Our Calendar of Events
EHAC offers workshops and concerts each season, creating opportunities for artistic expression and skill development. Based on a curated mix of genres and popularity, and mindful of our superb acoustics, up and coming musicians are invited to perform in our extraordinary space. Workshops are offered whenever teaching professionals visit the Bight and express interest in sharing their craft. Or perhaps an artist in residence will offer a class. Every season is different. Have a look at this season's offerings.
Events for June 2013
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Jun 30
Opening Night of EHAC's 2013 Concert Series: Terry Penney Comes Home
Help us extend a warm welcome home to Terry Penney, our first performer of the 2013 Concert Series.
Terry has close family connections to English Harbour: his Dad's family was from English Harbourand and our venue was actually the church his family attended. Terry's great Uncle Steve Penney ran a General Store in English Harbour. And Terry has received strong accolades for his song "Shells" which is on his latest album: the main character in the song, a World War I veteran, is from Trinity Bay. This song was chosen as a Folk Song finalist at this year's Kerrville Folk Songwriting Competition in Kerrville Texas.
Terry Penney is a Newfoundland singer/songwriter whose songs are so vivid and image-driven they have been likened to "3-minute movies". He is a world class storyteller and performer with the uncanny ability to "put you there" in his songs and for the past decade he has done just that. Penney is an old soul who has always had a penchant for the past. Consequently, his songs are often set in a by-gone era when little boys dreamed of helping the Lone Ranger and World War veterans still walked the streets as young men.
Not surprising, the first music Penney was drawn to as a child were records from his parents collection: Buddy Holly's Greatest Hits, Elvis, and The American Graffiti Sound Track. These discoveries started a lifelong appreciation for artists from that era. "There's just something about the rawness and honesty of those early recordings that I've always been drawn to and those are elements that I strive for in my own music." From there he gravitated towards artists like Steve Earle and John Prine, and it's with the afore-mentioned that Penney aligns himself stylistically. "All my favorite artists today are mavericks who don't neatly fit into one genre of music."
Terry Penney is a commanding artist with five full-length albums that have garnered numerous awards and honors, including 2012 Music NL Country Artist of the Year. His extensive touring experience includes major events like the Kerrville Folk Festival in Texas, the Belfast Nashville Songwriters Festival, the Stan Rogers Folk Festival in Nova Scotia, US tour of Maine and a UK tours in Ireland and England. Penney's fifth album, The Last Guitar, was released on February 14, 2012 to critical acclaim (4 Stars, Maverick Magazine, UK).
$10 at the door
Events for July 2013
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Jul 06
Yoga Workshop with Linda Ivany
Where Yoga Meets Local Colour:
Join us for a two day workshop celebrating the wonderful benefits of yoga.
This workshop will focus on hatha yoga, yantra painting meditation and pranayama in the Arts Resource Centre in English Harbour.
Total Cost $130.00
Saturday only $95.00 (lunch provided)
Sunday only $45.00
Saturday, July 6, 2013
0900-1200
Hatha Yoga
The morning will focus on hatha yoga. Hatha yoga is an ancient eastern philosophy and system of exercises that promotes flexibility, strength and inner harmony. This workshop invites both beginners and intermediate students. All propos will be provided.
This series of poses will help each participant to explore their bodies and find their edge.
1200-1315
Lunch
A nutritious lunch will be provided.
1315-1500
Yantra Painting
The afternoon will start with Yantra Painting Meditation. (materials provided).
A yantra is a powerful meditation tool, especially when constructed in the traditional method of chanting sacred mantras. This type of meditation purifies the mind and allows the heart to be in its fullest, clearest and highest expression.
1500-1600
Pranayama
We will explore the transformative nature of breath prana, often defined as life force, this is the vital energy that operates within your body to maintain life. The key to greater joy and fulfillment lies within your own breath.
Sunday July 7, 2013
0900-1100
Hatha Yoga will build on grounding oneself through poses and breathwork.
1100-1200
Yoga Nidra
Weekend will close with the practice of Yoga Nidra.
Your Instructor Linda Ivany, YTT 220 hr, has been practicing yoga for over 20 years in various yoga styles. She has completed numerous workshops in Canada, the US and India. Come and join her in the celebration of yoga in English Harbour in a beautifully restored church and find your bliss!
