Sunday evening, March 14th -the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards are taking place.
In front of a limited audience, the Grammys will broadcast from the Los Angeles Staples Center. The Premiere Ceremony, where winners in some of the 83 categories will be announced, is scheduled to take place Sunday, March 14, 2021, starting at 3 p.m. ET (noon PT). It will be streamed live on Grammy.com
Please listen below to some of the artists nominated for this year’s Grammys.
For the full list of 2021 JUNO Award nominees, tune in today at 11AM ET/8AM PT for the JUNO Awards Nominee Announcement Virtual Presentation.
The virtual event will live stream on CBC Music’s social channels and on cbcmusic.ca/junos.
“Music connects us all. It brings us together in times of celebration and sadness, and elevates us when we need inspiration or encouragement,”saysLisa Cooke, Vice President, Advertising, Shaw Communications.
“Right now, Canadians need to be connected more than ever, which is why Freedom Mobile is proud to unite music fans across the country and support Canada’s most iconic music event in its Golden Anniversary year with JUNO Fan Choice presented by Freedom Mobile.”
The 50th anniversary of the JUNO Awards will broadcast nationwide Sunday, May 16 on CBC TV, CBC Gem, CBC Radio One, CBC Music and globally on cbcmusic.ca/junos.
The weekend is here and all the negativity surrounding us day by – minute by minute, must be relinquished.
It is time to sit back or stand up, sway your feet, your spouse or your hips. Do the hip shake baby.
Please listen below to Your Weekend Playlist Part One and a tribute to Walter Gretzky. Part two will be here faster than a conversation under the cone of silence.
March 4th, 1977. The Rolling Stones surprised many fans and people alike by doing a small club act in Toronto. The performance was also to be part of a live album they were recording titled; Love You Live. For Montreal music fans, witnessing local favorites April Wine as the opening act; a double bill to drool over.
Just weeks earlier – Keith Richards was arrested for heroin possession with the intent of trafficking. A real threat to The Stones’ guitarist spending perhaps life in prison and in essence; the potential end of The Rolling Stones.
Thankfully with the help of Richards’ ‘blind angel’ ( a girl from Quebec city named Rita Bedard) and a fair judge, Richards was allowed to continue his work with the band and The El Mocambo show must go on.
Judge Graburn agreed, deeming: “No incarceration or fine would be appropriate because of Mr. Richards’ continuing treatment for drug addiction and his long-term benefit to the community.”
Richards was given a one-year suspended sentence, one years’ probation, and was ordered to give a special performance at the Canadian National Institute for the Blind. There was some speculation that the court’s leniency amounted to preferential treatment, but Prosecutor, Paul Kennedy, didn’t seem to object: “If you get a member of the Rolling Stones off heroin” he said, “you’ve done some good.”
Bedard and Keith – 2015
Gary Moffett of April Wine fame came away from the entire experience with a new found respect for Keith Richards.
” We finished sound check and were back in our dressing room when I realized I had forgot my jacket on stage.’ Recalls Gary. “The door was closed and I heard a guitar being played from inside the room.Whoever it was – I did not want to disturb them so I quietly opened the door to peak in.’
Gary Moffet ( April Wine).
‘Keith was sitting on top of his amp and playing this beautiful arrangement. It was one of the most beautiful sounds I have heard. It was coming directly from the man’s heart. I stood there as quiet as could be and watched and listened for about five minutes. I closed the door just as quietly and walked away with the utmost respect for Keith as a musician and as a man.’
Please listen below to LIVE songs from The Rolling Stones’ 1977 El Mocambo gig.
MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE, presented in collaboration with Casino de Montréal, is starting today!
This year’s edition offers a panoramic view of local gastronomy – shining more light than ever on the producers and artisans of the Quebecois terroir.
In keeping with tradition, the festival will enliven its site on Place des Festivals with original luminous and interactive works.
Furthermore, the details of the virtual programming of Nuit Blanche will be unveiled on March 8.
For the first time, MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE presents 4 web series, comprised of 22 episodes, available to watch for free as of 4pm today.Please note that the web series are available with English subtitles.
Every day from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., the outdoor site of Place des Festivals will offer a free tour of 5 luminous and interactive works (Chimes, Îlot de chaleur, Les Amuses-Gueules, Splinter and Passage) created as part of the festival. We definitely cannot forget about the popular Ferris wheel which can accommodate young and old alike, while adhering to a strict sanitary protocol.
If radio wanted you to hear a song in the seventies – you heard that song. Whether you loved it or not, it became part of your everyday life. Years later, those songs remain part of your youthful (or not so youthful) walk down memory lane.
