ANDREA RAMOLO

Since releasing her debut album “Thank You For the Ride” in October of 2008, Andrea Ramolo has become known as the “tireless road warrior” having completed two East Coast tours, gigs all over Ontario, and a Nashville showcase. Most impressive, however, was the five month cross Canada tour of 80 shows that she booked all herself, from Ontario to the West coast, up to the Yukon, and all the way to Newfoundland and back.
After 40,000 kms of living in her van and developing a fan base all over the great North, Andrea is set to be working on her second release. She’s been described as the antidote to too much Joni Mitchell, a tougher Dolly Parton, a sexier Janis Joplin, and has even been compared to Canada’s own Serena Ryder; but Ramolo has a sound that is all her own. Drawing stories from real life experiences, her songs are direct, to the point, funny, sexy, and vulnerable all at the same time. She is a born performer who oozes confidence and sensuality and has been described as fearless, raw, and emotional.

This past year, Andrea was featured at the South Country Fair in Alberta, the Sunstroke Music Festival in Whitehorse, the Saskatoon Berry Festival in Mortlach, In the Dead of Winter Music Festival in Halifax, The Sasquatch Festival in Northern Alberta and The World Skills Festival at the Calgary Stampede grounds.
Andrea has shared the stage with Stacey Earle and Mark Stuart, Colin Linden, Twilight Hotel, Coco Love Alcorn, and Slowcoaster (to name a handful), and has lent her vocal talents to recordings for The Trews, Martha and the Muffins, Cindy Doire, and The Strip. In 2009, she won the Toronto Exclusive Magazine awards for Best Female Folk Artist, Best Folk Album, and Best Blues Song. She was also asked to be a guest speaker at the 2009 Ontario Council of Folk Festivals Conference in Ottawa on booking independent tours. This young woman has years of songwriting, singing, and success ahead of her.

Andrea was cast in Disney’s made-for-TV movie Once Upon a Mattress, starring Carol Burnett and Tracy Ullman. She recorded two songs for the movie’s soundtrack at the CBC in Vancouver.

Hey, if she is good if enough for old Walt Disney.... then she is good enough for Pappy's Cafe!

VISIT:

www.myspace.com/andrearamolomusic
www.sonicbids.com/AndreaRamolo

In 2004, Andrea was cast in Disney’s made-for-TV movie Once Upon a Mattress

starring Carol Burnett and Tracy Ullman.  She recorded two songs for the movie’s soundtrack at the CBC in Vancouver. 

In 2005, Andrea became the lead female vocalist for one of Toronto’s most popular cover bands, Stifler’s Mom.  The band features well-known Canadian musicians who have toured with the likes of Hawksley Workman, Serena Ryder, Ian Thornley, Amanda Marshall, Big Sugar, and more. 

"Andrea Ramolo is the complete package.  She has it all and more."

(Juno-award winning producer and musician Alec Fraser; The Jeff Healey Band, Morgan Davis, Jack De Keyser)

"Andrea's voice is fantastic.  You get instant comfort hearing it.  It's one of the best qualities a singer could have.  Sultry and powerful."

(Juno-award winning producer Jeff "Diesel" Dalziel - Liam Titcomb, Chantal Kreviazuk, Esthero, The Philosopher Kings, Oh Susanna!)

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COCO LOVE ALCORN

Part soul diva, part folk troubadour, part jazz improvisor, part revolutionary, part visual artist Coco Love Alcorn is a multifaceted gem reflecting back the world as she experiences it.  The Vancouver Province calls her voice extraordinary.  The Star Phoenix calls it stunning.  As a songwriter and a vocalist, she effortlessly embraces her diverse musical influences -jazz, pop, r&b and folk-melding them seamlessly into her own distinctive and compelling sound.

"A bright burst of colour amidst the many shades of indy grey" -Laura Purvis Ottawa Express

Her expansive stylistic, dynamic and emotional range, along with her vocal prowess, have made her a sought after performer, respected by her peers and cherished by her fans.  More than anything however, its her love of improvising and her willingness to engage fearlessly with the audience that have made Coco Love Alcorn a singular and powerful force on the Canadian music scene for over a decade.

VISIT:

www.myspace.com/cocolovealcorn

www.cocolovealcorn.com

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ROGER MARIN BAND

To Roger Marin the vision of white lines on a highway is a very familiar sight. Raised by his musician father, Roger saw many different schools and towns throughout his childhood and grew accustomed to new places.

