HIGHER OCTANE @ BOSTON MANOR - SATURDAY, MAY 12

Higher Octane, featuring special guest Marshall Paul, will be performing at Boston Manor, 4460 Fairview Drive, Burlington, ON (905-637-1984).

www.myspace.com/higheroctanerock

Mark Sepic @ California Pub and Grill (Toronto) - May 11/07

Hi, folks.

On Friday, May 11, from 9 pm - 1 a.m., I'll be playing solo at the newly refurbished California Pub and Grill (919 Pape Avenue @ Mortimer, north of Danforth Avenue, Toronto, 416-461-1251). The new owners have basically re-built the place and quite beautifully. Gone are the pool tables, tough-guy sports bar vibe, etc. Come help them wear it in gracefully!

peace,

Mark

www.marksepic.com

Downchild @ Barrymore's - Ottawa, ON - May 26/07

Brand-New CD, Downchild - Live at the Palais Royale

Donnie Walsh - Performing at (Jeff) Healey's Club - Dec. 2006

(Photo by D.M. Wells)

Downchild
(www.downchild.com)

Becki Sue & her Big Rockin' Daddies! will be at The Untapped Blues Festival http://www.untappedblues.com/ this Saturday, May 12, in Kennewick, Washington. The show starts at noon and we go on at 4 p.m.

Becki Sue & her Big Rockin' Daddies! won five "BB" Awards (actually six, counting Jeff Settle's award) at The Washington Blues Society's 2007 "Best of the Blues" Awards Show at The Triple Door in Seattle on Sunday, May 6. Congratulations to ALL of the nominees and winners!

Best BLUES Band - (two in a row)
Becki Sue - best female vocalist AND performer of the year
Les White - best bass (two in a row)
Tom Boyle - best electric guitar (three in a row)
Jeff Settle (graphic artist) - best blues image for the "Becki on Bass" logo used on our "Beale Street or Bust" fundraiser t-shirts and other products.

For the full scoop on the WBS "BB's" and Becki Sue & her BRD's, please check out these two links. These are stories that were done for the Seattle Times by their prestigious jazz/blues staff writer, Paul deBarros. In chronological order:

http://archives.seattletimes.nwsource.com/cgi-bin/texis.cgi/web/vortex/display?slug=jazz04&date=20070504

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/artsentertainment/2003697268_blues08.html

Please be sure and keep your ears and eyes open for our new CD, BIG CITY BLUES, which will be released soon. The new CD will feature four original tunes and some nationally known surprise guest artists!

www.bigrockindaddies.com

2007 Fresh Fish Award for Emerging Writers

Sponsored by Brian O'Dea and administered by the Writers' Alliance of Newfoundland and Labrador

The Writers' Alliance of Newfoundland and Labrador (WANL) is now calling for submissions to one of the country's most lucrative literary awards for unpublished writers. Dubbed the "Fresh Fish Award for Emerging Writers" by its sponsor, Newfoundland-born author Brian O'Dea, the prize is valued at $5,000. The Fresh Fish Award is intended to serve as an incentive for emerging writers in Newfoundland and Labrador by providing them with financial support, recognition, and professional editing services for a book-length manuscript in any genre.

The winning author will receive a cash prize of $4,000 and the editing services of a professional editor valued at up to $1,000 (and a tax-deductible receipt for those services). The winning author will also have her or his name inscribed on a brass plaque and receive a miniature sculpture in the style of "Man Nailed to a Fish" by sculptor Jim Maunder.

Rules of Eligibility

Writers must be registered members of WANL with a completed, unpublished manuscript in any genre. Writers may join WANL at the time of submission.

Writers must have lived in Newfoundland and Labrador for at least three of the previous five calendar years, in any combination of 36 of the last 60 months.

Writers are permitted to submit only one entry per year, in any genre.

Writers with a published book in any genre or a book accepted for publication at the time of submission are NOT eligible.

The Fresh Fish Award will accept a manuscript that has been submitted once before. Entry forms for resubmitted manuscripts must identify the manuscript as such, and the year it was first entered. Do not submit the same manuscript more than twice to the Fresh Fish Award.

Submission Guidelines

Each manuscript must be typed, double-spaced, and submitted in triplicate. No handwritten manuscripts will be accepted. Pages must be numbered and may be copied double-sided. Ensure that your name appears on the title page only. To have the manuscript returned, include a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Send entries, postmarked no later than June 15, 2007, to:

The Writers Alliance
PO Box 2681
St John's, NL A1C 6K1

Or hand deliver to:

155 Water Street
St John's, NL

Call Shoshanna at (709) 739-5215 for more information.

www.writersalliance.nf.ca

BRENT OLIVER PRESENTS (BOP) - May 8/07

Two big shows this week - Teenage Head & Joel Plaskett

It’s a big week in Edmonton for live music, and there are still some tickets left for these very special BOP events.

Thursday, May 10

Legendary Canadian (Hamilton) Punk Rockers Teenage Head w/ The Mark Birtles Project & The B-Movies

Starlite Room
Doors at 8 p.m., 19+

Tickets available at Blackbyrd, Listen, Freecloud & Ticketmaster

Saturday, May 12

BOP and JCL Productions presentsJoel Plaskett Emergencyw/ Peter ElkasThe Starlite Room Doors at 8pm, No Minors, Members & guests Tickets available at Listen, Blackbyrd, Megatunes & Ticketmaster

Get your tickets now!

