Music

2018 Polaris Music Prize winner jeremy dutcher

  Performer, composer, activist, musicologist — these roles are all infused into his art and way of life. His music, too, transcends boundaries: unapologetically playful in its incorporation of classical influences, full of reverence for the traditional songs of his home,and teeming with the urgency of modern-day struggles of resistance. A member of Tobique First Nation in New Brunswick, Jeremy first did music studies in Halifax before taking a chance to work in the archives at the Canadian Museum of History, painstakingly transcribing Wolastoq songs from 1907 wax cylinders. “Many of the songs I'd never heard before, because our musical tradition on the East Coast was suppressed by the Canadian Government’s Indian Act.” Jeremy heard ancestral voices singing forgotten songs and stories that had been taken from the Wolastoqiyik generations ago. As he listened to each recording, he felt his own musical impulses stirring from deep within. Long days at the archives turned into long nights at the piano, feeling out melodies and phrases, deep in dialogue with the voices of his ancestors. These “collaborative”compositions, collected together on his debut LP Wolastoqiyik Lintuwakonawa, are like nothing you’ve ever heard. Delicate, sublime vocal melodies ring out atop piano lines that cascade through a vibrant range of emotions. The anguish and joy of the past erupt fervently into the present through Jeremy’s bold approach to composition and raw, affective performances enhanced by his outstanding tenor techniques. “I'm doing this work because there's only about a hundred Wolastoqey speakers left,” he says. “It's crucial for us to make sure that we're using our language and passing it on to the next generation. If you lose the language, you're not just losing words; you're losing an entire way of seeing and experiencing the world from a distinctly indigenous perspective.”   

2018 marks the 15th anniversary of Great Lake Swimmers. The JUNO nominated, Polaris Prize shortlisted Toronto group, fronted by lead singer-songwriter Tony Dekker are pleased to announce new album The Waves, The Wake, releasing August 17, 2018 via Nettwerk.

Recorded in the 145-year-old Bishop Cronyn Memorial Church and produced by Chris Stringer (Union Sound), Tony decided to challenge himself by writing new music without any acoustic guitar which has always been his instrumental mainstay. He further digressed from previous songwriting patterns by looking at each track individually and then tailoring the instrumentation to bring each song to life in its own distinctive way.

The new record is preceded by a six track EP titled Side Effects, that features new songs “The Talking Wind”, “Falling Apart” and “Side Effects” as well as fan favourites “Your Rocky Spine”, “Quiet Your Mind” and “I Became Awake”.

Lunch At Allen’s is a musical powerhouse comprising four remarkable Canadian talents: Murray McLauchlan, Cindy Church, Marc Jordan and Ian Thomas. As individuals, they have written for or sung on over 25,000,000 CDs, penning hits for Josh Groban, Chicago, Bonnie Raitt, America, Santana, Cher and Rod Stewart, as well as Murray’s Farmer’s Song, Marc’s Marina Del Rey and Ian’s Painted Ladies, just to name a few. These three artists have come together adding the incredible voice of Cindy Church (Quartette, Great Western Orchestra) to form Lunch At Allen’s. Attending their stage show is to embark on an intimate musical journey replete with laughter and personal anecdotes, familiar favourites and new material, fashioning an unforgettable evening’s entertainment …from their hearts …to your soul. And, as a nod to the season, there’s sure to be a dash of Christmas spirit mixed in as well.

“You would be hard pressed to find another Canadian ensemble with more collective depth of influence over Canada’s musical landscape than Lunch At Allen’s.” - The Beat Magazine

Reserved seating tickets for Lunch At Allen’s are $47.50 - $51.00 (tax & facility fees included, service charges may apply),  go on sale Friday, October  5, and are available from the box offices listed below. Showtime is 7:30pm. For more info, pics & music clips, visit www.shantero.com  or www.lunchatallens.ca

Tour Schedule:

Dec. 4 - Sarnia Imperial Theatre - Box Office: 519 344-7469
Dec. 5 - London Aeolian Hall - Box Office: 519 672-7950
Dec. 7 - Barrie Georgian Theatre - Five Points Theatre Box Office: 705 739-4228
Dec. 8 - Collingwood Gayety Theatre - Box Office: 1 888 353-3203
Dec. 9 - Huntsville Algonquin Theatre - Box Office: 705 789-4975
Dec. 12 - Brantford Sanderson Centre - Box Office: 519 758-8090
Dec. 13 - St. Catharines Partridge Hall, FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre - Box Office: 905 688-0722
Dec. 14 - Lindsay Academy Theatre - 705 324-9111
Dec. 15 - North Bay Capitol Centre - Box Office: 705 474-4747
Dec. 16 - Sudbury Fraser Auditorium, Laurentian University - STC Box Office: 705 674-8381