By the time he had turned thirteen he had already played his first gig. Performing alongside his Father and Uncle, he would be forced to wait in the kitchen between sets, because he was too young to be in the bar. It was an excellent opportunity to learn his chops though and it left him with a passion to be a musician.

For several years Roger covered mile after mile on the Fred Eaglesmith bus where he was the band's electric and pedal steel guitar player. On the Eaglesmith bus, Marin had once again found himself being mentored, though this time as a songwriter. Sharing 210 square feet with fellow singer/songwriters Fred Eaglesmith and the late Willie P. Bennett has paid off. In fact, co-writes with both appeared on his debut CD Roger Marin Jr.

With the release of Roger Marin Jr. and High Roads he has been touring with his own band, the Roger Marin Band. The band consists of a talented crew including Phil Bosley on bass / vocals, Matt Keighan on drums / vocals and Roger himself as front man on lead guitar and vocals.

The 33-year-old Marin has worked with the likes of Willie Nelson, Junior Brown, Del McCoury, and Delbert McClinton. While Rogers fulltime job was backing the songs of others, he has successfully changed gears from sideman to front man and his quickly growing audience loves it.

Visit:

Roger's MYSPACE page and

www.rogermarin.com

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GUINNESS BOOK OF WORLD RECORD HOLDER

ROD STANDISH

Rod Standish has made a habit of defying musical boundaries, both with the experimentally zany and heavy Rudy Quazar, and with the down-to-earth sound of the alternative country act Roger Marin.

With the launch of his own solo C.D, Rod has taken lessons that he has learned from these two bands, and mixes them with a diverse and eclectic, maybe even eccentric, blend of musical styles.

As a seasoned guitarist, a proficient bass player, a competent drummer, a powerful vocalist, a creative baritone player, and a musician who has dabbled with keyboards, the trumpet, the trombone and the mandolin, Rod is a multi-instrumentalist.

Striving for versatility, Rod plays a variety of styles, including rock, blues, heavy metal, classical, jazz, ragtime, country, bluegrass, folk, funk, punk, rockabilly, avant guarde, alternative, and progressive.

As an experienced private music instructor, Rod enjoys the experience of connecting with students, as well as finding ways to get them excited and involved in not only the mechanics of music, but the philosophy and business of music as well. He is a prolific writer, composer, and arranger of original music.

 visit:

www.myspace.com/roderickstandish

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AUSTRALIAN TROUBADOUR

DAVID ROSS MACDONALD

Acoustic Guitar Magazine likened MacDonald's vocals, lyrics, and intricate fingerstyle guitar style to "a collaboration between Nick Drake and a mid-1970s Bruce Cockburn".

Ross deals in subtlety, intimacy and nuance with a tunesmiths hand that coins songs and music with a haunting and poignant quality.

Born of a jazz musician father he returned to his musical roots after some years underground as a geologist and now plies his trade not only as an internationally touring songwriter but also as a jazz turned folk-roots drummer for the acclaimed Australian group The Waifs.

Having played with and opened for such luminaries including John Renbourne,
Tony McMannus, Kelly Joe Phelps and Chris Smither, Macdonald constantly tours
internationally armed with his 1935 Gibson guitar and a carpet bag of songs that he illuminates in his own inimitably reserved yet intense, poetic style.

“[David Ross Macdonald] is one of those few songwriters like Nick Drake,
Conor Oberst (Bright Eyes), and Josh Ritter that can captivate his listeners
armed only with a voice and guitar.” American Songwriter Magazine

“David Ross MacDonald's vocals, lyrics, and intricate fingerstyle guitar
playing bring to mind a collaboration between Nick Drake and a mid-1970s
Bruce Cockburn... “Acoustic Guitar Magazine

"Pretty good fisherman too"  -John Cox

"...deft guitar playing ... polished songwriting ... pristine, thoughtful folk rock..."
Penguin Eggs Magazine

visit: www.davidrossmacdonald.com

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THE WILD TURKEYS

From the icy shores of Northern Ontario, comes this new sizzling hot band of pickin’ and grinnin’ cowboys. The Wild Turkeys fun stage presence and energetic sound has been recently coined as "Swamp-Stomp Country".  

Armed with fiddles, mandolin, guitar, bass, harmonica, a tin can percussive suitcase contraption, and melodic four part harmonies, the Turkeys win over the hearts and ears of audiences everywhere.