Destroyer, June 29

- On Sale Thursday, May 10, at 10 a.m.

Just announced!

Friday, June 29

Brent Oliver Presents Merge Recording artists Destroyer w/ The Hylozoists & Ohbijou

Starlite Room
Doors at 8 p.m., 19+

Tickets on sale Thursday, May 10, at 10 a.m. at Ticketmaster, Blackbyrd, Freecloud & Listen

2006 marked the return of Vancouver ’s Dan Bejar with his seventh full-length release under the moniker, Destroyer. If there has been any precedent set or pattern developed over the previous six recordings in the Destroyer canon, it’s that Bejar holds little regard for convention or expectations. Never one to rest on laurels, each successive Destroyer release always explores new sonic territories and ideas.

Upcoming BOP events

Thursday, May 17

Subterranean Sound & BOP present Z-Trip w/ Degree, Shortround & Echo and Sweetz

Starlite Room
Doors at 9 p.m., 19+

Tickets at Listen, Treehouse, Foosh, Colourblind, Soular, Blackbyrd & Ticketmaster

Saturday, June 9

Starlite Room & Brent Oliver presents Choke

THE FAREWELL SHOW w/ Ghosts of Modern Man, Fractal Pattern, E-Twon Beatdown & Hills Have Eyes

Saturday, June 9

Starlite Room

Doors at 8 p.m., 19+

Tickets at Blackbyrd, Freecloud, Listen & Ticketmaster

Sunday, June 24

Brent Oliver Presents K recording artist from Olympia, WA, Calvin Johnson (Beat Happening, Dub Narcotic Sound System, Halo Benders) & JagJaguar artist from NB Julie Doiron w/ Field & Stream

Listen Records
10649 124 Street
Edmonton, AB

All Ages, Early show

Doors at 6 p.m., Show at 6:30 p.m.

Tickets at Listen & Blackbyrd

Friday, June 29

Brent Oliver Presents Merge Recording artists Destroyer w/ The Hylozoists & Ohbijou

Starlite Room

Doors at 8 p.m., 19+

Tickets on sale Thursday, May 10, at 10 a.m. at Ticketmaster, Blackbyrd, Freecloud & Listen

www.brentoliver.com

Community-Media.com

NEXT WEEK!

Book now!

May Workshops:

How To Start a Non-Profit Group

Wednesday, May 16th, 2007

7 to 9 pm $35.00 + GST

This workshop is geared towards individuals or groups who are interested in establishing a non-profit corporation. It is primarily intended to provide an overview of the process of getting a new group off the ground successfully. Although we will touch on legal issues, this is not primarily a discussion of non-profit or charitable law.

Details and registration are at:

www.community-media.com/Start_A_Non_Profit_Group.html

Successful Grantwriting

Thursday, May 17th, 2007

10 AM to 4 PM

$99.00 + GST (includes lunch)

This very popular workshop is geared towards individuals who are new to grantwriting, for individual projects or small non-profit organizations. The day will include both lectures and hands-on group activities. At the end of the workshop, participants will have enough knowledge to complete a typical funding application such as the Ontario Trillium Foundation application. A workbook will be included. Details and registration are at:

www.community-media.com/Successful_Grantwriting.html

Media Relations 101

Friday, May 25th, 2007

10 AM to 4 PM

$99.00 + GST (includes lunch)

This very popular workshop is geared towards individuals who are new to grantwriting, for individual projects or for small non-profit organizations. The day will include both lectures and hands-on group activities. At the end of the workshop, participants will have enough knowledge to complete a typical funding application such as the Ontario Trillium Foundation application. A workbook will be included. Details and registration are at:

www.community-media.com/Media_Relations_101.html

All workshops will take place at:

The Factory
Hamilton Media Arts Centre
126 James Street North
Hamilton, ON

www.hamiltonmediaarts.org

Pre-registration is required at:

www.community-media.com/CM_Workshop_Form.html

Your registration is confirmed only when payment has been received. All workshops are subject to cancellation. Call us at 289-439-2841 or e-mail info@community-media.com.

Newfoundland and Labrador Fiddler Danette Eddy

http://www.singsong.nfld.com/liners/cdmp.html

Let's Get Nervous - Jack Pedler (2007 release)

(CD Review by D.M. Wells)

There’s something admirably warped about Hamilton (Ontario) music icon Jack Pedler.

When he’s not making a musical mockery of ho-hum drummers when performing live, he’s a man on a political mission. Fortunately (or perhaps unfortunately) for those “bears of very little brain”, this otherwise complacent, sober man channels his political dissension into his madcap songwriting capabilities. His previous recordings (Fairyland It Ain’t, D.T. Delinquent, etc.) are uniquely bizarre and Let’s Get Nervous is no exception.

Reverting back to his high-speed rock’n’roll roots (with Coyote Shivers, Teenage Head and many, many others), Jack has dispensed with grand production here. Pared down to a basic but hardly novice trio, this collection of musical zingers is meant to shake the foundations of ever-increasing social apathy, heavily injected with Jack’s incorrigible sense of humour.

We are introduced to his new persona – a ’50s-era radio DJ/lush - by the haphazard twisting of an analog dial that picks up a station ID clip of “Wonderful J-A-C-K – JACK!”. The gruffly-slurring host bellows, “Moms, dads, boys and girls, the cartoons are coming your way”, followed by some Warner Brothers-like sound effects on the cheekily entitled “Diesel Drivin’ Dyke”. It features a hard-core dizzying guitar lead from the now sadly departed Byng Bell (christened Mark Severn), supported with a pulsing electric bass by the cardiac-challenging Neil Nickafor and Jack’s precision-controlled assault on the drum kit. Dave Pedler, Jack’s brother, provided the lyrics for this one, as well as “Third World Home”.

