Noah Zacharin is a widely acclaimed guitar master, multi-genre songwriter, and dynamic performer. He was given his first guitar at age 9, wrote his first song at 13, and began performing at 14. In December 2015 Zacharin became a full-time recording and touring musician, and is more thrilled than ever to be doing what he’s always done.Born in Montreal, Zacharin splits his time between Toronto, the road, and an off-grid cabin on the Canadian Shield.
He has been called “a stunning guitarist…no stylistic boundaries” (Holger Peterson, CBC, Stony Plain Records), “a wonderful songwriter and performer” (Paul Mills, Borealis Records), “a poet, a songwriter, a singer we have been waiting for” (the late Penny Lang), “a great guitarist/ singer/ songwriter…a wonderfully musical player” (Randy Finney, Founder TFGA), “in a league of his own” (Brian Gladstone, Founder and AD Winterfolk Festival), “one of the best songwriters this country has produced” (the late great Rick Fielding, recording artist, radio host), and “deserving to be mentioned in the same breath with names such as James Taylor and David Wilcox” (Minor 7th).
Zacharin’s recordings have all garnered popular and critical praise: Strange Ridermade a number of ‘Best-Of’ lists for 2016. AStartle of Wings,his 8th CD, will be released in mid-May, while the songs for his 9th are on-deck, awaiting their turn in the studio. Also in the works is a DVD re-release of fan-favourite “Waiting on Your Love” which will include ASL video and a previously unreleased tune.
As a soloist he has opened shows for Odetta, David Lindley, Dave Van Ronk, Jesse Winchester, Alex de Grassi, and Fairport Convention, and performed internationally in 100’s of venues from club to concert hall. As a producer and instrumentalist he has performed with some of Canada’s finest and appears on some 60 recordings from across North America. As a writer, his songs have been recorded by popular performer and radio host Laura Fernandez (who translated the song into Spanish), Rolling Stone (India) Cover Artist Rehan Dalal, and double-slide master, the late Brian Cober.
He has officially showcased at BC Contact (2008), FARM (October 2016), and SERFA (May 2017).
Noah Zacharin is also an award-winning poet (“a remarkable ability to articulate efficient, powerfully condensed ideas”: What 18/19)and translator, having won McGill’s Chester-Macnaghten poetry prize and Matrix Magazine’s translation prize. He has published hundreds of poems, translations, and reviews,in periodicals and anthologies worldwide, and is currently at work on several volumes of poetry, and a number of children’s books.
In his spare time Zacharin reads, cycles, walks, and practices tai chi and kung fu.
Join us Wednesday nights at the Old Church when we fill the house with music and good times in the spirit of campfires and kitchen parties and band practice in mom’s basement. Bring an instrument or two to play, a song or two to perform or share, where the band plays along and anyone or everyone is in the band. Or just sit and listen or shake a shaker or hum or sing along. No mics or amps or pedals. No cords to trip on. No banjo or bagpipe jokes. Accordions always welcome.
There will be wood fired pizza available (weather permitting) and the bar opens at 6pm.
Stories are the back bone of our culture. Everyone has at least one great story. Would you like to hear some and more importantly, would you like to tell yours? Whether you’ve admired the radio spots of Paul Harvey, Stuart MacLean or Terry O’Reilly or the tall tales of your great uncle Bill or your favourite hair dresser, a good yarn puts our common humanity on full display. It’s your turn now.
Here at the Old Church we’re going to dedicate as many Thursday evenings per month as we can to the stories that make up the fabric of our experiences. Make some notes, rehearse, embellish, practice your gesticulations or fire straight from the hip. We’re doing this Open Mic style, everyone takes 5 or 10 minutes. Read a passage from your great Canadian novel or your newest play. Any work in progress is welcome. Even if you have a favourite that isn’t your own; a poem, a bit of movie dialogue, song lyric or a ghost story, have at it. We have all and sundry refreshments if you require a ‘wee nip o’courage’ to get you going.
Mark Martyre is a Canadian writer and musician. His prolific songwriting has produced 5 full-length studio albums since 2012: Down, Record (2012), London (2013), Red Letters (2014), Bluebird (2016), and Rivers (2017), as well as several live records, and bootlegs. His music has garnered critical acclaim and attention both nationally and 
internationally, and has earned him “Best Songwriter” and “Album of the Year” nominations. In 2016, Mark also published a collection of his lyrics, spanning his music between 2012-2016., and has had several poems published in online journals and literary magazines.
“There is a certain wryness about Martyre’s voice which makes it perfect for telling stories about knowing the truth and bearing the weight of it so that someone else doesn’t have to before their time.”
-Juliette Jagger, Rock and Roll Journalist / alancross.ca
A Canada-Japan Jazz Exchange, two years in the works, is happening in September. While in Canada these fine Japanese jazz musicians along with Northumberland county’s San Murata (violin) and Howard Baer (bass) will be coming to Old Church Theatre for a special, not-to-be-missed performance!
OUR HOSTS:
Japanese-born and educated, San Murata emigrated to Canada over 50 years ago and became a tennis pro at an exclusive club in Toronto. Soon he began working as a graphic designer and before long was Creative Director for a Canadian broadcast empire. When he reached the age of 50 San’s creative energy was bubbling over and he began to teach himself painting and jazz violin. And it was in this time of life that San’s love affair with Japan was rekindled. Now, almost 30 years later, San spends his time moving between his Canadian home in Northumberland and his Japanese home in Kumamoto.
