Steve's Blog
Wednesday November 21, 2007

Hi everybody

We've had an amazing week, with some great concerts - including a sold out show with Tom Russell and Ramblin Jack last Tuesday. The weekend's shows were all excellent. The attendance on Friday was OK, on Saturday it was dismal, and on Sunday I must say we expected more. All we can do is continue to bring you the very best music around. We will continue to do that for as long as it's possible. We realise that it's a bit of a gamble coming to see a band you haven't seen before, but we do guarantee all our shows 100%, so if you don't feel an artist lives up to our billing, we'll give you your money back.

That said, we would like to thank all the volunteers who made the shows possible and created the atmosphere that made them so enjoyable.

The musicians were all in extraordinarily good form, too.

The Sojourners - Saturday November 24, 8pm at St. James Hall

Marcus Mosely, Will Sanders and Ron Small are the backing singers on the latest Jim Byrnes CD, House of Refuge. They have just released their first CD together, Hold On, and the official CD launch concert is this Saturday at St. James Hall (3214 West 10th Avenue) at 8pm. Jim Byrnes will return the favour, singing with them, and bringing along his fine backing band, which includes Steve Dawson on guitars and the brilliant barefoot bassist Keith Lowe. I think it's the first time we've presented Gospel Music at the Rogue, but since we pride ourselves on presenting music without boundaries, it's about time we branched out into pastures new! We do expect a full house, so book your tickets online or purchase them in advance from Highlife Records or Rufus' Guitar Shop. You can visit The Sojourners' myspace site for more information about the group, and to hear some of their music. Concert Details

Stacey Earle and Mark Stuart - Monday November 26, 7pm

We are delighted to bring these well-travelled musicians back to town - this time to share some of their wisdom in a workshop setting. Stacey Earle (Steve Earle's sister) will conduct her Songwriting Clinic, sharing her experiences and teaching techniques and offering advice and critiquing songs (if you're brave enough to sing one to her!) Topics will include co-writing, rewriting, getting songs recorded, and making your own record.

Meanwhile, Mark Stuart will present his Guitar Clinic, covering solo guitar, accompanying another guitar, and playing in a band setting. Styles covered include Folk, Blues, Country and Rock, including ideas for harmonics, chords, Travis-style picking, octaves, bass lines, and much more. Bring your guitar and learn from one of the most accomplished and versatile players we've had the pleasure of working with over the years.

Stacey & Mark played here just a few months ago, and are in the vicinity again to play some shows on Vancouver Island. They asked if we could present these workshops rather than a concert this time, as they don't want to overstay their welcome. Above all, though, they are two of the most selfless musicians we have ever come across, always eager and willing to pass on their knowledge and experience.

Both workshops run from 7pm to 9pm in the lower rooms at St. James Community Square. The cost is $35. You can now buy tickets online, or you can call 604-736-3022 to register by phone and pay at the door. Workshop Details

You can read more about the Stacey and Mark on www.staceyearle.com

Don Ross with special guest Brooke Miller - Friday November 30, 8pm

Late November customarily marks the return of legendary Ontario guitarist Don Ross. Don has played at the Rogue many times, and built a large and loyal following. His mastery of the 6 and 7 string acoustic guitar is total. His technique astonishing. Not just a fast - unbelievably fast - player. Don is a man with an impeccable touch, and a pretty darned good tunesmith as well. Tunes like "Brooke's Waltz", "My Former Life", and "Catherine" reflect his more reflective, emotional side, and are no less jaw-dropping than his faster tunes, where he demonstrates his penchant for funk: powerful, funky, electrifying, bass-driven tunes that will have your toes tapping in rhythmic patterns they have never felt before! The aforementioned "Brooke" is Don's young wife, Brooke Miller, who hails from PEI. She, too, is an impressive guitarist and a songsmith too. Her new CD, "You Can See Everything", was produced by Don, who plays some pedal steel and dobro on it as well as his more customary guitar chops. Don't delay if you want to see these brilliant players in concert. The last few days leading up to a Don Ross show tend to be filled with phone calls and emails and online ticket orders. Get yours now. For more information visit www.gobyfish.com www.brookemiller.ca. Concert Details

Please join me on The Edge On Folk on Saturday from 8am to noon for some hot new music, concert previews, and a veritable cornucopia of musical surprises. That's on CITR fm 101.9 and www.citr.ca.

See you at The Rogue!