LES SMITH (OF TRICKBAG) @ FAT TONY'S BLUES/SOUL CONCERT SERIES

Hello, folks.


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 - 7 PM:

Mar. 8th: Les Smith http://trickbag.ca/

"Hamilton singer-songwriter Les Smith playfully calls his music, "Folk & Roll". His simple yet poignant lyrics and infectious melodies are unique in style. The songs reveal a great deal of humility, a sense of humour, and a folksy insight into the human condition. Smith's experience as a blues harmonica player serves to inject a lot of soul into his music, as well.

Les Smith had been writing and performing for friends and campfires since his late teens but began to take the craft more seriously in 1993 after winning a CBC radio contest to compose a song for Toronto's 200th birthday. The tune was called "Tranna" and was an irreverent spoof of Toronto from an outsider's perspective. He was subsequently encouraged to keep writing by songwriter Eddie Schwartz ("Hit Me with your Best Shot") with whom he met and co-wrote on the radio show.

In 1996, Smith's song, "Piece by Piece", was picked up by Sylvia Tyson and performed on Quartette's CD, Works of the Heart. The tune received high critical praise by CBC's late Clyde Gilmore (of "Gilmore's Albums"), who claimed it was his favourite song on the album. "Piece by Piece" was also chosen by Timothy Findley for his musical, "The Piano Man's Daughter", which toured across Canada in 1997.

Les's song, "Weatherman", has been covered by Borealis recording artists Ken and Chris Whiteley on their Juno-nominated Sixteen Shades of Blue. Guitarist Bill Candy recorded Smith's co-write with Chris Whitely, "Education in the Blues" on his Common Ground release in 2002.

Most recently, Smith's tune, "The Hands that Rock Your Cradle" (co written with Kristi Magraw), was performed by Maple Blues award-winner Suzie Vinnick on her 2003 release, 33 Stars. The same song placed second in the Ontario "Songs from the Heart" competition in 2000.

As well as writing his own music, Les plays harmonica, guitar, and sings, performing regularly with Hamilton band Trickbag; all of its members are former King Biscuit Boy alumnae.

Smith's harmonica playing is featured prominently on Harrison Kennedy's Juno-nominated album, Sweet Taste, Mike Birthelmer's Grand Review, and various others." [Quoted from CD Baby web-site]

Mar. 15th: Steve Strongman http://www.stevestrongman.com/

Mar. 22nd: Fat Tony's Bluesaganzafest with Kenny 'Blues Boss' Wayne http://www.kennybluesboss.com/, Chuck Jackson http://www.chuckjackson.com/ & Pat Carey http://www.myspace.com/patcareymusic in concert with Bluesafire - Tickets $10.00 in advance

Mar. 29th: Douglas Watson http://www.douglaswatson.com

Apr. 5th: Krista Blondin http://www.kristablondinband.com/

Apr. 12th: Wayne Charles http://www.myspace.com/waynecharles

Apr. 19th: Maureen Brown http://www.myspace.com/maureenbrown

Apr. 26th: Bill King http://www.myspace.com/saturdaynitefishfry

May 3rd: Phil Kane http://www.philkane.tk/

May 10th: Alex Tintinalli http://www.alextintinalli.com/

May 17th: Jack de Keyzer http://www.jackdekeyzer.com/

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

http://www.stcathdowntown.com/directory/details.php?id=816



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