On the heels of a 38yr career in studio recording as composer-arranger-
producer creating music for IMAX, CBC-TV, Solitudes and numerous educational music programs for kids, having had over 7000 of his arrangements recorded, and having been honoured with several JUNO nominations for his work, Howard Baer, a Warkworth resident, has changed musical direction. Previously a keyboardist, trumpet player and conductor, Howard now enjoys playing various styles of music: jazz, swing, blues, country, bluegrass, R&B, folk and classical …as an upright bassist. His main focus has been playing in various jazz configurations and coordinating music presentations for dining venues, festivals, weddings & special events. Howard has acted as Musical Coordinator of the Westben Jazz Fringe Festival for the past four seasons.
OUR GUESTS:
Joining us for this season’s event will be vocalist Michiyo Horiuchi and pianist Yasu Yamaguchi both visiting from Japan, as well as Millbrook’s Michael Monis on guitar. Join us for another international conversation in the language of jazz!
Join us Wednesday nights at the Old Church when we fill the house with music and good times in the spirit of campfires and kitchen parties and band practice in mom’s basement. Bring an instrument or two to play, a song or two to perform or share, where the band plays along and anyone or everyone is in the band. Or just sit and listen or shake a shaker or hum or sing along. No mics or amps or pedals. No cords to trip on. No banjo or bagpipe jokes. Accordions always welcome.
There will be wood fired pizza available (weather permitting) and the bar opens at 6pm.
Described by Roots Music Canada as “The Pink Floyd of Folk Music” the Red Dirt Skinners are the multi-award winning, multi-instrumentalist husband and wife team of Rob and Sarah Skinner.
“Musically set apart from the mass of bands who are just copying what has gone before” Music News
Dennis came of age in the last days of the once thriving County & Western scene in South Central Ontario, when every small town had at least one venue for live music, many offering six nights a week with a Saturday matinee. Although most directly influenced by the singer/songwriters of the ‘folk boom’ of the 60s, he developed and adapted his own mantra of ‘songs I wrote or wished I had’ to suit the situation, realizing that raw emotion was the only vehicle that would see him through the turbulent honky- tonk scene, whether on his own or with an assortment of talented, if somewhat out of place musicians.
Raw emotion, and a keen eye for the human condition, along with a repertoire of classic ballads helped form the perspective that saw him evolve into the seasoned performer that he is today.
A very special Sunday matinee with 2 of Nova Scotia’s extremely talented and hard working female artists. Kim Doolittle returns to the Old Church Theatre and offers up some time and space to Christina Martin. Read about these women, get your tickets, and don’t miss a great two-for-one event!
KIM DOOLITTLE
January, 2018 marked 45 years as a Singer, Songwriter and Storyteller. Music is my life. I love to sing, write, play and tell stories about a life I had perfectly planned. Those plans went more curly than straight, teaching me that too many plans are laughable while those curves inform my Muse. My 9th studio album feels like my first. “Into The Blue”, produced and largely co-written by Ken Whiteley is the sum of a 43 year artistic journey. It comes straight from the heart and the songs reflect a deep desire to move forward in my musical life authentically, with an eye on looking back at where it all began.
“Into The Blue” dropped April 8, 2017, charting on Stingray Music, The Blues Radio Network, CBC, Toronto Blues Society Charts, Blues and Routes Radio, and Folk Routes to name a few. The music is heavily influenced by Blues, Roots, Gospel, Folk and the varied tapestry woven at family Kitchen Parties courtesy of my native Nova Scotian childhood.
I am humbled to have been mentored by Ken Whiteley, my music could not have been placed in better hands. The songs are reflective and meant to create hope and optimism through strength, perseverance, trust and spirit. We cannot get enough of that in the world.
I look forward to making your acquaintance and may all your blues be the musical kind”.
~ Kim Doolittle
CHRISTINA MARTIN – WONDERFUL LIE TOUR
Christina Martin departs on her first cross-Canada tour since 2010 with guitarist Dale Murray, supporting a new album they independently produced titled “Wonderful Lie”. The album features stripped down recordings of covers and originals. “We choose at least one version of a cover to perform each year, and now we’d like to share some of our favourites. For years, we didn’t dare attempt to recreate songs that we felt were already their best versions, but then we got selfish and figured, why not? You learn a lot in the recording process and by examining other people’s songs. It’s a treat to hear an audience’s response when they recognize that you are playing a song they know and love.”
Christina began recording her own music while slogging it out on the Austin, Texas bar scene. A multi award winning singer-songwriter, she has been relentlessly recording and touring in Canada and in the UK and Europe, building connections at venues big and small, singing songs about loss, love and perseverance. Her songs have been featured in films and television, and she’s performed at music festivals around the world (Rolling Stone Weekender Festival, Belfast Nashville Songwriters Festival, Folk Alliance International, Ottawa Bluesfest and Reeperbahn Festival).
At her Canadian tour dates, Martin partners with The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health to promote the work of Canada’s largest mental health and addiction teaching hospital.
Join us Wednesday nights at the Old Church when we fill the house with music and good times in the spirit of campfires and kitchen parties and band practice in mom’s basement. Bring an instrument or two to play, a song or two to perform or share, where the band plays along and anyone or everyone is in the band. Or just sit and listen or shake a shaker or hum or sing along. No mics or amps or pedals. No cords to trip on. No banjo or bagpipe jokes. Accordions always welcome.
