Sunday, March 30, 2008

"MAKING NECROPHILIAC" - A MUSICAL COMEDY BY MAUREEN CHAUME
MUSIC BY GUY DEL VILLANO & THE DOO-WOP GALS




On Wednesday, April 2, from 3:30-4:30 p.m. EST, Maureen Chaume and assorted members of the cast of "Making Necrophiliac" will be appearing live on "Iron Maidens" - CKCU 93.1 FM in Ottawa, ON.




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MARK SEPIC & DUNSTAN MOREY PERFORMING AT "GUITARS, NOT GUNS"


On Tuesday, April 1, from 9-10:30 p.m, I'll be joined by my fine, fellow guitarist Dunstan Morey, at Chalker's Pub, for a benefit concert for "Guitars, Not Guns", an organization providing lessons and instruments for kids in need - http://www.guitarsnotguns.org/.

Chalker's Pub
247 Marlee Avenue
(2 minute walk from Glencairn subway station)
Toronto, ON
416-789-2531

Location Map

Peace,


Mark

www.marksepic.com


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THE LEBLANC NEWSLETTER - ISSUE #16 (MARCH 28, 2008)


In this issue:

* Chuck Berry’s Right-Hand Man: Ed Glinert
* UK producer Ken Nelson Freezes His Buns in Manitoba
* The Black Halos Will Forever Have Montreal
* A Jeanne Beker Doll. Do Ken & Barbie Know?
* Alanis: All Grown Up
* Madonna Makes Canadian Chart History? Er, Not Quite.


QUICK TAKES

++ Nine Inch Nails front man Trent Reznor makes no secret of his distain for major labels. He also makes the most of his recently hard-won freedom on the 2-disc, all-instrumental “Ghosts I-IV” album. It's the type of recording that Universal Music-affiliated Interscope Records likely wouldn't have allowed him to release when he was under contract. So it is surprising that Universal Music Canada scooped up digital distribution for the new NIN album in Canada with FAB Distribution handling retail distribution nationally.

++ Rogers Wireless, with Live Nation, has launched Wireless Box Office, which allows cell phone owners to buy tickets directly. The handset is virtually the ticket (a barcode is embedded in the wireless ticket that can be scanned at the venue’s door). To launch Wireless Box Office, Rogers is sponsoring Simple Plan’s national tour. Rogers will also sponsor 10 concerts at the Molson Amphitheatre in Toronto and 50 concerts at the Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver. It is also partnering with MTV Canada to host music events at the Masonic Temple in Toronto .

++ Toronto entertainment writer Geoff Chapman will be honoured with the Ken Page Lifetime Achievement Award at the 7th Annual National Jazz Awards April 8, 2008, in Toronto. As well, the CBC Galaxie Rising Star Award will be presented to Edmonton pianist/educator Chris Andrew.

++ While websites featuring Canadian music trivia are plentiful, Five Bucks On By-Tor, operated by Toronto collector Yves Perret, is a head-turner. Recent postings have featured informed articles and photos on such Canadian acts as the Raes, Gary & Dave, David Clayton-Thomas and the Shays, Ronney Abramson, the Kensington Market, Simply Saucer, the Beau-Marks, Irwin Prescott, the Rhythm Pals, and the Good Brothers. Go to: http://fivebucksonbytor.blogspot.com

Meanwhile, Canadiana is heavily featured in Naked Eye magazine’s current music issue. It has interviews with Michael Buble, Feist, Esthero, and City and Colour.

++ It’s Spring and two new Canadian country labels have blossomed. On Ramp Records, headed by veteran Louis O’Reilly, debuts with Deric Ruttan’s sophomore album, First Time In A Long Time, on Apr. 1, 2008. The Saskatoon-based label is distributed in Canada by EMI Music Canada. From Calgary, Alberta, comes Raw Country Music (see below).

++ Linus Entertainment and the Borealis Records have signed a mutual global licensing and distribution agreement to market and administer their roots and folk music-based catalogs internationally.

++ UK producer Ken Nelson, who has helmed recordings by Gomez, Coldplay, Badly Drawn Boy, Polly Paulusma and Paolo Nutini, certainly knows about Manitoba’s cold continental climate following sessions at a local church in rural Kelwood with singer/songwriter Alana Levandoski. Temperatures dipped to –21 degree C. Final sessions for the album start at the world-class Parr Street Studios in balmy Liverpool, England, on Apr. 1. For her sophomore album, Levandoski co-wrote in Nashville and Muscle Shoals with American songwriters Quinn Loggins, Sam Ashworth, James LeBlanc, Rebecca Lynn Howard, Rachel Thibodeau, and Gary Nichols. She also co-wrote with Simon Wilcox in Toronto.

++ Members of Vancouver's glam punk band Black Halos will forever remember Montreal. It was where their van and trailer were boosted, along with gear, merch and 400 CDs of their We Are Not Alone album—all uninsured. Here is a partial list of gear stolen:

## Ludwig 4 piece drum set Red Glitter Metal Flake in hard shell black cases marked with yellow Black Halos
## 1960 Gibson Les Paul guitar (sunburst finish)
## Black custom made Sparrow 335 Electric Hollowbody guitar. The name Vanessa is painted on headstock.
## Black custom made Sparrow 335 Electric Hollowbody guitar. Blue with purple artwork.
## Sparrow rat-rod guitar with a black pick guard and has Black Halos logo on the body.
## Fender Precision Bass. Sunburst finish with black pick guard.
## Rickenbacker 4003 Bass. Jet Glo (Black)
## Bogner guitar head. 100 watt model (The Ecstasy). Black.
## Fender 4/10 Deville guitar amp. Black/silver
## Peavey 100 watt Classic Guitar amplifier head.
## Traynor TC810 bass cabinet

If you have any info, contact Danny Cameo at: dannycameo@shaw.ca

++ Macklam Feldman Management in Vancouver now handles worldwide representation of producer Brian Howes, who is the owner of Van Howes Studios, and the head of the Interscope-affiliated Wreck Beach Records, both in Vancouver. Howes is best-known for producing Hinder’s Extreme Behavior album and co-writing the band’s mega-hit “Lips of an Angel.” He also has produced Hedley, Faber Drive, and Revelation Theory.

++ Jensen Music International in Charlottetown, PEI, has signed Newfoundland’s Ennis (formerly the Ennis Sisters) as well as the newly-formed trio, Rankin, Church & Crowe. The latter consists of veteran Atlantic Canadian vocalists Raylene Rankin, Cindy Church, and Susan Crowe.

++ Canada’s Country Music Hall of Fame will soon move from Calgary, Alberta, to Merritt, British Columbia, the home of Canada’s largest annual country music festival, Mountainfest. Before cancer claimed Gary Buck's life in 2003, his museum--a log cabin on Stampede Grounds--was open year-round, attracting 25,000 visitors annually. After Buck’s death, the museum was shut down, other than during the annual Calgary Stampede. For four years, Buck's widow Deb fought to keep it in the city.

