15 February 2016

Ottawa Blues This Week - 15 February 2016

****************************
It’s always wise to check with
the venue to confirm the show!
****************************
SPECIAL EVENTS THIS WEEK
****************************
The Brian Downey Band
            with Special Guest Danny Draher
Rainbow Bistro, 76 Murray Street
Sunday, February 21; 9 pm – midnight; $25 at the door, $ 20 advance; single parents, students, veterans, special needs & seniors $5 off
Tickets available @ BuzzOnVapour Lounge on Montreal Rd or TNT Smokehouse on Ridgewood

Brian Downey on drums & vocals, MissRepresentIT on vocals & bass and special guest Danny Draher on guitar.
MissRepresentIT says: “Danny Draher is the real deal and not only deserves attention but his groovy playing and extremely unique tone will keep things very exciting in each of his stylish tunes, just ahead of releasing a live CD with Chicago's Deep Blue Organ Chris Foreman.”
If you don't know the name, you sure know the unique guitar sound: DannyDraher.com played with the band Mississippi Heat, Dr. John, Alan Toussaint, Charles Brown, learning the worn ropes of the blues in early years as a sideman to Otis Rush to later become Etta James' favorite guitar player for her own live shows. Danny is also a great singer/songwriter. 
****************************
LOCAL HIGHLIGHTS THIS WEEK
****************************
Jazz anyone?
Weekly jazz jam
Options Jazz Lounge, Brookstreet Hotel, Kanata
Thursdays, 7-11 pm; no cover

“… February 11, was the third anniversary of weekly jazz jams at the Brookstreet Hotel's Options Jazz Lounge in Kanata – and the HML Trio will be keeping the music going, as they have from the beginning.
There are not many jams that last without a break for that long, and with the same host band. But the Ottawa jazz trio – Jamie Holmes on drums, Alex Moxon on guitar, and J.P. Lapensée on electric bass – has built a steady following for the Thursday jam, week in and week out.”
Check out the full article on this jam at
****************************
AREA HIGHLIGHTS THIS WEEK
****************************
The 23rd edition of Virée Blues Boréale presents
Pat Loiselle
Le Petit Chicago, 50 Promenade du Portage, Gatineau QC
Wednesday, February 17 @ 8 pm; tickets $20
Ottawa Blues Society members - $15 with OBS card

Our next guest performed with most of the greats on the Canadian and International Blues networks and has been on nearly half the editions of Virée Blues Boréale! He is all of America’s Roots Music, a true Bluegrass, Country-Swing, Louisianna Swamp Blues and Zydeco fan. He passionately brings us some little heard of music, inspired by his models, Bill Monroe (the father of bluegrass), Hank Williams (the first white bluesman), Slim Harpo, Jimmy Reed and Merle Travis. A renowned self-trained multi-instrumentalist, he masterfully plays various guitars, mandolins and banjos on top of being a very qualified harmonica player and singing with a surprisingly accurate voice. He’ll be here again to present us with his second album, “Sonny Boy Gumbo’s Blues”, out last November. It won’t only be a trip back to the Blues roots from around the Mississippi but even a cruise on that mythical waterway. True Blues from the roots, Vintage Blues and, through Bluegrass, a show that’s sure to bring you through lots of emotions and thrills.  
**********
Blues on the Rideau presents
Jack de Keyzer Band
Friday, February 19, 7-11 pm; $65 + HST
Proceeds to Art By The Lake Westport

Jeff Healey called him “the finest Blues guitarist in Canada”. A 2X Juno Award and 7X Maple Blues Award winner for Best Guitarist, Entertainer, Electric Act and Recording of the Year. One of the hardest working Bluesmen in the country with a great veteran band. This is Jack’s 7th visit to BOTR - unquestionably one of our favourites!

Advance Reservations are required.
Call The Cove at 613-273-3636 or 1-888-COVEINN to reserve.
OBS members – Blues On The Rideau is offering 10% off Dinner & Show tickets to all Blues On The Rideau events at The Cove Inn in Westport ($65 cost – OBS members $58.50). For more info and conditions for the OBS discount www.ottawabluessociety.com/membership

