiences available to adventuresome music listeners. Currently David is associated with the Rosebud agency. |
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Saturday, July 18 Anandashakti
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Tuesday, July 21 The poignant journey which culminated in Dave Alvin's new album Dave Alvin and The Guilty Women began on one of those San Francisco fall days that seemed to melt back into the bay fog as slyly as it emerged. Dave Alvin was bounding off the stage at the massive, free Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival. Nearly before he was able to set foot on his beloved California dirt, Alvin was grabbed by friend and Yep Roc label co-founder Glenn Dicker. "We've gotta make a record!" The reason for Dicker's excitement - and the excitement of the thousands of music fans who just witnessed it - was the set Alvin and all female band The Guilty Women had just laid down moments before. Dave and band members Cindy Cashdollar, Nina Gerber, Laurie Lewis, Christy McWilson, Sarah Brown, Amy Farris and Lisa Pankratz blazed through their set, surprising each other at every turn. "It just felt so natural," says Alvin. "It was like I had been playing with them for a hundred years." You couldn't tell, watching him on stage that day, but the events in Alvin's life that had led up to it were some of the most trying of his life. Six months before, Guilty Men accordionist Chris Gaffney passed away following a valiant battle with cancer. Gaffney wasn't only the accordionist in Alvin's band, he was his best friend. As support and well wishes flowed to Gaffney's family from friends and fellow musicians, Alvin set out calling some of the biggest names in roots music to come together to honor is fallen friend. The result, Man of Somebody's Dreams: A Tribute to the Songs of Chris Gaffney will be released by Yep Roc along side Dave Alvin and The Guilty Women on 5/26/09. Artists and friends like Calexico, Los Lobos, Alejandro Escovedo, James McMurtry and many more coalesced for an album of Gaffney songs benefiting his family and the non-profit Hungry for Music, who provide musical instruments to underprivileged children. "The response from the artists was immediate," remarks Alvin. "They all wanted a chance to help Chris' family and most of all, a chance to pay tribute to him and his songs!" With the catharsis of the tribute album project in tow, Alvin turned his attention to his next musical move. One thing was clear, he knew he wasn't yet ready to record with The Guilty Men again. The wound of Gaffney's death was still too fresh, the space on the stage where he once stood still too empty. Alvin decided now was the time for something new. Knowing Hardly Strictly was just up the tracks, he called friend and Austin-based guitarist Cindy Cashdollar. Cashdollar jumped in with both feet and the other ladies followed suit. Having played together in various incarnations with several Guilty Women in the past, Alvin was confident the chemistry would be right. "The reality that we'd never played together as a group and that there was no time to rehearse before our debut performance didn't bother me at all. I knew that they were all master musicians who could easily handle any sort of song I could throw at them. And that's exactly what they did and they did it effortlessly and beautifully." The Austin, TX recording sessions progressed in much the same fashion with Christy McWilson contributing two songs, Sarah Brown one and an Amy Farris/Dave Alvin co-write. The tunes were built around Dave's acoustic guitar work, with the ladies surrounding Alvin with an instrumental blanket that made it clear womanly intuition isn't just an emotional asset but a musical one as well. |
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Wednesday, July 22 Elizabeth Shepherd pushes the boundaries of what is considered conventional jazz, all the while creating a sound completely her own. From London to Tokyo, Elizabeth has captivated audiences and critics on both sides of the pond. Her Juno nominated debut album, Start To Move continues to receive critical acclaim, and was voted the Top 3 Jazz Albums of the Year by the listeners of the Gilles Peterson show on BBC Radio 1 UK in 2006. Raised by ministers of the Salvation Army, an early exposure to the brass band sounds mixed with her love for classical and house music, disco and hip hop, lay the foundations for one soulful musician. Trained extensively in conservatories from across Canada to France, Elizabeth completed a degree in jazz piano from McGill University, Montreal. Initially entering the music program to pursue a career in music therapy she quickly discovered her extensive talent in songwriting and performing. She returned to Toronto in 2004 and worked as a server at a piano bar. Her serving job proved an asset to her musical career- once management realized Elizabeth’s talent, she quickly became the restaurant’s key entertainer. Organically and innocently enough, the Elizabeth