21 March 2011

Ottawa Blues This Week - 21 March 2011

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SPECIAL EVENTS THIS WEEK

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Ottawa Premiere of

Music From the Big House

Mayfair Theatre, 1074 Bank Street

Wednesday & Thursday, March 23-24 @ 9 pm

Mayfair Theatre members $6, non-members $10

4 bands, 1 woman, and 2 hours of the blues.

From acclaimed director Bruce McDonald, teaming with an Emmy- and Oscar-nominated documentary producer, comes a rare and exclusive musical journey. Rita Chiarelli, an award-winning recording artist, has decided to take a pilgrimage to the birthplace of the blues — Louisiana State Maximum Security Penitentiary aka Angola Prison. She never imagined that her love of the blues would lead her to play with inmates serving life sentences for murder, rape and armed robbery. In what was once the bloodiest prison in America, inmates relatives were invited to listen alongside other prisoners, to hear remarkable voices singing stories of hope and redemption.

Let yourself be swept away by one of Blues’ most soulful pilgrim daughters who is finding out if music really is an escape.

“Morally complex… there are no answers here, [but] there is plenty of emotion, atmosphere, and great music.” (Montreal Gazette)

http://www.musicfromthebighouse.com/

http://www.ritachiarelli.com

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Vintage Bluebird Blues Revue

With Diana Braithwaite, Chris Whiteley and Bob Hall

Tucson’s, 2440 Bank Street

Thursday, March 24

If you like vintage blues from the 1930s and 40s, you don't want to miss the award winning Blues duo Diana Braithwaite and Chris Whiteley together with the winner of the British Piano Player of the Year Award, boogie woogie piano player Mr. Bob Hall!

Critically acknowledged as Britain’s finest blues and boogie pianist, Bob Hall has had a lengthy career and a distinctive piano style that has influenced generations of piano players. He first came to fame in the rhythm ‘n’ blues explosion of the ‘60s as a founding member of Savoy Brown. Other blues stars he played and recorded with at that time included Alexis Korner, Howlin’ Wolf, Little Walter and Chuck Berry. Bob subsequently head-lined bands Tramp and Rocket 88, whose sidemen included Jack Bruce of Cream, Charlie Watts of The Rolling Stones and Mick Fleetwood of Fleetwood Mac.

Music reviewers have called Diana Braithwaite and Chris Whiteley “Masters of Old School Blues”. In January 2010, they were awarded Songwriters Of The Year at the Maple Blues Awards. In January 2011, their latest album “Deltaphonic”, released by Electro-Fi Records, hit #1 on B.B. King’s Bluesville network on XM satellite radio , with over 18 million listeners across the U.S. and internationally.

After two successful tours of arts centers and concert halls throughout the UK, this all-star trio is bringing the internationally renowned Vintage Bluebird Blues Revue show including songs performed live on BBC in England, to Canadian audiences.

Amazing Boogie Woogie piano, sparkling cornet, smooth vocal stylings and classic blues guitar.

Songs by Memphis Minnie, Lil Green, The BlueBird Record Revue, Sweet Georgia Brown!

Check out some Foot stomping Boogie Woogie Blues!

Two award winning dynamic blues acts join forces for a night to remember!!

http://www.braithwaiteandwhiteley.com

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Westboro House Concerts presents:

Rita Chiarelli: a rare and intimate evening

Thursday, March 24 @ 7:30 pm; $35

Dubbed the Canadian Goddess of the Blues by Shelagh Rogers of the CBC, Rita writes, "“I like to take the listener with me, so they get a picture as to where I’ve been... I guess you could say that I write from the road trips of my life.” “These past few years, I took long and lonely journeys to Mississippi and Louisiana... the songs you will hear are the bluesy, swampy, rootsy experiences I had... they are real and they are from the heart.”

After performing at the Black Sheep in Wakefield and at the Octave Theatre in Kingston in conjunction with the screening of the powerful documentary, "Music From The Big House" (March 18th and 19th resp.), Rita will come to Ottawa for an intimate stop on her way to touring both her music and the film screenings to Switzerland in May 2011.

As always: the ONLY way to reserve a spot is to contact me directly at 613-323-1782.

Bring what you'd like to drink and we'll have a few refreshments and snacks on hand, too.

There will be CDs available for purchase and lots of opportunity to spend time with Rita and with like-minded house concerts goers like you.

Westboro House Concerts

Nicole Colbeck ~ 613-323-1782

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LOCAL HIGHLIGHTS THIS WEEKEND

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Terry Gillespie

The Granary Beizli, 3270 County Road 10, Vankleek Hill

Tuesday, March 22; $10

With Jody Golick, Peter Measroch, Stephen Barry and Gordon Adamson, Jody Golick and Terry’s Annual Birthday Party.

http://www.terrygillespie.ca

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Terry Gillespie & Lynne Hanson Birthday Party

Giving it back at The Blacksheep!

Blacksheep Inn, Wakefield QC

Friday, March 25 @ 8:30 pm; $12

Terry's birthday is March 30th, and Lynne's is March 17th, so they decided to join forces on a double bill at the Blacksheep Inn each with a full band to celebrate. As part of the birthday celebrations Terry will be giving away copies of Faux 45 - A Heaven's Radio Social Club Hit Single, and there will be a free draw in between sets for CDs. Terry and Lynne have each had a great year and this is a chance to give something back to their audience and friends.

Terry Gillespie – Righteous Blues seeded with a hint of R&B!

Lynne Hanson – Porch music with a little Texas Red Dirt

www.theblacksheepinn.com

www.terrygillespie.ca

www.lynnehanson.com

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AREA HIGHLIGHTS THIS WEEK

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Angel Forrest

La Basoche, 120, rue Principale (secteur d’Aylmer), Gatineau

Friday, March 25 @ 8 pm; tickets $25

Quebec's answer to Janis Joplin, Angel Forrest has captivated audiences for more than 20 years with her charismatic stage presence and powerful voice. No matter the setting, this blues woman is capable of making an instant connection with her spectators.

http://www.myspace.com/angelforrest

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Guitar Workshop with Rick Fines

Wintergreen, 9780 Canoe Lake Road, South Frontenac ON

Friday – Sunday, March 25-27

Celebrate spring on the early side with a weekend of guitar with Rick Fines. The workshop will begin with a scrumptious gourmet dinner at the lodge on Friday evening. Later in the evening, you will enjoy the first informal session of music making.

