*****************************************************
JUNO AWARD - BLUES
*****************************************************
Congratulations to Jim Byrnes on his Juno Award for “Everywhere West”. This is Jim’s 3rd Juno … his first was for “That River” in 1996, when the category was still called ‘Blues & Gospel’. He won his 2nd Juno, in the 2007 Blues category, for “House of Refuge”. Both “House of Refuge” and “Everywhere West” are on Steve Dawson’s Black Hen Label, which is also the label of the winner in the Solo Roots & Traditional Category – Old Man Luedeke’s “My Hands Are On Fire and Other Love Songs”.
*****************************************************
SPECIAL EVENTS THIS WEEK
*****************************************************
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.
******************************************************
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.”
******************************************************
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
******************************************************
LOCAL HIGHLIGHTS THIS WEEKEND
*****************************************************
Drew Nelson
Irene’s Pub, 885 Bank Street
Friday, April 1 @ 9 pm
The amazing Drew Nelson and The April Fools lurch into spring with a rare performance at one of their favourite venues.
http://www.reverbnation.com/drewnelsonband
http://www.myspace.com/drewnelsonband
*****************************************************
Wicked Grin
Atomic Rooster, 303 Bank Street
Saturday, April 2 @ 9 pm
It’s time to party. It’s Murray’s 60th (!!!) and seeing as how you only turn 60 twice, Wicked Grin has decided to have a party this time!
Lots of music - some tunes by Double Double as well as Green Tambourine.
Be there or be square.
http://www.atomicrooster.ca/Calendar.html
*****************************************************
AREA HIGHLIGHTS THIS WEEK
*****************************************************
The 13th edition of Virée Blues Boréale presents
Ben Racine Blues Band
With special guest Kevin Mark
Le Petit Chicago, 50 Promenade du Portage, in the Old Hull sector
Wednesday, March 29 @ 8 pm
For a second year in a row, Virée Blues Boréale wanted to mark the anniversary of one of its major partners, le Petit Chicago, by offering one of its shows within the venue’s anniversary program. So we invited a Bluesman from the Outaouais – a fast rising star in the Canadian Blues circuit, one who recently accomplished major steps toward the top in his career, and a double nominee in the ‘Cabaret’ and ‘Relève’ categories at the 9th edition of the Lys Blues Awards.
Ben Racine displays a soul voice fit for the greatest R&B artists of the ‘50s and ‘60s. Inspired by great singers like Junior Walker, Bill Withers, Stevie Wonder and Clarence Carter, he’ll bring you back to a time when the voice was the heart of music. In addition to his voice, Ben’s guitar playing can spread over an extensive range of styles which will surely please the Blues aficionados as well as funk music fans. The minute he comes on stage, his contagious energy teams up with his charisma to bring out a highly special sound.
And the prodigious Bluesman brings a top level team:
Kevin Mark – upright & electric bass – brings decades of scenic experience as well as a solid groove to Ben Racine’s group.
Little Frankie Thiffault – tenor & baritone sax – Many refer to him as one of the best Montreal Blues saxophonists. And he’s at his best in concerts! His unique sound pushes further in the steps of the likes of Junior Walker, David ‘Fathead’ Newman and of King Curtis.
Mat “Moose” Mousseau – baritone sax – has contributed to numerous recordings and performed locally as well as internationally. He now brings to this group his well-rounded solid sound. He is also a member of the Kevin Mark Blues Band since 2004.
Nicky Estor – drums – a professional musician from the age of 16, influenced by old school drummers like Fred Below and Richard Innes, Nicky brings his inspired Blues of the ‘50s and his R&B playing.
on facebook under “vireebluesboreale”
******************************************************
Alcorn David Duo
Knox Fine Dining, 16976 MacLean Road, Moose Creek
Saturday, April 2
Treat yourself to the soul satisfying duo of Eric David voice and Mark Alcorn jazz guitar. Their songbook contains music arranged for voice and guitar covering fine jazz, unique pop classics, and the best blues songs. Presented in their signature laid-back, deep groovin’ style.
http://www.knoxfinedining.com/
******************************************************
LOCAL HIGHLIGHTS EVERY WEEK
*****************************************************
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
*******************************************************
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 31 – Rod Williams & Murray Kinsley
April 7 – Jason Fryer & Caroline Addison
April 14 – Jed Rached
April 21– Terry Gillespie
April 28 – Jeff Hagerman
May 5 – Chuck Karn
May 12 – Natalia Cabrera & Tony Cook
May 19 – Scott Amey
May 26 – Victor Nesrallah
http://bacton.smugmug.com/share/cFoCZfrollzaE
********************************************************
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).
