26 December 2011

Ottawa Blues This Week - 26 December 2011

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NEW YEAR’S EVE SHOWS

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MonkeyJunk

Rainbow, 76 Murray Street

Saturday, December 31, 10 pm – 2 am

Formed in late March 2008 in Ottawa, they play an original style of swamp boogie R&B, bedroom funk and love songs that will break your heart. MonkeyJunk is Tony D on guitar, slide guitar and vocals; Steve Marriner on vocals, guitar, baritone guitar, B3 and harmonica and Matt Sobb on drums, cymbals, percussion and background vocals. These three musicians apply a combined 56 years of experience in the music business to entertain in a raw and captivating manner you will not soon forget . . . see for yourself!

http://monkeyjunkband.com/

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Sweet and the Back Beat

D'Arcy McGee's, 360 Moodie Drive, Bells Corners

Saturday, December 31 @ 9 pm; tickets $25

Formed in November, 2004, Sweet and the Back Beat is entering its 8th year of successful entertaining in the Ottawa area, delivering dance friendly Classic Rock and Classic R&B tunes. This is our third year in a row for New Years Eve at D'Arcy's in Bells Corners. The previous two events sold out in advance and were big hits, so we hope you can join us for this one.

Out with the old, in with the new – come spend your final hours of 2011 and your first hours of 2012 at D’Arcy McGee’s. Sweet and the Back Beat will be playing nothing but the best dancing music all night and there is no better band in Ottawa to bring in the New Year. Tickets are $25.00 and are available at the door or in advance with a reservation. Tickets include Champagne at midnight, Party Favors, Sandwich buffet after midnight and Live Entertainment.

Further info and tickets: http://nepean.darcymcgees.com/home 613-596-4226

Further information on the band: www.sweetandthebackbeat.com

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Three Times Lucky

Sonny’s Bar & Grill, 1119 Baxter Road

Saturday, December 31 @ 9 pm

Welcome in the New Year, with a rockin' good time featuring Three Times Lucky at Sonny's Bar & Grill. It will be a night to remember, with special guests, no cover charge, champagne at midnight, appetizers, micro brews, brand new tunage, door prizes, 50/50 draw and good time, juke-joint style rootsy blues rock ‘n’ roll. We promise to send you home thinking that this kind of fun should be illegal. New Year's resolutions anyone?

BTW Don't forget to bring your dancing shoes!

http://www.reverbnation.com/threetimeslucky

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New Years Eve Party with QuickSand!
Tucson’s, 2440 Bank Street

Saturday, December 31, 9:30 pm -12:30 am

A high energy show consisting of a fiery blend of rock, blues, and original tunes; playing the sounds of Santana, Van Morrison, The Doors, Steppenwolfe, Lynyrd Skynyrd and more for a high energy ‘70s style rock show!

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Le Café, National Arts Centre, 53 Elgin Street

Saturday, December 31

Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Style with a Five-Course Festive Menu – $115 per person (plus tax and gratuity). Price includes live band and dancing in Main Foyer at 11:00 pm, sparkling wine toast and countdown to 2012!

"Torchlight" will be performing at the National Arts Centre on New Year's Eve. Leslie says “We are the tantalizing pre-show dinner music.”

http://www.nac-cna.ca/en/lecafe/lecafe/#newyears.cfm

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LOCAL HIGHLIGHTS THIS WEEK

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Maria Hawkins pre-NYE bash

Rainbow, 76 Murray Street

Friday, December 30

Maria hosts her annual pre-New Year’s Eve bash.

http://www.mariahawkins.ca

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LOCAL HIGHLIGHTS EVERY WEEK

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Southside Tuesdays
Irene’s Pub, 885 Bank Street

Tuesdays @ 9 pm; no cover

Southside Tuesdays with Steve Marriner.

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John Carroll

Chateau Lafayette (The Laff), 42 York Street

Wednesdays, 10 pm

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Irene’s Blues AllStars

Irene’s Pub, 885 Bank Street

Thursdays, 9 pm – 1 am; no cover

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:

December 29 – Steve Marriner

January 5 – Rob Alexander

January 12 – Drew Nelson

January 19 – Jason & Caroline

January 26 – Chuck Karn

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

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Big Bill’s Blues Bash

Rainbow, 76 Murray Street

Saturdays, 4-8 pm

Starting January 7, (except January 14) Bill Brennan will be hosting the Big Bill’s Blues Bash every Saturday from 4-8 pm. With the tightest rhythm section around there will be a Special Guest every week. So take a load off, have a cool beverage and enjoy the blues in one of Canada's best Blues venues. See you there!!!

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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; no cover

You bet yer ass – it’s bluegrass!