On Saturday and Sunday, there will be a series of workshops on various styles of acoustic blues guitar playing. Workshops will help you develop your skills in rhythm, soloing, slide and fingerstyle blues. Bring an audio recorder if you like, to capture the parts you’ll want to work on later (no video recording please). Each student will receive Rick’s “Fingerstyle Blues” DVD with 75 minutes of instruction on Delta style guitar.

When you’re not working on your guitar playing, you will be able to enjoy the many trails on our hundreds of acres of land, or relax in our wood-fired sauna.

Saturday evening will feature a public concert by Rick Fines (free to workshop participants) – see info below. Late night jamming after the concert is a strong possibility!

After another morning of guitar playing and instruction, lunch will be served. The workshop will close after lunch on Sunday.

http://www.rickfines.com/

Tuition: $195 (20% discount on tuition if you come with a friend - $310 for two). HST extra

Accommodation and meals for the duration of the workshop: $220 (bunks p.p.), $260 (shared rooms or cabins, p.p.), $300 (double bed, single occupancy), $395 (double bed, shared). Facilities and meals only (for registrants staying off-site): $150. HST extra

http://www.wintergreenstudios.com

Dinner & Concert with Rick Fines

Wintergreen, 9780 Canoe Lake Road, South Frontenac ON

Saturday, March 26; dinner @ 6 pm, concert @ 7:30 pm; tickets $30

Reserve by email (info@wintergreenstudios.com) or by phone (613 273 8745)

Rick Fines is one of Canada’s leading blues, roots music, and slide guitarists, and he returns to Wintergreen for a second year, offering both a guitar workshop and a concert for the public. Recipient of Songwriter of the Year along with Suzie Vinnick, Rick’s work with Jackson Delta brought nominations from both the Juno and the Handy awards. He has played for legendary blues piano player Pinetop Perkins, songstress Colleen Peterson, and folk icon Penny Lang, among others. He tours from the Gulf of Mexico to the Arctic, from BC to NYC. Rick is also a gifted instructor. For the past quarter century, he has worked both with young students and adults – as an instructor at Sir Sanford Fleming College and at Trent University, as a featured artist in the Blues in the Schools program, as a youth mentor in the Winnipeg Folk Festival, and as a private instructor in Peterborough, Kerrville Texas, and on Hornby Island.

http://www.rickfines.com/

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Grievous Angel: The Legend of Gram Parsons

Baldachin Inn, Merrickville ON

Saturday, March 26 @ 8 pm

Gram Parsons was the creative force behind some of the most important recordings of the late '60s and early '70s, and today is hailed as the patron saint of alt-country and Americana. He was born into a southern gothic tragedy straight out of Tennessee Williams – his family owned 18,000 acres of Florida orange groves, and they had all the infidelity, addiction, self-destruction and insanity money could buy. His father, "Coon Dog" Connor, committed suicide when Gram was 12 years old. His mother drank herself to death five years later.

Small wonder that Gram had a morbid compulsion to go out in a haze of glory; on September 19, 1973, in a cheap motel on the edge of the Mojave Desert, Gram got his wish as he ODd on morphine and tequila. He was 26. But in death, his tale took another bizarre turn. Gram's road manager, Phil Kaufman, stole his body from Los Angeles airport, took it to the desert and burned it. A rock legend was born.

“Grievous Angel: The Legend of Gram Parsons” stars Anders Drerup and Kelly Prescott as Gram and Emmylou Harris. The show was inspired by Michael Bate's March 1973 interview with the doomed singer in Boston. It was Parsons' last recorded conversation. The theatrical concert is produced and directed by Michael Bate, written by Michael Bate with David McDonald.

http://www.legendofgramparsons.com/

Tickets on sale at the Baldachin 613-269-4223, Compact Music in Ottawa, Shadowfax in Perth 613-267-6817(credit accepted here).

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LOCAL HIGHLIGHTS EVERY WEEK

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Southside Tuesdays with Steve Marriner

Irene’s Pub, 885 Bank Street

Tuesdays

Join multi-talented multi-instrumentalist Steve Marriner for something different every week - blues/country/roots music of all kinds.
http://www.myspace.com/stevemarriner

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Irene’s Blues AllStars

Irene’s Pub, 885 Bank Street

Thursdays, 9 pm – 1 am

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, this weekly Thursday night jam features Corky Kealey on drums with Vince Halfhide on bass and 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 its continuing popularity.

Special guests:

March 24 – Jarhead & Jerome

March 31 – Rod Williams & Murray Kinsley

http://bacton.smugmug.com/share/cFoCZfrollzaE

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Open Blues Jam

Rainbow Bistro, 76 Murray Street

Every Sunday, 4-7 pm; cover $3 (jammers free)

The jam is open to all ages. Jammers sign up on the jam sheet at the door & each jam session lasts for 3 songs. Drums & amps are provided, you only need to bring your instruments (but you can bring your amps if you want to).

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Sunday Blues, 6-9 pm, no cover

Atomic Rooster, 303 Bank Street (at MacLaren)

http://www.atomicrooster.ca

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Southwest Sundays

With The Dusty Drifters

Irene’s Pub, 885 Bank Street

Sundays, 9:30 pm – 1 am

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The Jam @ Kaffé 1870, Wakefield QC

Every Wednesday @ 9 pm, no cover

6 rotating hosts, each specializing in a different genre

http://kaffe1870.com/

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LOCAL HIGHLIGHTS ONCE A MONTH

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Blues Jam

Avant-Garde Bar & Restaurant, 135½ Besserer Street

First Wednesday of each month @ 8 pm

Hosted by River City Junction, this jam is open to guest performers, but is not an open jam’.

If you want to play, please contact River City Junction in advance to work out what instrument you play & what songs you would like to do.

Contact Jason jason@rivercityjunction.com

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BLUES ON THE RIDEAU 6th SEASON

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Blues On The Rideau at The Cove Inn, Westport Ontario, the popular once a month Dinner & Show Fundraiser Series featuring some of Canada's best Blues artists, is now in its 6th season. It’s another superb Line-Up of artists this year with multiple Juno, Maple Blues and American Blues Award nominees/winners. Proceeds from all Shows go to support different local charities. $27,000 has been raised over the past 5 years and the goal is to raise at least $5,000 more this season. If you love good food and great Blues in a small, friendly atmosphere and you haven’t been to a BOTR @ The Cove night before then you owe it to yourself to try one. You won’t be disappointed. If you’re a regular you already know how good these nights are!

2010/11 LINE-UP
All artists appear with their bands
Visit artists’ web sites and MySpace sites for more information, audio and video clips.

