ENNIS – June 24, 2012 – 8 pm

ENNIS – Sunday, June 24, 8pm, $20

Some of the most beautiful music we’ve had in the house – so glad they’re returning.

ENNIS (formerly The Ennis Sisters) is a dynamic, JUNO award winning original group with a unique contemporary voice, flavored by  deep roots and Celtic traditional Newfoundland influences. Maureen (lead vocals-songwriting-acoustic guitars) and Karen (backing vocals-acoustic guitar-mandolin-tin whistles) are powerful, interesting  and humorous story tellers with a broad mix of Maureen’s accessible original songs, and uniquely  interpreted traditional Celtic songs and instrumentals passed down to them from their rich musical heritage. The Ennis girls are joined by long-time musical collaborator Mark Murphy, and together they continue to be a major force behind contemporary traditional Newfoundland and Irish music in Canada. With 7 albums (1 Gold) and inclusion on countless compilation CDs (2  gold) to date, they have shared the stage and recorded with the Chieftains, toured with The Nitty Gritty  Dirt Band, Jann Arden and Colin Linden, among too many others to mention. Touring highlights include  Playing for Canadian Troops in the middle east, the Millenium Celebration in St John’s Newfoundland,  the Winnipeg Folk Festival, Stan Rogers Folk Festival, the Strawberry Music Festival (California),  Merlefest (North Carolina), The Cleveland and Pittsburgh Irish festivals. They have also played Canada  Day events on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, and Trafalgar Square in London, England. (And Point Rock – ha!)

 

 

 

John Campbelljohn, Carmel Mikol and Kim Dunn – Song Circle – June 8, 2012- 8pm – $20

John Campbelljohn - Canadian Slide Guitarist of the Year

Many artists have their specialties – some cut great records but need support to realize their studio sounds in a live setting while others are born performers who never quite translate to records as well as they do live. Rarely do you find an artist who excels at both. John Campbelljohn does. In each of his many forms. In his solo, acoustic blues performances he makes the most of the song. Campbelljohn soulfully commands the stage with rich vocals, while his powerfully prolific technique on guitar or trusty dobro lap steel further embellishes each composition. Power blues that touch on rock, reggae and roots with a few overtones of pure country – these are John Campbelljohn’s stock and trade. The overall quality of the musicianship, the energy of his delivery and the guaranteed good times that spring from the performances are proof of the pudding.  www.johncampbelljohn.ca

Carmel Mikol

A triple nominee at the 2011 East Coast Music Awards, Carmel has always been a songwriter. From her childhood on a family farm in rural Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, to her current “home” on the road, Carmel has built her life around crafting songs, collecting stories, and carving poetry out of the human experience. Carmel’s songwriting has garnered her international attention, winning the folk category in the 2010 Great American Song Contest and International Singer Songwriter Awards Song Contest. She’s a fan favourite at festivals in Atlantic Canada and the US. www.carmelmikol.com

Kim Dunn

Kim Dunn has been working on a successful music career for 30 years now,with a brief four year reprieve studying Jazz at ST. FX. In addition to producing, musical directing and arranging credits, he has worked with the who’s who of East coast artists. In 2003 Kim was the recipient of the first ever ECMA Musician Special Achievement Award. After playing on countless cds of other artists, Kim brought his songwriting, and singing to the foreground with his first solo project, ‘Take This Hammer’. His biggest asset has always been versatility and he has implemented this feature prominently on this self-produced debut CD, blending elements of Jazz, Blues, Pop and Folk. www.kimdunn.ca

Steven Bowers, Jim Henman, and John Ferguson – Song Circle – May 18, 2012 – 8pm – $20

Steven Bowers

Steven is an alt-folk musician living in Halifax, but often busy touring across the country. Steven’s latest recording Beothuk Words (2011) marks his fourth full length album. Regarding the title [Beothuk Words], Steven says: “I was wrapping up production and trying to finish two final tracks. I stumbled on an article about the Beothuk, who were native inhabitants of Newfoundland during the time of European colonization in the 15th and 16th centuries. They became extinct as a people in 1829, and subsequently much of their language was lost. That really stuck with me. The title of the record speaks to the lyrical themes of impermanence, seasonal cycles and generations. The album closer (Song for Little You) was written after I found a photograph of my wife as a child. Its sister song and album opener (Song for Grown You) bookend the record, and the lost Beothuk Language, the idea that it came and left so quietly, was something that seemed to tie all of these ideas together.” www.sonicbids.com/stevenbowers

