Steve's Blog
Friday March 13, 2009

Hi everyone

Radio Waves

I had to wait until this evening to send out the update as I didn't know how much time I'd have on tomorrow's edition of The Edge On Folk until this evening. CiTR is covering the National Men's Basketball Play-offs this weekend, and UBC has advanced to the semi-finals. So I have a 4 hour radio show from 8am to 12 noon - as normal. If they had lost today they would have played a consolation round earlier in the day, and i would only have been on from 8am to 9:20!

Please join me tomorrow for 4 hours of the best in Roots, World, Folk and Celtic music - with a special feature on St. Patrick's Day this week. CiTR fm 101.9 in Vancouver, and streamed live on www.citr.ca Podcasts will be available later in the day on www.citr.ca, and all my playlists are archived here.

I'll also be Sheryl McKay's guest on CBC Radio One's North By Northwest this Sunday from 8:25am to 9am. AM 690, 88.1 fm

Lowry Olafson's CD launch, Saturday March 14th 8pm, St. James Hall

We are helping BC songwriter / fiddler Lowry Olafson launch his new CD Borderland this week. This well-travelled singer songwriter has played all over the world and accumulated stories and inspiration for songs and music throughout his travels. He recorded his latest CD on the Sunshine Coast with a fine backing band which will accompany him in this concert. There are still tickets available at the door. More information can be found on his website www.lowryolafson.com.

The BIG St. Pat's Night Out, with Ashley MacIsaac and Lunasa, at The Vogue Theatre, 918 Granville St., 8pm

OK, it's 3 days early, but you'll still feel the rub o' the green for a few days after listening to the amazing Lunasa in concert! This Irish quintet features virtuoso musicians playing traditional and original instrumentals, spiced with hilarious introductions by the irrepressible Kevin Crawford. Kevin is a master flute and whistle player (and bodhran too) from Co. Clare. Sean Smyth is a fine fiddler, Cillian Vallely plays the uilleann pipes, Trevor Hutchinson plays bass, and Paul Meehan plays guitar. They have played in Vancouver many times, but it's been quite a few years since their last gig here. I can't wait to see them again! Check out their website www.lunasa.ie for more information.

Cape Breton fiddler Ashley MacIsaac is one of Canada's most gifted and most notorious musicians! On last week's edition of The Edge On Folk I played a song by the Toronto techno group, BKS, which features Ashley. "The Square Dance Song" was a hit single about 13 years ago, and was the first time I'd heard Ashley play. Later, his collaboration with singer Mary Jane Lamond, "Sleepy Maggie", cemented his status and secured him a few tours with The Chieftains. Spaks - and likely, kilts - will fly tonight! Tickets are available from www.celticfestvancouver.com as well as www.ticketmaster.ca and at the door. Save at least $7 by buying them in advance.

St. Patrick's Day Parade, Sunday March 15th from 11:30am

I hope the weather holds off, cos there's nothing like a rainy day to dampen the spirits at a parade. Anyhow, there will also be lots of events under cover and much merriment will ensue, whatever the weather.

Rogue Folk presents: Carlos del Junco, Sunday March 15th, 8pm at St. James Hall, 3214 West 10th Avenue

1997 - 2009 Harmonica Player of the Year - SEVEN times out of the Canadian Maple Blues Award's TWELVE year history - Carlos del Junco was born in Cuba and raised in Toronto. His music covers much more than The Blues, with original tunes and songs in a wide variety of Roots and World Music styles. He is an incredible musician, backed by a hot acoustic band. His last Rogue gig was a few years back at Capilano Performing Arts Theatre, and he's played at The Yale many times over the years. His latest two CDs, Blues Mongrel, and the brand new Steady Movin' are testaments to his virtuosity and versatility. If you're feeling a little soggy and in need of a lift, head down to St. James Hall and let Carlos del Junco blow away your blues and kick up your heels. This is lively, pulsating, vibrant, infectious music - danceable, yet soulful, played with verve and reverence for the Roots of the music.

It's a bit of a departure for us, but we are sure you'll enjoy the music. Why not take a chance on the Rogue? Bring a friend. Make it a party. Revel in some real, live, Canadian music, and don't worry. Our 100% money-back guarantee is in effect if you don't feel the show lives up to our billing.

More information on www.carlosdeljunco.com. Concert details...

Next weekend, the Rogue presents: Romi Mayes from Winnipeg, and Vin Garbutt from N.E. England, at St. James Hall

We are delighted to present a very fine songwriter from the Prairies, Romi Mayes (pronounced Raw-me Maze) She has just released a superb CD, "Achin In Yer Bones", produced by Austin's revered musician / producer Gurf Morlix. It's definitely a contender for a Juno Award in 2010, and gets my vote for Canadian Album of 2009 so far. The sort of album Lucinda Williams would love to have made, but she doesn't have the chops, nor the turn of phrase exhibited by Romi Mayes. Come along and hear her for yourselves. She is amazing, and her band is incredible. The pianist and the bassist are extremely animated and you can really see just how much they "feel" the music! www.romimayes.com. Concert details...

The following night, English songwriter Vin Garbutt returns to the Rogue, in his 40th year as a touring musician! Steeped in traditional music from Ireland and England, Vin is a wonderful whistle player and guitarist with a powerful, passionate voice. His songs are memorable accounts of life in these troubled times. OK, many of them are sad, but there is in Vin Garbutt a heart of gold and an indomitable spirit and hope for the future. He is also a celebrated entertainer. A raconteur with a sharp wit and some of the zaniest stories you've ever heard. The perfect blend of humour and pathos. www.vingarbutt.com. Concert details...

We are also showcasing some very exciting emerging Canadian talent this weekend, with songwriter Dustin Bentall opening for Romi Mayes, and Victoria fiddler Kalissa Hernandez opening for Vin.

If you have doubts about the variety, quality, and sheer entertainment value on offer at the Rogue, check out these next few concerts. You won't regret it.

Have a great weekend
See you at The Rogue!
Steve