April 15 – PAUL REDDICK
Canada’s poet of the Blues with his superb harmonica and voice returns to BOTR for a 3rd visit. A multiple Maple Blues Award winner with a great new album.
www.paulreddick.ca www.myspace.com/paulreddick1
Proceeds to Westport In Bloom

May 20 – TREASA LEVASSEUR
Back for a 2nd visit. The slim lady with the BIG voice. A 2010 Juno Award nominee & multiple Maple Blues Award nominee. Delicious Blues, soul, funk & R&B.
www.treasalevasseur.com www.myspace.com/treasalevasseur
Proceeds to the Rideau District Museum

June 10 – RAOUL & THE BIG TIME
Toronto actor and Blues man who blows harp like Little Walter reincarnated. A multiple Maple Blues Award winner. Rough ‘n ready swing Blues.
www.raoulandthebigtime.com www.myspace.com/raoulandthebigtime
Proceeds to Habitat For Humanity

NOTE:
* If there is enough advance ticket demand on single show weekends a Saturday night show may be added - so BOOK EARLY!
* All Shows are filmed by Ken Bowman with audio by Little Chicago Sound Company and one song is posted to YOU TUBE soon after the performance. Visit
www.choosetheblues.ca for examples from last year.
* Artists and dates subject to change. Visit
www.choosetheblues.ca or call The Cove closer to each show for updates.

The Cove Inn www.coveinn.com is located in the beautiful town of Westport, Ontario on Upper Rideau Lake - a 45 minute drive from Kingston, 1.5 hours from Ottawa, 4 from Toronto and 3.5 from Montreal. Well-priced accommodation is available at The Cove and nearby B&B’s so out-of-town blues fans can stay overnight and enjoy a great little getaway.

$55 (plus HST) for full course buffet dinner, show & dancing.
All Shows 7 to 11 pm
Advance Reservations required
CALL THE COVE (613) 273-3636 or 1-888-COVE-INN

Reserve your tickets early! Most Shows sell out weeks ahead. It’s even more important to book early if you need accommodation. There are a limited number of rooms available at The Cove and the B&B's in town and they fill up fast.

Blues On The Rideau is produced by Choose The Blues Productions, Kenmore Ontario in cooperation with The Cove Inn, Westport Ontario
Visit www.choosetheblues.ca for more information

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SINGING COURSE – R&B

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Sing classic Blues, Soul & Motown favourites

Alcorn Music Studios, 903 Carling Ave @ Sherwood Dr. (Dow’s Lake/Preston area)
10 weeks, Tuesdays 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Dates: March 22,29, April 5,12,19,26, May 3,10,17,24

Cost: $234.00 (non-refundable)
Instructor: vocalist/music educator Elise Letourneau, B.Mus., M.Ed.
Pre-requisite: Some singing experience preferred.
Maximum participants: six
Register: 613-729-0693 info@alcornmusicstudios.com
Location: Note: This is a "less Scent" class we ask all participants to avoid wearing perfume, body spray or cologne.

This course will focus on the stylistic considerations of the R&B and Blues genres. You will learn vocal techniques for breath support, phrasing, flexibility, range, judicious use of vibrato, diction, how to “belt” responsibly, lyric interpretation. Explore the art of backing vocals. All participants will be singing lead and back-up. Last class the students rehearse with a live band and participate in the Alcorn Music Studios adult student Coffee House at Tucson’s Sunday May 29th!

You will have an absolute blast!

http://www.alcornmusicstudios.com

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SPECIAL EVENTS COMING SOON

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Joe Bonamassa

Ottawa Civic Centre

Friday, April 1; $63.70-$86.30 + sc

Some tickets still available for this special deal … buy 3 tickets and get 1 free - Enter code: JB4PACK into Special Offers Box.

Touring in support of his soon-to-be-released album “Dust Bowl”, his 11th full-length solo release and 9th studio album, Joe Bonamassa will be playing the Ottawa Civic Centre, one night only.

A child prodigy, Bonamassa opened shows at age 12 for blues legend B.B. King, who said after first seeing him play, “This kid's potential is unbelievable…He's one of a kind.” His recording career began in the early ’90s with Bloodline, a rock-blues group also featuring Robby Krieger’s son Waylon and Miles Davis’ son Erin. His solo debut was in 2000 with the Tom Dowd-produced “A New Day Yesterday”.

Bonamassa tours constantly and averages 200 shows every year, almost always playing to sold-out crowds and ever-larger houses, and with each gig, he comes more into his own as a virtuoso and a vocalist. As he heads back to the road in support of his new album, he remains infinitely passionate about playing live, connecting with his audiences and making new fans along the way.

www.jbonamassa.com

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Sab & the Family Band

Tucson’s, 2440 Bank Street

Friday, April 1 @ 9 pm

Sab has made a living and lived Rock & Roll since the tender age of thirteen. He's played all over the world as well as almost every ‘watering hole’ in the North. Sab's persona can hardly go unnoticed with his flare for comedy, top hat, long hair, snakeskin boots and enormous heart. His endeavours to expand the Northern music scene and develop young talent, have won him the friendship and loyalty of people in the industry.

Sab, ‘The King of the North’ as Ronnie Hawkins likes to call him, has become a well-known celebrity in Northern Ontario. Whether you hear him on the radio or see a live show, that gruff laugh, cherry-whiskey stained voice and out-there personality will always stick with you.

Sab writes, co-writes, produces, promotes, endorses, consults, books talent, and plays a kick-ass live show! With Sab on the scene, it's all Rock & Roll! It's not an act. To quote the man himself, “Rock & Roll, that's who I am, through the good, the bad, and the not-so-bad. I never did anything else but play music.”

http://www.sabrocks.com/

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Jack de Keyzer

Rainbow, 76 Murray Street

Saturday, April 2

Blues, jazz, funky R&B and swing are all part of the palette that colour Jack de Keyzer’s musical portraits. The much acclaimed guitarist, singer and songwriter has worked with artists as varied as King Biscuit Boy, Etta James, Blue Rodeo, Robert Gordon, Otis Rush and the Bop Cats. His guitar playing has been featured on hundreds of recordings; as a song writer he has been covered by Prairie Oyster on their hit album ‘Everyone Knows’ ; and as a singer he once sang a duet with kd lang. (Alright... it was a Budweiser commercial...) He performs internationally over 150 shows per year, and is a multiple Maple Blues Award nominee & winner and two-time Juno winner.

www.jackdekeyzer.com

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Paul Reddick Band

The Waterfront Bistro, 590 Liverpool Rd. S., Pickering ON

Friday, April 8 @ 9 pm; tickets $30

Paul Reddick has the kind of low-down bluesy style that soothes the soul and speaks to the trouble of the human condition. On April 8, spend an evening with the Paul Reddick Band as they move effortlessly from rocked-up jump blues tunes to acoustic performances straight out of the Delta without missing a beat. Reddick has 2 Juno & W.C. Handy Award Nominations along with 2 Maple Blues Awards, including the 2010 Award for Songwriter of the Year with ‘Music By The Bay Live’ alumni Colin Linden.

