26 January 2009

Ottawa Blues This Week - 26 January 2009

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LOCAL HIGHLIGHTS THIS WEEK

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Steve Marriner

Salle La Basoche, Le Centre Culturel de Vieux Aylmer, Aylmer QC

Friday, January 30 @ 8 pm

Maple Blues Harmonica Player of the Year 2008!

Une bête de scène énergique et inépuisable qui mélange habilement différents genres de blues à des airs plus rock’n’roll. Le jeune harmoniciste d’Ottawa a fait ses classes en jouant deux ans en tournée avec Harry Manx et en écoutant le blues de Chicago et ses maîtres de l’harmonica. Son premier disque, sur le label de Manx, s’intitule Going Up et il lui a valu deux nominations aux Maple Blues Award 2007 dans les catégories Découvertes de l’année et Harmoniciste de l’année. Un spectacle à voir absolument!
http://www.stevemarriner.com

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MonkeyJunk

Irene’s Pub, 885 Bank Street

Sunday, February 1

Join MonkeyJunk where it all began, Sunday nights at Irene’s, for their ‘Send-off to Memphis’ party.

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewProfile&friendID=379546922

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SPECIAL EVENTS THIS WEEK

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9th edition of the All New Virée Blues Boréale presents

Bob Walsh, Jim Zeller & Guy Bélanger

117 Promenade du Portage, Old Hull Sector, Gatineau QC

Wednesday, January 28 @ 8 pm

In its all new environment, at Club Addiction, Virée Blues Boréale will present you with its next edition’s program, with a total of over 100 years of cumulated stage expertise. Our three legendary Blues performers, Bob Walsh, Jim Zeller and Guy Bélanger will be together on stage for a very special show, for one night only, to kick off Virée Blues Boréales’s 9th edition. For many, our three guests don’t need to be introduced but for our newer fans, here’s a short introduction to these stars.

With his legendary charisma and kindness, our 1st guest, Bob Walsh, will feel back to his roots: a show in a small bar, with a trio, just like at his debut. For over 35 years, this singer and guitar virtuoso has been touring the Canada and Europe singing the Blues with his unique voice ... and always with his usual passion. His expressive and colourful voice, supported by his exceptional musical talent allow for some lively as well as sensual performances, which earned him many awards, including the Felix for the Best Artist in a language other than French.

Most of us have heard the likes of B.B. King, Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Albert Collin and Bob Dylan on CDs or may have seen them in performances. But those are just a few of the international stars our 2nd guest, Jim Zeller, has performed with. The 2006 Lys Blues Hommage laureate has been living his Blues adventure since youth and, for over 30 years, has been touring the world.

Our third guest is one of those rock-solid performers, reliable but not often enough in the limelight. Guy Bélanger is a sideman, seldom identified by people on the street but so highly praised by his peers. It took more than 30 years of experience (almost 40 playing the Blues) for this Quebec harmonica player to decide to release his first album, launched in February 2008. But then, you most likely already have some music by Guy Bélanger at home as, on top of his Blues performances, Guy has worked with France D'Amour, les Colocs, Éric Lapointe, Nanette Workman on CDs as well as on Cirque du Soleil projects and has two (soon three) movie soundtracks out, including the famous “Gaz Bar Blues”, a movie by his brother Louis Bélanger, which earned them the Jutra for Best Soundtrack of the Year. Guy must also be credited for the theme for “Et Dieu créa Laflaque!”, a very popular TV show.

For this occasion, the three will be joined by Jean Cyr, a master of the bass and by the very talented Freddy Freedom on guitar. Make sure not to miss this one-of-a-kind event!

www.audio-occasion.qc.ca/musique/bob.html

www.jimzeller.com

www.myspace.com/guybelanger

www.myspace.com/vireeblues

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Ricky Paquette

Tucson’s, 2440 Bank Street

Saturday, January 31 @ 9:15 pm

Though only 18 years old, Ricky Paquette has been playing guitar for half of his life. His style combines his love of blues with classic rock, though he has studied classical guitar as well. His most recent CD is a live recording of his 2006 appearance at the Montreal Jazz Festival.

http://www.rickypaquette.com

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AREA HIGHLIGHTS THIS WEEK

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Elyssa Mahoney & Lucas Haneman duo