BLUES ON THE RIDEAU is produced by Choose The Blues Productions 
www.choosetheblues.ca  in cooperation with The Cove Inn, Westport 
www.coveinn.com 
****************************
LOCALS THIS WEEK
****************************
Friday, February 19
Gary Slim Moore and the New Soul Project @ the Black Sheep Inn, 8:30 pm
Saturday, February 20
Fonograph @ the Rainbow, 4-8 pm
Shawn Tavenier @ the Atomic Rooster, 4 pm
The Tony D Band @ the Rainbow, 10 pm
Sunday, February 21
Steve Thomas Band hosts the Open Jam @ the Rainbow, 3:30-7:30 pm
Dan Deslauriers @ the Atomic Rooster, 6-9  pm
****************************
LOCAL HIGHLIGHTS
(almost) EVERY WEEK
****************************
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.
**********
The Jam @ Kaffé 1870, Wakefield QC
Every Wednesday @ 9 pm, no cover
6 rotating hosts, each specializing in a different genre
**********
John Carroll
Chateau Lafayette (The Laff), 42 York Street
Wednesdays, 8 pm
**********
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. 
Hosted by Corky Kealey and Vince Halfhide.
Special guests: 
            February 18 – Chuck Karn
          February 25 – Jarhead & Jerome
          March 3 – Niel Barrington
          March 10 – John Yemensky
          March 17 – Peter O’Newsom
          March 24 – Rod Williams
          March 31 – Jeff Hagerman
**********
Jeff Rogers
SALT, 345 Preston Street
Fridays, 9:30 pm
Every other Saturday, 9:30 pm
Friday and alternate Saturday Nights in a gorgeous Piano Lounge, find Jeff singing all kinds of music, playing a nice new grand piano, while drinking fabulous cocktails.
**********
Roddy Ellias
Caveau Mediterranean, 1638 Bank Street
Every Saturday night, starting February 13
            February 13 – Mark Ferguson (trombone) & Roddy Ellias (guitar)
            February 20 – Petr Cancura (saxophone) & Roddy Ellias (guitar)
          February 27 – John Geggie (bass) & Roddy Ellias (guitar)
          March 7 – Megan Jerome (voice) & Roddy Ellias (guitar)
**********
The Allaire Show
            with John Allaire & special guests
Quinn’s Ale House, 1070 Bank Street
Last Saturday of the month, 3-5 pm
Songs and stories from around the world.
**********
Jeff Rogers
Deacon Brodie’s, 247 Elgin Street
Every Sunday, 2-6 pm
Every Sunday afternoon, you can find Jeff playing some tunes at Deacon Brodie's on Elgin.
Downtown Ottawa, come for brunch (till 2pm) and then stay for tunes as Jeff takes requests and kicks off your Sunday Funday!
**********
Open Blues Jam
Rainbow Bistro, 76 Murray Street
Every Sunday, 4-7 pm; cover $3 (jammers free)
The jam is open to all ages.  Jammers sign up on the jam sheet at the door & each jam session lasts for 3 songs.  Drums & amps are provided, you only need to bring your instruments (but you can bring your amps if you want to).
**********
Sunday Blues, 6-9 pm, no cover
Atomic Rooster, 303 Bank Street (at MacLaren)
****************************
2016 WINTER MUSIC
AT CALABOGIE PEAKS
****************************
Calabogie Presents...The Winter MUSIC Series
January 2, 2016 - March 26, 2016
Calabogie Peaks Resort is excited to bring back the music events this winter with après ski entertainment!

Three Times Lucky - February 27, 2016
Three Times Lucky, formed in 2009, are a group of experienced Ottawa area musicians offering a combination of classic rootsy blues rock, with a healthy dose of their own original numbers to boot. So put on your favorite dancing shoes and come out to a show real soon! Yer Alternative Rockin' Blues Satisfaction Guaranteed! 

Mumbo Jumbo Voodoo Combo - March 5, 2016
Mumbo Jumbo Voodoo Combo was formed in Ottawa, Canada, July 1991, to explore the rhythms and eerie melodies of New Orleans and of the bayou's of rural Louisiana. They have transformed these Mari Gras anthems into their own, while keeping true to the genre.
Elements of Blues, Boogie, Jazz, Reggae, Calypso & Latin music can be savored in their MUMBO GUMBO. www.mumbojumbo.ca

Rocket Rached - March 12, 2016
A classic blues shouter who harkens back to the days of Jimmy Witherspoon and Big Joe Turner. The "Rocket" is a frontman extraordinaire without equal, who erupts with energy and once on stage it’s both infectious and entertaining. http://www.fatcity8.ca/jed.html

Maria Hawkins - March 19, 2016
The Maria Hawkins Band perform 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. http://mariahawkins.ca/

Three Times Lucky - March 26, 2016
Three Times Lucky, formed in 2009, are a group of experienced Ottawa area musicians offering a combination of classic rootsy blues rock, with a healthy dose of their own original numbers to boot. So put on your favorite dancing shoes and come out to a show real soon! Yer Alternative Rockin' Blues Satisfaction Guaranteed! 
****************************
VIRÉE BLUES BORÉALE
****************************
23rd Edition of Virée Blues Boréale
Le Petit Chicago, 50 Promenade du Portage, Gatineau QC