Jim Henman

Somewhere in between the Delta/Piedmont blues and the flavorful grooves of Lovin’ Spoonful  lies the roots of Jim Henman’s musical beginnings. Writing  his first tune, at age 12, Jim spent much of his youth strumming a  Stella acoustic guitar on the sandy shores of Clam Harbour, Nova Scotia. By the mid-60s, Jim, with Waverly, N.S.  friend Myles Goodwyn started the top 40 band,  “Woodies Termites” and  went on to co-found the Canadian rock  band, April Wine, in the fall of 1969 .Shortly after the release of their debut album in 1971, Jim decided to leave  the band, moving back to the East Coast to start a family .Jim officially re-emerged onto the East Coast music scene in the 90s, co-writing and co-producing the album,” More Than My Share” for Cape Breton singer, Jeannie Beks. He also co-wrote the music for  “Death the Musical”, a stage production performed both at Halifax’s  Neptune Theatre and in French, at Théâtre Génération in Montréal and  a theatre adaption of  the book/movie “Tell Me You Love Me Julie Moon” starring Liza Minnelli .  Jim also began performing in songwriters’ circles throughout  Nova Scotia, alongside artists such as Terry Kelly, Laura Smith and  Cheryl Gaudet. Currently, Jim is performing acoustically (with Charles Phillips on bass ) and  recording his next CD , one that will return him to  his  roots . His music career has most certainly come  full circle. In 2009 Jim was installed along with April Wine in to the Canadian Music Industry Hall Of Fame  and  in April 2010, Jim had  the great honour of receiving a Juno award, commemorating April Wine’s   induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. Indeed, this is the  ultimate achievement for any musician.  jimhenman.com

John Ferguson

John Ferguson began a musical career in Sydney, Cape Breton in 1972 as a founding member of the folk band Miller’s Jug. In 1977 he joined the Halifax group McGinty. In the late eighties John began adding solo shows to the mix as a full-time musician and in 1990 teamed up with Cape Breton singer/songwriter Buddy MacDonald to form a duo that lasted till 2003. In 2004 he recruited Cape Breton songwriter, singer and instrumentalist Roger Stone as a duo partner while keeping McGinty gigs and solo shows going making a living in the ever changing music business. John has recorded seven albums with McGinty, one with Buddy MacDonald, one with Roger Stone and three solo recordings to date. Some career highlights include sixteen consecutive appearances at Celtic Colours International Festival, host and performer at the Papal Youth Rally in Halifax in 1984, Sea Sell, a tourism and culture show in the eastern United States in 1993, European Tourism and Trade Show in Luxembourg City in 1999, opening act for The Chieftains (1979) and John Prine (1988 &1989) as well as many local festivals, pubs, concerts and corporate shows. A forty year career has seen John perform in every province of Canada, Nunavut, United States, Ireland, Iceland and Luxembourg. John sings in a strong baritone and plays guitar, bouzouki and fiddle on stage. He also is proficient on other stringed instruments and versatile enough to have joined many fiddlers, pipers, singers and dancers over the years. His folk roots are evident in songs and tunes from the Celtic diaspora, Americana, and the many and varied compostions of the many talented Canadian artists. John also performs his own songs and will release a new album of that material in 2012.     john_ferguson@bellaliant.net 

Ian Sherwood and The Hupman Brothers – April 27, 2012 – 8 pm

Award winning songwriter, Ian Sherwood, mixes catchy melodies and heart-breaking stories with intricate guitar loops, axophones and pop/rock/jazz grooves to create music that has been described as “Traditional singer/songwriter style at
it’s essence.”  Ian is equally at home in front of a large festival audience or a quiet house concert. His energetic stage show and honest presentation have quickly gained him recognition as a solid performer, lyricist and player and garnered him Music Nova Scotia’s 2008 and 2010 Musician of the Year award.  The release of his third CD, And Now The Fun Begins is generating a lot of buzz, including an ECMA nomination for Male Solo Recording of the Year. Ian was nominated for two 2008 ECMA awards (Pop Album of the Year, CBC Galaxie Rising Star Album of the Year). His first album Ian Sherwood, earned Ian nominations for Music Nova Scotia’s Pop/Rock Recording of the Year, Toronto Independent Music Awards Best out of Area Act, and was named Featured Album of the Week by CBC’s Radio One’s Freestyle. As a songwriter Ian made headway by landing in the semi-finals of the 2006 International Songwriting Competition and won the grand prize in the 2007 West Coast Songwriter’s Association based in California. 2012 shows no sign of slowing down for Ian.

