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.
Powerful doubles and lightning fast triplets without ever needing a double kick pedal.
A right foot that would even make John Bonham jealous.
So today, Larnell Lewis is going to share his best advice for improving your foot technique and making your “dream foot” a reality:
Larnell’s a rare talent.
So don’t be frustrated if you’re not immediately flying across the foot-board like him. But with some practice, you’ll see improved speed & control in your own kick foot.
Sometimes the hardest part about making these improvements is staying motivated.
That’s why it’s been amazing to have Larnell as a Drumeo Coach.
He’s streaming every Tuesday at 12:30pm (PST) inside Drumeo Edge — answering your questions, encouraging your progress, and just hanging out!
Shiver me timbers!Sink me! Are the roots of Canadian music the playlist on every pirate ship? Savvy?
Stan Rogers
Hearties, Scallywags and Landlubbers –all hands hoay and have a listen below to the tunes of the pirates! If you don’t – you will walk the plank !Dead men tell no tales …
Undeterred due to Government restrictions, Winterfolk XIX is set to stream Friday, February 19th and Saturday, February 20th online. Registration to watch is free, and optional donations will be collected in support of the Daily Bread Foodbank.
Laura Fernandez
Please listen below to some great tunes from some of the great artists performing at Winterfolk 2021
Within the audio – a mistake was made regarding the dates – February 19th and 20th are the correct dates
Bohemian Rhapsody – the Queen Inc. biopic depicting the life and times of the band Queen and it’s front-man Freddie Mercury; a sullied misrepresentation of music history and the memory of the late Mercury himself. Smoke and mirrors should never overshadow smoke and mirrors with smoke and mirrors.
With trepidation – a viewing of the Helen Reddy film ‘ I Am Woman’ on the heels of Reddy’s recent passing, a must for any music fan. A must for any fan of equal rights among people regardless of race, gender or color.
Anyone who was around in the mid seventies throughout the first half of the eighties knows Helen Reddy. There were times when the Australian – born singer was on every talk show in America. She was the first Australian woman to have a hit song on the U.S. charts and was also the first ‘Aussie’ to have an American TV show. Depending on your age (sex) – Reddy was either a celebrity, a singer or an activist. Depending on your intellect – Reddy was all three , a single Mom, wife and Mother again.
Helen Reddy
Helen Reddy – like far too many who ride the fame vehicle, end up victims of the very reason they seek out their dreams. Reaching the pinnacle of success has broken rungs and one misstep can lead to a great fall. In Reddy’s case, her husband and manager was her one misstep. Jeff Wald (played by Evan Peters in the film) was strong enough to provide a great assent for seemingly the right reasons. His weaknesses seeking credibility, fame for himself and cocaine – the wrong reasons.
Tilda Cobham-Hervey as Reddy
The story of Reddy ( played by Tilda Cobham-Hervey ) is a single Mom (daughter Traci in tow) arriving in New York after winning a singing contest in Australia under the guise of getting a record contract. Upon discovering ‘Boy Bands’ and ‘Rock n Roll’ were the flavor of the moment, Reddy is left to fend for herself and her daughter as a singer in piano and dive bars. Her future leaning toward a return to Australia for the sake of her daughter.
Molly Broadstock Traci Reddy
Two people entered Reddy’s life at this point. A pair as different as Apples and Oranges.
Lilian Roxon was the friend, the mentor and the muse. The lifelong crutch whose strength and courage as a woman in a male dominated world was instrumental in Reddy’s decision to stay the course and not return to Australia. To show daughter Traci that a woman who follows her dreams is the best role model Reddy could be.
Danielle Macdonald as Lilian Roxon.
Jeff Wald took Reddy away from New York and Roxon. As manager and lover – Wald was anxious to make a name for himself in the entertainment world and to make Reddy a star. The film makes it clear from the beginning, Reddy was a naive easy going person who was a gentle soul. Wald – the thing she needed in her life. Arrogance, connections and money. A relationship built on pushes and pulls and plenty of Wald – initiated fights. Reddy’s quiet but strong ego trampled at times by Wald’s maniacal approach. Reddy’s convictions hemming her eventual success and calming the pre- cocaine rants of Wald.
Wald and Reddy
Through talent and timing – Reddy’s career took off with the song ‘I Am Woman’. Song requests and record sales sped up with help from the growing women’s movement in the U.S and the world. Art imitated life as Reddy became a voice (through song) for millions of women around the world. Reddy’s story of strength and courage within her own world was what the woman’s movement was all about. A script writer could not have done better.
There is no doubt that Reddy’s story is special. A tale of not giving up in the music world and not giving in to a male dominated society. The song to this day, an unofficial anthem to Equal Rights and the women’s movement. What is in doubt is whether Helen Reddy would have had a singing career if not for the timing of the song ‘I Am Woman’.
Based on Reddy’s strength to overcome the collapse of her finances (Wald’s cocaine addiction) and her subsequent second career as a clinical hypnotherapist, it is safe to say – Reddy would have been a singing star regardless of I Am Woman.
If you are a music fan and you have not heard The Kings’ ‘This Beat Goes On / Switchin’ To Glide‘, shame on you.
It has been forty years this month since that song hit the Billboard Top 100. The Kings were ( for all intensive purposes) a one hit wonder. August 23rd, 1980, The Kings also marked history by closing the now-legendary Heatwave Festival in Toronoto. The Talking Heads, Elvis Costello, The Pretenders, Nick Lowe and Rockpile, Teenage Head, the B-52’s, and The Kings.
Historic !
That story is of a hard-working band hailing from Vancouver, BC and Oakville, ON that appeared on Dick Clark’s American Bandstand, was nominated for a JUNO Award, named ‘Most Promising Group’ by Cashbox Magazine, hit Platinum-selling status, and has released five studio albums, two live albums, a live DVD, an anthology, a documentary, and numerous hit singles — including “another rocking two-fer,” “Circle of Friends / Man That I Am.” The 2018 single was somewhat like arriving full circle; it was mixed in Nashville by industry legend Bob Ezrin (Pink Floyd, Alice Cooper, KISS), who also helmed the same role on their 1980’s debut, The Kings Are Here, and sophomore follow-up, Amazon Beach.
The Kings
Their midnight appearance at the now-storied Toronto-area festival — produced by John Brower–that’s inspired the exclusive release of The Kings: Live at Heatwave, a 30-minute concert movie
“The Kings and Teenage Head were the only bands that gave permission to be filmed,” recalls founding member Dave Diamond. “As Teenage Head’s audio has disappeared, this is the only surviving, authentic, and original sync footage from that day.”
“It was digitally restored frame by frame from its 16mm colour negative, and combined with authentic, remastered sound,” adds fellow founder Mister Zero. Sonny Keyes also chimes in: “The sound was recorded onsite by Comfort Sound’s Doug McClement on 8 track half inch analog tape and sounds amazing!”
“We’d worked hard and were ready for a gig like this,” says drummer Max Styles.
The Heatwave Festival at Mosport Park turned heads from the onset between its high profile roster, ultimate crowd size, and that it sat at a cultural turning point in the evolution of new wave music. (It was also marred with some scandal, but… Aren’t they all?)
“For some reason, they didn’t film our whole 55 minute set,” Diamond muses. “But there’s almost half an hour here, and we’re very proud of it.”