Acacia Lyra as Susan Sweeney Hermon and Janine Dudding

Acacia Lyra is not just your average harp and voice duo. Janine Dudding and Susan Sweeney Hermon sing in English, French, Spanish, and Gaelic, accompanying themselves on Celtic harps and guitars. As harpers, Susan and Janine are keepers of traditional ballads handed down through the ages. But they also open the windows of their ancient castles and lofty halls to allow fresh “aires” into their repertoire.

Their compositions are a reflection of the duo’s Irish heritage as well as their Canadian experience of pristine lakes and snowy landscapes. Most recently Janine, who has been living part-time in Iqaluit, Nunavut, has been influenced by the haunting allure of the far North and the beauty of Inuit culture. Susan tends to look southward for inspiration, with thoughts of swaying palm trees and Latin rhythms. The two are the best of friends, musically and otherwise.

“Susan and Janine’s music is a beautiful melding of voices, instruments and spirit. A true friendship in music.” Sharlene Wallace, harpist-composer.

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Albert Dumont

(Algonquin, Kitigan Zibi, Anishinabeg)

Albert Dumont, a Traditional Teacher, was born and raised in traditional Algonquin territory. He has been walking the “Red Road” since commencing his sobriety in 1989. He is a poet and has published 5 books of poetry. Several organizations, both native and non-native, are currently featuring his poetry in their promotions, among them are the Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health and the Native Veterans Association.

Albert has served with the Ottawa Native Concerns Committee since 1993 and also served with the Ottawa and District Injured Workers Group for 6 years.
Albert has dedicated his life to promoting Aboriginal spirituality and healing and to protecting the rights of Aboriginal peoples particularly those as they affect the young.

Albert Dumont is the Founder of Turtle Moons Contemplations.

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Anna Ludlow

Anna Ludlow is an accomplished fiddler, singer and songwriter originally from Antigonish who now lives in Ottawa. She performs in a variety of styles, including what she calls “Mainland Maritime Fiddle Fusion”. Anna released an album called “Reel to Reel” in 2009.

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Audrey Saparno

Audrey Saparno is a singer-songwriter born and raised in Ottawa, Canada. Her music is acoustic soulful folk with a slight R&B twist. Her lyrics vary from stories of women empowerment to spiritual love to finding hope through life’s challenges. Musical influences include Dawud Wharnsby, Lynn Miles and Joni Mitchell whereas her voice has been compared to that of Jane Siberry and Sarah McLachlan. Her writings give a view to a Muslim woman’s perspective that is both refreshing and not often heard.

In 2013, she met through the internet the American artist Raef, and co-wrote their first song (hopefully first of many), “Dream” as a pet project. “Dream” later got produced and recorded onto Raef’s debut album “The Path” released in 2014 with Awakening Records. In 2014 her song “She Misunderstood” won the Folk Music Ontario, Songs From the Heart, song-writing competition, under the Multicultural sub-category. In 2016, she worked with James Stephens, Stove Studios, Chelsea, QC, to finish her debut CD, Beauty Inside, released last October.

Audrey has performed in numerous venues across Ottawa including the Centrepointe Studio theatre, the University of Ottawa Alumni theatre, All Saints Event Space, the Rainbow bistro and Pressed Café. She will be performing at the Record Centre for JUNOfest on March 31st. She is so grateful to be part of the Ottawa Grassroots Festival this year.

Song writing has become a way for her to express her spirituality and her stories in a folksy sort of way. Hoping to unify people through universal themes, she shares her songs with the heart of whomever her songs can touch.

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Build your own Cigar-box Guitar with Mike Leeworthy

Mike Leeworthy operates Frogman Original Cigar Box Guitars from his home workshop in Limoges, Ontario.

He has been building Cigar Box Guitars since 2007.

For the “Build Your Own Cigar-box Guitar” Workshop on Saturday April 22nd at 12:00 pm, there will be a maximum of 20 participants and only one instrument per family. To reserve your spot, please email Bob Nesbitt at [email protected], or in person at the workshop if space remains.
Clara Charron

Clara Charron is a music industry writer and songwriter from Ottawa, Canada. Her blog, Pop of Colour, focuses on providing business and marketing insights to bands and artists in unconventional ways. Her words have been featured in Follow Magazine (Australia, March 2017), Ear To The Ground (USA, March 2017), When The Horn Blows (UK, January 2017), and in the Ottawa Music Industry Coalition’s newsletter (Canada, November 2016). Clara is a proud member of the Ottawa Music Industry Coalition and is currently studying Music Industry Arts at Algonquin College.
Clara will be conducting a workshop at the Ottawa Grassroots Festival on Sunday April 23 at 11 AM. The workshop is called “Social Media for Music: a guide to setting up, creating content for, building engagement on and creating fans (and sales!) from Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Mailing Lists” . Her presentation will be 50 minutes
This workshop is suitable for just about everyone with an interest in using social media.She will start from the very basics of why you should set an account up, to content ideas that even social media savvy people might find interesting – all while treating her audience like the intelligent and talented artists they are. Another idea she is considering for this workshop is to live-stream it on Facebook, so that people who can’t make the workshop can tune in and watch, and participants in the room can replay the video too, from home afterwards.

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Deborah Kigjugalik Webster

Deborah is originally from Baker Lake, Nunavut. She is an anthropologist and is the author of “Harvaqtuurmiut Heritage: The Heritage of the Inuit of the Lower Kazan River” (1998) and “Akilak’s Adventure” (2016). She is currently working on her third book on Inuit RCMP Special Constables from Nunavut
Durham County Poets

A stew of influences from the Band to Jimmy Reed, a mix of styles from blues to folk, Durham County Poets uniquely blend them all.

The Durham County Poets are a lively and soulful group, who write and perform an eclectic blend of blues, folk and rock, with tinges of country, gospel and swing tossed in for good measure. They are five seasoned musicians, all of whom are songwriters, who work together individually and collaboratively in composing their music.

Fronted by Kevin Harvey, a bluesy crooner, on lead vocals and harmonica, Durham County Poets feature David Whyte (electric and acoustic guitars), Neil Elsmore (acoustic guitar), Carl Rufh (double bass) and James Preimel (percussion).

Delving into a variety of styles and genres, their musical influences include a broad range of artists. From The Band to Dire Straits, Leon Redbone to James Taylor and Neil Young, they have managed to put it all together to create their own musical style. The obvious joie de vivre expressed while performing together is reflected in the good-time feel that the band creates, which has been captivating their audiences consistently since their inception 6 years ago.

Popular at music festivals and venues across eastern Canada and fresh on the heels of a well-received “formal showcase” at the 2016 Northeast Regional Folk Alliance (NERFA) Conference, the band is branching more and more into the US market, with more bookings coming up in 2017.

Press

“…inventive in their taking musical roots and reshaping them… Soulful folk who make the listener pay attention. In my view, they deserve a wider audience.” Spike Barkin, co-founder of Roots of American Music Festival, NYC

“This group plays bluesy country/folk with a lot of verve. The lead singer sits in his wheelchair and just kills every vocal. The recording on “River” has mostly an ambient sound with very little reverb. It gives the listener a sense of sitting in a living room somewhere, listening to the band crank out one great tune after another.” Richard Cuccaro, Acoustic Live in New York City

“…was able to now understand why there’s been so much buzz around about the southwest Quebec group…The Poets lay down a sweet acoustic groove that’s subtle, yet captivating. ” Steve Tennant MEDIUM?

