28 April 2014

Ottawa Blues This Week - 28 April 2014



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SPECIAL EVENTS THIS WEEK
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Carlos de Junco & the Blues Mongrels
NAC 4th Stage, 53 Elgin Street
Saturday, May 3 @ 7:30 pm

It has been well over 10 years since Carlos del Junco has graced any stage in Ottawa. He has certainly matured into a much more finessed player since his days playing at the Rainbow Bistro in the 90’s. Dugg Simpson, Artistic Director for several years at the Vancouver Folks festival said: “Carlos is one of those players whose music is so advanced that when it comes to awards, it's either retire the category or rephrase the question to ‘Best Harmonica Player Not Named Carlos’ ”. This includes two Gold Medals from the Hohner World Harmonica Championship in Trossingen, Germany, as well as multiple national awards in Canada which includes Carlos’ eight time Harmonica Player of The Year from the Maple Leaf Blues Awards. To say he plays the harmonica is like saying "Jimi Hendrix plays guitar". He blows the blues harp through a prism -- suddenly it seems he's holding every colour in the musical rainbow right there in his hands.

Simultaneously sophisticated and raw, his playing blurs the boundaries between blues and jazz (hence the name for his band “The Blues Mongrels”, they could just as well be called “The Jazz Mongrels”). The emphasis is on blues, but they are not afraid to merrily traipse off in other directions delivering a seamless fusion of New Orleans second line grooves, jazz swing, Latin, hip-hop or ska melodies, to swampy roots rock.

The Blues Mongrels are: bassist Henry Heillig (founded the nine piece Latin band Manteca), and guitarist Eric St. Laurent. Get ready to trash all you thought you knew about the harmonica. The Blues Mongrels deliver a no-holds-barred display of fun and melodic virtuosity.
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Carlos de Junco & the Blues Mongrels
St. James Anglican Church, 1138 Bridge Street, Manotick ON
Sunday, May 4 @ 7:30 pm; tickets $25
Fundraiser for The Manotick Karen Refugee Sponsorship Program, led by St. James volunteers with help from several other churches and community groups in Manotick.
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AREA HIGHLIGHTS THIS WEEK
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The 19th edition of Virée Blues Boréale presents
The Paul Deslauriers Band

The Gainsbourg Bistro, 9 Aubry Street, Gatineau QC
Wednesday, April 30 @ 8 pm; $15

Hailed as one of the 100 best guitarists of all times by Rolling Stone Magazine, the steady companion of Dawn Tyler Watson, he has also accompanied Amanda Marshall, Garou, Nicolas Ciccone and France d'Amour and he is visiting Virée Blues Boréale, promoting his latest album, “PDB”, which already is the #1 top selling blues album on iTunes Canada and ranks within the 10 most requested at Archambault Music!  
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LOCALS THIS WEEK
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Saturday, May 3
Slim Moore and the Marquees, The New Soul Project @ the Rainbow, 9:30 pm
Sunday, May 4
Wicked Grin hosts the Open Jam @ the Rainbow, 4-7 pm
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OTTAWA BLUESFEST ‘SHE’S THE ONE’
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Now in its 4th year, ‘She’s the One’ is a cross-Canada talent search for the best in young, emerging Canadian female music talent. As part of our special 20th Anniversary edition, the RBC Bluesfest is zeroing in on the best young, emerging teenage female singers in Canada. We are looking for one special artist with an incredible voice backed up by a moving live performance.
Open to Canadian female singers, 13 to 19 years of age, any genre of music.
Submissions will be accepted until April 30, 2014 at 11:59 pm.
Further info on criteria, eligibility and other important details, and to apply http://www.ottawabluesfest.ca/shes-the-one
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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 with Jansen on drums
 … and sometimes he invites friends to join them.
Check out the food … Al really likes the wraps!
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Jeff and Shane Tuesdays in the Irish Village
Heart & Crown, Byward Market, Clarence Street
Every other Tuesday
Every other Tuesday, you can find Jeff Rogers accompanied by Shane McEwan playing at The Heart and Crown Downtown.
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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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John Carroll
Chateau Lafayette (The Laff), 42 York Street
Wednesdays, 10 pm
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Irene’s Blues AllStars  
Irene’s Pub, 885 Bank Street
Thursdays, 9 pm – 1 am; no cover
A bonafide grass roots event that has grown out of the very floorboards of Irene’s Pub and has become a real crowd pleaser for musicians and music lovers alike, this weekly Thursday night jam features Corky Kealey on drums with Vince Halfhide on bass and a host of great local players who rotate according to availability.  Each week the cast is topped up with a guest host who steers the song selections in whatever way they're inspired and the jamming begins.  It's a great concept and the proof is in its continuing popularity. 
Special guests:  
                May 1 – Southside Steve
                May 8 – Chuck Karn
                May 15 – Mark Crissinger
                May 23 – Don Cummings
                May 30 – Conor Gains
                June 5 – Dean Dupuis
                June 12 – Parker Estabrooks
                June 19 – Scott Amey
                June 26 – Niel Barrington
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Jeff Rogers
RARE Restaurant & Bar, 570 Kanata Avenue
Thursdays, 6-10 pm
Between 6 pm and 10 pm every Thursday night, you can find Jeff playing at this wonderful fine dining establishment. Make requests, enjoy MARTINI NIGHT, and on Ottawa Senators game nights enjoy half price appetizers!
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The Allaire Show
                with John Allaire & special guests
Quinn’s Ale House, 1070 Bank Street
Saturdays, 3-5 pm
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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. 
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Jeff Rogers
RARE Restaurant & Bar, 570 Kanata Avenue
Saturdays, 6:30-10:30 pm
Come by on any Saturday night for some amazing food, a great atmosphere, super friendly staff, with some sweet soul music provided by Jeff Rogers.
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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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The Break Trio
The Prescott, 379 Preston Street
Sundays, 6-9 pm
Every Sunday from 6-9, you can find Jeff Rogers, Peter Voith, and Shane McEwan playing tunes and having a great time at one of Ottawa's oldest and dearest venues, The Prescott in Little Italy!
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LOCAL HIGHLIGHTS ONCE A MONTH
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Open Blues Jam
Avant-Garde Bar & Restaurant, 135½ Besserer Street
First Thursday of each month @ 8 pm
Hosted by River City Junction and Robert Farrell, this is an open jam.
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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 – APRIL, MAY & JUNE
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Paul Reddick
Irene’s Pub, 885 Bank Street
Tuesday, May 6