Shepherd Trio was formed with Scott Kemp on bass, Colin Kingsmore on drums and Elizabeth Shepherd on piano and vocals. The Elizabeth Shepherd Trio became a staple group in Toronto’s soul jazz scene, performing all over town in jazz and other concert venues alike. Upon joining forces with Do Right! label owner John Kong, the Trio was invited into the studio to record a demo. But what was supposed to be a demo turned into a jam session resulting in the album Start To Move. The following few years established the EST locally and saw them gain recognition internationally, performing on BBC Radio 1, sold out shows at London’s Jazz Café, and a week long residency at the prestigious Cotton Club in Tokyo, Japan the summer of 2007. Her follow-up full-length album Parkdale is an older, wiser Shepherd teamed with her ever youthful, graceful soul. The mood of Parkdale tracks the emotional whirlwind of human experience. The album explores what everyone fears the most: total openness, divulging your innermost humanity. "Parkdale," the title track, explores the nuances of brokeness within the community. The album leads the listener through it all with stories of personal growth alongside the evolution of a neighbourhood in transition. "I've always found strange the massive discrepancy between the highly emotional events that shape our personal lives, that we generally don't share, and the completely mundane events that insidiously make their way into conversation. As far as being a “jazz performer”, Elizabeth does not count herself as one to be defined by a particular genre; her music comes straight from the soul, and is more than just what she does, but what she loves and who she is. |
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Thursday, July 23 SongStudio (formerly known as the Humber Summer Songwriting Workshop) is an annual one week songwriting workshop run by Rik Emmett, Blair Packham, and Bill McKetrick. Each year, the workshop attracts songwriters from across Canada, the U.S., and sometimes, as far away as the U.K. to Toronto to study the art of songwriting with some of Canada's top songwriters. At the end of the week long session the best of those students are selected to perform their material in a special showcase, backed by the SongStudio faculty, who this year will include Rik Emmett, Blair Packham, Ember Swift, and Fergus Hambleton...and a couple of special guests. Admission is free, but we, as always, will encourage all workshop students, their guests and members of the public to enjoy a pre-show dinner at Hugh's Room. We will also be hosting the usual Faculty dinner (10-12 people) during soundcheck. |
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Friday, July 24 with While on his musical mecca to Africa, Jayme Stone rarely let locals know of his accolades and burgeoning recording career in North America. He went to immerse himself in the high-spirited |
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Saturday, July 25 The Sattalites, as we know them today, came together in Toronto in 1980, first as a teaching vehicle, but as the word spread of the impressive live shows, the band began to tour extensively. The Sattalites went on to pave the way for many Canadian world music artists. They are notably the first Canadian band to be invited to perform at Jamaica’s "Sunsplash", playing to an audience of over 25,000 reggae connoisseurs. They brought the house down at the 1993 and 1994 World Skiing Championship festivities in Whistler B.C. and have played amongst the red-woods as part of the 1993 "Reggae on the River" fest in Redway, California. The Sattalites have performed thousands of shows, at universities and clubs both here and in the US. They have appeared at many special events at Ontario Place, Parliament Hill in the nation’s capital, and Toronto’s City Hall. They continue to contribute time and music to a diverse group of charitable organizations. Sattalites videos have enjoyed high rotation on Much Music and MuchMore Music, and the band has made many television appearances. The Sattalites remain in high demand across Canada, the United States and at festivals around the world. Besides the Sattalite cds Jo Jo has released 2 volumes of classic tracks from the projects he has produced and his own records from the sixties.Fergus has a solo album from 2000 available at www.cdbaby.com/cd/hambleton which is a mixture of all different styles of music. During their illustrious career the Sattalites have garnered many industry awards – including two Juno awards for Best Reggae Recording (1995 & 1990); a Casby for Best R&B/Reggae Recording; a Toronto Music Award for Best Reggae Group; and two Black Music Awards, Best Group and Best Single of the Year. They have received countless Canadian Reggae Music Awards including 1992 Group of the Year. The Sattalites have also received a Juno nomination for Best World Beat Recording Artist. |