“Il ne fait aucun doute qu’on a affaire à un collectif de musiciens chevronnés et talentueux: une des belles découvertes de l’année!” Pierre LaMontagne, Le Net Blues 2014

“Enjoy the groove and good humor of The Durham County Poets.” John Platt, WFUV radio, Fordham University Public Media

“Kevin Harvey’s rich voice and nuanced delivery covers the scope of life…. with ballads and blues-inflected originals, some swing and genial humour. Guitarist David Whyte’s guitar solos are pure grace. The Poets will get you dancing in the hallways, laughing, and feeling those blues.” Spirit of Rasputin, Ottawa, Canada

Website

Live at La Scène, Télévision Sud-Ouest 2013
Emma Lamontagne

Emma Lamontagne is more than the average high school student struggling to get out of bed. She is also an aspiring singer/songwriter from Ottawa who just happens to have won the ‘She’s the One’ competition from RBC’s Bluesfest 2016. She will be working with Cadence Music Group and Universal Music Canada to produce her future music.

Emma has only been performing modern music since November 2015, but in such a short time, she has checked off more boxes on her bucket list than most artists do in a few years. She started with her school’s coffeehouse, and next thing she knew, she was being introduced to Elaine Overholt at ‘Show Choir Canada,’ who gave her the confidence she needed to keep performing. Next thing you know, Emma is chosen as one of eight girls from across Canada for a chance to win a recording deal with CMG and Universal.

In the meantime, she is trying to master some of her favourite songs from her favourite artists, such as Billy Joel and John Mayer, and participating in many music activities in school. Today, Emma is on track to start her career, whilst she attends grade 11. In preparation for RBC’s Bluesfest 2017, Emma will be working with established professionals in the industry to write, record, and market her music.

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Festival of India

The Festival of India Ottawa (FIO) s a premier Indian organization in the National Capital Region that celebrates Canada’s multicultural heritage and provides opportunities for various cultures to meet annually face to face, to showcase their cultures in various ways, to appreciate and respect all cultures, and to make Canada the best place for all. This three day extravaganza which runs from 11-13 August, features superb musical and dance acts from India and North America, more than sixty workshops ranging from cooking and how to put on a sari to yoga to Bollywood dancing. In addition, more than twenty vendors satisfy the needs of the patrons with their wares ranging from Indian jewelry to quality handicrafts. There are Panel Discussions on important current topics by distinguished scholars and an essay contest open to all. To top all these activities, the famed Indian cuisine from all regions of India is freshly prepared on site and delights the most demanding of palates.

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2017 Festival of India Ottawa Flyer
Francine Leclair

Website

For French Canadian singer/songwriter Francine Leclair, her latest project entitled “Re-Drawn” encourages listeners to have a new vision for their lives. Her songs from the album tell the story of relatable and inevitable life changes all of humanity experiences through various seasons, and provide hope in the uncertainty of such change. Influenced by artists like John Denver, Annie Lennox, Bruce Springsteen and Jason Mraz, Leclair’s approach to songwriting shows that it’s never too late to bravely embrace change no matter what the obstacles.

Leclair recently faced the uncertainty of change by retiring from the computer technology industry where she built and managed large web-based systems to focus full-time on the music that’s been lying dormant in her heart since her childhood and teenage years. “I admit I’m getting into this somewhat late in life,” she says. “But when my 18 year-old daughter and 16-year-old son, kept telling me to “Get a life Mom!” they really were showing wisdom beyond their years. After spending time thinking about what my life would be after they left the nest. I realized I had stories to share, and there was still an opportunity for me to at least try and turn my musical hobby into my profession.”

“My son was worried about what I would do after he left the nest,” says Leclair, “so at his encouragement, I started writing songs again.”

Since 2013, Francine began doing songwriting full time. She completed the Professional Singer/Songwriter certification from the Berklee School of Music and continues to take songwriting workshops. She is the co-ordinator for the Leamington/Windsor Regional Writer’s Group.

Once Leclair began to bravely re-draw her life with lines of music, her story book started to become more colourful. She took risks by leaving her federal government job in 2013 and pursuing music full-time, playing her original songs to audiences, including ones she had written for family members to mark the milestones in her loved ones’ lives. These songs were released on a self-produced album called ”An Ordinary Person?” in 2008.

Leclair took this new career seriously and has since graduated from the Berklee College of Music Professional Singer-Songwriter Certificate Program. Francine continues to improve her writing and has been mentored in Nashville by songwriting giants Beth Nielsen Chapman (co-writer of “This Kiss”), Mike Reid (co-writer of “I Can’t Make You Love Me”, Jonatha Brooke (songwriter and playwright of the musical ?My Mother has 4 Noses?) and Mary Gauthier.

Dreams of one day playing in a band and having an album professionally produced in Nashville seemed so far away as a child. Late in 2014, Francine realized these dreams with the release of her album “ReDrawn?” which was produced by Lang Bliss at Diff’rent Wirld Productions in Nashville. This album includes the song “I Soldier On’ and it’s French partner “Je Vis Sans Limites” which support the Soldier On fund in Canada. This was followed by a successful launch with a small tour in Ontario. A live DVD of the Ottawa release party is available.

In 2015, Leclair re-recorded many of her first songs from the 2008 album in studio and released them on an EP entitled ?An Ordinary Woman (In Studio)?.

Francine is an active member of the Songwriter’s Association of Canada, Folk Music Ontario and the Nashville Songwriter’s Association International. She co-ordinates the Leamington/Windsor Regional Writer’s Group which meets monthly with the goal of mentoring other songwriters and carrying on the tradition of folk music. “A folk song is always evolving, being sung by others and therefore embellished and improved upon while keeping the essence and message of the song alive for generations to come,” she explains. ?”That’s what I aspire my songs to become,messages of encouragement for the present and the future.”

Her songwriting has brought her to Nashville and Austin Texas as part of the Canadian Showcase at the Texas Songwriter’s Association opening for the Texas Music Legends Hall of Fame Induction ceremony to playing at local farmer’s markets. She has performed in the UK, Switzerland, the United States and in Ontario.

Recent highlights include:
- 2016 Texas Songwriter’s Symposium as part of the Canadian Songwriter’s Showcase in Austin, Texas.
- 2016 Winterfolk XIV Blues and Roots Festival in Toronto
- 2016 Kingsville Folk Festival in Kingsville, Ontario
- 2016 Folk Music Ontario Private Showcase Artist
- Television interviews on ?”The Write Stuff?” and “Sun Parlour Coffee Sessions?”
- Radio Interviews with CBC Radio-Canada Ici Première
2017 is already off to a great start as she represented Canada for a second time in January at the Texas Songwriter’s Symposium as part of the Canadian Songwriter’s Showcase in Austin, Texas and will be performing in April at the Ottawa Grassroots Festival. 2017 will also see the release of Francine’s third studio album entitled “?To Be Continued?”.

Francine has been working on writing and recording those songs in her catalogue of songs of which many have “finish later” written on the bottom.. She travels to Nashville every few months to Austin Texas yearly to share her music with others, gain valuable feedback on her songs from mentors and pitches her songs to other artists. She wants to be known as a songwriter above all else, however, her voice has been described as having the gusto of Wynonna Judd to the sweetness of Joan Baez.