Paul Reddick may well be Wishbone. His music is rooted in the blues, but his new record is a portrait of a wandering musician, a lover with precious little time for sentiment. It owes its existence to the musicians he has heard for 20 years, and all the musicians he has played with over two decades and half a dozen albums. And his new CD — yes, it’s titled “Wishbone” — is, he insists, a soundtrack for dancing and sex. Self-portrait? Maybe — but it IS the most consistent, powerful statement he’s made.

Reddick has long been a part of Canada’s rich roots music scene; he is one of the best harmonica players in the country, and … his distinctive voice covers a wide emotional palette; always engaging; sometimes a shout, more often a conversationally vivid whisper. But it is Reddick’s songs — sometimes sweet, sometimes bitter, always thought-provoking and rarely sentimental — and the passionate way he delivers them that best illustrate what the influential British magazine Mojo described as his “wayward brilliance.”

In the real world, he has been nominated for Junos and Blues Music Awards and he is a seven-time Maple Blues Award winner. And he continues to tour — across Canada and the United States, with two or three trips a year to Europe — with his hard-hitting band.

Singer, songwriter, blues guitarist and harmonica player extraordinaire … lots of great performance clips on YOUTUBE.
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Jimmie Vaughan with Lou Ann Barton
Regent Theatre, Oshawa ON – with JW-Jones opening
Thursday, May 8
                and
Capital Theatre, Port Hope ON
Friday, May 9

Jimmie Vaughan is far more than just one of the greatest and most respected guitarists in the world of popular music. As Guitar Player Magazine notes, “He is a virtual deity–a living legend.” After all, Vaughan provides a vital link between contemporary music and its proud heritage, as well as being a longtime avatar of retro cool.

Since releasing his first solo album in 1994, he has set the standard for quality modern roots music. Throughout his career, Vaughan has earned the esteem of his legendary guitar-playing heroes and superstar peers along with successive generations of young players. His musical ethos and personal style have had an impact on contemporary culture, from spearheading the current blues revival with The Fabulous Thunderbirds to his longtime, innate fashion sense of slicked-back hair and sharp vintage threads (now seen throughout the pages of contemporary fashion journals) to becoming a premier designer of classic custom cars. But for Jimmie Vaughan, none of it is part of a crusade or a career plan. It’s just his natural way of living his life and pursuing the interests that have captivated Vaughan since his youth.

Jimmie Vaughan is more modest in assessing his abilities, though very clear when it comes to his approach. “I try to speak with my guitar in sentences,” he explains. “The people that I enjoy and the music that I enjoy are not about just a bunch of licks strung together. If you just play a bunch of guitar licks that aren’t connected, it’s like throwing a lot of words into a bowl. It doesn’t make any sense. It’s just words. “When I listen to Gene Ammons, the great saxophone player, I get the feeling he’s telling you a story. That’s how I’d like to play guitar someday, when I grow up. That’s the goal. That’s what I enjoy. That’s what makes me get chill bumps–when you listen to music where the phrasing comes out and it speaks. That’s the conclusion I’ve come to after 37 years of playing.”