++ Veteran Canadian journalist David Farrell has returned to the music industry wars with FYIMusic, an on-line news service focusing on the Canadian music industry. Its website, www.FYIMusic.ca, officially launches Apr. 7, 2008. Farrell, former co-publisher of The Record, is partnered with Toronto-based digital media distribution firm Yangaroo Inc., and Toronto entrepreneur Gary Slaight.

++ "FT-Fashion Television" host Jeanne Beker has partnered with Bratz for a new Bratz Fashion Reporter Doll named “Jeanne B” that comes equipped with the former MuchMusic VJ’s new book, Passion For Fashion: Careers in Style.

++ Effective Monday, March 31, 2008, Sony BMG Canada’s head office will be located at 150 Ferrand Drive, Suite 300, Toronto, Ontario, M3C 3E5.

RANDOM CHUCKLE

++ In its press release of its launch, Calgary-based Raw Country Music promises to "shave off years to the rise of stardom." RCM is a “full service independent record company providing management, production, distribution, and publishing to the independent country artist.” RCM, operated by Rob Russell and Pamela Poole, plans to sign and develop 6-8 artists over the next three years.

“When an artist works with Raw Country Music, they don't have to spend time developing business relationships or learning the business of music; they can just concentrate on their art", states Poole in the press release.

This launch takes part in a climate of increased acrimony between artists and labels and while many artists are unclear of what career decision will benefit or destroy them, didn’t American indie labels Roulette, Chess, Modern, and Atlantic use the same pitch with artists decades ago? Just asking.

++ Karen Lee Cooper was jailed for 8 years in the Brisbane Supreme Court in Australia for stabbing to death her de facto husband Kevin Lee Watson two years ago because he'd stopped her listening to her favourite Bruce Springsteen album. "Who doesn't like Springsteen?", the 50-year-old wife complained to police.

++ There’s a blog page seeking to draft journalist/musician Nardwuar the Human Serviette as host of the 38th Annual Juno Awards being held in Vancouver in 2009. Hosted by James Kingsley, the amusing blog can be found at: http://nardwuarforthejunos.blogspot.com. Hosting the Junos would be revenge for the savvy "guerrilla journalist." He was, I recall, bounced from the 1998 Juno press conference in Vancouver after confronting Juno folks with some daffy questions.

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

++ Ron Rogers has been named Program Director, Entertainment Business Management, at Metalworks Institute in Mississauga, Ont.

++ The Ontario Council of Folk Festivals (OCFF) is accepting applications for the position of executive director to start July 7, 2008. Candidates must be able to demonstrate experience in a leading role in a not-for-profit organization; be experienced in writing grant applications and reports; and have a “passionate” commitment to the performing arts. Submit a cover letter, resume and three references to info@ocff.ca by May 30, 2008, in Word or PDF formats.

FINAL NOTE:

++ After an 11-month battle with cancer, Toronto Sun entertainment reporter Sherri Wood died March 24, 2008, of brain cancer. The Etobicoke native was two weeks shy of her 29th birthday. Wood began writing for the Sun as a Humber College intern. She quickly became an interviewer, reviewer and clubs columnist. As well, she compiled the weekly “Sun Spots” events listings, and was featured in guest spots on “Canoe Live”, SUN TV's current-affairs show.

++ Gary McGowan, one of the pillars of Edmonton's music scene, passed away from brain cancer on March 8, 2008. He was 50. Following a stint at University of Alberta radio station CJSR as program manager, and as music and program director of K-97 (now K-Rock), McGowan co-founded B.A.D. Concerts, which brought hundreds of punk and metal acts to Edmonton. He briefly managed local blues artist Bobby Cameron and was co-owner of The Starlite Room. He became head of A&R rock music at Icon Music in 2007.

CASABLANCA LANDS ARC MUSIC & FIRST STATE MEDIA

Canada’s leading independent music publisher, Casablanca Media Publishing, in Toronto has signed an agreement with Arc Music Group and First State Media Group Ireland to administer their publishing catalogs in Canada.

Arc Music Group is the parent company of Arc Music, Conrad Music, Regent Music, Jewel Music Publishing., Sunflower Music, and Sunflower Entertainment Company. Its catalogs include songs by key blues and rock and roll figures and many from the Chess and Vee Jay labels. It includes songs by such legendary artist/songwriters as Chuck Berry (“Johnny B. Goode”, “Maybellene”, “Rock & Roll Music”); John Lee Hooker (“Boom Boom”, “One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer”, and “Dimples”); Memphis Slim (“Everyday I Have The Blues”); Bo Diddley (aka Ellas McDaniel) with “Bo Diddley”, “I’m A Man”, and “Who Do You Love”); and Howlin’ Wolf (aka Chester Burnett) with “Smokestack Lightnin'”, “Killing Floor”, “Moanin’ At Midnight” and “How Many More Years.”

The deal also covers publishing rights, coupled with access for master rights from Sunflower Entertainment, for a wide-range of Latin repertoire by such leading Latin acts as Sonora Carruseles, Joe Arroyo, Calixto Ochoa, Alejo Duran, The Latin Brothers, and Maria Victoria.

“Casablanca is excited to represent the Arc Music Group catalogs”, says Ed Glinert, President of Casablanca Media Publishing. “I grew up listening to these legendary blues and rock classics and working with these artists. So I appreciate what an incredible body of work these catalogs represent. We are also anxious to introduce music supervisors to the one-stop synch licensing opportunities available in the Sunflower Entertainment catalog. This extensive catalog continues to grow with new signings and releases.”

Included in the First State catalogs are the DreamWorks and Wind-Up publishing catalogs that contain such evergreen copyrights as “Leaving On A Jet Plane”, “Day-O”, “Take The A Train”, “Disco Inferno”, “Misty Blue”, and “Get Up, Stand Up”, as well as such contemporary copyright as “Bring Me To Life”, recorded by Evanescence, and “Because of You”, recorded by Kelly Clarkson.

“The diversity and depth of the First State catalog is impressive, and we are excited about the opportunities that exist to license the songs in Canada”, says Glinert. In 2001, Glinert set up the privately-owned parent company, Casablanca Media Acquisitions, to capitalize on an increasing demand for entertainment content from global cable and digital broadcasters. The company has since acquired significant catalogs of music, TV and video properties while serving as Canadian representative for a handful of powerhouse international publishing houses.

WE OUGHTA KNOW BUT WE DON’T

Alanis Morissette was recently inducted into the Canadian Music Industry Hall of Fame. How can it be 13 years since the Canadian singer/songwriter became an international wunderkind with her 1995 Maverick Records’ debut, Jagged Little Pill? Since its release, Jagged Little Pill, featuring the confessional hits, “You Oughta Know”, “Hand In My Pocket”, “Ironic” and “You Learn”, has sold over 30 million albums worldwide--14.4 million copies in the U.S., and over two million units in Canada.

In 1996, Jagged Little Pill won four Grammy Awards: Album of the Year, Best Female Rock Vocal Performance (“You Oughta Know”), Best Rock Song (“You Oughta Know”) and Best Rock Album. The following year, Alana won a Grammy Award for “Best Video/Long Form.”