Leclair is living her dream, writing, recording and performing her songs live. She hopes that her story inspires others to do the same.
Geneviève RB & Alain Barbeau

Geneviève RB & Alain Barbeau is a world folk / acoustic folk , where they escaped in harmony, gentleness, complicity and emotion. Geneviève RB is a voice pop both captivating and melodic mingling with notes of his piano . Alain Barbeau is a voice folk, soothing hot following the pace of its ten autonomous fingers have his guitar sound.

When their songs intertwine, they make us tick, let us close our eyes, taking us elsewhere.

Duet in life as in music, they show you the album and the show: It is both .

Geneviève RB & Alain Barbeau c’est un univers folk/populaire acoustique, où l’on s’évade dans l’harmonie, la douceur, la complicité et l’émotion. Geneviève RB, c’est une voix pop à la fois envoutante et mélodique qui se mêle aux notes de son piano. Alain Barbeau, c’est une voix folk, chaude et apaisante qui suit le rythme de ses dix doigts autonomes qui possèdent sa guitare acoustique. Geneviève RB & Alain Barbeau sont touchants ensemble. Lorsque leurs chansons s’entrelacent, ils nous font vibrer, nous laissent fermer les yeux et nous emportent ailleurs. C’est thérapeutique, ça fait du bien. Le duo s’est présenté sur scène un peu partout au Québec, en Ontario et en Nouvelle-Écosse. Après avoir fait chacun leur tour École Nationale de la Chanson, festivals et premières parties, c’est ensemble que la suite de leur vie artistique se trace. En duo dans la vie comme en musique, ils vous présentent l’album et le spectacle :

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Gil’s Grassroots Hootenanny Contest

Inspired by the legacy of Gil Levine, Monday, May 1st, 2017 will mark the 8th year for Ottawa’s Gil’s Hootenanny, the annual community sing-along celebrating the stories, struggles and victories of working people. Gil spent his life working for social justice and was the founding Director of Research at the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE). A great lover of folk music and an enthusiastic supporter of folk musicians, Gil believed in the collective power of song to bring people together to speak up and sing out for change.

The Gil’s Hootenanny Sing-Along Song Writing Contest nurtures the writing and performing of new sing-along songs consistent with the Gil’s Hootenanny themes of “Songs of Protest, Songs of Hope”. The contest has given rise to some excellent musical creations from Canadian songwriters such as Tony Turner, who won in 2015 with his legendary song, Harperman.

The contest encourages sing-along song submissions from songwriters in two categories: “Open” (19 and over), and “Young Composer” (18 and younger). The contest includes an adjudicated performance at the Grassroots Festival, with the winning songs being featured at the May Day event.

First presented in 2010, the Hootenanny has seen increasingly larger audiences who join featured artists and the house band in singing along with new and traditional songs of hope and protest. The featured artists in 2017 are Moonfruits (moonfruits.bandcamp.com)

The 2017 Hootenanny will take place at 7:30pm in the Clarke Room at the RA Centre, 2451 Riverside Drive. Staffed by UNIFOR members, the RA Centre is accessible, has loads of parking and is well serviced by OC Transpo. Tickets are $10.
Great Canadian Song-Along

The Great Canadian Song-Along is an annual songwriting challenge and performance event that is celebrating 25 years in Ottawa. Each spring dozens of new and established singer-songwriters respond to the call to write a song from among 4 or 5 topics and then perform their new tune at a public event over two evenings. Anyone who agrees to write a song on topic is allowed to perform, which has helped the development of strong songwriters in our community. Writers’ Bloc, Ottawa’s songwriter’s collective, coordinates the event with the support of the Spirit of Rasputin’s Arts Society who provides the venue. The event is always full of surprises and has led to songs appearing on recordings of such artists as Don Ross and Missy Burgess.

The Great Canadian Song-Along began in 1993 as a personal project of Toronto singer-songwriter Karen Leslie Hall. Her idea was to organize an event that would bring the songwriting community together in a spirit of fun, creativity and sharing. And it’s worked! Song-Along is truly a grassroots event that has inspired the creation of some 1500 new songs over its history in Ottawa.

This stage today will feature a selection of singer-songwriters showcasing songs inspired by this fabulous annual tradition, including Song-Along coordinators Chris White, Tony Turner and Greg Kelly along with numerous surprise guests.
Headliner song circle; the Early Years with Ken Whiteley, Malak, and Kevin Harvey. Moderated by Mike Regenstreif
Headliner song circle; the Early Years with Ken Whiteley, Malak, and Kevin Harvey. Moderated by Mike Regenstreif
How to Build Your Own Band with Garry Greenland and Pat Moore

Workshop: How to Build Your Own Band

Back by popular demand! Come learn how to put your band together, learn how the different instruments work together, how to integrate rhythms, and to support the lead singer.  Learn how to set up vocal harmonies, and a few other simple approaches to improve the overall sound. This workshop is of interest to musicians and listeners who are interested in knowing how it all works.

Maple Hill

Heart, drive, deep blues, inspiration, a tight vocal blend, fun filled interplay, and an intimate relationship with the audience are some of the things that describe a Maple Hill performance. Built on the foundation that “it’s all about the song”, the band delivers strong vocals supported by tasteful instrumental backup rooted in traditional sound, yet fresh and inspiring. Their new CD, Back To You, featuring 6 original and 7 cover songs is receiving rave reviews.

The band is comprised of co-founders Garry Greenland (guitar & vocals) and Pat Moore (bass and vocals), Kevin Golka (mandolin & vocals) and Sean Lundy (banjo). Garry, Pat and Kevin share the lead and harmony vocals, keeping things fresh and interesting throughout the performance. That said, Pat’s unique ability to distinctively “sing-the-story” is always a crowd favourite.

Garry Greenland

A veteran of bluegrass, Garry went off to play banjo for Frank Wakefield when he was still too young for a legal drink, and later played for the late great Charlie Moore. He’s shared the stage with bluegrass legends Bill Monroe, Jimmy Martin, and many others.  From about 1970-73 he played with the popular band Cody with Mike O’Reilly, and later was a regular fill-in with the Humber River Valley Boys. He has been featured in several bands, and is a sought after session player, advisor, and producer. In the early to mid eighties, he co-founded Maple Hill.

In addition to his performances, Garry is an accomplished and highly respected bluegrass teacher. For over 30 years he has taught Scruggs style banjo, mandolin, guitar, and “band” classes (teaching folks to play together, to understand the music as a whole and to support the singer and each other.)   Garry has taught dozens of serious players who have gone on to be successful band members.  Garry was recognized by the Canadian Bluegrass Music Association for teaching and mentoring – an award designed specifically for him.

Pat Moore

Pat grew up in a house full of music – from show tunes to folk, rock, and pop. Her voice has a warm and expressive quality, as perfectly suited to a rich ballad as it is to an up-tempo power song.. She honed her skills playing dog-house bass and singing lead and harmony in Maple Hill in the 80’s. Later, Pat ventured out on her own, writing, and releasing her debut solo CD, The Time’s Never Been Better, followed by her second CD, Take it to Heart, with her band The Vinyl Frontier. Audiences love her heartfelt performances!

Pat is the creator and producer of the (annual) Ottawa Opry in support of Amnesty International, producer of the annual Christmas GOOSE concert (the Ottawa Food Bank), and a popular show host on CKCU. Recently she has added “childrens’ author” to her credits with the 2011 publishing of Clean Water for Lukong.

Kevin Golka

Kevin was a member of the original Maple Hill. He’s a passionate singer and tremendous rhythm player, with a deep love and understanding of the genre. The play between Kevin’s bluesy mandolin chops and Garry’s “Dayton style” blues guitar lay the foundation for strong drive and a whole lot of fun.