PLEASE CONTACT LINDA AT linda.ivany@hotmail.com or phone her at 709 689-9560 TO REGISTER. -
Jul 06
An Evening with Holly Hogan and Allan Byrne and Michael Crummey
Well-known Newfoundland author Michael Crummey will join performers Allan Byrne and Holly Hogan for an evening of music and literature.
Allan comes from a family of singers from Placentia Bay. According to his father, he was singing before he could talk. Allan has taken his tempered singing voice and intricate finger-style guitar work to folk festivals all across the province.
Holly has performed many styles, from Jazz to Greek folk. She has appeared at the Wreckhouse Jazz and Blues Festival, the Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Festival and the Woody Point Writers Festival.
Allan and Holly have performing together regularly for the last couple of years, combining their unique styles and beautiful harmonies on a wide range of folk country jazz and originals. Together they have performed at various concert series, and festivals, including the main stage at the 2012 Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Festival.
Michael Crummey has published four books of poetry, a book of stories, and three novels. His most recent novel, Galore, won the Canadian Authors' Association Fiction Award, the Commonwealth Prize for Best Book (Canada & Caribbean Region), and was shortlisted for the International IMPAC Dublin Award and the Governor-General's Award. His latest book is the poetry collection, Under the Keel. He lives in St. John's.
Michael will have some of his books with him to sell, and is happy to sign books that you bring to the concert.
$10 at the door. -
Jul 07
Yoga Workshop with Linda Ivany
Second Day of Linda Ivany's Yoga Workshop.
Please look at the description on Saturday, July 6. -
Jul 14
An Evening With Duane Andrews
IMA award winner Duane Andrews will perform at the arts centre.
8:30 pm
$10
The music might be best described as Folk music played by a top Jazz guitarist and the result is refreshing and stunning. Highly recommended.
Folkworld Magazine, Germany
"...startlingly good..."
NOW Magazine, Toronto
"...it was the group's infectious versions of well-known Reinhardt tunes that drew the biggest applause. But it was the group's bubbling stew of styles on Newfoundland classics that still echoed after the last notes faded."
The Ottawa Citizen, Ottawa
Duane Andrews' music is the product of a great ear, an adventurous spirit and a love of music that is beyond category. Uniting what would seem to be impossible traditional Newfoundland music with the Gypsy Jazz of the legendary Django Reinhardt, Andrews makes it not just work - he makes it soar. The award winning guitarist, composer, producer and international performers latest album, Raindrops, is the best evidence yet of his truly unique musical vision and is the sound of him, literally, bringing it all back home.
A native of the island of Newfoundland, off the east coast of Canada, Duane grew up exposed to the island's melange of cultural influences - a mix of English, French, Irish, Spanish and Portuguese - and his development as a guitarist reflects that. After graduating from the Jazz Studies program at St. FXU with honours, Duane spent several years studying contemporary music composition at the Conservatoire International de Paris and at the Conservatoire National de Region in Marseille, France.
It was during his time in France that Reinhardt's music had a profound impact on Duane. Upon returning to his home province of Newfoundland and Labrador he began fusing traditional Newfoundland music with Reinhardt's style and his own original compositions. This work resulted in the 2004 release of his dynamic debut solo CD, simply titled, Duane Andrews, the 2006 release of the multiple award winning "Crocus", the 2008 release "Raindrops" which features a collaboration with the Atlantic String Quartet. Most recently he has been collaborating with Cape Breton master fiddler Dwayne Ct with which he has released two albums 'Dwayne Cote and Duane Andrews' (2010) and 'The Empress' (2012). For more info on Dwayne and Duane check out www.dwayneandduane.com.
and hear some of Duane's music at www.duaneandrews.ca -
Jul 19
Introduction to Traditional Mat Hooking with Joan Foster
1:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Fee: $75.00.jpg)
In this six-hour workshop, participants are introduced to the basics of traditional Newfoundland mat hooking including preparing patterns on burlap, materials to use, hooking technique and methods of finishing mats. A kit (cost $30) will be provided which includes a small pattern (6" x 6") on a 20" x 20" piece of Scottish burlap and the recycled knit (t-shirt type) materials and homespun yarn to hook the piece with. The project can be enlarged to give you more hooking practice. Mat hooks are available at $10 each. Participants need to provide a 14" quilting hoop (or some type of small frame to hold the burlap) and a pair of scissors. A diagram and instructions for a lap frame are available from the instructor at gjfoster@xplornet.ca if you wish to have one made in advance. -
Three Day Mat Hooking with Joan Foster
1:00 p.m. to July 21st, 3:00 p.m.