To commemorate its 10th anniversary in 2005, Morissette released Jagged Little Pill - Acoustic. In conversation, Morissette is remarkably at ease talking about her musical past. It's an incredible journey in which she has transformed herself from being a Canadian teenage pop idol into one of the biggest-selling musical artists in history.

“I have found an equilibrium in my life”, she says. “When everything was happening in the mid-90s, that was not a sustainable lifestyle. Now, I can easily maintain my lifestyle."

At the age of seven, the Ottawa native began dancing and playing the piano. She knew she was going to be a performer of some kind.

“My parents have said that even when I was three or four I would sing with a nail polish bottle. I knew at an early age that I would be writing, dancing, singing or acting. I’ve always considered myself as a writer first”, she adds. “The performer aspect of [the career] came because I started writing songs when I was quite young. Somebody had to sing them.”

When she was 9, she wrote her first song, "Fate Stay with Me", and sent it to local Ottawa performer Lindsay Morgan, a family friend. After he began working with her, the song was released on Lamor Records but failed to gain her attention. In 1988, John Alexander, now Senior VP, Creative Affairs, at ASCAP in Los Angeles, signed Morissette to publishing and label deals while he was VP, MCA Publishing Canada. MCA Records Canada released Alanis’ dance-pop album, Alanis, in 1991. She co-wrote the album with producer Leslie Howe. The album went platinum (100,000 units); its first single, "Too Hot", reached no. 4 on The Record’s singles chart.

Morissette won a Juno Award as Most Promising Female Vocalist in 1992. “That night was a real nerve-racking experience”, she recalls. “I remember having a huge crush on Bryan Adams, who I saw in the audience.”

In 1992, MCA released her second album, Now Is the Time, co-written with producers Howe and Serge Côté. The album, however, failed to sell as well as her debut. Now living in Toronto and re-evaluating her musical direction, Morissette began working with established songwriters in Toronto, Nashville and Los Angeles.

“I remember writing something in Canada that was a foreshadowing of how I would write on Jagged Little Pill and since”, she recalls. “The person I was writing with said something like, ‘I don’t think MCA is going to want to hear this from you.’ I left ten minutes later. Anyone who has a preconceived notion of what I should be doing as an artist, I just cannot work with.”

In 1994, MCA Publishing’s Kurt Denny in Los Angeles contacted veteran producer/songwriter Glen Ballard about working with Morissette. Within 10 minutes of meeting, Morissette and Ballard had begun working on songs for Jagged Little Pill. Soon afterwards, Morissette signed a deal with Maverick Records. Three years after her breakthrough, Morissette pulled off the difficult task of creating an album that met the demands of fans, critics, and herself.

Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie, with the hits, “Thank U”, “Unsent” and “So Pure”, debuted at no. 1 on Billboard’s album chart in 1998. Morissette has since developed and matured as an artist. Her audience also has developed and matured, particularly outside North America. Her strongest markets today include Norway, Switzerland, Ireland, Belgium and Poland. Further afield, she has impressive followings in Japan, Australia, Brazil, South Africa and across S.E. Asia. While putting the finishing touches last year on her upcoming album, Flavors of Entanglement, (due this Spring), Morissette decided to play the lead in a film adaptation of Philip K. Dick's novel, Radio Free Albemuth.

"I'm offered a lot of movie roles, but I have to turn most of them down because it conflicts with the music”, she explains. “It’s a great role, and I thought, ‘Goddamn it, I'd like to do this.’ The character required me to dig deep into my own humanity. I loved it. I look forward to more [acting].”

THE ORIGINAL CASTE RETURNS

It slipped under my radar but The Original Caste has apparently returned after more than 30 years. And without dynamic original lead singer Dixie Lee Innes. The Original Caste—with its original leader/founder Bruce Innes (Dixie’s former hubby) and with new vocalist, Jilla Webb, a featured artist with Las Vegas show, "Superstars Live in Concert", recently re-recorded its 1970 hit, “One Tin Soldier”, with the Nashville Children’s Choir. A new CD is planned this year.

Original Caste scored a minor Canadian hit, “Can’t Make It Anymore”, two years before "One Tin Soldier" reached #6 on the RPM Weekly Chart in Canada and #34 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart in the U.S. The follow-up, "Mr. Monday", was a #4 hit in Canada but stiffed in the U.S. Still, the group landed opening slots there with B.B. King and Glen Campbell.

"One Tin Soldier” had another life. As recorded by Coven, it was featured in the 1972 red-neck cult film classic, “The Legend of Billy Jack.” During the '70s, Dixie Lee and Bruce recorded as solo artists and with different lineups of Original Caste. When the band finally split in 1980, so did the Inneses. However, with the release of The Best Of The Original Caste in Japan in 2005, the Original Caste returned with a line-up headed by Bruce Innes and Cheryl Morrel on vocals. If Original Caste can return to life on the basis of a pair of hits, what other Canadian acts can we also expect to return? Kish, Belinda Metz, Lydia Taylor, Organized Rhyme, Trans-X, Alta Moda?I’ll hold the door open for Remy Shand.

MADONNA SETS CANADIAN RADIO RECORD--LET THE RECOUNT BEGIN

A recent Warner Music Canada press release bleated: “MADONNA SETS RADIO RECORD IN CANADA—‘4 Minutes’ is the fastest single to hit #1 in Canadian radio history.” Er…maybe.

“4 Minutes”, the first single from Madonna’s forthcoming album, Hard Candy, has debuted at #1 on the Canadian CHR Audience chart. Broadcast Data Services (BDS), says Warners, indicates that this marks the first time any single has entered at the top [of either the audience or spin] CHR charts in BDS’ history. Er….okay.

Warners’ assertion, however, that “4 Minutes’ is “the fastest single to hit #1 in Canadian radio history” is a bit of a stretch. It is, however, the fastest single to hit #1 only since Nielsen BDS arrived in Canada. While Nielsen BDS, which tracks airplay of recordings by radio stations, was launched in the U.S. in 1989, it didn’t arrive in Canada until 1996.

Somewhere out there is a chart snoop who will know the answer of “the fastest single to hit #1 in Canadian radio history.” I would have guessed the Moffats’ "Bang Bang Boom" in 2000 or Bryan Adams’ “(Everything I Do) I Do For You” in 1991. And there’s the 1964 string of Beatle singles, “I Want To Hold Your Hand”, “Can’t Buy Me Love”, “She Loves You”, and “Love Me Do”.

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Journalist/broadcaster/researcher Larry LeBlanc has been a leading figure in Canadian music for four decades. He has been a regular music commentator on CTV’s “Canada A.M.” for 35 years, and has been featured on numerous CBC-TV, CTV, YTV, Bravo! MuchMusic, MusiMax, and Newsworld programs in Canada; VH-1, and EEntertainment in the U.S.; and BBC in the U.K.

Larry was a co-founder of the late Canadian music trade, The Record, and, most recently, the Canadian bureau chief of Billboard for 16 years. He has been quoted on music industry issues in hundreds of publications including Time, Forbes, and the New York Times.