JR`s Restaurant, 385 Ottawa Street, Almonte ON

Saturday, January 31, 7-10 pm

Award winning singer, songwriter Elyssa Mahoney and national award winning guitarist Lucas Haneman have been collaborating since 2006. First performing at many local venues and events, building a reputation and following, as their success grew they realized that not only did they enjoy performing together but they also liked creating their own original songs together. Elyssa writing the lyrics while Lucas composed the music, their originals have been striking a chord with audiences everywhere. Recently, they've both been honoured with the Best Blues Award at the 2008 Ontario Independent Music Awards. Elyssa’s roots in blues/rock and Lucas's in jazz & rock, combines to create music which covers a wide range of genres from pop to rock to blues & Jazz. Their CD "Pull Me In" was released earlier this year.

http://www.elyssamahoney.ca

http://www.lucashaneman.com

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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.

Guests this month:

Jan 29 – Jed Rached and Joe Hawkins

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

http://www.atomicrooster.ca

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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

First Saturday each month; $6 at the door


Honky Tonk Saturday Night is a monthly event happening the first Saturday of every month.

www.myspace.com/jodybenjamin

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BLUES IN KINGSTON

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Douglas Watson R&B Revue Band

Brandees, 178 Ontario Street, Kingston ON

Saturday, January 31

The new band has been together for almost 3 years and features Mississippi Pete Temple on harmonica, Chris “Mr Sweetness” Latta on guitar and Maciej Lukasiewicz on drums. They released their first CD “Voodoo Healin’” last year. Since then gigs have been getting easier to find and they have written some catchy new tunes for a 2nd CD and now things are starting to move forward.

http://www.douglaswatson.com/

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Weekly events

Georgette Fry

Brandees, 178 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

www.kingstonbluessociety.ca

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KINGSTON BLUES IN FEBRUARY

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KBS Valentine’s Blues Show

Debbie Davies

Main Ballroom, Confederation Hotel, 237 Ontario Street, Kingston ON

Saturday, February 14, 2008; doors @ 8 pm, show 8:30 pm

Tickets – show only: $20 KBS members; $25 non-members

From Los Angeles California one of the great female blues guitarists, Debbie Davies cut her teeth playing in blues and rock ‘n’ roll bands in the San Francisco Bay area before landing the lead guitar spot in Maggie Mayall and the Cadillacs, an all-female band led by wife of British blues pioneer, John Mayall. In 1988 she was recruited by Albert Collins to join the Icebreakers, and for the next three years she was a featured guitarist performing behind one of the most innovative bluesmen of all time. Since 1993, Debbie has produced nine solo recordings and two collaborative CDs, one with guitarists Tab Benoit and Kenny Neal, and another with guitarists Anson Funderburgh and Otis Grand. She has received eight nominations for Blues Music Awards, and in 1997 won the award for Best Contemporary Female Blues Artist. She is nominated yet again in this category for 2008. A twenty-year veteran of the road, Debbie Davies is truly one of the leading lights on the contemporary blues music scene today.

http://www.debbiedavies.com/

Opening act will feature Ila Vann, backed by one of this area’s best young blues bands, Mojo Shooter. After an awesome performance at the KBS monthly jam, Ila and Mojo Shooter have agreed to team up once again to open this fantastic Valentine’s Show.

Dinner and Overnight packages are available:

Dinner Package – $50 members; $55 non-members

Dinner Seating Starts 5:30 till 7:30 pm (entry to show at 7:45 pm)

Dinner is an Executive Buffet featuring carved Roast Beef, Chicken Supreme, Green Salad, Pesto Pasta Salad, Rosemary Roasted Potatoes, Fresh Baked Artisan Breads, Coffee, Tea and Triple Chocolate Layer Cake with Fresh Fruit and Chocolate Sauce.

Overnight packages:

Room Only

- Executive Room with King bed $129/plus applicable taxes

- The Standard Room with 2 Double Beds $109/plus applicable taxes

Dinner & Room Package

- Executive package includes dinner for 2 and a night in one of our executive King rooms overlooking the water $185/taxes included

- Overnight package includes dinner for 2 and a night in one of our Standard rooms overlooking the water $165/taxes included

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Kingston Blues Society Monthly Jam

February’s Special Guest Performer Danielle Lennon

RCHA Club, 193 Ontario St. (big blue door), Kingston ON

Saturday, February 21, 9 pm – midnight; $3 at the door


Always one of the best nights of entertainment Kingston has to offer – come early as seating is limited.
Come out and see Mojo Shooter (one of Kingston's best bands) and Kingston Symphony violinist Danielle Lennon. Then watch and dance as Mojo Shooter, Danielle and some of Kingston's best musicians get together and jam the night away.

