26 May 2014

Ottawa Blues This Week - 26 May 2014

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SPECIAL EVENTS THIS WEEK
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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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AREA HIGHLIGHTS THIS WEEK
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The 19th edition of Virée Blues Boréale presents
The Kevin Mark Blues Band
The Gainsbourg Bistro, 9 Aubry Street, Gatineau QC
Wednesday, May 28 @ 8 pm; tickets $15

Canadian Bluesman Kevin Mark who has accumulated more than thirty awards and nominations at the Lys Blues, at the Maple Blues Awards and at the Galaxy Awards of the CBC/Radio-Canada over his 16 year career is returning to the Canadian Blues scene, after an almost five year absence.   Like many members of his band, he performed with the Ben Racine Blues Band. With his gruff voice, a most solid rhythm section and an explosive brass section, the Kevin Mark Blues Band combines a strong stage presence with frenzied rhythms inspired by all the best Blues, R&B and Rock ‘n’ Roll artists of the ’50s and ’60s.   They feature a classic sound with retro accents in original compositions that are sure to become tomorrow’s classics.   The guitar is brought back to the forefront with founding member friends of the Kevin Mark Blues Band, to the pleasure of their many fans.  
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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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The Triple Threat Blues Band
& The Maria Hawkins Band
Rainbow Bistro, 76 Murray Street
Friday, May 30 @ 9:30 pm

The Triple Threat Blues Band is the union of three passionate musicians who have secured a place for themselves in the Blues community. An evening in their company means meeting virtuoso guitarist George Papafilys - winner of the 2013 Lys Blues award in the Musical Performance category. Discover the steady and thundering bass of famous bassist Bill Timotheatos. Let yourself be enchanted by Janic Gingras, the incredible drummer with undeniable charm and energy.

Newcomer in the group, singer Nancy Desmarais, winner of the 2005 Lys Blues award in the New Blues Artist Category, adds spice to the Triple Threat sauce with her wide vocal range. She has recently been nominated for a 2014 Lys Blues award as well. A singer with "soul" that only true artists possess, her range extends from a soft whisper to a mighty vibrato will excite the whole body and leave you in ecstasy!

The Triple Threat Blues Band is guaranteed to deliver Rock and Blues on time, with no punches pulled. The band cranks out tunes audiences scream for, not to mention throwing out originals to die for. "Leave 'em buzzing and achin' for more" is the band's unspoken motto.
https://www.facebook.com/3threatband

The Maria Hawkins Band performs in clubs and for public events regularly (blues, soul, R&B, funk and rock). They have a great following in the Ottawa region and perform annually for fairs, festivals, community events and fundraisers. Maria and her band have opened for Colin James and performed with Amanda Marshall and at Ottawa Bluesfest.
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Morgan Davis
The St. John Pub, Arnprior ON
Saturday, May 31; tickets $10
                Half of the proceeds from the door will go towards the Optimist Club of Arnprior

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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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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LOCALS THIS WEEK
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Tuesday, May 27
Steve Marriner Solo @ Irene’s, 9:30 pm
Saturday, May 31
The Claytones @ Bassline Station, 9 pm
Sunday, June 1
Brian Downey hosts the Open Jam @ The Rainbow, 4-7 pm
Buck Tingley & the Hard Lookin’ Tickets @ Irene’s, 8:30 pm
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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 29 – Conor Gains
                June 5 – Dean Dupuis
                June 12 – Parker Estabrooks
                June 19 – Scott Amey
                June 26 – Niel Barrington
                July 3 – Drew Nelson
                July 10 – Jed ‘Rocket’ Rached
                July 17 – Jesse Greene
                July 24 – Jeff Hagerman
                July 31 – Steve Groves
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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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Mississippi Blues Society Jam
Thirsty Moose Pub & Eatery, Bridge Street, Carleton Place
First Tuesday of every month @ 8:30 pm
Hosted by The Thirsty Moose Pub & Eatery & The Mississippi Blues Society, and featuring Barry Buse & Peter Brown, the MBS Blues Jam is the longest-running blues jam in the Greater Ottawa area & one of the best, attracting both musicians & fans from in & out of town.
*8:30 PM is the Estimated Start Time *There's No Cover Charge *Free Parking *Good Food *Ends Early [approx. midnight]
And - just so you know...we pack 'em in for this event, so come in early if you want a good table.
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Blues On 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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JazzWorks Sunday Jam
Carleton Tavern, 223 Armstrong Street
First Sunday of the month, 2-5 pm; cover $5; free admission for students

