Chris Whiteley, Diana Braithwaite, Joe Sealy, Paul Novotny & Jacob Moon
We are overjoyed to welcome back Ken Whiteley for 9th Annual Sunday Afternoon Gospel series. Many of you know that Ken had to deal with serious health issues which resulted in the cancellation of his fall gospel series. Mr Music, as we call him around here was sorely missed. Below Ken describes his ordeal:
I want to start off by expressing my thanks for all the support I’ve received from so many people. Thank you does not say enough for all the prayers, visits, food and so many ways people have contributed to my on-going healing process. I also want to thank all those who have sent money to help me out during this four months when I am not able to perform and work. I went to see the surgeon for a routine follow up to my heart surgery and he suggested that just as I can see the approx. 12 inch scar on my chest slowly healing, it will take that long for the heart itself to also heal. Some things will take about 3 months to come back, some things 6 months and others could take up to a year. The general consensus is that I’m doing very well. I am very thankful to have a great physiotherapist (James Braithwaite) working with me at home. I’ve also just started going to the cardiac rehab program at Toronto Western Hospital where I exercise on various machines to build up heart and muscle strength. All in all I am getting stronger, walking, eating, playing guitar and enjoying seeing people. I’m really looking forward to performing and working on some great recording projects again in the new year. I feel lucky to be alive and supported by my family and so many wonderful friends. ~ Ken
Back by popular demand, Ken Whiteley’s Gospel Music Series kicks off it’s 9th annual season of afternoon concerts with Maple Blues Award winners Diana Braithwaite & Chris Whiteley, Juno Award winning Jazz Piano Virtuoso & 2010 Order of Canada recipient Joe Sealy, Juno Award nominated Bassist Paul Novotny, and Hamilton Folk Singer/Songwriter & Live Looper Jacob Moon. Whether you are coming for the terrific music, or to sing and clap along, or for the spiritual experience, the host Ken Whiteley promises that this afternoon will be an accessible and exciting blend of musical styles that is appropriate for music lovers of all ages.
Diana Braithwaite and Chris Whiteley have been dubbed ‘National Treasures’ and ‘Blues Icons’ by the Toronto Star. The duo share a shelf full of awards and nominations, including 8 Maple Blues Awards (2010 Songwriters of the Year), 6 Juno nominations and a Jazz Report Blues Album of the Year. Diana received the prestigious African American Women in the Arts Award in Chicago and Chris was presented with the Blues With A Feeling Award for lifetime achievement in the Blues in Canada. Their Night Bird Blues recording peaked last year at #2 on B.B. King’s Bluesville show on XM Satellite Radio.
Joe Sealy & Paul Novotny are an esteemed duo fixture of the Canadian jazz scene. Together they have recorded 5 albums and have received 2 Juno nominations. Individually, they also have numerous accomplishments and accolades. Joe Sealy received the Governor General Award and was invested into the Order of Canada in 2010 and his Africville Suite recording won a Juno for Best Contemporary Jazz Album (1997). He has performed with a wide variety of notable performers such as Sammy Davis Jr., John Candy, and jazz greats Joe Williams and Milt Jackson. Joe is also featured on Ken Whiteley’s Another Day’s Journey CD. Renowned bassist, composer and producer Paul Novotny has performed in jazz clubs and on concert stages with artists including Holly Cole, Carol Welsman, Jackie Richardson, Danny B, Molly Johnson and many others. He is also an accomplished composer, having written the “CBC National News” theme (2000/01) and CBCʼs “The Hour with George Stroumboulopoulos” theme (2004) as well as music for various life-style TV shows, commercials and films.
Making his first visit to the gospel music series is Hamilton singer/songwriter Jacob Moon. Stylistically Jacob’s music fits into the roots category, with some eclectic twists. He has an incredible command of the guitar (often sounding like an entire orchestra), and his skill as a ‘live looper‘ is in a league of his own. His YouTube music videos gained attention on a national level when rock legends Rush asked Jacob to perform at the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame Gala. Geddy, Neil and Alex insisted that Jacob be there to play Subdivisions, which he performed on a Hamilton rooftop in his 2008 video (now at 200,000 hits). His performance was immediately followed by the biggest response of the evening – a standing ovation.
The founder and host of the Gospel music series, Ken Whiteley is a prolific songwriter, a gifted and versatile guitarist and mandolinist, and a powerful singer. His musical peers affectionately refer to him as a “playing encyclopedia” for his depth and range of styles, covering everything from folk to blues to gospel to swing and children’s music. Recently nominated for a Canadian Folk Music Award, Ken’s newest recording Another Day’s Journey covers all but the children’s musical genre. Ken is the proud recipient of the Estelle Klein Lifetime Achievement Award, Mariposa Folk Hall of Fame and was recently nominated for another Canadian Folk Music Award and Maple Blues Award. Gospel Makes Me Feel Alright! which is a live recording from the very first gospel series in 2003, continues to be a best seller at the concerts.