Paul Reddick has a style all his own: rough, downtrodden and most of all inventive.

http://www.myspace.com/paulreddick1

On April 8, Music By The Bay Live Presents the Small Club BIG SHOW Concert series, upstairs at the remodeled Waterfront Bistro in Pickering; in a setting where the paradox of the blues thrives.

Tickets available at Durham Music, Wilson & Lee Music Store & online

*Tickets will be available at The Waterfront (upon reopening) on March 26*

Table reservations 6+ call 905-831-8661

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DOUBLE BILL –

John Primer, 9-11 pm

and

Trevor Finlay & the Hot Damn Band, 11:30 pm – 2 am

Rainbow, 76 Murray Street

Saturday, April 9

In 1995 former Muddy Waters and Magic Slim sideman John Primer released his major label debut "The Real Deal". He has since toured extensively in support of ten solo albums to date. With his strong traditionalist Blues phrasing and lightning fast slide technique, few artists can match him. A master storyteller and songwriter, his catalog of songs is endless and his sound is unforgettable. John Primer & The Real Deal Blues Band continues to electrify audiences at clubs and festivals, and remain a driving force in the world of Blues music today.
http://johnprimerblues.com

Multi-faceted guitarist/singer-songwriter Trevor Finlay has stormed stages around the world from his native Canada to Australia and France, wowing audiences and winning fans everywhere. Trevor's band, the guys putting the ‘POWER’ back in Power Trio - the HOT DAMN in the HOT DAMN band - are Dom Romanelli on bass and Sam Harrison on drums - if you've heard Bootleg 2, you've heard these guys!
http://www.trevorfinlay.com/

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Steve Dawson

Opening, John Carroll

Elmdale House Tavern, 1084 Wellington Street

Saturday, April 9 @ 9:30 pm; tickets $20

Steve Dawson is an accomplished Canadian guitarist and multi-instrumentalist. Specializing in slide and fingerstyle guitar, pedal steel, lap steel, banjo and other stringed instruments, he is in-demand as a live performer, session musician, and producer.

In 1998, Steve started Black Hen Music, and independent record label with the intention of releasing roots, acoustic, jazz and blues music. Over the last 10 years, Black Hen has thrived and now has a roster of almost 20 artists and over 30 releases that are distributed internationally, including

Steve’s solo career continued and 2005 saw the release of the Juno Award – nominated “We Belong to the Gold Coast” which further explored Steve’s love of antique and modern sounds, mixing traditional blues and Hawaiian music with Steve’s original songs.

http://stevedawson.ca

John Carroll is a singer/songwriter, performer and recording artist who has explored music as a mode of expression for 25 years. A deep appreciation for folk, country blues and music in general, coupled with a strong and sustained desire to forge new ground both musically and lyrically have been the legs that have propelled his musical journey. He has recorded and put out two full length solo albums "The True Confessions of an Infamous Liar" in 2003 and "Lost Radio" in 2008. He is known and appreciated for his ability to perform with enthusiasm, wit and a musical integrity that inevitably serves to bring his audience to more interesting places and ultimately higher ground than the one he initially meets them on.

http://www.myspace.com/johncarroll1

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Fundraiser for the Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre & Kidney Cancer Canada

Koyman Art Gallery, 1171 St. Laurent

Saturday, April 16, 7-11 pm; tickets $10 at the door

A fundraiser is being hosted in honour of JP (Jean-Pierre) Bélisle on Saturday, April 16th 2011 from 7-11 pm at Koyman Art Gallery, at 1171 St. Laurent Blvd. This will be a heart-warming event to raise funds to be equally divided between The Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre and Kidney Cancer Canada. JP has recently been treated with the Cyber Knife machine acquired by the Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre in 2010 (a minimally non-invasive treatment for brain tumours). Drs. Shawn Malone and Christina Canil will be in attendance to speak on the Cyber Knife and Kidney Cancer. We promise to have a wonderful night with live music including Blues, Rock, Pop and Country, a light lunch, silent auction and a 50/50 draw.

If you wish to donate an item, a service or a monetary donation or if you have any questions please call Bonnie at 613-321-1548 (bmacdonald561@gmail.com) or Roxanne at 613-834-1561.

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Fathead

Tucson’s, 2440 Bank Street

Saturday, April 16

That they have been described as a Blues Tour De Force comes as no surprise. Georgia-raised lead singer John Mays has had a storied career that began in the Southern gospel tradition, crossing over into Doo-Wop, R&B and Blues, not to mention a stint with the Godfather Of Soul, James Brown. Hooking up with band leader Al Lerman (harp and saxophone) in Toronto some years later, Fathead’s core has remained constant since 1992, offering ace musicianship, soul stirring harmonies and incendiary live performances. The writing tandem of Lerman and bassist Omar Tunnoch has produced an impressive body of work. Guitar ace Teddy Leonard is back and better than ever, along with iconic drummer Bucky Berger. Elements of funk, soul, and R&B are fused into the group's strong blues backbone, creating a fresh sound that is immediately recognizable as their own.

With two Juno awards to their credit, Fathead is truly an original band with a sound immediately recognizable as their own. They have a ball wherever they play and it shows!

http://www.fathead.biz/

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The 13th edition of Virée Blues Boréale

Presents

Harrison Kennedy

Le Petit Chicago, 50 Promenade du Portage, in the Old Hull sector

Wednesday, April 20 @ 8 pm

Harrison Kennedy’s 2nd place finish this year in the Solo/Duo category at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis in February came as no surprise to those of us who have been following his blues career over the past few years. National Capital area fans have an opportunity to hear him in April.