There will be wood fired pizza available (weather permitting) and the bar opens at 6pm.
Durham County Poets are from the Chateauguay valley located in Quebec, Canada. Their influences are varied, from blues to folk, from jazz to gospel, with elements of the Band, James Taylor, Jimmy Reed, even some Leon Redbone. Each member brings a different musical background to the band that marries into a sound that has been labeled as soulful folk.
“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.” Acoustic Live in New York City, album review
“The Poets lay down a sweet acoustic groove that’s subtle, yet captivating. Utilizing strong players on double bass, acoustic guitar, stellar electric guitar, percussion utilizing primarily brushes, they gently work around Kevin Harvey’s soulful lead vocals. I think every song I heard from them had at least one intriguing key change, further tenderizing the overall sound. Both acoustic and electric guitars often played together, uttering an almost piano sound with their blend. Watch for them next time they’re around.” —Steve Tennant Medium
“Enjoy the groove and good humor of The Durham County Poets.” John Platt, WFUV, radio (Fordham University Public Media)
“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 Lamontagnele, Le net blues, 2014
“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, Can.
Join us Wednesday nights at the Old Church when we fill the house with music and good times in the spirit of campfires and kitchen parties and band practice in mom’s basement. Bring an instrument or two to play, a song or two to perform or share, where the band plays along and anyone or everyone is in the band. Or just sit and listen or shake a shaker or hum or sing along. No mics or amps or pedals. No cords to trip on. No banjo or bagpipe jokes. Accordions always welcome.
There will be wood fired pizza available (weather permitting) and the bar opens at 6pm.
Her intimate lyrics are like words torn from her diary, and the music is the glue binding the pages together. Ever since learning to play guitar at the age of 12, Teagan McLaren found harmony in creating music about her personal triumphs and struggles. “The initial challenge for me was not in writing songs, but actually performing them,” she says, “there is an inescapable vulnerability that comes along
with revealing your music to the world and hoping that someone will relate to it. That fear was quickly conquered the first time I truly connected with a person over a song I wrote.”
Gaining her confidence, Teagan gradually upgraded from performing in her living room, to jamming with other musicians at campfires and kitchen parties. It wasn’t until 2012 that her performance career took flight when a few friends convinced her to submit an audition video for the “Billy Idol” competition. The audition video received such positive reviews that Teagan was awarded a seat among the top four finalists, winning the chance to audition in-person for country star Billy Currington.
Since then Teagan has gone on to: release a self-titled EP; place in the top 100 of CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada Song Quest; win first prize at the Voice of the Rideau competition; open for multi-Juno Award winner Fred Penner, and CCMA nominees The Heartbroken; share the stage annually with Gold Record Award winner, Cliff Edwards, in a Johnny Cash and June Carter tribute show; and earn a Bachelor of Music Degree studying the saxophone.
Teagan is currently recording her first full-length album in Nashville, Tennessee alongside producer and ACM’s Guitarist of the Year, John Willis. The album is set to be released in the September 2019.
More info at: www.teaganmclaren.com
Over the last two years, Graham Nicholas has quickly become a permanent fixture on the folk and roots scene in Ontario. He has created an emotionally resonant world inhabited by troubled and love hungry characters. Never alienated for their insecurities, his characters are instead respected by the empathetic voice of an honest songwriter.
On Sometimes Chicken, Sometimes Feathers, his latest full- length album, Nicholas has created an emotionally resonant world inhabited by troubled and love-hungry characters. Never alienated for their insecurities, his characters are instead respected by the empathetic voice of an honest songwriter. The album finds Nicholas honing in on his concise form of storytelling and refining his irreverent sense of humor. Coupling the narratives with a backing band that harkens back to the likes of The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and The Band, Nicholas’ songs have found the right balance of warmth and grit.
The Follow up to hi EP, Ruby and Other Bedtime Stories, Sometimes Chicken Sometimes Feathers was recorded at Sugar Shack Studios in London, Ontario and produces by Aaron Comeau.
“John Prine would be proud.” – Americana UK
Jimmy Bowskill is a multi-instrumentalist whose professional career stared at age 11 when discovered by Jeff Healey. Immediately his first recording session was set up which led to Jimmy being the youngest Juno nominee ever.
He spent the next decade plus touring North America and Europe, released 6 critically acclaimed albums and shared billings with Jeff Beck, Robert Cray, Johnny Winter, Jimmie Vaughan, ZZ Top, Dickey Betts, Deep Purple, Wishbone Ash and dozens more while selling out theatres and halls as a headliner.
Jimmy currently plays lead guitar for The Sheepdogs (the only Canadian group to make the cover of Rolling Stone) and he plays Pedal Steel, Mandolin and Violin for Blue Rodeo, two of Canada’s biggest bands. He is a sought after studio musician as it generally only takes him one take to get his part down (also playing keys, mandolin, pedal steel and doing string arrangements) and on top of this he has perfect pitch. His latest project was playing on and co-producing the latest Greg Keelor from Blue Rodeo’s solo album.
Accompanying Jimmy is Ian McKeown, Bowskill’s right hand man. Ian has been playing music with Jim for 5 years, involved in several of his projects, playing drums in Jim’s Rock Band, Bass in Jim’s Blues Band and Dobro in Jim’s Bluegrass Band. Ian lives in Toronto and is another sought after multi-instrumentalist.
This will be an incredible evening of original songs, Roots and Blues Classics and some fine pickin’.
