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- Steve Marriner
Posts Tagged ‘NAC Fourth Stage’
A loving ode to a Warrior Queen
The Warrior Queen: Chasing Boudicca
Thursday, January 20, 7:30 p.m.
National Arts Centre – Fourth Stage
I should have come earlier.
The salon-like Fourth Stage at the National Arts Centre was already packed with charming café tables, candle-lit, naturally. And all of the 30 or so tables had been claimed 15 minutes before “curtain rise”. It was sitting room at the back only. Even from there the view of the stage was clear and intimate.
Three women in shawls inscribed with Celtic patterns walked onto the stage. Musician Nathan Bishop played a Celtic drumbeat. The crowd was hushed.
Local Songwriters support the Ottawa Food Bank!!!
The 8th Annual Christmas GOOSE Concert hits the NAC Fourth Stage December 4th!
It’s that time of year again – Christmas GOOSE is back to delight audiences with another cast of local singer songwriters to entertain you in support of the Ottawa Food Bank. This is our 8th Annual!!
Come on out and discover why the Christmas GOOSE concert has become a tradition for many. Performers this year include Terry Gillespie, Lee Hayes, Tom Lips, Al Wood, Pat Moore, Greg Kelly, John Hanson, Kate & Hollis, and Ball & Chain.
Sat Dec 4, 7:30 pm.
Doors open at 7pm.
Tickets are $20, and can be purchased at the Ottawa Folklore Center, on line at www.patmoore.net , the NAC Box Office, and Ticketmaster. All proceeds beyond expenses go to the OTTAWA FOOD BANK.
The Story:
What started as a “one off” Christmas songwriting project by a number of local singer/songwriters turned into a Christmas tradition for many! First it was a way to inspire songwriting, then it was a CD, with a CD release concert where proceeds went to the Ottawa Food Bank. Members of the songwriting community wanted to give back. Now into it’s 8th year, and 2 CD’s later, we are proud to bring once again, a stellar cast to the NAC Fourth Stage, on Saturday Dec 4th, 7:30pm.
This year’s performers are: Terry Gillespie, Lee Hayes (of Malaika and Cantara),Tom Lips, Al Wood, Pat Moor, Greg Kelly , John Hanson, Kate & Hollis, and Ball & Chain. Each performer is asked to perform an original seasonal song and one other.
Peter Tilley, Executive Director of the Ottawa Food Bank recounting the year he couldn’t attend, “my Christmas just wasn’t the same without it.”
The Son in My Eyes: Ken Godmere
Ken Godmere opens the chapters of his childhood for one special evening of reading, ‘righting’ and arithmetic.
Ken Godmere (actor, director, teacher, comedian, writer, and father) has recently returned from the depths of a debilitating degenerative brain disease. In fact, he is currently writing a trilogy of plays retracing his steps into, through, and eventually out of a world of mental illness. How has this man—this husband and father of two—been able to adapt and survive with his spirit and sense of humour intact? How did he learn to be positive, productive and progressive in the face of darkness and destruction?
On Tuesday June 15 in a live performance at the National Arts Centre’s Fourth Stage, Ken Godmere will share the powerfully positive stories in his memoir, The Son in My Eyes; accompanied by some very close friends including Ottawa’s hardest-working musician, Matt Ouimet; one of the city’s most striking soul singer/songwriters (who cannot be named due to her upcoming concert in the Ottawa Jazz Festival); and, in his debut as Master of Ceremonies, Ken’s 15-year-old son, Andrew Godmere.
Written in 1996, The Son in My Eyes was Godmere’s key to identifying, understanding, and breaking the cycle of abuse he experienced in his childhood. “How can I be a father when I never got the chance to be a son?” This one-night-only event will be filled with hot button subjects and some very cool music. The reading: a gripping, moving, inspiring performance of The Son in My Eyes by this dynamic author and story-teller. The ‘righting’: a powerfully positive atmosphere underscored by strong soul music to affect the possibilities of healing and growth in others. The arithmetic: a tallying of 100% of the net proceeds to be donated directly to The Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa Charitable Foundation.
The Son in My Eyes is, as Ken describes it; the back-story of the man who finds light in the dark; “The Hobbit” to his trilogy of plays on surviving and thriving; and the setup to the premiere of the first of those plays, “It’s Just a Stage” at this year’s Ottawa Fringe Festival.
