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BLUES SUMMIT IV and MAPLE BLUES AWARDS
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Blues Summit IV
Delta Chelsea Inn, 33 Gerrard St. West, Toronto ON.
January 17-19, 2009
Early bird price - $79 for musicians, $99 for others
The Blues Summit is an essential Canadian blues networking event, back for its fourth edition. This music industry conference brings together festivals, labels, media, musicians, fans and blues societies, and includes showcases, seminars, receptions and a keynote brunch. With representatives from across Canada, the United States and Europe in attendance, there are many lively panel discussions that take place over the course of the three days. Industry experts discuss topics such as blues in the schools, professional development opportunities for artists, and blues in the digital world.
Recognized by professionals around the world for his award-winning programming and innovative production style, San Francisco radio and audio production pioneer Ben Manilla has held executive positions at Radio Today, RKO Radio Networks, WOR Radio, WLIR Radio, and the Progressive Radio Network. Among his hundreds of features, specials, documentaries, ongoing series, commercials, and audio presentations, his radio series ‘House of Blues’ features Dan Aykroyd and his 13-hour award-winning radio documentary for PBS, ‘Martin Scorcese Presents the Blues’ was broadcast on more than 330 stations worldwide. The radio project was the most successful special ever distributed by Public Radio International.
Currently Ben is a frequent traveller to Toronto while working on a special PBS project called ‘The Soundtrack of Our Lives’ which is spearheaded by the Wildheart Group and also includes Grammy Award-winner and Creative Executive, Sir George Martin (Producer of all the Beatles recordings). As this year’s keynote speaker, Ben will be reflecting on current blues industry trends and insights.
Special delegate rates available at the Delta Chelsea. For more information on registration, please visit http://www.torontobluessociety.com 416-538-3885 1-866-871-9457
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Twelfth Annual Maple Blues Awards
Phoenix Concert Theatre, 410 Sherbourne Street, Toronto ON
Monday, January 19; Doors @ 7 pm, show @ 8 pm; Tickets - $28
The Twelfth Annual Maple Blues Awards will honour Canada’s best in blues at the gala ceremony on Monday, January 19th at the Phoenix Concert Theatre in Toronto. The awards gala presentation will feature live performances by some of Canada’s finest blues talents including the Maple Blues Band.
This year’s gala host will be radio personality Garvia Bailey. Guest performers include Canada’s roaming blues poet and one-man band Ray Bonneville, whose storytelling vocals, with a highly percussive guitar style keep it all real and raw. Winner of the 2005 Electric Act of the Year Award, guitar-driven JW-Jones will join the cast of guests for the gala along with the velvety-voiced Juno Award nominee Harrison Kennedy, who brings his 30-years-plus of performing experience and a youthful exuberance to the MBAs. Vancouver’s The Sojourners will also electrify audiences with their heartfelt gospel blues harmonies. Hot ticket and powerhouse singing sensation Shakura S’Aida returns to grace the stage and is also nominated for the Female Vocalist of the Year Award once again.
Backing the guest performers is the Maple Blues Band which includes stellar musicians Gary Kendall, Michael Fonfara, Tom Bona, Teddy Leonard, Pat Carey, Al Lerman, Chris Murphy and Chris Whiteley.
Tickets for the gala are available at the TBS office 416-538-3885 info@torontobluessociety.com or through http://www.ticketpro.ca
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LOCAL HIGHLIGHTS THIS WEEK
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MonkeyJunk
Rainbow, 76 Murray Street
Friday, December 12
Canada’s newest blues and roots band is taking the Canadian blues scene by storm. Formed in late March 2008 in Ottawa, they have played the Cisco Ottawa Blues Festival, Mont Tremblant Blues Festival and completed a successful 2-week tour of Eastern Canada in September 2008. In early October 2008, MonkeyJunk won the Ottawa Blues Society’s ‘On the Road to Memphis’ local blues competition to represent Ottawa at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN in February 2009. Also of note, MonkeyJunk has been nominated for a 2008 Maple Blues award as “New Artist of the Year”. MonkeyJunk is currently promoting a 4-song EP in anticipation of their debut full length CD, “Tiger in Your Tank”, scheduled for release in early 2009.
Playing their original style of swamp boogie R&B, bedroom funk and love songs that will break your heart, MonkeyJunk is Tony D on guitar, slide guitar and vocals; Steve Marriner on vocals, guitar, baritone guitar and harmonica and Matt Sobb on drums, cymbals, percussion and background vocals. These 3 musicians apply a combined 56 years of experience in the music business to entertain in a raw and captivating manner you will not soon forget . . . see for yourself!