Kevin also plays in the popular band Concession 23.

Sean Lundy

Sean picked up the banjo about 10 years ago, and started out as a student of Garry. He has the touch, driving the band when that’s what’s needed, and he knows how to support the singer. In his spare time, Sean builds museums and animal shelters.

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Jam Session with Paul Spafford

Paul Spafford comes from the back woods of Odessa, Ontario, and moved to Ottawa in the mid-90s. After six years of Conservatory piano lessons, and a misspent youth of 70s punk guitar (after the 70s weren’t cool anymore), Paul discovered folk music. Now he plays mandolin and banjo, and is a regular at the Rasputin’s open stage, as well as hosting the Spirit of Rasputin’s weekly folk jam.

Paul writes songs that give his unique perspective on whatever happens to be going on in his life at the moment, and also creates his own interpretations of songs by some of his favourite artists.
James Blondeau

James Blondeau is a musician, composer, video director and internet content producer from Dunrobin, Ontario. He has been performing music for a number of years including club gigs and live concerts.

James has written and co-written over 160 original songs and created the science fiction fantasy story, The Tales of Tallimar. His music ranges from folk to rock and has produced music videos for a number of local Ottawa artists.

Music Appearances in
- Canada – 10 Provinces
- Algarve, Portugal
- Hamar, Norway
- Warsaw, Poland
- Krakow, Poland
- Gerrardsbergan, Belgium
- Lille, France
- London, England
- Liverpool, England
- York, England
- Amsterdam, Holland
- Apeldornn, Holland
- Bardi, Italy
- Nanton, Alberta
- Richmond, Virginia
- Museum of Civilization
- Canadian War Museum
- Canada Day – Kanata
- 100 Years Concert – CFB Petawawa
- Clearwater, Florida
- Freeport, Bahamas
- Lake Land, Florida
- Discovery Train
Website: www.dunrobincastle.com

Producer/Director – Dunrobincastle.com Video Productions
- Tholthorpe, England – RCAF Reunion
- The POW Reunion – Ottawa
- The History of Medicine – Canada Wide
- The Canadian Journey 1992
- TimeKeeper’s Video Contest
- TimeKeeper’s Video Collection
- The Belgian Forest
- Youth Service Canada
- Canada Remembers Holland
- NCC Trees and People
- NCC UN Peace Keepers Statue
- Great Escape Reunion
- POW Reunion – London, England
- The Recovery of Halifax NA337 – Norway
- The Recovery of Halifax LW682 – Belgium
- Vimy Ridge and Beaumont Hamel
- Music Videos:
  - Garnet Challenger
  - Maurina
  - Natalie Rey
  - Maria Knapik Videos – Opera
  - Yu Meng
  - Judith Heather
  - Minghui
  - Samantha Testa
  - Jun Li
- President Lech Walesa Interview – Poland
- Ottawa Light Rail Series
- Auschwitz, Poland
- Children’s Aid Society
- Fallen Heroes – Italy
- SOS Arandora Star – |Scotland England Italy Canada
- Ottawa Children’s Treatment Centre
- Ottawa Light Rail- 4 Helicopter Shoots
- Ortona Italy Documentary
- Marco Polo Show – Chinese
- The China Earthquake Fund Concert and Video
- Hubei Dance Group from China Video and Music Performance
- Music Video – Give Peace Another Chance
- The Restoration of Halifax NA337
- Nanton Museum – 25th Anniversary
- Oshawa Navy Reunion
- Oshkosh AirVenture Video Series
- Battle of Britain
- Air Cadets
- Astronaut Interview with Chris Hadfield
- Senator Anne Cools Series
- CCSR Project 2009 / 2010
- President Vincente Fox – Mexico
- President of China Visit to Ottawa
- Chinese New Year Events 2008 – 2015
- Oceanography Conference – London, England
- Malta Video
- Bomber Command Memorial – London, England
- Fibromyalgia And Chronic Fatigue Syndrome – 18 Videos
- The 25 Year Project
- VAC Award Ministers Medal
- British High Commission – Ambassador Andrew Cary
- US Ambassador Wilkins
- Richmond Virginia Presentation Video by Halifax 57 Rescue Canada
- Clearwater Florida Aviation Video
- Queens 60th Anniversary Medals Awarded in the Senate with Senator Anne Cools
- Tribes – Anthology I Project
- Art Flow Gallery Series
- Chinese Music Concert Featuring Minghui
- Jia – Chinese Olympic Gymnast Video
- Quilt of Belonging
- NAS – Nanton Aviation Station
- Club of Rome – 16 Environmental Videos
Jamie Anderson

Jamie Anderson will be leading a free Ukulele Jam on Saturday April 22nd at 3:00pm in Room 7.

Bring your uke and jam with us on everything from folk to rock! Beginners on up, all ages. You should know 3 or 4 chords and be able to change them without stopping. Music will be provided. Not a class but playing tips will be offered. Jamie Anderson, jam leader; she leads a weekly Tuesday night jam at the Black Irish Pub in Vanier.

“… a barrel of laughs and a whole bunch of talent.” – Amanda Putz, CBC Radio

“As a writer, Jamie takes the archetypical forms of folk music and story telling and turns them on their heads! A fresh (in every sense) and original artist.” — Catie Curtis

Singer-songwriter-parking lot attendant Jamie Anderson has played her unique original songs in hundreds of venues in four countries, including forty-seven U.S. states and three Canadian provinces. She’s folk without the Birkenstocks, country without the big hair, pop without the meat dress, and jazz without the weird chords. Her ten recordings include the 2013 release Dare. Jamie’s music has been featured on Good Morning America, the Dr. Demento radio show, NPR’s Car Talk, and stations all over the world. She loves being a musician, so she doesn’t really park cars, but her mama said she should have something to fall back on.
Dare was recorded with engineer and co-producer Chris Rosser (David Wilcox, Billy Jonas). This collection of fourteen originals includes everything from the title cut – a poignant pop/folk song about body image – to “Run,” a country song of advice written with the help of her Facebook friends. “Mamaw’s Roses” is a tender folk ballad about her grandma and “Black and White” is a thoughtful jazz number about growing older. In “Menopause Mambo,” she gives you excellent reasons to send her chocolate. Musicians include Free Planet Radio (Chris Rosser, River Guerguerian and Eloit Wapodian), a band whose collective credits include the Paul Winter Consort and gigs at Carnegie Hall. Also featured are talented multi-instrumentalist Kara Barnard (Ferron, Tret Fure), and backing vocalist Tory Trujillo (Laura Love). Jamie played guitar, ukulele and mandolin.

Jamie’s dad was a country musician, a painful thing for a teenager who would rather listen to Carole King, but it did mean there were always guitars lying around the house. In high school she memorized every chord in a Mel Bay songbook, and for the next few years played local coffeehouses and weddings. After the hundredth request for “Wedding Song,” she decided to write her own songs. Jamie did her first national tour in 1987 because she needed to earn gas money to get to a music festival. She’s been collecting tiny motel soaps ever since.

Laughter is a big part of Jamie’s live performance. Her offbeat song intros and stories help keep the performance fun, but don’t be surprised when she delves into more serious issues. She’s emceed at many events and twirls the baton badly, sometimes at the same time. She’s also a bellydancer and former radio DJ, never at the same time. When Jamie isn’t touring, she’s taught music classes at Duke University, arts centers, festivals, and her studio.