Over the past two years, The Wild Turkeys have shared the stage with artists such as the Fred Eaglesmith, Prairie Oyster, Harry Manx, the Good Brothers and Elliot Brood. This band blends masterful classical techniques with a youthful and theatrical approach to old time country.

In April 2007, they released their first independently funded, original album entitled "Unplucked", which gained nominations from the Northern Ontario Music and Film in Motion Awards (MFM) for “Best Album” and “Best Songwriter”.  April 2008, saw the successful release of their second, full length album, “Suspendered”. Watch out for these Turkeys as they are quickly gaining national and international success.

"...The Wild Turkeys have proved themselves worthy of a place next to my Johnny Cash and Hank Williams recordings, while not taking anything too seriously..." SooToday.com

“With sweet four part harmonies, strong lyrics that’ll make you laugh and cry, wicked playing and enough energy to power a small city...” Fresh Magazine

“Voted the best looking and sounding new generation roots band at the 2008 Blissfest Festival...Totally entertaining, these lads are on their way...catch them while you still can.” Blissfest Beat 2008-2009.

visit:

www.thewildturkeyoutfit.com

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GORDIE TENTREES

Out of the Canadian north country Gordie Tentrees releases his 3rd album "Mercy or Sin" featuring his band of 7 years Ken Hermanson and Matt King, produced by Juno Winner Bob Hamilton. This is the much anticipated follow up to "Bottleneck to Wire 2007" and " 29 loads of Freight 2004"

"The concert kicked off with a strong set by Gordie Tentrees, who has been opening for the band (Fred Eaglesmith) on recent dates, and it is apparent to this listener that Tentrees has been working hard in the couple of years since he opened the same venue for Kelly Joe Phelps. His ease and ability on resophonic slide guitar and rack mount harmonica suggest some serious time spent honing his craft; and the inclusion of an electrified stomp board lends authority to his steady tapping left foot. Good tunes with strong vocals and deft fingerpicking make for an enjoyable presentation and the addition of Eaglesmith's sidemen, Mattie Simpson on electric guitar and Luke Stackhouse on string bass, to finish off Tentrees portion of the show was an added treat. Tentrees is a talent on the move, and moving in good company"
Peterborough Examiner

Gordie has toured relentlessly in North America, Europe and the UK, building an international buzz in the roots music world. He has opened for Fred Eaglesmith and Kelly Joe Phelps, shared stages with the D-Rangers, Rick Fines, Blackie & The Rodeo Kings, performed a CBC Saturday Night Blues concert, and showcased at North American Folk Alliance, Western Canadian Music Awards and South by Southwest.

Gordie will be performing 180 CD release shows in support of Mercy or Sin all across Canada, US, Europe and the UK including Pappy's Cafe in downtown Wabigoon.....and this just in.....

Gordie will also be playing at this years winter olympics!

visit www.gordietentrees.ca

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ELENA YEUNG

CD RELEASE TOUR OF HER LATEST CD

''THE GRAVEDIGGER'S DAUGHTER"

When you first listen to one of Elena’s performances, you will probably wonder from which old or folk record or songbook she dug her repertoire. Following the leads of Elena Yeung is an active contributor to the “new traditional” sound, echoing the folk, bluegrass and mountain traditions of Pete Seeger, Ola Belle Reed, and Hazel Dickens and Alice Gerrard, emphasizing her driving banjo style.
Yeung’s song “On That Good Road” was recorded by the Vancouver bluegrass trio Redgrass and is featured as the title track on their 2007 debut CD. She was featured on CBC radio’s North By Northwest on August 17, 2008 and has since enjoyed national airplay on CBC's Radio 2 Drive, as well as local and provincial stations across western Canada and Ontario. Elena is currently on a national tour and will be stopping in Wabigoon!

VISIT:

Elena's MYSPACE site

“People take one look at me and ask why I play the banjo. It’s a little unusual,” admits the first-generation Chinese-Canadian who grew up in the small farming community of Carberry, Manitoba, “But bluegrass is popular all over Europe and in Japan. The sound appeals to all sorts of folks who didn’t necessarily grow up listening to it.”

