We’re plenty excited about the return of the great Shannon Lyon to the Sunset Saloon back yard on July 6. If you saw him last year or know his amazing work, you know what a treat this is, so you’ll love the magic below. If you haven’t seen or heard Shannon, you should really watch the videos below and you should definitely make plans to join us on July 6!
Here’s a recent live clip, shot outdoors with lots of mosquitoes (so hopefully he will be prepared for a couple of outdoor shows!)
Here’s a recent live performance of the title track to last year’s fantastic album, “Broken Things.”
Here’s a rockin’ live track featuring his great Berlin band:
Last year, I blew it and interrupted before Shannon could play this as an encore. Believe me, I won’t do that again!
Where does the time go? It’s the middle of June already!? How did that happen? It’s a good time to be alive and around great music. Here’s some news you can use to keep yourself in the right place at the right time.
Taking a cue from our friends at CKUW, although TTBTGH just turned 10 in the fall, we’re already turning 500! If they can go from 14 to 50, we can do one better. It’s the officially unofficial 500th episode of Tell the Band to Go Home this Sunday! It’s an amazing milestone for me. That’s 1000 hours of my life (more actually, because of all of those Christmas shows where we go 4, 5, 6 hours) – which according to the mathematicians at Google, equals 41 2/3 days! I don’t know if we really need a special episode again after the big one in the fall, but I’m open to suggestion. I got lazy and nervous and didn’t invite any special guests, but you never know who might be reading this and might want to come in or invite someone. Should we put together stats? Clips from the past? Highlights? Stories? You tell me!
I have to say a special thank you to all of you who have listened, supported, encouraged, and just made this crazy dream possible for this long. Most people get tired of me far sooner than many of you have, and although I worry about you for sticking around this long (don’t you have better things to do?) I sure am grateful. This show has changed my life forever, and I’ll always be grateful, and will always want to make it as enjoyable as possible for you!
Here’s a way to celebrate. Come to a Sunset Saloon show! These will be amazing, I assure you. Even if you’ve had enough amazing shows, come and snoop around in my closets, eat my food, spill beer on my floor, or just ask my family how they put up with me like they do!
Friday, June 21 (SOON!) at 8:00 – Joshua Cockerill/Animal Parts.
and on the horizon, Wednesday, August 14 at 8:00 – Tannis Slimmon & Lewis Melville!
I hope to see you out at the debut of Nathan Music Co. next Thursday at Times Change(d)!
Check this out! The trailer for a movie I’ve been waiting not so patiently for since the fall, Del Barber – Live At The Five Prairie Giants! This show was so amazing, and I can’t wait for you to see it. Look for me and Del’s mom Jean in the crowd in the trailer! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAOhcx73K1o
Music you need to hear:
Jason Isbell – Southeastern
John Moreland – In the Throes
Leeroy Stagger – Truth Be Sold
Am I rambling again? Probably.
Thanks for being you and being out there somehow connected to me.
If you listened to rock radio or turned on Much Music in the 90s, you know this band’s songs, but unlike some of the other bands you heard a million times, you liked these ones, and they hold up very well 20 years later!
Backyard Bash (weather permitting) (Westwood, Winnipeg) Friday, June 28 7:30 pm
Suggested donation $20-25 (price flexible, all proceeds to this legendary band)
Bring a lawn chair if the weather is nice (perhaps bug spray…), and/or a drink for yourself, and/or a snack to share, but we’ve always got plenty of all of those on hand!
All are welcome (bring the kids, friends, family, people off the street, whatever)
Questions? RSVP? Fill out the contact form below!
Forward this to a friend!
The plan is to have an intimate, rockin’ bash in the back yard. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, we will have a stripped down, more acoustic set indoors, where seating will be much more limited. If we need to cut down the guest list due to a move indoors, first responders and people who PAY IN ADVANCE will get preferred admission!
Oddshits are the soundtrack to many music lovers’ experiences in the 90s. Smash hits included “Love Is the Subject,” “Heterosexual Man,” “Eat My Brain,” “It Falls Apart,” “Jackhammer,” and the #1 hit, “Someone Who’s Cool.” The band played a big part in this history of The Kids in the Hall (and the Kids starred in a couple of very memorable music videos (see them again below). They toured as the backing band for the legendary late, great Warren Zevon (who guested on “Jackhammer”) and extensively with Barenaked Ladies and The Tragically Hip. After the 90s hits, the band went on hiatus and lead singer Craig Northey went on to a solo career, as well as to tour with Kids in the Hall, record and tour with Colin James, as Strippers Union (including Rob Baker from The Tragically Hip, backed up by Oddsrhythm section), and as half of Northey Valenzuela, who were responsible for the beginning and ending themes for CTV’s classic comedy “Corner Gas.”