Lunch At Allen’s is a musical powerhouse comprising four remarkable Canadian talents: Murray McLauchlan, Cindy Church, Marc Jordan and Ian Thomas. As individuals, they have written for or sung on over 25,000,000 CDs, penning hits for Josh Groban, Chicago, Bonnie Raitt, America, Santana, Cher and Rod Stewart, as well as Murray’s Farmer’s Song, Marc’s Marina Del Rey and Ian’s Painted Ladies, just to name a few. These three artists have come together adding the incredible voice of Cindy Church (Quartette, Great Western Orchestra) to form Lunch At Allen’s. Attending their stage show is to embark on an intimate musical journey replete with laughter and personal anecdotes, familiar favourites and new material, fashioning an unforgettable evening’s entertainment …from their hearts …to your soul. And, as a nod to the season, there’s sure to be a dash of Christmas spirit mixed in as well.

“You would be hard pressed to find another Canadian ensemble with more collective depth of influence over Canada’s musical landscape than Lunch At Allen’s.” - The Beat Magazine

Reserved seating tickets for Lunch At Allen’s are $47.50 - $51.00 (tax & facility fees included, service charges may apply),  go on sale Friday, October  5, and are available from the box offices listed below. Showtime is 7:30pm. For more info, pics & music clips, visit www.shantero.com  or www.lunchatallens.ca

Tour Schedule:

Dec. 4 - Sarnia Imperial Theatre - Box Office: 519 344-7469
Dec. 5 - London Aeolian Hall - Box Office: 519 672-7950
Dec. 7 - Barrie Georgian Theatre - Five Points Theatre Box Office: 705 739-4228
Dec. 8 - Collingwood Gayety Theatre - Box Office: 1 888 353-3203
Dec. 9 - Huntsville Algonquin Theatre - Box Office: 705 789-4975
Dec. 12 - Brantford Sanderson Centre - Box Office: 519 758-8090
Dec. 13 - St. Catharines Partridge Hall, FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre - Box Office: 905 688-0722
Dec. 14 - Lindsay Academy Theatre - 705 324-9111
Dec. 15 - North Bay Capitol Centre - Box Office: 705 474-4747
Dec. 16 - Sudbury Fraser Auditorium, Laurentian University - STC Box Office: 705 674-8381

Join us for a music night fundraiser for Alzheimer Society London Middlesex featuring Frankly Scarlett, Kevin's Bacon Train, Joanne Does & Kim Redlin, Lynn Devine, Emily Garber, Louise Carroll and Deb Cordi!

Tickets are only $10 and available from performers, John Belone's Music and Long & McQuade.

“Putting the songs to work.”

Buffy Sainte-Marie is touring constantly, and coming off her critically acclaimed, award-winning 2015 album Power in the Blood, nobody could ever accuse the Academy Award-winning songwriter of taking it easy. Since her groundbreaking debut, 1964’s It’s My Way!, the Cree singer-songwriter has been a trailblazer and a tireless advocate, an innovative artist, and a disruptor of the status quo.

Sainte-Marie has spent her whole life creating, and her artistry, humanitarian efforts, and Indigenous leadership have made her a unique force in the music industry. In 1969, she made one of the world’s first electronic vocal albums; in 1982 she became the only Indigenous person to win an Oscar; she spent five years on Sesame Street where she became the first woman to breastfeed on national television. She’s been blacklisted and silenced. She’s written pop standards sung and recorded by the likes of Janis Joplin, Elvis Presley, Donovan, Joe Cocker and Jennifer Warnes. She penned “Universal Soldier,” the definitive anti-war anthem of the 20th century. She is an icon who keeps one foot firmly planted on both sides of the North American border, in the unsurrendered territories that comprise Canada and the USA.

In 2017’s climate of damaging #fakenews and toxic hubris, Buffy Sainte-Marie’s incisive honesty, clarity, and intelligent compassion stand out in sharp relief.