********************************************************
Sunday Blues, 6-9 pm, no cover
Atomic Rooster, 303 Bank Street (at MacLaren)
********************************************************
Southwest Sundays
With The Dusty Drifters
Irene’s Pub, 885 Bank Street
Sundays, 9:30 pm – 1 am
********************************************************
The Jam @ Kaffé 1870, Wakefield QC
Every Wednesday @ 9 pm, no cover
6 rotating hosts, each specializing in a different genre
********************************************************
LOCAL HIGHLIGHTS ONCE A MONTH
********************************************************
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
*******************************************************
BLUES ON THE RIDEAU 6th SEASON
*******************************************************
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
******************************************************
APRIL CLASSES & LECTURES
******************************************************
Jazz Guitar Masterclass
With Mike Rud
Alcorn Music Studios, 903 Carling Ave
Saturday, April 16, 11 am – 1 pm; tickets - $20 Students $15
“Rud …is nothing less than a revelation. The Edmonton native, who lived in Montreal and studied with the great Jim Hall in New York, delivers fleet guitar lines that demonstrate his world-class talents.” Chris Wong - The Vancouver Courier
One of Canada’s finest jazz guitarists, the amazing Mike Rud will be providing handouts to accompany his discussion of guitar techniques, plus some stories, some playing, some question and answer and loads of inspiration!
http://www.mikerud.com
You can catch Mike in concert Friday night, April 15 at Café Paradiso with Peter Hum (piano) and Alec Walkington (bass).
********************
Inside the Music hosted by Tim Bedner presents
Master Guitarist Charlie Hunter with drummer Terence Higgins
Alcorn Music Studios, 903 Carling Ave
Friday, April 22, 5-6:30 pm; tickets - $20
"Charlie’s melodic, groove-oriented style is best described as fluid yet thick, and he's able to coax notes out of his custom, 7-string axe beyond the reach of conventional musicians."
A huge thanks to Tim Bedner! Due to his persistence Charlie Hunter and his drummer Terence Higgins will be stopping by the intimate space at Alcorn Music Studios for a lecture/demo. The duo hosted by Tim Bedner will play music, discuss their background, tell stories, answer questions, all up close and personal.
Master guitarist Charlie Hunter has worked with everyone from Michael Franti, Dave Ellis, Jay Lane, Les Claypool, Norah Jones, Stanton Moore, Skerik, Bobby Previte, Christian McBride, D'Angelo, and John Mayer. He plays rhythm, bass, and lead all on his own, all at the same time using a custom 7 string guitar. Joining Charlie is drummer Terence Higgins from the Dirty Dozen Brass Band. Charlie Hunter has a great website with lots of video clips
Terence Higgins, internationally known as the drummer for the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, is as well versed in the churning New Orleans funk style as any man can be. Born and raised in NOLA, Higgins has performed with everyone from Widespread Panic to Dr. John to Norah Jones, and has even gained his own set of peers in other drummers such as Brian Blade, Russell Batiste Jr., and Stanton Moore. Higgins appears on dozens of albums, but with his first solo CD, “In The Bywater”, his own ideas have become a force to be reckoned with.
http://www.myspace.com/terencehiggins
You can catch Charlie Hunter and Terence Higgins in concert Friday night, April 21 at the Elmdale House Tavern.
********************
For more info:
613-729-0693
******************************************************
SPECIAL EVENTS COMING SOON
******************************************************
Rev. Ernie Cox
NAC 4th Stage, 53 Elgin Street
Friday, April 8 @ 8 pm; tickets $30
Good news! Ernie's coming back to the NAC 4th Stage for a night of blues & black gospel — and this time he's bringing a new, intimate trio setup with him.
For this one night, Ernie's going to cover piano and vocals, with Don Cummings on B3 organ and Phil Bova on drums. Special guest vocalists will join the trio for the evening, along with the wonderful sax playing of Mike Webster — all the way from NYC. Guest vocalists include Ottawa’s own Andrea Karam and Iyono Ede.
The small, personal vibe of the 4th Stage is perfect for Ernie's new trio format — the soulful grand piano and a big helping of that classic Hammond B3 sound make for a wonderful, one-night-only performance.
Both of Ernie's 4th Stage shows last year sold out almost two weeks early. Don't miss out!
http://erniecox.com/
******************************************************
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
******************************************************
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/
******************************************************
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.