February 17 – Pat Loiselle
March 9 – Mike Deway
March 30 – Brent Johnson & the Call Up
April 13 – Miss Robin Banks & her All-Star Blues Band
April 27 – Nadia Waltz
May 11 – Mike Goudreau & the Boppin’ Blues Band
May 25 – Raoul & the Big Time
June 8 – Dawn Tyler Watson
****************************
AREA HIGHLIGHTS ONCE A MONTH
****************************
Blues On Tues         
The Granary Beizli, 3270 County Rd 10, Vankleek Hill ON
Third Tuesday of every month@ 7 pm; $10
**********
Blues On The Rideau
The Cove Inn, Westport ON
Dinner & Show Fundraisers
Once a month 7-11 pm; $65

Blues On The Rideau is a Dinner and Show Fundraiser Series that has been running at The Cove Country Inn in Westport, Ontario for the past 10 years. The shows start in September and run once a month through to May (December excluded) and feature some of the best Blues bands in Canada (and a few American ones too). It has come to be recognized as one of the premier Blues Series in Canada. Every show is a fundraiser for a different local charity. To date the Series has raised over $55,000. The goal for this season is another $5K.

The Cove Inn is located in the beautiful village of Westport on Upper Rideau Lake - about a 90 minute drive from Ottawa, 45 minutes from Kingston. All BOTR shows run from 7 to 11 pm and include a delicious full course buffet dinner. The staff at The Cove are very friendly and the venue is small, intimate and relaxed. After dinner you get to see and dance to the bands up close and personal – the way Blues is best enjoyed – all for a very reasonable price – $65 (plus tax). There are door prize giveaways at every show and 2 Grand Prizes drawn at the end of the season from all of the Comment Cards filled in by attendees over the year.  

ADVANCE RESERVATIONS are required and it is wise to book well ahead especially if you want to stay overnight. Rooms at The Cove and nearby B&Bs and motels frequently sell out for Blues nights. Call The Cove at 613-273-3636 or 1-888-COVEINN to reserve.

More info on the Series, including Bios, LINKS to websites and YOU TUBES of all the artists can be found at www.BluesOnTheRideau.ca 

2015/16 SEASON – our 11th year!
February 19
From Toronto
JACK DE KEYZER BAND
Jeff Healey called him “the finest Blues guitarist in Canada”. A 2X Juno Award and 7X Maple Blues Award winner for Best Guitarist, Entertainer, Electric Act and Recording of the Year. One of the hardest working Bluesmen in the country with a great veteran band. This is Jack’s 7th visit to BOTR - unquestionably one of our favourites!
PROCEEDS TO ART BY THE LAKE WESTPORT

March 25
From Montreal
ANGEL FORREST BAND
With a career spanning 26 years and 8 albums to her credit Angel is recognized as one of the best female vocalists in Quebec. Now she’s become nationally and internationally famous. Last year she won the Maple Blues Award winner for Best Female Vocalist (her second in a row) and Best Songwriter. A colourful, flamboyant performer with a voice like Janis Joplin. Her first appearance at BOTR and we’re very pleased to have her!
PROCEEDS TO KICK IN FOR KIDS

April 22
From Montreal
RIA REECE BAND
A young, beautiful up-and-coming artist with a powerful, soulful voice who sings Blues, Jazz, Soul & R&B like Etta James & Koko Taylor. 4 Quebec Lys Blues Award nominations for her first album and a finalist in the 2014 Toronto Blues Society’s Talent Search. She hasn’t played outside of Quebec that often yet but that’s about to change – come and see her before she gets famous!
PROCEEDS TO 4-H CANADA

May 13
From Hamilton
HARRISON KENNEDY BAND
One of the best Soul/Blues/R&B singers this country has ever produced - period. Lead singer in the Detroit supergroup “Chairmen Of The Board” in the 1960s Harrison semi-retired when the band broke up, took a “real job” and only played Blues on the side for a few decades. He re-emerged full time in the early 2000s and since then he’s released 7 albums (4 of which earned Juno nominations), been nominated 15X for Maple Blues Awards and an American Blues Music Award. Harrison has been here twice before - now you get to see him with his full R&B band behind him. I guarantee this will be a night to remember. Reserve early!
PROCEEDS TO HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

Bands and dates are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances. Check the website or call The Cove closer to the shows to confirm.

BLUES ON THE RIDEAU is produced by Choose The Blues Productions www.choosetheblues.ca 
in cooperation with The Cove Inn, Westport www.coveinn.com  
Sponsored by Dan Aykroyd Wines www.danaykroydwines.com
Perth Brewery www.perthbrewery.ca
101.9 DAWG FM Ottawa www.dawgfm.com
Ottawa Blues Society www.ottawabluessociety.com
LAKE 88.1 Perth/Rideau Lakes www.lake88.ca

Please visit and LIKE us on Facebook and Twitter
www.facebook.com/ChooseTheBluesProductions    
****************************
FEBRUARY IS BLACK HISTORY MONTH
*******************************
Global Community Alliance Gala Night & Award Ceremony
Sheraton Ottawa Hotel, 150 Albert Street
Saturday, February 27; 6:00 pm–1:00 am (Cocktails @ 6:00 pm, dinner @ 7:00 pm)
Admission: $65 per person (with complimentary cocktails). Advance tickets only.