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Wednesday, August 12 Originally making his mark in the county music world and then slipping into the Latin and jazz arenas via rock & roll, Raul Malo has proven to be an ever-expanding musical talent. Malo, born in Miami of Cuban parents, started playing bass guitar in high school and soon found his way into several small bands. In 1987, he made his first recording with the Basics, and one song, "Paperheart," appeared on the promotional album Unsigned. While the album wasn't a success, the experience whet Malo's appetite for more. Later in the '80s, Malo and a high school friend, Robert Reynolds (bass), joined together to form their own country band, based on their mutual love for Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, and Patsy Cline. Paul Deakin, with experience in several progressive rock bands, became the drummer, and the group chose the name the Mavericks. This band went on to become one of the outstanding country bands of the '90s. Under Malo's leadership, the Mavericks released their debut self-titled album in the fall of 1990. The album managed to grab the attention of many big labels, and MCA Records signed the band on in May 1991, when they played their first gig in Nashville. David Lee Holt, who previously played with Carlene Carter, Joe Ely, and Rosie Flores, became the lead guitarist for the band, with Malo concentrating on the songwriting and vocals. MCA released From Hell to Paradise in 1992 and released five more albums for the band during the '90s. Hell to Paradise was critically acclaimed, but not financially a success. However, What a Crying Shame brought forth financial fortunes when it was released in 1994, with its title track reaching the Top 40; the album went platinum by spring 1995. |
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Friday, August 14 Don Ross has emerged as one of the most respected musicians in Canada and one of the top guitarists in the world. In September 1996, he managed to do what no other player has done: win the prestigious U.S. National Fingerstyle Guitar Championship for the second time (he first won in 1988). The competition, held yearly in Winfield, Kansas, cannot be won only with immaculate technique, but the player's music must also display a high degree of emotion and intensity — hallmarks of Don's style. |
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Saturday, August 15 Glasgow-born Al Stewart has been an amazingly prolific and successful musician across 40 years and counting (as of 2009), working in a dizzying array of stylistic modes and musical genres -- in other words, he's had a real career, and has done it without concerning himself too much about trends and the public taste. He's been influenced by several notables, to be sure, including his fellow Scot (and slightly younger contemporary) Donovan, as well as Ralph McTell, Bob Dylan, and John Lennon -- but apart from a passing resemblance to Donovan vocally, he doesn't sound quite like anyone else, and has achieved his greatest success across four decades with songs that are uniquely his and impossible to mistake. Stewart was born in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1945, and was swept up a decade later in the skiffle boom that took young Britons by storm -- he decided to take up guitar after hearing Lonnie Donegan's music. By the early '60s, his family was living in Bournemouth, and he joined a local band, the Trappers, in 1963, and was already writing songs by that time. He was an admirer of the Beatles as their fame swept out of Liverpool and across the country, and even managed once to get backstage to meet John Lennon and play a few notes for him, at one of their Bournemouth performances. He studied guitar with Robert Fripp, no less, and later played keyboards in a band called Dave La Caz & the G Men, who managed to open for the Rolling Stones at the outset of the latter's career in 1963. A true milestone for Stewart took place when Dave La Caz & the G Men recorded one of his songs, "When She Smiled," in early 1964. |
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Monday, August 17 "The influences never stop." That's Canadian singer songwriter James Keelaghan talking. Could be the slogan for folk music. But James is answering a question about his own musical background. Who influenced him? How did someone who "didn't come from a musical family per se" become a leading international musical figure? First, he says, the family loved music and offered appreciation and support. Then there is that influence factor: "My father was a great influence as a story teller, my mother for a sense of humour. I listened to a lot of Irish traditional stuff when I grew up, tempered with Jethro Tull, Neil Young, Bruce Cockburn, Joni Mitchell and Captain Beefheart." "Liam Clancy for voice and guitar style, the poetry of Yeats. I loved Harry Belafonte - the world's greatest stage performer; and Pete Seeger - a fine balladeer. But influences never stop. I am influenced by David Francey, Oliver Schroer, Hugh McMillan and a host of others