Fee: $200.00
Joan Foster returns to English Harbour with two workshops:
A Six Hour Introduction Class, followed by Twelve Hours of Traditional Geometric Mat Hooking.
Sign up for both at a reduced rate. -
Jul 20
Traditional Newfoundland Geometric Mats with Joan Foster
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Fee: $150.00
In this twelve-hour workshop, we will explore some of the traditional geometric patterns commonly found in this province - inch mat, hit or miss blocks, broken glass, log cabin and others. You may bring your own pattern already prepared, purchase one from the instructor or design your geometric rug in class and learn the proper way to draw it on the backing. Color planning and how to use the color wheel will be discussed. Bring your own materials or yarns or order in advance from the instructor. No drawing skills required however, a basic knowledge of rug hooking is a prerequisite. Lots of pre-class consultation with your instructor is available at gjfoster@xplornet.ca.
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Jul 21
An Evening with Pamela Morgan
For 19 years, Pamela Morgan was lead singer, guitarist, and arranger for Canada's pioneering "Celtic" band, Newfoundland's Figgy Duff, who brought the traditional music of Newfoundland to the world stage.
Since then, Pamela has been spearheading her own independent record label, Amber Music, producing music for NL's finest roots artists, including three of her own solo CDs, and licensing tracks to various labels worldwide.
In more recent years, she has represented Canada at Expo in Japan, toured extensively in England, Canada, the US and Europe, and overseen productions of two original scores for live theater her own folk opera, "The Nobleman's Wedding", and Figgy Duff's score for Shakespeare's "Tempest".
In 2007 she received an honorary doctorate from Memorial University, and in 2008 embarked upon a different journey, studying Graphic Design at the College of the North Atlantic. This new skill set led to the release of her handmade book "Newfoundland Ballads for piano and Voice" in 2011.
Pamela is presently preparing for the release of "Play On", her fourth solo album, while continuing to write, arrange, perform and tour in her own highly original and hauntingly beautiful style.
$10 at the door -
Jul 21
Traditional Mat Hooking with Joan Foster
The second day of the twelve hour workshop with Joan Foster.
Please refer to Saturday's listing, on July 20, for registration information.
Sunday's program will end at 3 so that folks can travel home. -
Jul 24
Chris Velan in Concert
Meet singer and songwriter Chris Velan.
Chris Velan's music sings of darkness and beauty, love and destruction, and the struggle against the doubts that so often hold us back. Searching for his own truths since picking up a guitar at the age of nine, the Montreal-based singer-songwriter's journey has taken him down two, distinct paths: law and music. His early 20's saw Velan determined to make sense of humanity's struggles through a career in law, only to realize - after collaborating on the Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars' documentary film in 2003 - that he could make as great an impact through music by its simple yet profound ability to connect people.
In the decade since, Velan has released four albums and toured consistently in North America with artists such as Great Big Sea, Jeremy Fisher, Jason Collett, Matt Mays, Brett Dennen, Duffy, Corrinne Bailey Rae and the John Butler Trio, among many others. An engaging performer, Chris has played at Sundance Film Festival, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, the Vancouver Olympics, NPR's Mountain Stage and numerous festivals including, Montreal Jazz Festival, Osheaga, Virgin Festival and the Ottawa Blues Festival. His 2012 release, 'Fables For Fighters' (NewSong Recordings/Fontana North) has received regular rotation on CBC Radio2 and drawn praise for its song-craft and atmospheric, world-tinged folk/pop. Through his involvement in environmental causes, Velan's music has been featured alongside artists including Jack Johnson and G. Love on the compilation "1 For The Planet' the Music, Vol. 1".
Velan's fifth album, "The Long Goodbye", produced by Iestyn Polson (David Gray, Patti Smith, David Bowie), will be released in summer 2013.