The band regrouped without original singer/guitarist Steven Drake, capably replaced by Murray Atkinson, in 2008. Their album “Cheerleader,” was a return to form. The recently released a very strong EP, “The Most Beautiful Place on Earth,” which proves that this is more than just a nostalgia trip, this is the return of a band that sounds as vital and exciting as ever!
The band was named the Vancouver Canucks ‘house band’ of the 2010 and 2011 NHL playoffs. Odds performed the theme music to the CBC/IFC television series The Kids in the Hall: Death Comes to Town. They backed up Elvis Costello and Randy Bachmanon Hockey Night in Canada!
To say that these guys are highly successful would be a major understatement. To see this band in an intimate house concert setting is an opportunity of a lifetime, and is not to be missed!
Shannon Lyon
Outdoor house concert July 6, 2013
7:00
Suggested donation $15-20 (price flexible, all proceeds to a talented musician making his way across this vast country)
Bring a lawn chair if the weather is nice (perhaps bug spray…), and/or a drink for yourself, and/or a snack to share, but we’ve always got plenty of all of those on hand!
All are welcome (bring the kids, friends, family, people off the street, whatever)
Questions? RSVP? Fill out the contact form below!
Forward this to a friend!
Last year I was thrilled to welcome one of my all-time favourite singer/songwriters to my house, as Shannon Lyon returned to Canada after a lengthy absence for a cross-Canada tour, making stops in several out-of-the-way locations, including some joker’s back yard! Hearing some of my all time favourite songs in my own backyard was a dream come true, and everyone who attended raved about the show afterward.
Well, we’re excited to welcome Shannon back again this year! Once again, he prefers to play outside (weather depending), so you may wish to bring a favourite lawn chair, or take advantage of whatever’s on hand here.
For those unfamiliar (you poor souls),Shannon Lyon is a Canadian musician and singer-songwriter. Born in Uxbridge, Ontario, Canada, Lyon began his musical career in Kitchener, Ontario in the early 90’s forming his first band Strange Days (1990-1993) recording one album entitled ‘Life Aint Easy’ produced by Nelson McCrossan. During this time Lyon also started his low-key solo career and released his first solo studio album entitled ‘Buffalo White’ in 1994 which was recorded by friend Bill Braun.
Since 1994 Lyon has released ten studio albums and has received critical acclaim and commercial success in Europe, North America and Australia.
Lyon was the first Canadian signed to Richard Branson’s post Virgin Records label V2 in 2004(becoming label mates with The White Stripes and Paul Weller) with the release of the critically acclaimed album ‘Wandered’ which was recorded in a 17th century farmhouse in the south of Holland with Dutch producer Bj Baartmans. Wandered was released in Australia on Collision records and in Europe on Inbetweens Records.
In 2003 Lyon signed with Canadian Roots label Busted Flat Records (Matt Anderson, Jay Semko, Paul MacLeod), a roots music label founded in 2002 by Mark Logan and based in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada. Busted Flat has released 5 of Lyon’s albums to date. (Bound, Safe Inside, Someday Mourning, El Sol, and Broken Things).
Lyon moved to Holland in 2000 and spent the better part of a decade living and touring in Spain, Germany, France and The Netherlands.
Lyon is currently located in Canada.
(Lyon has toured and shared the stage in Europe, Australia, USA and Canada with such artists as Lucinda Williams, Richard Buckner, Jay Farrar, Ray LaMontagne, Blue Rodeo and Bruce Cockburn).
“When I hear Shannon, I hear the rhythms of the Midnight Cowboy, the harmonies of an earth-bound angel, the acoustic guitar that knows the pain of a heart, the steel guitar that stirs the lonely and restless lovers. But most of all I hear the voice that echoes Earle, Farrar and Buckner, a voice that haunts you like a heavy fog on a barren field on a cool October morning.” Bob Egan (Blue Rodeo, Wilco)
Yesterday we were treated to a visit by local trio Red Moon Road, promoting their show on Thursday and the new EP they’ll release. Our good buddy Mike Latschislaw dropped by to shoot some footage for his exciting documentary, “If I Could Only Leave Here,” and he captured this great bonus track in the station CD library after the interview on the show. We’ll get that podcast up for you soon, but in the meantime, check out Red Moon Road’s show on Thursday, their website, and Mike’s amazing documentary footage.