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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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AREA HIGHLIGHTS ONCE A MONTH

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Blues On Tues

The Granary Beizli, 3270 County Rd 10, Vankleek Hill ON

Third Tuesday of every month@ 7 pm; $10

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Acoustic Roots Series

Georgian House Restaurant, 146 Main St. S., Alexandria ON

First Wednesday of Every Month

The best Roots/Country/Americana artists will be joining Terry Gillespie for a new Acoustic Roots Series in Alexandria. Some of them will be up-coming artists and some will be household names … a different musical guest each month. All of the musician guests are very accomplished and have toured extensively. We are very privileged to be able to host them right here at home.
Terry will open each evening with a set of his music then the guest will follow with a set of their music. Each will accompany the other. Don’t miss a single one.

January 4 – Rob Lutes www.roblutes.com

If you desire to see a special guest, let us know. If they are on the road, we might be able to grab them.
The Georgian House special musical menu has something fresh and delicious for all budgets.

http://www.georgianhouse.ca
http://www.terrygillespie.ca

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Mississippi Blues Society Jam

Thirsty Moose Pub & Eatery, Bridge Street, Carleton Place

First Tuesday of every month @ 8:30 pm

Hosted by The Thirsty Moose Pub & Eatery & The Mississippi Blues Society, and featuring Barry Buse & Peter Brown, the MBS Blues Jam is the longest-running blues jam in the Greater Ottawa area & one of the best, attracting both musicians & fans from in & out of town.

*8:30 PM is the Estimated Start Time *There's No Cover Charge *Free Parking *Good Food *Ends Early [approx. midnight]


And - just so you know...we pack 'em in for this event, so come in early if you want a good table.

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BLUES ON THE RIDEAU

DINNER & SHOW SERIES

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Blues On The Rideau @ The Cove Inn, Westport Ontario
A Dinner & Show Fundraiser Series featuring some of North America's best Blues bands.
Proceeds to support local charities
Dinner & Show $60
Advance reservations required
Call 1-888-COVE-INN or (613) 273-3636
Blues On The Rideau Shows, and the rooms at the Inn for those nights, sell out early.

2011/12 SEASON LINE-UP

January 20 & 21
Diana Braithwaite & Chris Whiteley Band, from Toronto
http://www.braithwaiteandwhiteley.com
Old School Blues - smooth, beautiful and classic

Winners of 8 Maple Blues Awards & 6 Juno nominations
Proceeds To Rideau Vista & St. Edward's Elementary Schools

February 17
The Original Homewreckers with Miss Angel, from Kitchener
http://www.shawnkellerman.com

http://www.missangelbrown.com
The late great Mel Brown's former band and singer/partner

Hip shakin', home-wreckin' Blues!
Proceeds To Rideau Waterway Land Trust

March 16 & 17
Blackburn, from Toronto
http://www.myspace.com/blackburnbrothers
2010 Maple Blues Award Best New Artists. Blues, funk, soul & R&B

Canada's version of the Neville brothers!
Proceeds To Easter Seals Ontario & Habitat For Humanity

April 20/21
David Rotundo Band with Julian Fauth, from Toronto
http://www.davidrotundo.com

http://www.julianfauth.com
A multiple Maple Blues Award winning harp player/singer matched with Juno Award winning keyboardist

Barrelhouse, rockin' Blues!
Proceeds To Westport In Bloom & Westport Library

May 18
Chris Antonik Band, from Toronto

http://www.chrisantonik.com
2011 Maple Blues Award nominee for Best New Artist

Outstanding guitarist/songwriter and arranger. Smooth blues, soul, R&B
Proceeds To Rideau District Museum

More info:

http://www.choosetheblues.ca

http://www.bluesontherideau.ca
http://www.coveinn.com

See you there!
James Doran
Choose The Blues Productions

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SPECIAL EVENTS COMING in 2012

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John Carroll CD Release

Black Sheep Inn, Wakefield QC

Saturday, January 14 @ 8:30 pm; $10

John Carroll is a singer, songwriter, performer and recording artist who has explored music as his mode of expression for over 25 years. Influenced by musicians Rev. Gary Davis, Missippi John Hurt, Tom Waits, Fred McDowell, John Prine and Lyle Lovette, John’s mixture of country blues, folk, roots and rock n’ roll provide an intricate landscape for his mindfully crafted lyrics. His first two full length solo albums, “The True Confessions of an Infamous Liar,” (2003) and “Lost Radio” (2008) were well received and sold to audiences all over Canada, the U.S and parts of Europe.

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Jack de Keyzer

Tucson’s, 2440 Bank Street

Saturday, January 21 @ 9:15 pm

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 song writer 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.