What: The Son in My Eyes
When: Tuesday June 15, 2010 at 7:30pm
Where: The National Arts Centre’s Fourth Stage
Tickets: $20 at the NAC box office
(or through Ticket Master at 613-755-1111)
video courtesy: Jean-François Dufault, JDL Pictures
BLUEBIRD NORTH: Where Writers Sing and Tell
The Songwriters Association of Canada presents
Tuesday May 4th, 2010
The National Arts Centre, Fourth Stage
(Northeast corner of Queen and Elgin Streets)
7:30 pm
Tickets available at the NAC Box Office ($15/$12 for SAC members)
http://www.nac-cna.ca/en/boxoffice/tickets.cfm
Featuring
Tony Dekker
Chris MacLean
Andrea Simms-Karp
Ian Tamblyn
Leif Vollebekk
Bluebird North is an intimate, interactive musical showcase that brings together some of Canada’s most inspiring songwriters to share their songs and stories. On May 4th, 2010, Bluebird North is presenting a diverse group of Canadian songwriting talent in the nation’s capital. Ottawa is proud to present a star-studded cast including: Tony Dekker (Great Lake Swimmers singer/songwriter – 2010 Juno nominee for Roots & Traditional Album Of The Year), Chris MacLean (2008 Colleen Peterson Award for songwriting), Andrea Simms-Karp (2003 Beth Ferguson Award for songwriting), Ian Tamblyn (Estelle Klein Lifetime Achievement Award recipient from the Ontario Council of Folk Festivals) and Leif Vollebekk (debut album ‘Inland’ garnering rave reviews and critical acclaim both in Canada and internationally). Be sure not to miss the Ottawa performance in this intimate setting.
Bluebird North: Where Writers Sing and Tell is produced by Amanda Rheaume for the Songwriters Association of Canada. For more information on the S.A.C.’s mandate, activities and membership programs please visit www.songwriters.ca
Bluebird North is endorsed by the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville.
ABOUT THE PERFORMERS:
Great Lake Swimmers sing pastoral songs about seeking spirituality in the natural world; quiet tales of our accelerated culture and the creative process; songs about heartbreak and loss which are tempered with a sense of hope and perseverance. This is set in a familiar, folk-country framework, with melodies and lyrics which remain in your mind long after the final chord is played. Songwriter Tony Dekker continues to capture an ever growing audience with his poetic and deeply meaningful lyrics. The band has toured extensively across Canada, United States, Europe, and this past January debut in China.
http://www.myspace.com/greatlakeswimmers
http://www.greatlakeswimmers.com/
Chris MacLean is an award winning songwriter living in the hills of West Quebec. She has been recognized by the Ontario Arts Council as recipient of the 2008 Colleen Peterson Award for Songwriting; by the Ontario Council of Folk Festivals with the 2008 Songs from the Heart Award for Best Historical Song; by CHIN Radio in 2007 with second prize in their annual World Music Songwriting Contest; and with an Honourable Mention in the International Songwriting Contest. Chris has two solo recordings, Learn to Be Loved and Feet Be Still and was a core member of world music ensemble Galitcha and Frida’s Brow, a roots/folk trio. Currently she performs solo and with The Pomelos, a collective of female performing songwriters and as backup vocalist with renowned Canadian songwriter, Ian Tamblyn.
www.myspace.com/chrismaclean1
www.chrismaclean.com
Andrea Simms-Karp is an indie roots powerhouse with a stellar debut album under her belt. Sleeper has already scooped up airplay across the country on CBC radio, and has powered through album charts at many campus and community radio stations. The Ottawa XPress gave her two honourable mentions for Best New Musical Act and Best Folk Album, and she was awarded the Beth Ferguson Award for her songwriting in 2003. Most recently, Andrea joined Stuart McLean’s Vinyl Cafe in a taping with Hawksley Workman. Her performance was broadcast in September of 2009. Combine her soaring harmonies with a sweet banjo sound, and this is one voice you don’t want to miss.
www.myspace.com/andreasimmskarp
www.andreasimmskarp.com
Ian Tamblyn began writing songs, short stories and plays at the age of seventeen. Since then he has recorded 31 albums, cassettes, and CDs and written over 1500 songs. Many of these songs have been recorded by other artists and he has received and been nominated for several awards, including the Estelle Klein Lifetime Achievement Award from the Ontario Council of Folk Festivals. Ian most recently received a 2007 nomination for Best Artist by the Canadian Folk Music Awards, as well as being honoured with the Distinguished Alumni Award from Trent University and an Honourary Doctorate from Lakehead University.