Friday, May 10, 2013
Live at Sunset Saloon (house concert, West Winnipeg)
8:00
Suggested donation $15-20
All are welcome (bring the kids, friends, family, people off the street, whatever) As usual, you can bring a beverage of your choice or food to share if you wish, but we’ll have plenty of both on hand, so feel free to save yourself the trouble and just enjoy whatever’s on hand!
Capping off the busy and amazing Sunset Saloon Spring Concert Series is the Winnipeg debut of an artist who’s gained a lot of acclaim both solo and with his band Romantica.
Last year we were lucky enough to welcome another acclaimed Minneapolis artist, Jeremy Messersmith on his Supper Club Tour. That was a true highlight of the year, so when Ben Kyle proposed a similar tour, I just had to invite him to cross the border and visit Friendly Manitoba.
Join us for Ben Kyle’s “Living Room Theater” on May 10!
“Amazingly good. Such a distinct voice and writing style, and arranged so perfectly. I was really taken by it.” – Michael McCall (Associated Press)
“The album sounds terrific: sweet melodies, honeyed harmonies, understated but infectious.” – Tim Gihring (Minnesota Monthly)
Minneapolis’ native BEN KYLE, better known before now as the songwriter-frontman behind beloved alt-country act ROMANTICA, was born and bred in Belfast, Northern Ireland in the 1980’s.
PASTE Magazine named ROMANTICA’S sophomore Album, AMERICA, “One of the Best Albums of 2007”
Ryan Adams, Alejandro Escovedo, Carrie Rodriguez, Sara Watkins and Dan Wilson are just some of the artists who have collaborated with Ben. His duets release with Austin, TX roots queen Carrie Rodriguez, WE STILL LOVE OUR COUNTRY, was a huge hit with Americana Radio in 2011.
His newest project is a warm and tender, “ethereal and compelling,” self-titled solo debut, that’s receiving unanimously rave reviews and has inspired the Huffington Post to recently dub Kyle “A Sleeping Giant.”
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Live at Sunset Saloon (house concert, West Winnipeg)
7:30
Suggested donation $15-20
All are welcome (bring the kids, friends, family, people off the street, whatever) As usual, you can bring a beverage of your choice or food to share if you wish, but we’ll have plenty of both on hand, so feel free to save yourself the trouble and just enjoy whatever’s on hand!
*If for some reason you can’t make it to this show (and we genuinely hope you will), or if you love it that much (as I suspect you will), Express and Co. will be doing another show on March 28 at River City Social Club! Fill out the contact form below and let me know your particulars, and I’ll pass them along to Gord at River City Social Club!
I just love it when something new enters my ears and blows my mind. The joy of discovering something new and amazing never gets old, nor does the joy of sharing the news with others.
One of my favourite discoveries of 2012 was a young lady named Melissa Payne. Her self-titled debut was full of interesting lyrics, great musicianship, and her warm, inviting voice. It was one of those surprising ones – someone I’d never heard of and an album featuring players I didn’t know, but someone impressive and exciting. She’s a talented singer/songwriter, and also an accomplished fiddle player. She took lessons from the Leahy family and toured with Natalie McMaster, so she’s learned from the best.
And she puts those skills to good use backing up Dylan Ireland as Express and Company. Dylan comes from a very musical family who have prepared him well for a promising career leading another of the most impressive debuts I’ve heard in a long time. The songs are just the kind of intelligent, melodic, interesting roots rock that I love.
Express and Company dropped by Steel Belted Radio recently for a conversation and live performances. I was so impressed that I just had to hear more. So we set out to plug a hole in the tour schedule with another stop in Winnipeg. I’m very excited to share this new group with you, and I know that you’ll be impressed with these songs and these musicians. You might not have heard of Express and Company or Melissa Payne yet, but I’d bet that those names will become a lot more familiar to a lot more people over the next few years.
Chris Trapper www.christrapper.com
Live at Sunset Saloon (house concert, West Winnipeg)
Monday, April 8, 2013
7:30
Suggested donation $15-20
All are welcome (bring the kids, friends, family, people off the street, whatever)
As usual, you can bring a beverage of your choice or food to share, but we’ll have plenty of both on hand, so feel free to enjoy whatever’s on hand!