What about all the great songs radio did not play very often? Like a tree falling in the forest without anyone around to hear – did the song’s distinctive sounds exist?
Please listen below to some great music from 1979.
Have a listen below to some of the best new tunes and find out what it’s like to hang out backstage with The Rolling Stones. You just may get a song lyric from the experience.
Why listen to your spouse when you could be listening to the birds sing?
Have a listen below, away from your troubles and the troubles of the world. Comedy and news. New and old tunes. One stop shopping without a corporate gift card.
Dolly Parton took time to let fans know that since we can’t get together for concerts during the pandemic, local independent venues like the ones where she got her start are at risk.
Ms. Parton is encouraging people to learn more about how they can help by going to SaveOurStages.com.
More than 1,000 artists have supported the National Independent Venue Association’s efforts, including writing letters to Congress and encouraging fans to learn more about the NIVA Emergency Relief Fund which is raising money for our most vulnerable venues, to keep them afloat while they await federal financial relief as part of the Shuttered Venue Operator Grants.
Since it could take many weeks, even months for the funding to flow, the NIVA Emergency Relief Fund continues to raise money. The fund has made a total $3 million in grants so far, assisting more than 150 venues and promoters. $11 million more needs to be raised to fulfill all of the requests received.
Formed at the onset of the COVID-19 shutdown, National Independent Venue Association (NIVA), now represents more than 3,000 members in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. NIVA created and led the #SaveOurStages campaign, resulting in landmark legislation establishing the “Shuttered Venue Operators” Grant program to be administered by the Small Business Administration.
NIVA’s mission is to preserve and nurture the ecosystem of independent live venues, promoters and festivals throughout the United States. The National Independent Venue Foundation (NIVF) was founded to further this mission by also seeking to support a transparent, competitive marketplace serving a diverse and inclusive community of artists, fans, and industry workers.
Featuring virtual concerts from March 14 to April 10 of performances in the West Island (venues in Lachine, Dorval, Beaconsfield, Pointe-Claire, Lachine and Hudson), Festival de la Voix brings communities and all ages together to enjoy music and the power of the human voice, now available to be appreciated around the world.
This 8th edition offers four eclectic concerts, as well as three exceptional workshops. The mix of styles and voices includes The Best of Broadway (belt it out at home), Roots, Blues and Spirituals (Rob Lutes, Dr. Floydd Ricketts, Alexander Asher) and QUARTOM (male vocal quartet).
Rest in Peace Chick Corea
February 28: Special webcast performance, excerpt from Handel’s Messiah from Maison symphonique (Place des Arts), available until March 14. Presented by Ensemble Caprice, Ensemble vocal Arts-Québec and Festival de la Voix
Workshops include Dr. Claudel Callender (vocal technique), Connie Kaldor (songwriting), and Natalie Choquette (soloists master class)
Festival de la Voix 8th edition, March 14-April 10, 2021
Tickets by donation
For information about artists, concerts, workshops and venues: festivaldelavoix.com
NIVA ANNOUNCES NEW ADVISORY BOARD TO FURTHER ASSIST IN PRESERVING AND NURTURING THE ECOSYSTEM OF INDEPENDENT LIVE VENUES AND PROMOTERS THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STATES
The National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) announces the creation of its Advisory Board, whose members will serve as critical community and industry champions. From voices who top the charts to those at the top of their industries, the advisory board will further assist both NIVA and the National Independent Venue Foundation (NIVF) with their respective missions, preserving and nurturing the ecosystem of independent live venues and promoters throughout the United States. Advisory board members will share their diverse knowledge and professional expertise in streaming, ticketing, management and more to help NIVA and its members navigate through the remainder of this pandemic and rebuild the live entertainment ecosystem in a transparent, diverse, and inclusive way.
“NIVA may have been founded amidst dire circumstances, but the future of the live industry and the people who inhabit it have always been top of mind. Officially expanding our coalition to include partners new and old, allows us to innately incorporate those who have stood by our side from the very beginning, like Boris Patronoff from See Tickets, and new voices that will help guide the future,” said NIVA Executive Director and Managing Partner of Marauder.
Click on photo to buy book
“When the pandemic first hit it was clear the independent live music community would need to come together and rally for relief. Doing just that, a dedicated group of promoters set out to form NIVA and we proudly stepped up to support them. The accomplishments to date have been remarkable and I’m thrilled to serve what I believe will be an important organization for years to come,” said Boris Patronoff, Chair of the NIVA Advisory Board and CEO of See Tickets – North America.