Jack gets his point across without being overly articulate on dragged-out headnodders “Up on Down Street” and “Toxin Town” (“Ooh, what’s that smell? …it’s a helluva lot worse than a halitosis vapour; light up your smoke and don’t you forget, there ain’t no fine to pay in good old high-falutin’ toxin town”). Old-school music fans will no doubt wax nostalgic over the preceding four-second “boo-boo” of a stylus screeching across the groove-worn surface of a vinyl record.

The strains of symphonic harps serve as a musical backdrop for a satirical “Commercial Break” enticing the listeners to “Look at this – just in time for doomsday. Look at this delicious carvial [neurotoxic] mushroom cloud ice cream cake. Isn’t it colourful? And, boy, is it tasty! Thanks for shopping at Carvia.” [I'm just speculating on this, as no liner notes were provided. DW]

“Mapled Red & White” abandons a brief, vaguely “21st Century Schizoid Man”-like guitar intro by zipping into a punky-spunky paroxysm with almost incoherent lyrics. It fizzles out beautifully with a marching drum and melody along the lines of “The Ants Go Marching One By One (hurrah, hurrah)” and seamlessly flowing into “You’re On the Air” (which features Jack on hilarious vocals, keyboards, bass, percussion and guitars).

“Third World Home” is a rip-roaring, tongue-in-cheek tribute that any and all intellectual citizens of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, would consider an appropriate municipal anthem. It’s probably my favourite track, but I’m undecided about that.

The severely inebriated radio host character ends the CD by taking a “Closing Call” – a profanity-laced dialogue then ensues with a disgruntled listener that just about made me wet my pants from laughing so hard. Only Jack Pedler could get away with this anarchical middle finger at CRTC regulations – f’n priceless, eh?

Mark Severn’s dazzling dexterity on guitar and warm personality will be greatly missed for years to come. I’m very glad that producer Georgie Fab, Jack Pedler, Dave Pedler and Neil Nickafor (also a member of the Friends of Richard Newell Committee) were able to work with him on Let's Get Nervous, one of his final recordings. David Wildsmith or Mike Chiarot’s websites contain more of Mark’s swansongs (which also feature Jack Pedler on drums).

Check out Let's Get Nervous and other great music at:

www.racerecords.ca

Crossroads Band at the Central Club - Kirkland, WA - May 6

Sunday, May 6th, Crossroads will rock one of the last true old school bars - The Central Club - 124 Kirkland Avenue, Kirkland, WA, 425-827-0808. Please join us. This club knows how to get down. We hope to see ya! 8 pm - midnight.

http://www.crossroadsblues.net/

John Lee
seattleblues@comcast.net

"Blues with a Feeling 2007 - A Tribute to King Biscuit Boy"

Leander Boat Club - Hamilton - June 2/07

www.kingbiscuitboy.com

Soulstack (formerly Wickens-Knight Band)

@ Chicago's Diner East - Oshawa - May 18/07

www.wickens-knight.com

Marty Murray @ Sandstone Grillhouse - Niagara Falls - May 5

Just a note to let everyone know that I got a last-minute gig and will be playing at the "new After Hours," The Sandstone Grillhouse & Lounge, this Saturday night, May 5, starting at 10 pm.

It is directly across the street from the old After Hours, on Victoria Ave in Niagara Falls (Ontario), in the old Tony's Place. The new signage isn't up yet. It's beautiful inside, however, so come check out the new bar and I hear the food is terrific.

Marty

Paul Green & Curley Cooke @ Bad Albert's in Ballard, WA - May 5

Hi, All

Curley Cooke and I play will be playing acoustic blues at Bad Albert's in Ballard, WA, from 8:30 pm to 11 pm.

Check out www.paulgreenblues.com for details and full schedule. Thanks.

Paul Green

Richard Flohil & Associates

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 5, 2007

Contact: Richard Flohil (416) 351-1323

STONY PLAIN PRESENTS DUKE ROBILLARD'S WORLD FULL OF BLUES - AN "ALL KILLER, NO FILLER" SPECIALLY PRICED 2-CD SET DUE IN CANADA MAY 15. U.S. RELEASE SET FOR JUNE 26.

Stony Plain Records has announced a May 15 release date for Duke Robillard's World Full of Blues, the latest CD from the legendary Grammy-nominated blues and roots music guitarist. The two-disc set is being retailed at a special single CD list price and contains almost two hours of music from one of the genre's most honored musicians.

A frequent visitor to Canada - and signed worldwide to the Edmonton-based Stony Plain label for more than a decade - Duke Robillard is one of this era's most acclaimed guitar players. He's won four W.C. Handy Awards as "Blues Guitarist of the Year" and received a Grammy Award nomination for his 2006 Stony Plain release, Guitar Groove-A-Rama. A tough road warrior, Robillard will tour extensively to support the new release.

Canadian shows on his schedule include the Rainbow in Ottawa (May 18) and le Zaricot in Sainte-Hyacinthe, Quebec, the following day. He'll return to Quebec for the Mont Tremblant International Blues Festival in early July and will play the Calgary International Blues Festival in August.

On June 2, he will receive the 2007 Rhode Island Pell Award for Excellence in the Arts, which recognizes artistic excellence in Robillard's home state and on the national level. Additional award winners honoured that night will include Academy Award-winning actress Olympia Dukakis. Previous Pell honorees include actors Jason Robards, Robert Redford, Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis, as well as Stephen Sondheim and Beverly Sills from the music world.

In addition to his Grammy nomination, 2006 also saw Duke Robillard playing guitar on Tom Waits' national tour, as well as touring to support his own album. Over the years, Duke has recorded with Bob Dylan, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Ruth Brown, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Jay McShann, Herb Ellis, Jimmy Witherspoon and many others, including the legendary Roomful of Blues, which he founded at the age of 17; he has recorded and/or produced well over a dozen CDs for Stony Plain.

"When I conceived of this project and convinced Stony Plain to let me record a double-disc CD, my intention was to record a set of music that touched upon nearly all the areas of blues and blues related music that make up my sound", writes Duke Robillard in the album liner notes.

"Now, with a double CD and over 115 minutes of music, I feel like I have made a definitive statement that's true to what I'm about."

Indeed, Duke Robillard's World Full of Blues salutes gut-bucket blues, swing, funk, soul and gospel, among other genres, on a musical tour with stops in Memphis, New Orleans, Texas, Mississippi and a host of other signposts along the blues highway. In addition to a number of original tunes, he gives his guitar imprint to songs by blues icons Memphis Slim, Jimmy Reed, T-Bone Walker and Bo Diddley, as well as more recent heroes such as Booker T. and the MGs, Bob Dylan, Tom Waits and Eric Bibb.

On Duke Robillard's World Full of Blues, he's backed by a number of players from his regular recording and touring lineups, including Mark Teixeira on drums, John Packer on bass, Doug James on sax, Marty Ballou on bass, Bruce Bears on keyboards and "Sax" Gordon Beadle on sax.

Special guests include "Sugar" Ray Norcia on harmonica and Al Basile on cornet, among many others. Stony Plain Records are distributed in Canada by Warner Music Canada and in the United States by Navarre.

-30-

For more information, contact

Holger Petersen
Stony Plain Records
(780) 468-6423
holger@stonyplainrecords.com

Richard Flohil
Richard Flohil & Associates
(416) 351-1323
rflohil@sympatico.ca

US queries to

Mark Pucci Media
Mark Pucci
(770) 804-9555

Websites:

www.dukerobillard.com

www.stonyplainrecords.com

Higher Octane - Classic Rock'n'Roll - Boston Manor - May 12/07

Howdy, Folks.

We'll be Rockin' n' Rollin' at the Boston Manor next Saturday, May 12.

We'll begin our set some time after 8:30 p.m., which is perfect for all you early risers and hope that you can all join us. The Boston Manor is a great place where fun can be had by all. They have an excellent menu with a wide variety of choices, tons of pool tables, a beautiful bar inside a large area to roam around in...and, of course, we'll be their entertainment on that particular evening.

To get there, simply go to Appleby Line from the QEW, go South on Appleby Line from the QEW. Second set of lights is Fairview St. You will then see a plaza on your right. They are located within that plaza, just a few feet away from the McDonald's restaurant.

There is a $5 cover charge at the door, although it's peanuts considering the entertainment, the venue's atmosphere and its surroundings. So, keep us in mind and we hope to see you there for some good ole' times !!! YEEEE HAAAAA !!!

Git R Done,

Mike

Media Information - For Immediate Release

SHAKURA S'AIDA CELEBRATES THE RELEASE OF DEBUT CD, BLUEPRINT

Toronto launch concert at Live @ The Courthouse set for May 15/07

An active member of the Toronto music scene for over 20 years, it's taken that long for Brooklyn-born singer Shakura S'Aida to create a long-awaited debut blues recording, Blueprint. She'll launch the 11-track CD at a special concert at Toronto's new jazz venue, Live @ The Courthouse, on Tuesday, May 15.

Raised in half a dozen US cities and in Switzerland, the multi-lingual Shakura S'Aida (pronounced "shah-koo-rah sigh-ee-da") relishes Toronto's wide-ranging music community. In addition to solo work with her own band, she's a regular member of Bill King's Saturday Night Fish Fry Band and was lead singer with the 13-piece world music band, Kaleefah.

Having performed on stages around the world and nominated twice for Maple Blues Awards as "Female Vocalist of the Year", S'Aida is a powerful performer who has appeared with legendary artists including Ruth Brown and organist Jimmy Smith; she's also played at Harlem's legendary Apollo Theatre. She recently performed a duo performance with Grammy-winning New Orleans musician and actor Chris Thomas King (Oh, Brother, Where Art Thou) for a CBC recording and toured with Dawn Tyler Watson, Angel Forrest, Suzie Vinnick and Lulu Hugues in Quebec and the United States as a member of Les Grandes Dames du Blues.

Inspired by classic blues and soul artists, she describes her debut CD as a blueprint of a musical journey combining elements of jazz, blues and gritty soul. Blueprint is distributed in Canada by Vancouver-based Festival Distribution and produced by James Bryan, a member of Philosopher Kings and currently guitarist for Nelly Furtado.

Who: Powerful vocalist Shakura S'Aida

What: CD release party for her debut recording "Blueprint"

Where: Live @ The Courthouse (56 Adelaide Street, Toronto - 416-214-9379)

When: Tuesday, May 15; three sets, starting at 8:00 p.m. (doors at 7 p.m.)

Tickets: $10 at the door

Websites:

www.shakurasaida.comwww.richardflohil.com
www.festival.bc.ca

For media information, interviews and photographs, please contact:

Richard Flohil or Sarah French
Tel: 416-351-1323, Fax: 416-351-1095
Email: sarahfrench.rflohil@sympatico.ca

Richard Flohil & Associates
60 McGill St.
Toronto, ON M5B 1H2

PH: 416 351 1323
FAX: 416 351-1095

E-MAIL: sarahfrench.rflohil@sympatico.ca

Website: www.richardflohil.com

Working with Stony Plain Records, Downchild, Jeff Healey, Martyn Joseph, Treasa Levasseur, Loreena McKennitt, Porkbelly Futures, Roxanne Potvin, Paul Reddick, Justin Rutledge, Serena Ryder, Christine Tier, and some 20 Hugh's Room, Roadhouse and Rivoli concerts each year ... Editor and writer, Applaud! Canadian Music on the World Stage.

Bassist Neil Nickafor does Elvis @ Dofasco Centre - May 4/07

Neil Nickafor (on the left) and Mike Eastman @ G.P. Grumpy's - 2006

Hi, kids.

Just a note to remind you of my Elvis tribute gig with "Steve Kabakos & the TVB Ensemble" this Friday, May 4, at the Dofasco Centre for the Arts, 190 King William St, Hamilton, Ontario.

This is a 13-piece unit with 3 horns, 5 backup vocalists and 4-piece rhythm section, although this time the 4 male vocalists will not be there, but instead replaced by 4 female vocalists... hmmm... should be interesting!

Tickets are $30 & $40 available at the box office.

Proceeds go to McMaster Children's Hospital.

tx, hope to see you there!

Neil Nickafor

p.s. here's a link with some info:
http://www.hamiltonmountainnews.com/hmn/news/news_774188.html

--------still have a pulse--------Neil

905.387.1990

email: njnitro@mountaincable.net

www: http://home.mountaincable.net/~njnitro/

Michael Pickett - Upcoming Gigs

Mother Earth Productions Presents

2x JUNO nominee

Multi Award Recipient - EMI Recording Artist

MICHAEL PICKETT

* unplugged / no borders *

FRIDAY, MAY 4 - 8:30 pm

Cafe Rhythm 'n Books

1 Cameron St. W.

Cannington, ON Canada
Info/Tickets: 705.432.8407

Also available at the door.

www.michaelpickett.comwww.youtube.com/michaelpickettsolo

www.sonicbids.com/michaelpickett

"Pickett's performances are compelling and brilliant - an eclectic and captivating storyteller - Delta Blues, Country, Folk, Americana - a songwriter with a deep moral conscience." Gritz Magazine (Alabama, USA)

His unique fusion of sensibilities, driven by his thumping Delta guitar rhythms, muscular harmonica and gravel and chains voice is, at once, traditional and relevant. Pickett effectively deconstructs and reconstructs those seminal Blues, writing songs that are authentic both in substance and performance and revealing a profound understanding of where this music comes from and why it stands the test of time.He has shared the stage with Big Mama Thornton, John Lee Hooker, James Cotton, Jeff Healey, Bo Diddley, Koko Taylor, Downchild Blues Band, John Hammond, Matt 'Guitar' Murphy, Doug Kershaw, Willie 'Big Eyes' Smith, Snooky Pryor, Sunnyland Slim, Lazy Lester, Tom Rush, Josh White Jr., Rory Block, Matt Minglewood, T.Graham Brown, Kentucky Headhunters, Hubert Sumlin, Taj Mahal, Muddy Waters, Son Seals, Big Bill Morganfield, Robert Cray, Buddy Guy, Jon Cleary, Tea Party, Gary Nicholson, Whitey Johnson, The Players, Fortunate Sons, Colin Linden, Brian Stoltz, George Porter Jr., Rev. Billy C. Wirtz, The Nighthawks, Lee Oskar, Jerry Portnoy, Watermelon Slim, and more...

"One of the finest harmonica players of all time." Lee Oskar

"I had a vision that he was gonna be one of the best. In my book he is." Hubert Sumlin

"An artist who breathes new life into the Blues with energy and charisma." Downeast (USA)

"His [songs] transcend the urban Blues idiom." Billboard

"He's got it folks! A real student of the Blues." Sing Out! (USA)

"One of Canada's top acoustic Blues artists." Blues Revue (USA)

"Gives good chase to John Hammond on guitar and leaves him behind on harp!" Blues Matters! (UK)

"Occupying center stage is Pickett whose talents on harmonica and resophonic guitar shine throughout." Performing Songwriter (USA)

Coming Up in June: Barrie Jazz & Blues Festival

Mother Earth Management

Toronto, ON Canada

1.866.890.9591 toll free

www.michaelpickett.com

www.sonicbids.com/michaelpickett

www.youtube.com/michaelpickettsolo

www.myspace.com/michaelpickettsolo

www.dailymotion.com/michaelpickett

www.ottawasenators.com

Shane Bernier - an extraordinary child

Birthday Cards for Shane Bernier

Hi, all.

Just thought I'd pass this along. You may have heard about it in the news. It's about a little boy from Lancaster, Ontario, who has leukemia. He wants to break the Guiness World Record by receiving the most birthday cards. [He's aiming for 350 MILLION and currently has a bit more than 125,000 - he needs a LOT of help, but he's very determined!]

His birthday is May 30, 2007, and he'll be 8 years old.

So, if you'd like to help him break that record, here is his address:

Shane Bernier
PO Box 484
Lancaster, ON K0C 1N0

If you'd like to read a little more about him, here's his link:

www.shaneswish.com

Thanks!

Lexi

P.S. Please pass this along to others who may like to help.

[Note from blogstress: Shane's story was previously published in accredited Canadian daily newspapers. Let's all help out this brave little child, so he can feel he has accomplished something in his life. Financial donations can also be sent to the Canadian Cancer Society.]

Heart of Stone - Eddie Warren (www.eddiewarren.com)

Soul Light - Latest CD release from Ray Materick (www.raymaterick.com)

Out from Under - Lisa Winn (www.lisawinn.com)

BIRTHDAY BASH FOR SEAN COTTON ET AL. - MAY 3/07

THURS., MAY 3RD @ ROC'N DOCS - PORT CREDIT, ON

(1 block west of Hurontario St. on Lakeshore)

THE SEAN COTTON BAND'S ANNUAL TAURUS PARTY

CELEBRATING THE BIRTHDAYS OF

SEAN COTTON

STEVE KLODT

STEVE SKINGLY

MIKE CHURCHILL

10 P.M. - 2 A.M.

NO COVER

www.mariahawkins.ca (currently under construction)

Stay posted to her website for an upcoming fundraiser notice.

May 2007 Line-up @ The Rainbow (www.therainbow.ca)

May 3 •Morgan Davis

May 4 •Wicked Grin + Beau Kavanaugh & The Broken Hearted

May 10-12 •CD Release - The Hammerheads (www.thehammerheads.com)

May 18 •Duke Robillard

May 26 •Moetown

May 31 •Big Bill Morganfield

Keep watching here for more great upcoming performances.

Check out our 20th Anniversary Party photos, thanks to Scotty Doubt

Niagara Rhythm Section (NRS) - May 4 @ Butler's Sports Bar (NOTL)

What: THE NIAGARA RHYTHM SECTION

Where: BUTLER'S SPORTS BAR

284 MARY ST., Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON

905-468-0049

When: FRIDAY, MAY 4TH - 10PM -1AM

We're playing at the Sports Bar again this Friday night. The Niagara Rhythm Section consists of me (Steve Goldberger) on bass, Dave Norris on drums, Penner MacKay on percussion & Steve Grisbrook on guitar. We'll be rockin' out with our usual eclectic madness.

On Saturday we're back home:

What: Niagara Rhythm Section's Saturday Night Musical Improv

Where: The Anchorage,

186 Ricardo St., Niagara-on-the-Lake (NOTL), ON

905-468-2141

When: Every Saturday night - 10:00pm - 12:30am- no cover

This week's featured guest:

SAT., MAY 5TH - LANCE ANDERSON & NEIL CHAPMAN

It's been a while since Lance Anderson has been down to NOTL and we look forward to a another great night featuring his blend of zydeco, blues, boogies and stomps. A noted session keyboardist, composer/arranger & record producer/label owner, Lance's credentials are pretty amazing. He always puts on an fabulous high energy show with his dexterous keyboard playing and authentic squeeze-box work.for more on Lance:

www.makeitrealrecords.com/Pages/Shorthanded.htm

I'm also looking forward to checking out the Anchorage's new menu. Yum yum!

Other upcoming dates of note:

May 18th - NRS @ The Sports Bar

May 19th - The Niagara Rhythm Section with Neil Chapman
(in concert at VIRGILSTOCK 2007 - 7 pm, Virgil Arena)

For more info: www.stevegoldberger.com/virgilstock0001.pdf

www.virgilstampede.com/images/virgilstock2007-poster.jpg

Sept 15th - Drums Along the Niagara -

www.drumsalongtheniagara.com

More musical improv coming up @ The Anchorage, 186 Ricardo St., 905-468-2141

Now in our 3rd year, The Niagara Rhythm Section (Goldberger, Grisbrook, Norris & MacKay) with special guests:

May 12 - Martin Aucoin & Paul Martin (Classic rock and roll)
May 19 - Neil Chapman (amazing guitarist/personality)
May 26 - Eric Mahar & Herb Nelson (Fringe Locals reunion!)
June 2 - Denis Keldie (legendary keyboard man)
June 9 - Bruce Jones (original Brazilian funk)
June 16 - Maria Aurigema (rockin' guitarist from Buffalo)
June 23 - John Dickie (another great singer/personality)
June 30 - Gayle Ackroyd & Ed Kopala (country soul & blues)
July 9 - Steve Grisbrook's birthday bash with Herb Nelson on keys
July 14 - Bruce Longman (eclectic roots & roll)

We hope you can make it out to a show sometime.

Steve Goldberger

www.stevegoldberger.com

The Sinners

Tuesday Nights @

The Rainbow - Murray St.

Byward Market, Ottawa, ON

Irene's Thursday Night Blues Jam - May 2007 - Guest Hosts

Thank you for continued patronage to Irene's Thursday nites. Enjoy this month.

Mike Ktenas

Mojo Guitar Repair

mike@mojoguitar.ca

613.260.8652

TOO SLIM AND THE TAILDRAGGERS - THE FORTUNE TELLER

(CD Review by D.M. Wells)

Some people might get bored eating at the same restaurant, despite its delicious and diverse menu, but Too Slim and The Taildraggers’ reliable musical offerings have always appealed to me, without exception, and in whichever genre they explore.

Prolific composer/vocalist/bluesharpist/guitarist (slide, acoustic and electric) Tim “Too Slim” Langford strikes me as a sort of mystic southern U.S. cowpoke, even though his real roots are in Spokane, Washington. That being said, he’s equally at home rockin’ your plimsoul as he is when playing country blues.

Longtime drummer John “Midnight” Cage has stepped out on this recording, replaced here by the equally adept and perky Zach T. Cooper. Solid bassist Dave Nordstrom, who replaced Tom “The Stomp” Brimm a couple of CDs ago, completes Tim’s core playing team.

Bonus instrumentation comes courtesy of guests Oleg Schramm on accordion and keyboards, and Robert Greenidge adds a Latino flavour with steel drums. Lauren Evans and Amanda Tsubo add pleasing and non-intrusive backing vocals, and D. Cernile (one of the five co-producers, including Tim’s wife, Nancy Langford) also provides guitar and percussion.

Tim’s tendency to absorb and meld his varied musical influences into a style of his own should garner him appreciation from fans of the Arc Angels, the Allman Brothers, ZZ Top, David Lindley, Creedence Clearwater Revival, T-Rex, Tom Petty, Frank Zappa, Junkhouse, Bad Company and Ray Bonneville, all wonderful recording artists in their own right (and very sadly missed, in some cases).

The Taildraggers’ super-forte lies in Mr. Langford’s introspective and comprehensive lyrics. Although his vocals have always been strong and masculine, he’s a masterful storyteller, creating vivid portraits of a motley crew of characters – the fortuneteller, the unremorseful snake oil seller, the pacifist-turned-vigilante, the guilty heartbreaker, the frustrated dreamer, the grateful gigolo, the sexy lover, the voodoo queen, givers and takers, and the lonely and the lonesome.

Veering away from the blues-rock anthem feel of the album is “Mexico”, a happy-go-lucky, enchanting holiday song featuring the above-mentioned steel drums, coupled with Tim’s trademark sassy slide guitar work. “Baby Likes to Ride” is another of those sexy tracks that first endeared me to them, but “Potent 8” (from King Size Troublemakers) remains my favourite score in that regard.

Another example of standout musical fare is the “Lonesome Alone” ballad, gently strummed on acoustic guitar with subtle accompaniment on accordion (which could easily be substituted with a harmonica). It recites a classic lovers’ conflict, “I’d rather be lonesome alone than lonesome with the one I love”, but with a plea to reach out and communicate rather than call it quits - very memorable.

“Cowboy Boot” and “The Fortune Teller” are already receiving airplay on KKZX 98.9 FM in Spokane, but the hard-driving “Big Guns”, “She Give Me Money” or “Spell on Me” would probably be even better received on a mainstream classic rock station. Still, each and every track on The Fortune Teller (or any other of the Taildraggers' numerous recordings) would blow a hole in most other “new classic rock” songs I’ve heard lately.

How many more awards does a band have to win to get international recognition for their talent?

Music News Nashville (http://www.musicnewsnashville.com)

April 30, 2007

Vol. 2, Issue 6

Greetings, all

The next issue of Music News Nashville is waiting for you today. To view it, visit www.musicnewsnashville.com/newsletter/html/2007/043007.htm.

Who are the Hit Men and why were they hitting Atlanta? Dynamite explodes, so what about 'Little Miss Dynamite?' Why is Randy Kohrs checking out 'Old Photographs?' To answer these questions, visit the latest newsletter at the link above. We have new articles, new CD reviews and new pictures in the magazine. We also have several new contests for FREE CONCERT TICKETS (including two that close this Friday for John Legend and Cowboy Junkies).

Click www.musicnewsnashville.com/newsletter/html/2007/043007.htm to see the latest newsletter, or click www.musicnewsnashville.com to go directly to the magazine's front page.

Dusty Woods - Canadian Country Musician

All proceeds from the song, "Memory Lane", from Dusty Woods' No Rocks CD, will be donated to the Alzheimer's Society of Canada.

For more information, visit www.dustyw1.com.

Ton-Aufnahmen - "Patchwork on the Blues Sessions"

http://www.unet.univie.ac.at/~a9905794/zufall/ton/002.html

Sedrick (www.sedrick.org)

Revv Engine (www.revvengine.com)

Rob Szabo's newest CD release - Like a Metaphor

Visit www.robszabo.com for more information.

Steve Strongman's latest blues-rockin' CD, Honey, is now available.

Visit www.stevestrongman.com for more information.

The Deacons - Hamilton's Rock'n'roll stalwarts 1980-1999

http://djdeacon.spaces.live.com

Replica @ The Slye Fox - Burlington, ON - Friday, April 27/07

Hey, Everybody.

So the weekend rocked our asses off again. Slainte (in Hamilton, ON) on Friday, April 20, was amazing as usual. There was a whole nursing unit congregated in front of the stage for the whole night. I believe they administered some meds before they left the hospital. Crowd was great and we can't wait to get back there in May.

Frank N Steins (in Guelph) was a mess...literally. It was more packed than we'd ever seen it and the crowd was crazier than a European death metal festival crowd. Thanks to Gerard and Dario for having us that weekend and allowing us to rock on such great stages.

We're at the Slye Fox in Burlington this Friday night, Apr. 27. It'll be great to see all of our Burlington friends again!! Let's have some drinks and be merry (not too merry, Jesse).

Graeme
Jesse
Dave
Beej

Replica (www.replicarocks.ca)

Paul Fenton (left) and Marty Murray (right)



Marty Murray @ Clancy's and Coco's and The Madhatters @ Sandstone



Niagara Falls, ON - Apr. 27-29

Hi, Everyone.

Tonight (Apr. 27) I will be playing at Clancy's on Stanley Ave. in the Falls starting at 8 pm, and Saturday and Sunday nights I will be at Coco's across from the new casino, starting at 7 pm.

Tonight is also the grand opening of the new After Hours, called The Sandstone Grillhouse & Lounge, right across the street from the old place on Victoria Ave. The Madhatters are playing. I'll be going there after my gig tonight.

Marty Murray

News from The Brown Hornets

Hi, Everybody.

We got a ton of stuff happening in the next few weeks ….. Read on!

Debut CD on Sale

The Brown Hornets' debut CD will be going on sale the first week of May. It will be available online at both the website and The Hornets' myspace page. You will also be able to get it at most major music stores (HMV, etc.) and lots of indie stores. If digital is more your thing, you can also download it on puretracks - www.puretracks.com and many other digital download services. Even better yet, you will be able to buy it at all our upcoming shows.

The BROWN HORNETS CD Release Party

May 4

The Horseshoe

Join us at The Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto on May 4th for our CD release. It’s going to be a kick-ass show with lots of surprises. Hornets hit the stage at midnight.

For those of you outside Toronto, check our myspace page or website. We have a bunch of shows coming up in May and June, with more being added all the time.

Please vote to get us on the Vans Warped Tour.

You can really help us out by voting for us to get on the Warped Tour. It doesn’t take long and only hurts a little bit. Just go to this link:

www.battleofthebands.com/thebrownhornets

The vote link is well hidden just under the bottom of the music player, right below the heading "profile navigation". Once you vote, they will send you an email with a link that you have to click on to confirm that you voted (or it will not count).

The Vans Warped Tour has lots of great bands playing, such as Killswitch Engaged, Sum 41, etc.

Check out new songs and Danny’s recent blog rantings at www.myspace.com/thebrownhornets.

'hope to see you out at a show soon.

The Brown Hornets

For Immediate Release: TRACY K - Old, New, Borrowed & Blues

PRODUCED BY JACK DE KEYZER

Canadian blues songstress Tracy K delivers her second recording with a one-two punch of electric blues and organic roots rock. The twelve-song CD showcases her songwriting on ten tracks, along with powerful vocals, harmonica and acoustic guitar.

Old, New, Borrowed & Blues was recorded in Thunder Bay, Ontario, with her award-winning "Right Hand Band", featuring Tony Desmarteau on guitar, Vaughan Poyser on bass and Ty Rogers on drums, augmented by guest musicians Jack de Keyzer on guitar, Jamie Steinhoff on dobro, acoustic guitar and banjo, Damon Dowbak on mandolin and Arden Bruyere on background vocals.

This piece of work celebrates life's carefree ups, common challenges and celebrated love. Blues with a feeling that weaves virtuosity with simplicity.

Media Contact:

Gary Kendall
Bluestime Productions
416-467-1453
gken@look.ca

CDs available on request at:

www.tracyk.ca

www.MySpace.com/tracykmojomama

www.Sonicbids.com/tracyk

www.garykendall.com

Blues Alliance may have left the building, but let's invite them back in!

www.bluesalliance.net

www.forces.gc.ca/site/community/messageboard/index_e.asp

Bullseye Canada News - David Henman Band releases CD single

The DAVID HENMAN BAND is offering a limited edition Mother's Day CD single of their original song, "Mother Of Mine" right now. Get it before May 8...or an MP3 of same.

Hear the track here:

www.myspace.com/davidhenmanband

Order the CD here:

www.bullseyecanada.com/product.php?product_id=1989

Order the MP3 here:

www.bullseyecanada.com/product.php?product_id=1990

April 27-28 gig notices from Jeff Nicely (of Blues Therapy)

Hey, folks.

While making plans for this weekend, please consider joining me, Jeff Nicely, and some friends as we make some fine music for our mutual enjoyment.

Friday evening, April 27, at 7 pm, I have the pleasure of playing harmonica with Real Folk, at Brindles Marketplace on Camano Island (I-5, Exit 212, west through Stanwood to the fork in the road – Terry’s Corner – 848 N. Sunrise Blvd. Building C, Camano Island, Phone: 360.722.7480).

On Saturday, April 28, from 9 'til midnight, I’ll be performing with The Gryffyn Band, at The Rockfish Grill & Anacortes Brewery (320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes, WA, 360.588.1720)

Live music…still good therapy for all.

Jeff Nicely
(of Blues Therapy, Real Folk, The Gryffyn Band)

Okay, okay - there certainly are some musicians playing the blues at the Ottawa Bluesfest...that wasn't my point, though, in a previous posting.

http://ottawa-bluesfest.ca

Leo Kottke - Thursday, May 3/07 - 8 p.m. - The Tralf - Buffalo, NY

Three tickets available @ $22.50 each.

Contact harpniagara@hotmail.com or visit www.carolfarrar.com for information.

Shawn Brush, This Saturday, April 21 @ Nascar Pit Sports Bar
370 Main Street East
in Milton, ON

Fun, fun, fun, from 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

with special guests YEAH !!!! YAHOO.


SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13

Shawn Brush's 38th B-Day Bash!

Details yet to be announced!

Shawn Brush
The Krooked Cowboy

www.shawnbrush.com