Like many Winnipeggers, my first knowing exposure to Chris Trapper came when he opened for Folk Festival favourite Martin Sexton at the Walker Theatre in 2009. He won us over with his wit, charm, and wonderful songs. But you’re likely familiar with some of his other work, without knowing it. He co-wrote 7 songs with Great Big Sea, including their big hit “Sea of No Cares.” He’s had songs on some big movie soundtracks, including the Grammy Award nominated soundtrack to “August Rush.” He is also the leader of successful rock band The Push Stars.
I got to see and hear a lot more of him at The Edmonton Folk Festival in 2010, where he became fast friends with Colin Hay (Men at Work,) and won over a lot of new fans at that very prestigious festival.
He’s got a hectic touring schedule, a lot of great songs, and many amusing stories from along the way. I know you’ll enjoy yourself if you come see Chris in our friendly, intimate environment.
Official Bio:
CHRIS TRAPPER began his career as the front man for late–90’s alternative rock band THE PUSH STARS (Capitol Records).
With four CD releases and several high profile national tours – including a run with Matchbox Twenty – The Push Stars served to establish Chris as an authentic talent.
The New York Times calls his work “classic pop perfection.”
As a modern day singer–songwriter, Chris is most known for his song THIS TIME, the Number 1 selling song on the Grammy nominated soundtrack for AUGUST RUSH (Robin Williams, Jonathan Rhys Meyers – Warner Bros Pictures).
A prolific songwriter, Chris can boast high profile film placements including There’s Something About Mary (Ben Stiller, Cameron Diaz), The Devil Wears Prada (Meryl Streep), Say It Isn’t So (Heather Graham) and Gun Shy (Sandra Bullock, Liam Neeson) as well as significant television placements including All My Children, Women’s Murder Club, Malcolm In The Middle, a coveted placement in George Clooney’s final episode of ER, the theme song for WB Networks dramedy Pepper Dennis and a cameo on–screen appearance with the show’s star, Rebecca Romjin.
Chris Trapper’s music can best be described as lyrically driven roots–pop with a knack for telling everyday stories filled with extra–ordinary characters.
A respected songwriter of the highest caliber, Chris has written 7 songs for Canadian band GREAT BIG SEA, including their #1 single “Sea Of No Cares” from the certified–platinum Sea Of No Cares CD. Great Big Sea covered Trapper’s song “Everything Shines” and their version served as the debut single off their certified–gold Road Rage CD album. Chris’ songwriting collaborations with Great Big Sea earned him two prestigious SOCAN awards. Rob Thomas of Matchbox Twenty and Antigone Rising have performed other notable versions of Trapper’s songs.
In 2009, Chris had the honor of being chosen to write an original song for the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty and was brought to NYC to perform his work at The United Nationsas part of the day’s Commemoration Ceremony.
Chris Trapper’s ability to craft songs that are both elegant and accessible is evident on each solo CD in his deep Discography. There is a smart, honest quality to the lyrics that never panders.
Trapper’s live show is a favorite among fans of alt–acoustic music. His on–stage persona is warm and inclusive, his organic understanding of classic pop melody infectious. Audience members seem to particularly appreciate the lighthearted moments with the ukulele. They depart the venue at the end of the evening with the sense of having been truly entertained.
“It’s an incredibly rare musician, particularly in the world of popular music, who is able to forge a career based on quiet dignity and steadfast integrity.” The Buffalo News
Let the world know what you think by leaving a comment below!
Christina Martin is always right near the top of our charts, but now, the CBC is catching on as well. She’s been doing great on the CBC Top 20 Countdown, starting off at #17 and moving up to #16 this week. She’s done a great job of getting the vote out as she’s received the most online votes both weeks. Your vote really does make a difference in this one, so if you’d be willing to cast a vote in her direction, I know she appreciates it.
Of course, there are plenty of other worthwhile artists on the list as well, so if someone else suits you a little better, feel free to vote with your heart and your ears.