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SPECIAL EVENTS THIS WEEK
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Downchild Blues Band
Tucson’s, 2440 Bank Street
Friday & Saturday, December 12-13, 9:15 pm;
Canada's premier and most durable Blues band, Downchild is one of those musical rarities for which there's virtually no difference between the studio recording experience and the live event. The Toronto blues band, now in its fourth decade, has always been a no-tricks outfit.
After 38 years on the Canadian blues scene, a constant in Canadian music, numerous music awards and nominations, Downchild remains one of the best roadhouse bands around and Walsh is one of the genre's best writers. Walsh, singer Chuck Jackson, pianist Michael Fonfara, Pat Carey, Gary Kendall, Mike Fitzpatrick and their tight rhythm and horn sections tear up the joint with an energy level that never lets go.
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AREA HIGHLIGHTS THIS WEEK
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“She's Right”
Tell Mama CD Release Party
O'Reilly's Pub, 43 Gore Street, Perth ON
Saturday, December 13, 8:30 pm; tickets $10
It's been a long time coming but it's finally here – we have the tracks in hand and the mastering and duplication is underway. So come and help us to celebrate the arrival of our new baby, ``She's Right`` – Tell Mama's first CD!
Festivities will begin at O'Reilly's Pub in Perth on December 13th at 8:30pm with Alana Kurtis opening for us. Tell Mama Family Members receive complimentary access to the event and preferred seating at the head table.
Hope to see you there!
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LOCAL HIGHLIGHTS EVERY WEEK
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Irene’s Blues Jam
Irene’s Pub, 885 Bank Street
Thursdays, 9 pm – 1 am
The Stellar Cast Blues Jam is 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. The Stellar Cast features Mike Ktenas (bass) and Corky Kealey (drums) as the foundation, and is filled out by 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 the popularity the night has garnered over the years.
Guest hosts coming up:
December 11 – John Steele
December 18 – Victor Nesrallah (vocals/guitar)
http://bacton.smugmug.com/share/cFoCZfrollzaE
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Sunday Blues, 5-8 pm
Atomic Rooster, 303 Bank Street (at MacLaren)
November 9 & December 21, 2008; February 1, 2009
Zydeco Loco www.zydecoloco.ca
December 7, 2008; January 18th & March 1, 2009
Mumbo Jumbo Voodoo Combo www.mumbojumbo.ca
Other bands & dates to be confirmed; check out their new website
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LOCAL HIGHLIGHTS ONCE A MONTH
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Ball and Chain and the Wreckers
Honky Tonk Saturday Night
Elmdale House Tavern, 1084 Wellington Street
Honky Tonk Saturday Night is a monthly event happening the first Saturday of every month.
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BLUES IN KINGSTON
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Kingston Blues Society Monthly Jam
With host band Mojo Shooter
RCHA Club, 193 Ontario St. (big blue door), Kingston ON
From 3rd Saturday of month
Come out and see Mojo Shooter (one of Kingston’s best bands) rev it up. Then watch and dance as Mojo Shooter and some of Kingston’s best musicians get together and jam the night away.
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Weekly events
Georgette Fry
Brandees, 178A Ontario Street, Kingston
Every Thursday night at 8:30 pm (new start time)
The Ones
Monte’s in the Prince George Hotel, 200 Ontario Street, Kingston
Every Thursday night at 9 pm
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For more, please contact Kingston Blues Society
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SPECIAL EVENTS THIS MONTH
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Soweto Gospel Choir
Dominion Chalmers United Church, 355 Cooper Street
Friday, December 19 @ 8 pm
The Soweto Gospel Choir’s 26-strong ensemble of superbly talented musicians draws on the long history of powerful and beautiful a capella vocal traditions of this church-based South African choir. Their uniqueness lies in its blend of African gospel and Negro spirituals with reggae and American popular music. Earthy rhythms are combined with heavenly harmonies to uplift the soul and express all the colours of South Africa. This mixture of rural and urban energies creates a new and exciting synergy that celebrates all facets of life, leaving its audience profoundly moved. The choir includes a four-piece band and astounding drummers and dancers in the best African tradition, where music is an indistinguishable part of life and faith. The choir is dedicated to sharing the joy of faith through music with audiences around the world.