JazzWorks has started a second monthly jam series. Besides the current evening jam on the third Thursday of each month, it also runs an afternoon jam on the first Sunday of the month. Charley Gordon writes: "One of the hopes is that this afternoon jam session will be attractive to students who, for some reason, generally avoid taverns on weekday nights. Depending on attendance and other factors, we might do some experimenting with format in this new jam."

Host Band: The Kavchak/Kubelka/Menard Trio
     Michael Kavchak - bass
     Anthony Kubelka - piano
     Daniel Menard - drums
These students all are members of the Ottawa Junior Jazz Band, and of the Bells Corners Academy Jazz Camp Band where they work with Yves Laroche.

Whether you're a jazz lover, or jazz instrumentalist or vocalist at any level, you are most welcome to join the fun with the improvised blend of the familiar and unexpected.  Musicians of intermediate level and up are encouraged to participate in the jam.  If you will be calling a tune, you must bring at least three copies of lead sheets in your concert C key for other musicians, and charts for Bb and Eb instruments would be appreciated by horn players.

The jam sessions are coordinated by Alf Warnock at: alf.warnock@gmail.com . Please contact Alf if you would like to volunteer as MC or assist with breakdown/setup for specific upcoming jam sessions in the 2013-2014 season, or if you would like more information about the jam.
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JUNE FESTIVALS
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Orangeville Blues & Jazz Festival
Downtown Orangeville ON
June 5-8
Featuring Andre & the J-Tones, Brandon Isaak, Brian Blain, Conor Gains Band, Danny Marks, Detroit Blues Hall of Fame Band, Erin McCallum, Harmonica Shah, Jake Chisholm, Jarvis Church, Jerron ‘Blind Boy’ Paxton, John Németh, Kirby Sewell Band, Larry Kurtz & the Lawbreakers, Mark ‘Bird’ Stafford with Darren Poole, Mo Kauffey, Pat Carey, Paul Deslauriers Band, Sabrina Weeks, Sean Pinchin, Steve Hill, MacKenzie Blues Band and more.
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Frankford Island Blues Festival
Frankford Tourist Park, Frankford ON
June 6-8
With Shawn Doré Band, Joe Callahan, Ila Vann & the Fade Kings, the Peg Voigt Band, the Linzy McMurter Trio, Beer Battered Soul, the Fabulous Tonemasters, the Roosevelts, Dan Deslauriers Trio, Erin McCallum Band, Gospel Singalong and more.
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Orillia Spring Blues Festival
Couchiching Beach Park, Orillia ON
June 6-8
Featuring Lance Anderson’s Mad Dogs & Englishmen, Douglas Watson R&B Revue, Kirby Sewell Band, Paul Deslauriers Band, Gary Kendall Band, A Morning of Blues & Gospel and more.
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Hamilton Blues & Roots Festival
Westdale Village, Hamilton ON
June 7
With MonkeyJunk, Jesse O`Brien with Steve Strongman & Chuck Jackson, Harrison Kennedy and more.
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Durham West Blues Fest
Annandale Golf & Country Club, Ajax ON
Ajax ON
June 13-15
Featuring Lisa Hutchinson Band, Fathead,  Jack de Keyzer & Carlos del Junco workshops, Mark ‘Bird’ Stafford Junior Jam, Johnny Max Band, MacKenzie Blues Band, JW-Jones, Downchild, Gospel Blues with Braithwaite & Whiteley and more.
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Stratford Blues & Ribfest
Veterans Drive Bandshell, Stratford ON
June 19-23
With Daddy Long Legs, MonkeyJunk, Jon Knight & Soulstack, Cheryl Lescom, Kevin Breit & more.
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TD Toronto Jazz Festival
Various venues, Toronto ON
June 19-28
Featuring David Clayton-Thomas, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Robert Randolph and the Family Band, Dirty Dozen Brass Band and more.
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Beaumont Blues Festival
Four Seasons Park, Edmonton AB
June 20-22
With Matt Andersen, the Sheepdogs and more.
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TD Ottawa Jazz Festival
Confederation Park, Ottawa ON
June 22-July 1
Featuring Montreal Jubilation Choir, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Delbert & the Commotions, Naomi Shelton & Gospel Queens, Ben Harper & Charlie Musselwhite, Lake Street Dive, Aretha Franklin, Colin James, The Split and more.
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Wreckhouse International Jazz & Blues Festival
St. John`s NL
June 25-29
Lineup not available.
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Montreal International Jazz Festival
Montreal QC
June 26-July 6
Featuring Aretha Franklin, B.B. King, Ben Harper & Charlie Musselwhite, Gary Clark Jr., Guy Bélanger, Harry Manx, Kevin Breit & more.
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JUNE SPECIAL EVENTS
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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”
Opening – Steve Groves Trio
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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VIRÉE BLUES BORÉALE
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The 19th edition of Virée Blues Boréale presents
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, June 6 – Redneck Limousine 