Performance at 8:30 pm $10 at the door. -
Jul 27
Craig Young and His Guitars
10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Fee: $50.00
Craig Young and His Guitars
Beginner Performers: 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Craig Young, accomplished Newfoundland performer, will once again offer a workshop for acoustic and electric guitar on Saturday at the Arts Centre, 10 am - 1 pm. for Beginners
Participants should have basic knowledge of guitar playing and please bring their own instrument(s). 50.00
Intermediate/Experience Performers: 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Participants should have competency on the guitar with perhaps some performance experience. 50.00
Originally from Burgeo/Francois Newfoundland, Craig began playing the guitar and singing at the age of seven. He moved to the province of Alberta, in 1990, performing both as a sideman for many artists including Jason McCoy, Carolyn Dawn Johnson, George Canyon, Patricia Conroy and as a solo country artist. The multiple CCMA (Canadian Country Music Association) Guitar Award winner moved to Nashville TN in 2000, where he worked as a sideman for Patti Loveless, Ricky Skaggs, Anita Cochrane, Shelly Wright, and Canadian Superstar Terri Clark for 8 years, and recorded two albums, The History Of Me, and Tracks with Canadian Country singer Amanda Adelle. In 2008, he moved back to Newfoundland, and performs as a solo artist, and teaches guitar, as well as record projects for other artists in his home studio. His newest album, released in August 2010, is titled Back Home, and brings together country and bluegrass music with the traditional music of Newfoundland.
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Jul 27
Craig Young Concert
Craig Young on Guitar...Live
Newfoundland's own Craig Young will return to the Arts Centre for a night of excellent music. This popular young and highly accomplished musician is a well known sessions guitarist who has returned to his home, and we are lucky for that. You won't want to miss hearing Craig's performance.
8:30 PM $10 at the door -
Jul 28
Dry Stone Wall Building With Dan Snow
10:00 a.m. to August 1st, 4:00 p.m.
Fee: $550.00
A distant foghorn, waves lapping against the harbor shore and the blow from a humpback whale surfacing in the bay these are the sounds that often greet visitors coming to English Harbour, Newfoundland. This summers workshop goal will be to create a companion piece to the Mock Maze that was built in 2012. Participants will collaborate on creating a design, and then construct it on the grounds of the art center.
A collaborative design process culminating in the hands-on creation of a dry stone structure. Instruction in design will include site assessment, 3-D modeling and guide frame set-up. Instruction in building with loose stone will include identifying each stone for its best use, applying the four basic principles for strong construction, and practicing safe methods for shifting and lifting stone. One day of the workshop will be devoted to working in nature to create a temporary environmental art piece.
PARTICIPANTS: Max 8
5-day Dry Stone Wall Building With Dan Snow
Sunday July 28 - Thursday August 1
Fee: $550.00
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Jul 29
Dry Stone Wall Building with Dan Snow
Day Two of five-day workshop.
Please refer to listing on July 28 for registration. -
Jul 30
Day Three of Dry Stone Wall Building with Dan Snow
Please refer to July 28 listing for registration information.
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Jul 31
Day Four of Dry Stone Wall Building with Dan Snow
Please refer to July 28 listing for registration information.
Events for August 2013
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Aug 01
Day Five of Dry Stone Wall Building Workshop with Dan Snow
Please refer to July 28 listing for registration information.
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Aug 03
Dry Stone Wall Building with Dan Snow
10:00 a.m. to August 4th, 4:00 p.m.
Fee: $300.00
2-Day Weekend Dry Stone Wall Building with Dan Snow
Saturday August 3 - Sunday August 4
Group construction of a free-standing dry stone wall. Participants will learn basic skills for building a straight section of a 4' high fence. Three different styles of construction will be discussed Galloway, doubling and singling. Skills learned can be applied to retaining wall construction, as well.
PARTICIPANTS: Max 8
Fee: $300.00 -
Aug 04
Day Two of Dry Stone Wall Building with Dan Snow
This is the second of a two day (weekend) workshop. Please refer to listing on August 2 for registration information.
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Aug 08
An Evening with The Dardanelles, Nuala Kennedy and John Doyle
We couldn't be more delighted to host these well-loved artists.