_________________________________________________

To be added to his email list write: LJLE@aol.com

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The LeBlanc Newsletter is exclusively carried and archived by Canadian Music Week in Canada at: http://www.cmw.net/cmw2008. It is available in the U.S. at Encore Celebrity Access: http://encore.celebrityaccess.com


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Thursday, March 27, 2008

THE JUKES @ HARWOOD BLUES (AJAX, ON) - MAR. 29



Happy Spring, everyone.

I hope you've all enjoyed your various celebrations of St. Patty's Day, Easter, and the arrival of Spring. If you'd like to continue the celebration, please join us this Saturday evening at Harwood Blues in Ajax. The band has been playing at Harwood virtually our entire time together and we always enjoy ourselves there.


The Jukes
Saturday, March 29
Harwood Blues
7 Harwood Avenue
Ajax, ON


9:30 pm


Hope to see you there,



Andrew Taylor
The Jukes


http://www.thejukesband.com


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JAZZ @ THE NEW EARTH ARTIST CAFE - MAR. 30


Jazz at the New Earth Artist Cafe
2008 Park Blvd

Oakland, CA 94606
510.834.0521


The New Earth Artist Cafe treats you to a relaxed ambiance and an eclectic environment of art and music. While you enjoy the smooth taste of lattes, mochas, and espresso, as well as tasty home-made style soups, salads and sandwiches and more, listen to fantastic jazz music in an intimate atmosphere.

SUNDAY, MARCH 30, 2008
4:00PM – 6:00PM

The Café will present

THE RUDI WONGOZI TRIO
featuring:

RUDI WONGOZI, keyboards
OLLEN ERICH HUNT, bass
and young phenom ISSA WONGOZI on drums
with guest vocalist ROBIN GREGORY

RUDI WONGOZI is an exciting and innovative pianist and composer who never fails to astound his audience. Come out and hear some fantastic music this Sunday afternoon.


www.wildbirdrecords.com


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SEDRICK PLAYS ZAPHOD BEEBLEBROX (OTTAWA) ON APRIL 11



Hello!

We will be playing Zaphod Beeblebrox on Friday, April 11th, with Twelve34, for the Sin Kickers CD release party.

We are opening and the show starts around 8 pm, so come early! Sedrick is opening (1/2 hour set) and will be playing many new songs and adding keyboards to our sound as well.

6$ at the door.

Interesting times for Sedrick!!!!

We hope to update our website soon, but new photos can be seen at www.myspace.com/sedricktheband, thanks to Chris Topp Photography.


Thanks for supporting the Ottawa music scene!



Lillian, William and Dave, from Sedrick.

www.sedrick.org


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LEE OSKAR HARMONICAS' 25TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR STARTS MAR. 28
Hey there.
It's down to the wire now, which means this tour starts happening on Friday [March 28]. Can't believe it's already here and we're really excited about all the buzz that's happening around it. Tickets are selling fast, so act NOW if you want to catch this spectacular show starring Lee Oskar, Michael Pickett, David Rotundo, and featuring Enrico Crivellaro (guitarist) ... plus an outstanding rhythm section. Steve Marriner will be making a few appearances, too.
Detailed information is at
Tour Dates:
MARCH:
28..........INNISFIL, ON / Lions Hall.....SOLD OUT!!!
29..........BELLEVILLE, ON / Loyalist College / Harmonica Workshop
29..........BELLEVILLE, ON / Loyalist College /End of Winter Blues Festival
APRIL:
1............TORONTO, ON / Hugh's Room
3............ST-HYACINTHE, QC / Le Zaricot
4............OTTAWA, ON / Rainbow Room
5............OTTAWA, ON / New Bayou / Harmonica Workshop
5............KINGSTON, ON / Portuguese Cultural Hall
8............NORTH BAY, ON / Music City / Harmonica Workshop
9............NORTH BAY, ON / 100 Georges
10..........SUDBURY, ON / Records On Wheels /Harmonica Workshop
10..........SUDBURY, ON / Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel
11..........PETERBOROUGH, ON / Dobro Restaurant
12..........TORONTO, ON / Silver Dollar / TBS Harmonica Workshop
12..........STRATFORD, ON / Festival Inn
13..........PORT CREDIT, ON / Roc 'N Docs
Want to know more? Then visit any or all of the following websites and you'll see why this show is so worth checking out.
See you on the road!
Louise Pickett, Mgr.
Mother Earth Manangement
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PORKBELLY FUTURES TO RELEASE SELF-TITLED CD ON CORDOVA BAY LABEL


Media Information/For Immediate Release

Porkbelly Futures release second album on Cordova Bay label

Porkbelly Futures, the unusual combination of musicians and writers who may well have Canada's oddest band name, have signed with Cordova Bay, the growing independent Victoria-based label that is also home to numerous other Canadian artists, including Wyckham Porteous, State of Shock, David Gogo, Bill Bourne and Bob Lanois. The label is distributed nationally in Canada by Fontana North/Universal Music.

Set for release April 8th, 2008, the self-titled Porkbelly Futures CD features a band made up of widely diverse members, including award-winning author Paul Quarrington on guitar and vocals; founding member of the Canadian Brass Stuart Laughton on trumpet, mandolin, pedal steel, and guitar; singer Rebecca Campbell; acclaimed drummer and composer Martin Worthy; Toronto Symphony member Chas Elliot on bass.

The new CD is dedicated to the late Richard Bell, the keyboard player and accordionist who played with Janis Joplin, Blackie & The Rodeo Kings, Ronnie Hawkins and countless others, and who is heard with the Porkbellys on what turned out to be his last recording.

The band was formed in Toronto eight years ago as a Chicago blues-based group, but soon broadened its sound to include elements of country and rock, as songs - often humourous and sometimes even literary - were added to the repertoire by Quarrington, Worthy, and Laughton.

Porkbelly Futures is setting off on dates in Quebec and the Maritimes on April 10, and will hold a release party in Toronto at Hugh's Room on April 29. On some of the band's dates, Quarrington will read from his CBC "Canada Reads" winner, King Leary, and his well-reviewed new book, The Ravine, published by Random House.

-30-

For further information, advance review copies, high-res photographs, interviews, etc., please contact:

Richard Flohil
416 351-1323

E-Mail: rflohil@sympatico.ca

Band Website:

www.porkbellys.com


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CROSSROADS @ ROCKFISH GRILL - MAR. 29


Saturday, March 29th, The Crossroads Band will let it all hang out at The Rockfish Grill - 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes, WA, 360-588-1720. The Rockfish has a great selection of beers and wines and fantastic food. Crossroads always has a good time in downtown Anacortes. If you're cruisin' the highway, drop on by and say hi. The band plays from 9 to midnight. Check ya on the rebound and have a great weekend.

www.anacortesrockfish.com

The Crossroads Band web site:

www.crossroads.net


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PAUL GREEN & STRAIGHT SHOT - GIGS THIS WEEKEND (MAR. 28 & 29)


Friday, Mar. 28 @ Pat’s Bar & Grill - 114 Railroad Av N., Kent, WA, from 9 pm to midnight.