Here’s what you’ll hear … his latest CD, “One Dog Barkin’” (on the Electro-fi label) was reviewed in the Winter Ottawa Blues Society newsletter:

“This acoustic CD is all original and the themes are topical –saving the planet, ‘90s trends, economic woes, homelessness – but Harrison has not neglected the tried and true blues themes – bad whiskey, my woman’s got someone new. He also pays homage to Jimmy Reed, Charlie Patton, Huddie (Leadbelly), Mel Brown and that ‘crazy’ is for Snooky Pryor! He offers hope, and a world tour of sorts, in ‘The Healing Power of the Blues’. Backed up on some tracks by Keith ‘Nappy’ Lindsay on keyboards and Justin Dunlop on bass, Harrison plays guitar, harp, mandolin, banjo and percussion, some on the spoons! But it’s his powerful vocals that impress the most. On the final track, ‘I Can Feel You Leaving’, the guitar is so sparse the song is virtually a capella and the lyrics and his vocals are heart-rending.”

http://www.harrisonkennedy.ca/

http://www.electrofi.com/

www.vireeblues.ca

www.myspace.com/vireeblues

or on facebook under “vireebluesboreale”

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Johnny Max

Irene’s, 885 Bank Street

Friday, April 29

FINALLY … it’s certainly been a long road, but now everyone in Ottawa gets a chance to enjoy a Johnny Max Band show!

Johnny is a soulful singer whose respect and passion for all types of music is evident. He is also a brilliant entertainer who has audiences thoroughly enjoying each show. Johnny Max has built up a solid reputation as one of those guys who gives 110% and is one of the most action-packed and satisfying entertainers around. Johnny takes to performing like a fish to water, a perpetual motion machine, galvanizing his spicy blend of Stax/Volt, Atlantic, Funk, and Blues into frenzied heights, often propelling himself into the audience’s eager arms.

To listen to Johnny Max tell it, and to watch Johnny Max present it, you understand very quickly that there’s more to creating great music than simply performing a first-rate piece of music well. It’s much more all encompassing than that.

Max’s take includes engaging the audience, making his show accessible. He wants to more than simply feed off the audience, he looks to make them part of the experience. And he does so with his good natured wit.

Using humour to get your point across is always risky because there’s a fine line between entertaining and being the comic. To his credit Johnny Max knows how to tread that line because the music always comes first.

Max’s music doesn’t always follow conventional Blues lines. Rather than be confined to the traditional 12 bar influenced forms, this veteran of the musical wars favours substance rather than convention.

While his first three releases firmly established Max in the Blues idiom, it was on his fourth, the Juno nominated “A Lesson I’ve Learned” that Johnny added to his Blues sensibilities, and found his groove. And that groove had more to do with Southern Soul than straight up Blues. Of note, check the title track whose chorus might have been lifted from the Dan Penn songbook.

Max’s new disc “It’s A Long Road” picks up where “Lesson” left off – with a wallop! Partnering with a brand new band, Johnny lays down a dozen tracks with a heavy dosage of Gumbo R&B, nods to Rock’em Sock’em Soul, and hints of all-out Boogie work-outs and Tom Waits styled tonalities. Along the way, Johnny relates his most deeply personal stories to date.

You would think that all of the above would be enough to keep anyone busy but Max also finds time to host a radio show: “Sunday Morning Soul” on The HAZE FM, www.thehazefm.ca, Canada’s only commercial web radio station Sunday mornings at 11AM and Wednesdays at 10PM, and co-program the CNE Bandshell BluesFest, (with Rico Ferrara), among other ventures.

It’s all in days work for Max. And he and his fans wouldn’t have it any other way.

http://www.johnnymaxband.com

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Clio & the Blues Highway

La Basoche, 120, rue Principale (secteur d’Aylmer), Gatineau

Friday, April 29 @ 8 pm; tickets $25

Quebec City’s Clio and the Blues Highway released “My First Blues” in 2009. Definitely under the radar in our area, Clio fronts a crack band, she’s a talented vocalist and shows real promise in her songwriting. A rising new star from Quebec with a beautiful voice … nominated for both Lys Blues Award (Quebec) and Maple Blues Awards.
www.myspace.com/cliovalerie

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Roxanne Potvin

CD release “Play”

Blacksheep Inn, Wakefield QC

Saturday, April 30 @ 8:30 pm; tickets $15

“Play” – A little piece of Heaven from Roxanne Potvin

For fans of Roxanne Potvin, the Juno award nominated Montreal based singer-songwriter, two years might seem like an unbearably long time between albums, but just one spin through the songs on “Play” will be more than enough to convince them that it’s been worth the wait.

With “Play” Roxanne Potvin has achieved something that few artists ever succeed in doing – she’s expanded her style and grown as an artist while still keeping the grit and authenticity that is so appealing about her music. Hear for yourself: just press “Play”.

http://roxannepotvin.com/

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PRAIRIE SCENE

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From April 26 to May 8, Canada’s National Arts Centre will present Prairie Scene, the fifth in a series of national Scene festivals celebrating and showcasing our country’s finest established and emerging artists.

Prairie Scene will invite more than 500 Saskatchewan and Manitoba artists to take over the nation’s capital. Musicians, actors, choreographers, visual and media artists, filmmakers, writers and master chefs will be bringing their unique talents to audiences in concert halls, theatres, galleries, bars, clubs, museums and restaurants throughout the region – a virtual Prairie invasion!

Prairie Scene will also offer a chance for 70 national and international presenters to discover the best of Prairie culture, creating new performance opportunities for Prairie artists across the country and around the world.

Prairie Scene will present a vast living portrait of the region – combining rural and urban, traditional and contemporary, shaking stereotypes and celebrating new voices. Don’t miss it!

http://www.prairiescene.ca/en/

Prairie Scene bluesy offerings include:

Colin James Acoustic Duo

NAC Theatre, 53 Elgin Street
Wednesday, April 27, 7:30 pm
; tickets $39.00

Get up close and personal with Colin James as he brings his acoustic duo show to Prairie Scene. In a career spanning two decades, Colin (who was mentored by the legendary Stevie Ray Vaughan) has flourished into a multi-platinum artist many times over. His self-titled album debuted worldwide in 1989, garnering him two hit singles (‘Voodoo Thing’ and ‘Five Long Years’) as well as the first of many JUNO Awards. The emergence of The Little Big Band in the early 90s saw Colin’s career soar to new heights, and he remains one of the country’s most revered musicians.

2009 saw him release his 12th CD, “Rooftops and Satellites”, featuring rock radio hit ‘Man’s Gotta Be a Stone’. His greatest hits, “Take it From the Top”, released on March 15 with EMI, features bonus tracks recorded with legendary producer Bob Rock, bringing Colin full circle back to his original label. Today he captivates audiences everywhere with his seductive vocals and lush guitar playing in an exceptionally intimate acoustic duo with guest guitarist Chris Caddell.

