Friends, the time has come. The last ever episode of Steel Belted Radio will air this Thursday, 6:30 – 8 pm CDT on UMFM.

It’s been an amazing ride and an amazing honour. We’ve had some incredible interviews and amazing live guests on this show. And I got to spend some time with some great friends.

But these days, the interviews and live performances aren’t happening like they used to, and I ran out of friends willing to come in and talk about music with. So, without too much fanfare or drama, we’ll put this thing to bed and move on. It’s been fun.

Tell the Band to Go Home will continue. I can’t see ever giving that up. But Thursday wasn’t meant to be a continuation of Tell the Band to Go Home, it was supposed to be different. Hell, I wasn’t even supposed to be a host at all, and here I am, the last man standing.

Mike Plume gave us a hell of a great name for the show and the listeners and management at UMFM gave us a hell of a great run. 

UMFM legend Dan Raposo, AKA Skippy will be moving from WTN Sundays at 4, to Free Range Thursday on June 8. You couldn’t be in better hands. I always hoped that if the time ever came, I could find someone who might be willing to play a lot of the same music that I played, and entertain folks in a way that I’d be excited to listen to. And that’s exactly what’s going to happen.

I hope that you’ll keep listening to Free Range Radio Thursdays (or start.) I also hope that anyone who likes what I do will listen on Sundays, 2-4 pm.

Tune in this Thursday. If you’ve got anything you want to say or anything you want me to play, now’s the time. I don’t really plan to do anything special or different, so I’ll leave that up to you. I’d love to have some folks call in or drop by. Maybe share a memory or two. Hell, maybe we can track down the ghost of Terry Wilson and get him to offend Lucy one last time. I’d like that.

Thanks for listening!

The folks at WordPress (which provides us with the tools to build & maintain this site) have provided some stats detailing visits to the site over the course of 2014.

Have a look and see how we did in 2014. 2015 promises some much needed changes to the site as we (finally) move to a new host and separate ourselves from that other site/show!

Click here to view our stats

Thanks to all who have supported UMFM‘s Pledge-O-Rama thus far. We’ve been pleased with the response overall, and we’re nearing our goal. We’re really lucky to have such generous and devoted listeners, so thanks to you!

Special thanks to the folks who dropped by the studio on Sunday. That sure makes things even more fun, so it was nice to see some friendly faces and boost our spirits.

There’s still plenty of room for more donations heading into Thursday’s Steel Belted Free Range Radio. If you haven’t had a chance to make a donation yet, fear not, we’ll be more than happy to take it any time. You can call 204-474-6610, email me or pledge@umfm.comto make arrangements, or visit https://www.umfm.com/info/donate/ to pledge online. Little known fact, but one that you might be interested in knowing, if you donate via that page, there is a fee that comes out of using an online payment service, so we don’t see every dollar of your donation. If you want every penny to go to us, call the line, fill out a pledge form, or come see us at UMFM.

The hits just keep on coming! Martyn was booked to come to town for two shows at The StuDome, but those sold out so quickly, he wanted to add another day, and once again, Management at The StuDome is throwing us a bone, and it’s a good one!

Martyn Joseph
Live at The Sunset Saloon (House Concert, Westwood, Winnipeg)
7:30 pm
Suggested donation $25 (all money goes directly to this talented artist!)

If you wish, bring 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)

We’re hoping for an outdoor show for this one (weather dependent.) We will update this page and send out information via Facebook, Twitter, and my email list (join by filling out the contact form below and stating that you wish to be added) closer to the show.

Questions? RSVP? Fill out the contact form below!
Forward this to a friend!

Martyn also plays The StuDome in Crescentwood on July 30 & 31. Those shows are sold out, but if you really can’t make our show and want to be placed on a waiting list for one of the others, please fill out the contact form below and we’ll pass along your request.

Also check out Jon Dee Graham @ Sunset Saloon, June 17! (also appearing at The Studome June 18 and River City Social Club, June 19!)

