08 April 2013

Ottawa Blues This Week - 8 April 2013



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SPECIAL EVENTS THIS WEEK
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The 17th edition of Virée Blues Boréale presents
Bharath & His Rhythm Four
Le Petit Chicago, 50 Promenade du Portage (Old Hull Sector)
Wednesday, April 10 @ 8 pm; $15

For the beginning of April, Virée Blues Boréale wished to mark the 9th Anniversary of Le Petit Chicago with a very special show. As ‘travel in time’ has become a ‘patent feature’ of Virée Blues Boréale, we have chosen one of the best kept secrets of the Blues scene to reach our goal. With a striking and amplified ‘Mississippi Saxophone’ style, like the fathers of the Blues, Little Walter, Big Walter Horton and Sonny Boy Williamson II used to play, our next guests are nothing short of the true traditional ‘Chicago Style’ Blues ambassadors in Canada! Le Petit Chicago will never have been more aptly named!

Bharath & His Rhythm Four is a Blues band from Montreal that has won plaudits from some of the greatest exponents of the genre.  The harmonica playing of Bharath Rajakumar, often compared to Little Walter’s, vocal style close to Muddy Water’s, the band’s authentic and purist approach and incomparable energy are inspired by the great American Bluesmen who once shook the juke joints of Chicago and of the American Midwest. Faithful disciples of Muddy Waters, Little Walter and their cohorts, the band manages to keep the tradition alive without resorting to mere mimicry. Winner of the Toronto Blues Society 2007 Talent Search, Bharath Rajakumar with his harmonica, his Rhythm Four and his style, inspired by the ‘50s Chicago and Arkansas Blues history, is a band solidly rooted in traditional Blues. It’s all there: the sound, the voice, the musical instruments and the awkward gait. Alternately menacing and celebratory, brooding and boastful, Bharath & His Rhythm Four band gaze in the past not with nostalgia but with stunning passion. A perfect refinement, the distillation of their forefathers, Bharath & His Rhythm Four with their unfailing energy never fail to make an impression.

True encyclopedia of Little Walter’s works, self-taught and likely one of the most passionate in the world for this genre, harmonicist and singer Bharath Rajakumar founded this band that he wanted solidly rooted in traditional Blues in 1996. With Colin Perry, who was featured at Virée Blues Boréale last March, on guitars, Costa Zafiropoulos on bass and Ben Caissie on drums, they have become features of Blues festivals, namely Mont-Tremblant, Ottawa and Beauvais, in France.   We can follow this charismatic band all through its career path featured with Pinetop Perkins, Willie ‘Big Eyes’ Smith and Junior Watson from the West Coast and accompanied by Steve Marriner, Kevin Mark, Slim Wood and Martin Gagnon on their various albums.

The free spirit of the post-war period will take hold of Le Petit Chicago at the Virée Blues Boréale with Bharath & His Rhythm Four and may be a few more guests who would want to celebrate this anniversary/

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Irene Torres & The Sugar Devils
Rainbow, 76 Murray Street
Friday, April 12

Irene Torres & The Sugar Devils' musical diversity, talent and raw energy, makes them truly unique. Drawing from all genres, they mesh the past & present to create a new generation of deep rooted music with a New Orleans flavour.

Shortly after winning the 2012 TBS award, they were nominated for a Sigy Born award and selected for a Toronto Independent Music Award. They have received rave reviews as well as critics picks for their self titled album which has ranked #1 on some college radio stations, #4 on reverbnation, top 5, top 30 and top 100 on Canadian and international music charts.

Sultry Peruvian born Irene Torres is recognized as the singer for Sol Azul, Santerias & The Sugar Devils. Her voice and lyrics can be heard on worldwide radio stations, radio commercials, television, soundtracks and fashion shows. She is a quadruple threat with a back ground in dancing, acting, broadcasting and martial arts. Her talents stretch beyond lyrics and singing, when it's time to perform she transforms you back or forward in time.

The Sugar Devils are comprised of experienced musicians from all genres, including sugar-coated Drew Austin, renowned drummer, percussionist, and clinician who has worked with award winning artists internationally. Drew's philosophy is that music is medicine, he uses drumming as vibration therapy through The Sugar Devils musical diversity. Devilish Guitarist, educator and musical director Josh ‘Yoshi’ Piche is a Brandon University Music Alumni who plays any instrument with strings. Producer and Multi instrumentalist Rob Christian is nothing short of brilliant on flute, sax, keys, and vocals, but don't let that fool you, he brings the fire. Bassist and arranger Jesse Boxer-Meyrowitz is a Humber College music alumni who is a much heavier contender on stage than in the ring, his playing is sweet as hell.

Currently on tour in the US, they’ll be back in Canada in early April and you can catch their show at the Rainbow, April 12.
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Cameron Wallis
            CD Release “Calling Dexter”
Gig Space, 953 Gladstone Avenue
Sunday, April 14 @ 7:30 pm; tickets $15

“Calling Dexter” is a highly melodic and swinging bebop album, reminiscent of classic recordings by Dexter Gordon, Sonny Rollins, and Sonny Stitt. The album boasts the Canadian All-Star rhythm section of Andre White on piano, Alec Walkington on bass, and Dave Laing on Drums. This in-demand trio has played together for over 20 years, backing up a veritable who’s who of jazz icons, including Benny Golson, Jimmy Heath, and Slide Hampton, and lends their tight, cohesive support to Wallis.