Leif Vollebekk’s debut album “Inland” was re-released on 12” vinyl (and CD/digital) by Nevado Records in January 2010, garnering rave reviews and critical acclaim both in Canada and internationally. CBC Radio’s strong support has allowed thousands of new people to hear his music, and they have welcomed Leif into their studios for several live-to-air performances as well as a unique Canada Live performance at The Blacksheep Inn (Wakefield, QC). Leif is currently touring “Inland”, with upcoming shows in Canada, UK, Ireland and several other parts of Europe, ensuring his album will be heard around the world before the summer of 2010.
www.myspace.com/leifvollebekk
www.leifvollebekk.com
Ottawa Tonite will be covering this fantastic event at the NAC on May 4th, and will be sharing the experience with you!
A Blossoming Vision: Megan Jerome Releases Her New CD, Bloomers
A Blossoming Vision:
Megan Jerome Releases Her New CD, Bloomers
Ottawa singer-songwriter Megan Jerome is set to release her third recording, Bloomers. To celebrate, she invites new and long time fans to a live performance at the National Arts Centre’s Fourth Stage on Thursday, April 29th, at 7:30pm. Tickets are available at the NAC Box Office or online at www.ticketmaster.ca ($20).
Megan’s first two albums, Unlonely and This Uneven Pace, have met rave reviews and topped charts on community and CBC radio stations nationwide. Recorded by Ross Murray, Bloomers represents a departure in Megan’s song writing and delivery. The album’s 13 exquisitely crafted songs range from soulful to sassy, from poetic to playful, and highlight Megan’s lush, communicative voice. Mike Essoudry’s fine drumset and percussion skills support and add texture to Megan’s beguiling piano and accordion compositions.
Megan’s ever evolving artistic vision stems from her tireless exploration of music and art.
Over the years, she has honed her writing and performance skills by participating in a variety of projects, from performing at the Salmon Arm Roots and Blues Festival in BC, to participating in the Ottawa International Jazz Festival’s Composer’s Collective, to collaborating with renowned choreographer Tedd Robinson on a new contemporary dance work set to her songs.
Audiences have had the pleasure of seeing Megan perform at such varied venues as The Black Sheep Inn in Wakefield and The Elmdale House Tavern and Irene’s Pub on Ottawa, but this is a not-to-be-missed opportunity to see her live in the intimate setting of the National Arts Centre’s Fourth Stage. Come see and hear this captivating performer as she presents her latest musical offerings, and be among the first to purchase a copy of her new CD, Bloomers!
For more information:
www.meganjerome.com
Article by Julie Anne Ryan
The February Bluebird North Series – Artists sharing stories and songs
It’s commonly said that the sad songs are the best and I doubt you would have found any argument at the NAC’s fourth stage during Ottawa’s February Bluebird North show. This being my first Bluebird concert I didn’t know really what to expect.
Matthew de Zoete, Kelly Prescott, Steve Marriner
Played in by new host and local songstress Amanda Rheaume, folk and blues artists Lynne Hanson, Kelly Prescott, Matt De Zoete and Steve Marriner took to the stage and gave the crowd a wonderful acoustic set of their work.
Amanda Rheaume, all photos by Bryson Masse
The musicians performed one after another, each taking time to say a few words about the song and its inspiration. As in all good folk stories, the topics meandered from tragic to hilarious and often the two overlapped. The evening was put on by the Songwriter’s Association of Canada, so there was an emphasis on the “talky parts”. But, since I like that kind of stuff, it never took away from the show. Each of the musicians explained how they found motivation in their travels and relationships.
Of the idea behind her song More of the Same, Hanson told the story of her adopted grandfather and the loss of his wife to Alzheimer’s disease. The amazing raw imagery in the lyrics really grabbed me.
De Zoete looked to the past and his Dutch heritage, Prescott wrote about her relationships and Marriner even fit in an amusingly scathing song about a woman so bad he didn’t even have to date her. The take away message was clearly that if you want to keep a clean reputation, don’t piss off a musician.
I really dug the informal format. The full stage allowed the performers to converse and share jokes. While the theme of the music that night seemed to border more on the depressing, the laughs didn’t stop. It didn’t have the rehearsed feeling stage banter often has when you’re watching a group that you know has done this fifty times before.
If I could ask for more, all I would need would be more of the artists playing with each other’s songs. As when it happened, it was fantastic.
The night was special and unique and this is what will bring me back to future Bluebird North performances.
Kelly Prescott
Matt De Zoete
Lynne Hanson
Special thanks to Jennifer Covert & Marie-Chantale Labbe from the NAC
Bluebird North – Where Writers Sing and Tell
The Songwriters Association of Canada presents
BLUEBIRD NORTH
Where Writers Sing and Tell
Live in the nation’s capital!
