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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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
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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.
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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.
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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
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
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.
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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