OK, enough wasting time, let’s get this list out there. 2012 was another banner year for music with many of our favourites putting out some really strong albums, and some new discoveries that rocked our world, as well. So, I present to you, the OFFICIAL list of albums that mattered in 2012:
Old favourites who once again came in strong:
Del Barber– Headwaters (our boy Barber took some chances this year with an American producer and a bigger, fuller sound. For some, it took him a bit outside of their comfort zone, but for me, it’s challenging, fresh, and exciting. Job well done and another dynamite album that deserves to be heard by a much broader audience. Here’s hoping the fame will come soon. Watch this dynamite live video.) Rose Cousins – We Have Made a Spark (Once again that powerful voice, combined with some heartbreaking songs makes for a magical product, but add in some of her talented friends from Boston – including a great visit by Mark Erelli on a beautiful Springsteen song, and you’ve got yourself something truly special.) Keri Latimer– Crowsfeet and Greyskull (I admit, I’m a Nathan fan through and through, so I got worried when Keri went solo, but luckily, she doesn’t stray far and turns in some personal and powerful songs on an album that couldn’t disappoint any Nathan fan.) Shannon Lyon – Broken Things (Shannon has been one of my favourite writers for almost a decade, and this is truly his most powerful and memorable album since Wandered first blew me away. Some truly stark, obviously personal songs here. Prepare to be moved by this one.) Christina Martin – Sleeping with a Stranger (Another songwriter who deserves much more fame and fortune – hopefully this strong album with a great video will spread the word. CBC seems to be catching on, thankfully.) Matthew Ryan – In the Dusk of Everything (This guy seems to keep popping up on my lists, and rightly so, but not all of his recent albums have been as immediately accessible as this one. As good a place as any to get in to the fanclub, songs don’t get much more raw and powerful than these.)
Can’t Help But Fall (further) In Love (folks we’ve known for a while, but really came through big this year):
Bahamas – Barchords (Lots of hipster acclaim this year, and rightly so. Some really remarkable songs here. Some of them worked much better live, but overall, this is a great album and should launch Afie real big.) Dustin Bentall & The Smøkes – Orion EP (Barney’s boy keeps learning and growing and moving forward, and we’re along for the ride and loving it. Sometimes, a really strong EP is the way to go, as it gets you really hungry for more, without any throwaway songs. They don’t come much stronger than this, so I am indeed eager for more.) Kathleen Edwards – Voyageur (Kathleen has been a favourite since her debut full-length almost a decade ago, but the last couple of discs haven’t hit me as hard. This one couldn’t be more powerful with some really personal songs and progressive production. This got lots of attention this year, and rightly so.) JP Hoe – Mannequin (JP’s been a friend and a favourite for years, and he finally comes through with the stellar album we always knew he had in him. With a lot of touring and a really amazing video, this one seems to be moving him forward. Good on him. Don’t forget about us little folk when you’re a big star, eh?) Danny Michel & The Benque Players – Black Birds Are Dancing Over Me (Such a great live performer, but his albums don’t generally have the same power for me. He teamed up with his friends in Belize and ended up with a really fun, upbeat album.) Dale Murray – Dream Mountain Dream (More than just Christina Martin’s hubby, Dale has been a top-notch player with the likes of The Guthries, Matt Mays, Cuff the Duke, and more, but it turns out, he’s a great songwriter and performer on his own, too. This one took me by surprise and kept me coming back for more.) Skydiggers – Northern Shore (Deluxe Edition) (not only is the new album a dandy, but the Deluxe Edition truly lives up to its name with THREE extra discs of great rarities, leftovers, and alternate versions. A true box set at a silly low price. If you missed out on this package, shame on you.) Liam Titcomb– Cicada (Engaging my inner pop-child with some memorable melodies alongside some intelligent lyrics and great playing. This young guy continues to impress.)
Love at First Listen(Newcomers who had us at “Hello”):
Lee Bains III & The Glory Fires – There Is a Bomb in Gilead (I’m a Beatles man, never really got The Stones, but this band has me thinking twice. The most engaging example of Stones swagger I’ve heard. Really great stuff.) Rayland Baxter – Feathers & Fishhooks (This guy looks like classic James Taylor and puts forth lots of the same charm, great lyrics, and melodies. Can’t wait to see where this guy goes – I’m along for the ride.) Andrew Combs – Worried Man (One foot firmly planted in classic country and one standing alongside great Texas songwriters, Andrew Combs is without a doubt the new discovery of the year. An album that is solid as can be all the way through, and one that I can’t get enough of. Truly impressive debut.)
The Official Afterparty (not quite on the official list, but well worth an honourable mention):