Wednesday February 3, 2010
The National Arts Centre, Fourth Stage
(Northeast corner of Queen and Elgin Streets)
7:30 pm
Tickets available at the NAC Box Office ($15/$12 for SAC members)
http://www.nac-cna.ca/en/boxoffice/tickets.cfm
Featuring:
Lynne Hanson
Steve Marriner
Kelly Prescott
Matthew de Zoete
Bluebird North is an intimate, interactive musical showcase that brings together some of Canada’s most inspiring songwriters to share their songs and stories. On February 3rd, 2010, Bluebird North is presenting a diverse group of Canadian song writing talent in the nation’s capital. Ottawa is proud to present host Amanda Rheaume along with star-studded cast including: Lynne Hanson (winner of 2006 Blues Award for the Ontario Council of Folk Festivals “Songs from the Heart” contest), Steve Marriner (2010 Maple Blues Award for Male Vocalist of The Year), Kelly Prescott (regular airplay on CBC 2 Morning and Radio 2 Drive as well as the U.S. syndicated radio show, “Altville”) and Matthew de Zoete (a sweet tenor as piercingly pleasant as Mississippi John Hurt or the young Alex Chilton). Be sure not to miss the Ottawa performance in this intimate setting.
Bluebird North: Where Writers Sing and Tell is produced by Amanda Rheaume for the Songwriters Association of Canada. For more information on the S.A.C.’s mandate, activities and membership programs please visit www.songwriters.ca
Bluebird North is endorsed by the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville.
For media interviews, accreditation or any other information please contact:
Will Cook, (819) 776-1996 or william.cook@videotron.ca
ABOUT THE PERFORMERS
Ottawa-born Lynne Hanson has been attracting critical praise since the release of her debut CD Things I Miss in late 2006. The song “River By My Side” from that disc won the 2006 Blues Award for the Ontario Council of Folk Festivals “Songs from the Heart” contest, while the title track was chosen as one of the best songs of 2006 by the Indie Acoustic Music Project. Some call it country, some call it roots-and-blues, others call it rough around-the-edges folk. Lynne Hanson calls her musical style by her own name: porch music with a little Texas red dirt. It’s a sound that’s been receiving rabid applause from enamoured critics and devoted fans in Canada, the US Southwest, Europe and Australia. Accompanied by fine instrumentation and blessed with a soulful voice that’s been compared to Gillian Welch, Lucinda Williams and Mary Chapin Carpenter, Hanson is one of the most captivating female singer-songwriters on the Americana scene today. www.lynnehanson.com
Steve Marriner is a multi-instrumentalist, widely recognized as one of Canada’s premier harmonica players. He has toured, recorded and performed internationally with artists like Harry Manx, Sue Foley and MonkeyJunk. In addition to his 2007 debut, Going Up, Steve has appeared on a number of artists’ recordings including Harry Manx, David Gogo, Trevor Alguire, and Steve Dawson. In January 2009 Steve was honoured with 2008 Maple Blues Award for “Harmonica Player of The Year.” This year Steve has received two more Maple Blues Award nominations: (has WON!) Harmonica Player of The Year and Male Vocalist of The Year. www.stevemarriner.com
Kelly Prescott possesses a rich, bluesy voice well beyond her years. Being raised in a musical household has given Kelly the confidence and ease to pursue her own musical goals. She is a third generation performer, from both sides of the family, and this has given Kelly the roots and foundation to follow her heart into music. In April, 2009 she and brother, Kaylen recorded their debut album under the name of “Prescott”. The CD has garnered great reviews as well as performances at Ottawa Bluesfest, along with shows from Vancouver to Montreal. The duo has had regular airplay on CBC 2 Morning with Tom Allen and Radio 2 Drive with Rich Terfry, play on Bob Harris and Karen Millers BBC 2 shows in the UK, and the U.S. syndicated radio show, “Altville”.
http://www.myspace.com/kellyprescottmusic
Combining elements of pop, rock, and folk music, Matthew de Zoete writes songs built on strong melodies and honest lyrics. The 27-year-old from Hamilton, Ontario, approaches his craft much like an Old World artisan, applying a loving hand to songs whose melodic invention and attention to detail consistently catch the listener off guard. Extensive touring throughout North America and Europe have earned the Hamilton musician a reputation for intelligent songwriting and dynamic performances, as well as comparisons to Nick Drake and Elliott Smith. Matthew has released two albums: Across the Sea (2006) and Bottom of the World (2008). www.matthewdezoete.com
Ottawa Tonite will be covering this fantastic event at the NAC on February 3rd, and will be sharing the experience with you!
You can look forward to interviews and clips and a first-hand account of the “Bluebird North” experience!