Kingston Blues Society
613-384-8168
info@kingstonbluessociety.ca
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Chris Martin Trio
The Standeasy @ the RCHA Club, 193 Ontario Street, Kingston ON
Saturday, June 14 @ 8:30 pm; $5 at the door

Rockabilly blues from the East Coast.
2012 Music Nova Scotia and 2013 East Coast Music Association Blues Recording Nominee.
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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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Soulstack
The Standeasy @ the RCHA Club, 193 Ontario Street, Kingston ON
Friday, July 4 @ 8:30 pm  

Everyone who has seen this band has told me – they are a must see.
Soul-soaked Down-home harmony, throbbing Tremolo guitars, filthy Hammond organ...big ass drums and two level tablespoons of fatback bass. Gritty swamp-blues-roots group of Jon Knight – vocals & slide guitars, Harpo Peterson – vocals & bass, Mark Wessenger – vocals & keys, Tom Bona – drums & percussion, Chris Latta – baritone & guitars.
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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, June 1 – OBS DAWG’ON BLUES – ‘Who Do You Love?’ – The Beat of Bo Diddley
Next week, June 8 – OBS DAWG’ON BLUES – Ottawa Jazzfest Preview

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, May 28 – Stravinsky and the Bad Plus: Co-Host Rob Bitschofsky takes a peek at the brand-new release by the Bad Plus, in which the trio takes on Stravinsky's Rite of Spring. We'll also listen to a couple of other jazz artists covering Stravinsky's work, including flutist Hubert Laws' groovy 1971 version of Rite on CTI records.
Next week, June 4 – Ottawa International Jazz Festival: The first of two programs in which Ron Sweetman introduces the artists appearing at this year's festival.
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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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Friday, June 6
Joe Gaspar Band & Crunchy Flower @ Irene’s, 9 pm
Friday & Saturday, June 6-7
JW-Jones Live Video Shoot @ the Rainbow, 9:30 pm
Sunday, June 8
Maria Hawkins hosts the Open Jam @ The Rainbow, 4-7 pm
Saturday, June 14
Joe Gaspar Band @ Moose McGuire’s, 9 pm
Sunday, June 15
Al Wood hosts the Open Jam @ The Rainbow, 4-7 pm
Friday, June 20
Rock, Stock & Barrel & Three Times Lucky @ Irene’s, 9:30 pm
Saturday, June 21
Jesse Greene Band @ Irene’s, 9:30 pm
Sunday, June 29
River City Junction hosts the Open Jam @ The Rainbow, 4-7 pm

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19 May 2014

Ottawa Blues This Week - 19 May 2014

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JW-JONES KICKSTARTER is SUCCESSFUL!
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CONGRATULATIONS to JW-JONES on reaching his Kickstarter goal.
Recording of the new JW-JONES CD begins tomorrow in Nashville TN with award-winning Tom Hambridge producing.
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SPECIAL EVENTS THIS WEEK
************************************
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
**********
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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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”
http://the24thstreetwailers.com
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Charlie A’Court
Black Sheep Inn
Sunday, May 25 @ 4:20 pm; tickets $10 advance, $15 at the door
  