The 10 tracks on the album include 5 Wallis originals and 5 timeless standards. Recorded on September 16th & 18th, 2011, by Montreal impresario George Doxas, the album was captured ʻdirect to tapeʼ. No post-production editing or corrections were done to ensure an authentic and honest jazz sound.

Wallis fearlessly attacks the 10 tracks on 5 different saxophones, a diverse collection of vintage horns that he takes pride in. Most notably, the closing track “Blowing Sunshine” showcases a rarely heard C-Melody saxophone, an instrument that hasnʼt been manufactured in over 80 years! Again, the goal here is not perfection, but rather, humility and depth of character.

Blues fans! Cameron assures me there are three blues tunes on this disc!
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LOCAL HIGHLIGHTS THIS WEEK
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Shout Sister! Choir In Concert
            A fundraiser to support the Trinity Jubilee Foundation
Trinity United Church, 1099 Maitland Road
Saturday, April 13 @ 7:30 pm; all ages show; tickets $20, children under 12 $10

Shout Sister! directed by Jody Benjamin, takes an unorthodox and enjoyable approach to choral singing. The focus is on relaxing and having fun while singing a wide range of popular music. Audiences delight at their selection of pop tunes with lots of Canadian content. There are no auditions and new members of all ages are welcome at any time. Our members enjoy fellowship and mutual support in addition to joyful singing.
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LOCALS THIS WEEK
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Tuesday, April 9          
            Al Wood & Simon Meilleur duo @ the Chelsea Pub, 7-10 pm
Friday, April 12
            Zydeco Loco @ Bassline Station Pub & Eatery, 9 pm
Saturday, April 13
            Jesse Greene Band @ the Rainbow, 10 pm
            MonkeyJunk @ Manotick United Church
Sunday, April 14
            Maria Hawkins hosts the Open Blues Jam @ the Rainbow
            Phoenix @ the Atomic Rooster, 6-9 pm
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AREA HIGHLIGHTS THIS WEEK
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MonkeyJunk
The John St. Pub, 129 John Street, Arnprior ON
Friday, April 12 @ 9 pm; $25 (advance) or $30 at the door (if available)

2012 JUNO AWARD winners for Best Blues Album!! (Canada's equivalent to the Grammy Awards) and 15-Time Maple Blues Award winners in a short 5-year existence … WOW!!
MonkeyJunk is: Steve Marriner (vocals, harmonica, keyboards, guitar); Tony D (lead guitar); Matt Sobb (drums).
http://monkeyjunkband.com/

This is a General Admission event! Seating and standing first come, first serve. *We advise for best seating and standing selections that all ticket holders arrive for 7 pm. Everyone must be at the event prior to 8 pm. Those who would like to eat at the pub should arrive at 7:00 pm.

Tickets are limited, so hurry and get yours today! Be a part of this live performance with MonkeyJunk at The John St. Pub
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An Evening with Steve Strongman & Friends   ***75% SOLD***
Supporting the Music By The Bay Festival
Pickering Recreation Complex, 1867 Valley Farm Road, Pickering ON
Friday April 12; doors @ 7 pm; tickets $35

Supporting the Music By The Bay Festival
Steve Strongman won three Maple Blues Awards in Toronto in January and his latest release, “A Natural Fact” is nominated for a Juno Award.
Opening:  Cole Hermer and Caught in the Crossfire
Tickets available online www.musicbythebaylive.com
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Watson’s Mill ‘Raise the Roof’ Concert Series
featuring MonkeyJunk
Manotick United Church, Manotick ON
Saturday, April 13; Tickets $25 or $60 for a family pack
            Doors open at 6:30 pm (pre-concert social hour with cash bar); show time is 7:30 pm

For our second co-production of the winter/spring season, Watson's Mill and the Manotick United Church are co-producing a concert featuring the Juno award winning (2012 Blues Album of the Year) blues trio, MonkeyJunk. We are very happy that The Mill Tavern has joined us as a concert sponsor.

Things will be a bit livelier for this show. MonkeyJunk’s music is described as “a generous helping of swamp rhythm and blues, soul boogie and bedroom funk” and there is bound to be lots of toe tapping and knee slapping in the concert hall.

