I got the cover the 2014 Juno Awards Ceremony in Winnipeg from the Media Centre. A parade of superstars made their way through for a brief Q & A session, hosted by Ace Burpee.
Here’s how it looked:
Juno Songwriters’ Circle
Sunday, March 30, 2014 @ 12:00pm
Walker Theatre
Winnipeg, MB
JUNO Songwriters’ Circle brings together some of todays’ most talented Canadian singer-songwriters, sharing songs and stories on stage. Host Randy Bachman will lead the discussion, perform some of his hit songs and get up-close with audiences in this truly unique setting and not-to-be-missed event.
Performers: Randy Bachman, July Talk* (Peter Dreimanis and Leah Fay), Lee Harvey Osmond* (Tom Wilson/Blackie and the Rodeo Kings), Little Miss Higgins*, Matt Epp, Shad*, and The Sadies* (Dallas and Travis Good).
*Denotes a 2014 JUNO Award nominee
The Juno Awards are back in Winnipeg at long last, and that means that a whole bunch of amazing musicians are in town to celebrate. Over two nights, Junofest brought together some of the great live acts from Winnipeg and those who’ve come to join us. For me, The West End Cultural Centre was the place to be, with Six Shooter Records presenting “Outlaws & Gunslingers” on Friday with Lee Harvey Osmond, Chloe Albert, Ron Sexsmith, Jim Cuddy, Luke Doucet, Del Barber, JP Hoe, all backed up by the amazing Brothers Landreth, and The Bros. Landreth, still standing, and Del Barber back on Saturday night!
A look back at the highlight of 2013 for me, my first trip to Austin, Texas. I’ll never forget it and I can’t wait to get back there!
I’m eternally grateful to my friends Ken & Sheila (and my pal Jake) for their support along the way!
Our first live guests of the year, and what a great way to kick things off. Today we’re joined by Dylan Ireland & Melissa Payne, Express and Company. Their new disc Ontario is one of the best of the year so far, and Melissa got our attention with her fine self-titled CD last year, so it’s a real treat to get to know them and hear them perform live.
Artist – Title – Album
Stephen Fearing – Wheel of Love – Between Hurricanes
Blackie & The Rodeo Kings – Black Sheep (feat. Serena Ryder) – Kings & Queens
Emmylou Harris & Rodney Crowell – Invitation to the Blues – Old Yellow Moon
Emmylou Harris & Rodney Crowell – Open Season on my Heart – Old Yellow Moon
The Express and Company – Ontario – live performance
The Express and Company – Gold in your Pockets – live performance
Melissa Payne – High and Dry – live performance
The Express and Company – Carry Me Along – Ontario
Corin Raymond – Don’t Spend It Honey – Paper Nickels
Corin Raymond – Postcard from Winnipeg – Paper Nickels
Romi Mayes – Achin in Yer Bones – Achin in Yer Bones
Last month, TTBTGH & SBR were proud to present Murdoch & Sparrow at Sunset Saloon, and not only was it a terrific show, but the guys were perhaps the nicest folks to ever share their songs in our living room. It was truly a wonderful way to end off a busy year at the Saloon.
Unfortunately, it was such a busy time that many of our regulars couldn’t make the show. Those who were in attendance were quick to snap up copies of the duo’s live album and their respective solo discs, but if you missed out, consider discovering a bit of what you missed out.
Jay Sparrow was also doing a lot of talking on that trip about his new project, Record Mob, which allows fans to be a part of the process of spreading great music by setting up their own online stores and sharing in the promotion and profits. We’re big fans of both of those things ’round here, so we’ve set up a store where you can download great music AND help a cash-strapped radio dork at the same time!
Check out our store at Record Mob: https://recordmob.com/s/Ii
Here’s the link to download “Dominion Day” by Murdoch & Sparrow: https://recordmob.com/s/Ei
And here’s one to Jay Sparrow’s magnificent solo release, White. It’s a little different, but I promise you, once you get into it, you’ll be glad you did: https://recordmob.com/s/Bi
And check out this great article about Jay Sparrow and his new release. I thought I knew the guy pretty well after spending some time with him at my house, but in reading this I learned a lot of things. Highly recommended: http://www.edmontonjournal.com/entertainment/music/Concert+preview+limits+Edmonton+musician+Sparrow/7732802/story.html
There will be a series of videos based on Jay’s new album, so there will be more to come, but here are the first ones:
And, some memories of the show at Sunset Saloon on Nov. 21
This year’s Harvest Moon Festival in Clearwater featured a stellar lineup of local talent, including Imaginary Cities, Sarah & Christian Dugas, Greg Macpherson, JP Hoe, Al Simmons, Del Barber, and plenty more. It was a lineup too good to pass up. Here are some photos from that great event.
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On Sept. 14, Steel Belted fave Del Barber performed a special concert with his band in Inglis, MB, inside of a decommissioned grain elevator. The show was recorded for an upcoming feature length film to be shown on MTS on Demand TV. It was an incredible experience, and a wonderful show. Here’s a look behind the scenes. We’ll be sure to let you know when the film is premiered.
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The Minnesota State Fair always boasts a great musical lineup, but this was the first year that I finally made the trek down. It won’t be the last!
In just a couple of days, I managed to see the legendary Wanda Jackson, Will Hoge, a show called Minnesota Music on a Stick, featuring The Jayhawks and Jeremy Messersmith, among others, and the newly reunited Mavericks. I was a huge Mavericks fan during their heyday in the 90s, so when they brought the reunion tour within driving distance, it was hard to pass up.
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Liam Titcomb came to Winnipeg to promote his new album “Cicada” on Aug. 24, 2012. The show was scheduled for The Cube in Old Market Square, but Fish & Bird broke it (THANK YOU!), so this show was moved to a much noisier, busier spot at 201 Portage.
Liam was good enough to drop by UMFM to chat and play a few songs on Aug. 23. Check out the podcast at tellthebandtogohome.com.
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