There’s still work to be done, and that work is Medicine Songs.

The nineteen songs in this collection are about the environment, alternative conflict resolution, Indigenous realities, greed, and racketeering. It features a brand new politically charged rocker, “The War Racket,” that slinks and pounds as Sainte-Marie sing-speaks wisdom like, “You pretend it’s religion, like there’s no one to blame/ for the dead and impoverished in your little patriot game.” There are new recordings of some of the most insightful songs Buffy's ever written, like the decades-spanning, rock ’n’ roll reportage “Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee,” or the first powwow rock song, “Starwalker,” an anthemic celebration of Indigenous leadership. There are timeless protest classics like “Universal Soldier,” “Now That the Buffalo’s Gone,” and

“Little Wheel Spin and Spin,” as well as forgotten gems that were simply ahead of their time when first released, like the shimmery, eye-opening “Priests of the Golden Bull,” and the chillingly prescient “Disinformation.”

But this isn’t an album of just protest songs.

“Protest songs are good, they’re important, and they talk about a problem,” Sainte-Marie says. “But there are other activist songs which don't have a label, but they can enlighten and liberate, inform, motivate or otherwise encourage solutions.” ‘Carry It On’ is like that. So is ‘You Got to Run,’ another new rocker and collaboration with acclaimed experimental vocalist Tanya Tagaq. ‘You Got To Run’ might be championing a marathon runner or an election candidate, charging through self-doubt to the real victory beyond the win.

Sainte-Marie doesn’t sugarcoat the truth, nor does she shy away from hard realities, but Medicine Songs is never overwhelming or oppressive. Rather than making us feel smaller, sadder or more cynical, Buffy Sainte-Marie makes us feel stronger and more capable of seeing the world around us clearly. Part rhythmic healing, part trumpeting wakeup call, Medicine Songs is the soundtrack for the resistance.

“Putting the songs to work.”

Buffy Sainte-Marie is touring constantly, and coming off her critically acclaimed, award-winning 2015 album Power in the Blood, nobody could ever accuse the Academy Award-winning songwriter of taking it easy. Since her groundbreaking debut, 1964’s It’s My Way!, the Cree singer-songwriter has been a trailblazer and a tireless advocate, an innovative artist, and a disruptor of the status quo.

Sainte-Marie has spent her whole life creating, and her artistry, humanitarian efforts, and Indigenous leadership have made her a unique force in the music industry. In 1969, she made one of the world’s first electronic vocal albums; in 1982 she became the only Indigenous person to win an Oscar; she spent five years on Sesame Street where she became the first woman to breastfeed on national television. She’s been blacklisted and silenced. She’s written pop standards sung and recorded by the likes of Janis Joplin, Elvis Presley, Donovan, Joe Cocker and Jennifer Warnes. She penned “Universal Soldier,” the definitive anti-war anthem of the 20th century. She is an icon who keeps one foot firmly planted on both sides of the North American border, in the unsurrendered territories that comprise Canada and the USA.

In 2017’s climate of damaging #fakenews and toxic hubris, Buffy Sainte-Marie’s incisive honesty, clarity, and intelligent compassion stand out in sharp relief.

There’s still work to be done, and that work is Medicine Songs.

The nineteen songs in this collection are about the environment, alternative conflict resolution, Indigenous realities, greed, and racketeering. It features a brand new politically charged rocker, “The War Racket,” that slinks and pounds as Sainte-Marie sing-speaks wisdom like, “You pretend it’s religion, like there’s no one to blame/ for the dead and impoverished in your little patriot game.” There are new recordings of some of the most insightful songs Buffy's ever written, like the decades-spanning, rock ’n’ roll reportage “Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee,” or the first powwow rock song, “Starwalker,” an anthemic celebration of Indigenous leadership. There are timeless protest classics like “Universal Soldier,” “Now That the Buffalo’s Gone,” and

“Little Wheel Spin and Spin,” as well as forgotten gems that were simply ahead of their time when first released, like the shimmery, eye-opening “Priests of the Golden Bull,” and the chillingly prescient “Disinformation.”

But this isn’t an album of just protest songs.

“Protest songs are good, they’re important, and they talk about a problem,” Sainte-Marie says. “But there are other activist songs which don't have a label, but they can enlighten and liberate, inform, motivate or otherwise encourage solutions.” ‘Carry It On’ is like that. So is ‘You Got to Run,’ another new rocker and collaboration with acclaimed experimental vocalist Tanya Tagaq. ‘You Got To Run’ might be championing a marathon runner or an election candidate, charging through self-doubt to the real victory beyond the win.

