Steve's Blog
Thursday October 9, 2008

Hi everyone

Well, first off, we must apologize for any difficulties you may have accessing our website right now. There appears to be some sort of problem with our web Host, and this makes access very slow or non-existent. It also does not seem to be possible to book tickets online at present. We are trying to host the site elsewhere, but this may not be possible. If you continue to experience difficulties with the ticketing system, please call the Reservation Hotline to book your tickets. 604-736-3022

[It looks like our web host had hardware problems and are working hard on fixing it. For now the website is up on a backup server. I'm hoping to have everything back to normal by Saturday afternoon. The ticketing system is up and working again as well. - Webmaster]

We have just mailed out the October issue of the Rogue Folk Review. It should arrive in your letterbox tomorrow, with any luck. Failing that, it won't be delivered until Tuesday.

You should be able to read it online, of course, but that depends on the web hosting problem being resolved.

Meanwhile, here is a list of our concerts for the rest of the month. Followed by a list of shows we think you might like to know about.

1. ROGUE FOLK CONCERTS AT ST.JAMES HALL

Friday October 10, 8pm
The Breakmen -- CD launch
St. James Hall (3214 West 10th Avenue)
Tickets $18 ($15 members)

Out of Vancouver, The Breakmen are winning over audiences across Canada and the American Northwest with contagious stage energy, original melodies, and innovative vocal harmonies. Featuring the singing and songwriting of multi-instrumentalists Archie Pateman, Lee Watson, and Ben Rogalsky, and the driving bass of Matt Lawson, The Breakmen blend elements of bluegrass, old-time, blues, and folk music. This show marks the release of their 2nd CD, When You Leave Town. www.threbreakmen.com, Concert details

Friday October 17, 8pm
Rita Chiarelli
St. James Hall (3214 West 10th Avenue)
Tickets $23 ($20 members)

Dubbed the goddess of Canadian blues by CBC's Shelagh Rogers, Rita Chiarelli has, "a voice that can growl at her demons or soar with the angels, a gift for lyric, an ear for melody and the heart to combine them." She is an accomplished singer-songwriter, a gifted vocalist and a skilled musician. Add to that a warm persona and a fine sense of humour and you have all the ingredients for an outstanding performer. www.ritachiarelli.com, Concert details

Sunday October 26, 7:30pm
The No Shit Shirleys -- CD launch
plus special guest Maria Dunn
St. James Hall (3214 West 10th Avenue)
Tickets $20 ($17 members)

A night of strong women, good stories and great singing. The Vancouver based septet the No Shit Shirleys cooks up an acapella stew guaranteed to fill your belly and your soul, while the incomparable Maria Dunn reminds us that Alberta is more than just rodeos & Ralph Klein. [The Shirleys will be joined by long-time friend and collaborator Joseph "Pepe" Danza. - Webmaster] www.mariadunn.com Note the early start time! Concert details

Monday October 27, 8pm
Eliza Gilkyson with Nina Gerber
St. James Hall (3214 West 10th Avenue)
Tickets $28 ($25 members)

Over the course of 13 albums, Eliza Gilkyson has built a reputation as one of the most original and influential troubadours of our time. Join her and the sublime Nina Gerber as they kick off the cross-Canada "Roots on the Rails" tour! www.elizagilkyson.com, Concert details

2. CAP FOLK & ROOTS SHOWS

Tuesday, October 14, 8pm
Loudon Wainwright
Kay Meek Theatre (1700 Mathers Ave, West Vancouver)
Tickets: $32 ($29 members) Box Office: 604.990.7810

For nearly forty years Loudon Wainwright III has been one of America's most cherished music icons. His legendary wit and satirical genius have expanded his cultural reach from troubadour to silver screen regular. With his new album Recovery, he reaches back into the past to reclaim some of his classic songs. Maybe he will give us a running commentary on the election results as they happen?! www.lwiii.com

Wednesday, October 22, 8pm
Lura
Capilano U Theatre, 2055 Purcell Way, N.Vancouver
Tickets $30 ($27 members) Box Office: 604.990.7810

Don't miss the Vancouver debut of the vibrant World Music performer Lura. Born in Portugal to parents from the Cape Verde Islands off the coast of West Africa, Lura draws on the islands' pungent blend of trade route cultures that have created a unique musical tradition embracing French Afro-pop, Brazilian rhythms and earthy, traditional African music.

Thursday, October 30, 8pm
Arrogant Worms
Capilano U Theatre, 2055 Purcell Way, N.Vancouver
Tickets $32 ($29 members) Box Office: 604.990.7810

It began as a hobby, making fun of a big dumb world. Luckily, the world is still dumb and The Arrogant Worms (Mike McCormick, Chris Patterson and Trevor Strong) still have plenty to sing about. The shows are fast, furious and family-friendly. The wit is quick, the satire is biting and the musicianship is second to none. www.arrogant-worms.com

3. OTHER SHOWS AT ST. JAMES HALL and ELSEWHERE

Saturday October 11, 8pm
Maddi Oihenart
St. James Hall (3214 West 10th Avenue)
Tickets $15 at the door

Stunning singer with cello, piano and percussion. Presented by the BC Basque Society

Thursday October 16, 8pm
Barbara Higbie & Teresa Trull
St. James Hall (3214 West 10th Avenue)
Tickets $22 at Little Sisters, Urban Empire, and 604-253-7189

Sounds & Furies present the 25th Anniversary Reunion Tour of powerful American fiddle/piano and guitar duo.

Saturday October 18, 8pm
Laurie Anderson
The Centre in Vancouver for Performing Arts
www.ticketmaster.ca

Outstanding performance poet (O Superman) makes a rare appearance in town.

Sunday October 19, 6:30pm
Honouring Mel Lehan
St. James Hall (3214 West 10th Avenue)
Suggested Donation $30 at the door

This special evening is to honour Mel Lehan, a community activist and organiser, without whom we would not have a venue for our concerts. The concept of leasing St. James Hall and the building that surrounds it for community use was his idea. Mel drew up the business plan and brought together community leaders and Trinity United Church to make his dream a reality. He continues to serve on the board - 15 years' service to date - and is still working to improve the facility. Mel's other achievements include protecting the Point Grey foreshore and founding the Kitsilano Farmers Market. He works tirelessly to give the homeless a voice and a place to live. There will be a silent auction, and topnotch musical entertainment by Fraser Union, Michael Pratt & Lynn McGoun and others. 50% of the funds raised will go to Citywide Housing Coalition, and 50% to St. James Community Square to help finance venue improvements including more new chairs, refinishing the Hall floor, a new stage floor, replacing worn stairs, and upgrading the elevator to increase accessibility. Note: the early start time. We just found out it's not an 8pm start.

Sunday October 26, 8pm
James Hill
Scandinavian Community Centre, 6540 Thomas St. (off Kensington) in Burnaby
Tickets available on 604.294.2777

The words "ukulele" and "virtuoso" are rarely seen together, but with James Hill, there is no other way to describe the glorious range of jazz, classical, folk, and original contemporary sounds he manages to evoke from this humble 4-stringed instrument. Raised in Langley, BC and trained as part of the world famous Langley Ukulele Ensemble, James has forged a musical career that has garnered fans from across North America, Europe and Asia. There's also a workshop on Monday October 27, 7pm. Call 604.685.7405 to register.

4. THE EDGE ON FOLK, CiTR fm 101.9, Saturday 8am to noon

Please join me for 4 hours of the very best in Folk & Roots Music from these performers and many others from around the world. You can also tune in on your computer on www.citr.ca or download podcasts of this and previous shows from the same website.