now. Don't forget to throw in the history influence. Keelaghan studied history at the University of Calgary and his passion for it has inspired some of his most celebrated songs. His debut album, Timelines (1987 Tranquilla Music) was a collection of historically themed ballads. On his ninth album, A Few Simple Verses (2006 Jericho Beach Music), he's coming at history the way a folk singer would, unabashedly paying tribute to songs he loves, many of which his father used to sing, many of which have no definite origin, all of which are part of living history. Born in 1935, Peggy is Pete Seeger's half-sister and Ruth Crawford Seeger's daughter; her first life partner was the English songwriter Ewan MacColl, who wrote First Time Ever I Saw Your Face for her and to whom she bore three children. She is known for her excellent renditions of Anglo-American folksongs and for her activist songwriting, especially in the field of feminism. Her best-known pieces are Gonna Be an Engineer and The Ballad of Springhill, which latter is rapidly becoming regarded as a traditional song. After living 35 years in England, she returned to the USA in 1994 and took up residence in Asheville, North Carolina. She moved to Boston in 2006 to take up a teaching job at Northeastern University. She tours extensively in the USA and occasionally in the UK and Australia as a solo concert artist, singing and giving workshops. She has made 22 solo recordings and has participated in over a hundred recordings with other artists. Her 1998 CD, PERIOD PIECES: WOMEN'S SONGS FOR MEN AND WOMEN, received major attention from Billboard. She records exclusively for Appleseed Recordings. Her latest project is THE HOME TRILOGY, three albums in which each disc contains one or two songs of her own composition, the rest being traditional USA songs. HEADING FOR HOME and LOVE, CALL ME HOME are the first two volumes of this series. The third, BRING ME HOME, will be available in January 2008. Her 2007 recording project, THREE SCORE AND TEN, is a captivating 2-CD distillation of her 70th birthday concert in London's Queen Elizabeth Hall. She has also started a homemade series entitled TIMELY PRODUCTIONS, contemporary songs put out ... well, whenever she writes them. Timely #4, Crazy Quilt, comes out in January 2008. She has published 149 of her songs in The Peggy Seeger Songbook (Oak Publications, 1998) as well as a companion volume of Ewan MacColl's songs, The Essential Ewan MacColl Songbook (Oak Publications, 2001). Her website, www.pegseeger.com, contains further information, a discography, details about ordering, an itinerary and interesting insights into her creative life.
One of many self-styled contemporary folk singers to have come on the scene in the 1980s, Vance Gilbert was inspired to begin writing his own material after hearing Shawn Colvin perform at a Boston theater. While Gilbert has become recognized on the folk festival circuit as a songwriter of substance, performance for him is second nature. Gilbert is not a middle-of-the-road folk singer, and his diverse set of influences includes Kenny Rankin, Roberta Flack, Carmen McRae, George Benson and Stevie Wonder. His voice has been compared to everyone from Al Jarreau to Bill Withers and Donny Hathaway. Gilbert, born and raised in Willingboro, N.J., moved to Connecticut to attend Connecticut College, relocating to Boston after graduating in 1979. Gilbert's brother had brought him a bass to keep him studying in the dorms, but he later switched to acoustic guitar and singing, because it satisfied his need to be up front, doing his own thing. Before he began performing his own songs in concert, Gilbert worked in cocktail lounges, performing a wide repertoire of songs that ranged from Gershwin to Top 40, Stevie Wonder and Earth, Wind and Fire. After the lounge work dried up, Gilbert began teaching in Boston-area public schools. Later, as a singer/songwriter, all his training as a lounge singer paid off, as he's blessed with an uncanny ability to read the moods of his audiences, and he's learned to trust his intuition in his song selection on stage. Gilbert has released three excellent albums for the Philo subsidiary of Rounder Records, 1994's Edgewise, 1995's Fugitives, and 1998's Shaking Off Gravity. Gilbert continued to tour around the U.S. and Canada throughout the making of these records, eventually recording a live album in 1999 that garnered critical praise the following year. It wasn't until 2002 that Gilbert recorded a new album, the self-produced One Thru Fourteen. ~ Richard Skelly, All Music Guide |