Who could forget the first time that Martyn Joseph played the Winnipeg Folk Festival. It must have been 2002 or 2003. Here was this artist who’d had a successful pop career, signed to a major label, playing huge shows, opening for the likes of Chris DeBurgh and Celine Dion (seriously!), and he came to the festival only to be placed in a tiny, unsuitable tent outside of the music store, in some serious Manitoba heat. The way the sound was set up, Martyn couldn’t hear anything in the tent, so he had to step out of the tiny tent and into the blazing sun. He was 20 years into his remarkable career, and playing a show that could only be called humbling. But he did it masterfully. He quickly won over the crowd with his quick wit, undeniable Welsh charm, that strong guitar playing, a powerful, emotive voice, and those songs… what songs.

Martyn Joseph performs a live session for 101.5 UMFM.

I’ve spoken to Martyn a number of times on UMFM, and every time feels uplifting and revealing. He’s truly one of my favourite interview guests, and someone that I love to talk to and learn from. In 2012, he was kind enough to spend an afternoon singing and chatting with me in UMFM’s live studio. Being that close to such a performance was a real highlight of my time at UMFM.

Check out the podcast featuring my interview and Martyn’s performances here.

Download tracks from Martyn’s live session here.

Seeing Martyn Joseph live is an experience like no other. I use the word ‘passionate’ far too often when describing Martyn, but it just fits so well. I’ve seen him get swept up in emotion on stage, both joyful and sad. I’ve seen him speak and motivate audiences like the best preacher. I’ve seen him silence a noisy room, and of course he can get a crowd singing and clapping along with ease.

Martyn Joseph at The Winnipeg Folk Festival, 2012

Martyn’s songs are nothing if not honest. He isn’t afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve,telling heartwrenching songs of love and loss, joy and hope, and rallying against evil and injustice. He’s a champion of environmental and social causes, a man who exudes goodness, and isn’t afraid to try to motivate his audience to do good in the world. Seeing Martyn live, you feel like you know him well, and you probably do. Offstage, he’s gracious and kind, just what you’d expect.

He’s played the biggest festivals (he’s been a big hit at The Winnipeg Folk Festival a number of times over the years,) and has headlined big venues all over the place (he’s a regular headlining The West End Cultural Centre,) so it’s a rare and incredible treat to see him in an intimate house concert environment.

Martyn’s most recent album is “Tires Rushing By in the Rain,” an album of Bruce Springsteen covers. Here’s one that he’s been doing for years; it blows me away every time:

One of Martyn’s signature songs, about his home town, Cardiff, Wales:

On Martyn’s support of charities and causes close to his heart:

30 minutes of live performance & conversation:

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The house concert hosting racket has been amazingly good to me over the past 5 years, so there’s no reason to expect that it could get even better, but it continues to! Our Old Pal Stu at CKUW‘s Twang Trust is bringing in some serious superstar performers this summer, and he’s sharing the wealth, so we get a piece of the action!

Jon Dee Graham, Live @ Sunset Saloon, June 17!

JON DEE GRAHAM 
with special guest from Austin, TX: MIKE JUNE
TUESDAY, JUNE 17, 7:30PM
THE SUNSET SALOON (House concert, Westwood, Winnipeg)

All are welcome (bring the kids, friends, family, or whoever might tag along!)

You can bring a beverage of your choice to enjoy or some food to share, but we’ll have plenty of both on hand, so it’s not necessary, so feel free to show up and enjoy whatever’s on hand!

*Space is limited, so RSVP early. Seating is limited, so some may stand/dance/move around.

You should also check out Martyn Joseph live at The Sunset Saloon, July 29!

Questions? RSVP? Fill out the contact form below!

What’s more, this is just Night #1 of JDG’s 3 Night / 3 Venue House Concert Tour of Winnipeg! 

Night #2 will be at The StuDome in Crescentwood. Jon Dee will be performing accompanied by another acclaimed Austin artist, Mike June who will also perform an opening set.

A special treat on Night #3 will be a bonus closing-set at River City Social Club (Point Douglas) with an all-star Winnipeg backing band featuring Corb Lund‘s secret weapon, Grant Siemans on guitar, Twisty on bass and Corndog on drums!