Jimmie Vaughan’s style as a player, songwriter and bandleader can be thought of as an amalgamation of so many influences. Known for his deceptively simple yet complex attack, his clean, uncluttered style capitalizes on conveying the emotion and message within the music, he utilizes raw emotion, simplicity, and an elegance that is powerful and accessible, yet communicates exactly what he feels inside. It’s an approach that has earned him the respect of many of the greats of contemporary music, and guest appearances on such albums as B.B. King and Eric Clapton’s “Riding With The King”, Bob Dylan’s “Under The Red Sky”, Willie Nelson’s “Milk Cow Blues”, Carlos Santana’s “Havana Moon” and Don Henley’s “Inside Job”.

Yet for all his accomplishments and the admiration he has earned, Jimmie Vaughan remains modest when it comes to his life and work. “I’m just trying to have fun like everyone else,” he concludes. “I’ve been playing since I was 13. I play every day. I’ve never stopped. I can’t imagine that I could exist without it.”

Although she doesn't tour nearly as much as she probably could, Austin-based vocalist Lou Ann Barton is one of the finest purveyors of raw, unadulterated roadhouse blues from the female gender that you'll ever hear. Like Delbert McClinton, she can belt out a lyric so that she can be heard over a two-guitar band with horns. Born February 17, 1954, in Fort Worth, she's a veteran of thousands of dancehall and club shows all over Texas. Barton moved to Austin in the 1970s and later performed with the Fabulous Thunderbirds and Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble.

Although she has a few great recordings out, notably “Old Enough” (1982, Asylum Records), produced by Jerry Wexler and Glenn Frey, Barton has to be seen live to be fully appreciated. She belts out her lyrics in a twangy voice so full of Texas that you can smell the barbecue sauce. She swaggers confidently about the stage, casually tossing her cigarette to the floor as the band kicks in on its first number. The grace, poise, and confidence she projects on-stage is part of a long tradition for women blues singers. The blues world still needs more good female blues singers like Barton, to help to broaden the appeal of the music to diverse audiences and to further its evolution.

Barton has a pair of excellent albums out on the Austin-based Antone's Records, “Read My Lips” (1989) and her cooperative effort with fellow Texas blues women Marcia Ball and Angela Strehli, “Dreams Come True” (1990). “Old Enough” was reissued on compact disc in 1992 on the Antone's label. Her recordings at the turn of the millennium included “Thunderbroad” (1999, Blues Factory) and “Someday” (2002, Catfish), and she has also subsequently guested on albums like Omar Kent Dykes' “Big Town Playboy” (Ruf Records, 2009). Here's hoping that this premier interpreter of Texas roadhouse blues will be well recorded in the years ahead. (bio from http://www.allmusic.com)
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Lazy Lester
                with Bharath & his Rhythm Four
Rainbow Bistro, 76 Murray Street
Friday, May 9

Blues Hall of Fame Inductee and Living Legend Lazy Lester comes back to Canada for 3 dates only and Ottawa is one of them. Lazy Lester, one of the original bluesmen, still active. Back in 1956, halfway between Louisiana’s blues capital, Baton Rouge and Lake Charles, in a small studio outside of Crowley, LA, producer Jay Miller created a unique, legendary sound for EXCELLO records, swamp blues. It would emerge from the bayous, the rice fields, and the stable of blues talent Miller had assembled. They created some of the most memorable American music ever recorded. Lazy Lester was at its heart. Slim Harpo, Raful Neal, Lightin’ Slim, Lonesome Sundown, Katie Webster and Leslie Johnston, better known by the nickname Miller gave him, Lazy Lester. He was the mainstay of the EXCELLO sound as he played all the instruments and sat in everywhere, the man who could back anything. Songs from the studio included Harpo’s “King Bee”, “Rainin’ in my Heart”, “Baby Scratch My Back”, Hogan’s “Everybody Needs Somebody”, Arthur Gunter’s “Baby Lets Play House”, Slim’s “Bad Luck Blues”-“if it wasn’t for bad luck, I wouldn’t have no luck at all”, his “Crazy ‘Bout You Baby”, “The Things I Used to Do”. Besides playing on some of the above, to this mix Lester added his own swamp blues classics, like: “I’m a Lover Not a Fighter” “I hear You Knockin" “Sugar Coated Love” and “I Done Got Over it”.