Jack’s back … at Tucson’s!

www.jackdekeyzer.com

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Terry Gillespie Trio

La Grange de la Gatineau, 80 chemin Summer, Cantley QC

Saturday, January 21 @ 8 pm; concert only - $20 / $15 student (includes beverage)

Dinner available $30 (with wine)

Enjoy a lovely dinner before the show, prepared by La Grange de la Gatineau’s Cordon Bleu chef.

http://www.terrygillespie.ca

http://www.grange.ca

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Music By The Bay Live Small Club BIG SHOW Concert Series presents

MonkeyJunk ***SOLD OUT***

The Waterfront, 590 Liverpool Road, Pickering ON

Friday, January 30 @ 9 pm

Paving their own way in blues, MonkeyJunk is a cross between Muddy Waters, Lightnin’ Hopkins, swamp R&B and soul boogie that will keep your foot tappin’ and your body movin’.

At the 2010 Maple Blues Awards MonkeyJunk were nominated for 6 awards and took 5 including entertainers of the year, vocalist and guitarist. They beat out the likes of Colin Linden and Colin James to win Blues Band of the year at the Canadian Independent Music Awards.

Guitars, keys, drums, harp and vocals are their sound, no bass- but they say Hound Dog Taylor didn’t have a bass player, and Little Walter often didn’t use one either.

Upon being asked about his passion for his music, delta blues legend Son House said “I’m talkin’ ‘bout the blues, I ain’t talkin’ ‘bout monkey junk”. And thus was born the quirky name of the equally quirky contemporary blues band MonkeyJunk. Blending delta blues, soul boogie, and country with modern presentation, MonkeyJunk boasts an innovative and creative approach to the blues. Steve Marriner, Tony D, and Matt Sobb, play well off of each other, seamlessly creating an upbeat, catchy sound that has really started to be noticed on the blues scene in Europe and the States.

Tickets and info www.musicbythebaylive.com or 905-831-8661

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Brandon Isaak

With Steve Marriner

Rainbow, 76 Murray Street

Sunday, February 5 @ 9:45 pm

What separates Brandon Isaak from the rest of the pack – besides his world-class musicianship and songwriting – is his ability to connect and involve the audience in his live shows.

In 2010 Brandon was nominated for a Maple Blues Award for Songwriter of the Year. This honour recognized him as being one of Canada’s top songwriters. He was also one of 13 song writers picked to write a road song about their province / territory for the CBC’s Great Canadian Song Quest 2011. Brandon is also known as the front man and main songwriter/guitar player for the popular Canadian band, The Twisters, based in Vancouver.


Brandon has just released his first solo album entitled “Bluesman’s Plea”. Don’t let the title fool you; this is a very versatile and diverse roots album that truly reflects the music that he plays in his live performances. The songs showcase Ragtime, Delta Blues, Piedmont, Gospel as well as Swing styles.

Brandon's affinity for the rawness and spontaneity of the blues is second to none, as anyone who has had the privilege of being a part of his audience will tell you. He brings a firebrand style of guitar as well as incredibly stirring vocals that truly have to be witnessed to be appreciated! He is VERY much in the moment as he rips it up, and you'll be impressed with the calibre of showmanship in the performance of songs & stories by this great Canadian artist.

Brandon is also appearing as part of Ottawa’s Winterlude celebrations, February 2-4.

http://brandonisaak.ca

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KINGSTON – REGULAR EVENTS

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KBS Monthly Jam

The Standeasy

RCHA Club, 193 Ontario Street, Kingston ON

Third Saturday of the month @ 8:30 pm, $3 at the door

Come out and see Mojo Shooter with special guests.

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, January 1 – Welcome 2012!

Next week, January 8 – Maple Blues Awards nominees for Best New !

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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, December 28: Best of 2011: Ron Sweetman plays from his ten favourite acquisitions in 2011

Next week, January 4: Listen Before You Buy: Ron Sweetman plays recent jazz releases, with an

emphasis on guitars. Will include Ken Aldcroft, Kevin Breit, Michael Jerome Browne, Fred Fried, Harry Manx, Quintus McCormick, MonkeyJunk, Mike Rood, Brad Shepik and Stickman.

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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.

And check out SNB videos here http://www.cbc.ca/snb/video/

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On CJHR 98.7 Valley Heritage Radio

Thursdays, 8-10 pm

Got The Blues

Pat Watters is your host for this blues only radio show, now in its 5th year. It can be heard throughout the Ottawa Valley and streaming on the internet at valleyheritageradio.ca so Ottawa folks now listen!

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ROOTS MUSIC CANADA

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What do RIM CEO Jim Balsillie, former Canadian Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson and Juno nominees Serena Ryder, Jimmy Bowskill and Rick Fines have in common?

