Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Up Next

The Heritage tour is over. At least, the Townships leg of it. I really enjoyed the intimate settings, and the opportunity to connect with the audience. I will take some time now to find other interesting places to play, and polish up material for the new album.

Up next? I have the privilege of opening for Ashley MacIsaac on Friday, Oct 19 at Centennial Theatre here in Lennoxville. First time on the stage at Centennial, and first time opening for an internationally recognized performer. I look forward to it, and to seeing him perform. I'm sure I will learn a lot!

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Brome County Historical Society Old Courthouse

The first show of the Townships Heritage Tour was a great success. The Piggery is a wonderful venue , and sharing the stage with Kate Morrison was a real honor.

Now, on to Knowlton, to the Old Courthouse at the Brome County Historical Society.  The building was constructed between 1858-1859. The room is complete with the Judges bench and witness stand. I have no doubt the energy will be electric in a room with that much history.

I will share the stage with Sarah Biggs. Sarah and I go way back as far as high school, though we didn't actually meet until CEGEP. I had just started guitar lessons, and I had my guitar with me in the pub on campus in between classes. Sarah walked over to me, barefoot, and said I should bring my guitar outside and jam with everyone. Of course, I refused, because I was totally intimidated. But I did poke my head out the door to have a listen. I remember Sarah played Blackbird, by the Beatles, with a speed and effortlessness that was unimaginable to me. I left immediately-and went home-and started learning Blackbird.

Years later we met again, here in the Townships, having traveled similar paths to Vancouver and back, and both working hard on our music. Sarah recently completed her third album, Surface Tension, and it is truly beautiful.

We had some time to rehearse, so the show will have somewhat of an open door policy, where she is welcome to join in my songs, and I will join in playing some of hers.

I look forward to reviving the Old Courthouse for a night of music, and I hope to see some familiar faces in the crowd to share this unique experience.

The Old Courthouse in Knowlton,  at  15 St. Paul, corner Lakeside. The show will begin at 8pm. If you would like more information about the show, call 450-243-6782 or 819-580-0964

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Piggery Theatre, North Hatley

I should be asleep right now, but instead,  I am running through my set list in my head, and preparing for the first show of the Townships Heritage Tour.
Spoiler alert if you are coming to the show!!! I have decided, at the last minute, to add a song as a tribute to Raylene Rankin, an important member of the Canadian music community, who will be missed.
I will sing Fare thee Well. the last time I sang that song was at my brother's wedding, fourteen years ago, in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia. I hope anyone familiar with the tune will sing along.

I saw a band play the Piggery years ago, and have wanted to get onto their stage ever since.  The converted barn has been hosting plays, concerts, and a variety of other performances for fourty-five years. When I began planning the heritage tour, I knew the Piggery would be one of the venues. It is on a quiet country road, a few minutes outside of North Hatley, on a hill, surrounded by beautiful views on all sides.

I am very excited to be joined by Kate Morrison, a very talented singer songwriter living here in the Townships. She has a powerful voice, and a warm presence that i'm sure will fill the room and enchant the audience.
"Inspired by everyday life experiences, but not so ordinary subjects, Kate’s song-writing takes us on a
unique journey of intimacy, humour and humanity. Her latest album, ‘’Kiss The Sky’’, is decorated
with contemporary and traditional instrumentation that supports her strong lyrics, already full of
dimension." (from her website, www.katemorrison.ca)

We will perform in a song circle format, where I play three songs, and she follows with three songs... We will also perform some material together. It is a privilege to share the stage with her.

The show will be Thursday, October 4, at 8pm at The Piggery Theatre  215 Chemin Simard,  North Hatley 
Phone 819-842-2431 to reserve tickets