The National Independent Venue Association is also pleased to announce the recent addition of Andre Perry (The Englert Theatre, Mission Creek Festival), Amy Madrigali (Troubadour), Audrey Fix Schaefer (I.M.P./9:30 Club, Lincoln Theatre, The Anthem, Merriweather Post Pavilion), and Grace Blake (Iridium) to its organizational board, joining the ranks beside founding Board President Dayna Frank (First Avenue), Board Vice President Stephen Chilton (Rebel Lounge/Psyko Steve Presents), Board Vice President Justin Kantor ((le) poisson rouge), Board Secretary Hal Real (World Café Live), Board Treasurer Stephen Sternschein (Heard Presents), and Executive Director Rev. Moose (Marauder).
The above title not only explains the mindset of recording a new album – it is also the title of New Brunswick’s Laurie Leblanc‘s latest disc’
When It’s Right It’s Rightis LeBlanc’s second all-English release to date. Previous albums includeCouleurs (2018), 20 (2015), Noël de la Pitoune (2014),Noir et Blanc (2012), La Pitoune (2010), and his initial all-English release,Influences (2013).
Please listen below to a preview of Laurie Leblanc’s new EP.
Greg Godovitz has met three members of The Rolling Stones and two members of The Beatles. He ain’t done yet …
Pursuing music in the sixties after seeing / hearing The Beatles on Ed Sullivan; Greg has never looked back. The musical journey has taken him places most dream of. Hanging out with Michel Pagliaro in Montreal to a half hour chat backstage with Sir Paul McCartney.
On the heels of his very popular book – ‘Travels with my Amp’, Greg is at it again with a non sequel;‘Up Close and Uncomfortable’.
Please listen below to PART TWO of my chat with the legendary singer / songwriter from one of Canada’s most successful bands Goddo.
Greg Godovitz has met three members of The Rolling Stones and two members of The Beatles. He ain’t done yet …
Pursuing music in the sixties after seeing / hearing The Beatles on Ed Sullivan; Greg has never looked back. The musical journey has taken him places most dream of. Hanging out with Michel Pagliaro in Montreal to a half hour chat backstage with Sir Paul McCartney.
On the heels of his very popular book – ‘Travels with my Amp’, Greg is at it again with a non sequel;‘Up Close and Uncomfortable’.
Please listen below to PART ONE of my chat with the legendary singer / songwriter from one of Canada’s most successful bands Goddo.
The vastness of the land and the hustle and bustle of the big cities unite in a very unique fashion.
A mixture – a pull and push of creativity which has given birth to talent within and exported it in abundance to listeners around the globe.
Please listen below to what will become a weekly seriesevery Friday on the history of Canadian Music. No timeline – just great Canadian tunes from great Canadian musicians.
Simply put – sound advice when sitting down and layering songs through collaborations.
Douglas Romanow has worked with a bevy of artists including Chantal Kreviazuk and Justin Bieber to name a few.
The Toronto resident is a Record Producer/ Mixer/Songwriter at Aporia Records as well as Songwriter at Bluewater Music Group.
Bieber
Please have a listen below to my chat with Douglas about working with Bieber in the studio and advice for musicians recording in their home studios during Covid.
Hosted by Toronto’s Alana Bridgewater and Johnny Max, the Toronto edition announced five MBA winners. Garrett Mason as the Guitarist of the Year award, Toronto’s Jack de Keyzer for Electric Act of the Year, Matt Andersen for Acoustic Act of the Year, Memphis-based The Ghost Town Blues Band for the B.B. King International Artist of the Year, and Hamilton’s Smoke Wagon Blues Band for Recording/Producer of the Year for their recent release The Ballad of Albert Johnson.
Toronto’s Dione Taylor, who performed her soulful song “One More Shot” and an ingenious performance of the song “Coming Up” by Jack de Keyzer.
There was also a beautiful tribute to the late John Valenteyn, co-founder of the Toronto Blues Society, radio DJ and long-time volunteer.
On Monday, February 8th Angelique Francis and Matt Sobb (MonkeyJunk) will be hosting the second stream from Ottawa. The evening will feature a performance from Ottawa’s JW-Jonesand Nashville-based Indigenous artist Crystal Shawanda (originally from Wiikwemkoong First Nation on Manitoulin Island).
Shawanda
The 24th Annual Maple Blues Awards sessions are being streamed at 8:00 PM Eastern via Facebookhere and on Toronto Blues Society’s YouTube channel here.
Every kid could not wait to get into the car with Dad. Milkshakes, ice cream and music made the Sunday drives a joy.
Have a listen below to some of the songs that played in my Dad’s Cadillac. You remember eight track players don’t ya? Please – enjoy the music as much as I did.