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
******************************************************
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.
******************************************************
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!
******************************************************
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/
or on facebook under “vireebluesboreale”
******************************************************
Alcorn David Duo
Molto Kitchen, 131 Promenade du Portage, Gatineau
Saturday, April 23
Treat yourself to the soul satisfying duo of Eric David voice and Mark Alcorn jazz guitar. Their songbook contains music arranged for voice and guitar covering fine jazz, unique pop classics, and the best blues songs. Presented in their signature laid-back, deep groovin’ style.
http://www.moltokitchenandwinebar.com
******************************************************
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.
******************************************************
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
******************************************************
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”.
******************************************************
PRAIRIE SCENE
******************************************************
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.
********************
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/
********************
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/
********************
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.littlemisshiggins.com/
******************************************************
Smokin' Joe Kubek and B'nois King
Perth Studio Theatre, Perth ON
Thursday, May 12
Regent Theatre, Picton ON
Friday, May 13
Legion Hall, Orr Street, Cobourg ON
Saturday, May 14
With Texas Blues Legends Smokin' Joe Kubek and B'nois King, it's like getting 2 greats for the price of one and as the name says, Joe is a Smokin' guitar player. Over the years they have gigged regularly with Stevie Ray Vaughan, Albert King, Freddie King, B. B. King among others. This will be an evening of smokin' Texas Road House Blues. Be prepared to dance in the aisles!
http://www.smokinjoekubek.com/
http://www.zapp-productions.com/
******************************************************
OTTAWA BLUESFEST NEWS
******************************************************
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
********************
'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:
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
******************************************************
BLUES IN KINGSTON
******************************************************
KINGSTON COMING EVENTS
*************************************
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.
Tickets available at Grand Theatre box office (613-530-2050)
Information: morningstar@bell.net (613-378-2736)
*************************************
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)
***************************************
KINGSTON REGULAR EVENTS
***************************************
KBS Monthly Jam
The Standeasy
RCHA Club, 193 Ontario Street, Kingston ON
Third Saturday of each month, $3 at the door
Come out and see Mojo Shooter with special guest
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
********************
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
********************
For more, please contact Kingston Blues Society
*******************************************************
BLUES ON THE RADIO
*******************************************************
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, April 3 – Blues Juno nominees & winner
Next week, April 10 – Post-Memphis/IBC blues
**********
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, April 3 – Interview – Paul Reddick
Next week, April 3 – Interview – David Wilcox
*************************
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.
**********
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 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.
Next week, April 6 – Listen Before You Buy: Recent jazz and blues releases. Will include the big bands of John Burnett, Joseph Daley & Mr. Ho, a feature on Ottawa musician Dean Pallen, and the blues of Papa Chubby, Damon Fowler, Buddy Guy, James Kinds & John Studebaker.
**********
Alternate Sunday overnights (Monday morning) from 2-7 am
Rockin' the Blues From Canada
with Diane Wells
*************************
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
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.
*************************
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!
*******************************************************
CBC RADIO CONCERTS ON DEMAND
*******************************************************
Lots of blues available in the concerts on demand section of the CBC Website …
********************************************************
WEEKLY EVENTS ON THE SMALL SCREEN
********************************************************
ALWAYS check local listings to confirm.
On BRAVO – http://www.bravo.ca
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.
********************************************************
LOCALS LOOK AHEAD
********************************************************
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
Sunday, May 1
Al Wood Trio hosts the Sunday afternoon Blues Jam @ the Rainbow, 4-7:30 pm
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
Robert Farrell, the Chaffey Brothers & Gerry Wall @ the Rainbow
Sunday, May 8
Dr. Dave hosts the Sunday afternoon Blues Jam @ the Rainbow, 4-7:30 pm
Wednesday, May 11
OBS Road to Memphis, Solo/Duo Finals @ Irene’s
Friday, May 13
JW-Jones @ the Rainbow
Sunday, May 15
Wicked Grin hosts the Sunday afternoon Blues Jam @ the Rainbow, 4-7:30 pm
Friday, May 20
The Brothers Chaffey @ the Elmdale House Tavern, 9:30 pm
Sunday, May 23
Maria Hawkins hosts the Sunday afternoon Blues Jam @ the Rainbow, 4-7:30 pm
Sunday, May 30
River City Junction hosts the Sunday afternoon Blues Jam @ the Rainbow, 4-7:30 pm
********************************************************
********************************************************