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LOYAL BLUES FEDERATION EVENT

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Harrison Kennedy

Upstairs at the Penguin, 399 Front St., Belleville ON

Friday, February 6 @ 8 pm; tickets $20

Loyal Blues members get $5 rebate on advance tickets

Buy online, get $10 dinner coupon for dinner at the Penquin

Three time, Juno®-nominated Lead singer of 70s Detroit soul hit-makers "Chairmen of the Board" and last year's Loyal Blues Fellowship's "Blues in the School" artist, best known as the lead vocalist on the Chairmen of the Board blues classic ‘I'm the Chairman of the Board’, in 2008, Harrison Kennedy was nominated for Best Blues Recording in Canada's Juno Awards, and Best Male Vocalist in this year's Maple Blues Awards. He’s one of Canada’s hidden treasures.

http://www.loyalblues.ca/events.htm

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SPECIAL EVENTS COMING SOON

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4th meeting of the Ottawa Jazz Musicians’ Co-op

Bank Hotel, 18 Eddy Street, Hull QC (near Promenade du Portage)

Sunday, February 8 @ noon

All local jazz musicians are most welcome. At this meeting,a co-op consultant, Russ Christianson, will be coming from Campbellford (near Peterborough) to help us undertake what is known as a pre-feasibility study. Come and meet Mr. Christianson and express your views about the Co-op initiative.

RSVP if you can attend.

Michel Martin,singer, Hull

eq164@ncf.ca

819-771-9859

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Blues Open Stage

Branch Restaurant, 15 Clothier St E, Kemptville ON

Sunday, February 15, 3-5 pm

Sunday May 24, 3-6 pm

George Buys is hosting a Blues open stage at the Branch restaurant in Kemptville ON Feb.15 and May24, Sundays from 3-6pm. All are welcome!

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Wild T & the Spirit

Tucson’, 244 Bank Street

Friday, February 20

Once again the band is hitting the road from Feb - May 09. They’ll be playing a few shows in Ontario in February, then a Canadian tour will take the band across the country, through Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia, finishing up at the end of March in Saint John, NB. A few more shows in London & Windsor ON follow, then back over to Europe for a European tour, performing concerts in Germany, Poland, Switzerland, Austria and Holland.

John Vermilyea (Blues Underground Network) has picked Wild T & the Spirit’s "Fender Bender" CD as his best blues/rock album of 2008.

http://www.bluesundergroundnetwork.com/2008_Year_End_Review.html

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Mardi Gras @ the Dale

Elmdale House Tavern

Saturday, February 28, $10 cover

Ball and Chain present the band Swamperella (Authentic Cajun music and Louisiana -style dance band). Cover includes a scrumptious taste of Cajun food just for the occasion!

www.

http://www.swamperella.com

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BLUES ON THE RIDEAU – 2008/2009

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This popular Dinner & Show Fundraiser Series – now in its 4th year – continues to gain momentum this season. Shows are selling out in advance again and Saturday night Shows are being added – subject to artist availability – when ticket demand warrants it.

Remaining 2008/09 Season Schedule

February 20 – FATHEAD

** As of January 23 Friday night Show is Sold Out with waiting list. Possible 2nd night February 21 may be added if there is sufficient ticket demand - decision by January 29. Contact The Cove ASAP if interested.

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

DINNER & SHOW $55 (includes taxes & donation to charity)

Buffet at 7 pm, Show at 8:30

Advance reservations required

CALL THE COVE (613) 273-3636 or 1-888-COVE-INN

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

www.ckcufm.com

Community Radio serving the Ottawa Carleton Region

Sundays: 9-11 pm

Black and Blues

with John Tackaberry

The show features a heavy dose of electric blues and rhythm and blues, with the occasional selection of sixties soul. The first hour is dedicated to artist profiles and reviews of recordings on particular labels. In the second hour there is a blues calendar, a rundown of events in Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa, and interviews with “new and reissued blues and rhythm and blues tracks on wax” alternating with “live blues and R&B for a Sunday night” in the last half hour of the show. 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: 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, January 28 – Delmark @ 55: We celebrate fifty-five years of great jazz and blues on the Delmark label. Could include Eric Alexander, John Burnett, King Curtis, Sleepy John Estes, Francine Griffin, Kalaparush, Sun Ra, Ted Sirota, Roosevelt Sykes, Malachi Thompson and Junior Wells.