An annual event to highlight the diversity within the Ottawa community and recognize individuals, associations, businesses and organizations that have made a significant difference within our diverse community. Featuring a keynote speaker, award recipients, and enlightening  entertainment for the evening. Part of the proceeds to be donated to Black History Ottawa.
Information:  Yomi or Kelly Pratt   Yomipratt@hotmail.com  or  rsaborn@hotmail.com 
Fax: 613-824-6392
****************************
Black Music Series
National Arts Centre, 53 Elgin Street
Tickets $25
February 24 – Abel Maxwell
March 5 – Diane White

MDA Productions is an organization that facilitates performance opportunities for local artists, raising awareness of World Music through concerts and music productions. The main purpose of their artistic projects is to enrich the cultural experience of Canadian audiences in the National Capital Region. Black Music Series will highlight performances of black artists representatives of the Ottawa music scene in different genres such as Gospel, Soul, Jazz, Pop, R&B, Hip Hop, and others.
Don’t miss the chance to attend these unique and exciting concerts in collaboration with Miguel de Armas Quartet.
****************************
SPECIAL EVENTS – FEBRUARY/MARCH
****************************
Harry Manx
Salle Odyssée, Maison de la Culture de Gatineau
     855 Blvd. de la Gappe, Gatineau QC
Wednesday, February 24; doors @ 8 pm; tickets $39

“Mysticssippi” bluesman Harry Manx has been called an “essential link” between the music of the East and West, creating musical short stories that wed the tradition of the Blues with the depth of classical Indian ragas. He has created a unique sound that is hard to forget and deliciously addictive to listen to.
His latest release is “20 strings and the truth”.
House Concert with Vince Halfhide
McKellar Park, Ottawa (see below for info)
Friday, February 26 @ 7:30 pm; $20

In 1969 guitarist / singer / songwriter Vince Halfhide began playing blues and reggae with the Ottawa band Heaven's Radio. Work with other artists (Sneezy Waters, Missy Burgess, Toasted Westerns, Ball & Chain, Andrea Karam, the Jivewires, Mighty Popo . . . ) added elements of country, folk, R&B, jazz and African music to his unique guitar sound and established his reputation as a consummate sideman.

For years Vince has appeared every Thursday night at Irene’s Pub as a member of the “All Star Blues Jam” house band. He also performs under his own name as guitarist and singer in various small group settings, mixing blues and other rootsy genres with his own songs.
Vince’s solo performances – “one guy playing an acoustic guitar and singing mostly his own stuff” – might seem to fit under the “folky singer-songwriter” umbrella, but he stretches the umbrella pretty wide. His musical vocabulary leans towards Americana and the blues but is inflected by many other genres. His lyrics, simple on the face of things and full of nods to traditional sources, can change tone in an instant from funny to sadly beautiful, or from playfully ironic to plain and simply devastated. Some listeners report being surprised by the familiar, lulled into accepting the unexpected and smiling at stark truths gently delivered.

Reservations required. To reserve your seat go to www.houseconcertschezpat.weebly.com. You will receive directions upon receipt of your advance reservation. Thanks! 
**********
The Back Beat
Buster’s Bar & Grill, Lincoln Fields Mall, 2525 Carling Avenue
Friday, February 26 @ 9 pm

From Tom Rowe:
The Back Beat has been working diligently on repertoire over the past while, with seven new songs so far this year.  We are having a blast working out vocal harmonies and I think you will be impressed with the overall sound.

Buster's has an extensive menu with lots of interesting beer on tap and the room is very spacious, which provides a nice environment for sound.  There is plenty of free parking too.
Please join us if you can on Feb 26, we are looking forward to this fun new venue.  It is our introductory gig at Buster's and we would like to make a good first impression.
**********
Ben Racine Band
La Basoche, 120 rue Principal, Gatineau
Friday, February 26 @ 8 pm

Ben’s soulful voice is reminiscent of the greatest Rhythm and Blues vocalists of the ‘50s and ‘60s. Inspired by artists such as Junior Walker, Bill Withers, Stevie Wonder and Clarence Carter, he will take you back to the days when vocals were the centre-point of music. …. His guitar playing covers a wide range of styles – pleasing blues and funk fans alike. From the moment he hits the stage, his contagious energy and charisma combine for a sound that is truly original.
**********
Cecile Doo-Kingué
Rainbow Bistro, 76 Murray Street
Saturday, March 5

An exceptional stage presence, guitarist / singer-songwriter Cécile Doo-Kingué blends blues, afro-roots and soul to create a unique sound. Born and raised in New York City, first generation from Cameroon, she has lived in the USA, France, and is now an adopted Montrealer.