Jamie’s also an author. Her memoir, Drive All Night: Taking my shirt off for Amy Ray and other true tales from a touring folk singer, will be out on Bella Books in 2014. Her extensive credits include book chapters, articles and CD reviews in Acoustic Guitar, Curve, SingOut! and more. She’s currently writing a book about early women’s music.

Awards include finalist in the Mid-Atlantic Song Contest (2010, in the jazz category), finalist in the USA Songwriting Competition (2008, for “Your Mama Scares Me”), the Jane Schliessman Award for Outstanding Contributions to Women’s Music (Women in the Arts, 2006), and others that only her mama cares about.

Jamie’s expressive voice and personable stage manner are an asset to any stage. She’s legally blind in one eye so you really don’t want to hand over the keys to your Volvo … although, with enough chocolate, she’ll consider it. Make sure your insurance is up-to-date.

Website
Jill Zmud

Jill Zmud, a Canadian Folk Music Award nominee in 2014, will be performing at the Ottawa Grassroots Festival in April. Her latest album “Small Matters of Life and Death” weaves together loss, hope, and a 40-year-old reel-to-reel tape belonging to an uncle Jill never met. The album’s soulful rootsy production illuminates both the darker grit and hopeful light in her voice. Featured are guest artists Jim Cuddy and Nashville’s The McRary Sisters. For Jill, highlights since the release of her album include opening for her musical hero Ruthie Foster, being the #1 album on CKCU in 2014, and touring with her baby daughter.

Website
Jillian Kerr

Jillian Kerr is a singer-songwriter born and raised on the outskirts of Ottawa. Recently having completed a Bachelor of Music Honours degree at Carleton University, Jillian has been mentored by notable folk artists such as Ian Tamblyn, Jill Zmud and James Keelaghan. Jillian Kerr is the MusikOttawa industry Showcase Singer- Songwriter winner of 2015 and was invited to perform at Ottawa’s MEGAPHONO and at the Folk Music Ontario Conference for the past two years. Additionally Jillian has performed at various festivals including The Ottawa Grassroots Festival, Cisco Bluesfest and Ottawa Cityfolk and Marvest festivals. Jillian released her EP Dreams last fall and will releasing her second EP this winter.

Website

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Julie Corrigan

Born and raised in the Ottawa Valley, Julie Corrigan is a soulful, country, roots, singer/songwriter hailing from the small town of Shawville Quebec. Julie is on the heels of releasing her first full length album The Language, recorded in Ottawa at Little Bullhorn Studios with producer Dave Draves (Kathleen Edwards, Howe Gelb). The album also features distinguished musicians Fred Guignon on guitar, Peter Von Althen on drums, and Don Cummings on B-3 organ.

Julie grew up on a farm along the Ottawa River. On The Language Julie taps into these romantic whispers of her past, including stories of heartache, loss, tragedy, and a longing for going home. Heading into the studio with nothing but the words and melodies written on her acoustic guitar, Dave Draves put his magical and creative talents into developing a sound for the record. The result is an exquisite blend of roots, country, soul, pop, and something else in between.

Julie performed with a full band for her album release show to a sold out crowd at the NAC Fourth stage, and was thrilled to find out “The Language” was the #1 album on CKCU for 2015. In 2016, Julie had the opportunity to perform at local festivals such as Megaphono, Mountain Man, Marvest, and a life long dream the Shawville Fair. Armed with a unique voice, a strong passion for live performance, and brand new record “The Language” in tow it’s an exciting time and Julie hopes to shine that light a little brighter for anyone who will listen.

Julie’s Website

“Home” live in studio
“Home” live at Marvest 2016 performed as a duo
My Love
Ken Whiteley and the Beulah Band

Ken Whiteley is one of Canada’s most respected “roots” musicians. Drawing on his incredibly rich background in blues, gospel and folk styles, this 7 time Juno award nominee is always a wonderful addition to any festival or concert series. He has played at virtually every major folk festival in Canada and performed and recorded with such legends as Pete Seeger, John Hammond Jr., Tom Paxton, Blind John Davis, Stan Rogers, The Campbell Brothers, Guy Davis, Raffi, Linda Tillerey & the Cultural Heritage Choir and countless others. A prolific songwriter, a gifted and versatile instrumentalist and a powerful singer, Whiteley’s music communicates themes of freedom, love, spiritual aspiration and social comment. His performances are presented with particapatory humor, grace and energy.

His performing career began as a teenager in the 1960’s with brother Chris and friend Tom Evans as The Original Sloth Band. With the Sloths, Ken performed all over North America and appeared on Saturday Night Live with Leon Redbone. His collaborations with brother Chris (The Whiteley Brothers) and old friends Mose Scarlett and Jackie Washington (Scarlett, Washington & Whiteley) resulted in a wonderful collection of recordings, garnering high praise, successful tours and several awards. Ken’s most recent collaboration is Ken Whiteley and the Beulah Band. Whether performing solo or playing with any of his large circle of musical friends, as one critic has said, “with Ken Whiteley our enjoyment is virtually assured.”

Ken Whiteley is a busy musician who is always involved in a number of projects. He is an active record producer, having worked on more than 135 albums. His productions have resulted in 11 Gold or Platinum albums, 22 Juno nominations, 2 Juno winners and 2 Grammy nominations, with total sales in excess of 8 million copies. He has written the music for a number of films and television programs. Whatever he does, it reflects his “briliant musicianship and high test passion”. In the words of Sing Out! magazine, “Ken Whiteley is one of the best.”

New music with old soul!

Ken Whiteley and The Beulah Band are creating exciting new music that is deeply rooted in traditional North American folk forms. You’ll hear echoes of blues, gospel, swing, string and jug band sounds. They are all outstanding and versatile instrumentalists and great harmony singers. And if anyone can match the youthful energy of his bandmates it is Ken Whiteley.

The Founding Story

It’s been 10 years since Ben Whiteley first began performing with his Dad, Canadian folk legend Ken Whiteley. This past winter they decided to share the producer role for Ken’s new cd and Ben began sharing his insight about where he thought his father’s work might best focus. That shaped a winter of songwriting with definite funky, folky elements. As spring returned, they began talking about who best to play this new material with. When they got together with banjoist extraordinaire, Frank Evans and fantastic fiddler, Rosalyn Dennett, not only did the arrangements come alive, but they found they had that most special of things – a marvelous, 3 part vocal blend. And so was born Ken Whiteley and The Beulah Band!

Ken Whiteley has a long and honored history on the roots music scene. He has received 7 Juno Award Nominations, a Canadian Folk Music Award, a Genie Award for the Best Original Song in a Canadian movie and Lifetime Achievement Awards from Folk Music Ontario and the Mariposa Folk Festival. He has appeared at literally hundreds of folk festivals and concerts across North America and performed with legends such as Pete Seeger, Tom Paxton, John Hammond, Stan Rogers and Raffi. His production work on 140 albums has resulted in 22 Juno Nominations, 2 Grammy Nominations and a host of other awards.

Rosalyn Dennett is a founding member of Winnipeg’s “Oh My Darling” and has a great feel for not only old timey music and it’s new timey incarnations but also swing and blues fiddle a la Stuff Smith. Frank Evans is a pillar of Toronto’s old time and bluegrass scene playing with a wide circle of musicians including the Slocan Ramblers. Ben Whiteley has been an extremely busy string bass player, touring all over North America and Europe with Basia Bulat, New Country Rehab and the Good Lovelies, among others.