This Saturday, Mar. 29, from 7-10 pm @ Jambalaya Restaurant - 508 Garfield St, Tacoma, WA.

Come on out.


www.paulgreenblues.com


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JACK DE KEYZER & JEROME GODBOO @ JOHNNY B'S - APR. 12/08


Join Jack de Keyzer (2008 Maple Blues Guitarist of the Year and 2008 Best Blues Album Juno Nominee) on Saturday, April 12, 2008, and his very special guests, Jerome Godboo (vocals/harmonica) , Chris Murphy, (Saxophone) and the Jack de Keyzer Band for a high rock-tane blues revue show at Durham's most upscale live venue, Johnny B's. Enjoy dinner and show or show only for a memorable evening with Canada's best blues artists.

Johnny B's Nightclub

Sat., April 12

Dinner 7:00 & or Show 9:00

The Jack de Keyzer Blues Revue with special guests Jerome Godboo, Chris Murphy and more....75 Consumers Drive, AMC Plaza, Whitby, ON, (905) 666-7629, Durham's best & most upscale night spot

Tickets & info

www.jeromegodboo.com
www.jackdekeyzer.com


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JEROME GODBOO & DANNY MARKS - JEFF HEALEY'S ROADHOUSE - MAR. 27


Capricorn and Cancer may be polar opposites on the chart but they have more in common than you might think. "Just like Jerome and me!" says Danny Marks. "We do have a lot in common" says Godboo. "We're both born in the year of the Tiger", adding hastily, "Many years apart!". "Not as many as you think!", counters Marks. Both men appear to glow and grow in the spotlight and both men have the rare performer's instinct to seize the day. "Similar momentum keeps us on separate paths, both preaching the moment". Danny ponders. Jerome Godboo nods in agreement. He remembers the first time they sparred at the Hotel Isabella. Danny was not always the congenial host we know today. "I couldn't quite understand why he wouldn't welcome a wide eyed kid from the sticks and I vowed I'd never be like that", he sighs. "And I never did quite figure out how my picture got punched in at Grossman's" laughs Danny."I guess it's better that way." And so it goes between these two titans of Toronto's ever evolving club scene. They've performed together on stages from here to Helsinki and back. There's always the feeling that as individuals, they are reaching out, growing. It keeps them on their toes. "There's no question we both feed off each other when we're together up there", grins Godboo, happily looking forward to the occasion. "Yeah" says Danny smiling back, "Crank up the tunes and let's dance!"

www.jeromegodboo.com


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Wednesday, March 26, 2008

BLUE APPLE BLUES FESTIVAL - NEW YORK CITY - APR. 3 (REMINDER)




FreeNote Music presents the Blue Apple Blues (B.A.B.) Festival on Thursday, April 3rd, at Crash Mansion, 199 Bowery @ Spring Street, NYC, featuring the best blues from NYC and beyond ~ $15 @ door
Venue contact: 212-982-0740
Festival contact: 212-580-0602
Also, hear an interview with Willie McBlind on WRCN radio's Graveyard Blues, 103.9 FM, hosted by Jerry Schaefer on Sunday, March 30th, 8 - 10 pm, with a chance to win free BAB Fest tickets; live online streaming available at www.wrcn.com/listen.htm.

Read an interview with Babe Borden about the BAB Fest on Cross Harp Chronicles.

Watch Guitar Player magazine demonstrate the FreeNote 12-Tone Ultra Plus microtonal guitar at: http://www.guitarplayertv.com/ (go to Guitars and Gear, then Guitars, then scroll down to FreeNote)

Click here to vote for "Pony Blues" by Willie McBlind for "Best Heatseeker Mainstream Rock" track in New Century People's Choice awards!

Click here to check out Willie McBlind's International Radio Airplay. Come celebrate NYC's live music scene with a recession-busting 5 killer bands for one low price!

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Tuesday, March 25, 2008

ROBBIE LAWS BIGGER BLUES BAND @ HWY. 99 CLUB (SEATTLE) - MAR. 28


Robbie Laws Bigger Blues Band

Robbie Laws - Guitar/Vocals
Mike West - Tenor Sax
Greg Lyons - Trumpet
Mike Tooley - Trombone
Frank “Hot Rod” Holman - B3 and Keyboards
Charlene Grant - Bass
Steve Sarkowsky - Drums


Friday, March 28th, at Highway 99 Blues Club [Seattle, WA]

Band starts at 8:45 pm. Get there early for a good spot or call (206) 382-2171 for reservations!

Links to Live Tracks - Okie Dokie Stomp, I'd Rather Be Blind, Crippled And Crazy



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DOUGLAS WATSON @ FAT TONY'S (CAPONE'S NIGHTCLUB) - MAR. 29

Events for the Week of Mar. 24-29 @ Fat Tony's (St. Catharines, ON)
Open Mic with Andrew Johnson - Every Wednesday 8:00pm-12:00pm
and Eastern Bloc - Every Friday 10:00pm-2:00pm
Here is the list of guest artists who will be appearing in concert with Bluesafire (Canada Dave Torosian, Gary Kendall, Jim Casson, Limpy Curry and Mojo Willie) @ Fat Tony's Blues and Soul Concert Series - Every Saturday afternoon from 3:00PM - 7:00PM:

Mar. 29th: Douglas Watson
Douglas Watson's Bio

Raised in Chicago, Illinois, by Claudia and Eddie Lee Watson, Douglas Watson was born to sing the Blues. At an early age he learned to love music and performing from his father (otherwise known as Lovie Lee) who, throughout his career as a musician, played with Howlin Wolf, Johnny Lee Hooker, B.B. King, and toured for several years with the Muddy Waters Band.
Douglas began first playing drums at the age of five. He later studied other instruments such as piano, guitar, harmonica and bass. Through years of practice and performing, Douglas has become one of the country’s leading bass guitarists. His first love was the church where he learned to cherish the soulful sounds of Gospel music. He later branched out into the world of Rhythm and Blues, encouraged and inspired by his father, Lovie Lee, and step-brother, Carey Bell. Douglas has been noted for his "full throated vocal style...(that) is matched by few".
His sweet harmonies make it a pleasure for all that sing with Douglas. His full range and style have brought him much acclaim from some of the most respected blues vocalists in the industry. It has recently been written about Douglas that, "He is one of the finest blues vocalist and frontmen on the Canadian Scene."
James Brown, Godfather of Soul, even acknowledged to Douglas: "I heard you out there... You're good, real good."
Douglas has played with many well known artists such as Koko Taylor, Albert Collins, B.B. King, Johnny Lee Hooker, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Lonnie Brooks, Bonnie Raitt, and has toured with A.C. Reed and the Sparkplugs for nine years. Most recently Douglas opened for James Brown in Kitchener, Ontario, receiving great reviews from the Godfather of Soul himself.
His talents have taken him across Europe, Japan, Canada and the United States. After leaving A.C. Reed and the Sparkplugs, Douglas decided to go out on his own in hopes of advancing his career. He moved to Canada in 1990, settling in London, Ontario, and establishing his own band - Douglas Watson and The Hot Flames. Through their hard work and dedication they have rekindled the spirit of Rhythm and Blues in the city of London.
In the summer of 1997, Douglas was invited to join Jordan Patterson and the D.C. Hurricane. The group ventured out on tour to the west coast of Canada. There they received tremendous acclaim and recognition for their high energy, crowd pleasing performance. 1999 found Douglas extremely busy performing with his own band, The Hot Flames, across Southwestern Ontario and Quebec from the Halton Blues Fest to Mont Tremblant.
Douglas joined The McAuleys in Windsor for an outside New Year's Eve Party to remember ringing in the new Millennium with funk, rhythm and soul! Douglas has begun the new Millennium with a blast! His busy schedule keeps the fire in the Hot Flames burning wildly and along with guitarist extraordinaire Shawn Kellerman, you can be sure they will be shakin' up the house!
Apr. 5th: Krista Blondin
Apr. 12th: Wayne Charles
Apr. 19th: Maureen Brown
Apr. 26th: Bill King
May 3rd: Phil Kane
May 10th: Alex Tintinalli
May 17th: Jack de Keyzer
The return of this concert series represents the end of a one year hiatus for Bluesafire. We are grateful for the patronage of venue owner & staff @ Fat Tony's, as well as to the fans of this series whose avid support brought it back to life. The modus operandi for the continuation of this series is to create synergy between the blues societies & roots musicians of Southern Ontario and Western New York. You will find the link for a map to the venue below.
Regards,
Mojo Willie
Fat Tony's
131 King Street
St. Catharines ON L2R 3J2
Phone: (905) 988-3663