Tickets are available at Manotick Office Pro, Main Street, Manotick and at Watson's Mill. If you want to make it "dinner and a show", we have discounts for concert-goers at The Mill Tavern and Burgers On Main.
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LOCAL HIGHLIGHTS (almost) EVERY WEEK
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Al Tambay
Bassline Pub & Eatery, 2557 Baseline Road
Every Tuesday, 8-11 pm; no cover

Al plays here every Tuesday … and sometimes he invites one of his friends to join him.
Check out the food … Al really likes the wraps!
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John Carroll
Chateau Lafayette (The Laff), 42 York Street
Wednesdays, 10 pm
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Groovy’s Swinging Thang on Thursdays
Groovy’s Roti Hut, 292 McArthur Avenue
Each week on Thursdays – 6-9 pm

These cats sound good, look good and are about the coolest gig you could pick on a Thursday night. C’mon over, y'all, and get your southern fix right here in Ottawa's East End, every Thursday.
With Brian Downey drums, Winston Groovy Wilson on T bone, Maren Molthan vocals, Brent Weatherall guitar/bass, Kenny Kannwisher upright bass, Sean Duhaime guitar.
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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:  
            April 11 – Jason & Caroline
            April 18 – Dean Dupuis
            April 25 – Terry Gillespie
            May 2 – Vince Halfhide
            May 9 – Don Cummings
            May 16 – Jed Rached
            May 23 – Mark Crissinger
            May 30 – Brent ‘Buck’ Tingley

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Firebelly
Atomic Rooster, 303 Bank Street (at MacLaren)
Saturdays, once a month

Firebelly is Mathieu Gagnon on harmonica, Fredy Carriere on guitar, Dan Grewal on bass and Mike McNeil on drums.  Firebelly recently represented the Ottawa Blues Society in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis TN, January 29-February 2, 2012.
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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)

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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
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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.
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Blues and jazz jam at GigSpace
Alcorn Music Studios, 953 Gladstone Avenue
4th Thursday each month @ 8 pm
            $5 donation kindly encouraged

With Tim Bedner - seven-string guitar; David Pontello – drums; Mark Alcorn - bass
A jazz and blues jam on the fourth Thursday of each month: bring your instrument and sit in on some tunes you enjoy playing, or hang out and listen!
www.alcornmusicstudios.com

www.gigspaceottawa.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.

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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SPECIAL EVENTS COMING SOON
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Morgan Davis
Irene’s Pub, 885 Bank Street
Wednesday, April 17; $12

For nearly four decades Morgan Davis has been on the road travelling across Canada, the United States and Europe. His performances draw from a rich tradition of country blues, as well as his own contemporary songs infused with wit and a large dose of humour.
Davis has established a rich career as a solo artist, and also performs with stellar line-ups of musicians as a trio or full band.
Morgan's passion for the Blues has never wavered... and he fully expects to be on the road for the rest of his life.
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Cheryl Lescom & The Tucson Choir Boys     ***SOLD OUT***
Upstairs at The Waterfront, 590 Liverpool Road, Pickering ON
Friday April 19 @ at 9 pm; Tickets $35
To be placed on the waiting list for tickets, email musicbythebay@rogers.com with your name & phone number along with the # of tickets needed & you will be notified if tickets become available.

Cheryl Lescom has been part of the Canadian Blues Scene for over 30 years. Starting off as a back-up singer for Ronnie Hawkins and Long John Baldry, Cheryl has recorded, toured and performed with the likes of Jeff Healy, Matt Minglewood, Dutch Mason the Downchild Blues Band and more. After an absence to raise a family, Cheryl recorded two independent CDs before taking some time off to recover from a bout with cancer.  Her “High Heeled Blues” CD features 14 songs including ‘Queen Bee’ written by Juno Award winner (and the CDs producer and guitarist) Jack De Keyzer, ‘I Can’t Stand It’ written by Mr. Downchild, Donnie Walsh (who guests on the CD) and ‘Beg Borrow Steal’ written by Matt Minglewood. The first single ‘Heartache’ features additional vocals by the Detroit Women and piano from Juno nominee Julian Fauth.
When Cheryl teamed up with the Tucson Choir Boys (“Sameday” Ray Walsh and Dave The Cat) for an appearance at the Grapejam Acoustic Blues Festival, the response was phenomenal.  After doing a few more gigs together the decision was made to start writing some original material.  After a year of touring and recording, the Cheryl Lescom & The Tuscon Choir Boys CD was released, garnering airplay on blues, pop and roots radio across Canada.
Band Members: Cheryl Lescom (vocals), Ray Walsh (guitar), Dave The Cat (guitar), Jimmy Bourdreau (drums), Les Graham (bass), Kris "K.K." Walsh (percussion)
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Sunday Matinee Dance Shows with
Ball and Chain and the Wreckers
Westboro Masonic Hall, 430 Churchill Avenue
Sunday, April 21

Doors open @ 3 pm; dance lesson @ 3:15 pm; band starts @ 4 pm; dance ends @ 7 pm
Admission: $12 at the door; cash bar;
Louisiana style red beans & rice will be served; pot-luck offerings are welcome

Come out and dance to a great local dance band focused on Country, Cajun and Roots grooves of the ‘40s, ‘50s & ‘60s. Lots of room for dancing and the hall has a hardwood floor! A friendly crowd is guaranteed; no need to bring a partner. Don’t be shy … come out and enjoy a fun afternoon!
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JW-Jones
Les Brasseurs du Temps, 170 rue Montcalm, Gatineau
Sunday, April 21 @ 8 pm: $20