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Tuesday, August 18 FOGGY HOGTOWN BOYS For a while, The Foggy Hogtown Boys may have been a well kept secret, but apparently there have been some leaks. Over the last five years, an ever-widening audience has been raving about the band! With four critically acclaimed CDs and tours from coast to coast, the Toronto-based Foggy Hogtown Boys have established themselves as one of the most exciting bluegrass bands in the country. The live show is the thing with the Foggy Hogtown Boys. The band always delivers a highly entertaining and diverse show; ballads, breakdowns, gospel quartets and lots of laughs! THE BREAKMEN The Breakmen formed in 2005 when four of Vancouver BC's best young songwriters and acoustic musicians got together to work on each others songs. They quickly found an enthusiastic audience for what they were doing, performing to sold out houses and playing a leading role in the flourishing West Coast roots music scene. The band's sound has matured into a distinct voice in Canadian roots music, with a potent blend of bluegrass, old-timey folk, and vintage country influences. Known for tight vocal harmonies, creative instrumental work, and contagious stage energy the band has attracted national and international attention. Since the release of their self titled debut album in 2006, The Breakmen have played over 200 festivals, theaters and live stages throughout Canada and the U.S west coast. The album was a national success and remained on The Roots Music Review-Top 50 chart for 9 months straight, receiving significant national airplay on CBC Radio and roots music radio across the country. CBC Radio 2 has also recorded the band twice for their Canada Live series. With fresh material piling up the band decided it was time to head back into the studio in the spring of 2008. The product of these sessions, When You Leave Town, was released in Canada on Oct 10, 2008. The album provides fans with 12 new Breakmen tracks, featuring thought provoking lyrics and song structure from the bands three songwriters, trademark vocal harmonies and a powerful band sound from the four multi-instrumentalists and producer Ivan Rosenberg. Compared to The Band and Old Crowe Medicine Show, The Breakmen are influenced by a wide variety of musical talents including Bill Monroe, Willie P. Bennett, Nina Simone and Hank Williams. |
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Wednesday, August 19 In talking about his music, singer-songwriter Justin Hines says, “Honestly, I don’t remember wanting to do anything else, period.” That sense of it being something as essential as breathing emanates from every track on his soul-searching debut album, Sides. |
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Thursday, August 20 Eddie Schwartz (December 22, 1949) is a Canadian musician and Juno Award winner who had moderate success as a recording artist in the early 1980s, before becoming a successful songwriter, and record producer in the late 1980s and the 1990s. Schwartz was born in Toronto, Ontario, and graduated from Toronto's York University in 1977 as a Music and English major. He began his musical career soon after playing guitar for Charity Brown's backing band and signed with Infinity Records for a solo contract in 1979. His self-titled debut album, Schwartz, followed in 1980, with A&M Records, as Infinity had gone bankrupt by then, and spawned his first Canadian hit, "Does a Fool Ever Learn". His next album, No Refuge, came out in 1981, and did well in Canada, as well as the U.S., placing in the Billboard 200 and spawning a U.S. and Canadian hit single, "All Our Tomorrows," (#28 in the U.S. Billboard Hot 100). A follow-up track from this album, "Over the Line" also crept into the Hot 100, peaking at #91. This single would be his last one to crack the U.S. charts to date.
Roots artist Lynne Hanson was born in Ottawa, Canada, hometown to a growing number of exceptional roots artists, including notable roots ambassadors Kathleen Edwards and Lynn Miles. With her second CD Eleven Months, Lynne is adding to the already strong case that “there must be something in the water”. Lynne has been attracting critical praise since the release of her debut CD “Things I Miss” in late 2006. River By My Side won the 2006 Blues Award for the Ontario Council of Folk Festivals "Songs from the Heart" contest, while the title track was chosen as one of the best songs of 2006 by the Indie Acoustic Music Project. As the youngest in a musical family of eight children, Lynne was exposed to a diverse array of musical eras and styles as she grew up. Older siblings were quick to pawn off their babysitting duties to stacks of records and tapes, Lynne being only too happy to sit and sing along for hours with the likes of Johnny Cash and Bruce Springsteen. The result is a hybrid brand of eclectic roots music that Lynne can truly call her own merging her thought-provoking lyrics with heart-felt soul-country. |
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Friday, August 21 From carpenter to songwriter – Since leaving construction and recording Torn Screen Door in 1999 Scottish-born Canadian, David Francey is recognized as one of today’s finest singer-songwriters. Earlier this year Francey’s CD, Right of Passage, earned him his third JUNO (Canada’s top music award) in less than 5 years. Francey recently had the honour of receiving the prestigious SOCAN Folk Music Award. "David’s straightforward songs tell honest stories of real people and real places. Poetic perception and a keen eye for the heart of the matter are trademarks of the man and his music. His songs and stories are a direct connection for audiences seeking depth and meaning in the day-to-day." - Shelter Valley Folk Festival |