Armed with a love of jigs, reels and ballads honoured in Newfoundland and an energy found more often in 3 piece punk rock bands than 5 piece folk acts, their accordions, fiddle and talent have shaken national festivals including Winnipeg, Mariposa, and Vancouver.
Still in their twenties, they've intuitively become the keepers of songs we love and have sought out tunes that may have otherwise been lost to the culture forever. The Dardanelles are a new breed of folk musician with a wide sense of the world, out to show that Newfoundland traditional music is alive, vibrant, and powerful.
MATTHEW BYRNE - vocals / bouzouki / guitar
RICH KLAAS - bodhran / percussion
TOM POWER - vocals / guitar
AARON COLLIS - button accordion
EMILIA BARTELLAS - fiddle
Performance at 8:30. $15 at the Door -
Aug 18
A Concert with Ian Foster
$15 at the door
Ian Foster is familiar with the cycle of a song. Since 2006, the Newfoundland-based songwriter has been writing, recording and touring his work around Canada and Europe. His latest release, The Evening Light, showcases songs inspired by the road, and by an examination of home that can only be made from the distance of travel.
His music combines many of the classic elements of folk songwriting and storytelling with newer approaches to the genre. His albums contain a mix of traditional instruments (banjo, upright bass, accordion, violin and cello all appear on his newest release) and modern instruments and effects. He regularly plays both electric and acoustic live, making tasteful use of looping and delay effects to create a bigger sound than one would expect from a solo player.
A road warrior, Ian spends about half of every year playing shows, festivals, and conferences abroad, and regular shows all year long in his home province. His music has been played on radio internationally, from Newfoundland to the Netherlands. He has been nominated for multiple MusicNL (Newfoundland) and ECMA (East Coast Music Awards) over the last few years (including SOCAN Songwriter of the Year), and has been a finalist in the ISC (International Songwriting Competition), based out of Nashville, TN. He also has numerous co-writing credits, including one with the legendary folk songwriter Ron Hynes.
One can expect a dynamic live show, with regular stories interspersed throughout a set, adding a level of insight into the songs that can only come from an "in the flesh" performance.
Popular to fans and critics alike, Ian's music resonates. Glenn Meisner, long time producer at CBC Radio in Halifax has this to say: Ian is special There are those special things about he and his music that you cannot quite put your finger on " hard to express qualities that allow him to creep into your consciousness and superimpose his imagination on yours rare qualities that separate the wheat from the chaff in this business." Tony Ploughman, chief music purchaser at Fred's Records in St. John's, notes, "For those who appreciate, embrace and applaud artistic quality, commitment, drive, and the fruits of a laborious creative process, Ian Foster is reason to take notice."
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Aug 22
Community Concert
Don't miss another community concert in the harbor.
8:30
Donation at the door.
Tonight's guest include:
Paul Dean
Phonse Kavanagh
Brenda McIntyre
Harry Roul
Austin Hookey
Dave Paddon -
Aug 23
Centre is Closed for Special Event
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Aug 24
Centre Closed for Special Event
Miller Anderson Wedding
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Aug 25
The Centre is Closed for a Special Event
Events for September 2013
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Sep 08
Watercolours with Anastasia Tiller
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Fee: $50.00Join Watercolour artist Anastasia Tiller for a full day of total immersion into watercolours. Anastasia will cover all the basics and get you started on creating lovely landscapes. The group will begin inside with some exercises and move outside for plein aire work. To spend a day with Anastasia will fully equip any artist with a solid understanding of the benefits and magic of this medium.
Bring your own supplies, and a lunch. -
Sep 20
Painting with Philip Craig
10:00 a.m. to September 23rd, 3:00 p.m.
Fee: $400.00A Four-Day Painting Workshop with Canadian Artist Philip Craig
A chance to paint and experience the breathtaking beauty
of the Trinity Bight area of Newfoundland with Canadian Artist, Philip Craig
Grab your paints and join Philip Craig who has agreed to return to his beloved Newfoundland for another visit, and to teach the hows and whys of his unique approach to painting. Craig's lively yet structured approach is the hallmark of his successful career, as is not to be missed.