In February 2015, Doo-Kingué released her third solo album “Anybody Listening Pt. 1: Monologues”, the first chapter of a trilogy exploring blues, roots and life in their myriad of aspects (Monologues solo acoustic, Dialogues full band, Communion live), showcasing Doo-Kingué’s songwriting in its rawest form. The album earned her accolades and multiple Maple Blues Award nominations for her exceptional guitar playing, soulful vocals, and powerful songwriting.

In January 2016, Doo-Kingué released the second chapter of her trilogy exploring blues, roots, and life in their myriad of aspects. “Anybody Listening Part 2: Dialogues” features her strength and versatility as an all-around guitarist and musician, from blues to jazz to folk to soul to rock n’ roll.  Fiery licks and seamless melody compliment her deep, laid-back voice throughout the album, leaving no doubt as to the guitarist’s oneness with the instrument, nor the unity of her sound.  Surrounded by a stellar cast of Montreal’s finest musicians, Doo-Kingué presents an eclectic collection of contemporary blues adding to the social commentary of “Anybody Listening Part 1:Monologues”, and celebrating life and music with fellow artists she is a fan of, in spaces that exude positive energy.

Cécile Doo-Kingué isn’t just another token “chick” guitarist; her talents are measured not by gender lines, but by the fact that she is quickly earning a stellar reputation and a place alongside Canada’s current roster of great guitarists. Powerful and raw, Cécile Doo-Kingué’s guitar prowess, lyrics, and sound make for enthralling and intimate communion.
**********
Lucas Haneman Express
The Branch, 15 Clothier Street East, Kemptville ON
Saturday, March 5

His one of a kind sound lends itself to styles as diverse as blues, funk, jazz, folk, reggae, rock and world music.  Lucas has been focusing on writing and recording original music with his new project called "The Lucas Haneman Express", in which Lucas performs as a guitarist and singer alongside Jeff Asselin (drums) and Martin Newman (bass), with Megan Lawrence on vocals.  The Lucas Haneman Express represented the Ottawa Blues Society at the recent International Blues Challenge in Memphis TN, where they advanced to the semi-final round.
**********
Steve Hill & Paul Reddick
Shenkman Arts Centre, 245 Centrum Blvd, Orleans
Friday, March 11 @ 8 pm; tickets $40

Paul Reddick kicks off the show and Steve Hill drives it home. A spectacular night of blues that you don’t want to miss! 

Easily and widely considered one of Canada’s most prolific and exciting guitarists, Steve Hill is the 2015 Juno Award Winner for Blues Album of the Year, 2015 Maple Blues Award Winner for Electric Act of the Year, Guitarist of the Year, Recording/Producer of the Year and Entertainer of the Year. 

With tracks that are heavy and hard hitting, deep and melodic, Hill manages to nail a wide range of emotions with his songwriting and masterful guitar playing. When it comes to one-man bands, Hill has no limits. Throughout his lengthy and intense live shows, Hill performs standing up while singing and playing guitar, with his feet playing bass drum, snare drum, hi-hats and with a drum stick fused to the head of his trusty guitar, along with any other percussion within reach. With roots in blues, rock and a little bit of country, Hill performs his original songs, blues classics, and, quite often, raucous renditions of Jimi Hendrix tunes. 

Seven-time Maple Blues Award winner, JUNO and American Blues Music Award nominee, Paul Reddick’s 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 magazineMojo described as his “wayward brilliance.”

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 he’s contributed to the recordings of other key artists, among them Kathleen Edwards, Colin Linden, Treasa Levasseur, Scarlett Jane, Suzie Vinnick and more. 
**********
The Sheepdogs
Bronson Centre Theatre, 211 Bronson Avenue
Friday, March 11

Trends come and go, styles fall in and out of fashion, but The Sheepdogs remain steadfast in their commitment to rock n’ roll excellence. Since their inception, the band has always sought to play the kind of music they themselves love: “Pure, simple, good-time music,” as singer/guitarist Ewan Currie puts it. It’s no surprise, then, that the band’s fifth LP, “Future Nostalgia”, is firmly rooted in the rock tradition that listeners have come to expect from the boys.
**********
Bill Durst
Irene’s Pub, 885 Bank Street
Friday, March 18

Back in the day, Bill Durst co-founded the band Thundermug which existed from 1970 to 2001 (with a few hiatus periods in that time). In 2009, he released the first of four blues/rock recordings on his independent Durstwerks label. About the most recent, “Good, Good Lovin’” released in November 2015, Bill says: “It’s a real kick ass blues rocker. It pumps and thumps and it blows my hat off. Can you tell I like it?”
**********
Matt Andersen & the Bona Fide
NAC Southam Hall, 53 Elgin Street
Thursday, March 24 @ 8 pm

A powerhouse performer, Matt Andersen’s “fingers sail over his acoustic guitar strings with the speed and grace of a hummingbird,” he has a giant yet soul-filled and passionate voice, and a commanding stage presence. In a word, Andersen is awesome! With over 5 million views on YouTube, independent album sales topping 30,000, a European Blues Award, Maple Blues Awards and Best Solo Performer at the Memphis Blues Challenge, Andersen’s worldwide fan base shows no signs of slowing down.