Next week February 4 – Listen Before You Buy: The cream of the crop of recent jazz issues by Leonisa Ardizzone, Rebecca Cline, Darunam/Milan, Chris Davis, David Egan, Carol Fredette, Larry Gelb, Fred Hess, Barbara King, No Square, Hilary Noble, Organ X, Willy Torres, Marlene VerPlanck and Skip Wilkins.

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This Saturday, January 31st, 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.

This month's theme will be LOVE ... that ever-present, ever-needed feeling ... in honour of Valentine's Day. Michael & Jody will do both classics and originals in the old-fashioned tradition of live music on the radio. Thanks for listening.

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On CBC Radio One 91.5 FM

Saturdays: 10 pm – midnight

Saturday Night Blues

www.cbc.ca/snb

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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WEEKLY EVENTS ON THE SMALL SCREEN

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ALWAYS check local listings to confirm.

On BRAVO – www.bravo.ca

Tuesday, January 27 @ 7:30 am & 5:30 pm – Rhythm, Roots and Soul

People Gonna Talk/James Hunter (2007): 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 R&B artist James Hunter.

Tuesday, January 27 @ 11:30 am – Talkin’ Blues

Hubert & Darrell (2003): Series exploring the world of contemporary blues music. This episode features an intimate conversation with guitar great Hubert Sumlin, and a music video from Darrell Nulisch.

Tuesday, January 27 @ 9 pm – Long John Baldry: In the Shadow of the Blues (2006)
The life and legacy of guitarist and singer Long John Baldry is examined in this one-hour documentary. Baldry played a key role in the growth of the British rhythm and blues movement, and led bands in the mid-1960s that featured Rod Stewart and Elton John, both of whom are interviewed in the documentary. In the ‘80s, Baldry emigrated to Canada, living first in Toronto and then in Vancouver, where he died in 2005. (also Wednesday, January 28 @ 2 am)

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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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Friday, February 6

The Mud Boys Rock ‘n’ Roll Revue @ Tucson’s, 9:15 pm

Saturday, February 7

Scotty Doubt Band with Rob Pappas @ the Rainbow, 9:30 pm

Friday, February 13

Moetown @ Tucson’s, 9:15 pm

Saturday, February 21

MonkeyJunk @ Tucson’s, 9:15 pm

Friday, February 27

The Mighty Popo @ the Rainbow, 9:30 pm

Saturday, February 28

Quicksand @ Tucson’s, 9:15 pm

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21 January 2009

Ottawa Blues This Week - 21 January 2009

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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

Another successful Blues Summit, this one the 4th, took place last weekend. Representatives from across Canada, the US and Europe represented festivals, labels, media, musicians, fans and blues societies. Ben Manilla (best know to blues fans for his ‘House of Blues’ hour, now expanded in some areas to two hours) was the keynote speaker.

Showcases featured blues from across Canada. ‘The buzz’ after Saturday evenings showcases was all about Blackburn, an R&B group from Toronto. Sunday’s ‘buzz’ centred around Ottawa’s own MonkeyJunk who put on a fiery show and had at least half the near-capacity audience at the Market Garden on their feet. This band leaves to compete at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis in a few weeks.

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Twelfth Annual Maple Blues Awards

Phoenix Concert Theatre, 410 Sherbourne Street, Toronto ON

Monday, January 19

‘Local notes’ on the 12th Annual Maple Blues Awards: JW-Jones was the first performer of the night and really got everyone moving in their seats with ‘Double-Eyed Whammy’ from his latest release, “Bluelisted”. Harmonica Player of the Year went to a very surprised Steve Marriner, who showed why he won at the show-ending jam with a solid performance of ‘Tiger in Your Tank’ (the title track of MonkeyJunk’s debut CD, due out in February). Other winners with a local connection included Suzie Vinnick (Female Vocalist of the Year) who lived in Ottawa for several years. Her showcase performance on Sunday night featured Ottawa guitar-slinger Tony D sitting in on a very nostalgic rendition of ‘Oreo Cookie Blues’. New Artist of the Year, Daddy Long Legs, includes Mike Eliot on guitar. Ottawa guitar fans will remember Mike as the 2000 Winner of the Guitar Riff-Off (held annually some years back at the Rainbow) and some may even have a copy of his indie-produced debut CD “Last Minute”, with Frank Scanga on harp and Sean Burke & Lorenzo Cotroneo making up the rhythm section. Another local connection – Daddy Long Legs debut CD, “King for a Day”, was produced by Steve Marriner.