Please join us for a glass or two of local wine, or a pint or two of local beer, and a one-act play or two by local playwright Peter Paylor. Make that three plays – and every one of them a world premiere.
A Wedding in (Mostly) White
What do you get when you have four random elements and 24 hours to put them into a play? If the elements are domestic pigeons, an ultimatum, a pay phone, and a recurring slogan, you might get A Wedding in (Mostly) White. Directed by Lesley Bonisteel from the original script, it’s the age-old story of a bride, a groom, a bird guy, and the kind of wedding day dilemma that only a used car salesman can solve.
The Black Chair
Paul is taking pictures of ordinary people in an empty room, interacting with an old chair. Mary is there to let him in. That’s about all there is to The Black Chair, a bittersweet, moving, funny, and poignant collection of tour de force performances by members of the Old Church Theatre Workshop.
The Consultants
Timothy wants nothing more than to get to work – he’s got a shift at his part-time job – but unfortunately he’s inherited a fortune and now he has to visit Liz and Pat, the consultants, before he can do anything else. Directed by the playwright, The Consultants is a comic romp through days gone by when shop girls were shop girls and a house was more than a home.
Please join us for a glass or two of local wine (or a pint or two of local beer) and a one-act play or two by local playwright Peter Paylor. Make that three plays – and every one of them a world premiere.
A Wedding in (Mostly) White
What do you get when you have four random elements and 24 hours to put them into a play? If the elements are domestic pigeons, an ultimatum, a pay phone, and a recurring slogan, you might get A Wedding in (Mostly) White. Directed by Lesley Bonisteel from the original script, it’s the age-old story of a bride, a groom, a bird guy, and the kind of wedding day dilemma that only a used car salesman can solve.
The Black Chair
Paul is taking pictures of ordinary people in an empty room, interacting with an old chair. Mary is there to let him in. That’s about all there is to The Black Chair, a bittersweet, moving, funny, and poignant collection of tour de force performances by members of the Old Church Theatre Workshop.
The Consultants
Timothy wants nothing more than to get to work – he’s got a shift at his part-time job – but unfortunately he’s inherited a fortune and now he has to visit Liz and Pat, the consultants, before he can do anything else. Directed by the playwright, The Consultants is a comic romp through days gone by when shop girls were shop girls and a house was more than a home.
Please join us for a glass or two of local wine (or a pint or two of local beer) and a one-act play or two by local playwright Peter Paylor. Make that three plays – and every one of them a world premiere.
A Wedding in (Mostly) White
What do you get when you have four random elements and 24 hours to put them into a play? If the elements are domestic pigeons, an ultimatum, a pay phone, and a recurring slogan, you might get A Wedding in (Mostly) White. Directed by Lesley Bonisteel from the original script, it’s the age-old story of a bride, a groom, a bird guy, and the kind of wedding day dilemma that only a used car salesman can solve.
The Black Chair
Paul is taking pictures of ordinary people in an empty room, interacting with an old chair. Mary is there to let him in. That’s about all there is to The Black Chair, a bittersweet, moving, funny, and poignant collection of tour de force performances by members of the Old Church Theatre Workshop.
The Consultants
Timothy wants nothing more than to get to work – he’s got a shift at his part-time job – but unfortunately he’s inherited a fortune and now he has to visit Liz and Pat, the consultants, before he can do anything else. Directed by the playwright, The Consultants is a comic romp through days gone by when shop girls were shop girls and a house was more than a home.
Join us Wednesday nights at the Old Church when we fill the house with music and good times in the spirit of campfires and kitchen parties and band practice in mom’s basement. Bring an instrument or two to play, a song or two to perform or share, where the band plays along and anyone or everyone is in the band. Or just sit and listen or shake a shaker or hum or sing along. No mics or amps or pedals. No cords to trip on. No banjo or bagpipe jokes. Accordions always welcome.
There will be wood fired pizza available (weather permitting) and the bar opens at 6pm.
It’s probably a good thing Carlos wasn’t there when the harmonica appeared in North America in the 1860s. Neil Young and Bob Dylan can probably roll with it when he says they are very mediocre harmonica players. Aspiring harmonica players Wyatt Earp and Billy the Kid might have overreacted and pulled out their pistols.
Carlos has been awarded Gold Medals from the Hohner World Harmonica Championship in Trossingen, Germany, as well as multiple national awards in Canada which includes Carlos’ eight time Harmonica Player of The Year wins at the Maple Leaf Blues Awards.
To say he plays the harmonica is like saying “Jimi Hendrix plays guitar”. He blows the blues harp through a prism — suddenly it seems he’s holding every colour in the musical rainbow right there in his hands. Simultaneously sophisticated and raw, his playing blurs the boundaries between blues and jazz (hence the name for his band “The Blues Mongrels”, they could just as well be called “The Jazz Mongrels”). The emphasis is on blues, but they are not afraid to merrily traipse off in other directions delivering a seamless fusion of New Orleans second line grooves, jazz swing, Latin, hip-hop or ska melodies, to swampy roots rock.
The Blues Mongrels are: bassist Henry Heillig (founded the nine piece Latin band Manteca), and guitarist Eric St. Laurent. Get ready to trash all you thought you knew about the harmonica. The Blues Mongrels deliver a no-holds-barred display of fun and melodic virtuosity.