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The Night Before The Night Before Christmas
Food Bank Fundraiser
with Tell Mama
Royal Canadian Legion, 26 Beckwith St. E, Perth ON
Saturday, December 20, 7:30 pm; tickets $20 plus a donation of food
This is our third year hosting this event and it just keeps on getting better and better! Last year Sue Foley, Christine Graves, Pat Moore and Freshly Squeezed all shared the stage with us. This year, Keith Glass is back in for the ride, Eddie Ashton's blues/rock band Push and Dave Balfour, Guthrie House, are all planning to attend. Second City alumnus, Deborah Kimmett, will be MC'ing the evening.
Last year we raised $3,250 for the Perth and District Food Bank - this year we hope to do even better.
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The Annual Trevor Finlay Acoustic Christmas Eve
Tucson’s, 2440 Bank Street
Wednesday, December 24, 1-5 pm
Trevor Finlay's Annual Acoustic Christmas Eve with a relaxing candle light atmosphere and good food & friends makes for an enjoyable afternoon as part of the holiday season.
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Raoul & the Big Time
Annual Christmas Show/Homecoming
Rainbow, 76 Murray Street
Saturday, December 27 @ 9:30 pm
Raoul hails from Ottawa where he attended Canterbury High School. He’ll be making his Christmas pilgrimage back home and, with the band, playing their regular holiday season gig at the Rainbow. We don’t get to see this band often, so don’t miss them!
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New Year’s Eve with Trevor Finlay
Tucson’s, 2440 Bank Street
Wednesday, December 31 @ 9:15 pm
Recently relocated to Nashville, Trevor returns to bring in the New Year! His demand as a performer and songwriter has enabled him to work with some of the top recording artists and songwriters in North America. Come send Trevor off in style and celebrate this achievement for this great Canadian Artist.
www.trevorfinlay.com
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BLUES ON THE RIDEAU – 2008/2009
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Choose The Blues Productions and The Cove Inn, Westport have decided to revert to Friday Night Only Shows for the remainder of the 2008/09 Season of Blues on the Rideau @ the Cove, instead of the double Friday & Saturday Shows as originally planned. A second Show on Saturday will only be added if advance demand warrants it and will be subject to the artists’ availability. Please check www.bluesontherideau.ca and watch for Email Blasts as we get closer to each Show for updates.
Reason for the change? Advance ticket sales this year, although good, are not as much as we had hoped for. The current economic climate – far different from what it was when we planned the Series last spring – is no doubt a factor and, with hindsight, we were probably overly ambitious in moving from single to double Shows for every weekend all in one year. In addition ticket purchases to date are more or less evenly split between the two nights which means – with double the expenses – that we are at risk of having two half-full Shows instead of one full one. If that were to happen over time the losses would be substantial and the Series would be at risk of not continuing. Nobody wants that!
We ask that if you have booked for a Saturday Show this season please contact The Cove at (613) 273-3636 or 1-888-COVE-INN and let them know whether you want to move to the Friday or cancel. When you book would you also please tell us if you would prefer the Saturday night *if it is added* and we will contact you to offer first choice of seats if that occurs.
Our sincere apologies to those who have booked for the Saturday nights – and to the artists – for the inconvenience this change may have caused.
The revised 2008/09 Schedule for Blues on the Rideau @ The Cove:
January 16 – ROXANNE POTVIN BLUES BAND
Due to high advance ticket demand – the Friday, January 16 Show is already SOLD OUT with a waiting list of 42 – a second Show Saturday, January 17 has been added for the Roxanne Potvin Blues Band at Blues on the Rideau @ the Cove Inn, Westport.
Proceeds to Westport Area Food Bank & Lions Club Mobility Van
February 20 – FATHEAD
Proceeds to Friends of Foley Mountain & Rideau District Museum
March 20 – RICK FINES & SUZIE VINNICK w. BAND
Proceeds to Juvenile Diabetes Association of Ontario & Gilda’s Club for Cancer Families
April 17 – PAUL REDDICK & THE SIDEMEN
Proceeds to Rideau Waterway Land Trust & Westport in Bloom
May 15 – DANNY BROOKS & THE MEMPHIS BROTHERS
Proceeds to Compassion Canada Sponsor a Child & Habitat for Humanity
June 19 – STEPHEN BARRY BAND with
Special Guest MICHAEL JEROME BROWNE
Proceeds to Lucy Drysdale Memorial Scholarship & Westport Library
Accommodation at The Cove and nearby B&Bs is available at very reasonable rates. If you live out of town this is a great way to enjoy BOTR – no driving home after a few drinks, you can relax and enjoy and as an added bonus – you get to meet and talk with the artists the next day at breakfast! It’s a perfect mini-getaway. Book well in advance though – rooms fill up fast. Call The Cove and they will make the arrangements for you.