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THE CROOKED BROTHERS

VISIT:

www.crookedbrothers.com

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VINCE ANDRUSHKO

Vince Andrushko's songs take you places. But, more than that, they give you a sense of all the history that went into making that place at that moment just so. He has an engaging voice overflowing with style and character that compels you to keep listening in a way that's becoming rare in these days of instant communication. When he's not treating you to one of his originals, it's not unusual to hear him play songs by AC/DC and Jimmie Rodgers back-to-back. Listening to him perform gives you a sense that maybe time doesn't behave exactly how you thought it did.

"With his guitar and vocals at the core, the songs are deftly embellished and accentuated by some of the city's (Winnipeg), and the country's, best players, including members of the D.Rangers, The Western States, and one of Canada's most under-appreciated musical legends: harmonica player Gord Kidder. Do yourself a favour and find a copy of this record. Or better yet, go see Vince perform live and get one straight from him." - Ryan Menard (the Perpetrators)

visit:

www.myspace.com/vinceandrushko

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Steve has performed in concert, coffeehouses and various festivals from the
Yukon to Newfoundland and throughout the continental United States and Alaska.

He has performed for princes and premiers, daycares and nightclubs. His prodigious
repertoire and intelligent, yet affecting, original songs seem to strike a universal chord.

He has appeared on various national TV and radio broadcasts and his recordings
receive weekly air play on all three local radio stations as well as other national,
international and regional shows including regular rotation on Alaska Public Radio.

Steve has a prodigious repertoire and on any given night you might find him adding
the soul of Motown or Ray Charles; the pop sensibilities of Van Morrison or Bob Dylan; the bluesy grit of
Wille Dixon or Freddie King; the country charms of Gene Autrey or Hank Williams Sr; a couple of jazz standards,
and probably even a gospel song or two. Oh yeah, and the folk stuff too!!

You might even get him to yodel a Jimmy Rodgers tune or throw in a few a-cappella numbers.

A seeker of the out of the way rural venues, Steve enjoys seeing Canada first hand from
the driver's seat of his 1985 Volvo Sedan. He regularly racks up over 40,000 km a year
driving to and from both gigs in the yukon and "outside".

WELL, WELCOME TO WABIGOON STEVE 

VISIT:

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the Heather Blush Trio

 Heather Blush and The Uppercuts are a trio of best friends who knock the socks off every new audience they meet. 

Based in Calgary, Alberta, their sound can be described somewhere between the "Adult Alternative" styles of Sarah Slean and Sarah Harmer and old "Ella/Louis style" vocal jazz/blues.  Heather's voice is often compared to Norah Jones,  Maria Muldaur, and Joni Mitchell.  With energetic audience-engaging shows, she is quickly becoming known for songwriting that covers all bases between witty sarcasm and gutwrenching honesty. 

" I was in a room with Serena Ryder, Roxanne Potvin, and Kate Fenner and we were all listening to Nora Jones..... I heard these ladies all wrapped up in one.....Heather Blush..... so sad for the rest of Canada who has not yet had the pleasure to embrace the superb songwriting abilities and performance techniques this lady brings to the stage " -Longevity John,  Duncan Garage Showroom,  Duncan B.C.

Visit:

www.heatherblush.com

www.myspace.com/heatherblushtriples 

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JOHN WORT HANNAM

From the Canadian prairies in southern Alberta comes one of Canada’s most celebrated songwriters, John Wort Hannam. John is known for his unique take on the simple day-to-day dramas of common folk through songs that map the landscapes of both the human heart and this vast continent of ours. He is a born story- teller with a keen eye for the quirky and lyrics that create stories behind the songs; comparisons have been made to Gordon Lightfoot, James Keelaghan, and John Prine. His emotive voice is a strong and constant presence. John has achieved some fine accolades in a few short years.

Thriving on live performance, John Wort Hannam is truly happy when he is on the road playing and connecting personally with an audience. He tours extensively in Canada and the US. Recently he returned home from a highly successful mainstage set at the prestigious Kerrville Folk Festival in Texas and will now spend the summer traveling, playing and gearing up for a fall release of “ Queen’s Hotel ” that will take him across the country and into the US.

ITS QUITE THE RESUME......