Admission is a suggested donation of $20 each night. Anyone who attends all three nights of the tour will receive a $10 discount on the series – $50 for all 3 nights. And trust me – all good-hearted people need to be there all 3 nights! 

It’s understandable if you don’t know Jon Dee’s name, but if you ask any musician, you’ll get an enthusiastic response. Graham started out in legendary punk band The Skunks, went on to play for a long time with Alejandro Escovedo in The True Believers, was a member of The Resentments, played backing John Doe (X) and Kelly Willis and has added his talents to records by the likes of The Gourds and James McMurtry. In short, Jon Dee is a true musicians’ musician, but non players will be dazzled by his talents as well.

First and foremost, he’s a powerful guitar player who can hold his own alongside anyone, but he’s also a great singer with a unique, gruff voice, and a masterful songwriter, revered by many (see the great 2008 Jon Dee tribute CD, “Big Sweet Life,” featuring Matt the Electrician, Bob Schneider, James McMurtry, and many more.)

In a town full of legends, Austin, TX, Jon Dee Graham is one of the most respected. He holds down two weekly residencies at the legendary Continental Club. On Wednesdays, he plays a rockin’ set with his band, just before James McMurtry takes over for his weekly set. On Sunday nights, he hosts Jon Dee Graham and friends at The Continental Gallery. I had the immense pleasure of attending both last year, and they’re memories that will stay with me forever, two very different, but equally amazing shows.

Here’s a moment from the Jon Dee & Friends show I saw, featuring some unexpected Winnipeg content:

If I ever get tired of songs like “Holes” or “Laredo (Small Dark Something,)” I’ll know that I’ve given up on life and it’s time to move on. I’d travel just about anywhere to see this guy, but incredibly, I will get to see him in my living room.

Seriously, DO NOT MISS THIS SHOW!

Need more convincing? Watch these (and more!)

One of Jon Dee’s most requested and amazing songs:

Watch a full show featuring his rockin’ band!

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Catch Shannon at The Sunset Saloon, April 26, 2014!

Shannon Lyon
House Concert
Saturday, April 26, 2014
8:00 Suggested donation $15-20 (price flexible, all proceeds to a talented musician making his way across this vast country)
If you wish, bring 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!

Also check out: Chris Trapper @ Sunset Saloon, April 1, 2014!

Shannon Lyon website

Download Shannon Lyon music (pay what you want, but we highly encourage you to pay!)

Twice before, I’ve been lucky enough to welcome one of my all-time favourite singer/songwriters to my house, as Shannon Lyon made stops in some joker’s back yard in 2012 and 2013! 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, and this time, it’ll probably be indoors, and shouldn’t compete with any vacation plans!

For those unfamiliar (you poor souls), Shannon Lyon is a Canadian producer, 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)

Some highlights from last year’s show:

Here’s a live clip, shot outdoors with lots of mosquitoes

Here’s a live performance of the title track to his most recent release, “Broken Things.”

Here’s a rockin’ live track featuring his great Berlin band:

The first time Shannon visited us, I blew it and interrupted before Shannon could play this as an encore. Believe me, I won’t do that again!

Here’s a beauty we did get to hear:

Confirm your attendance or just ask a question with the private & secure contact form below:

Chris Trapper
www.christrapper.com
Live at Sunset Saloon (house concert, West Winnipeg)
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
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!

Questions? RSVP? Fill out the contact form below!

After a very popular, memorable, and successful show last year, we’re super pleased to welcome back Chris Trapper. His show was funny, engaging, moving, and always entertaining. Many of the songs performed last year made it onto Chris’ new CD, Technicolor, so I hope you’ll come out and pick up a copy and hear what new material he’s already performing.

I became rather obsessed with this great song after last year’s show. It’s a beauty, and it now has a touching video:

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 even 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,” as well as multiple TV show placements. 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:

If music doesn’t work out, Chris is considering a run for office:

Let’s make sure it doesn’t come to that!

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Let the world know what you think by leaving a comment below!