Most of these performers are gone but there is Lester, 55 years later and he still has his chops. He is carrying on a tradition for those who have passed. Lester, now 81, still performs with gusto and precision. His nasal pitched voice, imitated by his harp, and his tight playing and arrangements still give the music a homemade feel. His biggest influences are two of the greatest bluesmen, Jimmy Reed and Little Walter, one on his vocals and the other, his harp playing. Lester mixes this sound with dashes of the country music he grew up with all around him, the real kind, traditional Cajun or Jimmie Rodgers-influenced country. “The music has a lazy, loping feel, rhythmic edge, bathed in simmering, pulsating tape echo” says AllMusic. Lester, fed up with the music business, dropped out for twenty years. After his break he emerged and fashioned a long acclaimed revival. Lester was a W.C. Handy Award winner in 1987 for “Lazy Lester Rides Again” recorded in England. He followed in the US with his 1988 album, “Harp & Soul”, music with a sound redolent of all those Louisiana Swamp Blues Classics but with an updated edge that works well. He is a member of The BLUES HALL OF FAME in Memphis. His song “Pondarosa Stomp” gave its name to the roots festival that runs during the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, The Ponderosa Stomp. This is a chance to see one of the great pioneers of the blues … take it!

Lazy Lester will be backed by: Bharath Rajakumar; Keith Hallett; Peter Rioux; Buck Tingley and Bill Brennan.
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Terry Gillespie Band
Manotick United Church, Manotick ON
Saturday, May 10 @ 7:30 pm

 “Going back to the days of Ottawa’s criminally unheralded ‘Heaven’s Radio’ Terry Gillespie has been a soulful groove master.  On  “BLUESOUL” his eclectic musical taste has honed in on a distinctive highbred body of intelligent material, resulting in his first, long awaited ‘all blues’ release.  Terry says:  ‘getting inside the groove is where it’s at’.  Like Mark Knopfler, JJ Cale or JB Lenoir, he is a player whose comfortable voice perfectly suits his economical deep guitar grooves.   Nothing’s wasted and nothing’s missing. “ Holger Petersen, CBC’s Saturday Night Blues, CKUA’s Natch’l Blues and Stony Plain Records
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George Thorogood & the Destroyers
                opening Trampled Under Foot
National Arts Centre Southam Hall, 53 Elgin Street
Friday, May 16 @ 8 pm

On December 1, 2013, George Thorogood and The Destroyers celebrated 40 years of performing hard driving kick ass rock and roll! Ever since their first gig at Lane Hall, on the campus of The University of Delaware in 1973, the band has traveled the world with their brand of Booze & Boogie Rock. A main stay on Classic Rock Radio with hits like “One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer,“ “Move It On Over,” “Who Do You Love,” “Bad To The Bone,” “I Drink Alone,” “Get A Haircut,” “You Talk Too Much,” “Treat Her Right,” “The Fixer,” and “Tail Dragger.” The band has kept up a grinding pace; performing for a loyal fan base the world over, and after 40 years, there is no sign of slowing down.

George and the band have been busy working on a new album to be released in early 2014. They have once again joined forces with Nashville producer Tom Hambridge, who worked with the band on the critically acclaimed record “2120 South Michigan Avenue” a tribute to the Chicago Blues Label: Chess Records. This time the project consists entirely of original material. Songs that will demonstrate the broad reach of George’s song writing. With some titles going back to the beginning of his recording career. George and Tom have combed through the vaults and found a hand full of nuggets that no one has heard, along with a few songs that they wanted to record again, with a new sound.
After finishing up the new album, George and the Destroyers return to the road in late February & March 2014. They return to Canada to warm up the North Land with some blistering Rock & Roll in May 2014. Plans are under way for a special treat - touring through the summer months “Back in the USA.”
As always, you know what you’re getting. No guess work here. It’s hard rocking, thirst quenching, over the top Rock & Roll with a generous serving of the Blues.
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MonkeyJunk
Neat Coffee Shop, Burnstown ON
Saturday, May 17

In their short 6 year existence, Ottawa, Canada-based MonkeyJunk has cultivated a unique blend of swamp roots rock.  Their extensive touring has helped to develop a notable fan base across Canada, the US and Europe.  They have been rewarded for their hard work with many awards including:
2012 Juno Award winner – Blues Album of the Year
2008-2013 – 20 Maple Blues Awards
2010 Canadian Independent Music Award – Blues Album of the Year
2010 Blues Music Award (USA) – Best New Artist Debut
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Morgan Davis
Irene’s Pub, 885 Bank Street
Wednesday, May 21

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.