Sainte-Marie doesn’t sugarcoat the truth, nor does she shy away from hard realities, but Medicine Songs is never overwhelming or oppressive. Rather than making us feel smaller, sadder or more cynical, Buffy Sainte-Marie makes us feel stronger and more capable of seeing the world around us clearly. Part rhythmic healing, part trumpeting wakeup call, Medicine Songs is the soundtrack for the resistance.

Known as one of Canada’s greatest voices, award-winning jazz vocalist Molly Johnson is a mother, singer-songwriter, artist and philanthropist, who has just released her highly anticipated new album, “Meaning To Tell Ya”. Produced by multiple GRAMMY Award winning Producer, Larry Klein (Joni Mitchell, Tracy Chapman, Madeleine Peyroux, Melody Gardot, Norah Jones); it is more than a jazz record. It’s funk, it’s soul, it’s groove played by some of Canada’s best musicians. Says Molly: “Working with Larry was magic. When it was finally my turn, I jumped at the opportunity. This is a record I have been wanting to make for years. I can’t wait to share it with everyone!” Says Larry: “Molly has the kind of musical gift that cannot be cultivated by musical education or assiduous practice. She has great natural musical instincts, and an irresistible signature to her voice. She is a rare and wonderful talent.”

Molly’s story starts in the mid-sixties when as a young grade schooler, she and her brother, Clark Johnson, were tapped by legendary Toronto icon and producer Ed Mirvish to appear in Porgy and Bess at the Royal Alexander Theatre. In time, Porgy and Bess was followed by South Pacific, Finian’s Rainbow and other classic musicals. With the desire to become a choreographer, the budding child star was soon enrolled in the National Ballet School. Eventually Molly was taken with the idea of writing songs and the future chanteuse began to see herself as a potential songwriter.

At 15 years old, Molly fronted a disco band, A Chocolate Affair, lasting just over a year. In 1979, she formed a funky art rock group, Alta Moda (Italian for “High Style”), which later morphed into the harder rocking Infidels. While Molly was trying to make headway in the world of rock and roll with both Alta Moda and Infidels, she began a parallel career as a jazz singer.

By the late 1990s, Molly had started her family and, being burned twice by record companies, was contemplating giving up on the music business – until Toronto songwriter and producer Steven Mackinnon suggested she should write some songs with him. The partnership proved successful after a dozen or so songs when MacKinnon declared, “I think we have a record.” The debut jazz album Molly Johnson (2000) was issued to critical acclaim but unfortunately, Molly’s record company, Sony Corp., went bankrupt shortly after the CD’s release. Three years later, she recorded her second jazz-pop release, Another Day (2003), which led her to become a bonafide star in France.

Molly’s next album, Messin’ Around (2006), was her first album recorded with Universal Music Canada. Recorded “live” off the floor alongside her band mates in 14 days, the result was an extraordinary and sophisticated pop record that infused Molly’s well-honed melodic skills, artful Tin Pan Alley style lyrics, jazz phrasing and overall pop sensibility.

Since then, Molly has released two more albums, which includes Lucky (2008) and The Molly Johnson Songbook (2011). In 2009, Molly won a Juno Award for Best Vocal Jazz Album for her fourth full-length, career milestone album Lucky and also received the 2009 National Jazz Award for Best Female Vocalist.

Molly has performed throughout Canada, the United States, and France and alongside renowned artists including Tom Cochrane, Blue Rodeo, Tom Jones, Jackie Richardson, Anne Murray, Stéphane Grappelli, Peter Appleyard and more. Molly has also graced the stage performing for some of the world’s most prominent icons including the Prince and late Princess of Wales on the Royal Yacht Britannia, as well as Nelson Mandela and legendary producer and trumpeter Quincy Jones. Molly is also the sister of Clark Johnson (actor/director), Ron Johnson (social worker) and Tabby Johnson (actress/singer).