Stellar performances during the evening included the above-mentioned locals, JW-Jones and Steve Marriner, along with the soulful Sojourners gospel trio from the west coast, rootsy blues with Ray Bonneville, who had his friend Amos Garrett sitting in, Hamilton’s Harrison Kennedy, and the women – Treasa Levasseur, with ‘Stuck in Soulsville’ from her “Low Fidelity” CD, currently receiving rave reviews and intensive airplay on XM Radio, and Shakura S’Aida, last year’s 2nd place at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, tearing up the place. The Maple Blues Band is always a treat … a tight, professional group … you won’t find a better blues band anywhere.

A touching video tribute to the late Jeff Healey, produced by Mako Funasaka of Talkin’ Blues and Rhythm, Roots and Soul ensured there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.

A summary of the Maple Blues Awards appears in the Speak Music press release below, and the full list of nominees, along with the winners can be found at www.torontobluessociety.com/mba/winners.htm

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The results are in for the Twelfth Annual Maple Blues Awards held this year at the Phoenix Concert Theatre in Toronto on Monday, January 19th. The late great guitarist Jeff Healey, who sadly passed away in 2008, and the Jeff Healey Blues band have won big at this year's Maple Blues Awards, taking home a total of seven out of the seventeen honours handed out – including Entertainer, Electric Artist, Guitarist and Recording of the Year (for his posthumous album “Mess of Blues” produced by Healey and bassist Alec Fraser). Healey's seasoned accompanists Al Webster received the Drummer of the Year award, Dave Murphy won Piano/Keyboard Player of the Year and Alec Fraser took home the Bassist of The Year award.

Saskatchewan native and Toronto-based singer-songwriter Suzie Vinnick, picked up the Female Vocalist of the Year once again, while multiple nominee Paul Reddick has a first-time win for the category SOCAN Songwriter of the Year Award. John Mays, who heads the group Fathead, earned the Male Vocalist
of the Year title with his powerful, soulful voice. Western guitar-slinger Harry Manx won the Acoustic Artist of the Year Award. This is the second year in a row Manx has won in this category.

Amos Garrett, who was honoured with the BLUES WITH A FEELING AWARD, is a veteran who's spent more than 40 years fascinating blues fans with his unpredictable and tastefully understated licks, and has an exhaustive list of credits, including his famous riffs on Maria Muldaur's hit ‘Midnight at the Oasis’.

The coveted NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR AWARD went to Daddy Long Legs of Waterloo. Described as playing gritty, electrified blues full of thick, raw tones, smart-mouthed lyrics and razor-sharp arrangements, this group has captured the attention of many promoters and audience members alike for
their modern, original mix of here-and-now blues/rock, jump and shuffle/swing style.

INTERNATIONAL ARTIST OF THE YEAR went to another 40-year veteran, Taj Mahal. The Harlem-born bluesman is one of the most prominent and influential figures in late 20th Century blues and roots music. Though he began his career with American blues, his passion and curiosity has broadened his artistic scope to a more global perspective which is reflected in his current music.

BLUES BOOSTER OF THE YEAR AWARD (selected by the Toronto Blues Society Board of Directors) was graciously received by the lecturer, publisher and broadcaster affectionately known as "Professor of Rock n' Roll" Rob Bowman, for his outstanding contributions to the Canadian blues industry. Bowman is
a five-time Grammy Award nominee, and one-time winner. His broadcast credits include a five-part radio series on the history of Canadian popular music and frequent guest spots on CBC Radio's Definitely Not the Opera.

Radio personality Garvia Bailey elegantly led Monday night's ceremonies with style, humour and enthusiasm. Last year's top winners, Downchild (nominated in two categories this year), received an award for horn player Pat Carey. Ottawa's dynamic harp man Steve Marriner scooped the award for Harmonica Player of the Year.

With the Maple Blues band as the glue, the night sparkled with intermittent live performances by the gospel blues gang the Sojourners, the soulful Treasa Levasseur, (who was joined onstage by the Sojourners), the one-man band Ray Bonneville, 30-years-plus veteran Harrison Kennedy, the sultry
Shakura S'Aida, and the wailin' guitar grooves of JW-Jones. Truly a stunning and captivating event.