Originally from Detroit, Davis grew up listening to a prolific mix of rhythm and blues. The music of Jimmy Reed, Ike and Tina Turner, Chuck Berry and Fats Domino was in the air. He later moved to California with his family, and then in 1968 left for Canada. While living in Rochdale College, Toronto's mecca for the subculture of the late 1960s, he immersed himself in the study of Delta Blues, especially the music of Robert Johnson. Toronto's music scene in the early 1970s was the perfect place for Davis to cut his teeth as a journeyman, having the opportunity to see and play with many legendary performers. Bukka White, Johnny Shines, Sunnyland Slim, Snooky Pryor, Hubert Sumlin, and John Hammond were encouraging supporters. Davis hit the road with the Rhythm Rockets, The Knights of The Mystic Sea, and David Wilcox's first band, eventually forming his own trio.

Davis' songwriting talent received international recognition when Colin James covered his searing ballad "Why'd You Lie". Morgan's recording "Blues Medicine", on Electro-Fi records, garnered critical acclaim as well as awards for songwriting and production. His multi- award winning release "Painkiller" won an impressive four awards at the 2004 Maple Blues Awards and not long after took home Canada's top music prize...the Juno for Blues Album of the Year. 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. His most recent recording, "Drive My Blues Away on Electro-Fi records is his first solo disc. His previous recording "At Home In Nova Scotia", pays homage to Atlantic Canada where he has been a resident since 2001.

Morgan's passion for the Blues has never wavered... and he fully expects to be on the road for the rest of his life.
http://www.morgandavis.com
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Joe Bonamassa
NAC Southam Hall, 53 Elgin Street
Thursday, May 22 @ 8 pm

As Joe Bonamassa approaches his 26th year as a professional musician, he continues to blaze a remarkably versatile artistic trail, and amass an authentic, innovative and soulful body of work.  Bonamassa’s career began onstage opening for B.B. King in 1989, when he was only 12 years old.  Today, he is hailed worldwide as one of the greatest guitar players of his generation, and is an ever-evolving singer-songwriter who has released 15 solo albums in the last 13 years, all on his own label, J&R Adventures.  Bonamassa’s tour schedule consistently hovers at around 200 shows worldwide each year, and a heaping handful of markedly diverse side projects keep him thinking outside the box and flexing every musical muscle he’s got.
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Music by the Bay Live presents
MonkeyJunk
Annandale, 221 Church Street South, Ajax ON
Friday, May 23 @ 9 pm; $45 (Reserved Seating with Advance Tickets online)

In their short 6 year existence, Ottawa, Canada-based MonkeyJunk has cultivated a unique blend of swamp roots rock.  Their extensive touring has helped to develop a notable fan base across Canada, the US and Europe.  They have been rewarded for their hard work with many awards including:
2012 Juno Award winner – Blues Album of the Year
2008-2013 – 20 Maple Blues Awards
2010 Canadian Independent Music Award – Blues Album of the Year
2010 Blues Music Award (USA) – Best New Artist Debut
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The 24th Street Wailers
Irene’s Pub, 885 Bank Street
Saturday, May 24

“Wicked”, the 24th Street Wailers’ 3rd release, was recorded at Fort Horton Studios in Cedar Creek Texas and produced, engineered and mixed by Billy Horton. Eleven of the 13 songs are originals, written or co-written by Lindsay Beaver and Emily Burgess. Following their official “Wicked” CD release in Toronto in early March, they have been on a very successful US tour covering Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas, then returning home via Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee. New this year … the band has a fifth member … talented keyboard player Jesse Whiteley has re-joined Emily Burgess on guitar, Jon Wong on saxophone, Mike Archer on base (and booking agent extraordinaire) and Lindsay Beaver fronting the band on drums and lead vocals. 
Check out their official video for the first ‘single’ from the recording, “Aim To Please”
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Steve Strongman
Salle La Basoche, Gatineau QC
Friday, May 30 @ 8 pm

Hamilton, Ontario based bluesman and JUNO Winner Steve Strongman is making waves internationally and at home in Canada.
His breakthrough 2012 release “A Natural Fact” is being recognized as a standout blues & roots record with three 2012 Maple Blues Awards (Recording, Songwriter & Guitarist Of The Year) of the six for which it was nominated. The record was also recognized with the JUNO AWARD for Blues Recording Of The Year and also took home the Canadian Folk Music Producer Of The Year Award (for Producer Rob Szabo).