Artists may change - check the web site or call The Cove for updates.
Visit www.bluesontherideau.ca for more information
See you at The Cove!
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BLUES ON THE RADIO
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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. On the last Sunday of every month, the show goes “down in the delta” for a selection of acoustic blues tracks in the final half hour of the program.
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Wednesdays: 3:30-4:30 pm
Iron Maidens
with Diane Wells (D.D. Rocker)
Where female musicians of steely determination dare to challenge their male peers in the wide, wonderful world of music. From roots to heavy metal, she’ll cover it all. To the women of the world, let your voices and instruments be heard!
Wednesdays: 9-11 pm
In A Mellow Tone
with Ron Sweetman
Jazz from every era & every style – from 1917 to 2008. Each program features an artist, group, instrument, event, city or record label. Check out Ron’s website www.inamellowtone.com for info on upcoming shows and playlists (current show is posted several days in advance and past shows are archived). Ron is always happy to hear from listeners at ronsweetman@kalixo.com
This week, December 10 – Shopping List – Vocals: Some vocal jazz and blues gift suggestions. Will be chosen from Rory Block, Charmaine Clamor, Denise Donatelli, Cynthia Felton, Julia Fordham, Cynthia Hilts, Kristin Korb, Ava Logan, Elaine Lucia, Robin McKelle, Terre Roche, Joe Louis Walker & Xenia Zampieri.
Next week, December 17 – Canadian Shopping List: Some gift suggestions of CDS by Canadian instrumentalists and singers including Ken Aldcroft, Antoine Berthiaume, Hubert Bruno, Harley Card, Francois Carrier, Chantal Chamberland, Morgan Childs, Marie Josee Houle,Mike Martell, Les Poules, Danielle Roger, Paula Shear, John Stetch, Don Thompson and Al Wood.
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Monthly, every 4th Saturday, 9-9:30 am:
Honky Tonk Saturday Morning
with Ball and Chain
This 12-part series features Michael Ball and Jody Benjamin performing live on radio. Each month will have a different theme like classic country, bluegrass, old time, drinking, cheating and yodelling.
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On CBC Radio One 91.5 FM
Saturdays: 10 pm – midnight
Saturday Night Blues
Host Holger Petersen has been a broadcaster, record producer, album collector, and serious blues fan for over 30 years. His collection of blues records numbers in the thousands. On Saturday Night Blues each week you’ll hear a mix of classic blues from the ‘Petersen Vaults’, concerts, interviews, artist features, new releases, plus anything that boogies, jumps, or swings, plus your requests from the Bluesline.
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On CHEZ106 FM
Sundays: 6-7 pm
House of Blues Hour
The House of Blues Radio hour, hosted by Dan Aykroyd aka Elwood Blues, features an hour of rockin’ blues from a wide variety of performers ranging from traditional to contemporary. The show is the most widely syndicated radio program dedicated to the blues in North America, and has been running on stations across the continent for over ten years.
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On CHMR 93.5 FM (St. John’s, Newfoundland) – www.chmr.ca
Blind Lemon Top Twenty Canadian Blues Albums of 2008
Official Rules:
1 - Each E-mail Address can only vote once. Any votes beyond the first will be ignored.
2 - Votes can be sent to drcosmic@hotmail.com with "Blind Lemon Top 20 VOTE" in the subject line. If you do not use this in the Subject Line, the Spam Filter could eat your e-mail and your vote will be lost!
3 - When you vote, select one Album as "Canadian Blues CD of the Year", plus 2 "Honourable Mentions". You must include Artist Name, Album Title and Recording Label!
4 - Eligible albums are any blues or roots recordings recorded by a Canadian Artist (Independent or otherwise) that would qualify for Canadian Content Status as per the MAPL regulations, and released between December 1, 2006 and November 30, 2008,
5 - Voting closes Tuesday, December 23, 2008 at midnight ET.
The Blind Lemon Top Twenty Canadian Blues Albums of 2008 Special will broadcast live on the web, on Monday, January 5, 2009 @ 7:30 pm, ET. To listen, just visit www.chmr.ca The Blind Lemon Top Twenty Canadian Blues of 2008 is produced through the facilities of CHMR FM in St. Johns Newfoundland, and is open to all Canadian Residents. Please show support for your favourite artists by voting, and forwarding this e-mail on to anyone you think might be interested in voting!