Saskatchewan songstress sisters Jen and Megan Lane with noted guitarist John Antoniuk (aka Smokekiller) open the show.

http://www.colinjames.com/

http://www.meganlane.com/

http://www.jenlane.com/

Prairie Guitar

Bob Evans, Joel Fafard, Greg Lowe, Jack Semple

NAC 4th Stage, 53 Elgin Street

Thursday, April 28 @ 7:30 pm; $15

These four talented guys are some of the best guitar players you will ever hear and they’ll be on stage doing what they do best in a very special evening dedicated to the seductive six-string. From the wailin’ licks of Jack Semple’s blues to the clean, cool jazz of Greg Lowe, from Joël Fafard’s hot country/folk/roots playing to Bob Evans eclectic mix of finger-style guitar and traditional roots music – there is nothing these boys can’t play, and nothing they haven’t!

If you love the guitar, or if you just love good music, this is an evening of virtuoso technique, musical camaraderie,and plain good fun that you don’t want to miss.

http://www.bobevansguitar.com/

http://www.joelfafard.com/

http://www.greglowe.com/

http://www.jacksemple.com/

Wide Mouth Mason

The Sheepdogs

Mavericks, 221 Rideau Street

Saturday, April 30 @ 9 pm; $15

With a soulful and hard-hitting sound, Wide Mouth Mason is a band to be reckoned with. These guys pop the lid on convention with their aggressive fusion of blues, rock, jazz and pop. Best known for their funky chart-topping hit single “Change” and its catchy predecessor “Smile”, the multi-JUNO Award winning band from the Canadian heartland has a unique raw and sexy style. This powerful live show promises a few brand new tunes and hits from their extensive catalogue.

The Sheepdogs are an old-school rock and roll revival. With big guitars, stacked harmonies, vintage organ, well crafted tunes, and a dynamite live show, it’s easy to see why these guys were nominated for Artist of the Year on XM Radio’s The Verge.

http://www.widemouthmason.com/

http://www.thesheepdogs.com/


Prairie Scene Women's Blues Night

With Suzie Vinnick, Little Miss Higgins, Romi Mayes & Megan Lane
Library & Archives Canada Auditorium, 395 Wellington

Friday, May 6 @ 8 pm; $18

These four powerhouse prairie singer-songstresses can outplay and outsing just about anyone, and that’s just what they’re going to do at Prairie Scene. Saskatchewan’s Suzie Vinnick is a four-time Canadian Maple Blues Awards winner as vocalist of the year, with a voice described as “spun gold”. Little Miss Higgins is a Western Canadian Music Award (WCMA) winner for Outstanding Blues Recording, with a down-home raw talent that makes you sit up and pay attention.

2009 WCMA Songwriter of the Year, Manitoba’s Romi Mayes is a whisky-drinking straight shooter whose heart-on-your-sleeve lyrics and serious badass guitar playing have made her a favourite in venues from coast to coast; and Megan Lane’s distinctive voice and intense stage presence bridge the gap between blues, jazz, rock, and soul with a fierce passion.

http://www.suzievinnick.com/

http://www.littlemisshiggins.com/

http://www.romimayes.com/

http://www.meganlane.com/

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OTTAWA BLUESFEST NEWS

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She’s the One

. . . and she'll launch her career at the Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest!

Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest organizers today announced a call for submissions for their She's the One Emerging Female Artist Competition. The competition is a cross-Canada talent search for the best in emerging Canadian female music talent. With the help of EZ Rock 99.7, Bluesfest is looking for promising female Canadian singers/songwriters or bands with female lead-members of any age.

The competition will include two categories: One is 'Solo', which means a female lead singer who also plays an instrument, and the second is 'Band'; two or more people in an act or group, with a female lead singer (or lead performer, if it's an instrumental band).

Ottawa Bluesfest organizers will gather submissions, with three finalists selected from each category. These six finalists will have a 20-minute slot to perform at the Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest for a professional jury, on Saturday July 16, 2011. One winner will be chosen from each category. Judging will be based upon various criteria, including performance, stage presence/showmanship, originality, musicality, audience reaction, and the ever-important ‘It’ factor.

Up for grabs are cash prizes: Band Category winner will receive $5,000; Solo Category winner will receive $2,000. There’s also the bragging rights and exposure that go along with performing at one of North America’s pre-eminent music festivals.

Criteria for the competition and applications can be found at ottawabluesfest.ca. Deadline for submissions is midnight, March 28, 2011.

http://2011.ottawabluesfest.ca/shestheoneinfo

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'Street Lights'

Great Canadian Theatre Company (GCTC), 300–1227 Wellington West

Sunday, April 10, 11 am - 10 pm

Doors @ 11 am; play @ 2 pm; Acoustic Waves concert @ 8 pm

A day-long event called ‘Street Lights’ will include the showing and selling of art-work done by YSB youth. 'Street Food' will also be available.

This event is being held to promote a play called The Middle Place, which runs at the GCTC from March 29 - April 17, and to raise funds for the Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa’s housing program for homeless youth (a program which helps youth permanently move off the streets and into safe and stable housing, go back to school, find a job, and feel hope for a brighter future).

Created from interviews conducted at a youth shelter, The Middle Place brings to the stage the extraordinary voices of 16 homeless teens, three tired caseworkers and one well-intentioned outsider. Lauded by critics, this piece of documentary theatre explores the lives of society's forgotten youth.

A talk back session after the play will be held, with youth who have experienced homelessness.

The day will culminate with an Acoustic Waves concert, presented by the Ottawa Folk Festival and featuring Tara Holloway and her band:

http://www.taraholloway.com/

Tickets for the Tara Holloway concert go on sale Saturday, February 26 and will be available for $15 in advance at the GCTC box office and for $18 at the door (if still available).

Tickets for the event in its entirety are available by contacting the YSB Charitable Foundation at ysbfoundation@ysb.on.ca or 613-729-0577x1206)

http://www.ottawafolk.org/?concerts

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BLUES IN KINGSTON

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KINGSTON COMING EVENTS

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Downchild Blues Band

Grand Theatre, 218 Princess Street, Kingston ON

Saturday, April 16 @ 8 pm; $40.00 + applicable extras

Forty years and sixteen albums on, the legendary Downchild Blues Band is a thread of gold in the fabric of Canadian music history. Led by founding member Donnie ‘Mr Downchild’ Walsh, they remain our premiere purveyors of jump and Chicago-style blues, the dues-payers for everyone who has followed them since they came together in Toronto in 1969.

http://www.downchild.com

Tickets available at Grand Theatre box office (613-530-2050)

www.kingstongrand.ca

Information: morningstar@bell.net (613-378-2736)

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Kingston Blues Society 5 Year Anniversary Show

Jack De Keyzer

Opening - Al Wood and The Woodsmen (winners of The Ottawa Blues Society Road to Memphis 2010 and band semi-finalists in the 26th International Blues Competition)

Confederation Place Hotel, Kingston ON

Saturday, May 7

Featuring Jack de Keyzer, the legend that started it all for the Kingston Blues Society.