Les Brasseurs du Temps are proud to present Canada’s Top Touring Bluesman. JW-Jones is moving up with a boundary breaking CD. On his seventh release, aptly titled “Seventh Hour”, Jones has teamed up with multi-Juno award winning artist/producer, Steve Dawson, to mix the album. Guitar World Magazine featured a CD called “Guitar Masters Vol. 2” that put Jones alongside guitar stars B.B. King, Jimmy Page, and Carlos Santana among others, which led him to an endorsement deal with Gibson guitars. While keeping one foot firmly planted in the roots he came from, this Maple Blues Award winner believes that appealing to a younger audience is the most important way to ensure the evolution of blues-based music.
Musicians who tour with Jones – Richard Janssen (drums) and Laura Greenberg (bass) – always add a powerful energy to the stage.
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Big Mama! The Willie Mae Thornton Story
            starring Jackie Richardson
NAC Theatre, 53 Elgin Street
April 24 – May 11; 90 minute show (no intermission); tickets from $30

Produced by Belfry Theatre (Victoria, BC)
Before Elvis sang ‘Hound Dog’ and Janis Joplin belted out ‘Ball & Chain’, Willie Mae Thornton had already been there and done that. Her powerful voice, sexy songs, and larger-than-life stage presence made her a blues legend. In this musical, written for and starring Jackie Richardson – “Canada’s first lady of jazz” – you’ll be part of the scene at a ‘70s club in L.A., where Big Mama tells her story and sings the blues – which she once described as “nothing but life, good food, good times, and good sex.” Guaranteed to rock your soul.
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Northern Scene
National Arts Centre and other local venues
From April 25 to May 4

From April 25 to May 4, Canada’s National Arts Centre will present Northern Scene, the sixth in a series of national Scene festivals celebrating and showcasing our country’s finest established and emerging artists. Northern Scene will feature more than 250 artists from Yukon, the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Nunavik and Nunatsiavut to take over the nation’s capital. Musicians, actors, dancers, writers, visual and media artists, filmmakers, storytellers, and chefs will bring their unique talents to audiences throughout the region – a virtual Northern invasion!
Northern Scene will present a vast living portrait of this unique region – combining traditional and contemporary, shaking stereotypes and celebrating new voices.

Northern Blues
Rainbow, 76 Murray Street
Saturday, May 4 @ 10 pm; tickets $10

Brandon Isaak, aka Yukon Slim, is a blues balladeer with a monster guitar technique and a soulful, kicked-back voice. He effortlessly channels oldstyle blues, infusing them with just a hint of country. His most recent album, Bluesman’s Plea”, picked up a nomination for Blues Recording of the Year at the 2012 Western Canadian Music Awards.
With his lonesome bluesman drawl, a baritone that comes from deep within his soul, and fingers that seem to caress the frets of his guitar, Ryan McNally transports you straight to the sultry backrooms of a Louisiana bar, and you are so glad you came! Ryan’s band features some of Yukon’s top musicians, including Declan O’Donovan, Lonnie Powell, and ‘Harmonica’ George McConkey.
Whether sharing the stage with JUNO Award-winner Leela Gilday or gettin’ down with Paul Reddick, blueswoman Grey Gritt brings a little bit of soul mixed with a handful of blues, with a hefty serving of metaphors and a dash of tattoos!
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2nd Annual Ottawa Grassroots Folk Festival
Royal Canadian (Montgomery) Legion, 330 Kent St. Ottawa (corner of MacLaren Street)
Saturday & Sunday, April 27-28; daytime events are free
Tickets for evening shows $25 or $35 weekend pass

An annual family-oriented celebration of folk music, dance, and spoken word.
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DAWG FM presents
Chris Whiteley & Diana Braithwaite
            CD release “Scrap Metal Blues”
Rainbow, 76 Murray Street
Sunday, April 28

Diana Braithwaite and Chris Whiteley have been called "blues icons" by the Toronto Star, and their list of accomplishments certainly back that up. Their list of awards includes 8 Maple Blues Awards, Gemini Award, Cable Ace Award, Golden Sheaf Award (Songwriting) and 6 Juno nominations. They recently performed their original works commissioned by the Toronto Blues Society and the Canada Council called The Blues Suite at the Glenn Gould Theater in Toronto. They will be in Ottawa to promote their latest Electro-Fi release, ‘Scrap Metal Blues’.
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Edgar Winter & Kim Simmonds

Brockville Arts Centre, Brockville ON
Wednesday, May 1 @ 8 pm

Capitol Theatre, Port Hope ON
Thursday, May 2 @ 8 pm

Market Hall, Peterborough ON
Friday, May 3 @ 8 pm
            http://tickets.markethall.org/

Regent Theatre, Oshawa ON
Saturday, May 4 @ 8 pm
            http://tickets.regenttheatre.ca/

Regent Theatre, Picton ON
Sunday, May 5 @ 8 pm

Edgar Winter is a powerhouse performer. His stage energy and talent is unmatched. He is a world class keyboardist, saxophonist, percussionist and vocalist.  Edgar was a child prodigy who achieved international success as a youth. By the time he was in his twenties, he was an international commercial success with the number one hit "Frankenstein" and the Rock Anthem "Free Ride".