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'SOUTHSIDE SUNDAYS' WITH STEVE MARRINER



Irene’s Pub
885 Bank Street
Ottawa, ON

Sunday Nights - early start @ 8 pm 'til midnight

Most Sunday nights until Christmas, Steve Marriner will be presenting a solo show at Irene’s Pub. Steve says, "It’s just me - solo, guitar, harp, etc. … I’m going to be playing a plethora of roots music, blues, old-country, folky stuff.”

Steve’s CD, Going Up, got a fantastic review in the October/November 2007 issue of Blues Revue magazine. Reviewer Tom Hyslop concludes, “With right-on harp playing, tight arrangements, and confident vocals, "Going Up" is one of the year's strongest releases.”

Congratulations, Steve!

Don’t miss this opportunity to catch our own multi-talented multi-instrumentalist playing at his ‘local’. Please check Steve’s website to confirm dates.

www.stevemarriner.com

[Excerpt from Ottawa Blues Society "Ottawa Blues this Week" e-letter]

To join the mailing list, contact lizblues@aol.com.

www.ottawabluessociety.com

"Ottawa Blues This Week" is a proud benefactor member of the Ottawa Blues Society. Local blues societies across Canada help to promote the music we all enjoy. Here are the websites of a few blues societies in the area.

If you're not a member of your local blues society, why not check them out.

www.ottawabluessociety.com
www.kingstonbluessociety.ca
www.loyalblues.ca
www.torontobluessociety.com
www.bluesmontreal.com

For either a week’s or month’s view of local events, check out Jim Roy’s Ottawa Blues, Jazz & Swing guide at www.ottawabluesjazz.ca.

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TELL MAMA @ MONTHLY JAZZ AT JR’S RESTAURANT & DOWNSTAIRS PUB


JR's Restaurant & Downstairs
385 Ottawa Street
Almonte ON

Friday, March 28 @ 7 pm

From Shelley: “JR’s has been a long-time supporter of live music and of local musicians. We are so pleased to be asked back to play at their monthly jazz night (even though we don't think we are really playing jazz!); we always have a good time. JR’s has a diverse kitchen with meals to suit every taste and every budget. Come out for dinner and stay for the show.”

www.tellmama.net


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VIRÉÉ BLUES BORÉALE PRESENTS RIOT & HIS RHYTHM DEVILS


CD Release with special guest Rudy Caya

Café Le Troquet
41 Laval Street
Gatineau (Old Hull sector), QC

Wednesday, March 26 @ 8 pm

Whether at Montreal’s International Jazz Festival, at Montreal’s or Sutton’s Festiblues, at the Bistro à Jojo or as the opening show for the Jeff Healey Band, this trio of Heavy Blues, Rockabilly, Soul and Rock ‘n’ Roll with a little of Johnny Cash’s colors, does not aim at making a revolution on the Blues scene but rather at passing on its passion for the Blues; and it works every time. Their first album in 2005 was such an unexpected hit with their public that they started working on the second right away. They say that it’s a sharp picture of them but with stronger Blues Roots. So, this new album brings us the results of a studio Jam Session, together with members of Vilain Pingouin, original and new casts, also with Kim Richardson, Rick Hayworth, Nicolas Piguet of the Blues Berry Jam, as well as many others. A more rooted sound, more traditional and less rocky for the instruments, as well as for the singing; and always that good old blues basis that built Riot & His Rhythm Devils.


www.riotdevils.com
www.myspace.com/vireeblues


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Sunday, March 23, 2008

NADIA KAJOUJI - MISSING SINCE MAR. 9/08 - REWARD FOR INFORMATION



Nadia Kajouji..my niece..has not been seen or heard from since March 9th, 2008. If you know of her whereabouts or have heard from her, could you please let us know. She goes to Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada. She has been reported as a missing person. If you should have any information, PLEASE call the Ottawa Police Department at 613-236-1222, Ext. 3726, or contact her mother on facebook at Deborah Chevalier or myself, Candita Martens-Mills, at the email address listed below. You can also call 905-587-0088. We are very worried about her and would like to hear from her and know she is okay...everyone is looking for her and worried about her well-being...so, please, if you know ANYTHING that you think may help, contact someone who is listed above....Thanks.
Nadia's parents have asked me to inform everyone that they are offering a $50,000 reward for their daughter's safe return. If you have any information, please come forward and let us know...thank you.
Candita Martens-Mills
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Friday, March 21, 2008

GILBERTO GIL – BROADBAND TOUR - MASSEY HALL - JUNE 27


GILBERTO GIL

Friday, June 27, 2008, AT 8 PM / MASSEY HALL - TORONTO, ON

Tickets on sale to FriendsFirst MEMBERS now; to the Public on Saturday, March 22, at noon

Tickets $69.50 - $49.50 / 416-872-4255 or online at www.masseyhall.com or visit the Roy Thomson Hall Box Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Toronto, ON. March 20, 2008


Gilberto Gil returns, with his band!

Multi-instrumentalist, singer/songwriter Gilberto Gil has developed one of the most relevant and renowned careers as a singer, composer and guitarist in both world and pop music. In a career that has spanned 40 years, with over 30 albums released, Gil has six gold records, four platinum singles and five million records sold. He has also served as Brazil’s Minister of Culture for the past five years. Gil fused samba, salsa, and bossa nova with rock and folk music, and is recognized as one of the pioneers in world music. He last appeared solo at Massey Hall in March of 2007.