Watch for announcement of a third band – making it the first KBS triple band show!

(more details coming soon)

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KINGSTON REGULAR EVENTS

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KBS Monthly Jam

The Standeasy

RCHA Club, 193 Ontario Street, Kingston ON

Saturday, March 19, $3 at the door

Come out and see Mojo Shooter with special guest Zak Colbert
Zak is one of Kingston’s finest musicians and we are very excited to have him join us for our jam.
Always one of the best nights of entertainment Kingston has to offer – come early as seating is limited.
Sponsored by the Kingston Arts Council and the City of Kingston

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Georgette Fry

Brandee’s, 178 Ontario Street, Kingston ON

Every Thursday night at 8:30 pm (new start time)

The Ones

Monte’s in the Prince George Hotel, 200 Ontario Street, Kingston ON

Every Thursday night @ 9 pm

Sam Hopkins and Spencer Evans

Upstairs @ the Brew Pub

Every Second Sunday 2-4 PM

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For more, please contact Kingston Blues Society

www.kingstonbluessociety.ca

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BLUES ON THE RADIO

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101.9 DAWG-FM, CIDG, is ON THE AIR! Blues 24/7

Live streaming on the website at http://www.dawgfm.com/

Sundays: 8 pm

Ottawa Blues Society DAWG’ON BLUES

Each week OBS hosts keep you up to date on what’s happening on the Ottawa area blues scene, play some great blues from local bands and showcase regional and Canadian talent.

This week, March 27 – Upcoming events in Ottawa – John Primer, Trevor Finlay, Joe Bonamassa

Next week, April 3 – Blues Juno nominees & winner

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Sundays: 6-8 pm

INSIDE THE BLUES with James Doran

Inside The Blues features music and interesting backgrounder information on today’s top Blues artists with a strong focus on Canadian talent mixed in with some great Blues classics. Hour Two features an in-depth interview and music from a different artist or blues industry VIP every week. All Shows are archived on www.insidetheblues.ca after broadcast and can be listened to there at any time.

This week, March 27 – Interview – Harry Manx

Next week, April 3 – Interview – Paul Reddick

www.insidetheblues.ca

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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 2010. 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, March 23 – Ethiopian Jazz: Co-Host Alnoor Allidina presents two hours of Ethiopian jazz, focusing heavily on Ethio-jazz pioneer Mulatu Astatke.

Next week, March 30 – March 30 Recordings: Co-Host Ron Steeds presents some of the jazz and blues recorded on March 30 between 1925 and 1996. We'll hear the Little Ramblers, Jimmy Noone, Jabbo Smith, Duke Ellington, Johnny Griffin, David Murray & Dave Burrell, the Lounge Lizards and the Keith Jarrett Trio among others.

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Alternate Sunday overnights (Monday morning) from 2-7 am

Rockin' the Blues From Canada

with Diane Wells

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On CBC Radio Two 103.3 FM

Saturdays: 6-8 pm

On CBC Radio One 91.5 FM

Saturdays: 9-11 pm

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 CJHR 98.7 Valley Heritage Radio

Thursdays, 8-10 pm

Got The Blues

Pat Watters has been hosting this blues only radio show for the last 2+ years. It can be heard throughout the Ottawa Valley and now streaming on the internet at valleyheritageradio.ca so Ottawa folks can now listen!

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CBC RADIO CONCERTS ON DEMAND

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Some bluesy selections from this week's Canada Live broadcasts at 7 pm nationwide on CBC Radio Two...

Wednesday, March 23
concert 1: Jim Byrnes
, recorded at the Rogue Folk Club in Vancouver
Hot off European and Western Canadian tours, Jim Byrnes was in fine form for this CD release show in his hometown of Vancouver. Vancouver loves its blues and the hometown audience on this night showed their love for their favorite bluesman, Jim Byrnes. On "Everywhere West," his fourth CD on Black Hen Records, Jim digs deeper into a dirtier, grittier blues than on any previous recording. He covers songs by Jimmy Reed and Lowell Fulsom, two lifelong favourites. And he channels the roots of gospel through the music of bluesman and preacher, Rev. Thomas A. Dorsey. As ever, Jim wraps the music in stories from the well traveled but endlessly fascinating blues highway. “Everywhere West” is nominated for Blues Album of the Year at the 2011 Juno Awards.

concert 2: Mighty Popo, recorded at Lula Lounge in Toronto
Mighty Popo's latest recording “Gakondo”, which means origins or traditions, is a journey to his Rwandan roots. Popo spent time researching the origins and the fusion of the sounds of Rwanda, working with traditional musicians and learning about the musical and poetic roots of his birth country. Mighty Popo brings his exploration of this musical heritage and his Gakondo Band to the stage of Toronto's Lula Lounge for this Canada Live concert recording. “Gakondo” is nominated for a 2011 Juno award in the World Music Album of the Year category.

Thursday, March 24
concert 1: Juno Songwriters' Circle -- part 1
; recorded at Massey Hall in Toronto
This year's edition of the yearly Juno Songwriters' Circle takes place at Massey Hall in Toronto, just prior to the 40th Anniversary edition of the Juno Awards. As always, it features some of today's most talented Canadian singer-songwriters sharing songs and stories informally in front of a capacity crowd. Participating artists this year are: Randy Bachman, Dan Hill, Luke Doucet, Lynn Miles, Sylvia Tyson and Royal Wood. Host Johnny Reid leads the discussion, performs some of his hit songs, and gets up-close with the audience in this not-to-be-missed musical event.

Friday, March 25
concert 1: Juno Songwriters' Circle -- part 2
; recorded at Massey Hall in Toronto
This year's edition of the yearly Juno Songwriters' Circle takes place at Massey Hall in Toronto, just prior to the 40th Anniversary edition of the Juno Awards. As always, it features some of today's most talented Canadian singer-songwriters sharing songs and stories informally in front of a capacity crowd. Participating artists this year are: Randy Bachman, Dan Hill, Luke Doucet, Lynn Miles, Sylvia Tyson and Royal Wood. Host Johnny Reid leads the discussion, performs some of his hit songs, and gets up-close with the audience in this not-to-be-missed musical event.

