October

From their website:

Sheesham and Lotus came together in 1998 as Teilhard Frost and Sam Allison, playing as the rhythm section in a fiddle band called Flapjack. Together for the next seven years they were on the road throughout Canada and the United states playing dances-camps, concerts and workshops. It was during this time that both Frost and Allison took a keen interest in the folk traditions of North America, particularly the American south. Both became enthusiastic historians of old-time fiddle and banjo music, learning from the old masters across the regions south of the Mason-Dixon line. Through personal instruction, perseverance and osmosis they learned harmonica, jaw-harp, flatfoot and song.

more . . .

November

Check them out on youtube here and here.

Catfish Willie has been entertaining audiences for over 30 years with his unique brand of lively swing, jazz, folk, humourous ditties and high-energy performances. Willie, on accoustic guitars, harmonica, and kazoo along with bassist Ken Grant and occasional side men perform an ecclectic repetoire of songs from the 1920's thru to current originals.

Since moving to Peterborough, Catfish Willie has reconnected with some old friends and made some new ones, putting together a brand new hot western swing band, the Buckle Busters. Featuring, Washboard Hank (Dobro, banjo), Diamond Dave Russell (Bull fiddle), Sean Conway (Guitars, banjo), and Matt Watson (Mandolin, guitar) playing hot western swing, rockabilly and jug-band music. Taking residence weekly Wednesdays at Ossia (231 Hunter St. W), the boys are certainly making a splash in the community.

December

From her website:

When Oh Susanna first dreamed of making music, she wanted to create songs that would stand the test of time – just like the Stephen Foster classic from which she takes her name. With the release of her sixth album, SOON THE BIRDS, she has again achieved this dream with a collection of enduring songs that resonate deeper and deeper upon each listen. Her voice, always a marvel, is a haunting, expressive instrument that she uses to stunning effect on SOON THE BIRDS, a beautifully rendered album by an artist who has realized the full power of her voice as a narrative songwriter.

more . . .

January

"Veteran Montreal guitarists in an intimate, acoustic setting, before an appreciative audience and with the recording team on hand – a recipe for an enjoyable disc. The club is Le Red Room in Glen Sutton, in the Quebec countryside and the program a selection from Rob Lutes’ previous discs plus four favourites. This is one of the best live recordings I’ve heard, capturing the show so well you might think you didn’t have to be there. The 15 years or so of Lutes & McDonald playing together are very much in evidence here as the interplay of the guitars, so beautifully recorded, adds immeasurably to the enjoyment. Lutes’ warm & raspy baritone voice mesmerizes and careful listening reveals a thoughtful & eloquent songwriter. The first song, “Uptight”, was a winner at the Kerrville Festival a few years back. “I Know A Girl” was inspired by a line from Robert Johnson’s “They’re Red Hot”. “Drop Down Baby” is tour de force of blues guitar as the duo really let fly on a new arrangement of the Sleepy John Estes classic. “I Will Stand By You”, from his Ride The Shadows CD, has also been recorded by Dawn Tyler Watson and shows he belongs in that group of singer/songwriters with the likes of Chris Whitley and Chris Smither. Whitley’s bluesy original, “Phone Call From Leavenworth” is a keeper as is Lutes’ tribute to Smither, “If The Blues Don’t Shake You”. Fretboard fireworks again highlight the traditional “Ain’t Nobody’s Business”. More of his own blues, “Keep A Man Down”, with McDonald on slide and a song for his father, “Drive My Blues Away” show why his songs are in demand from other performers. Excellent performances of excellent songs: get your copy at www.roblutes.com."

John Valenteyn - Toronto Blues Society.

February

From the website:

David Celia, based out of Toronto, Canada - a world class musician who has played for audiences all over the U.K., U.S.A. and Canada.

With regards to his musical style, it has been described as "roots-rock with hints of folk wrapped up in a pop package".

March

From David's web site:

From carpenter to songwriter – Since leaving construction and recording Torn Screen Door in 1999 Scottish-born Canadian, David Francey is recognized as one of today’s finest singer-songwriters. Francey has released 8 CDs to date. His most recent is "Seaway" - a collaberation with Mike Ford of Moxy Fruvous fame with songs based on their voyage on the M.V. Algoville. Francey’s CD, Right of Passage, earned him his third JUNO (Canada’s top music award) in less than 5 years. Francey also had the honour of receiving the prestigious SOCAN Folk Music Award.

"David’s straightforward songs tell honest stories of real people and real places. Poetic perception and a keen eye for the heart of the matter are trademarks of the man and his music. His songs and stories are a direct connection for audiences seeking depth and meaning in the day-to-day." Shelter Valley Folk Festival

more . . .

April

From Ron's web site:

A singer-songwriter acclaimed by a galaxy of artists from Bob Dylan to Elton John, Chris Martin to Michael Bublé, Steve Earle to Lucinda Williams for his insight into the human heart and a melodic purity (to paraphrase admirer Elvis Costello) unheard since the heyday of Paul McCartney, you’ll find him straight after the Sex Pistols in any self-respecting encyclopedia of modern music.

Ron SexsmithThat’s as close as Ron Sexsmith has ever got to in-yer-face hard rock.

Until now.

For his 11th album, Long Player Late Bloomer, the award-winning troubadour has paired himself with a fellow Canadian, the producer of bone-crunching classics by Metallica, Mötley Crüe and The Cult — the genuinely named Bob Rock.

“I’d seen the Metallica documentary, Some Kind Of Monster, and I got a good vibe from Bob; he seemed the only sane person working with a band that was falling apart. Even so, I only saw Bob as a hard rock producer. more . . .

May

From Ron's web site:

With a songwriting career that spans more than 30 years, Ron Hynes is a six-time East Coast Music Award winner, a Genie Award winner and a past Juno, CCMA and Canadian Folk Music Awards nominee. He's been recipient of both Artist of The Year and the prestigious Arts Achievement Award from the Newfoundland & Labrador Arts Council, as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award from the St. John's Folk Arts Council. Ron Hynes also holds an Honorary PhD from Memorial University for his songwriting and cont ribution to the cultural life of his beloved home province of Newfoundland (Canada).

more . . .