Gilberto Gil’s Broadband Tour dives headlong into the vertiginous waters of the digital revolution and its accelerated infoways. The theme has coloured the whole of Gil's career: from the time of Tropicália, with Cérebro Eletrônico [Eletronic Brain] and Futurível [Futurable] (1969), to Cibernética (1974), and Parabolicamará (1991), finally bursting out in 1997, in the double album Quanta, where he brought together many of his reflections on art/science and the new technologies. The disc was preceded by the pioneer launch of his website in April 1996, and by the transmission, online, in the same year, of Pela Internet, the first Brazilian music to be officially launched on the Internet.

From then on, his interest not only increased, but his cyberspace contacts multiplied. Digital Inclusion, Creative Commons and Free Software are just a few of the concepts that emerged from the world of ideas to lever the activities and conversations of Gilberto Gil, the public figure.

"Broadband" announces the irreversible and definitive commitment of Gil to the new set-squares and compasses of the Universe of Bits and Bytes, fully embraced with all its risks and challenges. Just the theme has fascinated him for more than 30 years, and now it is a case, for Gil, of delving deep into the practice, continuing a process that started during the previous Eletracústico tour, when he sang at the United Nations to an enthusiastic audience in Plenary Hall. "What I want is to practice politics!" said Gil, loudly and firmly.

The Broadband Tour consists of Arthur Maia: bass; Alex Fonseca: drums; Bem Gil: guitars; Claudio Andrade: pianos; Gustavo de Dalva: percussion; Sergio Chiavazzolli: guitars.


GILBERTO GIL – Broadband Tour
Friday, June 27, 2008, at 8 PM / Massey Hall
178 Victoria Street, Toronto
Tickets $69.50 - $40.50 - Call 416-872-4255 or visit the Roy Thomson Hall Box Office
www.masseyhall.com

MEDIA CONTACT:

Liz Parker, Publicity Manager / Ph: 416 593 4822, Ext. 318 / email: liz.parker@rth-mh.com
THE CORPORATION OF MASSEY HALL AND ROY THOMSON HALL
60 Simcoe Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5J 2H5


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MARK LALAMA @ NRS SATURDAY NIGHT "MUSICAL IMPROV" - MAR. 22


Niagara Rhythm Section's Saturday Night "MUSICAL IMPROV" Series

This week's featured guest: Sat., Mar. 22 - Mark Lalama

The Anchorage, 186 Ricardo St. - Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON - 905-468-2141

Every Saturday night - 9:30ish - no cover

THIS WEEK WE PROUDLY WELCOME BACK OUR GOOD FRIEND, MARK LALAMA, ONE OF CANADA'S MOST VISIBLE MUSICIANS. HE HAS PERFORMED AND/OR RECORDED WITH A MULTITUDE OF INTERNATIONAL ARTISTS INCLUDING : JON BON JOVI & RICHIE SAMBORA, MARTINA McBRIDE, MICHAEL MACDONALD, OLIVIA NEWTON JOHN, PAUL ANKA, ROGER HODGSON, GUIDO BASSO, AMY SKY, MARC JORDAN, SUSAN AGLUKARK, FRANK MILLS...AND MANY MORE.

MARK IS THE PIANIST AND ARRANGER FOR THE CTV HIT SHOW, "CANADIAN IDOL", WHERE HE HAS HAD THE PLEASURE OF WORKING WITH THE BEST IN CANADIAN TALENT, AS WELL AS ARTISTS: NELLY FURTADO, TONY BENNETT, KELLY CLARKSON, ENRIQUE IGLASIAS, AND MANY MORE.

MARK HAS WRITTEN FOR AND/OR PRODUCED AMY SKY, MARC JORDAN, ACCORDION CRIMES, THE MANTINI SISTERS, ELVIS STOJKO, AND THE GROUP, 'BRAIDED', WHO HAD A NUMBER ONE HIT WITH HIS SONG, ENTITLED 'A LITTLE BIT CLOSER.' HE'S COMPOSED MUSIC FOR TELEVISION SHOWS ACROSS THE PROGRAMMING SPECTRUM AND RECENTLY SCORED A SERIES FOR DISCOVERY CHANNEL U.S. THAT WAS NOMINATED FOR A 2007 EMMY AWARD.

HE HAS PERFORMED FOR JEAN CHRETIEN, JACQUES CHIRAQ, AND MOST RECENTLY FORMER VICE PRESIDENT, AL GORE. NIAGARA-BORN AND RAISED, MARK MAKES HIS HOME IN THE BEAUTIFUL METROPOLIS OF FENWICK, ON, AND WORKS PRIMARILY OUT OF HIS STATE-OF-THE-ART RECORDING STUDIO, "THE OLD SUMBLER HOUSE".

www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20060727/idol_bio_lalama_060727/20060727/?s_name=idol2006


More musical improv coming up @ The Anchorage (Niagara-on-the-Lake):

The Niagara Rhythm Section (Goldberger, Grisbrook, Norris, MacKay and Nelson) with special guests:

Mar 29 - Larry Kurtz
troubleandstrife.ca

April 5 - Scott & Simon

April 12 - Martin Alex Aucoin & Paul Martin
http://web7.ehost-services.com/LDDOnline1/maa/index.htm

April 19 - Danny Marks
dannym.com

April 26 - Chuck Jackson
chuckjackson.com


www.stevegoldberger.com


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TOO SLIM & THE TAILDRAGGERS - NEWS UPDATE


Too Slim and the Taildraggers have taken a few months off and are ready to get back out on the road. They have a lot of news to share about upcoming events... so read on!


PINT STORE BLUES

Too Slim has re-released his award-winning CD, Pint Store Blues. If you don't have this one in your collection, it is an excellent accoustic addition.




NEW BAND MEMBER - RUDY SIMONE

Too Slim and the Taildraggers would like to welcome the fabulous young new talent Rudy Simone!





ESSIE'S SOUTH AMERICAN SAUCE
Too Slim has purchased a company called Essie's South American Sauce, because he loved the product so much! Once you try it, you can't get enough. It is a marinade that works on and in absolutely everything.
UPCOMING GIGS
Thu - 03/27/08
Butte, MT
Silver Dollar
Mon - 03/31/08
Three Forks, MT
TBA
Sat - 04/26/08
Omak, WA
Breadline
Fri - 05/02/08
Lincoln, NE
Zoo Bar
Sun - 05/04/08
Omaha, NE
Blues Cruise

Thank you for all of your support... Too Slim and the Taildraggers have enjoyed their time home, but are ready to get back out on the road.. they miss all of you and hope to see you at their shows!

Nancy Langford
Too Slim and the Taildraggers

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CROSSROADS @ THE BLARNEY STONE - MAR. 22 (SEATTLE, WA)


Saturday, March 22nd, The Crossroads Band will be rockin' The Blarney Stone - 1909 3rd Ave. in the heart of downtown Seattle. The Blarney Stone is a great watering hole with good food and NO COVER CHARGE!!! The band plays from 9 to 1. We hope you can join us. It going to be a good time! 206-448-8439

Check out The Crossroads Band web site for show updates: www.crossroadsblues.net

There are new gig dates added frequently! Have a great weekend!



