You know, as much as we like to complain about Winnipeg sometimes, it seems that the good shows just keep on coming. This week we feature the Michael Johnston concert at my house, Matthew de Zoete, Joshua Cockerill, Vic Chesnutt & Nathan, Sunparlour Players, and more! We previewed them all, and still had time for some classics and a little bit of the pop music.
It may be cooler outside, but the music scene in town is still hot, hot, hot, and this week proves it as we have upcoming shows to preview by the likes of Justin Rutledge, Melissa McClelland, David Wilcox, Matthew de Zoete, Amelia Curran, and one of our all-time faves, Skydiggers! To think, even on a week like that, we fit in some new & notable stuff.
Steel Belted Radio has been blessed with a LOT of very special guests in-studio over the course of our 6 years on the air (Sexsmith, Collett, Plumb, Brock Zeman, Deep Dark Woods, Paul Kelly, etc.), but there’s one guy we’ve been chasing all along, Mike Plume. He blessed us with an ideal name for our show, and we’ve always wanted him to come into the studio and sing our theme song for us. Tonight’s the night. Now, what do we hope for in the years to come?
A few of our favourites playing upcoming in town this week filled up most of the show. It’s hard not to get excited about a week where Matt Epp releases his new disc, Vance Gilbert makes his long-awaited return to the West End, and Mr. Mike Plume returns to town with his band! Still, we had time for some great new music and a dip into the mail bag for some new submissions.
Part 1 of this show was a rerun of the April visit by Dan Mangan on SBFRR, in honour of his return to town this week. Check out that interview if you haven’t already (podcast or on the website).
The show proper, and thereby this podcast, began around 2:30, shortly after my return from Toronto. I’m back, baby, with great new music (including the rock & roll song of the year) and tales to tell.
Only one real show of any interest this week as our old pal Dave Lang returns to town. We paid an early birthday tribute to John Prine, who comes to town later this month, and did our duty and played some classic Stan Rogers. For the most part, this show was all about the new music, and what great new music it is, including the long-awaited collaboration between NQ Arbuckle & Carolyn Mark.