Website

Video: How Fast Flies Time
Video: Beulah Land
KidZone – Selina Bishop
KidZone – Selina Bishop
Kristine St-Pierre

Since first bracing the stages of Ottawa in 2006, this Ottawa-based singer-songwriter charms her audience with her voice and beautifully crafted songs. From finger-picked folky ballads to rollicking, bluesy melodies, Kristine’s style has been described as both fresh and raw.

Each year brings on new achievements, gaining her more and more attention on the Canadian music scene. In 2015, Kristine was invited to sing the Canadian and U.S. national anthems to more than 20,000 people during a Senators game at the Canadian Tire Centre. She also performed as part of numerous festivals including Megaphono, Ottawa Grassroots Festival, Ottawa Bluesfest and CityFolk/Marvest and received her first nomination during the 8th Gala des prix Trille Or in the best female singer category.

In addition to three solo tours, which have taken her around the world, Kristine has released two bilingual albums: Stand Still for a While (2010) and Call Me Crazy (2012). She is currently working on a new album to be released in 2016.

http://www.kristinestpierre.com/music

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Depuis son entrée sur scène en 2006, Kristine St-Pierre charme le public avec sa musique acoustique et sa voix mémorable. À la fois auteure, compositrice et interprète, elle s’inspire non seulement de ses expériences de voyage, mais aussi, et surtout, des personnes qu’elle a rencontrées sur son chemin. Avec son style folk-roots-pop qui lui est propre à elle, cette artiste bilingue sait comment captiver son auditoire et lui faire vivre une panoplie d’émotions.

Chaque année, Kristine se fait connaître de plus en plus sur la scène nationale. En 2015, elle interprète, devant une foule enthousiaste, les hymnes nationaux américain et canadien au Centre Canadien Tire et participe à de nombreux festivals de renoms dont Megaphono, le Ottawa Grassroots Festival, Ottawa Bluesfest and CityFolk/Marvest. Cette chansonnière canadienne obtient aussi sa première nomination lors du 8e Gala des prix Trille Or dans la catégorie Meilleure interprète féminine.

En plus de trois tournées solo qui l’ont emmenée à travers le monde, elle a sorti deux albums bilingues : Stand Still for a While (2010) et Call Me Crazy (2012). Présentement, Kristine se prépare pour le lancement d’un troisième album prévu en 2016.

http://www.kristinestpierre.com/music
Larissa Desrosiers

Larissa is an emerging Anishinaabe singer\songwriter from Couchiching First Nation and Fort Frances in Northern Ontario. Her music is a blend of folk-inspired sounds and social justice issues, particularly around contemporary Indigenous issues in Canada. In addition to an active performance schedule, Larissa is also completing her third year of studies in the Bachelor of Music program at Carleton University. She studies with Lynn Miles in the Singer/Songwriter stream and is also pursuing a minor in Indigenous Studies.

Larissa’s interest in music started at a very young age. She began writing songs when she was 6 and performed at her first talent show at age 7. By 13, she was performing her own songs, and she has been winning songwriting and music competitions since the age of 15; this marks the start of her success in various competitions and shows. In 2011 she entered the Aboriginal Music Tour competition for young artists, winning the opportunity to be the opening act to award-winning Shy-Anne Hovorka’s weeklong tour in Southern Ontario. This is also the year that Larissa participated and performed in the Galaxy Young Performer’s Program at the Winnipeg Folk Festival, and she was the recipient of the Advocacy and Activism Award by the Northwestern Ontario Aboriginal Youth Achievement & Recognition Awards in Thunder Bay, ON. Larissa was invited to be one of two back-up singers when Shy-Anne Hovorka was the selected soloist in 2011 to perform compositions from her album Interwoven Roots for the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra and invited to tour throughout Ontario for two weeks. In 2013, Larissa was a performer at the Harmony of Nations Music Festival in Fort Frances, ON alongside Buffy Ste. Marie and in 2014, she wrote and performed a song for this festival’s opening ceremonies. More recently she played the Phil Ochs Festival in Ottawa and she has appeared on stage with artists like Keith Secola, Wab Kinew, Joey Stylez, and Ryan McMahon. In the summer of 2016 Larissa hosted a sold-out show featuring her own works, in her hometown of Fort Frances, Ontario. She is currently working on her first album.

Larissa performing her original song “I Will Listen” with Shy-Anne Hovorka

Larissa performing Phil Och’s song “A Year To Go By” at the Phil Ochs Tribute

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Local Colour with Debbie, Lili, Juanita, and Patricia

Ottawa-based Local Colour performs original songs and interpretations with catchy rhythms and edgy, sweet harmonies. They share their lives, loves and activist beliefs in genres ranging from rousing Atlantic ditties to intensely personal love songs.

They came together by chance at a community music program led by impresario Chris White. Encouraged by the warm support at Spirit of Rasputin’s open stage at Whispers and Bob Nesbitt, producer of Grassroots Festival, they thrive on this opportunity to fine tune their diverse repertoire. They are: Lili, vocals; Patricia, guitar and vocals; Debbie, banjo, percussion and vocals; and Juanita, djembe and vocals.
Malak

Drawing from her multicultural heritage, Malak has developed a sound fusing orchestral and electronic pop into a captivating and accessible style. Her compelling vocal performances have received numerous accolades, and the electronic approach to Malak’s live shows further enhance her catchy melodies, clever wordplay, and memorable songwriting.

Most recently Malak performed at Ottawa’s 2017 international music industry conference, Megphono Festival. She will be playing RBC Bluesfest in 2017 is currently recording her full length album.

Since releasing her debut EP, Circus, in winter of 2016, and has since released a further six live video performances. Her latest live video of her original Rule the World, recorded with Ottawa initiative “Shot in the Dark”, has received over 90,000 views on Facebook in Canada, the US, Egypt and the Emirates from current and new listeners. Similarly, her recent official music video for her single Mannequin, has received over 72,000 views.

“Malak filled the room with her incredible, multi-octave voice, accompanying herself on keyboards to a song that evoked the epic scope of Lady Gaga mixed with the artistic sensibility of Kate Bush. The emotion in her voice was spine-tingling.” – Lynn Saxberg, Ottawa Citizen.

Website

Facebook Malak Sound

Instagram

Twitter @malaksound
One World Choir with Chris MacLean

The One World Choir is an acappella, non-auditioned choir of immigrants and refugees, and their sponsors, living in the National Capital region. Our songs come from many spiritual, cultural and musical (including folk/roots, pop, gospel and world music) traditions. We sing in unison, round and multi-part harmony. Our mandate is to sing, socialize, and have fun. We are directed by Chris MacLean and funded by World Folk Music Ottawa through an Ontario Trillium Foundation grant.
Open Stage led by Sjef Frenken
Open Stage led by Sjef Frenken
Paugan Dames with Chris MacLean, Alise Marlane, and Tina Therrien

The Paugan Dames emerged out of the cold at a Christmas market in Wakefield QC. Acclaimed songstresses Chris MacLean and Alise Marlane are joined by cajun and old time player Tina Therrien in this burgeoning new ensemble. Spicy mandolin, guitar, percussion and stand-up bass create a tasteful backdrop for their rich and sultry harmonies. Serving up an eclectic mix of old time traditional, French Canadian, and contemporary Canadian folk music, their sweet harmonies will make you weak in the knees.
Shirt Tearing Boys

Refreshing musical moments from the first half of the last century are the heart and soul of Shirt Tearing Boys. The boys (and girls) recapture a time when muffled tunes spilled out of tube radios and country-swing bands filled Saturday night dance halls with laughter and hope. Mixed with a dash of original tunes with the same attitude, Shirt Tearing Boys create a lively acoustic musical blend that transports audiences to an almost forgotten, yet very fun and familiar place. The band comprises Ottawa musical stalwarts Charlie Sohmer, Tony Turner, Fred Guignion, Ann Downey, George Laing, Sally Robinson and Corky Kealey. Bring your dancing shoes!