2009 Grand Prize - Calgary Folk Festival Songwriting Competition

2008 Folk Alliance Music Award - Best Traditional Artist Nominee

2007 Kerrville Folk Festival New Folk Winner

2007 Two-Time Western Canadian Music Aawards Nominee

2007 Grand Prize - Calgary Folk Festival Songwriting Competition

2005 Two-time Canadian Folk Music Award nominee

2005 Western Canadian Music Award nominee

2005 CBC Galaxie Rising Star Award Winner

2004 Grand Prize - Calgary Folk Festival Song Writing Competition

Welcome to Pappy's Cafe John......

visit www.johnworthannam.com 

DANYLUK AND CARD

"Cory Danyluk and Sarah Card are a duo that define all the best attributes of a true musical and creative partnership and one that continues to nurture a sound that is as refreshing and organic, as it is their own." -Peter North, CKUA Radio, Edmonton Canada

"Acoustic music of the very tasty and detailed kind. Yes indeed, there are still serious musicians who know their job, and this Duo has such musical artisans."-Andrea Stolle, Radio Teutoburger, Germany

"Artists with longer careers could learn about sounding interested in their material from these two."-Les Siemieniuk, Penguin Eggs Magazine, Edmonton, Canada

VISIT :

 www.danylukandcard.com
 

Longtime fans of the Canadian roots scene, who may have listened to Frazier and DeBolt in the seventies or newcomers who found their way into the deep Canadian pool of roots music talent via a more contemporary artist like Kathleen Edwards will find many touchstones on this latest recording from Danyluk and Card, as the two provide another link in what is a very sturdy chain.

Whether it’s a verse from a Danyluk-pennned cracked country ballad where a solitary lyric gives

way to a sweeping and bluesey fiddle line from Card or songs shaded with glimpses of hope and

determination, Card and Danyluk have created a warm, sobering and alluring sound that draws on

west of centre country, blues, and folk traditions.

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Cat Jahnke

"Having worked with many different composers on various film and television projects, I found Cat Jahnke to be the most inspired, committed and enthusiastic collaborator.  Cat is a joy to work with and I hope she can score all of my future projects"

-Robert Kirbyson; Director; Hollywood Ca

Cat Jahnke's musical evolution has played out in a very linear: from "Twinkle Twinkle" on the upright as a child to composition classes in university; from girl with the six string to front man for the band; from misguided boy to that imperfect gentleman and the inspirational heartbreak that trudges in the wake.  In the spirit of a true prarie girl raised in a landscape that allows a clear view for miles, Cat's fate has been evident for her 26 years.

"Winnipeg's Cat Jahnke dubs her debut album "None of Those Things", but her music, in fact, is all of the following things: classy, well-crafted and highly accessible.  Count CBC Radio among Cat's many fans.  Since her freshman album's release, her songs have picked up airplay on programs originating in every part of the country.  We anxiously await her next release....."

-Mark Reaume; CBC Radio Librarian, Toronto ON

"Her voice is as clear as a minus 30 C January day on the Praries"-Cam Fuller, Star Phoenix, Saskatoon, SK

Visit:

www.catjahnke.com

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OUTLAW COWBOY

TIM HUS

TIM HUS is seen here in this photo sharing an herbal tea with legendary country star IAN TYSON. 

Tim Hus has a voice sweeter than a Husqvarna chainsaw, a wit that is sharper than rusty barbed wire, and a list of songs longer than a Saskatchewan fence line! Following his acclaimed CD Huskies & Husqvarnas comes the highly anticipated fourth album (his first for Stony Plain Records) Bush Pilot Buckaroo joining Corb Lund and the legendary Ian Tyson on the label. Hus comes at his audience like a runaway rig, while firing off image-laden lyrics with the intensity of a western gunslinger.

Tim tours and performs concerts with his band Tim Hus & The Rocky Mountain Two, featuring Peterbilt Pete Christian on lead guitar and Spider Bishop on upright string bass. Pete is a talented and versatile musician having played music professionally around the world. Solid licks and agreeable melodies reinforce the songs while Spider lays down a solid rhythm with doghouse slap and a thick groove. Occasionally the group is joined by Pat Phillips on the drums.
Tim and his band will continue to perform in support of Bush Pilot Buckaroo with performances at festivals, folk clubs and music venues throughout Canada.

visit:

www.timhus.ca

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Juno Award Recipient

Gary Fjellgaard

with

Darrel De La Ronde and Saskia

Mr. Juno Award Winner, Mr. Canadian Country Music Hall of Famer, a.k.a. the Train Robb'n Cowboy a.k.a. Gary Fjellgaard the true Canadian guitar sling'n cowboy right here at Pappy's Cafe in Wabigoon.  With friends Darrel De La Ronde and Sakia, Gary put on an unforgettable night of entertaining stories and great music.