Dedicated to supporting communities in need, Molly established the Kumbaya Foundation and Festival in 1992, raising awareness and funds for people living with HIV/AIDS, and continues to work with several other charitable organizations each year. Molly has been awarded the Queen’s Jubilee medal, and in 2008, was honoured with becoming an Officer of The Order Of Canada (O.C.). This rare distinction was given to Molly to recognize her philanthropic work for a variety of causes and for her international contributions to the arts. In 2016, Molly launched the Kensington Market Jazz Festival, which fills this colourful and vibrant area of Toronto with over 400 local Canadian musicians, performing 150+ shows over one weekend in September to more than 5000 enthusiastic music fans. www.kensingtonjazz.com

Molly was the voice of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) Radio 2 Weekend Morning program where she eased listeners into their weekend with great Canadian songs, and stories about musicians and the people of Canada, from coast to coast. The Canadian music icon’s latest release, the Juno nominated, Because of Billie (2014) is a celebration of the music of Billie Holiday. Billie Holiday’s journey inspires Johnson not only as an artist, but as a model citizen. Paying homage to Holiday’s childhood struggles, Johnson donated a portion of album sales to the Boys & Girls Clubs.

Stay tuned for more news from Molly coming soon!

The Slocan Ramblers (2019 Juno Award Nominees) are Canada’s bluegrass band to watch. Rooted in tradition, fearlessly creative and possessing a bold, dynamic sound, The Slocans have become a leading light of today’s acoustic music scene. With a reputation for energetic live shows, impeccable musicianship and an uncanny ability to convert anyone within earshot into a lifelong fan, The Slocans have been winning over audiences from Merlefest to RockyGrass and everywhere in between.

On their much-anticipated new album Queen City Jubilee (2019 Juno Award Nominee for Traditional Roots Album of the Year), The Slocans showcase their unique blend of bluegrass, old-time and folk with deep song-writing, lightning fast instrumentals and sawdust-thick vocals. With their trademark raucous energy, this new album presents The Slocan Ramblers at the top of their game – writing and playing tunes to keep you up all night. This is roots music without pretension, music intended to make you feel something – say hello to your new favourite band.

The Slocans are:
Frank Evans: Banjo
Adrian Gross: Mandolin
Darryl Poulsen: Guitar
Alastair Whitehead: Bass

PRESS

“I love it – smokin’ bluegrass!”\
– BBC Radio

“If you’ve grown tired of the same old sounds, here’s a band who reinvents a genre.
– Bluegrass Unlimited

“Riveting"
– Bluegrass Today

“Contemporary bluegrass at its very best. […] Their third album, Queen City Jubilee, could be the one that propels them to the forefront of the acoustic roots scene.”
– Songlines Magazine (UK)

“The Slocan Ramblers put on one of the most vibrant shows of acoustic music I’ve seen in some time. It’s rare for Canadians (especially young Canadians) to play this music with such authority, passion and yet ability for experimentation. Chops galore, and a handsome bunch of fellas”
– Tom Power – Host of CBC’s “q”

“Traditional Album of the Year Nominee”
– Canadian Folk Music Awards (2016)

“Emerging Artist Award”
– Edmonton Folk Fest (2015)

“This is a tight-knit ensemble with a lot of drive, yet with something of a tantalizing “rough edge” to their sound.”
– Sing Out! Magazine

“Effortlessly pushing bluegrass back to its earlier roots in Appalachian traditions, while steering old sounds in fascinating new directions.”
– No Depression

“Top Discoveries From Folk Alliance 2014”
– The Bluegrass Situation

“Top class bluegrass”
– fRoots Magazine (UK)

“They play so fast, so together that there ought to be a warning sign near the stage: “Professional musicians, do not attempt.”
– Saskatoon Star Phoenix

The Great Canadian Fiddle Holiday Show is bringing traditional fiddling and step dancing to the Aeolian Hall.

The Great Canadian Fiddle Show is a fiery performance of traditional Canadian fiddle music from some of the top fiddlers in the nation. The show preserves and celebrates Canada’s rich musical heritage through traditional fiddling and step dancing. Visiting the breadth of the nation’s diverse regional styles, the show captivates audiences with energy and mastery.

The Great Canadian Fiddle Holiday Show is a collaboration of some of the best fiddlers in country uniting to create an amazingly energetic show. The musicians and dancers put on an electrifying performance in what feels like a massive kitchen party on stage. It’s a true Canadian experience during the holiday season.

Get ready to tap your toes along to the driving Old Time melodies, as you are swept across the nation for an afternoon of Canadian tunes and holiday favourites.