Steve has played major blues festivals the world over including Rio de Janeiro, Mexico City & Memphis,TN, as well three appearances at The Montreal International Jazz Festival, multiple appearances at Mont Tremblant International Blues Festival and Cisco Ottawa Blues Festival. He is a hometown hero in his adopted home of Hamilton, Ontario. In 2010 he was chosen by the Hamilton Spectator as one of Hamilton's "Top 40 under 40", was featured on the cover of Hamilton Magazine, and had a total of 8 nominations for Hamilton Music Awards in ’09-10 winning Blues Recording Of The Year in ’09. He also won the Mel Brown Blues Award in 2009 in his hometown of Kitchener. Having established himself as a musical force to be reckoned with, Strongman has quickly moved into the top ranks of Canadian Blues music, and is undeniably one of the most compelling young bluesmen in the scene today.
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Ross Neilsen
Irene’s Pub, 885 Bank Street
Saturday, May 31

Ross Neilsen just finished his 15,000 km solo tour of Canada and had a great time.  Now it’s time to get ready for a tour with his band.  As Ross says, “I love playing solo but I also REALLY love to RAWK OUT. … I officially switch gears into “band mode”. I’m so stoked to fire up the band and get wood shedding. We’ll be rehearsing hard over the next couple weeks so we can sound good for our spring tour. The Spring band dates are posted [on his website] if you want to see what’s going on. There are lots more shows coming down the pipes so stay tuned to the tour date page to know when we’ll be around your neck of the woods. We’re really stoked to get back out across the nation and rawking your town! There will be a couple new tunes in the sets this tour. Both originals and covers.
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Jonny Lang
Regent Theatre, Picton ON
Sunday, June 1

Sixteen years ago, at the age of 16, Jonny Lang found incredible success with the release of his major label debut album “Lie To Me”.  Fame does not seem to have impacted him from being the same country farm boy from Fargo, ND who got his start in the local clubs of Minneapolis.  He survived the passage of youth to adulthood, fell in love, began a family, and in the process passed through the life lessons we all endure.  He has a keen sense of what he aims to achieve creatively, what music means to him, and is focused on the impact that his songs bring to the lives of those that encounter his repertoire.  For Lang, with the release of “Fight For My Soul”, he is entering a chapter wherein he has found his true voice.
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Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings & James Hunter
Algonquin Commons Theatre, 1385 Woodroffe Avenue
Tuesday, June 3 @ 7 pm; tickets $25, $27.50, $32.50

For Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings, 2013 was a year of unforeseen challenges and transformations. Three months before the original scheduled release of the group's highly anticipated 5th studio record, “Give the People What They Want”, Sharon Jones, the lead singer and matriarch of the world’s #1 live soul act, was diagnosed with cancer. What was projected to be a hectic and exciting year of worldwide touring was quickly taken over by hospital rooms, doctors, and many unknowns. At 57, Jones has lived through her fair share of hardships and heartbreak, but being separated from the stage and her fans has proven to be the most difficult challenge yet. Thanks to an extremely gifted medical staff, several months of recovery and the infinite love and support from friends, family and fans, Sharon is back with her Dap-Kings as they share their music with people around the globe.
 
While many artists have come and gone, why have Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings only continued to grow steadily in popularity around the world? How can they continue to sell-out huge theatres, headline festivals, and sell hundreds of thousands of records year after year with neither major label support nor a single radio hit? The reason is simple. People love their music. There is no other band around today that plays with the rhythm, feeling, or explosive power of the Dap-Kings, there is no other singer that can match the energy and honest soul of Sharon Jones, and there is no other record that embodies this captivating sound better than their latest studio endeavour, “Give the People What They Want”.
http://www.sharonjonesandthedapkings.com/

Among James Hunter's earliest musical influences was a collection of 78 rpm records of ‘50s rock 'n' roll and rhythm & blues given to him by his grandmother; and his older brother Perry Hunstman (James' real surname), "the one responsible for me learning how to play a G chord”. In the early Nineties, Van Morrison caught James' act at a gig in Wales and subsequently hired him as a backup singer for several years of touring and recording. Through a chance encounter with an American vacationing in London, busking led to management and a record deal, and in 2006, GO Records/Rounder released “People Gonna Talk”. With its affectionate echoes of Sam Cooke and Jackie Wilson, the disc became an airplay staple on some of the nation's most influential radio stations. It was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Tradi­tional Blues Album and James himself was nominated as Best New/Emerging Artist in the annual Americana Music Awards. Hunter's next album, “The Hard Way” (GO Records/Hear Music) earned even better accolades, and featured a guest appearance by avowed Hunter fan Allen Toussaint, and like its predecessor reached #1 on the Billboard Blues Chart.
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Caroline Fe Blues Collective
                CD Launch “Bad Taboo”
Irene’s Pub, 885 Bank Street
Saturday, June 14 @ 9:30 pm