Beverly Kreller
SPEAK Music
www.speak-music.com

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SPECIAL EVENTS THIS WEEK

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JW-Jones

Rainbow, 76 Murray Street

Friday, January 23

Just back from his top-notch performance at the Maple Blues Awards, JW-Jones returns to the Rainbow Friday night. He’ll soon be off to judge at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis TN.

http://www.jw-jones.com

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AREA HIGHLIGHTS THIS WEEK

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Venosta’s Annual Ski-A-Thon

Saturday, January 24, starting at noon

Ski from noon – 3 pm

Old Time Hockey Game @ 3 pm

Ball and Chain Band, 7-11 pm, playing traditional country music

Stew Supper / Cash Bar

Pledge Forms Available

For More Information, please contact – Meaghan Henry 819-457-2878

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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.

Guests this month:

Jan 22 – Rod Williams and Murray Kinsley

Jan 29 – Jed Rached and Joe Hawkins

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

www.atomicrooster.ca

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LOCAL HIGHLIGHTS ONCE A MONTH

********************************************************

Ball and Chain and the Wreckers

Honky Tonk Saturday Night

Elmdale House Tavern, 1084 Wellington Street

First Saturday each month; $6 at the door


Honky Tonk Saturday Night is a monthly event happening the first Saturday of every month.

www.myspace.com/jodybenjamin

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BLUES IN KINGSTON

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Douglas Watson R&B Revue Band

Brandees, 178 Ontario Street, Kingston ON

Saturday, January 31

The new band has been together for almost 3 years and features Mississippi Pete Temple on harmonica, Chris “Mr Sweetness” Latta on guitar and Maciej Lukasiewicz on drums. They released their first CD “Voodoo Healin’” last year. Since then gigs have been getting easier to find and they have written some catchy new tunes for a 2nd CD and now things are starting to move forward.

http://www.douglaswatson.com/

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Weekly events

Georgette Fry

Brandees, 178 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

www.kingstonbluessociety.ca

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KINGSTON SPECIAL EVENT IN FEBRUARY

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KBS Valentine’s Blues Show

Debbie Davies

Main Ballroom, Confederation Hotel, 237 Ontario Street, Kingston ON

Saturday, February 14, 2008; doors @ 8 pm, show 8:30 pm

Tickets – show only: $20 KBS members; $25 non-members

From Los Angeles California one of the great female blues guitarists, Debbie Davies cut her teeth playing in blues and rock ‘n’ roll bands in the San Francisco Bay area before landing the lead guitar spot in Maggie Mayall and the Cadillacs, an all-female band led by wife of British blues pioneer, John Mayall. In 1988 she was recruited by Albert Collins to join the Icebreakers, and for the next three years she was a featured guitarist performing behind one of the most innovative bluesmen of all time. Since 1993, Debbie has produced nine solo recordings and two collaborative CDs, one with guitarists Tab Benoit and Kenny Neal, and another with guitarists Anson Funderburgh and Otis Grand. She has received eight nominations for Blues Music Awards, and in 1997 won the award for Best Contemporary Female Blues Artist. She is nominated yet again in this category for 2008. A twenty-year veteran of the road, Debbie Davies is truly one of the leading lights on the contemporary blues music scene today.

http://www.debbiedavies.com/

Opening act will feature Ila Vann, backed by one of this area’s best young blues bands, Mojo Shooter. After an awesome performance at the KBS monthly jam, Ila and Mojo Shooter have agreed to team up once again to open this fantastic Valentine’s Show.

Dinner and Overnight packages are available:

Dinner Package – $50 members; $55 non-members

Dinner Seating Starts 5:30 till 7:30 pm (entry to show at 7:45 pm)

Dinner is an Executive Buffet featuring carved Roast Beef, Chicken Supreme, Green Salad, Pesto Pasta Salad, Rosemary Roasted Potatoes, Fresh Baked Artisan Breads, Coffee, Tea and Triple Chocolate Layer Cake with Fresh Fruit and Chocolate Sauce.