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Saturday, August 22 One of the most vibrant and unique musicians and performers in Toronto, KC Roberts has stood out as the most intriguing act on every bill he’s ever played. Winner of the INDEPENDENT MUSIC AWARDS ” 2007 BEST LIVE ACT,” KC brings with him a tight and animated horn.. section, two knockout female back up vocalists, and a rhythm section built to make believers out of anyone. Even when opening for the Black Eyed Peas on the indie stage at Molson Amphitheatre, the dancing crowd shouted for KC and his band to keep playing, rather than return to their seats for the main event. Defying today’s paper thin labels, KC Roberts brings a fierce sound that seamlessly blends funk and jazz with contemporary hip hop, house, jungle and rock. And, although KC pushes away from the ..predictable, the music is unforgettably catchy and blossoms in the listener long..after the band has left the stage. KC Roberts has many talents that make him stand out in today’s parade of bands. Besides being the composer and arranger of his 8 piece funk orchestra, he is also a guitarist unlike any other. As a singer, KC draws on diverse influences. The spirits Sly Stone, Jay Kay, Al Green, and John Legend have painted KC’s voice and its personality. However, KC also brings a dynamic hip-hop influence to the table, and his skills as an MC never fail to bring the crowd to its feet. KC has made many musical contributions both domestically and abroad. KC and his various original groups have shared the stage with such big names as The Black Eyed Peas, Z-trip, Talib Kweli, Rihanna, Jimmy Cliff, The Pocket Dwellers, DJ Serious and Jim Cuddy. KC has also contributed guitar work to music by Grammy-nominated gospel artist, Martha Munizzi, when she played in Toronto earlier in 2007. In early 2008, KC played lead guitar and toured for the 2007 Canadian Idol Winner, Brian Melo. On the tour KC played on MTV Canada, Hamilton Place Theater, and recorded for the Sympatico/MSN Orange Room Sessions. Not to mention, another side of KC’s playing is deeply rooted in jazz. One notable concert found KC playing guitar at the late Montreal Bistro alongside critically acclaimed pianist and composer Dave Restivo, JUNO award winning Bass Player Brandi Disterheft, and Matt Dusk’s former drummer Larnell Lewis. That night KC met and received very encouraging words regarding his arranging and guitar playing from Canada’s own David Clayton Thomas. In the fall of 2008, KC recently flew to Kenya and Tanzania touring as lead guitar player for Canadian based African band, Krystaal. Also in late 2008, KC played guitar on cuban-jazz trumpet virtuoso, Alexis Baró’s new record “from the other side”. Alexis Baró a 2005, 2006 and 2007 nominee for Best Trumpet Player at the National Jazz Awards , co-winner of a Juno award and recipient of a Gemini Award, has asked KC to play upcoming dates with his band for 2009. |
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Monday, August 24 Ireland's Hothouse Flowers made a name for itself during the late '80s and early '90s with a passionate, bombastic fusion of rock & roll with the rootsy sounds of Irish folk and American gospel. The group was founded as a Dublin street-performance act called the Incomparable Benzini Brothers by schoolmates Liam O'Maonlai (vocals, keyboards) and Fiachna O'Broainain (guitar), the former of whom had played in My Bloody Valentine Congress. After winning the Stforerunnerreet Entertainers of the Year award in 1985, the Incomparable Benzini Brothers added bassist Peter O'Toole, saxophonist Leo Barnes, and drummer Jerry Fehily and changed their name to Hothouse Flowers. The group received a glowing write-up in Rolling Stone before even landing a record deal, but that drawback was rectified when U2's Bono saw them performing on a late-night television show. A single on U2's label Mother got Hothouse Flowers signed to PolyGram. Their 1988 debut, People, cruised to the top of the Irish charts and peaked at number two in Britain. Their follow-ups, Home and Songs From the Rain, continued their success, but the band has never been able to break through in America to anything beyond cult status. Hothouse Flowers has been quiet since 1993; several members have guested on other artists' albums. ~ Steve Huey, All Music Guide |
