This week's "blog" is a little different from my usual format. You see, I'm worried. I may not look it in this photo, but I am worried. Worried about concert attendance mostly, but also about preserving the exemplary streaming service we provide.
1. Golden Shoals plus Elise Boeur & Adam Iredale-Gray, Thursday June 8th, 8pm, Mel Lehan Hall at St. James (3214 West 10th Avenue)
This Thursday evening we have two young and exciting acoustic duos for you. Yes, you. I'm sure you must be a fan of one or more of the following genres: Celtic, Bluegrass, Alt Country / Folk, Scandinavian fiddle music. These four musicians studied together at the prestigious Berklee School of Music in Boston. Two are BC born and bred, one of the others fell in love here, and now makes Vancouver his home. Neither duo has played a Rogue show before. This is exciting, cutting edge (no relation) stuff, folks!
Golden Shoals comprises the stunning acoustic guitarist Mark Kilianski (the one who fell for a Vancouver lass), and his musical partner Amy Alvey (fiddle, guitar). They both sing, they write their own songs, they harmonize beautifully, and their sound encompasses the aforementioned Bluegrass / Alt Country styles. They have released two fine albums together, and this is a rare chance to hear them in Vancouver playing a full set of their original songs.
Elise Boeur (fiddle) and Adam Iredale-Gray (acoustic guitar) are both members of Aerialists, a contemorary folk / pop / roots ensemble incorporating bass, drums, Celtic harp, fiddle and keyboards into a big sound. Elise and Adam also happen to be an exceptional fiddle / guitar duo, combining Celtic medleys with Scandinavian dance tunes and Old Time Appalachian tunes. This show is the official album launch for their excellent CD, Fiddle Tunes.
The two duos will also team up for some unique collaborations. I'm really excited to hear and see them in the city's number one venue for acoustic music!
I hope you will come out and support these brilliant young musicians. Tickets are available right here. You may also purchase them at the door, but that might cost a bit more.
If you can't make it for one reason or another, I urge you to purchase a Watch At Home streaming ticket. For a mere $15 you can watch the show whenever and wherever you like.
2. Streaming Our Shows
Our friends at Hubcast Media are making wonderful video presentations of our concerts, and we love to be able to provide this option for anyone to witness the splendour of The Rogue Folk Club in the magnificent Mel Lehan Hall, with fabulous sound, brilliant camera work, and tastefully splendid lighting.
The trouble is, we need at least 30 people per show to buy Watch At Home tickets in order for us to cover the cost of this unique service. It's not just about The Rogue, either, because Hubcast makes the recordings available to the performers at no cost, and they end up with a stunning video record and promotional tool. (Martyn Joseph is selling the video of his April 2022 concert at The Rogue. He was THAT impressed!!)
We don't want to lose this added service but without your support we just cannot afford to keep it going. So if you can't make it to a concert in person but you want The Rogue to be able to keep going, please consider this option. Remember, you can watch any time, for a mere $15.
3. Coming NEXT WEEK To The Rogue: Danny Michel! Karan Casey!
We also have two exceptional concerts for you next week, with Ontario songwriter and humorist Danny Michel (above - on Tuesday, June 13th), and with one of Ireland's very finest singers - Karan Casey (below - on Thursday June 15th).
Follow the hyperlinks above for full details of the concerts - including how to buy your tickets.
These performers are amongst the very best entertainers you will find anywhere on the planet, and they are bringing their newest music and stories - and they are coming to sing for YOU!
So, please support your local folk club / concert series, and help us make these superb musicians feel welcome and loved in Vancouver.
4. Tom Crean - Arctic Explorer, at The Billy Bishop Legion (1407 Laburnum St., Kits Point)
Here's a one man play we think you will enjoy. Acclaimed Irish actor, Aiden Dooley comes to Vancouver to present his solo performance of Tom Crean ANTARCTIC EXPLORER.
Writer and actor Aidan Dooley takes his audience on an incredible journey in the shoes of this courageous Irish hero. Experience the thrill and excitement of his expeditions told with charm, warmth, and humour. Hear the riveting true stories of Crean’s Antarctic explorations as one of the few men to serve with both Scott and Shackleton and survive three famous expeditions: Discovery, (1901 – 1904); Terra Nova (1910 – 1913); and Endurance (1914 – 1916).
This show is presented by Celticfest Vancouver at 8pm on the following dates: June 9th (Sold Out), 10th, 16th, 17th, & 24th, and there's a 2pm matinee June 25th. For tickets click here
5. Radio Waves
For over 38 years I've been assembling a radio show for a weekly musical feast. I hope you enjoy listening as much as I love putting it together for you! On this week's edition of The Saturday Edge On Folk, 8am to noon, on www.citr.ca I am going to play some of my favourite selections from the recent and not-so-recent past. There will be all kinds of scintillating roots music from all around the planet, plus previews of next week's Danny Michel and Karan Caseyconcerts, and a few new releases too. Please tune me in and turn me on, this and every Saturday.
5. Epilogue
That's about all I have to say this week, but I would like to add that we have ironed out the licensing problems which prevented us from running a bar at last month's Laura Cortese concert. Hooray, and big thanks to our MLAs, the BC LDB, and everyone else who pitched in to help!
I also want to send our best wishes for a speedy recovery to Rogue Folk board member and devoted volunteer, Doug O'Neill, who is recuperating from surgery. We'll see you soon, Doug!
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