Ryan and Scott, The Hupman Brothers, are important Nova Scotia musicians to watch. Their original sound is played with superb musicianship and as brothers they play as if one, knowing where the music is heading and how to make it their own. “The first thing you notice about the Hupman Brothers is how much they love what they’re doing. The second thing you notice is that their music, while steeped in the golden age of Blues, does not strictly adhere to the standard Blues formula. You’ll rarely hear a strictly- followed 12-bar Blues song. The Hupman’s songs and arrangements are fresh, but with a hint of the swing/ragtime Blues guitar style of the 30s and 40s with their own contemporary sensibilities woven in.”, Kim O’Brien -East Coast Blues Society. In the past 4 years, the Hupman Brothers have released four albums, and received multiple award nominations through Music Nova Scotia, The East Coast Music Association, and Maple Blues, winning the 2010 ECMA for Blues Recording of the Year, and 2011 Music Nova Scotia Blues Album/Group Recording of the Year.

Charlie A’Court – March 30, 2012 – 8 pm

Charlie A’Court – March 30, 2012 – 8 pm – $20

Named as Nova Scotia’s top entertainer at the 2009 Music Nova Scotia Awards, Charlie A’Court is synonymous with impassioned performances that grip an audience the very moment he takes the stage. Winner of the East Coast Music Awards 2007 Pop Recording of the Year and 2007 Music Nova Scotia Blues Recording of the Year for his album Bring On The Storm and 2003 Best Blues Artist for his debut album Color Me Gone, Charlie A’Court is an emotionally charged and soul moving performer. Fearlessly bridging genres and challenging stylistic conventions, his music and passionate voice stir up the listeners’ emotions, touching the very core of audiences around the world. A’Court has toured extensively throughout Canada and abroad with headlining performances at the Stan Rogers’ Folk Fest, Harvest Jazz & Blues Festival, Kerrville Folk Fest, and Ottawa Blues Fest. Charlie’s modern blues style, mixed with his contemporary songwriting has created a mass appeal, ensuring A’Court’s material is widely accepted as a festival favourite by audiences and promoters alike. Fuelled by emotion and a desire for delivering powerful music, Charlie A’Court is undoubtedly one of Canada’s new generation of fresh singer/songwriters, attracting fans internationally with gutsy vocals and his colourful yet solid guitar playing.

ECMA nominee, Aaron MacDonald, will be opening for Charlie A’Court. 

Ashley Condon, Erin Costello, Molly Thomason – Songwriters’ Circle – March 2, 2012 – 8 pm

Ashley Condon (Mat Dunlap Photo)

Like pecan pie – sweet and nutty –  Ashley has won audiences over with her larger-than-life stage presence and down-to-earth charm.  Growing up on everything from old-time country to folk, blues and southern rock, her music resonates. “The title of Ashley Condon’s debut recording ‘Come In From The Cold’ couldn’t be more apt. Rich earthy tones wrapped lovingly around a voice as fresh and pure as a forest stream cannot help but melt the coldest heart.” – Glenn Meisner, CBC Atlantic Airwaves

Erin Costello

Erin Costelo blends rich, layered piano driven compositions with lyrics as often searing as they are sweet. Costelo captures the strength and fragility of her distinctively low, smoky voice in moody, unique arrangements that blend barrelhouse blues, boogie woogie and 60s soul with her truthful ballads to create a sound that is all her own. “…the melody-driven mood-maker is in a league of her own. Her baritone vocals move through shades of loneliness, deep-sea dives through oceanic sounds of isolation and inspiration, only to bubble to the surface of piano-pop passivity.” – The Coast

Molly Thomason

Molly won the Young Entertainer of the Year Award at the 2011 Canadian Folk Awards. Not afraid to experiment with different styles and influences, Molly has a vision for each of her songs and works diligently to realize their individual sound without regard to the boundaries of genres. The songs themselves are intelligent and perceptive, often showing a maturity that belies her years.