Click here for the band’s website
Shout Sister Choir

Shout Sister Choir

The Shout Sister Choir takes an unorthodox approach to choral singing. We do not audition and we sing a fun variety of music from pop and Motown, to folk, to a touch of country and blues. We learn from recorded tracks so we require no reading of music. Our method is fresh and fun and we are a warm and welcoming community.
The act of singing with others is both powerful and joyful and, while our choir fills the need for those who have never sung with others, experienced singers will find the relaxed atmosphere and alternative repertoire a refreshing change.
You are welcome to attend a practice with no obligation and new members are welcome at any time.

Ottawa Centre Chapter

Choir Director: Jody Benjamin
Choir Manager: Nancy Greig

Practices

Tuesday evenings from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
St. Barnabas Church
394 Kent St.
Ottawa
For security purposes, the door to the church is locked at 7:05. If you are late use the doorbell on the James St. entrance.

Ottawa Afternoon Chapter

Practices

Wed. 1:00 p.m.to 3:00 p.m.
Rideau Park United Church
2203 Alta Vista Drive, Ottawa

Ottawa West Chapter

Choir Director: Jody Benjamin
Choir Manager: Nancy Greig

Practices

Thursday evenings from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Woodroffe United Church
207 Woodroffe Ave.
Ottawa
Entrance door at North side of Church.

“Singing is as basic to being human as walking upright on two legs. If the professionals have taken it away for themselves, then it’s time the amateurs took it back.” – Robert Fulgham
The Sparrows

Sun. April 23 at 1:00 pm Fellowship Hall
“Songs for Families”

This sing-along family concert features The Sparrows, Anna Ludlow, Chris White and surprise guests.

The Sparrows are a group of home-schooled children between the ages of 4 and 11 who love music. They sing, play instruments and dance under the guidance of group leaders Chris White and Anna Ludlow.

Chris White

Chris White

Chris White is a singer-songwriter, choir leader, radio host, festival organizer and concert producer who loves to connect people with music and with one another. He received the 2012 Helen Verger Award for his “significant, sustained contributions to Canadian folk music”. Catch Chris and “Canadian Spaces” every Saturday from 10 to noon on CKCU 93.1 FM and www.ckcufm.com.

Anna Ludlow

Anna Ludlow is an accomplished fiddler, singer and songwriter originally from Antigonish who now lives in Ottawa. She performs in a variety of styles, including what she calls “Mainland Maritime Fiddle Fusion”. Anna released an album called “Reel to Reel” in 2009.

Website
The Terry Penner Weekend Choir with Rowena Pearl

Terry Penner

Terry Penner Festival Choir

Terry Penner was the co-founder of the Ottawa Folklore Centre and wife of Arthur McGregor. During the first years of the Folklore Centre, Terry did some bookkeeping while holding down a ‘paying’ job. The Folklore Centre took a while before it made enough money to pay an owner. Later, Terry ran the school of music, introducing lots of great programmes like ‘Pub Carols’, shape note singing and more. She also became our full time bookkeeper. In 1992, Terry developed breast cancer. She continued to work at the store while suffering an aggressive treatment schedule. In 1998, we decided to expand the Folklore Centre to its current location, hoping that the larger school would ease the financial burdens. In early 1999, Terry was diagnosed as terminal and she retired from the Folklore Centre. Her retirement party, in the Glebe Community Centre, was a wonderful celebration. Terry died in November, 2000. Terry wished for three things at her wake: a parade, a Dixieland jazz band and a celebration of her life. We held a parade from the Folklore Centre to the now-demolished Strand Theatre on Bank Street. We arrived to a Dixieland jazz band that included Terry’s brother on Euphonium and proceeded to have a lovely celebration of Terry’s life. In 2001, we started the annual Terry Penner Weekend Festival Choir at the now changed Ottawa Folk Festival. This is the first year that we’ve sponsored the choir at the Grassroots Festival. I think Terry would have approved!

Rowena Pearl

With her unique enthusiasm Rowena Pearl’s talent shines especially bright when she engages all ages in making music together. Rowena brings her love of music to audiences as a music director of school, church and community choirs in the North Gower area. She is also a very popular music teacher, introducing a love of Piano and the Ukulele to dozens of students. In addition to participating in the Ottawa Grassroots Festival, Rowena is currently Musical Director of The Little Princess coming this summer to the Station Theatre in Smith Falls.
Une Soirée avec Les Filles with Anique Granger

New album by Anique Granger : Aimer comme une émeute

After a year of change and introspection, Montreal-based artist Anique Granger, originally from Saskatchewan, has landed firmly on her feet. In 2015, grounded and ready to dive into new musical waters, she released her third solo album, Aimer comme une émeute, which literally means “To Love like a Riot.” It reflects and contrasts the conflict between calm waters and stormy emotions—the very essence of her new body of work.

Produced by Fred Fortin, Anique’s album is infused with his raw energy. Fortin has taken Anique outside of her comfort zone and brought her music to the next level. Recorded live off the floor, the album’s visceral sound is fuelled by movement, change and disarming poetry.

The first single “Inassouvie,” co-written by Tricia Foster, sets the tone with an up-tempo beat and bold statement about absence and desire.

As a Fransaskoise (francophone from Saskatchewan), Anique Granger has represented Western Canada francophones on stage for over 15 years. Her previous albums have led her on several cross-country tours across Europe and North America. “Les outils qu’on a” (“The Tools we Have”), produced by Rick Haworth, was nominated for a Trille Or award in 2013 as well as a Canadian Folk Music Award in 2012. In 2011, the SPACQ Foundation granted her the Edith Butler prize for her first solo album Pépins.

Aimer comme une émeute, has just been nominated for 8 Trille Or awards which are to be given out in Ottawa on May 5th 2017.

Anique Granger – Aimer comme une émeute

Anique Granger ajoute une tension électrique à son folk et du mordant à sa poésie avec la sortie de son album Aimer comme une émeute, d’où émane une quête de l’équilibre entre la tempête et le calme qui l’habitent. Pour sa tournée actuelle, toute l’énergie de cet album dense et complexe, réalisé par Fred Fortin, est traduite par un duo de guitares et de voix.

Originaire de la Saskatchewan, Anique Granger défend la francophonie de l’Ouest avec brio depuis plus de 15 ans. Plusieurs tournées pancanadiennes et quelques allers-retours en Europe, où elle a présenté ses deux premiers albums solos, ont meublé les dernières années. Son album Les outils qu’on a réalisé par Rick Haworth a reçu plusieurs coups de chapeau de l’industrie, dont une nomination au Gala des prix Trille Or 2013 dans la catégorie Meilleur album de l’Ouest canadien, ainsi que le titre de Finaliste aux Canadian Folk Music Awards en 2012, dans la catégorie Album francophone de l’année. En 2011, la Fondation SPACQ lui discernait le prix Edith Butler pour son premier album Pépins.

Aimer comme une émeute est présentement en nomination pour 8 prix Trille Or. La remise se fera le 5 mai prochain à Ottawa.