Our 3rd album, “Bad Taboo”, comes out at the end of May!
Here's the video teaser: http://youtu.be/VsnbZKF_hTs 
Dedicated to Barry Mell, “Bad Taboo” will be launched in Ottawa on Saturday, June 14 @ Irene’s Pub. The album features a collaboration with Mr. Shun Kikuta on the title track, “Bad Taboo”, where Shun serves up the notes to this soulful R&B-styled song. Mr. Kikuta who has left Chicago and now resides in Asia was formerly the guitar player for Queen of the Blues, Ms. Koko Taylor and dubbed “The light (skinned) BB King” by BB King himself. This collaboration is quite exciting as Carolyn Fe Blues Collective keeps pushing the Blues envelope and continues on with our personal take on the musical genre's evolution.
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Patrick Sweany
Zaphod Beeblebrox, 27 York Street
Saturday, June 24; doors @ 8 pm
tickets $8.00 for a limited time at
or by phone 1.888.222.6608

Patrick Sweany hails from Nashville, Tennessee, and his music is thick with southern attitude. He has been championed by influential artists such as Roy Bookbinder and The Black Keys, and influenced by blues legends Bobby ‘Blue’ Bland, Doug Sahm, Joe Tex. His art is true to the Blues, but incorporates the spirit of Rock and Roll, Bluegrass and Soul. His guitar picking is masterful, his lyrics whiskey-soaked and brutally honest. As a live act, Patrick stands alongside those musicians that captivate their audiences with the sheer intensity of their presence.
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BLUES ON THE RIDEAU – 2013-14
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The 9th year for what has become one of the most popular Blues Series in Canada, the first BOTR show takes place October 25, then one show a month (December excluded) right through to May. As in the past all BOTR Shows are fundraisers for different Westport charities. To date over $45,000 has been raised and the goal this year is to hit another $5,000.

For the third season in a row, despite higher costs and inflation, the price for these nights is staying the same - $60 (plus HST) which includes a delicious all-you-can-eat buffet served up by The Cove, the Show, dancing and a donation to charity. Being able to hold the price is due in part to the support of our new Sponsor – Dan Aykroyd Wines
DanAykroydWines.com – for which we are very grateful and we welcome them on board. 101.9 DAWG FM Ottawa www.dawgfm.com also continues as a Sponsor and again, we are very grateful for their support.

May 9 & 10 – *2 night stand*
DAVID ROTUNDO BAND

www.davidrotundo.com
David blows harp as if possessed by the ghosts of Sonny Boy Williamson, Little Walter and George Harmonica Smith. Combined with his great voice, mesmerizing stage performance and tight band this is the most popular act to ever play BOTR @ The Cove and that’s why they’re back again for 2 nights. Get your tickets early for this one.
PROCEEDS TO RIDEAU DISTRICT MUSEUM & WESTPORT IN BLOOM

$60 DINNER & SHOW
ADVANCE RESERVATIONS REQUIRED 
Book ahead – most shows sell out in advance
1-888-COVE-INN or (613) 273-3636
Well-priced accommodation available at the Cove and nearby B&Bs

More information including bios, YOUTUBE & song samples of the artists at
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VIRÉE BLUES BORÉALE
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The 19th edition of Virée Blues Boréale presents
April 30 @ Gainsbourg
             Album Launch of the Paul Deslauriers Band
May 14 @ Petit Chicago
         Jerome Godboo
May 28 @ Gainsbourg
         Kevin Mark Blues Band
June 11 @ Petit Chicago
         The Soul Brothers
Venues:
The Gainsbourg Bistro, 9 Aubry Street, Gatineau (Old Hull sector) QC
Le Petit Chicago, 50 Promenade Du Portage, Gatineau (Old Hull sector) QC
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KINGSTON BLUES COMING EVENTS
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BLUES BANDS OF ONTARIO SERIES
The Standeasy @ the RCHA Club, 193 Ontario Street, Kingston ON
Saturdays (see below) @ 8:30 pm; $3.00 @ door

This extremely successful series presents blues bands from all across Ontario. These are some of the very best bands in the province; most of them have had incredible success in their own cities but have yet to crack the national scene. This is a great opportunity to see some high quality blues bands that you would not normally get to see - and for just $3 - you just can't find a better way to spend the first Saturday of each month - hope to see you there.

The Line-up for the Blues Bands Ontario Series
Saturday, May 3 – Double Double
Saturday, June 6 – Redneck Limousine  

Kingston Blues Society
613-384-8168
info@kingstonbluessociety.ca
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Brandon Powers                              ***SOLD OUT***
Backed by Jerome Goodboo Band with Eric Shenkman
The Standeasy @ the RCHA Club, 193 Ontario Street, Kingston ON
Saturday, May 3 @ 8:30 pm; $20.00
reserve by email to bruce@kingstonbluessociety.ca

"International Harmonica Player of the Year 2011/12"
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Three Times Lucky
Chris Martin Trio
The Standeasy @ the RCHA Club, 193 Ontario Street, Kingston ON
Saturday, May 17 @ 8:30 pm; $5.00 @ door
Three Times Lucky is comprised of 6 veteran Ottawa area musicians, who have been playing across Canada and internationally for the past 30-35 years. They record and play their own brand of Blues/roots/rock and have just released their second CD which made it to the DAWG FM top 20 this year.

