Steve's Blog
Thursday April 14, 2011

Hi everyone

This is a very exciting weekend! In fact, the rest of the month is shaping up to be an incredible celebration of Roots Music at The Rogue!

1. Paddy Keenan, Friday April 15, 8pm (St. James Hall, 3214 West 10th Avenue)

The Jimi Hendrix of the Irish (uilleann) pipes returns with a new guitarist / singer Padraic Conroy, a stunning DVD (Dambe: The Mali Project), and plenty of new material from a CD due out in the next few weeks. Here's a brilliant article about Paddy, written by Alex Varty in today's Georgia Straight. Don't miss this rare chance to see a master at work on a mysterious and magnificent musical instrument. The aforementioned DVD will be available in Canada for the first time at this concert.

2. Eliza Gilkyson & John Gorka, Sunday April 17, 8pm (St. James Hall, 3214 West 10th Avenue)

The wonderful Texas songwriter was the subject of some controversy at Vancouver's City Hall the other day when Councillor David Cadman played a recording of her song "Beautiful World" at the beginning of a Council meeting - in place of the customary prayer / opening focus. Here's the article from The Courier.

Eliza has a new CD, "Roses At The End Of Time", and will bring special guest John Gorka - with whom she and Lucy Kaplansky released a wonderful CD last year called "Red Horse". John hasn't played at The Rogue for way too many years. Almost 20! He's a really fine songwriter, too, with a smooth rich voice and he is the perfect foil for Eliza on stage. While the subject matter can be a little heavy at times, the banter and inherent humour of these two singers shines through. Eliza Gilkyson is one of my favourite songwriters. A compelling storyteller in song and narrative, she weaves a spell around the room and epitomises the modern troubadour - drawing attention to the major events and problems of our time, reflecting our hopes, fears, loves and desires, and helping us make sense of this beautiful, fragile planet we share. www.elizagilkyson.com

3. Pied Pear, Monday April 18, 8pm (St. James Hall, 3214 West 10th Avenue)

Joe Mock and Rick Scott became Pied Pear when Shari Ulrich left Pied Pumkin in 1976. The Pumkin pioneered home recordings and maybe even invented the Canadian west coast "sound". Rick and Joe toured for over six years as Pied Pear, travelling far and wide playing concerts, dances and festivals. They represented Canada at the Knoxville Worlds fair. They received a standing ovation in the rain at the first Vancouver Folk Music Festival in 1978, convincing the organizers that they were onto something! (The 34th edition of that very special "something" will take place at Jericho Park in July.) Pied Pear released three LPs. They were rumoured to be the only duo guaranteed to make folks dance. They both went on to other lives, and now Joe Mock lives in France. They've always wanted to get back to playing the vast Pear repertoire which has not been heard in over 3 decades. A PIED PEAR retrospective CD has been specially created for this tour. Come down to their old stomping ground in Kitsilano and relive those amazing times. This will be the final night of their BC and Alberta tour, and is sure to be memorable - and fun!

"The Pear rocked, they hypnotised, they celebrated, they stole their way into the emotions of their captive audience. A most delightful evening and a good time for all. We want more, more, more..."

4. Willie & Lobo, Thursday April 21, 8pm (St. James Hall, 3214 West 10th Avenue)

Next Friday is a holiday - at last! So what could be better than an evening of psychedelic gypsy fiddle and flamenco guitar to get you into the holiday spirit? Yes, those inimitable surfing dudes are back! After almost two decades of touring Willie Royal and Wolfgang Lobo Fink decided to call it a day in 2007. But there was something so magical about their shows that we couldn't really believe we'd never see them again. Sure enough, they are back on the road and coming back to The Rogue with a brand new CD, "Playing Hard", and we can't wait to see them again. Who knows when - or even if - they will be back, so grab this chance with both hands, put on a Hawaiian shirt under your parka and head down to the Rogue on Thursday night. Catch the wave!

5. Radio Waves

I'll have some delectable new releases on The Edge On Folk this Saturday, including the new Paul Simon, new Alasdair Fraser & Natalie Haas, new Alison Krauss, new Willie & Lobo, and lots more. Please join me for four hours of the very best in Roots Music from The Rogue and all around the world, Saturday 8am to noon on CiTR fm 101.9 and streamed live on www.citr.ca

I'll be Sheryl McKay's guest on CBC North By Northwest this Sunday at 8am on 88.1fm and 690am.

6. April In Paris Festival, April 29 - May 1, St. James Hall

Our 5th annual celebration of the musical legacy of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli brings you six hot bands and a whole weekend of scintillating Roots music, dancing, workshops, and general merriment - with a decidedly French flavour. The bands are John Jorgenson Quintet (USA), Christine Tassan et les Imposteures (Quebec), Roma Swing Ensemble (Romania / BC), and three equally brilliant BC bands: Marc Atkinson Quartet, Deanna Knight & The Hot Club Of Mars, and Van Django - whose second CD is finally going to see the light of day this summer. We are fine-tuning the event, but watch for a special prize draw / auction for a Saga Guitar (as played by John Jorgenson) and a display of wonderful custom-built guitars made by "Martian Ambassador" Michael Dunn.

There are interviews with Christine Tassan and John Jorgenson in the web edition of this month's Rogue Folk Review

Some of you have asked about using Parcel O'Rogues for this event. The Saturday and Sunday shows will require two credits each. We recommend the Weekend Pass, because the music is going to be absolutely spectacular and we wouldn't want you to miss a single, never-to-be-repeated-anywhere-else note.

7. Elsewhere

Holger Petersen hosts a special 25th anniversary edition of Saturday Night Blues at CBC Studio 40 this Saturday evening. Performers include Colin James, Colin Linden, and Jim Byrnes. It's sold out, but there may be standby tickets if you're in line! Congratulations, Holger. Welcome to the "25 Club!"