The Mill Lofts Music Series in Kingston

(photo courtesy of David Newland)

Ian Sherwood plays for the room in Kingston

He'll also be playing here in Guelph on January 29, 2006.

Nathan Caswell

Greg Hobbs

Allison Brown

Lena Gray (Outside the Lines)

For more information on the open jam room I co-hosted with Rachel Jagt at the OCFF annual conference in Kingston this past October, check out the archived blog entry "Oh What A Night".

Steve McNie, David & Alex Cheung do their thang

Kate & Leith listen

Newland does Mills' "Military Governmental Contract"

Mr. Newland with his guitars

David Newland - November 13, 2005 @ 7:00 p.m.

David Newland: singer, songwriter, photographer, poet, raconteur, online journal-keeper, web-guru, Zen Canadian and one of the most interesting and deep thinking people I’ve ever had the pleasure to meet.

A versatile performer and multi-instrumentalist, David's trademark sound is a husky vocal supported by roots-rock guitar rhythms seasoned with memorable melodies, folk-funk fusion, á capella ballads, cowboy songs and "goofy little ditties." The tools of his trade include a slew of acoustic and electric guitars, harmonicas, percussion, banjo, and a growing collection of pesky ukuleles.

David sometimes says that he has "a Velcro soul" - everything sticks. It all comes out in his music and his stories, which transcend rock, roots, folk, pop, country and blues to tell tough tales right from the heart. His dynamic live performances are gutsy and emotionally charged. As part of his work with the Discovery Channel, David recently travelled across the country by train, which means he will have lots of interesting stories to tell. And, to top it all off, he’s just released a brand new CD full of wonderful songs called “Roll Away”.

So, join me for “Lest We Forget” with David Newland – the second concert in The Mill Lofts Music Series 2005/06 season.

There are usually two sets, with a break in between, to have a bite to eat, chat with the performer, or get to know your neighbour. I know David will be bringing CDs. I'll be passing the hat, but all the money goes to David himself because we want to support grassroots music, don’t we? Suggested donation is $15 per person. Bring your own alcoholic beverages if you want to drink. Munchies and non-alcoholic bevvies supplied by me.

Please e-mail me if you want to reserve a spot, get directions, or ask any questions. Space is limited.

David Newland Show Postponed

Unfortunately, I have had to postpone the house concert with David Newland that was slated for September 25, 2005. Stay tuned for an update very soon.

Aengus Finnan - artist, actor, musician

photo courtesy of David Newland

Aengus tells a story

photo courtesy of David Newland

Aengus charms the audience

photo courtesy of David Newland

Rachel introduces Aengus

photo courtesy of David Newland

Aengus Finnan - July 17, 2005 @ 8:00 p.m.

Aengus Finnan, ATBFFS

It's time for moxywoman creations to announce the first concert in the 2005/06 season of The Mill Lofts Music Series!

From the first time I saw Aengus Finnan perform at the Mariposa Folk Festival five years ago I knew I was witnessing a significant new creative force in Canadian music. Since then, I have yet to leave one of his shows anything but completely entertained and emotionally drawn in by his songs and stories. He's both intense and funny and one of the best story-tellers I know.

Aengus is a Canadian troubadour whose story-style songs have earned him international acclaim, numerous awards, and the honour of shared stages with the likes of Garnet Rogers, James Keelaghan, Stephen Fearing, Valdy, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Tish Hinojosa, Lennie Gallant, and John Renbourn.

His songs paint dramatic pictures of real people and familiar places. Collected and written at truck-stops, graveyards, orchards, nursing homes, derelict barns, old railway lines, and a lover’s door, they reveal the gripping and tender observations of a young artist. In addition to original compositions Aengus also features traditional ballads in his repertoire, songs by contemporary roots performers, and several spoken word and radio drama pieces.

His first recording, “Fool’s Gold”(1999) was nominated “Folk Roots Album of the Year” at the Canada Music Week awards, while songs from his second album, “North Wind” (2002), were awarded the “New Folk Songwriting Award” from the prestigious Kerrville Folk Festival in Texas. Most recently one of his original songs was selected for inclusion on a Canadian Artists’ Tribute to Gordon Lightfoot, featuring Blue Rodeo, Bruce Cockburn, and Quartette.

Three years ago he co-founded a series of tribute concerts for Gordon Lightfoot, and then, just because he wasn't busy enough, he decided to start up a folk music festival which is now going into its second year of existence - the Shelter Valley Folk Festival.

Come and join me for a night of brilliant music. This will prove to be a special performance, as Aengus is not playing live shows very much these days while he focuses on his folk festival.

E-mail me if you want to reserve a spot, get directions, or ask any questions. Space is limited. Suggested donation is $15 per person. Bring your own alcoholic beverages if you want to drink. Munchies and non-alcoholic bevvies supplied by me.

It's the Mill Lofts Music Series!

Welcome to the web site for The Mill Lofts Music Series - the house concert series I run in Guelph.

I run house concerts because I think it is important to support grassroots music and artists, to bring unique and independent performers to the attention of my friends, colleagues and fellow community members, and because I'm a bit addicted to event planning. I figure it brings my passion for music together with my love of programming in perfect harmony.

If you're interested in attending any of the concerts I'm hosting, just e-mail me!