For more information about Carlos: http://www.carlosdeljunco.com
photo – Milton Young
2010 JUNO NOMINATION for STEADY MOVIN’ cd
1997 – 2013 Harmonica Player of the Year – EIGHT time WINNER
2005 “Best Blues” Award – NOW Magazine, Toronto, ON
1998 JUNO NOMINATION for BIG BOY cd
1996 Blues Musician of the Year Award: Jazz Report Magazine
1993 Hohner World Harmonica Championship – Trossingen, Germany Two Gold Medals in both diatonic blues and diatonic jazz
QUOTES:
“…a model of focus and urgency..a true virtuoso..
Brad Wheeler – The Globe and Mail
“One listen to the man who bent his first notes on the harmonica at the age of fourteen and it’s obvious he’s in a class with such greats as Toots Theilemans, Paul Butterfield, and Howard Levy…
Peter North – The Edmonton Journal
“FOUR (out of 4) STARS – Latest Cd Review: MONGREL MASH
It’s not likely that you’ll ever hear the harmonica played so well and in so many different ways than at the hands of Cuban-born Torontonian Carlos del Junco. But what makes his album an especial treat is the sheer let’s-do-it positive energy that radiates from the eclectic collection of nine tracks. Mongrel Mash refers to the crazy mix of styles, ranging from deep, heavy-duty blues-rock (“Mojo”) to Herb Alpert’s slightly cheesy “Slick,” and jivin’ “Lil’ Laptop” to sweet, rootsy ballad “The Field,” which arrives via languid dobro set-up. Del Junco may be the headliner, but the songs and arrangements shine the light on an excellent band of equals who all get some time in the sonic spotlight. There is something here to put a smile on anyone’s face — and it only gets better with each listen. My favourite: Del Junco’s own “My Favourite Uncle,” a gently hip-swinging sweep down Louisiana way.
John Terauds – TORONTO STAR
Join us Wednesday nights at the Old Church when we fill the house with music and good times in the spirit of campfires and kitchen parties and band practice in mom’s basement. Bring an instrument or two to play, a song or two to perform or share, where the band plays along and anyone or everyone is in the band. Or just sit and listen or shake a shaker or hum or sing along. No mics or amps or pedals. No cords to trip on. No banjo or bagpipe jokes. Accordions always welcome.
There will be wood fired pizza available (weather permitting) and the bar opens at 6pm.
Contemporary folk-soul musician Lance Isaacs is a singer/songwriter born and raised on Six Nations, an aboriginal community southwest of Hamilton, ON.
Recognized and revered for his sultry vocals and soulful, melodic compositions, his live performance is both instantly captivating and emotionally engaging.
“Lance Isaacs has one of those voices, a voice people need to
hear” -Ryan Weber, The Weber Brothers
The power and potency of his voice is starkly contrasted by a confidence and lighthearted disposition that is at once both endearing and comforting. The broad range and spectrum of his music, which presents everything from woeful themes of self reflection to the celebration of seeking ones own place in the world, culminates in a depth of feeling seldom felt, let alone heard.
One cannot help but think that his original composition “Undercover Man” is somewhat auto biographical as he seems to be an undercover observer of the human experience, one with the innate ability to reflect back to us in vivid detail the feelings we were ourselves already feeling, and the emotions we may have been trying to hide from.
Lenni Stewart, Michael Monis, Harry Ellis and Howard Baer return to the Old Church Theatre on Remembrance Day. The afternoon will included an array of the unforgettable ‘Songs That Won the War’ from both World Wars.
Canadian songstress Lenni Stewart delivers the ‘swing’ every time to the enduring tunes of the American Songbook, Broadway Jazz & Torch.
With class, sass, charm, sophistication and a dose of The Comedienne, Lenni is a stage persona that is compelling to the senses and a tickle to the funny bone.
Critics describe her as “…an amazing talent” having “…a distinctive vocal magic. Her voice is beautiful, sensual and vibrant.” An evening with Lenni Stewart is CLASSY, SASSY, SOPHISTICATED …and unforgettable!
Comfortable in any musical style, and active in the Toronto music scene for well over thirty years, Michael Monis has toured extensively and worked both in studio and on stage with countless jazz greats from Moe Koffman to Jane Bunnett. Son of legendary guitar master Hank Monis, Michael currently resides with his family in Millbrook, Ontario.
Raised in New Jersey, Harry Ellis has had a long and varied career playing and traveling with such artists as Helen Reddy, Gary Lewis & the Playboys, Maria Muldar, Tanya Tucker, Michelle Wright, and Carol Baker. He has performed in jazz festivals in Europe and Asia with Milt Hinton, Buddy Tate, Warren Vaché, Danny Moss, and Roy Williamson, and in Canada with Peter Appleyard, Norm Amadio, Frank Wright, Michael Stewart, Bobby Fenton, George Koller, Hilario Duran, Luis Mario Ochoa, and Bill McBirnie to name but a few. Harry now resides in Prince Edward County and performs regularly with a wide assortment of players and singers in the area.
On the heels of a 38yr career in studio recording as composer-arranger-producer creating music for IMAX, CBC-TV, Solitudes and numerous educational music programs for kids, having had over 7000 of his arrangements recorded, and having been honoured with several JUNO nominations for his work, Howard Baer, a Warkworth resident, has changed musical direction. Previously a keyboardist, trumpet player and conductor, Howard now enjoys playing various styles of music: jazz, swing, blues, country, bluegrass, R&B, folk and classical …as an upright bassist. His main focus has been playing in various jazz configurations and coordinating music presentations for dining venues, festivals, weddings & special events. For more information please visit baeronbass.wordpress.com.