Chris Martin Trio – Rockabilly blues from the East Coast.
2012 Music Nova Scotia and 2013 East Coast Music Association Blues Recording Nominee
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Irene Torres and The Sugar Devils
The Standeasy @ the RCHA Club, 193 Ontario Street, Kingston ON
Friday, May 23 @ 8:30 pm; $10.00 (reserve by email to bruce@kingstonbluessociety.ca)

One of Bruce's favourite bands – that’s why he has asked them to play for him on his birthday. So come on out and help Bruce celebrate with one of the tightest, talented and most amazing bands to ever play for KBS. 

In 2013 Irene and The Sugar Devils won the Loyal Blues Fellowship "Road To Memphis" competition and as a result, had the honour of representing them at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis. For the past few years they have been touring in both Canada and the United States, as well as opening for Big Rude Jake, New Orleans piano giant Jon Cleary and legendary organ player Ike Stubblefield. In addition, the band spent this year playing some of Canada's and US’s biggest music festivals, and recently released their full length album "In The Details”.
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Black Diamond Express
The Standeasy @ the RCHA Club, 193 Ontario Street, Kingston ON
Friday, June 27 @ 8:30 pm  

From Edinburgh Scotland … they have been called the blues version of both the Sex Pistols and The Pogues – check them out
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KINGSTON REGULAR EVENTS
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KBS Monthly Jam
The Standeasy
RCHA Club, 193 Ontario Street, Kingston ON
Third Saturday 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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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, May 4 – OBS DAWG’ON BLUES – Some Favourite New Blues
Next week, May 11 – OBS DAWG’ON BLUES – Celebrating Mothers
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 2014. 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).  Stream and view past episodes here: http://cod.ckcufm.com/programs/94/info.html.
Ron is always happy to hear from listeners at ronsweetman@kalixo.com
This week, April 30 – Gil Evans Part 3: Co-Host Alnoor Allidina further explores the recordings of Gil Evans, the great Canadian composer, arranger, band-leader, and pianist. On tonight's program we hear works from the mid-seventies and beyond. Music will range from big-band sessions to duo settings (with Lee Konitz and Steve Lacy).
Next week, May 7Fourteen Pianists: Ron Sweetman plays cuts from recently issued CDs by pianists Soren Bebe, Michiel Braam, David Budway, Susan Clynes, Ron Davis, Larry Gelb, David Ian, Ben Patterson, Danilo Perez, Neal Richardson, Alfredo Rodriguez, Eliot King Smith, Michael Jefry Stevens and Albert van Veenendaal.
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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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Sunday Morning Soul
with Johnny Max
Check www.sundaymorningsoul.com for times … and you can hear the best in Brand New Blues, Roots, Soul and R&B, each and every Sunday morning.
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Streaming great Blues, Roots, Soul, R&B, Folk, East Coast and Celtic music across Canada and around the world 24/7/365.
Check out their Canadian Blues shows and hosts, including James Doran’s ‘Inside The Blues’, Brant Zwicker’s ‘At The Crossroads’, along with Mark Stenzler's ‘Blues Zeppelin’ from Switzerland … and lots more Canadian and international Blues shows. 
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LOCALS LOOK AHEAD
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Saturday, May 10
Sweet and the Back Beat @ the Atomic Rooster, 4-8 pm
Sunday, May 11
Maria Hawkins hosts the Open Jam @ the Rainbow, 4-7 pm
Tuesday, May 13
Steve Marriner Solo @ Irene’s, 9:30 pm
Friday, May 16
Joe Gaspar Band @ The Tulip Festival, Dow’s Lake Main Stage, 7:30 pm
Sunday, May 18
Brian Downey hosts the Open Jam @ The Rainbow, 4-7 pm
Tuesday, May 20
Steve Marriner Solo @ Irene’s, 9:30 pm
Friday, May 23
Joe Gaspar Band @ Obsession Lounge, 9 pm
Saturday, May 24
Sweet & the Back Beat @ Hurley’s (Kanata), 9 pm
Sunday, May 25
River City Junction hosts the Open Jam @ the Rainbow, 4-7 pm
Tuesday, May 27
Steve Marriner Solo @ Irene’s, 9:30 pm
Saturday, June 14
Joe Gaspar Band @ Moose McGuire’s, 9 pm
Friday, June 20
Rock, Stock & Barrel & Three Times Lucky @ Irene’s, 9:30 pm
Saturday, June 28
Rocket Rached & the Fat City 8 @ Irene’s, 9:30 pm
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