“The blues is a big part of what I do, and in my solo show some tunes are straight-up blues, for sure,” he says. “But I would never stand beside B.B. King and say, ‘I play blues, too.’ None of my albums are blues albums – I’ve won blues awards with them, but I wouldn’t say they’re blues albums.”

Since the release of “Weightless” in early 2014, Andersen has received a Juno nomination for Roots & Traditional Album of the Year, a CIMA Road Gold award, and a Maple Blues Award for Male Vocalist of the Year. His ninth full-length album “Honest Man” is set for release February 26 via True North Records.

Supporting the release of “Honest Man”, Andersen will take to the road for four months through North America and joining him on the Canadian dates will be another JUNO Award nominated songwriter, Donovan Woods.  No stranger to each other, the Toronto artist and Andersen penned two tracks together for “Honest Man” including the album closer ‘One Good Song’.

Joining him on stage behind the drum set is Geoff Arsenault (Daniel Lanois, Matt Mays, Al Tuck, Mary Jane Lamond), a multifaceted artist with a soulful sensibility known for his generous and harmonious style. On bass and harmonica is the JUNO Award winning multi-instrumentalist and producer Steve Marriner (MonkeyJunk, Harry Manx). And taking up the guitar and keys is Chris Kirby (Wide Mouth Mason, Big Sugar), a 10-time ECMA nominee, 5 time Music Newfoundland Award winner, and in demand songwriter, co-writing with the likes of Tim Chaisson, Phil Churchill (The Once), Eddie Schwartz, Stephen Fearing, and many others.
**********
Sussex, featuring Rob Lutes
Irene’s Pub, 885 Bank Street
Friday, March 25; $10

SUSSEX – “Parade Day” (Lucky Bear Records)
Review from Folk Roots/Folk Branches with Mike Regenstreif, February 6, 2016

I’ve known Montreal-based singer-songwriter Rob Lutes a long time and have enjoyed watching (and listening) to him develop as a singer, songwriter, guitarist and performer. He knows well how to combine his gritty voice and fluid, blues-based guitar playing into something very compelling. With Sussex, Rob has taken his music to a new level.

Sussex is a collaboration of Rob, who is rooted in folk and blues, and vibraphonist Michael Emenau, whose roots are in classical music and jazz. Rob and Michael played together 25 or so years ago as high school students in New Brunswick and began collaborating again after Michael moved to Montreal in 2011.

“Parade Day”, the first Sussex album, includes five songs written or co-written by Rob, one by Michael, and five of their songwriting collaborations. They also include a charming cover of Randy Newman’s ‘Dayton, Ohio – 1903’.

Rob plays acoustic guitar and fronts the band as lead singer while Michael is heard throughout on vibes and occasionally on percussion and piano. And they get some great backup from the likes of guitarist Ben Charest (best known for his infectious film score for Les Triplettes de Bellville); trumpet and flugelhorn player Ivanhoe Jolicoeur; upright bassist Sage Reynolds; and violinist Josh Zubot.

The album opens strongly with ‘Hollow Log’, a song about maintaining a sense of balance in the face of life’s problems. The vibes weaving in and around the vocal lines give the song an irresistible jazzy-rootsy flavor. The jazz-meets-roots fusion really comes alive on such numbers as ‘Truth and Lies’, with some nimble, Reinhardt-like guitar lines by Ben; ‘Superman’s Escape’, a bouncy song with the vibes, guitars, violin, bass and horn all contributing to the toe-tapping groove; and ‘Sparkle Blues’, a slow, jazz ballad. I also really enjoyed Sussex’s take on ‘Dayton, Ohio – 1903’, a gentle period piece from Randy Newman’s classic 1972 album “Sail Away” (which was also memorably covered on Priscilla Herdman’s “Forgotten Dreams” – a 1980 album I had a little something to do with).