A 2014 Maple Blues Award nominee for Songwriter and Vocalist of the year, and winner of the 2013 East Coast Music Awards for both Blues Recording and R&B/Soul Recording of the year for his latest release,“Triumph & Disaster”, Charlie A’Court will be joined by drummer/percussionist Keith Mullins and bassist Kev Corbett. An accomplished singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist in his own right, Kev Corbett will also perform an opening set.

Planted at the crossroads of roots and soul, Charlie A’Court’s mighty voice, fierce guitar work and contemporary songwriting, have earned him a loyal international following and a host of awards from Music Nova Scotia and the East Coast Music Association for his five solo albums to date. A’Court is hot off a five week tour in Australia (his second home these days), where along with an impressive live performance schedule, he also began working on a new album with renowned Australia based musician and producer, Diesel at the helm. 

Named Nova Scotia’s Entertainer of the Year in 2009, Charlie A’Court is synonymous with impassioned performances that grip an audience the very moment he takes the stage. Fearlessly bridging genres and challenging stylistic conventions, Charlie’s music and passionate voice stir up the listeners’ emotions, touching the very core of audiences whenever he performs.

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AREA HIGHLIGHTS THIS WEEK
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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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LOCAL HIGHLIGHTS THIS WEEK
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Vince Halfhide & friends
Watson’s Mill, 5525 Dickinson Street, Manotick ON
Sunday, May 25; doors @ 6:30 pm, concert starts @ 7 pm

From Vince:
On Sunday, May 25 I’ll be performing at Watson’s Mill in Manotick.  About half of the material will be my own songs.
I’ve assembled a band for the occasion … all the members are Irene’s Thursday night blues jam regulars: Chris Breitner (guitar), Sean McGee (keyboards), Ken Kanwisher (bass) and Corky Kealey (drums). 
I’ll also do a few acoustic solo numbers.
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LOCALS THIS WEEK
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Tuesday, May 20
Steve Marriner Solo @ Irene’s, 9:30 pm
Friday, May 23
Joe Gaspar Band @ Obsession Lounge, 9 pm
Saturday, May 24
Double Double @ the Atomic Rooster, 4-8 pm
Sweet & the Back Beat @ Hurley’s (Kanata), 9 pm
Sunday, May 25
River City Junction hosts the Open Jam @ the Rainbow, 4-7 pm
Erth Juce @ the Atomic Rooster, 6-9 pm
Buck Tingley & the Hard Lookin’ Tickets @ Irene’s, 8:30 pm
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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 22 – Southside Steve
                May 29 – 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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Mississippi Blues Society Jam
Thirsty Moose Pub & Eatery, Bridge Street, Carleton Place
First Tuesday of every month @ 8:30 pm
Hosted by The Thirsty Moose Pub & Eatery & The Mississippi Blues Society, and featuring Barry Buse & Peter Brown, the MBS Blues Jam is the longest-running blues jam in the Greater Ottawa area & one of the best, attracting both musicians & fans from in & out of town.
*8:30 PM is the Estimated Start Time *There's No Cover Charge *Free Parking *Good Food *Ends Early [approx. midnight]
And - just so you know...we pack 'em in for this event, so come in early if you want a good table.
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Blues On 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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JazzWorks Sunday Jam
Carleton Tavern, 223 Armstrong Street
First Sunday of the month, 2-5 pm; cover $5; free admission for students

JazzWorks has started a second monthly jam series. Besides the current evening jam on the third Thursday of each month, it also runs an afternoon jam on the first Sunday of the month. Charley Gordon writes: "One of the hopes is that this afternoon jam session will be attractive to students who, for some reason, generally avoid taverns on weekday nights. Depending on attendance and other factors, we might do some experimenting with format in this new jam."

