Closing Up Shop...For Now

Well, it looks like it is time for The Mill Lofts Music Series to close the curtains and finish the show. I won't be in Canada for quite some time so it will be impossible for me to run a house concert series here. That doesn't mean that I won't be keeping my eyes and ears open for great roots music...who knows what the future holds.

Thank you to every one who played the series, for all who attended the concerts and to those who offered their services. It was all greatly appreciated.

Until next time...

Eve Goldberg - Saturday, May 13, 2006 @ 8:00 p.m.

If you have ever listened to the CBC Radio One show “Richardson’s Roundup” then you’ve heard the music of Eve Goldberg. Her catchy instrumental tune “Watermelon Sorbet” served as the theme to this popular national daily show for many years. But even if you don’t have a clue as to what I’m talking about, I am here to tell you that you will enjoy the next house concert in The Mill Lofts Music Series. On Saturday, May 13th, Eve will be performing in my living room to delight audiences in little ol’ Guelph, Ontario.

It says on Eve Goldberg’s web site that she sings music that feeds the soul. This is totally true. An engaging performer with a warm, relaxed stage presence, Eve's clear, expressive voice will pull you in, whether she's singing a capella or accompanying herself on fingerstyle or flatpicked guitar. Her music is a really interesting blend of many styles, including folk, blues, bluegrass, swing, jazz, old-time, gospel and more. She sings a mixture of her own songs, songs by other writers, and traditional material. At her shows you can her sing a quiet ballad one minute, pick a guitar instrumental the next, belt out a blues the next, and top it off with an uplifting a capella chorus. And she really knows how to draw an audience into her performance to make it feel like we’re right there with her.

She was the founding manager of the Borealis Recording Company — Canada's only national folk music label — from the label's beginning in 1996 until August of 2001. She is one of the organizers of The Woods Music and Dance Camp, a magical week-long community music retreat for adults, and she is also one of the founders, organizers, and artistic directors of Common Thread Community Chorus of Toronto, an eighty-voice non-audition choir that promotes social justice by singing folk music from around the world.

If you haven’t gathered it already, Eve is one very cool woman and I am thrilled she is playing in my home. So join me for an evening of wonderful music at the final concert of the 2005-06 season of The Mill Lofts Music Series. You won’t be disappointed!

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. Eve will also have CDs for sale, so bring some extra cash. I'll be passing the hat, but all the money goes to Eve herself. Suggested donation is $15 per person. Sliding scale for those who are unwaged, so just check with me. 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.

Ladies and Gentlemen...Ian Sherwood

Ian considers his next tune

Jennifer, Brian and Brian are part of the listening audience

Ian sings

Ian Sherwood

Ian Sherwood - January 29, 2006 @ 7:00 p.m.

Every once in awhile I'll be somewhere and a song or a performer will shock me out of what's happening around me, forcing me to take notice. That's how I first experienced Ian Sherwood's music. It was in the early hours of the morning while my friend Rachel Jagt and I were hosting an open jam room at the Ontario Council of Folks Festivals' annual conference. Lots of great performers and songwriters were sharing tunes all night long. The talent pool was deep. I didn't know who Ian was when he offered to sing one of his songs, so I wasn't sure what to expect. I remember thinking, "he might be good and I hope he is okay so he doesn't embarass himself". The truth is, what we heard that night was truly impressive. Ian's musicianship skills are excellent, his voice is smooth, his emotions shine through his songs and he has a spark and a talent that stands out from the crowd.

Born and raised Halifax, Ian emerged in the mainstream circuit with the Charlottetown-based swing band, The Jive Kings, and landed an East Coast Music Award for best jazz group in 2001. After studying jazz improvisation and composition in Halifax with the legendary saxophonist Don Palmer, Ian moved to Toronto and continued his studies with fellow Maritimer and Juno Award winner, Kirk MacDonald. With an impressive career as a session player in Toronto and Halifax and having shared the stage with artists like Natalie McMaster, Measha Brueggergosman and Richard Wood, Ian has now branched out to the singer/songwriter category where he has quickly gained recognition as a solid front-man and lyricist.

His self-titled debut CD is an eclectic mix of catchy, heart-breaking melodies, intricate guitar playing with a slight throw-back to his jazz roots. Lyrically, this album showcases his ability to cut to the core, sharing the intimacy of love and heartbreak with a sometimes painful clarity. He fuses contemporary song styles with his Atlantic heritage and has been compared to James Taylor, Ron Sexsmith, and The Odds.

So, come out to the third concert of the successful Mill Lofts Music Series 05/06 season and support your local folksinger!

There will be two sets of music and an intermission when you can have a bite to eat, chat with Ian, buy a CD or get to know your neighbour. As always I'll pass the hat, but all the money goes to Ian so he can continue making a living from his art. 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.

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.