Sussex has already launched “Parade Day” in Quebec City and Montreal. Several more launch concerts are coming up including a show on March 25 here in Ottawa at Irene’s.
**********
Jerome Godboo
La Basoche, 120 rue Principal, Gatineau
Friday, March 25 @ 8 pm; $30

Auteur-compositeur-interprète et harmoniciste hors pair, le Torontois Jerome Godboo compte pas moins de douze albums en vingt ans de carrière, dont son plus récent, Sanctuary City. Récipiendaire du prix Lee Oscar du meilleur harmoniciste à l’International Blues Challenge de Memphis en 2014, il a joué aux côtés de Prince, James Cotton, Dutch Mason, Ronnie Hawkins, Jack de Keyzer et Jeff Healey. (PR from Ovation Events)
**********
MonkeyJunk in Concert
            with Ross Neilsen
Black Sheep Inn, Wakefield QC
Saturday, March 26 @ 8:30 pm; $20 in advance
Sunday, March 27 @ 4:30 pm; $20 in advance

MonkeyJunk - multi-Maple Blues Award winning rock and roll/swamp/blues band; JUNO award winner.
Ross - ROOTS – BLUES – RAWK
“Your material is strong and timeless. You can play your instruments. The drums are strong. The guitar is hot. The bass is in the pocket.” Jim Dickinson, High Priest of Memphis Music
****************************
EVENTS AHEAD in 2016
****************************
Colin James – Up Close and Personal
NAC Southam Hall, 53 Elgin Street
Saturday, April 2

For his 16th studio album, Hearts On Fire, Colin James wanted to try something different. While still working with longtime friend Colin Linden they added a “team” of seasoned musicians that each brought their unique talents to the studio. Whether it was at The House of Blues in Nashville, TN or Magic Ten Studios in Vancouver, BC the team effort has resulted in a record James is very proud of.

The first thing one will notice on Hearts On Fire is James’s vocals: warm, expressive, upfront. For someone who’s as well-known as a guitarist, this is something of a change of pace. The songs are very well chosen and highlight James’ seasoned vocals. Mostly composed by James and Tom Wilson (one third of Blackie & The Rodeo Kings & Lee Harvey Osmond front man).

“My last acoustic album goes back to National Steel in 1998,” Colin reflects. “It seemed a good time for some quieter material, especially as I will be touring more as an acoustic group this time around.”

Colin James is an inductee in the Canadian Music Hall Of Fame. He has won six Juno Awards including “Male Vocalist of the Year” and the “Best Producer” award for his efforts with The Little Big Band.  He is the recipient of 17 Maple Blues Awards having most recently been honored in 2013 with “Entertainer of the Year”.
**********
Rita Chiarelli & Sweet Loretta
Shenkman Theatre, 245 Centrum Blvd, Orleans ON
Friday, April 8 @ 8 pm

"It's a Rockin' all Female R&B Blast!"
JUNO-winning Canadian music icon Rita Chiarelli is famous for thrilling audiences across the world as 'Canada's Blues Queen'. Chiarelli's latest concert show has her wowing audiences with her all-star female bluesy R&B band, Sweet Loretta. Together, Rita Chiarelli and Sweet Loretta have brought the crowds to their feet at Ottawa's National Arts Centre, Toronto's Hugh's Room and Massey Hall, with an exciting stage show and stellar musicianship. It's a show not to miss!
**********
Michael Kaeshammer
NAC Theatre, 53 Elgin Street
Saturday, April 23 @ 7:30 pm

Kaeshammer’s performances, on record and on stage, are an invitation to join the party. He doesn’t play at you. He plays with you. At one of his shows, you’re all in it together – not only part of the story, but virtually part of the band.

“For me the performance is as much about the energy coming off the stage as the energy coming from the audience. It’s about being myself, writing from the heart and showing my love for life. That’s what I want to convey. After the show, people ask me, ‘do you really have that much fun?’ And I say ‘you don’t know the half of it. It’s even more exhilarating than it looks’.”

A night with Michael and his band isn’t the kind of show where you just sit, watch and applaud politely every now and then. Their goal isn’t to intimidate you with the scholarly depth of their music, it’s to entertain, inform and include you – A wild ride with no fixed destination except where he feels he and the crowd want to go.

On stage and on record it’s all about drawing the audience in. That’s where the joy is, pure and simple. And while joy is something Michael Kaeshammer has never had difficulty expressing, on “KAESHAMMER”, his third record on Alert Music, the German born, Canadian bred pianist expresses it more enthusiastically than ever.
**********
George Thorogood & the Destroyers
            Opening – JW Jones
National Arts Centre, 53 Elgin Street
Monday, May 9 @ 8 pm

In 1973, a barely-out-of-his-teens Wilmington guitarist piled his gear into the drummer’s Chevy van to play their very first gig at a University of Delaware dorm. More than 4 decades, over 8,000 live shows, and some 15 million albums sold worldwide later, that same maverick guitar-slinger is still making electrifying music, still thrilling audiences, and still the most bad-to-the-bone performer in rock.

It’s 2016, and George Thorogood & The Destroyers are Badder Than Ever. For George and his longtime band – Jeff Simon (drums, percussion), Bill Blough (bass guitar), Jim Suhler (rhythm guitar) and Buddy Leach (saxophone) – their new Badder Than Ever Tour is indestructible proof that staying true to yourself and the music can still mean something. And with a catalog of classics that includes “Who Do You Love”, “I Drink Alone”, “One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer”, “Move It On Over”, “Bad To The Bone” and more, being able to share it with audiences is what will always matter.

