Steve's Blog
Wednesday September 10, 2008

Hi everyone

We have two great concerts this weekend to launch the new season of concerts at the Rogue Folk Club at St. James Hall.

Bill Bourne & Madagascar Slim Friday September 12th 8pm St. James Hall, 3214 W.10th Avenue

Two brilliant Canadian guitarists team up with a bunch of new songs reflecting their eclectic styles, which range from Celtic to African, blues to reggae, all with their trademark message of peace, love and hope for the children and the planet. They are joined by drummer Michelle Josef and bassist / dancer / singer Jas Ohlhauser. More information www.billbourne.com, Concert details.

Shearwater Saturday September 13th 8pm St. James Hall, 3214 W.10th Avenue

Shearwater is a new trio comprising Dave Clarke (guitar) the original and long-time accompanist for David Francey, singer / bassist Tammy Fassaert (ex Laurie Lewis & Grant Street, amongst others), and mandolin wizard James Whittall. This is the Vancouver CD launch of their new CD, a compelling blend of bluegrass tunes and gorgeous folk / bluegrass / country-tinged songs. The trio hails from Vancouver Island, and this is a rare chance to hear them on the Mainland. www.shearwaterband.com, Concert details.

New issue of the Rogue Folk Review

The new issue of the Rogue Folk Review is now available on line. You may already have received a copy in the mail, of course. Inside you will read about the huge creative inspiration which unites our diverse array of performers.

Special Deal for Rogues on a speical Italian concert

On the back page you will see the calendar of events in town this month. One of them is highlighted and recommended. It's the return of Fiamma Fumana, this time with the amazing Rice Weeders Choir from Emilia Romagna. Some of the women in the choir are now in their 80s, but they all sing with such exuberance and joy that we guarantee you'll have a glorious time! The concert is at the Italian Cultural Centre at 12th and Slocan, on Wed. October 1st. We have a Special Deal for Rogue Folk members: $5 off the ticket price at the door. Just present your membership card and enjoy the show at a discount price.

May We Also Recommend

The Fringe Festival is on right now. If you get a chance, check out "A Man, A Music, A Magic" - an amazing one-man show which incorporates a personal history of R&B.

There's a benefit concert for City-wide Housing Coalition, with The No Shit Shirleys, Fraser Union, and Just Duets on Saturday, September 20th at St. James Hall. Funds will be used for education around the growing homeless issue and lack of affordable housing in Vancouver and to propose and advocate for solutions. This is NOT a Rogue show, but we hope you'll attend and support the cause.

The Duhks come to the Biltmore Cabaret (395 Kingsway at 12th) on Tuesday September 30th. We had hoped to bring them to St. James Hall in December, but Live Nation have beaten us to the punch. The new line-up of the band is stunning, as is their new CD, Fast Paced World. See you there.

The Edge On Folk, CiTR fm 101.9, Saturday 8am to 12 noon

Please join me for 4 hours of the very best in Roots, Folk, World and Celtic Music. This week I'll have new CDs by Dar Williams, Patty Griffin, Spearhead, Joan Osborne, The Breakmen, Puro Son, Rory Block, Spanish singer Buila, Lura from Cape Verde, Red Molly, Darrell Scott, Vancouver's Jarimba, Maria Dunn, Loudon Wainwright III, Maddy Prior, Shearwater, Matt Andersen, the soundtrack of Woody Allen's Vicky Cristina Barcelona, Annbjorg Lien, and plenty of old favourites and concert previews too. You can tune in live, or download podcasts from www.citr.ca later, but if you want a request played, please email me before the day of the show or call me on 604-822-2487 during the show.