Host Band: The Kavchak/Kubelka/Menard Trio
     Michael Kavchak - bass
     Anthony Kubelka - piano
     Daniel Menard - drums
These students all are members of the Ottawa Junior Jazz Band, and of the Bells Corners Academy Jazz Camp Band where they work with Yves Laroche.

Whether you're a jazz lover, or jazz instrumentalist or vocalist at any level, you are most welcome to join the fun with the improvised blend of the familiar and unexpected.  Musicians of intermediate level and up are encouraged to participate in the jam.  If you will be calling a tune, you must bring at least three copies of lead sheets in your concert C key for other musicians, and charts for Bb and Eb instruments would be appreciated by horn players.

The jam sessions are coordinated by Alf Warnock at: alf.warnock@gmail.com . Please contact Alf if you would like to volunteer as MC or assist with breakdown/setup for specific upcoming jam sessions in the 2013-2014 season, or if you would like more information about the jam.
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SPECIAL EVENTS –MAY & JUNE
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The 19th edition of Virée Blues Boréale presents
The Kevin Mark Blues Band
The Gainsbourg Bistro, 9 Aubry Street, Gatineau QC
Wednesday, May 28 @ 8 pm; tickets $15

Canadian Bluesman Kevin Mark who has accumulated more than thirty awards and nominations at the Lys Blues, at the Maple Blues Awards and at the Galaxy Awards of the CBC/Radio-Canada over his 16 year career is returning to the Canadian Blues scene, after an almost five year absence.   Like many members of his band, he performed with the Ben Racine Blues Band. With his gruff voice, a most solid rhythm section and an explosive brass section, the Kevin Mark Blues Band combines a strong stage presence with frenzied rhythms inspired by all the best Blues, R&B and Rock ‘n’ Roll artists of the ’50s and ’60s.   They feature a classic sound with retro accents in original compositions that are sure to become tomorrow’s classics.   The guitar is brought back to the forefront with founding member friends of the Kevin Mark Blues Band, to the pleasure of their many fans.  
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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.
**********
Morgan Davis
The St. John Pub, Arnprior ON
Saturday, May 30; tickets $10
                Half of the proceeds from the door will go towards the Optimist Club of Arnprior

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
**********
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.
**********
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.
**********
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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VIRÉE BLUES BORÉALE
****************************************
The 19th edition of Virée Blues Boréale presents
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
****************************************
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, June 6 – Redneck Limousine 

Kingston Blues Society
613-384-8168
info@kingstonbluessociety.ca
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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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Chris Martin Trio
The Standeasy @ the RCHA Club, 193 Ontario Street, Kingston ON
Saturday, June 14 @ 8:30 pm; $5 at the door

Rockabilly blues from the East Coast.
2012 Music Nova Scotia and 2013 East Coast Music Association Blues Recording Nominee.
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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 25 – OBS DAWG’ON BLUES – New Blues & Blues Music Awards
Next week, June 1 – OBS DAWG’ON BLUES – ‘Who Do You Love?’ – The Beat of Bo Diddley

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. 
**********
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, May 21 – George Lewis: Clarinetist George Lewis was one of the musicians who became a leader when jazz fans re-discovered New Orleans jazz in the 'fifties. We will hear his recordings from 1953 to 1959 in the company of fellow New Orleans musicians Wendell Eugene, Kid Howard, Lawrence Marrero, Alcide Pavageau, Alton Purnell, Jim Robinson and Joe Watkins.
Next week, May 28 – Stravinsky and the Bad Plus: Co-Host Rob Bitschofsky takes a peek at the brand-new release by the Bad Plus, in which the trio takes on Stravinsky's Rite of Spring. We'll also listen to a couple of other jazz artists covering Stravinsky's work, including flutist Hubert Laws' groovy 1971 version of Rite on CTI records.
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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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Tuesday, May 27
Steve Marriner Solo @ Irene’s, 9:30 pm
Sunday, June 1
Buck Tingley & the Hard Lookin’ Tickets @ Irene’s, 8:30 pm
Friday, June 6
Joe Gaspar Band & Crunchy Flower @ Irene’s, 9 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 21
Jesse Greene Band @ Irene’s, 9:30 pm
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