They’re all alumni of a Peterborough ON public high school that specializes in arts education – and that is slated to close at the end of this school year.

Not, however, if two enterprising young musicians have their way...

http://www.rootsmusic.ca/2011/12/20/making-music-to-save-art-school/

Gordy says, listen and share!

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Roots Music Canada

290 Shuter Street, Toronto, ON M5A 1W7, 416-206-0007

http://rootsmusic.ca

http://facebook.com/RootsMusicCanada

http://twitter.com/rootsmusicanada

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CBC RADIO CONCERTS ON DEMAND

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Highlights from the 25th Annual Toronto Blues Society Women’s Blues Revue at Massey Hall are streaming right now on CBC Radio 2’s Concerts on Demand http://www.cbc.ca/radio2/cod/concerts/20111126women

Relive this historic night featuring performances by Kat Danser, Ada Lee, Emma-Lee, Treasa Levasseur, Shakura S’Aida, and Suzie Vinnick!

Tune in for the radio broadcasts – January 12 at 7pm on CBC Radio 2 and January 13 at 2pm on CBC Radio 1.

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Canada Live, 7 pm week nights on CBC Radio 2

Monday, December 26
concert 1: De Temps Antan
, recorded at le GĂ©sĂą as part of the Montreal Highlights Festival
De Temps Antan - the name translates as Yesteryear, or Olden times -- presents their latest show, "Les habits de papier," or "Paper Suits," based on their sensational second CD release. Éric Beaudry, André Brunet and Pierre-Luc Dupuis explore the time-honoured melodies of Quebec's musical past, but with a fresh approach and a contemporary edge. Blending their three voices with fiddle, accordion, harmonica, guitar, bouzouki and a host of other instruments, these virtuoso multi-instrumentalists perform with boundless energy and unmistakable joie de vivre. Amusez-vous!

concert 2: The Breakmen, recorded at the Genesis Theatre in Ladner, British Columbia
The Breakmen call their style of music "roots soup." It's a tasty blend of old time folk, bluegrass, gospel and country. There's something so fresh about it, even though the sound is steeped in tradition. The Breakmen performed a great show at the Genesis Theatre in Ladner, B.C. They were joined by Bob Hamilton, the producer of their new album. Bob plays a sweet pedal steel guitar that just adds more fine flavour to that "roots soup".

Canada Live podcast, released on Fridays
Friday, December 30 on the Canada Live podcast
Michael Kaeshammer
, recorded at the Vogue Theatre in Vancouver
This concert at Vancouver's Vogue Theatre was the final date on Michael Kaeshammer's Canadian tour supporting his new release simply called, "Kaeshammer". Michael's earliest musical influence was his father, an amateur pianist who showed Michael how to execute boogie-woogie patterns on the piano. Michael was a diligent student. He developed an enviable technique and has since broadened his musical pursuits into the realms of jazz and pop. Increasingly, Michael is composing his own material. He's also a band leader with a knack for assembling a great, tight outfit for his live shows.

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

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

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LOCALS LOOK AHEAD

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Friday, January 6

Jesse Greene Band @ the Black Sheep Inn @ 8:30 pm

Friday & Saturday, January 6-7

Customer Appreciation Weekend @ Tucson’s

Saturday, January 7

Phil Motion & The Easy LO-Fi + The Marlow Beat Kings @ the Elmdale House

Sunday, January 8

Maria Hawkins Band hosts the Jam @ the Rainbow, 3-7 pm

Saturday, January 14

Victor Nesrallah @ Tucson’s, 9:15 pm

John Carroll CD Release @ the Black Sheep Inn, 8:30 pm

Sunday, January 15

Dr. Dave hosts the Jam @ the Rainbow, 3-7 pm

Friday, January 20

Rocket Rached & the Fat City 8 @ Irene’s, 9:30 pm

Saturday, January 21

Terry Gillespie Trio @ La Grange de la Gatineau, 8 pm

Back Talk Organ Trio @ Irene’s, 9:30 pm

Sunday, January 22

Al Wood Trio hosts the Jam @ the Rainbow, 3-7 pm

Joe Gaspar Band @ The Rainbow, 9:45 pm

Friday, January 27

Bluestone @ Tucson’s, 9:15 pm

Sunday, January 29

River City Junction hosts the Jam @ the Rainbow, 3-7 pm

Friday, February 3

JW-Jones @ the Rainbow, 10 pm

Saturday, February 4

Kinnexa Cross CD release @ the Rainbow, 7-10 pm

Ball & Chain and the Wreckers @ Irene’s, 9:30 pm

Friday, February 10

Sexy Guitar Night featuring Salacious Sax @ Irene’s, 9:30 pm

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