Edgar is a prolific writer. Over the years he has kept busy working and appearing in film, television and releasing original material. He has toured regularly with his own band as well as The Ringo Starr Allstar Band. Edgar brings a band with him that matches his talent and energy.

This is a special tour. Edgar and Kim are friends. They are both at their peak and they are both very personable down to earth people. When you come to this show, you will get a chance to meet the artists and get an autograph.

Kim Simmonds of Savoy Brown....legendary... a Blues/rock institution... true innovators. These are just a few of the ways Savoy Brown has been described over the past forty years by music critics and fans.

One of the earliest of British Blues Bands, Savoy Brown, with founder guitarist Kim Simmonds at the helm, helped launch the 1967 UK blues boom movement that brought blues music back to the USA invigorating the style forever. In the process, the band became part of the framework that launched the rock and roll music of the 1970s.

In the fall Kim played at the Blues Rock Festival in Toronto with Johnny Winter, Edgar Winter and Rick Derringer (Edgar's top notch band will be backing Kim on his set, much to Kim's delight). He is a legend whose exceptional guitar playing has gotten better over the years. Kim Simmonds of Savoy Brown's set includes all the classic songs that you want to hear, played better than ever.
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Guitar Now! Conference
Carleton University
Friday to Sunday, May 3-5
Three-Day comprehensive tuition and concert pass: $160
Individual one-day tuition and single concert pass: $65
Single concert ticket: $35
Three-day concert pass (only): $80                                                                           

Guitar Now! brings together some of Canada's (and the world's!) finest guitarists for a 3-day series of workshops and concerts. Guitar students aged 14 and older will learn their craft from the masters in a series of explorations, workshops and concerts.
Jazz, Classical, country and fingerstyle guitarists will be participating.
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Hogtown Allstars – Encore Performance          ***VERY FEW TICKETS LEFT***
Upstairs at The Waterfront, 590 Liverpool Road, Pickering ON
Friday, May 10 @ at 9 pm; Tickets $45

Get ready for some BIG TIME BLUES!
A supergroup made up of six players from two of Canada's most famous Blues bands: Downchild and Fathead. Featuring Chuck Jackson - lead vocals and harp; Michael Fonfara – keyboards; Pat Carey – sax; Gary Kendall – bass and Mike Fitzpatrick – drums, all from Downchild, plus Teddy Leonard on guitar from Fathead.
www.musicbythebaylive.com
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Declan O’Donovan
Neat Coffee Shop, 1715 Calabogie Road, Burnstown ON
Saturday, May 11; $15

With a raw, gritty and unique voice, singer/pianist Declan O’Donovan is a master storyteller who draws his audiences in with evocative lyrics, a sense of humour just this side of dark, and a sweet melodic charm that is plain irresistible. Moving his deft fingers along the keyboard, swiftly changing from blues & roots rock to Canadiana and back again, this genre-bending singer/songwriter possesses a truly organic sound and a story (or two) to tell.
http://declanodonovan.com
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Buck Tingley & The Hard Lookin Tickets
The Atomic Rooster, 303 Bank Street
Saturday, May 11; 9:30-10 pm start

A new project led by Buck Tingley … early Rock 'n’ Roll and anything that sounds sexy.
Featuring:
Buck Tingley (Vocals/guitar)
Peter ‘Kid’ Rioux (Hammond organ)
Bill Brennan (Drums)
Frank Scanga (Barritone Sax)
Terry Owen (Tenor Sax)
Dan Grewal (Bass)
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Dawg Day Afternoon & The Joe Gaspar Band
The Brass Monkey, 250A Greenbank Road
Friday, May 17 @ 8 pm; $5 cover

Double bill, double the fun, double the blues that bruise!!
Dawg Day Afternoon is at it again, and this time it's with Joe Gaspar and his awesome crew!
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Bharath & His Rythym Four with Buck Tingley
Irene’s Pub, 885 Bank Street
Friday, May 17 @ 9:30 pm

Montreal harp-master Bharath Rajakumar and his band team up with now-local guitar-slinger Buck Tingley.
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Sunday Matinee Dance Shows with
Ball and Chain and the Wreckers
Westboro Masonic Hall, 430 Churchill Avenue
Sunday, May 19
Doors open @ 3 pm; dance lesson @ 3:15 pm; band starts @ 4 pm; dance ends @ 7 pm
Admission: $12 at the door; cash bar;
Louisiana style red beans & rice will be served; pot-luck offerings are welcome

Come out and dance to a great local dance band focused on Country, Cajun and Roots grooves of the ‘40s, ‘50s & ‘60s. Lots of room for dancing and the hall has a hardwood floor! A friendly crowd is guaranteed; no need to bring a partner. Don’t be shy … come out and enjoy a fun afternoon!
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MonkeyJunk
Neat Coffee Shop, 1715 Calabogie Road, Burnstown ON
Thursday & Friday, May 23-24; $30

2012 JUNO AWARD winners for Best Blues Album and 15-Time Maple Blues Award winners in a short 5-year existence.
They’ll be playing songs from their first two CDs and some of the new ones from their upcoming release.
MonkeyJunk is: Steve Marriner (vocals, harmonica, keyboards, guitar); Tony D (lead guitar); Matt Sobb (drums).
http://monkeyjunkband.com/
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Save the Date - 4th Season Finale
Upstairs at The Waterfront, 590 Liverpool Road, Pickering ON
Thursday, May 30 @ at 9 pm