CBC Radio 1 broadcast, Fridays at 2:05 pm
Friday, March 25 on CBC Radio 1
concert 1: Juno Songwriters' Circle
, recorded at Massey Hall in Toronto
This year's edition of the yearly Juno Songwriters' Circle takes place at Massey Hall in Toronto, just prior to the 40th Anniversary edition of the Juno Awards. As always, it features some of today's most talented Canadian singer-songwriters sharing songs and stories informally in front of a capacity crowd. Host Johnny Reid leads the discussion, performs some of his hit songs, and gets up-close with the audience in this not-to-be-missed musical event.

Canada Live podcast, released on Fridays
Friday, March 25 on the Canada Live podcast
Juno Songwriters' Circle
, recorded at Massey Hall in Toronto
This year's edition of the yearly Juno Songwriters' Circle takes place at Massey Hall in Toronto, just prior to the 40th Anniversary edition of the Juno Awards. As always, it features some of today's most talented Canadian singer-songwriters sharing songs and stories informally in front of a capacity crowd. Participating artists this year are: Randy Bachman, Dan Hill, Luke Doucet, Lynn Miles, Sylvia Tyson and Royal Wood. Host Johnny Reid leads the discussion, performs some of his hit songs, and gets up-close with the audience in this not-to-be-missed musical event

Lots of blues available in the concerts on demand section of the CBC Website …

http://www.cbc.ca/radio2/cod/

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WEEKLY EVENTS ON THE SMALL SCREEN

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ALWAYS check local listings to confirm.

On BRAVO – http://www.bravo.ca

Yonge Street: Toronto Rock & Roll Stories

This series of three one-hour shows debuts the week of the Junos in celebration of their 40th anniversary. Directed by Bruce McDonald, this series is a love letter to Toronto and to the birth of Canada's music scene.

Monday, March 21 @ 10 pm – Part 1: (1955-1960) (repeated Monday March 27 @ 6 am)

Travel back to sleepy and dull Toronto in the 1950s, where they rolled up the sidewalks after dark. There was no rock ‘n’ roll music until that fateful night when Ronnie Hawkins & Levin Helm pulled up in their car from Arkansas, popped the trunk and let that Rock ‘n’ Roll out.

Features interviews with Robbie Robertson, Ronnie Hawkins, Cathy Young, Grant Smith, Stan Endersby and many more key people in the music scene.

Tuesday, March 22 @ 10 pm – Part 2: (1960-1965) (repeated Monday March 27 @ 7 am)

In the early 1960s, the Toronto music scene spread out to Yorkville, where folk music began to thrive. But Yonge Street was still the home of the more raucous, wild Rock & Roll bands like Levon and the Hawks.

Features interviews with Ian Tyson, Sylvia Fricker, Gordon Lightfoot, John Finley, Kay Taylor, Shawne Jackson and many more key people in the music scene.

Wednesday, March 23 @ 10 pm – Part 3: (1965-1970) (repeated Monday March 27 @ 8am)

In the mid-‘60s, Yorkville had become the mecca for folk music but, when Dylan went electric, everything changed. Rock & Roll and psychedelic music began to share the clubs with the folk music coffeehouses.

Features interviews with Skip Prokop, John Kay, Ritchie Yorke, John Brower, Jan Haust, George Olliver, David Clayton-Thomas, Daniel Lanois and many more key people in the music scene.

Tuesday, March 29 @ 10:30 pm – Garrett Mason, Born to the Blues (2008)
Documentary featuring the JUNO award-winning son of Dutch Mason, the Prime Minister of the Blues, as he forges his own style of music and develops a dedicated fan base throughout Canada.

Sunday, April 3 @ 8 am – 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.

Tuesday, April 12 @ 8 pm – Divine Brown at the Concert Hall (2008)
Canadian soulstress Divine Brown shows off her stunning five-octave range in Divine Brown at the Concert Hall. Brown takes to the iconic Masonic Temple stage in Toronto, performing hits from her self-titled album and her sophomore release The Love Chronicles. The Concert Hall series fuses exciting live performances with insightful interviews featuring today’s most urbane musical artists.

Tuesday, April 19 @ 8 pm – Motown at the Concert Hall
Bravo! celebrates the Motown era and sound as various Canadian artists take to the stage as part of Bravo!'s original AT THE CONCERT HALL series. JUNO Award-winning singer-songwriter Colin James, R&B/soul queen Divine Brown, rock star Suzie McNeil, singer-songwriter/guitarist Justin Nozuka, jazz crooner Matt Dusk, and chart-topping soloist Justin Hines perform renditions of classic hits from the artists who were instrumental in creating the essential Motown sound.

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LOCALS LOOK AHEAD

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Wednesday, March 30

Al Tambay @ the Elmdale House Tavern

Friday, April 1

Drew Nelson Band @ Irene’s

Sunday, April 3

Maria Hawkins hosts the Sunday afternoon Blues Jam @ the Rainbow, 4-7:30 pm

Wednesday, April 6

Bluestone @ the Rainbow

Friday, April 8

Sherri Harding & the Heat @ Irene’s

Union Jack @ Bass Line Station

Sunday, April 10

Dr Dave hosts the Sunday afternoon Blues Jam @ the Rainbow, 4-7:30 pm

Wednesday, April 13

Benefit for Japan @ the Rainbow

Robert Farrell @ the Elmdale House Tavern

Friday, April 15

Rocket Rached & the Fat City 8 @ Tucson’s

Sunday, April 17

Al Wood hosts the Sunday afternoon Blues Jam @ the Rainbow, 4-7:30 pm

Wednesday, April 20

Bluestone @ the Rainbow

Sunday, April 24

River City Junction hosts the Sunday afternoon Blues Jam @ the Rainbow, 4-7:30 pm

Saturday, April 30

MonkeyJunk @ the Rainbow

Wicked Grin @ Tucson’s

Tuesday & Wednesday, May 3-4

OBS Road to Memphis Solo/Duo Qualifying Rounds @ the Atomic Rooster

Saturday, May 7

Anders Drerup & the Grievous Angel Band @ the Elmdale House Tavern, 9:30 pm

Wednesday, May 11

OBS Road to Memphis, Solo/Duo Finals @ Irene’s

Friday, May 13

JW-Jones @ the Rainbow

Friday, May 20

The Brothers Chaffey @ the Elmdale House Tavern, 9:30 pm

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