Steve's Blog
Happy Easter!
Friday March 29, 2024

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Van Django, Saturday March 30th, 8pm, at Mel Lehan Hall at St. James (3214 West 10th Avenue)

We are delighted to bring you the original line-up of Vancouver's amazing gypsy jazz combo Van Django. In the spirit of our once annual April In Paris Festival - April seems to have started early this year - this is a unique chance to hear these four string wizards together on stage once again. You might even want to lace up your dancing shoes!

 

Van Django is an acoustic string ensemble made up of four of Canada's most talented and eclectic musicians; violinist Cameron Wilson, guitarist Budge Schachte, guitarist/cellist Finn Manniche and bassist Brent Gubbels. Van Django's music is well-rooted in the gypsy jazz of 1930's Paris France, pioneered by Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli.Beyond that it's all pure blue-skying; flights of dazzling fancy, driving rhythms and boundless creativity featuring original compositions and arrangements including humorous mash-ups that showcase their eclectic influences in full regalia.

 

In-Person tickets can be purchased here or at the door. 

 

Watch-At-Home tickets are available here

Cara Luft & Shari Ulrich plus special guests, Friday April 5th, 8pm, at Mel Lehan Hall at St. James (3214 West 10th Avenue)

 

To mark her long career and her 50th birthday, Cara Luft (The Small Glories, The Wailin' Jennys) is launching “50 for 50”— fifty curated shows that will see her travel across Canada, the US and Europe. She will be joined by a cast of friends and special guest artists who share her sense of adventure and joyful music-making, as well as her passion to explore, collaborate and celebrate. No two shows will be the same. As one promoter put it, "I don’t know which is more beguiling... her 1000 watt personality, her wizardry on guitar and banjo, the power of her voice or her songwriting talent. In any event, the audience is in for a real treat!”

 

For this show, Cara will be joined by West Coast songbird and close friend Shari Ulrich. Beloved by both fans and musicians alike, Shari has a way of drawing people close to her heart. She holds space for many in the music community, offering support and wisdom gained from her decades of performing. A musician's musician and a songwriter's writer, Shari sets the bar for any artist wanting to expand their skill and vision.

 

Join Cara and Shari and other special guests for a one-of-a-kind unique performance full of musical surprises. Just some of the people confirmed to make an appearance are Neil & Dave Osborne (54-40), and Suzie Ungerleider. There will be more - but we are sworn to secrecy!

 

In-Person tickets can be purchased here or at the door. 

 

Watch-At-Home tickets are available here

 

Canadian Folk Music Awards, April 3rd - 7th, St. John's Newfoundland

Margaret & I will be attending these awards in St. John's so will miss the Cara Luft / Shari Ulrich show. If you recall, The Rogue was the host venue for last year's awards and this year I've been invited as a Delegate. Wow! We've never been to NL before, and there will be some stellar musicians on stage. 

 

Go to: https://folkawards.ca/events/cfma-2024/

to see the schedule for all the shows (April 3-7) 

and on the day(s) you want to watch, go to the home page and click on the live streaming link for the specific Awards show(s) of your choice on April 5th, 6th, and 7th.

 

A reminder that the time difference is 4.5 hours (8 pm there means 3:30 pm here :)

 

I believe the show links will stay up on the CFMA website for a few weeks after the event, and will be on YouTube later on. 

Tom Russell Concert Cancellation

We are very sad to report that legendary singer / songwriter Tom Russell has cancelled his Tour dates in western Canada. He was scheduled to perform at The Rogue on Monday May 6th, but has postponed his tour until he records his next album. 

 

We received this email from Tom's wife Nadine a few days ago:

 

"Right now we‘d rather not re-schedule.

We have decided to only book shows again when Tom decides to put the new record out and are not yet sure when that will be.

Again, so sorry to cancel.

All the best and hope to see you soon!

Nadine and Tom"

 

The Rogue's ticketing policy states that we don't offer refunds, but in this instance we will refund your ticket if you would rather not wait for news of the rescheduled event. Please email concerts@roguefolk.bc.ca if you wish to receive a refund. We will process these refunds when time permits. We apologize for any inconvenience.

 

Radio Waves

On the special Easter Saturday edition of The Saturday Edge On Folk (8am to 12 noon on www.citr.ca) I'll feature new releases from the pages of Songlines Magazine, and elsewhere, plus concert previews, and a look at some of the nominees from next week's Canadian Folk Music Awards in St. John's. 

 

Here is a quick look at some this week's featured recordings. 

I hope you will tune me in and turn me on once again. Happy Easter!