Special Guest: Ottawa’s own JW-Jones, JUNO Award nominee, singer/guitarist, who tours constantly and is known for his high-energy show. “Like his music, he’s smooth on stage, the band always swings.” (Mike Moss, Callahan’s Music Hall, Detroit MI)
**********
Steve Strongman
La Basoche, 120 rue Principal, Gatineau
Friday, May 27 @ 8 pm

Le public de Gatineau en demande encore et encore! Lauréat du Maple Blues Award du meilleur guitariste de l’année (2012 et 2013) et du prix JUNO du meilleur album de l’année (2013), Steve Strongman sillonne la planète depuis plus de vingt ans, séduisant tous les publics par son charisme, sa voix puissante et son jeu de guitare incomparable. Son plus récent album, “Let Me Prove It To You, est en nomination pour un prix JUNO du meilleur album de l’année au Canada (2015). Il sera de retour à Gatineau avec un nouveau spectacle et un CD! (PR from Ovation Events)
****************************
KINGSTON SPECIAL EVENTS
****************************
Jerome Godboo
RCHA Club, 193 Ontario Street, Kingston ON
Friday, February 19 @ 8:30 pm; $15 in advance
reserve by calling 613 384-8168 or

Back by popular demand … IBC 2014 best harp player and his smoking hot band (Eric Shenkman and Shawn Kellerman)
********** 
Kingstown NEW Mississippi
Musiikki Whiskey Bar and Cafe, 73 Brock Street, Kingston ON
Friday, February 19, 8-11 pm; pay what you can

AFTER LOVE, YOU GET THE BLUES
With Kingstown NEW Mississippi’s reputation for high energy dance blues and roots music, you will have no time and no desire to lament lost love. 
**********
Frozen Roots
RCHA, 193 Ontario Street, Kingston ON
Saturday, February 20, 8 pm – midnight; cover $5

Three awesome bands starting with Kingstown NEW Mississippi, then The Roosevelts, and ending with Rough Mix, truly an incredible night of blues dance music you can't afford to miss. 
Accept this invitation, you will love the Blues forever. Your dancing shoes will love you forever. This is a fund raiser for Joe's (Music) Mill. 
PS: There will also be an open jam in the afternoon.
**********
Blues And Company
RCHA Club, 193 Ontario Street, Kingston ON
Friday, February 26 @ 8:30 pm; $5 @ the door
********** 
Three Times Lucky
RCHA Club, 193 Ontario Street, Kingston ON
Saturday, March 5 @ 8:30 pm; $7 @ the door
****************************
KINGSTON REGULAR EVENTS
****************************
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 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.
***************
For more, please contact Kingston Blues Society
****************************
BLUES ON THE RADIO
****************************
101.9 DAWG-FM, CIDG, is ON THE AIR!  Blues 24/7
Live streaming on the website at http://www.dawgfm.com/

Sundays, 8-9 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, February 21 – OBS DAWG’ON BLUES – with Blues Bud Brent
Next week, February 28 – OBS DAWG’ON BLUES – with Steve Lund

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.
**********
Wednesdays: 9-11 pm
In A Mellow Tone
Hosted by Bernard Stepien, Ron Steeds, Allan Wigney, Jean-Michel Labatut and Aidian Thomas, ‘In A Mellow Tone’ introduces listeners to the entire history of jazz, from its beginnings to the latest innovations. Every program has a focus; on a musician, a city, a festival, an instrument, a record label or on recent releases. The hosts draw on their large personal CD and LP collections to supplement CKCU's extensive resources.
**********
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 35 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/
**********
The Bluesmobile with Elwood Blues, CHEZ FM 106.1
Sundays 6-7 pm; Wednesdays 11 pm – midnight
**********
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 7th year.  It can be heard throughout the Ottawa Valley and streaming on the internet at valleyheritageradio.ca.
**********
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.
**********
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. 
**********
"Spektakel" with MissRepresentIT
Airs on Radio Tonkuhle
Every 2nd Saturday of the month @ 11 am EST
Live stream on www.tonkuhle.de
Infos and and playlists are on her blog at www.abroadcom.net
****************************
LOCALS LOOK AHEAD
****************************
Wednesday, February 24
Tom Waits Tribute – Songs From A Drunken Piano @ Irene’s Pub, 8 pm
Friday, February 26
Bella Cat Blues @ The Black Sheep Inn, Wakefield, 8:30 pm
The Kingmakers @ Irene’s Pub, 9:30 pm
The Back Beat @ Buster’s Bar & Grill
Sunday, February 28
River City Junction hosts the Open Jam @ the Rainbow, 3:30-7:30 pm
Double Double @ the Atomic Rooster, 6-9 pm
****************************

****************************

No comments: