The Lost Fingers

In 1928, at the young age of 18, the Belgian-born ‘manouche’ gypsy guitarist, Django Reinhardt accidentally suffered from a horrific caravan fire that resulted in the loss of use of both the 3^rd and 4^th fingers of his left hand. In spite of the accident, Reinhardt was able to overcome his debilitating handicap to become one of the world’s most influential jazz guitarists and enigmatic musicians of all time.

Upon meeting at the Quebec Conservatory of Music in 1994, Byron Mikaloff (ex One Ton and Bunka Busta) and Christian Roberge, quickly became friends whom would continue to participate in several music projects together. After several years of playing as a musical duo, the two friends founded The Lost Fingers in 2004. In an attempt to further develop and continuously innovate, they summoned the young and talented Alex Morissette (bassist) in 2006 to “jazz up their swing”. By exercising great musicianship along with a keen sense of humor, the group of three unanimously decided to unite their unique voices to create an ingenious tribute to the 80’s in the swinging gypsy style of ‘jazz manouche’ inspired by their mentor, Django Reinhardt.

The Lost Fingers debut album Lost In The 80’s has already achieved platinum+ status in Canada (over 200,000 units), and continues to charm and conquer territories beyond its borders. After numerous successful performances at internationally renown events such as – The Montréal Jazz Festival, Québec’s Festival d’été and the FGMAT (Workd Guitar Festival) – the Reinhardt-inspired The Lost Fingers continue to captivate audiences everywhere they go with their witty and jazzed-up renditions of nostalgic hits by the likes of AC/DC, Stevie Wonder, Technotronic, Bon Jovi, Michael Jackson, George Michael, Samantha Fox, and Céline Dion.

$35 advance, $40 door

 

October 26, 2011

Ashley MacIsaac

Ashley MacIsaac is, in a sense, the musical representative of the pre-millenial generation of Eastern Canada. An ardent traditionalist with a penchant, nevertheless, for experimentation, this 29-year-old Nova Scotian native has been taught to play the fiddle the working-class, pub-stomp Cape Breton way: fast, furious and with phenomenal precision. Alternately considered a rebel, taking the old fiddling conventions in newfangled directions they were never meant to go, or a champion, reforging and recreating Celtic music with an updated, mass-appeal quality, MacIsaac has unarguably put his own spin on the sounds he was brought up with. This headstrong approach has led to MacIsaac working with an impressive array of talent: David Byrne, the Chieftans, Mary Jane Lamond, and others. Already considered something of a local legend and prodigy by the time of his impressive 1992 debut Close To The Floor, MacIsaac was not really introduced to Canadian audiences at large until he released the genre-bending Hi!, How Are You Today? in 1995. Along with nation-wide radio play for the first single, “Sleepy Maggie,” featuring the dream-like Gaelic vocals of Mary Jane Lamond, and a regular slot on Canadian video channel MuchMusic, MacIsaac was soon recognized coast-to-coast as something of a minor national icon.

His ability to cross the boundaries of folk, punk, garage rock, and metal, all bound together by his astonishing fiddle-playing, branded him as an eccentric, an upstart, and in many cases, a pioneer. Additionally, his refusal to conform to a quick and easy “studio image” earned him a solid fanbase. In 1998, MacIsaac released his follow-up to Hi!, How Are You Today?, a more traditional return to form entitled Fine!, Thank You Very Much. In 1999, he again pushed the boundaries of stylistic conformity with the electronic- and ambient-tinged Helter’s Celtic. Following a departure from A&M later that year, the fiddler recorded the independently released Fiddle Music 101, an album of traditional instrumentals made with Halifax fiddler David MacIsaac, and he re-released his 1993 album, A Cape Breton Christmas. A move to Decca Records eventually produced 2003′s accurately titled Ashley MacIsaac.

In April 2004 Ashley signed to Linus Entertainment, who have repackaged and released special edition versions of all the albums except Helters Celtic and the Decca album, and are releasing his brand new studio album, PRIDE, on September 27th, 2005. Produced by Ron Lopata and John JK Kanakis, the album is a bold step in a new direction – for the first time Ashley has abandoned his fiddle in the studio and has delivered a remarkable album, emerging as a singer-songwriter with a pop rock edge.

$35 advance, $40 door

 

October 29, 2011

Jill Barber

If you believe they don’t write songs like they used to, here is new hope for old romantics. On her new album Chances, Canadian chanteuse Jill Barber picks up the torch where the golden age of music left off. Taking a giant step forward from the typical confines of the singer-songwriter , Jill delivers an album of ten original, fully orchestrated songs that strongly evoke – and could themselves become – classics. From the moment you hear her sultry voice on the opening title track, you are transported to another time and place. “The best songs ever written are the ones that somehow transcend time and fashion, “says Jill. ”They may be old, but they haven’t aged. It is that timeless quality that I aspire to in my own songwriting.

A seasoned performer with a growing fan base across North America and the UK, Jill gained acclaim as a 2008 double-Juno nominee and multiple East Coast Music Award winner for previous releases For All Time (2006) and Oh Heart (2004). In February 2008, Jill was given the extraordinary chance to perform in concert with Symphony Nova Scotia as part of its Pops Series. The results evoked the rich sounds of Patsy Cline, Edith Piaf and Etta James. It was clear that Jill, previously a self-proclaimed “smoky folkie”, had reached a new level.

To recreate the magic of a live orchestra, Jill enlisted producer and long-time collaborator Les Cooper. His gorgeous arrangements for a skilled backing band with a 10-piece string section were recorded live at The Glenn Gould Studio. Exquisite guest vocals by the Good Lovelies and The Sojourners and a special appearance by Ron Sexsmith contribute to a contemporary album of songs that capture the lush sounds of a bygone era.

“Now I can finally claim to be making ‘popular music’. So what if it’s only what was popular 50 or 60 years ago,” says Jill, who composed many of the songs during an intensive three-week artist residency at The Banff Centre For the Arts. “They were kind enough to give me a studio space and leave me to my own devices. It gave me a chance to devote myself entirely to the writing process.”

Also a first, Jill co-wrote a number of songs with producer Les Cooper and renowned singer-songwriter, Ron Sexsmith, who has also collaborated with Elvis Costello and Coldplay. “At first I was a little intimidated to work with Ron, but when we sat down to work, we had such a good time that I forgot what it was I was nervous about. We wrote five or six songs together in short order. Three of them appear on this album.” (“Chances,” “Old Flame,” and “One More Time”.)

Jill chose the album title Chances as befitting her approach to both music and matters of the heart. “ “Chances” is a love song, but it’s really about the mysterious role that chances play in our lives.” Recently, Jill took another chance and relocated from her adopted home of Halifax to Vancouver, as a result of the chance meeting that inspired the song.

“I am drawn to write about love because it is a theme for the ages. Romance, on the other hand, seems to have gone out of style in much of modern music. I like to think of myself as a hopeful romantic, rather than a helpless one.”

Chances is available in stores October 14th through the Outside Music Label.

$25 advance, $30 door

November 4, 2011

Sarah Slean

Over the course of her 13 year career Sarah Slean has made seven albums, starred in two short films and a movie musical, published two volumes of poetry, held exhibitions of her paintings, written two string quartets and shared the stage with four of the country’s leading orchestras. During that time she was nominated for three Junos (Best New Artist and Best Adult Alternative Album twice), two Geminis, and her records have been released in over 10 countries world-wide. The release of 2004′s “Day One” heralded the beginning of a promising career in France, garnering national radio play on major rock stations, several key festival slots and an appearance on the hit television show “Taratata”. Sarah’s music has also been featured on both big and small screens (Dawson’s Creek, Felicity, Party of Five). Her last album full length studio album The Baroness, debuted at #1 on Itunes in Canada and spawned three national tours. An EP of its out takes entitled The Baroness Redecorates showcases her remarkable talent as a string arranger, which is an aspect of her craft that Slean continues to develop in projects like The Art of Time Ensemble and her upcoming double album recording “Land & Sea”.

Sarah has recently completed a degree in music and philosophy at the University of Toronto.

$38 advance, $42.50 door

November 10, 2011

Il Voce

IL Voce puts a fresh face on the global phenomenon of the genre labeled “Classical Crossover” or “Popera”. Their amazing sound is created by the combination of these four magical voices and complimented by their beautiful & distinctive look. This is what truly sets IL Voce apart.

Comprised of soprano Tiffany Desrosiers; tenor Marc Devigne; coloratura soprano Melody Mercredi; and baritone DJ Calhoun, IL Voce brings passion and virtuosity to their unique interpretations of romantic, classical, pop & opera favorites. Simply put, IL Voce is “The Voices”.

Each member of Il Voce has a background in opera, Broadway musicals and the classics. From her centre stage debut at age nine, Vancouver born and raised Tiffany Desrosiers has shared the stage with the likes of David Foster, Ben Harper, Destino, and many other talented professionals. As first runner-up in the David Foster Star Search, Tiffany has never looked back. She has been featured onstage as a special guest of Destino as well as the Canadian Tenors. Lending her talents to a range of fundraising and charity events, Tiffany has endeared herself to a broad span of audiences. Hand-selected to perform the theme song of the BC Summer Games in July 2010, Tiffany sang at both the opening and closing ceremonies of this prestigious event. As a recent graduate of the University of British Columbia’s Bachelor of Music Degree program, Tiffany has the unique ability to sing both classical and pop styles and in a number of languages, including French; German; Italian; Latin; and Spanish. The recipient of multiple awards and acknowledgements, Tiffany took home first place in the National Category for Classical Voice at the British Columbia Provincials and went on to represent British Columbia at the Nationals. Having released her self-titled debut album in 2009, Tiffany’s version of When I See You Smile, written by Diane Warren, reached the top 10 in the Club Pop Charts in the UK. Truly a multi-talented singer and performer, Tiffany continues to develop her voice and delight audiences with her versatility.

DJ Calhoun is a passionate artist committed to his love of opera, art song and musical theatre. Born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, DJ began training through choral and private instruction in his hometown. In 2003, he moved to Vancouver, British Columbia, where he commenced study with the critically acclaimed baritone, Peter Barcza, and in 2009, he completed his Bachelor of Music Degree at the University of British Columbia. Mr. Calhoun most recently has been seen in the role of Feuilly in the Arts Club

production of Les Miserables, and also continues to work regularly with the Vancouver Opera. DJ’s most notable operatic credits include: Joe Mackenzie in the world premiere of Phyllis Grant Lavelle’s The Ghost in the Turret; Mars in Offenbach’s Orpheus in the Underworld; Danilo in Lehar’s The Merry Widow; Falke in Strauss’ Die Feldermaus; and Marcello in Puccini’s La Boheme. In addition to his professional work, Mr. Calhoun still finds time to perform for community fundraising organizations, including the Shooting Stars Foundation and the Vancouver Friends for Life Society.

Classically trained and with a list of credits for both singing and acting, Marc Devigne has proven time and time again that he is one of Canada’s emerging talents. Combining his traditional vocal training with a passion for contemporary pop music, Marc’s innate ability to apply his disciplined ear to more current styles gives him a broad range of appeal, crafting songs that transcend both genres in order to create something truly unique. Marc has garnered numerous vocal awards since early on in his career, but only recently has begun weaving his passion for pop music into his classical discipline. Counting artists like Josh Groban, Mario Frangoulis, Sting and Sylvain Cossette amongst his influences, Marc Devigne has similarly ventured into the realm between modern and traditional styles, and the results have been undeniably successful. Marc was a top 12 finalist on the first season of Canadian Idol and has gone on to work with such acclaimed Canadian artists and songwriters as Amy Sky, David Martin, Luke McMaster, Tawgs Salter and Stephan Moccio. A veteran performer who has proven his merit as an actor, as well as a vocalist, this charismatic artist has acquired a number of leading roles in both film and theatre that have taught him the importance of stage presence, and it shows in his live performances. Roles in Beauty and the Beast, West Side Story, The King & I, Strike!, and The Full Monty are among Marc’s most celebrated performances.

Melody Mercredi, a coloratura soprano from Vancouver, British Columbia, enjoys performing locally and abroad. In May of 2010, Melody performed the role of Barbarina in Vancouver Opera’s production of The Marriage of Figaro. She is known locally and throughout British Columbia for her role in the VOIS 2006 – 2007 production of The Magic Flute; she played both the Queen of the Night role as well as Papagena. In January 2007, she was also the official Queen of the Night understudy for Vancouver Opera’s Main Stage production. Her most recent credits include solo works with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra for Planet Indigenous, as well as the solo soprano in The Spirit of Haida Gwaii oratorio for the opening of the Vancouver Inaugural cultural Olympiad. She has had four performances for Vancouver Opera’s Opera speaks, two appearances on CBC TV – performing for the National Aboriginal Achievement Awards, as well as a live performance for CBC radio. Melody’s pure classical voice brings true talent and beauty to any stage she graces.

$30 advance, $35 door

November 17, 2011

Pavlo

For being all instrumental, Pavlo’s Mediterranean music speaks for itself.

In his 9^th album,”Six String Blvd” Pavlo incorporates the world’s most exotic instruments into his classic Mediterranean sound. Influenced by his travels, you will be captured by the Chinese Ehru; the Portuguese Guitarra; the Arabic Flute; the Indian Sitar and of course the Greek Bouzouki.

Pavlo has come full circle since he introduced his Mediterranean brand in 1998, once again recording an All-Instrumental album. Complete with all brand new compositions, this album highlights Pavlo’s unmatched ability to melodically unite world instruments into his sound seamlessly, all the while staying true to his distinct Mediterranean guitar signature.

It has never been more convincing, Pavlo is a TRUE WORLD artist, and has become famous for bringing every audience to their feet.

Pavlo continues to tour worldwide performing over 150 shows per year and is still driven by his father’s famous words: “Have the courage to do what you love, and the drive to do it well.”

Discography

Pavlo has nine albums one DVD and one collaboration. In order of release:

* Pavlo (1998)

* Fantasia (2000)

* I Feel Love Again (2002)

* Frostbite – Music for the Holidays (2003)

* Mediterranean Lounge (2004)

* Irresistible (2005)

* Live at Massey Hall (2007)

* Live: Mediterranean Nights (CD and DVD 2008)

* Trifecta – Pavlo, Rik Emmett Oscar Lopez collaboration (2009)

* Six String Blvd (2011)

Awards, Nominations and Highlights:

* PBS Special “Pavlo: Mediterranean Nights” – aired nationally by networks: Bravo and CBC Bold in Canada and PBS in the U.S.A.

* Best Instrumental Album of the Year for “Trifecta” (2010 – Juno Nomination – Canada’s Equivalent to the Grammy’s)

* Best Instrumental Album of the Year for “Fantasia” (2000 – Juno Nomination)

* Performs average of 150 concerts per year

* Half Million Records Sold worldwide

* Two Gold Albums (Fantasia and Pavlo)

* Selected and Performed for His Royal Highness Prince Charles (April, 2001)

* In 2002, Pavlo won a lawsuit against R&B Mega Stars: R-Kelly and Jay-Z. The R&B stars sampled Pavlo’s music and made a Top 10 hit song “Fiesta” based on Pavlo’s original melody “Fantasia”. Pavlo’s actual guitar work was lifted and placed repeatedly into the song 27 times. Pavlo now shares in the publishing of the song as a co-writer.

* World Artist of the Year (2005)

* Billboard Top 10 (May, 2005)

* Touring Artist of the Year (2006)

* Montreal Jazz Festival – Headlined Main Stage for 20,000 + people (2006)

* Top Choice Awards 2006 “Greek Man of the Year”

* Top Choice Awards 2007 “Greek Man of the Year”

* Smooth Jazz Guitarist of the Year (2007 Nomination)

* Music Featured in “So You Think You Can Dance”; Marine Life (starring Cybil Shepherd); CTV’s Eleventh Hour;Just Cause; Showcase/Showtime L Word; The Chris Isaak Show (2 episodes)

* Pavlo owns his own line of nylon string acoustic guitars retailing online and across Canada, called “Pavlo, Signature Series”.

* Pavlo is known for giving away his guitar to someone in the audience at EVERY concert!

* Pavlo has developed his own wine: a signature reserve “Pavlo” Meritage produced by multi-award winning winery, Mastronardi Estate Winery, located near Lake Erie’s North Shore in Kingsville, Ontario For more info: www.mastronardiwines.com

* Pavlo is the North American Spokesperson for Batten Disease Awareness. Batten Disease is a rare and always fatal degenerative brain disease that affects children. For more info: www.bdsra.org

* Pavlo organized a Canadian Guitar Trio made of himself and 2 Time Juno Award Winner, Oscar Lopez and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, Rik Emmett (Rock Group, Triumph). Together they composed all songs on their album “Trifecta” which was later nominated for 2010 Juno, and they completed a national sold out tour.

$45 advance, $50 door

November 26, 2011

Liona Boyd

Liona Boyd, known as “The First Lady of the Guitar” has introduced millions around the world to the art of classical guitar through her concerts, television specials, and twenty three recordings, many of which have gone “Gold” and “Platinum”.

Liona gave concerts around the globe and had the opportunity to play for dozens of world leaders such as the British Royal Family, the King and Queen of Spain, Presidents of the United States and Mexico, the prime ministers of Canada, France, and Britain, and the Chancellor of Germany, as well as at NATO and Summit Conferences. Her guitar music filled concert halls all the way from Tokyo, Hong Kong, Beijing, Bangkok, New Delhi, Edinburgh, Paris, Auckland, Frankfurt, Santiago, Rio, Bogotá, Havana, London, to Copenhagen, Lisbon and Mexico City.

Liona made her musical presence felt in North America by performing solo concerts in every major city and often working with symphony orchestras such as The Boston Pops. She has recorded with Sir Andrew Davis and the English Chamber Orchestra, Yo Yo Ma, Georges Zamfir and Michael Kamen. Breaking with classical tradition she toured with Gordon Lightfoot and Tracy Chapman, and recorded with Chet Atkins, Eric Clapton, David Gilmore, and Roger Whittaker. She has been a special guest on dozens of American TV shows including The Tonight Show, Today Show, Nightline, and Entertainment Tonight. A highly successful recording career for CBS/Sony Records brought her music to a vast international audience. The Canberra Times in Australia wrote “breathtakingly beautiful playing, the most musically accomplished and technically flawless playing that I have heard from any guitarist.”

Liona often performs from her repertoire of original compositions and music composed especially for her. Her playing was featured in the 20th Century Fox film, “A Walk in the Clouds,” which won a Golden Globe Award for best musical score. Liona’s virtuoso talents resulted in five Juno awards , five honorary doctorates, The Order of Canada and The Order of Ontario. She is also a five time winner of the Guitar Player Magazine poll for best classical guitarist and has been inducted into their “Gallery of Greats.” CBC produced several one-hour specials including “Romancing the Guitar – The Life and Times of Liona Boyd” and “Opening Night.” Liona’s autobiography “In My Own Key – My Life in Love and Music”, which included a chapter on her eight year love affair with Canadian prime minister Pierre Trudeau, became a best seller and her music videos are amongst the most requested on the Classic Arts Showcase and PBS.

After spending most of her life in Toronto, Canada Liona married John B. Simon and resided in Beverly Hills, California for fourteen years. She lived an international fairy tale life that most people can only dream about. After divorcing she moved around the continent many times relocating first to Miami in 2004, then to Connecticut in 2007, to Santa Monica in 2010 and returned to Toronto in 2011.

Liona was diagnosed with Musician’s Focal Dystonia in 2003, a condition whereby some of the brain maps become fused due to overuse of the guitar playing fingers. She quit playing for 6 years but during that time eventually reinvented her technique, pursued a life long dream and learned to sing, and returned triumphantly to the recording studio in 2009. Universal Music Canada released two milestone CDs “Liona Boyd Sings Songs of Love” with Croatian guitarist/singer Srdjan Gjivoje and “Seven Journeys, music for the Soul and the Imagination” produced by Peter Bond, described as “Vangelis meets Enya meets Morricone.”

Miraculously she is now back on stage having overcome this supposedly “incurable” condition and has added singing and songwriting to her already illustrious career. She performs with Michael Savona, a fellow classical guitarist and singer and is presently at work recording a new CD called “The Return” Liona wrote “Music ontributes profoundly to the richness and beauty of our life experience. I feel so fortunate to be able to share this wonderful international language with people around the world.”

$45 advance, $50 door

December 9, 2011

John McDermott

“Legend” is not a title John McDermott would readily embrace, but his accomplishments have become legendary in recording industry lore. He calls Toronto and Boston home, but he has also found a home as an international recording star and household name – known as much for his successful musical career as for his commitment to veterans’ causes. He is a long way from the man for whom singing was a hobby less than ten years ago. John was discovered quite by chance, when working as a circulation sales representative for the Toronto Sun, he belted out an impromptu rendition of “Danny Boy” at a company party.

John’s first album, Danny Boy, was originally recorded as a very private and personal 50th anniversary tribute for his parents. Its quality could not be ignored and it eventually found its way into the hands of EMI Music Canada. Danny Boy subsequently garnered strong sales for a debut release in the U.S. and Canada; it even reached number one on New Zealand’s album charts, and was certified double platinum in that country. This success, in addition to a fast growing North American fan base, won through a tireless touring schedule, led to his participation in the PBS phenomenon, The Irish Tenors. John’s presence helped generate a US gold record, three US tours, and a high-profile media schedule, which included appearances on ‘Good Morning America’ and ‘The Today Show.’ In November 2001, John taped “John McDermott – A Time to Remember” at the Living Arts Centre outside Toronto. This, his first solo television special, began airing in March 2002 on PBS affiliates across North America.

The outcome of that fateful performance has catapulted him into a musical career that includes three Canadian platinum records, five Juno nominations, a solid international touring schedule, and many more albums including Songs of the Isles Ireland and Songs of the Isles Scotland, Images of Christmas with John McDermott and Friends, Great Is Thy Faithfulness, Stories of Love, Just Plain Folk and On A Whim.

His success has allowed him to express his commitment to veteran’s causes, which have always been integral to John and an important theme in his music. He is a recipient of one the United State’s highest honours – the Congressional Medal of Honor Society’s “Bob Hope Award.”

It is with this ‘spirit’ he has recorded a CD entitled Journeys, which tells the story of our Canadian heroes and will only be sold during McDermott’s cross country tour. This extremely moving album has songs such as “The Dreamer” and “The Gift of Years” written by renowned songwriter Eric Bogle and the emotional ‘Bringing Buddy Home” which has been played on radio in the US and Canada in tribute to the fallen. The track “The Dreamer” written by world renowned songwriter and balladeer Eric Bogle, is dedicated to longtime friend Sen. Edward Kennedy at whose memorial service this year, John was honoured to perform at the request of the family.

“Some of the tracks on this recording pay tribute to those men and women who have given their lives to allow us to live as we do,” Says McDermott, “Canada Company does very important work to support these brave individuals and I’m happy to have this opportunity to be able to help through my music.”

John McDermott is an artist whose sense of respect for tradition and understanding of the sentiment behind the music resonates worldwide.

$75 advance, $80 door

December 18, 2011

The Good Lovelies

Sunny and upbeat, with just a pinch of sass, the Good Lovelies textbook three-part harmonies, constant instrument swapping and witty on-stage banter have enlivened the folk music landscape since they joined forces in 2006 for their first show at Toronto’s funky Gladstone Hotel.

How the Good Lovelies (Caroline Brooks, Kerri Ough and Sue Passmore) got together is a bit of a mystery: Sue remembers meeting her band mates during a limbo competition, Caroline thinks they met at a chess tournament, but Kerri is convinced they first crossed paths during a bar fight. Whatever the story may be, the ladies immediately realized they had something special, so they hit the road on a mission to charm Canadian audiences coast to coast.

Their tireless rain or shine outlook and undeniable mutual respect have helped the trio weather years of constant touring. With jaunts to Australia, the UK and the US in their 2011 schedule, the Good Lovelies road-tested tenacity will bring them further afield than ever before.

Light-hearted songwriting and irresistibly buoyant dispositions have made them the darlings of the summer festival circuit, including spots at the storied Mariposa and Hillside Festivals and the Montreal Jazz Festival. They have toured with Stuart McLean and the Vinyl Café and appeared on stages and in studios with Broken Social Scene, Kathleen Edwards and Jill Barber.

In addition to their acclaimed holiday album, Under the Mistletoe (2009), which showcases old and new seasonal tunes (including three original songs), the Good Lovelies self-titled full-length album (also released in 2009) proved their blithe brand of folk music has year-round appeal. With this record, the Good Lovelies won New Emerging Artist at the Canadian Folk Music Awards. In 2010, this same album received a Juno for Roots/Traditional Album of the Year.

Let the Rain Fall, their third full-length album, is an ode to camaraderie. With equal parts city and country, highway and home, wistfulness and sass, the Good Lovelies good humour and self-assurance shines through from the toe-tapping start of Made for Rain to the sweet final notes in the French-flecked Mrs. T. In between, you’ll hear reflections on urban imperfections with Backyard, straight-up love songs like Best I Know and upbeat numbers like Kiss Me in the Kitchen.

The album, like the Good Lovelies, has a universal appeal, sure to please not just their fellow Canadians, but those south of the border and across the pond too. Let The Rain Fall, say the Good Lovelies, confident that bright and breezy days lie ahead.

LET THE RAIN FALL

$30 advance, $35 door

January 20, 2012

Murray McLauchlan

After an absence of over ten years, Murray McLauchlan returns to True North for the release of his new record Gulliver’s Taxi.

Gulliver’s Taxi is McLauchlan’s eighteenth album (his sixteenth for True North) and marks a number of new twists and turns for the legendary Canadian singer-songwriter. Produced by Barney Bentall and Colin Nairne (Mae Moore, Spirit Of The West and Barney Bentall & The Legendary Hearts), this is his first album to be recorded in Vancouver. While in the studio, Murray was joined by many of the west coast’s finest musicians including members of The Odds, Geoffrey Kelly of Spirit Of The West and Billy Cowsill. Tom Wilson of Junkhouse and Blackie & The Rodeo Kings fame joins Murray as well.

McLauchlan’s strong songwriting shines on Gulliver’s Taxi and the record includes several songs written by Murray that have recently been covered by other artists; Burned Out Car appeared on the last Junkhouse record and No Change In Me is from John McDermott’s current release. In fact, each of the originals is a co-write bringing a new twist to the McLauchlan sound — contributors include Ron Hynes, John McDermott, Tom Wilson and Billy Cowsill, to name a few.

A testament to Murray’s songwriting excellence was the recent presentation of a SOCAN Classics Award for his composition Whispering Rain, recognising the fact that the song received over 100,000 plays on radio, making it one of the most played songs in Canadian history. Now with the release of Gulliver’s Taxi Murray McLauchlan is back with all of his trademark originality.

McLauchlan At A Glance

Murray McLauchlan began writing songs and performing them in his late teens and after engagements at music festivals and clubs such as Toronto’s Riverboat, began to attract wider attention. Before he ever recorded an album of his own his Child’s Song was already well known after being recorded by American folk star Tom Rush.

Now, twenty years later, Murray has eighteen albums of songs to his credit on both True North and Capitol Records and has won eleven JUNO awards as well as RPM Big Country and Toronto Music awards. In 1993, McLauchlan received The Order Of Canada.

A dimension of Murray’s continuing support for the art of songwriting was his career sideline as host of the national CBC radio programme Swinging on a Star for five years. With over a quarter of a million listeners every Saturday this show focused attention on the artistry of distinguished and famous writers as well as the new and upcoming.

Murray is an active pilot for both business and sport, holding a commercial licence with instrument rating and endorsements for multi-engine aircraft and seaplanes. His television special Floating over Canada, in which he piloted a Cessna 185 float plane around the entire country of Canada, was broadcast again on U.S. public television. Canadians are very familiar with this show, having seen it on Canada day for several years running on CBC. The show has also been seen several times on PBS in the United States.

$35 advance, $40 door

February 8, 2012

Harlem Gospel Choir

The world famous Harlem Gospel Choir is one of the pre-eminent gospel choirs in the world. It travels the globe, sharing its joy of faith through its music, & raising funds for children’s charities. The Choir was founded in 1986 by Allen Bailey, who got the idea for the Choir while attending a celebration in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the renowned Cotton Club in Harlem. The Choir is a gathering of the finest singers and musicians from various Black Churches in Harlem.

The Choir has shared its message of love, peace and harmony for many years with thousands of people from various nations, backgrounds, and cultures. The Harlem Gospel Choir strives to make the world a more loving and peaceful place, and through its music and dynamic performance creates a better understanding of the African-American culture and the inspirational music called Gospel as it relates to the Black Church. The theme of every performance is bringing people & nations together & giving something back. The Choir’s songs of gospel and inspiration touch the depths of the soul and raise spirits to angelic heights.

In 2003 the Choir began its Give Peace a Chance tour. In recognition of its work, the Choir was granted a private audience with His Holiness, Pope John Paul II. In 2004 the Choir continues its Give Peace A Chance world tour to Eastern Europe, South America, The French West Indies, The UK, Ireland, Hawaii, Canada, Japan & Italy. As part of its charity work, the Choir performed at the World of Hope Concert in Rockefeller Center sponsored by Bono of U2 and Senator Frist.

2006 marked the Choir’s 20th anniversary and in recognition of its stellar role as “Cultural Ambassadors of Harlem”, the Choir received proclamations from Congressman Charles Rangel; from Lieutentant Governor David Patterson; and from Mayor Michael Bloomberg who proclaimed the Choir’s 20th anniversary, January 15, 2006 “Harlem Gospel Choir Day” in New York City!

In 2006 the Choir collaborated in unique concerts with: the grammy-winning band Gorillaz for 5 historical, never-to-be-repeated shows at the Apollo Theater in Harlem; with Avril Lavigne; with Yolanda Adams; with Cindy Lauper; with Polish star Natalia Kukulska; and with Andre Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra. This year 15 members of the Angels in Harlem Gospel Choir are on tour with Andre Rieu in Germany, France, The Netherlands and Switzerland, combining classical and gospel musical genres in a new and exciting performance format. The choir has also been awarded a Congratulatory Proclamation from the City of Cambridge, Massachusetts for their stellar performance this year in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Day.

$65 advance, $70 door

February 23, 2012

Hawksley Workman

Delivered from the mythic Muskoka wilderness, Hawksley arrived on the scene nearly a decade ago with a fearlessness rooted in an undeniable vocal panache. This Juno Award winning wild card has already cemented his place as an emblem of Canadian culture here and abroad.

New albums MEAT and MILK are numbers eleven and twelve in Hawksley’s impressive catalogue. MEAT came of a wintry retreat to Huntsville and is a raw take on the end of a relationship. The overall dance pop feel of MILK was heavily influenced by Marten Tromm, who Hawksley met on a writing trip to Stockholm.

Hawksley’s catalogue (Lover/Fighter, The Delicious Wolves, Treeful of Starling, Between the Beautifuls, Los Manlicious and the one-of-a-kind Christmas album Almost a Full Moon) includes pop tunes, country jangles, anthemic rockers, hip-hop dance beats and gut-wrenching ballads, proof that Hawksley can do it all. His live show has taken him on national, European, Australian and Japanese tours, where Hawksley has made devoted fans worldwide.

10 years after its debut, For Him and the Girls, Hawksley’s first record still stands as one of the groundbreaking albums of a new indie aesthetic that still reigns today. American critics have reacted quickly to the US release of the album this November, 2009, with comparisons to today’s most progressive indie darlings.

Beyond his work as a recording artist, Hawksley has had a hand in shaping the next generation of Canada’s favourite albums, including Polaris Short List and Juno Nominated albums with artists such as Hey Rosetta, Sarah Slean, Serena Ryder, Tegan and Sara, Great Big Sea and, most recently, Justin Rutledge. Hawksley’s unquenchable thirst for collaboration also drives many songwriting partnerships here and abroad. From Oscar-winner Marion Cotillard to icon Jane Birken to French legend Johnny Hallyday, there is no shortage of star power on Hawksley’s resume. A new deal with Peermusic has brought Hawksley’s songwriting further afield, with a major US TV campaign with Volvo, work for TV shows and a project called “Hockey The Musical”, which will open at TIFF in September, 2010.

$45 advance, $48 door

April 20, 2012

The Amazing Kreskin

THE EARLY YEARS

By the age of five, during early childhood games, Kreskin’s remarkable ability to find hidden objects emerged. This fascinating and unusual gift made him stand out amongst his peers, forcing him to assume the role of omniscient observer. From this point of view, Kreskin was able to harness and refine his gift. By his teens, he was nationally recognized as “The World’s Youngest Hypnotist” allowing him to collaborate in psychological clinical studies existing in the realm of Parapsychology and the Power of Suggestion.

CURRENT

From the hard news formats of CNN, ABC and FOX NEWS Heartland to the ingenious madcap of DAVID LETTERMAN and the outrageous humor of HOWARD STERN, Kreskin has become a household name. It is no wonder why for the past eleven years his face has been seen annually on CNN NEWS NETWORK on New Years Day to discuss his predictions for the months to come.

TERRORISM / MIND CONTROL

In an effort to expose the influence of the terrorist mindset, Kreskin demonstrated The Power of Suggestion in June 2002. In a mass gathering in the Nevada desert, he illustrated how easily the minds perception can be manipulated by successfully causing numerous individuals to believe they were witnessing an actual UFO sighting and within seconds fear, panic and chaos erupted in the darkened desert night. The following day, Kreskin held a press conference regarding the UFO sighting and revealed his true intention, to demonstrate how terrorism could actually manipulate HUMAN PERCEPTION, via POWER OF SUGGESTION and MIND CONTROL, and successfully create an atmosphere of panic and chaos in America.

CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS

Harnessing his abilities, Kreskin has helped law enforcement investigations. Audiences of every generation and intellect are drawn to this icon whether it is Performing Arts Centers, theaters, state fairs, casinos, nightclubs, universities, and corporate/private functions. By many, he is considered the Nostradamus of the twentieth century!

$35 advance, $40 door

May 4, 2012

Ian Thomas

Born in Hamilton, Ontario in 1950, Ian Thomas’ love for music began with piano lessons at age 6. After picking up the guitar at age 14, he began exploring different facets of music and moved to Toronto. He found himself in a folk trio in the mid 60′s with Nora Hutchinson and Oliver MacLeod, uncreatively known as Ian, Oliver and Norah … or was it Oliver, Norah and Ian? By ’69 they were joined by Nancy Ward and Bob Doidge, and luckily simplified things by changing their name to Tranquility Base, and steadily gained a loyal fan base while touring across Canada.

After landing a deal with RCA Records in 1970, they released their first single in the spring of that year. “If You’re Looking” was followed by “In The Rain” that fall and the group’s progressive folk-roots style gained them early favourable reviews – enough to record their first full length album. Part of what made this unit so unique was their ability to cross over and meld their sound with The Toronto Symphony and Hamilton Philharmonic orchestras, their rock-group in residence being Tranquility Base. Despite the critical acclaim however, their inability to get their label to release a second record caused their breakup in ’71.

After moving back to Hamilton, Ian re-defined his sound over the next year and a half, incorporating a more modern element to the rock sound he was trying to explore earlier. He toured the Ontario bar circuit with make-shift back-up bands during this time and also broadened his horizons while working in a local Theatre House.

He scored a solo deal in ’73 with GRT Records and released his self titled debut that same year. “Painted Ladies” was an instant gold hit and would become his most successful single to date, reaching #4 in Canada and cracking Billboard’s top 40 in the US. The critics had always taken notice of his talents, and along with “Come The Son”, “Another” and “One of Those Days” the album soon went gold. Thomas also was a shoe-in for a Juno for ’73′s Most Promising Male Vocalist. The same year he found himself working on a CBC radio show, again giving him a fresh look on the industry and allowing him to showcase his production and comedy talents. THE NATIONAL ROCK WORKS was a 2 hour music variety show which also allowed his brother Dave to get his start before going on to SCTV and hoser fame & fortune. … I’m Bill Needle … and that’s the way I see it!

Ian travelled to England the next year, releasing LONG LONG WAY. It pretty much followed his emerging pattern of writing tight pop tunes with slick arrangements and hooks. The title track, “Mother Earth” and “Tidal Wave” helped make it his second straight gold record. He returned to the friendly confines of Toronto’s recording studios in ’75 and released DELIGHTS the same year. Again his work in such hits as “Julie” earned favour with the critics. His third single, “The Good Life” was next – and he soon earned his second straight gold album.

CALABASH was released in ’76 and is considered by many to be his pinnacle album. Of note is the fact the US version had a different cover and was called MRS CALABASH. With the lead-off single “Liars”, it was filled with a rare passion, also evidenced by the second single “Right Before Your Eyes” and the timeless “Goodnight Mrs Calabash”. He embarked on his first on his longest tour yet, taking him all over North America and into Europe.

STILL HERE came out the next year, which produced the single “Coming Home”. He released GLIDER in ’79 and soon went gold, riding the success of the singles “Pilot” and “Time Is The Keeper”. Thomas found himself without a record deal later that year however, when GRT declared bankruptcy.

He was picked up by Anthem Records the same year who quick to capitalize on the name, releasing THE BEST OF IAN THOMAS, a catalogue of his biggest hits with his former label. His first actual record for Anthem, THE RUNNER came out the next year. Again he was rewarded with gold, as 3 singles had lengthy stays on radio’s playlists. Unique about the record was all 3 were covered by other groups as well. – Mannfred Mann re-did the title track, while Santana gained critical success as well with “Hold On”, as did Chicago with their cover of “Chains”. With the financial woes of his label no longer an issue, he hit the road with a renewed vigor, playing to sold out shows and rave reviews around the world for the next year. In between the hectic schedule, he even found time to make a guest appearance on SCTV, showing off his comedic background, and scored the theme song and co-produced The Hoser movie STRANGE BREW the same year.

His next release wouldn’t be until 1984. The eagerly-awaited RIDERS ON DARK HORSES came out and was bought up just as fast. The hit single “I’ll Do You Right”, proved the name Ian Thomas was still synonymous with solidly and well-written pop with an edge. The album’s success again took him across the globe, where he enjoyed a huge following in Australia, as well as Germany and England, success he still enjoys to this day. He released ADD WATER the next year, which contained the single “Harmony”. 1988 saw the release of LEVITY, which spawned the title-track for the only single. Recorded in both England and Canada, it featured a vast array of friends which included Lou Pomanti from Wrabit, and also included “Losing Control” and “Modern Man”.

In ’91 he joined a collaberation of other staples of the Ontario music scene to form The Boomers. In the band were drummer Rick Gratton of Rough Trade and Marc Jordan fame, guitarist Bill Dillon – who’d worked with Daniel Lanois and Joni Mitchell and bassist Peter Cardinali whose credits included Rick James and Oscar Peterson. They released their first disc later the same year for new label BMG. WHAT WE DO, which featured the single “Love You Too Much”, was followed by THE ART OF LIVING in 1993, backed by “You’ve Got To Know” and the title cut.

Anthem released LOOKING BACK in ’95, a recollection of his earlier chart-toppers and in ’96 The Boomers were still making new hits with the release of their third record, 25,000 DAYS. After a six year recording hiatus, due in part to the death of Ian’s father, The Boomers released their fourth disc, MIDWAY in September of 2002 – with the lead off track “I Want To Believe In Something” the first single. Other songs such as “Greedy Man” and “Politically Correct” helped ensure the world knew one of the tightest groups on the scene today were back. Further proof of Ian and The Boomers’ appeal is the fact Anne Murray recorded “Good Again” and Bette Midler covered “To Comfort You”. His latest project is Lunch at Allen’s – one that includes Murray McLauchlan, Cindy Church and Marc Jordan. He was also somewhat of a fixture at The Possum Lodge on The Red Green Show, showing his under-rated comedic talents and giving the world another view of one of Canada’s true entertainment treasures.

$35 advance, $40 door

Michael Burgess and Rebecca Caine

Friday, May 11th

Whether he’s starring in a major musical, performing in concert or appearing at world events for Queen Elizabeth or Mikhail Gorbachev, Michael Burgess touches the hearts and minds of listeners. A Canadian star that has now crossed into the arena of recording artist, Burgess is accomplished in virtually every entertainment medium; television, film, recording, and performance. His pure tenor voice has been heard around the world at major events — creating a thunderous demand for more.

 Rebecca’s career has been divided between Opera and Musical Theatre, making her West End debut at 19 in the role of Laurey in Oklahoma! While making her debut at Glyndebourne as Amor in L’incoronazione di Poppea, she was asked to join the Royal Shakespeare Company where she created the role of Cosette in Les Miserables. After a successful West End run she joined the original cast of Phantom of the Opera to play Christine opposite Michael Crawford. She then returned to Toronto to repeat the role in the Canadian premiere of Phantom. During her run in Toronto she joined the Canadian Opera Company to make her highly praised North American debut in the title role of Lulu.

$65 Advance, $70 Door

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May 25, 2012

Russell de Carle

Under the Big Big Sky plays like the soundtrack to a vintage film, with influences and sounds of Willie Nelson, Ry Cooder, and outright goodness. A fluent mix of blues, jazz and R&B tinged western swing that pays homage to some of Russell deCarle’s all-time favorite artists while remaining simultaneously fresh and familiar. Under the Big Big Sky is more than just a confident, compelling exploration of deCarle’s singular voice as a songwriter. It’s an unflinching reflection of where he lives musically and literally, a celebration of the music and musicians who began to influence him long before he began his career forty years ago and a gathering of his closest and dearest musical friends. With Prairie Oyster, Russell’s earned 6 CCMAs for Country Group of the Year. They have 8 gold/platinum albums. While Russell played bass in Oyster, he plays guitar with another guitarist and accordionist in his trio. Russell’s sound works at folk fests, country fests, jazz/blues fests, privates, and every BIA event, rib fest or town fair imaginable where they’re looking for great music that appeals to a diverse/wide age-ranged audience.

$25 advance, $30 door