CBC Radio will be taping this show to be played as part of their series on house concerts on “All the Best”. 

Christina Martin with Dale Murray – February 3, 2012 – 8 pm

Christina Martin – Feb 3 – $20

Martin is a female Tom Petty with Folk, Pop, and Alt-Country sensibility. This ECMA winning artist has performed over 600 shows across North America, Germany and Ireland to date.  “An exquisite voice.” Americana UK For nearly a decade Christina Martin has been on a musical journey. From recording her debut album Pretty Things (2002) in Austin, Texas, to opening for Wilco, it was clear that music was her path. It was not long after she returned home to Halifax, Nova Scotia she started playing the café/bar circuit and met esteemed musician Dale Murray (Cuff the Duke). On a whim they recorded Two Hearts (2008), an album that won her Pop Recording of the Year at the 2009 East Coast Music Awards, as well as two Nova Scotia Music Awards for Female Artist of the Year and Pop Recording of the Year in 2008.

Dale Murray – Feb 3

For over a decade, Dale Murray has proven himself to be one of the most talented and adaptable musicians in the Canadian music scene. A founding member of The Guthries and a current member of Cuff The Duke, he has collaborated with many influential and well-known Canadian acts, such as Hayden, Buck 65, Serena Ryder, and Blue Rodeo. He also regularly performs with Matt Mays & El Torpedo, Christina Martin and has released an acclaimed solo album, Brighter Lives, Darker Side (2005). Recently, Murray has added production to his list of talents. In the past two years he has worked with artists such as Christina Martin, Kelly Sloan, and Steven Bowers. He was recognized for these efforts at the 2009 Music Nova Scotia Awards, where he was named Producer of the Year and also took home, Musician of the Year.

Laura Smith with George Antoniak – January 6, 2012 – 8 pm

Laura Smith

In Laura Smith’s music, real emotions ebb and flow. Your heart is in her capable hands, and likewise, she has entrusted you with hers. As she sings, her strong, melodious voice waves and catches, snagging on a scar here and there, surfing on a wonder, staring down a riddle… As you listen, the two of you go along together; brave and surfacing; calm and inquisitive.

An ECMA and Gemini winner and Juno nominee, Laura has already experienced exhilarating career highs. Her 1994 album b’tween the earth and my soul elicited unbounded critical acclaim, enormous airplay, national television appearances and a hungry demand for live performances. From the stages of Denmark to Newport, Rhode Island to Vancouver to the Yukon, Smith has shared the secrets of her soul, laying out for rapt audiences her private, yet ultimately universal experiences.

George Antoniak – Guitarist Extraordinaire

Matt Minglewood presents “Mingle Bells” – December 15 and 16, 2011 – 8 pm. Sold Out

Matt Minglewood – December 15 and 16, 2011 – 8 pm – $20

Tis the season to Mingle with family, friends and musicians!

Matt Minglewood will be performing his first Christmas themed show this year entitled ‘Mingle Bells’. Joining Matt on guitar, mandolin, pedal steel and bass will be Dave McKeough. The show will highlight some great relatively unknown Christmas songs as well as some traditional tunes and even a few penned by Matt himself.

Make plans now for the merriest show of the season!

Dave Gunning – November 17 and 18, 2011 – 8 pm

Dave Gunning – November 17 and 18, 2011 – 8 pm – $20

The Prince of Pictou is returning to the livingroom for the fourth and fifth time. Dave is one of our most popular performers, and the best all-ages show we host. Bring your kids, bring your grandma – everybody loves him! Along with his “all season” tunes, you’ll be among the first to hear cuts from his brand new Christmas album.

Along with numerous past accolades, Dave won two 2011 ECMAs – Roots/Traditional Solo Recording and Producer of the Year, his song “Ashen Town” (co-written with David Francey) received top honours in the folk category in the 2011 Indie International Songwriting Contest, and he has just received four nominations for this year’s 2011 Music Nova Scotia Awards – Male Artist Recording of the Year, Traditional/Roots Recording of the Year, Producer of the Year, and Recording Studio of the Year (Wee House of Music).

All this, and he’s still humble and lovable!