A night of New Orleanian Blues with a full band and lots of room for dancing.
More info coming soon.
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17th edition VIRÉE BLUES BORÉALE
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At Le Troquet, 41 Laval, Gatineau (Old Hull)
April 24 – Mike Goudreau Band CD release
May 29 – Carolyn Fe Blues Collective

At Le Petit Chicago, 50 promenade du Portage, Gatineau (Old Hull)
            April 10 – Bharath & His Rhythm Four
            May 8 – Jeff Rogers
            June 12 – Jim Zeller

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CALABOGIE BLUES PRESENTS
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Calabogie Blues Weekend
Calabogie Peaks Resort, Calabogie ON

Wild T & the Spirit
Saturday, April 20
‘Wild T & the Spirit’ is a power trio from Toronto, Canada that just plain rocks! Mixing the styles of blues, rock, funk & reggae, the band has thrilled & captivated audiences all over North America & Europe for the past 20 years! Over the years the band has performed thousands of club and festival shows and continues to rock everywhere they go!

Hotel packages start at $139 (room & taxes).
Call for info or to book: 1-800-669-4861
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BLUES ON THE RIDEAU
          - 2012/13 SEASON LINE-UP
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Celebrating its 8th year BOTR has become one of the premier Blues Series in the country. The combination of a delicious buffet dinner and dancing to some of Canada’s best blues bands in the friendly, intimate setting of The Cove has proven to be a real winner. Proceeds from every show go to support different local charities. $38,000 has been raised since the Series started and another $7,000 is expected this year.

It’s another great Line-Up for 2012/13 – a combination of the most popular acts who’ve played the Series previously and some exciting new talent.  The 2012/13 Season starts October 26 and will continue once a month until May (excluding December). There will be a total of 11 shows this year – two-night stands (Friday & Saturday) and singles (Friday only). Most occur on the third weekend of the month. Times are the same for all shows – 7 to 11 pm. Despite increased costs the ticket price will remain the same as last year - $60 which includes a full course buffet dinner, dancing and a donation to the charity.

April 19 & 20 – DAVID ROTUNDO BAND with JULIAN FAUTH
From Toronto - A Blues Super-duo with multiple Maple Blues Award winning singer/songwriter and harp player David Rotundo along with Juno award winning singer/songwriter piano player Julian Fauth. Their show at BOTR last April was so good we just had to have them back! High energy “tear the house down” Blues from two of the best. 
Proceeds to Westport In Bloom & Westport Library

May 17 - ROBIN BANK$ BAND
From Toronto - a dynamite vocalist and 3X Maple Blues Award nominee Robin sings Blues, Soul and R&B equally well with passion, power and clarity. Over the years she’s lived in Chicago, Memphis and Texas playing alongside Blues greats like Sam Myers, Willie ‘Big Eyes’ Smith and Junior Watson. Now she’s back in Toronto and about to do a new album produced by Duke Robillard who has stated that "Robin Banks has got soul, class and most of all, good taste".
Proceeds to Rideau District Museum

DINNER & SHOW $60; advance reservations required 
1-888-COVE-INN or (613) 273-3636
Well-priced accommodation is available at the cove and nearby B&Bs.
More information including links to artists’ websites, YOUTUBE & song samples from each of them can all be found at www.choosetheblues.ca
BLUES ON THE RIDEAU @ THE COVE is produced by CHOOSE THE BLUES PRODUCTIONS, Kenmore ON.
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KINGSTON BLUES THIS WEEK
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The Roosevelts and Sam Hopkins & his band
In support for "Blues For Martha"
The Mansion (The Living Room), Kingston ON
Friday, April 5 @ 9 pm (‘til late); $10 at the door

The Roosevelts and Sam Hopkins will be entertaining you all with an all blues revue.
This is our third annual benefit gig to raise money for Martha's Table
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Shaun Riley Band
CD Release Party
The Standeasy @ the RCHA Club, 193 Ontario Street, Kingston ON
Saturday, April 6, 8:30 pm – midnight

One of Kingston’s very own is having their initial CD release party.

Drawing on their individual experiences, the Shaun Riley Band blends the past and present to create funky, up-beat, original blues music. The band produced their first self-titled CD of original blues songs (all written by Shaun Riley) in 2012. Shaun Riley opened as a solo act for Coco Montoya and the Shaun Riley Band recently opened for MonkeyJunk.

The band consists of Shaun Riley - electric guitar and vocals, Wayne Riley - bass guitar, harmonicas Craig Tousignant - keyboards Reg Watson – drums
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The Roosevelts, The Calamity Janes, The Shout Sister Choir,
Sarah Hamilton & David, and more!
The Firehall Theatre, Gananoque ON
Saturday, April 6
Noon ‘til 11:00 pm at The Stonewater Pub,
5-11 pm at The Firehall Theatre.