Overnight packages:

Room Only

- Executive Room with King bed $129/plus applicable taxes

- The Standard Room with 2 Double Beds $109/plus applicable taxes

Dinner & Room Package

- Executive package includes dinner for 2 and a night in one of our executive King rooms overlooking the water $185/taxes included

- Overnight package includes dinner for 2 and a night in one of our Standard rooms overlooking the water $165/taxes included

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SPECIAL EVENTS COMING SOON

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9th edition of the All New Virée Blues Boréale presents

Bob Walsh, Jim Zeller & Guy Bélanger

117 Promenade du Portage, Old Hull Sector, Gatineau QC

Wednesday, January 28 @ 8 pm

First, we would like to offer our thanks and our very best wishes for a great year 2009 to all our loyal Blues fans and to our partners and sponsors without whom we could not offer such a top rate programming for such affordable entry fees. Virée Blues Boréale’s team has been working very hard during the festive season to offer you an all new edition that will, we’re sure, fully satisfy the most demanding audience, as you’ll find out at the launching. But this launch will also introduce some other improvements.

Your Virée Blues Boréale will from now on be presented in an all-new environment. Indeed, it is with pride, although not without a bit of nostalgia, that Virée Blues Boréale is moving to new quarters, not far though, to the Addiction which is at 117 Promenade Du Portage, always in the Old Hull sector. Don’t worry, le Troquet will keep offering its delicious cuisine to complement your Virée Blues Boréale shows. The Diner & Show package as well as the Hotel - Diner & Show package will still be available through these supporters sine the very beginning, Le Troquet and Les Suites Victoria, with the only difference that the meals will be served at Le Troquet while the show will take place at Addiction ... unless you order your meal as “Take Out” from Le Troquet. And for those who may fear that this move to a more spacious venue could modify the “special and intimate” atmosphere of Virée Blues Boréale, we will do all we can to preserve this unique character which we consider the soul of our presentations.

To launch this all new version of Virée Blues Boréale with panache, a major show was required. As usual, it’s with a top rate concept show, specially created for Virée Blues Boréale that we will do just that. Daringly and to show decorum, we could not resist to offer a gift to our new host: his three favourite Blues artists all in one show: Bob Walsh, Jim Zeller and Guy Bélanger, together on the same stage for one night only, to launch this 9th edition of Virée Blues Boréale … a gift that all of you will also enjoy for sure. This one-of-a-kind show will take place on Wednesday, January 28, at 8h00 pm at The Addiction, 117 Promenade Du Portage in the Old Hull sector. Be sure not to miss this special event.

www.audio-occasion.qc.ca/musique/bob.html

www.jimzeller.com

www.myspace.com/guybelanger

www.myspace.com/vireeblues

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Ricky Paquette

Tucson’s, 2440 Bank Street

Saturday, January 31 @ 9:15 pm

Though only 18 years old, Ricky Paquette has been playing guitar for half of his life. His style combines his love of blues with classic rock, though he has studied classical guitar as well. His most recent CD is a live recording of his 2006 appearance at the Montreal Jazz Festival.

http://www.rickypaquette.com

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Elyssa Mahoney & Lucas Haneman duo

JR`s Restaurant, 385 Ottawa Street, Almonte ON

Saturday, January 31

Award winning singer, songwriter Elyssa Mahoney and national award winning guitarist Lucas Haneman have been collaborating since 2006. First performing at many local venues and events, building a reputation and following, as their success grew they realized that not only did they enjoy performing together but they also liked creating their own original songs together. Elyssa writing the lyrics while Lucas composed the music, their originals have been striking a chord with audiences everywhere. Recently, they've both been honoured with the Best Blues Award at the 2008 Ontario Independent Music Awards. Elyssa’s roots in blues/rock and Lucas's in jazz & rock, combines to create music which covers a wide range of genres from pop to rock to blues & Jazz. Their CD "Pull Me In" was released earlier this year.

http://www.elyssamahoney.ca

http://www.lucashaneman.com

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MonkeyJunk

Irene’s Pub, 885 Bank Street

Sunday, February 1

Join MonkeyJunk where it all began, Sunday nights at Irene’s, for their ‘Send-off to Memphis’ party.

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewProfile&friendID=379546922

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BLUES ON THE RIDEAU – 2008/2009

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This popular Dinner & Show Fundraiser Series – now in its 4th year – continues to gain momentum this season. Shows are now starting to sell out in advance again and Saturday night Shows are being added – subject to artist availability – when ticket demand warrants it. This has already been the case with Roxanne Potvin – Friday, January 16 is Sold Out and Saturday January 17 has been added. Those who have booked for the Friday night Show but would prefer Saturday night can call The Cove and let them know you want to change nights. That should open up seats for both nights. And please – when you are booking for new Shows tell us if you would prefer the Saturday night if it is added and we will contact you to offer you first choice of seats.