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BLUES ORBITERS @ FIRECREEK GRILL - MAR. 22/08


Blues Orbiters

Saturday, Mar 22, 8:00PM

Firecreek Grill, Druids Glen Golf Course

29925 207th Ave. SE

Covington, WA


The Blues Orbiters head to Covington this Saturday, bringing stellar tunes to the Firecreek Grill at Druids Glen Golf Course. With a full restaurant, full bar and a nice early start, this has all the makings for a fun night out!

Hope to see you there!


Brian Lee Ron Baker Roger Smith Dan Taylor Mike Sever
Blues Orbiters


For info on the Druids Glen Firecreek Grill: www.druidsglengolf.com


www.bluesorbiters.com


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TANYA JANCA & AL WOOD @ RASPUTIN'S - FRI., APR. 4 (OTTAWA, ON)



Hello, all!

Just a brief note to tell you that Al Wood and I will be doing a double bill at Rasputin's on Friday April 4th. Tickets are $8 and available though me or Al. Doors at 8:00, music at 8:30, show over by 11:00 pm. Unlike many places I have played, this place is a classy joint that serves not only booze but tasty dinners and desserts! If you want tickets, let me know.

Tanya Janca

http://www.tanyajanca.com/


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SHAWN BRUSH - "THE KROOKED COWBOY" - LINKS TO PRESS ARTICLES


HAMILTON SPECTATOR:

http://www.thespec.com/Entertainment/article/342386

BURLINGTON POST:

http://www.burlingtonpost.com/arts_and_entertainment/article/162127


SHAWN BRUSH APPEARING AT HAMILTON PLACE - APR. 3 - HAMILTON, ON


www.shawnbrush.com


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Wednesday, March 19, 2008

"HOT ROCK ACTION" @ IRENE'S - MAR. 29/08



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BECKI SUE & HER BIG ROCKIN' DADDIES! @ CROSSROADS - MAR. 21



Hey, Blues Fans!

Becki Sue & her Big Rockin' Daddies! will be at The Crossroads Steakhouse this Friday Night, March 21, in Walla Walla, WA, for a big-time blues event sponsored by the Walla Walla Blues Society. Showtime is 8pm.

http://www.wwbs.org/

On Saturday, March 22, we will head to Richland for a show at Kimo's Restaurant and Micro Brewery. Showtime is 9pm.

http://kimossportsbar.com/events.php

ADVANCE ALERT:

The Big Rockin' Daddies! will be backing up the great boogie-woogie piano king, Mitch Woods, in Winthrop, WA, on Friday, April 11, at The Barn. If yer wonderin', Becki Sue will be in town for the event and we would imagine Mitch will invite her up for a couple. It's a bit of a drive, but this should be a great show!!!

http://www.mitchwoods.com/calendar.htm

Hey... check out the cool slide show that the St. Laurent Winery in Malaga, WA, developed for our August 16 show. It's short, but sweet.

http://www.saintlaurent.net:80/index.php?page_id=14&event_id=52


WASHINGTON BLUES SOCIETY MEMBERS, DON'T FORGET TO VOTE FOR THE BB's!

Check out our nominations by clicking on our website below.


www.bigrockindaddies.com
www.myspace.com/bigrockindaddies



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JAZZ @ THE CORKTOWN - HAMILTON, ON - TONIGHT (MAR. 19)


Hi, Everyone.

Tonight is the Big Band’s 9th evening at the Corktown. We continue to delve further into the treasures of the Thad Jones library and add new music every week. It’s exciting music both to play and to hear. The listeners seem to be agreeing and we are thrilled with the response the band has been getting. Look for an article on the band in the next edition of SNAP Hamilton.

This week’s line-up is:

TRUMPETS:

Jason Logue, Steve McDade, Brian O’Kane, Ron Baker

TROMBONES:

Russ Little, Phil Gray, Carl Korody, Bob Hamper

WOODWINDS:

Darcy Hepner, Michael Stuart, Andy Ballantyne, Toby Stewart, Terry Basom

RHYTHM SECTION:

Adrean Farrugia (piano), Pat Collins (bass), Terry Clarke (drums)

Next month we will have a special treat with NYC trumpet player Nick Marchione joining the band both on April 2nd and 23rd.

You can view footage from his last visit here at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2L_JgneJVM


For more information about Jazz @ The Corktown, visit:

http://www.darcyhepner.com/jazzatthecorktown.htm


Please forward this on to anyone you think might be interested.


Thank you for supporting live music!


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From Whole Note Magazine - March 2008


JAZZ IN THE CLUBS


As a born-and-bred Toronto girl, with no driver’s license and a limited budget, and with such a wealth of great music within walking or streetcar distance from my front door (the pages of listings in this month’s issue will attest to that), venturing to concerts further afield often seems like a frivolous expense. And yet sometimes you’ll discover wonderful little (or not so little) hidden treasures. For several weeks now, I’ve found myself boarding a GO bus to Hamilton. From the bus station it’s about a five dollar cab ride to The Corktown (175 Young St, Hamilton) where a big band, under the leadership of saxophonist Darcy Hepner, has been featuring the music of Thad Jones since the New Year. The band includes many musicians familiar to Toronto jazz fans (including Pat Collins, Russ Little, Mike Malone, Adrean Farrugia, Steve McDade, Kevin Dempsey, and Jason Logue, to name only a few). While many musicians try to downsize their ensembles, Hepner drew his inspiration from the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra.

“When you have 16 people [in the band] someone is always going to be having an amazing night”, he says.

And if turnout is any indication, people in Hamilton seem to agree. Fifty people at the very least showed up during February’s worst snowstorm, and after two months, the band has had its residency extended by The Corktown. They’ve had a special guest appearance by Nick Marchione (a current member of the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra and long-time friend and colleague of Hepner’s) and on March 15, they’ll be featuring guitarist Donovan Nixon.

Hepner also loves the “real New York vibe” the band has managed to capture.

“Sometimes”, he says, “we finish the night and I step out of the club into Hamilton and it’s weird.”

For the cost of the GO bus, it’s more than good enough for me. To Hamilton and Beyond!

http://thewholenote.com/wholenote/jazz_qps.html


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Tuesday, March 18, 2008

NIGHT SUN - A DISTINCTLY CANADIAN BAND




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POLLY O'KEARY & THE RHYTHM METHOD - WHO NEEDS THE BLUES



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NEWFOUNDLAND ACTRESS AND SINGER VICKY HYNES



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ATLANTIC UNION - THE WHOLE DANCE


(Atlantic Union: Andrew Lang, Sally Goddard, Dan Rubin)


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TAKE A TRIP TO THE HOBBYHORSE CAFE - MUSIC, ART, POETRY, ETC.



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ELYSSA MAHONEY THROUGH THE YEARS...ALL 15 OF THEM





Pull Me In CD (with guitarist Lucas Haneman) - to be released in Spring 2008
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