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Wednesday, August 26 “If you’re missing out on [Fred] Eaglesmith… you’re really missing out,” says The New Yorker. The award-winning singer-songwriter has had his songs covered by Toby Keith, Cowboy Junkies, Kasey Chambers, Ralph Stanley II, Todd Snider and Dar Williams, among others, and featured in films by Martin Scorsese and James Caan. And his latest and 17th album, Tinderbox, continues to garner critical praise as “a ghostly masterpiece” (Calgary Herald) and “one of the most compelling roots-rock albums in recent memory” (Slant magazine). Already heralded as a “masterwork” (Philadelphia Inquirer), “exceptional” (Americana Roots), and “beautiful” (Ink 19), Tinderbox elicits the sort of comparisons to revered musical artists that have already been a hallmark of Eaglesmith’s career. “Imagine a duet record from Tom Waits and Woody Guthrie,” says The New Yorker, while the Calgary Herald hails it as “a deep, sad and masterful album that transcends genre and time. It is Tom Waits meets Pink Floyd meets Hank Williams.” Australia’s Rave magazine observes how “Tinderbox shows that he’s still on top of his game, delivering simple yet effective lyrics in a Springsteen-esque voice, backed by a ragged, expressionistic folk sound — the effect sometimes resembles the Boss singing lead for Tom Waits’ band.” In live performance, Eaglesmith brings to mind both Neil Young’s raucous splendor with Crazy Horse and the tender beauty of Young’s acoustic numbers. He crosses America with his band in the early months of 2009 (dates below) after hosting his Roots on the Rails Polar Bear Train rolling music festival (with guests Gurf Morlix, Jon Dee Graham and Audrey Auld with Andrew Hardin) into the Canadian arctic in early November and a year-end tour of Holland, Belgium and Great Britain. |
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Thursday, August 27 Heather Bambrick & The V Girls Now in its third year, The Firefly Cabaret has entertained audiences with a variety of fabulous Canadian entertainers with the goal of raising money for Camp Quality Canada. Camp Quality Canada is an organization that allows children with cancer the opportunity to attend summer camp. www.campquality.com |
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Friday, August 28 Tony "Wild T" Springer has hung with the best of them. David Bowie, Jeff Healey, Bon Jovi, Deep Purple, Jay Leno, David Letterman and Arsenio Hall are just some of the musical acts and personalities that have been blown away by Wild T's guitar playing. Wild T is originally from Tunapuna, Trinidad. Though one may find similarities to Jimi Hendrix, ironically it was T's first exposure to Steve Howe and classic Yes that inspired him to take up guitar. Moving to Toronto, Canada, T quickly gained a reputation on the local club circuit. Since then he has recorded two albums (Love Crazy 1991 andGivin' Blood 1995) with his own group, Wild T and the Spirit for Warner Brothers. He has also recorded an album (Black Tie, White Noise) with David Bowie and has appeared with Bowie on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Late Night with David Letterman and the Arsenio Hall Show. He has toured with Bon Jovi and Deep Purple throughout North America and has performed thousands of club shows. Recently he was asked to portray Jimi Hendrix in the Monkee Movie for TMN because of his resemblance and showmanship. John Bouvette, originally from Shawinigan, Quebec, has been playing drums for over 35 years. He has recorded three albums with Warner Brothers recording artists Frozen Ghost and has performed all over North America with them. He has recorded with Sony recording artist Our Lady Peace and has performed with Chantal Kreviazuk and David Wilcox throughout Canada. |
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Saturday, August 29 Jane's Party is a Toronto based band, who have gained recognition for their fresh approach to Canadian Roots music. 'The Garage Sessions' is Jane's Party's first full-length album. It was conceived and influenced by their summer 2008, East Coast tour of Canada, which saw them playing full electric shows or simply busking at every opportune moment. It is Jane's Party's attitude and willingness to grow as musicians that make them a valuable entity to today's music scene. Jane's Party is: Jeff Giles, Tom Ionescu, Devon Richardson & Zach Sutton. |
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Sunday, August 30 After a six-year hiatus, the multi-ECMA winning Rawlins Cross is reuniting for an exciting new project Anthology (Ground Swell/Warner). The album features three new songs by the band’s principal songwriters, Dave and Geoff Panting (Make The Change, Look Ahead, The Story) and a new Celtic instrumental set featuring compositions by Rawlins Cross piper/tin whistle player, Ian McKinnon. Anthology also includes fan favourites Reel ‘n’ Roll, Colleen, Long Night and several other Rawlins Cross classic tunes. The new songs and instrumentals were recorded at Great Big Studios in St. John’s, Newfoundland in August and brought together all six members of the group including the Panting brothers and McKinnon, Chapman Stick player Brian Bourne, drummer Howie Southwood, and the voice of Rawlins Cross, singer Joey Kitson. |
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