Remaining 2008/09 Schedule for Blues on the Rideau @ The Cove:

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

DINNER & SHOW $55 (includes taxes & donation to charity)

Buffet at 7 pm, Show at 8:30

Advance reservations required

CALL THE COVE (613) 273-3636 or 1-888-COVE-INN

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

www.ckcufm.com

Community Radio serving the Ottawa Carleton Region

Sundays: 9-11 pm

Black and Blues

with John Tackaberry

The show features a heavy dose of electric blues and rhythm and blues, with the occasional selection of sixties soul. The first hour is dedicated to artist profiles and reviews of recordings on particular labels. In the second hour there is a blues calendar, a rundown of events in Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa, and interviews with “new and reissued blues and rhythm and blues tracks on wax” alternating with “live blues and R&B for a Sunday night” in the last half hour of the show. 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!

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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, January 21 – Ray Charles: Guest host Ian Willson plays early works by the great Ray Charles.

Next week, January 28 Delmark @ 55: We celebrate fifty-five years of great jazz and blues on the Delmark label. Could include Eric Alexander, John Burnett, King Curtis, Sleepy John Estes, Francine Griffin, Kalaparush, Sun Ra, Ted Sirota, Roosevelt Sykes, Malachi Thompson and Junior Wells.

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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

www.cbc.ca/snb

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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SPECIAL EVENTS ON THE RADIO

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Q with Jian Ghomeshi

CBC One

Friday, January 23 @ 9 am

Roxanne Potvin will be performing 3 songs on the show as well as sitting down with Jian Ghomeshi for an interview. Don't miss it!!
For more info visit www.cbc.ca/q/

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BLUZ FM

Toronto’s JAZZ FM, 91.1

Saturday, January 24, 8 pm – midnight

James Doran, producer of BLUES ON THE RIDEAU at The Cove Inn in Westport ON (www.bluesontherideau.ca) is pleased and honoured to appear as a guest this Saturday night, January 24, on Danny Marks' excellent BLUZ FM Show – recognized as one of the best blues radio shows in the country broadcasting every Saturday night from 8 pm to midnight on Toronto's JAZZ FM 91.1. James will be on in the 3rd hour from 10-11 pm, talking with Danny about his love for the Blues and playing some of his favourite tunes. James thanks Danny for inviting him to be on the show and says, “It was a blast!”

Those living outside Toronto can pick up BLUZ FM on the Internet http://www.jazz.fm – Click on 'Listen Live'

OR Bell ExpressVu Channel 970
OR StarChoice Channel 869 satellite

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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

Friday, January 23 @ 9 am – Mae Moore and Lester Quitzau: In Their Own (2005)
Documentary examining the lives of the acclaimed folk singer and her blues-guitarist husband on British Columbia's scenic and tranquil Pender Island, through engaging interviews and performances.

Monday, January 26 @ 9 am – J.P. Cormier: The Man and his Music (2004)
An electrifying performance from the veteran singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist at the 2003 Celtic Colours Festival in Cape Breton. Also features commentary from Cormier, who is influenced by jazz and bluegrass.

Tuesday, January 27 @ 7:30 am & 5:30 pm – Rhythm, Roots and Soul

People Gonna Talk/James Hunter (2007): 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 R&B artist James Hunter.

Tuesday, January 27 @ 11:30 am – Talkin’ Blues

Hubert & Darrell (2003): Series exploring the world of contemporary blues music. This episode features an intimate conversation with guitar great Hubert Sumlin, and a music video from Darrell Nulisch.

Tuesday, January 27 @ 9 pm – Long John Baldry: In the Shadow of the Blues (2006)
The life and legacy of guitarist and singer Long John Baldry is examined in this one-hour documentary. Baldry played a key role in the growth of the British rhythm and blues movement, and led bands in the mid-1960s that featured Rod Stewart and Elton John, both of whom are interviewed in the documentary. In the ‘80s, Baldry emigrated to Canada, living first in Toronto and then in Vancouver, where he died in 2005. (also Wednesday, January 28 @ 2 am)

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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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Friday, January 30

Paul Fenton’s Rattle Snakin’ Daddy @ the Rainbow, 9:30 pm

Saturday, January 31

Terry Gillespie @ Elmdale House Tavern

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