Website

Video: Pour te garder
Une Soirée avec Les Filles with Cindy Doire

Avec sa voix rauque et sensuelle, son sens mélodique onirique et émouvant, ses histoires honnêtes et sa fidèle guitare gauchère, Cindy Doire captive le public. Une artiste qui émane la liberté, elle la vit à travers sa musique, avec le plus grand naturel.

Originaire de Timmins en Ontario, elle quitte le foyer à 17 ans pour Vancouver, déjà troubadour à la recherche de nouveaux sentiers. En 2007, après un retour vers l’Ontario qui la renoue avec ses racines francophones, elle lance son premier album La vie en bleu, récipiendaire d’un prix Trille Or Révélation de l’année. 2009 voit paraître l’album Chapeau de pluie, réalisé par Colin Linden. Celui-ci est suivi de près par Sticks and Mud, un premier disque en anglais qui met en valeur la beauté de l’équilibre entre fragilité et confiance.

Depuis 2012, Cindy fait aussi sa marque dans le monde musical au sein du duo Scarlett Jane qu’elle fonde avec Andrea Ramolo. Ensemble, elles présentent de centaines de spectacles à travers l’Amérique et l’Europe et lancent deux albums qui leur valent multiples prix et honneurs ; Meilleur album au Music Film and Motion, Best vocal group au Canadian Folk Music Awards, pour n’en nommer que quelques-uns.

PANORAMA, c’est non seulement le titre du nouvel album de Cindy, mais en quelque sorte, une nouvelle identité. Une musique à l’image de l’horizon. Des mots qui dessinent l’espace entre terre, air, eau et feu, entre amants et amis et à travers les cycles qui nous unissent. Un chalet dans les bois où s’est tracé le portrait de tout ce qui se repousse et s’attire à la fois.

Pour réaliser sa vision d’un paysage musical plus vaste, unissant les pièces de façon riche et à la fois aérée, Cindy fait appel au réalisateur Mark Howard (Bob Dylan, U2, Lucinda Williams, Tom Waits, Joni Mitchell, Willie Nelson). Ce 4è album solo, porte aussi un changement radical pour Cindy – celui de s’accompagner au synthétiseur afin de participer pleinement à la conception sonore. Ses textures mélodiques sont solidement appuyées par les multiples profondeurs guitaristiques de Champagne James Robertson, de Ian Da Souza à la basse et de et Sly Juhas à la batterie. On y retrouve aussi la collaboration d’Anique Granger et de Geneviève Toupin chez les textes et les harmonies vocales ensorcelantes.

Cindy Doire captivates her audience with her husky and sensuous voice, her dreamlike and moving melodies, her honest stories and her faithful left-handed guitar. A freedom aficionado, she lives it through her music in the most natural way.

Born in Timmins, Ontario she left home at 17 to go to Vancouver, already a troubadour looking for new ground. Back in Ontario in 2007, where she reconnected with her francophone roots, she launches her first album La vie en bleu, which won the Trille Or award of “Revelation of the Year.” In 2009, the album Chapeau de pluie comes out, produced by Colin Linden. Soon after, her first English album Sticks and Mud highlights the balance between fragility and confidence.

Since 2012, Cindy has also been a part of Scarlett Jane, a duo she founded with Andrea Ramolo. Together, they gave shows all over North America and Europe and launched two albums that won various awards and honours, including Best Album at the Music Film and Motion Awards, and Best Vocal Group at the Canadian Folk Music Awards.

PANORAMA is not only the title of Cindy’s latest album, but also — in a way — a new identity. Music that portrays the horizon. Lyrics that draw the space between earth, air, water and fire, between lovers and friends, and through cycles that unite us. A cottage in the woods where the portrait of what repels and draws us was painted.

In order to achieve her vision of a broader musical landscape, which combines rich and airy songs, Cindy called upon producer Mark Howard (Bob Dylan, U2, Lucinda Williams, Tom Waits, Joni Mitchell, Willie Nelson). This fourth solo album also marks a radical change for Cindy: she accompanies herself on the synthesizer in order to fully participate in the sound design. Her melodic textures are fully supported by the strong guitar of Champagne James Robertson, the base of Ian Da Souza and the drums of Sly Juhas. Anique Granger and Geneviève Toupin also collaborated on the lyrics and added their spellbinding voices.
Une Soirée avec Les Filles with Mélanie Brulée

Known for charismatic live performances and contagious energy, Mélanie Brulée launched her latest Francophone release “Débridée” to a sold out crowd at The Burdock Music Hall in Toronto on May 26, 2015. Recorded between Toronto and Montréal and produced by Benoit Morier, Débridée includes collaborations with French-Canadians Anique Granger, Daniel Peloquin-Hopfner (Red Moon Road), Charles Tilden (Delta Will) and Faye Blais.

From the opening surf -folk-rock piece Obtus through to the psychedelic Astéroïde, radio listeners throughout Canada and Québec have been enjoying these atmospheric folk tracks infused with rock in perfect symbiosis. Antidote du doute earned Melanie the 2015 Folk Music Ontario Stingray Music “Songs From the Heart” Award. A proud ambassador for mental health, Melanie offers bilingual self-confidence workshops for youth across Canada.

Reconnue pour son dynamisme, son énergie contagieuse et son talent de mélodiste hors-pair, Mélanie Brulée a lancé son nouvel album, Débridée, le 26 mai 2015 à une salle complète à Toronto. Enregistré entre Toronto et Montréal, Débridée est réalisé par Benoit Morier et comprend des collaborations d’écriture avec Anique Granger, Daniel Peloquin-Hopfner, Charles Tilden et Faye Blais.

De la pièce d’ouverture Obtus, en passant par la trippative Astéroïde jusqu’à la magnifique version de la pièce de Vanessa Paradis, Marilyn et John, Mélanie Brulée offre avec Débridée, un disque rempli d’atmosphères où le rock côtoie le folk en parfaite symbiose. En plus, la chanson Antidote du doute a gagné le prix “Songs From the Heart” 2015 de Folk Music Ontario. Ambassadrice pour la santé mentale, Melanie offre des ateliers pour les jeunes à travers le Canada au sujet de la confiance en soi.

Website

Video: Qui suis-je
Video: Antidote du doute avec Anique Granger
Video: Débridée EPK (2015)
Vince Halfhide

In 1969 guitarist / singer / songwriter Vince Halfhide began playing blues and reggae with the Ottawa band Heaven’s Radio. Work with other artists (Sneezy Waters, Missy Burgess, Toasted Westerns, Ball & Chain, Andrea Karam, the Jivewires, Mighty Popo . . . ) added elements of country, folk, R&B, jazz and African music to his guitar style and established his reputation as a consummate sideman. For years Vince has appeared every Thursday night at Irene’s Pub as a member of the “All Star Blues Jam” house band.

Of late Vince’s songwriting and singing have gained a growing audience who appreciate his unique take on blues, country, folk and roots music. His lyrics, often simple on the face of things and full of nods to traditional sources, can change tone in an instant from playfully ironic to sadly beautiful. Some listeners also report being surprised by the familiar, lulled into accepting the unexpected and being moved by stark truths gently delivered.

Performers 2017

Press

New music with old soul!

The Founding Story

Ottawa Centre Chapter

Practices

Ottawa Afternoon Chapter

Practices

Ottawa West Chapter

Practices

Chris White

Anna Ludlow

Terry Penner

Rowena Pearl