Many Thanks,
Terry Parsons, CHMR FM
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WEEKLY EVENTS ON THE SMALL SCREEN
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ALWAYS check local listings to confirm.
On BRAVO – www.bravo.ca
Tuesday, December 9 @ 7 am – Talkin’ Blues
Charlie Musselwhite (2004): Series exploring the world of contemporary blues music. This episode features the words and music of blues great Charlie Musselwhite.
Tuesday, December 9 @ 7:30 am – Rhythm, Roots & Soul
Nothing Halfway, Rick Fines & Susie Vinnick (2008): This series profiles R&B, soul, gospel and roots musicians through their words and music. Mako Funasaka documents a moment in time of these wonderful musicians from many different musical genres. This episode features Rick Fines and Suzie Vinnick.
Tuesday, December 16 @ 7 am – Talkin’ Blues
Another Shade of Blue (2004): Series exploring the world of contemporary blues music. This episode features jazz guitarist Doug Wamble, a video from Fathead and profiles of Chuck Jackson and the Port Southside Shuffle Blues Festival.
Tuesday, December 16 @ 7:30 am – Rhythm, Roots and Soul
Long Walk to Nowhere, Broken Joe (2008): This series profiles R&B, soul, gospel and roots musicians through their words and music. Mako Funasaka documents a moment in time of these wonderful musicians from many different musical genres. This episode features the members of Broken Joe -- Joe Toole, Jerome Godboo and Alec Fraser.
Tuesday, December 23 @ 7 am – Talkin’ Blues
Harvest Blues (2004): Series exploring the world of contemporary blues music. This episode features singer Mighty Sam McClaine, a profile of the Fredericton Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival, and a segment on Bobby "Blue" Bland.
Tuesday, December 23 @ 7:30 am – Rhythm, Roots and Soul
In Good We trust, Harry Manx & Kevin Breit (2008): This series profiles R&B, soul, gospel and roots musicians through their words and music. Mako Funasaka documents a moment in time of these wonderful musicians from many different musical genres. This episode features Harry Manx and Kevin Breit.
Tuesday, December 30 @ 7 am – Talkin’ Blues
Brownes With A Feeling (2003): Series exploring the world of contemporary blues music. This episode features a look at blues great Mel Brown recording his new album, and a profile of Newfoundland musician Darren "Boobie" Browne.
Tuesday, December 30 @ 7:30 am – Rhythm, Roots and Soul
Keep on Believing/Lou Pride (2007): This series profiles R&B, soul, gospel and roots musicians through their words and their music. Mako Funasaka documents a moment in time of these wonderful musicians from many different musical genres. This episode features Chicago R&B soul musician, Lou Pride.
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WEEKLY EVENTS EVERY MONTH
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Wednesdays: Dr Dave Revue @ the Rainbow, 5-8 pm
Wednesdays: Brian Downey @ The Avant-Garde Bar, 8:30 pm
Wednesdays: Acoustic music with Jeff Rogers @ Tucson’s, 7:30-11 pm
Wednesdays: Open Jam @ the New Bayou, 9 pm
Thursdays: Acoustic blues with Al Tambay & friends @ Tucson’s, 7:30-11 pm
Thursdays: Mike Ktenas hosts the Blues Jam @ Irene’s, 9 pm to closing
Saturday afternoons: Guy del Villano @ Royal Oak, 318 Bank Street, 2-6 pm
Sunday afternoons: Blues jam @ the Rainbow, 3-7 pm
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LOCALS LOOK AHEAD
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Saturday, December 20
Bluestone @ Tucson’s, 9:15 pm
Moetown @ the Rainbow, 9:30 pm
Friday, December 26
Jivewires @ the Rainbow, 9:30 pm
The Dr. Dave Revue @ Tucson’s, 9:15 pm
Saturday, December 27
Quicksand @ Tucson’s, 9:15 pm
Tuesday, December 30
Annual Pre-New Year Show with Maria Hawkins @ the Rainbow, 9:30 pm
New Year’s Eve – Wednesday, December 31
New Year’s Eve with MonkeyJunk @ Irene’s Pub
Trevor Finlay’s New Year’s Eve show @ Tucson’s, 9:15 pm
The Hammerheads @ the Rainbow, 9:30 pm
Friday & Saturday, January 2-3, 2009
Tucson’s Annual No Cover Customer Appreciation Weekend with Wicked Grin as the house band, and performances by The Mud Boys, Sweet & The Back Beat, Trevor Finlay, Ricky Paquette, Lee Bowie, Double Double and more!!!
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