Join us Wednesday nights at the Old Church when we fill the house with music and good times in the spirit of campfires and kitchen parties and band practice in mom’s basement. Bring an instrument or two to play, a song or two to perform or share, where the band plays along and anyone or everyone is in the band. Or just sit and listen or shake a shaker or hum or sing along. No mics or amps or pedals. No cords to trip on. No banjo or bagpipe jokes. Accordions always welcome.
There will be wood fired pizza available (weather permitting) and the bar opens at 6pm.
One reviewer recently wrote – ‘Daniel Champagne exudes a natural ease on stage, as he sings poignant lyrics and beautifully crafted melodies that invariably whisk the heart up with grand romanticism. Coupled with an exhilarating guitar talent that transcends mere acoustic playing to replicate a whole band, Champagne is just magical’
Photoshoot
The story goes that the young Australian singer, songwriter and one-of-a-kind guitar virtuoso first picked up his instrument of choice as a five-year-old following in the footsteps of a musical father. He began writing songs at 12, training classically throughout his teens and performing solo wherever he could, honing his craft and developing what would become the dynamite live show that he is renowned for today. At 18 he left school, turned professional and hit the road.
The next several years saw him traversing North America, the United Kingdom, Europe, New Zealand and of course, his homeland Australia playing such festivals as California WorldFest, Winnipeg Folk Fest, Vancouver and Mariposa Folk (Canada), Belgium’s Labadoux Festival and Australia’s Woodford, Falls Festival, Port Fairy Folk Festival and the legendary Byron Bay Bluesfest. He has toured and shared stages with Jake Shimabukuro, Jesse Cook, Roderigo Y Gabriela, Richard Shindell, The Ragbirds, The Waifs, Lucinda Williams, Judy Collins, INXS, John Butler, KT Tunstall and Ani DiFranco.
As one reviewer recently wrote, “still in his early twenties, the distances he has been would be more frequently associated with veterans of the Folk scene” (The Dwarf).
Daniel has accomplished all of this while writing, producing and independently releasing two Eps, Gypsy Moon Volumes 1 and 2, his first long player ‘Pint of Mystery’ (2011) ‘My Own Design’ (2009), ‘Wide Eyed and Open’ (2010), ‘Real Live’ (2012), and ‘The Heartland Hurricanes’ (2014), and ‘Fault Lines’ (2017). His latest release the ‘Satellite City EP’ (2018) is comprised of three singles, Satellite City (out Sept 14), Indigo (out Oct 12), and The Great Divide (out Nov 1).
A review of his two Gypsy Moon releases said the following: ‘Champagne has gone a step further this time, it’s like he’s realized his own potential, his confidence is sky-high and he’s truly ready to explore’ – Australia’s roots music bible Rhythms Magazine
Now regarded as a leading light in acoustic music, with a firm reputation for making festivals buzz, holding crowds in his palm, dropping jaws and breaking guitars wherever he goes. Daniel Champagne has relocated to North America where he continues his exciting career as an international touring and recording artist.
Join author and former captain in the Canadian Armed Forces, Kelly S. Thompson and Quinte area photographer and writer, Larry Tayler as they discuss Kelly’s debut memoir, Girls Need Not Apply: Field Notes From The Forces.
Donations are accepted at the door and your online donation reserves a seat. Proceeds from Kelly’s evening will go to the Women Warriors Healing Garden
BIO
KELLY S. THOMPSON is a former captain in the Canadian Armed Forces, retiring after an injury, and is now a writer and editor based out of the Toronto area. She has a degree in Professional Writing from York and an MFA in Creative Writing from UBC. Her work has appeared in magazines including Maclean’s, Chatelaine, and Maisonneuve, as well as in various anthologies and collections. Her essay “Basically Broken” appeared in the bestselling 2017 anthology Everyday Heroes. Her essay “We Are a (Military) Family” won the 2013 Barbara Novak Award for Excellence in Personal Essay. Her essay “Strip, Reveal and Sex Appeal” won the 2017 Barbara Novak Award for Excellence in Personal Essay. This is her first book.
ABOUT THIS BOOK
This inspiring, compelling debut memoir chronicles the experiences of a female captain serving in the Canadian Armed Forces, and her journey to make space for herself in a traditionally masculine world.
At eighteen years old, Kelly Thompson enlisted in the Canadian Armed Forces. Despite growing up in a military family — she would, in fact, be a fourth-generation soldier — she couldn’t shake the feeling that she didn’t belong.
From the moment she arrives for basic training at a Quebec military base, a young woman more interested in writing than weaponry, she quickly realizes that her conception of what being a soldier means, forged from a desire to serve her country after the 9/11 attacks, isn’t entirely accurate. A career as a female officer will involve navigating a masculinized culture and coming to grips with her burgeoning feminism.
In this compulsively readable memoir, Thompson writes with wit and honesty about her own development as a woman and a soldier, unsparingly highlighting truths about her time in the military. In sharply crafted prose, she chronicles the frequent sexism and misogyny she encounters both in training and later in the workplace, and explores her own feelings of pride and loyalty to the Forces, and a family legacy of PTSD, all while searching for an artistic identity in a career that demands conformity. When she sustains a career-altering injury, Thompson fearlessly re-examines her identity as a soldier.