With the magic of lyrical imagery Gary draws on his western heritage to create songs of cowboy heroes, wind swept prairies, rushing rivers, the working man, and romance. A champion of vanishing values and frontier spirit, Gary sings of lone horsemen, verdant valleys and mountain trails.  Gary's list of awards and accomplishments are way too numerous to place here..... check him out at www.garyfjellgarrd.bc.ca .

Darrel De La Ronde and Saskia

 Are a Canadian musical duo who sing and play contemporary and original folk songs. Alternatively our music has been labeled as: Country, Alt-Country, Canadiana, Folk-Rock, Folk-Roots, Gospel Pop with sub- genres under Bluegrass, Historical Folk, Celtic, and ⁄ or European Folk ⁄ Pop. The truth is; the correct designation is “Prairie Folk.” That’s what they play. That’s who they are.
They share a prairie ancestry of Saskatchewan Metis and solid Dutch farm stock. Today they are Singers, Songwriters and Musicians with long time careers as professionals - working festivals, concerts, dance halls, pubs, cafes, weddings, parties and conventions.
 
Darrel is a veteran performer and sought after studio musician, whose debut album Family Tree features guest appearances by Darby Mills and Daniel Powter.
Saskia has shared a stage with such notables as Valdy, Ian Tyson, Roy Forbes and more. While touring throughout Europe, Western Canada, the United States and Mexico she turned out four albums: Back in Time (with her band Déjà vu); Lady Luck; Saskia; and the highly acclaimed Christmas Dream, a fundraiser for BC and Canadian Food Banks.
visit:
www.saskia.ca

Ron Leary

Windsor-Ontario based artist Ron Leary has quickly been gaining recognition as one of Canada's most important emerging roots artists, much the result of the debut release "theroadinbetween" (2006) followed by an intense year of touring Canada coast-to-coast.  In performance, Ron Leary always makes a strong impression on his audience by delivering powerful songs with disarming honesty, humour and humility. Whether it be with the intensity of the full band, as a folk duo with harmonica player Kelly "Mr. Chill" Hoppe, or simply as a solo artist, each show is a unique journey where even Ron never quite knows where or how it will unfold or end. But his golden voice will melt you in your seat, with a presence that will keep you on the edge of that seat and slightly off balance.

The debut release "theroadinbetween" has been gaining some stunning accolades from across the country, being showcased on CBC Radio 3, used by CBC icon Stuart MacLean in his Vinyl Café Program, as well as five songs being featured in CBC TV's summer program Eleven Cameras. The debut also charted well nationally on campus radio, spending numerous months on the National Campus College Radio Charts. 

visit:

www.ronleary.com

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Jon Brooks

In June 2007, was invited to play at the unveiling of the Irish Famine Memorial in Toronto for 2000 invited guests, including Irish President Mary McAleese, Premier Dalton McGuinty, Mayor David Miller and others.

2007 Canadian Folk Music Award nominee - Best Songwriter 2007

Canadian Folk Music Award nominee - Best Songwriter

Canadian folk music is failing its grand tradition of
truthful storytelling in times of war, says Ontario
singer-songwriter Jon Brooks.

The straight-talking musician is nominated for a Canadian Folk
Music Award for his disc of Canadian war stories, "Ours and the
Shepherds," a stirring collection of tales touching on the Korean
War, the genocide in Rwanda and Canadian peacekeepers in
Afghanistan.

It includes songs about James Loney, the northern Ontario activist held hostage in Iraq while working for a Christian pacifist organization, Romeo Dallaire, the former general who led an ill-fated United Nations peacekeeping force in Rwanda and Sgt. Tommy Prince, the decorated Canadian aboriginal veteran who died a forgotten hero in 1977.

While artists like Neil Young, Steve Earle, Green Day and Bruce Springsteen have all produced albums critical of the U.S.
involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan, Brooks says the Canadian experience has been largely ignored.

The 39-year-old adds that he has even been turned down for gigs
because of his provocative portraits.

"They said, `We're not quite sure, we think you might be a bit
intense for our audience."' he says of being rejected by some
venues in northwestern Ontario.

........well not here at Pappy's Cafe in Wabigoon. Welcome back Jon, its always good to have you back on our stage.

visit:

 www.jonbrooks.ca

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Brad Woods performs on his own as well as with the Great Wooden Trio (GWT). He and members of the GWT have spent the summer touring Manitoba and North Western Ontario. Woods’ material includes myths, legends, ballads, and original compositions.