Fundraiser for Gilda's Club of Southeastern Ontario who are opening a clubhouse in Kingston.
Music all day by fabulous women performers – 3 venues, Prize draws and loads of fun all for a good cause. Look for Wristbands to go on sale after March 11, for $10.00 at Stonewater Pub and Muskie Jakes or, in Kingston, at the Gilda's Club Southeastern Office and at the Kingston Brew Pub!
Please help us spread the word.
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KINGSTON SPECIAL EVENTS
JUST ANNOUNCED!
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High Spirit Blues
with Peter Karp & Sue Foley & their band  
Chalmers United Church, 212 Barrie Street, Kingston ON 
Sunday, May 5; 8-10 pm; advance tickets $20

On the heels of their 2nd CD release “Beyond the Crossroads” and 9 months on tour which brought them across the US, Canada and Europe Peter Karp and Sue Foley along with their band will present a new show called High Spirit Blues.
The High Spirit Blues show will be featured in Churches, Town Halls and Festivals across America and will bring together elements of Blues and Roots Music with high energy Spirituals.
“Our aim is to uplift people” says Foley, “We want everyone walking out feeling better than when they came in.”
“We're writing songs with themes in mind. Positivity, renewal, absolution."  Karp added, "These times are trying - in the heart and in the streets. Time to fire up the amps and blow heat."

Peter Karp is a gifted, award winning singer/songwriter and American troubadour. He’s a master songsmith, an accomplished guitarist and pianist who repeatedly transfixes audiences across the US, Canada and Europe. Critics compare his songwriting to John Hiatt and John Prine with impressive guitar and slide licks infused by his love of Albert King and Elmore James. Peter Karp personifies the amorphous Americana sound, seamlessly blending roots music with a high sense of entertainment.
Sue Foley from Ottawa, Canada is considered to be one of the finest blues/roots artists working today. At 16 she embarked on her professional career. By 21 she was living in Austin TX and recording for legendary blues label Antone’s Records. Throughout the ‘90s she took to the road with her paisley Telecaster and honed her craft working/sharing the stage with such artists as BB King, Buddy Guy, Lucinda Williams and Tom Petty. In 2000, after moving back to Canada Sue won the prestigious Juno award and a record breaking 17 Maple Blues Awards.
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Deanne Bogart
560 Legion Hall, 734 Montreal Street, Kingston ON
Saturday, June 1; 8 pm – midnight; advance tickets $20

Deanna Bogart is pianist, and saxophone player and a 3 times winner of the American Blues Award for Horn player; she is nominated this year for the Pinetop Perkins award as best keyboard player. Deanna has played and shared the stage with such artists as BB King, Buddy Guy, James Brown, Koko Taylor, Ray Charles and countless other greats.
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Advance tickets are $20 for each show and can be reserved now by calling 613-384-8168
These shows will sell out – so reserve your tickets early.
For more info, contact the Kingston Blues Society at info@kingstonbluessociety.ca
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KINGSTON BLUES – REGULAR EVENTS
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KBS Monthly Jam
The Standeasy
RCHA Club, 193 Ontario Street, Kingston ON
Third Saturday each month @ 8:30 pm, $3 at the door

The KBS monthly jam is now in its 6th year. The house is always full and both the musicians and the audience always have a great time. 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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BLUES BANDS OF ONTARIO SERIES
The Standeasy @ the RCHA Club, 193 Ontario Street, Kingston ON
1ST Saturday of each month @ 8:30 pm; $3.00 @ door

Saturday, April 6 – Shaun Riley and the Chrome Hearts CD Release Party
Saturday, May 4 – Lindsay Barr Band (Peterborough)
Saturday, June 1 – Wicked Grinn (Ottawa)
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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 

Shaun Riley and the Chrome Hearts
Host a regular open jam every Thursday, 9:30 pm – 1 am
at Tir Nan Og, 200 Ontario Street

Sam Hopkins and Spencer Evans
Upstairs @ the Brew Pub
Every Second Sunday 2-4 PM

Shaun Riley and the Chrome Hearts
Host a regular open jam every Sunday, 8-11 pm
Rhea's Bar and Grill, 493 Princess St. (at University Ave.)
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For more, please contact Kingston Blues Society
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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: 8-9 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 14 – OBS DAWG’ON BLUES – 2013 Juno Nominees
Next week, April 21 – OBS DAWG’ON BLUES – ‘bad ass blues ballads’
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Sundays: 7-8 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. All Shows are archived on www.insidetheblues.ca after broadcast and can be listened to there at any time. 
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On CKCU-FM 93.1
The Mighty 93.1
Community Radio serving the Ottawa Carleton Region