Girls Need Not Apply is a refreshingly honest story of conviction, determination, and empowerment, and a bit of a love story, too.
Join us Wednesday nights at the Old Church when we fill the house with music and good times in the spirit of campfires and kitchen parties and band practice in mom’s basement. Bring an instrument or two to play, a song or two to perform or share, where the band plays along and anyone or everyone is in the band. Or just sit and listen or shake a shaker or hum or sing along. No mics or amps or pedals. No cords to trip on. No banjo or bagpipe jokes. Accordions always welcome.
There will be wood fired pizza available (weather permitting) and the bar opens at 6pm.
After nearly 10 years in music—that’s six albums, two home bases, countless cross-Canada tours, dozens of flights across the ocean and back—Gabrielle Papillon is looking at a life in music differently. She’s pulling the balance back, away from endless touring and grant paperwork and toward her favourite part about music: The creation of it.
Gabrielle has shared the stage with Ron Sexmith, Amelia Curran, the Head and the Heart, the Strumbellas, Arkells, Ria Mae, Old Man Luedecke, and Hey Rosetta! among others. She has also licensed her music for film and television in Canada, the United States, and Australia with 15 placements over the last three years, including Rookie Blue (USA), Offspring (AUS, Netflix), and This Life (CAN).
Gabrielle has in recent years turned to co-writing with other writers and producers for their own projects, for sync placement, and to present to other artists. That process includes taking those trans-Atlantic flights to write with multiple producers and songwriters in the UK, finding a special knack with Jonas Persson, and back home in Halifax, Nova Scotia with the likes of pop mastermind Corey LeRue.
What has happened, quite unintentionally, is a new passel of songs for her own catalogue, in addition to the more than 30 collaborations she’s worked on. Writing songs for strangers—culling from Gabrielle’s own life experiences—has offered an openness writing songs solely for herself had not. There is no expectation of genre, or voice, or theme: All that matters is this song, in this moment. So she’s kept some for herself.
Without the framework of an album to consider—though that will come, stay tuned—Gabrielle approached each new track as its own record: What was the song’s intent? What is the sound it needs? Who would be the right producer to get that sound? Why wait two years to have a finished album when you can build it one song at a time, offering the songs as a whole work once they’ve had time to marinate? As she’s reframed her life in the music business, so too has she reframed the making of the music itself, and she’s found a new freedom.
“I am a songwriter first, and I am happiest when I am writing,” she says. “That is my greatest skill. And in this new journey of harnessing it for projects outside of my own artist career, I’ve found some amazing collaborators and discovered a new and unrestrained way of writing for myself. I’ll always play shows and be a performer, but I don’t see the sense in touring for the sake of touring. I want tours and shows to be special and worthwhile.”
Find your freedom in the song, in this moment. It’s the same voice, it’s just getting bigger.
Gabrielle has been very fortunate to have consistent national radio play and support from CBC Radio, in Canada, with songs in regular and high rotation. She has also had a few spotlight plays on BBC Radio 6, and her last album charted on Canadian national campus radio, CBC Radio 2, and the international iTunes Singer-Songwriter charts.
Gabrielle has been touring and playing music full time since 2010 and does particularly well in Halifax, Montreal, and Toronto, usually playing 120 to 200 cap rooms in those three cities. She also plays larger venues and festivals in other cities though often as part of another bill.
Al Lerman, multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter and leader of the two-time Juno Award winning band Fathead RETURNS to the Old Church!
Tickets TBA
Outside of his 2X Juno Award winning band Fathead, AL LERMAN has built a solid career touring as an solo blues/roots artist, accompanying himself on acoustic guitar and rack harmonica. Considered among the top harmonica players in the country, his prowess on the instrument has earned him several Maple Blues nominations. His saxophone and harmonica has been heard on countless recordings and live sessions with some of the best in the blues. A full-time musician for over forty years with a stunning catalogue of original material, Lerman casts a magical spell on his audience employing ace musicianship, laid-back humour and plenty of heartfelt soul.
“Lerman’s compositions are, for the most part, quietly unassuming mini-masterpieces. He is an absolute master… every note tempered by experience yet delivered with undiminished energy and enthusiasm, and Lerman has clearly taken the time to get things right – despite being his solo debut, this is the work of a mature and thoughtful artist. Lerman has a winner here – highly recommended!”
-John Taylor, Blinded By Sound
“Lerman, a super harp player, singer and guitarist has assembled a cool all acoustic set he should be proud of.”
-B-Man’s Blues Report, USA
“With no-one to lean on up there, he takes right over, and puts on the kind of show you want as a blues fan, a great voice and fine playing.”
-CBC Radio
“For those looking for great acoustic blues, Al Lerman is a must!”
-Rootstime (Belgium)
“An album in which one of Canada’s best harp players, singer/songwriters sits down and offers up a stunning twelve song performance. One of my favourites so far for this year.”
-John Vermilyea, Blues Underground Network
“One of Canada’s finest examples of how good blues harp should be played… and a solid reminder of his skills as a songwriter. You’ll find many highlights here as Al stuts his stuff. Lerman is a hard-working musician who proves himself worthy of his rightful piece of the pie.
-Eric Thom, Roots Music Canada
Surefire Sweat, is made up of a diverse and multi-generational roster of Toronto-based artists. The music, composed by Juno-nominated drummer, Larry Graves, is original, drawing on an amalgam of Funk, Jazz, Brass Band, Blues and Afrobeat. Inventive arrangements act as a vehicle for the all-star cast of musicians to engage 
listeners through improvisational explorations and danceable arrangements.