Woods is a former director of the Storytellers School of Toronto, and was the recipient of the 2002 Anne Smythe Travel Grant for storytelling and the 2004 Storyteller in Residence at the Guelph Civic Museum. In 2005 Woods was featured at the Yukon International Storytelling Festival in Whitehorse, and in 2006 he was the first Canadian featured at the Los Angeles Storytelling Festival. In 2007 Woods released his first CD, had a story in rotation on Talk Story Radio out of Hawaii and was the IMAGO Artist of the Month for July. He has performed at festivals, events, cafes, churches and pubs all over North America.

Several people have praised Woods’ engaging performances: “I have never seen anything like the Great Wooden Trio. The mix of song and story make them engaging, unique and interesting. I highly recommend them for any situation.” — Laura Dunseith, Magic 106.1 FM.

"Brad Woods has the rare gift of being able to turn even the most ordinary happening into a great story. The tales that he weaves are so captivating that I often have to remind myself that I'm on the radio and have to tend to the mixing board. Brad has had me laughing and crying in the same sitting on more than one occasion. To me, this is a mark of a top knotch storyteller."
Michele McMillan, producer and host CFRU, 93.3 FM

"Brad teaches Special Ed. to the livliest kids in the city. They behave for him because like Sheherazad, he tells them stories."
Dan Yashinsky (special to the) Globe and Mail

"I have never seen anything like the Great Wooden Trio. The mix of song and story make them engaging, unique and interesting. I highly recomend them for any situation."
Laura Dunseith, Magic 106.1 fm

“Listening to [Brad] puts me in my happy place. I wish I could tell a story like this man can.”

— Susan Cook-Scheerer, Day Time on Rogers.

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SETTING THE STANDARD

Some bands start out in Liverpool England, some start out in Dallas Texas, and some in Dryden Ontario.  Regardless of where they started, millions of us sure are glad they did.  SETTING THE STANDARD will commence their band-manship and embark on a journey that will hopefully take them around the world.  They sound like Dallas Green with a touch of Oasis, a pinch of Clapton, a few slices of Weezer, some ground City & Color and add a little blues, mix ingredients together in great venue and you got yourself some STANDARD. Featuring Kyle Moonias and David Huffman on guitars and Will Durand on vocals.

visit:

www.myspace.com/settingthestndrd

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DEL BARBER

Born and raised on the prairies, Del Barber has found a new home on stage, winning audiences across Canada and the United States with raw talent and ample doses of charm. In the spirit of legends like Townes Van Zandt, Greg Brown, Emmylou Harris and Steve Earle, Barber dreams new life into old forms with a cutting sense of humour, a hint of cynicism, and songs that span the gulf between the sacred and the profane. This past May, Barber sold out his album release party for his debut, Where the City Ends, at Winnipeg’s Park Theatre.

Since its release, the album has been a frequent presence on campus radio stations across Canada. A thoughtful reflection on place and progress, Where the City Ends is the sound of someone who’s fearless, honest and just plain loves his craft. With one foot in the city and the other on the farm, Barber’s music blends the wise sounds of the folk tradition with the earnest meditations of a prairie troubadour. Del was named one of five local artists to watch in 2009 by the University of Winnipeg's student weekly, The Uniter.

VISIT:

www.myspace.com/delbarber

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JIM HAMILTON

Jim Hamilton is a heartfelt musician who touches audiences of all generations with his intimate style and soul-touching music. Throughout his latest release I’ll Go Walking, Jim speaks to the human condition. He “…has the ability to make the mundane profound…” (Liz Harvey-Foulds; Artistic Director of Live from the Rock Blues and Folk Society). “His Show is Inspiring” (Dee Adrian –General Manager, Capital Centre-North Bay.) 

Jim’s emotional, soulful vocal style and evocative lyrics will draw you in for sure. "Hamilton has been compared to Blue Rodeo's Jim Cuddy-with his powerful, clear upper range, and to Marc Cohn's soulful quality. His piano playing covers many styles: jazz, blues, pop and contemporary. At times he has a Billy Joel-like feel to his playing, other times Bruce Hornsby. Jim is a highly skilled pianist, and a passionate vocalist.

VISIT:

www.myspace.com/jimhamilton