Sundays: 9-11 pm
Black and Blues
with John Tackaberry
The show features a heavy dose of electric blues and rhythm and blues, with the occasional selection of sixties soul.  The first hour is dedicated to artist profiles and reviews of recordings on particular labels.  In the second hour there is a blues calendar, a rundown of events in Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa, and interviews with “new and reissued blues and rhythm and blues tracks on wax”, alternating with “live blues and R&B for a Sunday night” in the last half hour of the show. On the last Sunday of every month, the show goes “down in the delta” for a selection of acoustic blues tracks in the final half hour of the program.
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Wednesdays: 9-11 pm
In A Mellow Tone
with Ron Sweetman
Jazz from every era & every style – from 1917 to 2012. 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, April 10 – April 10: Co-Host Ron Steeds plays jazz and blues recorded on April 10 between 1928 and 1994. Expect to hear Bix Beiderbecke, Lillian Glinn, Charlie Christian, Count Basie, Coleman Hawkins, Lester Young, John Hardy, Don Byas, Wardell Gray, Max Roach, John Wright, Pee Wee Russell, Charles Mingus, Joe Henderson, Dexter Gordon, Miles Davis, Joseph Bowie & Oliver Lake, Ronald Shannon Jackson, Ron McLure, Dewey Redman and Trio San Francisco.
Next week, April 17 – Ben Goldberg: Co-Host Jim Reil will explore the recordings of clarinetist Ben Goldberg, as a leader and with Nels Cline, Marty Ehrlich, Junk Genius, Myra Melford and Tin Hat.
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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
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 6th year.  It can be heard throughout the Ottawa Valley and streaming on the internet at valleyheritageradio.ca.
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CBC RADIO CONCERTS ON DEMAND
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Canada Live - Radio Two @ 7pm, Monday to Thursday; Friday – Radio One

Wednesday, April 10
concert 1: The Sheepdogs sing Elvis, recorded at Sun Studio in Memphis, Tennessee
Sun Studio in Memphis, Tennessee calls itself the birthplace of rock 'n' roll. That's a big claim and a lot of it is staked on one man who started his recording career there. Sixty years ago, Elvis Presley walked into Sun Studio for the first time.  To celebrate CBC invited The Sheepdogs to that very studio for an extraordinary recording session.  The band does great new versions of three Elvis songs plus two of their own songs.

concert 2: Wide Mouth Mason, recorded at The Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver, BC
It was the first two shows of the unofficially titled "Big and Wide" tour at Vancouver's Commodore Ballroom, and the Masonites were there to hear their favourite rhythm & blues soul power trio. Wide Mouth Mason opened for Big Sugar but clearly didn't take second chair. And it was easy to see and hear that WMM, originally from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, were having a good time. These days Wide Mouth Mason is lead by singer/guitarist Shaun Verreault [ver-OH] with long time bandmate drummer Safwan Javed. WMM newcomer, but no stranger to audiences, bassist Gordie "Grady" Johnson (of Big Sugar) completes the trio. Wide Mouth Mason played lots of new tunes from their sixth and latest album, No Bad Days.

Thursday, April 11
concert 1: Slide Guitar Summit, recorded in CBC Vancouver's Studio One
The CBC Slide Guitar Summit brought together some of North America's finest blues slide guitar players including Sonny Landreth, Colin Linden and Steve Dawson. The slide guitar is a special sound that is not only historically relevant, but also widely used in pop and rock music by artists ranging from Joe Walsh to Jack White, to Jimmy Page and Ben Harper. There are many ways to play the slide guitar and we will hear three people with different but very complementary approaches. Hailing from Lafayette LA, Nashville TN, and Vancouver BC, these artists each brought a different sonic perspective to a show recorded in front of a live audience as part of the 2013 CBC Toque Sessions in Vancouver. The songs, mostly originals with a couple of choice covers, included the 1959 chart topper, "Sleep Walk" by Santo and Johnny.

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LOCALS LOOK AHEAD
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Friday, April 19
            The FunKtion @ the Rainbow  
Saturday, April 20
            Zydeco Loco @ the Atomic Rooster, 4 pm
            Wicked Grin @ Irene’s
Sunday, April 21
            The Steve Thomas Band hosts the Open Blues Jam @ the Rainbow
Ball and Chain and the Wreckers @ the Westboro Masonic Hall
Drew Nelson @ the Atomic Rooster, 6-9 pm
JW-Jones @ Les Brasseurs du Temps, Gatineau
Friday, April 26
            John Carroll & the Epic Proportions @ the Black Sheep Inn, Wakefield QC
            Double Bill – Sweet & the Back Beat & the Moondogs @ Greenfield’s Pub
Saturday, April 27
            Three Times Lucky @ the Atomic Rooster, 4 pm
            Tony D Band with Zeek Gross & Rob Pappas @ the Rainbow
Sunday, April 28
            River City Junction hosts the Open Blues Jam @ the Rainbow
            Firebelly @ the Atomic Rooster, 6-9 pm
Saturday, May 4
            Melting Pot All Star Blues Jam @ the Rainbow, 4 pm
Friday, May 10 
            The Kingmakers @ Irene’s Pub
Saturday, May 11
            Buck Tingley & the Hard Lookin Tickets @ the Atomic Rooster
Friday, May 17
            The Split @ the Black Sheep Inn, Wakefield, 8:30 pm
            Dawg Day Afternoon & the Joe Gaspar Band @ the Brass Monkey
Sunday, May 19
Ball and Chain and the Wreckers @ the Westboro Masonic Hall
Three Times Lucky @ the Black Sheep Inn, Wakefield, 4:20 pm
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