In this age of electronic dance music and digital wizardry, Surefire Sweat forges ahead with an old-school music-making approach. Full of memorable melodic hooks and toe-tapping rhythms, listeners are carried along by a revolving door of Toronto finest, sweating it out on drums, percussion, guitars and various horns. Sometimes we even sing. Despite being dominantly instrumental in nature, each of the group’s unique pieces is propelled by a narrative: colourful journeys that emote real time metaphors of the human condition.
The band has been active on the Toronto music scene performing at various festivals, music series and in clubs and concert venues. Currently the group is developing some new music (with support from The Canada Council for Arts and The Ontario Arts Council).
Join us Wednesday nights at the Old Church when we fill the house with music and good times in the spirit of campfires and kitchen parties and band practice in mom’s basement. Bring an instrument or two to play, a song or two to perform or share, where the band plays along and anyone or everyone is in the band. Or just sit and listen or shake a shaker or hum or sing along. No mics or amps or pedals. No cords to trip on. No banjo or bagpipe jokes. Accordions always welcome.
There will be wood fired pizza available (weather permitting) and the bar opens at 6pm.
The 1950 Tour featuring Hank Williams Revisited and special guest tribute to Ray Price! Get transported back to 1950 with this authentic tribute to the legendary Hank Williams. Revisit over 25 of Hank’s greatest hits including “Cold Cold Heart”, “Hey Good Lookin”, “Jambalaya” and “Your Cheatin’ Heart”. Special guest tribute to Ray Price will be performed by Mitch Barker.
Join us Wednesday nights at the Old Church when we fill the house with music and good times in the spirit of campfires and kitchen parties and band practice in mom’s basement. Bring an instrument or two to play, a song or two to perform or share, where the band plays along and anyone or everyone is in the band. Or just sit and listen or shake a shaker or hum or sing along. No mics or amps or pedals. No cords to trip on. No banjo or bagpipe jokes. Accordions always welcome.
There will be wood fired pizza available (weather permitting) and the bar opens at 6pm.
Tickets TBA
On his seventh album, acclaimed Canadian songwriter Rob Lutes does what he has done for years: kicks up a little dust, wades into some deep waters and tackles the realities of the world with depth, humour and a unique musical style.
Situated at the intersection of the blues, folk, Americana and contemporary singer-songwriter genres, Walk in the Dark is an exquisite collection of songs that highlight Lutes’s unmistakable voice and literary writing style. Co-produced with celebrated Montreal producer and Cirque de Soleil collaborator Rob Heaney, the album features a group of Canada’s finest roots and blues players, including guitarist Rob MacDonald and keyboardist Bob Stagg along with noted artists Ian Kelly, Guy Bélanger and Joe Grass. It finds Lutes, a Kerrville New Folk winner, Maple Blues and Canadian Folk Music Awards nominee, exploring a w
ide range of subjects and paying homage to some heroes: James Cotton (on There’s No Way to Tell You That Tonight) and guitarist Joseph Spence (on the instrumental Spence).
Recorded mainly over three days in late January in a small studio in Montreal’s Notre Dame de Grace borough, the recording captures the essence of Lutes’s soulful voice and rhythmic guitar style, enveloped by a group of players who are no stranger to his groove. Featuring 12 new originals, including two co-writes with award-winning Americana songwriter Dale Boyle, and the forgotten John Prine gem Rocky Mountain Time, the album digs deep into the roots of Canadian and American music and delivers another strong statement. “This album, of all of them, was a journey into the unknown, which is why I like the title so much,” Lutes says. “With a great co-producer, and a group of phenomenal players and friends, I went in to the studio to find these songs. And I really feel like we did that.”
Join us Wednesday nights at the Old Church when we fill the house with music and good times in the spirit of campfires and kitchen parties and band practice in mom’s basement. Bring an instrument or two to play, a song or two to perform or share, where the band plays along and anyone or everyone is in the band. Or just sit and listen or shake a shaker or hum or sing along. No mics or amps or pedals. No cords to trip on. No banjo or bagpipe jokes. Accordions always welcome.
There will be wood fired pizza available (weather permitting) and the bar opens at 6pm.
Tony Vani and Kenny Pauze, a relatively new duo in the Quinte area blues scene but certainly not new to the music world; two highly seasoned musicians paired in this sizzling acoustic format for rare appearances. Tony Vani, from Belleville, Ontario, a skilled harmonica player/vocalist has performed in and around the Belleville area as a single act and as a group act for decades as well as the Kinston Blues Festival and the Frankford Blues Festival. Kenny Pauze, a gifted Delta Blues and Folk guitarist from Elgin Quebec, has played at clubs and festivals including the Ottawa Folk Festival and the Tremblant International Blues Festival. The music focuses on blues and folk styles, yet covers a diverse range of styles from hot and feisty up tempo boogies, to down and dirty blues.
Join us Wednesday nights at the Old Church when we fill the house with music and good times in the spirit of campfires and kitchen parties and band practice in mom’s basement. Bring an instrument or two to play, a song or two to perform or share, where the band plays along and anyone or everyone is in the band. Or just sit and listen or shake a shaker or hum or sing along. No mics or amps or pedals. No cords to trip on. No banjo or bagpipe jokes. Accordions always welcome.
There will be wood fired pizza available (weather permitting) and the bar opens at 6pm.