Philip will give complete instructions on how to select a subject and then plan the steps to creating a painting that will open your eyes to the joy of creativity in this beautiful and challenging environment, and have fun doing it. You will learn from much of what he has developed over a career spanning forty years including ten in Newfoundland.
Each day will begin with a spirited demonstration, followed by ongoing coaching and helpful instruction as you work.
Saturday evening there will be a group dinner with Philip, at Fishers' Loft Inn in Port Rexton.
Sunday evening Philip will talk about recent projects and future plans and talk about life as a professional artist in Canada.
Monnday will involve more painting and problem solving, and will include a final critique and discussion of what has been created over the three day workshop.
This is indeed a rare opportunity.
Suitable for novices or the experienced painter.
A real memory maker!
A materials list will be sent to registrants.
Participants should come dressed for plein aire painting
and bring a lunch.
10 - 4, 3 on Monday -
Sep 21
Day Two of Philip Craig Painting Workshop
Please refer to Friday's listing to register.
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Sep 21
Concert in the Harbour: Stephen Fearing of Blackie and the Rodeo Kings
Another fabulous evening in English Harbour.
8:30 $20
Call for tickets or take a chance at the gate.
Multiple JUNO Award-winning Blackie and the Rodeo Kings member Stephen Fearing visits English Harbour with his first solo album in seven years: the highly anticipated, Between Hurricanes. The follow-up to 2006s acclaimed Yellowjacket, the album was co-produced by Fearing and John Whynot (Bruce Cockburn, Blue Rodeo, Lucinda Williams) at The Woodshed Studio in Toronto, ON.
Born out of several life-changing events, Between Hurricanes is both the document and result of many significant changes for Fearing.
Between Hurricanes eleven tracks were shaped with the idea of crafting a solo record while not employing a traditional folk approach to the music. Fearing and Whynot put their focus on the fundamentals of the songs while subtly adding space and a mood that surrounds them. The minimal arrangements range from the finely honed piano, bass, and drum accents on As The Crow Flies to the ethereal synths on Cold Dawn.
The tale of a Cougar Helicopter crash in Newfoundland, Cold Dawn acts as a thesis statement for the record. Told in first-person narrative, the songs mood wraps around the story, giving added weight to every repeat of the refrain, Into the dark.
The hushed follows suit. Against the chirping of crickets, the song floats in sober meditation. No instrument presents itself as the lead as passing moments fade in and out of each other. The weight of the track is cut quickly by the shuffling blues of Keep Your Mouth Shut, which arrives with the subtly of a mack truck driving through a wake.
You stuck around until the lawyer cut the body open / A pound of flesh and then they paint it black, sings Fearing over blown-out bass and masterful guitar work. It's an all-out rave-up and the energetic high point of the record.
Keep Your Mouth Shut came out of a conversation with Tom Wilson of Blackie & The Rodeo Kings, says Fearing. We were talking about getting together to write some songs for Between Hurricanes and he said I should listen to Get Out Of Denver by Bob Seger. As it turned out, Tom was so busy organizing the Kings and Queens tour, that I knew he wouldn't be able to pull himself away from the phone. So, I just wrote it myself. The song is a tongue-in-cheek look at getting out of a sticky situation, Fifty Ways To Leave Your Lover meets Johnny B Goode.
Between Hurricanes is Stephen Fearing's eighth solo album. Over the course of his celebrated career he has collaborated with a long list of artists that includes: Shawn Colvin, Richard Thompson, Sarah McLachlan, Tom Wilson, Colin Linden, and Margo Timmins. Recently, he produced Happy Here, the latest JUNO-nominated album from Suzie Vinnick. -
Sep 22
Day Three of Philip Craig Painting Workshop
Please refer to Friday Sept. 20 listing to register.
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Sep 23
Day Four of Philip Craig Painting Workshop
Please refer to Friday September 20 listing to register.
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Sep 29
Concert in the Harbour: Gordie Tentree and Hill Country News
8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Fee: FreeSunday, September 29 8:30
$20 Call for tickets or take a chance at the door.
GORDIE TENTREES
Born in Hamilton Ontario, and raised on his family farm in Bancroft, Ontario, Gordie Tentrees has spent the past 15 years working on his craft while hiding out in Whitehorse,Yukon.
After spending most of his young adult years dealing with the effects of being reared in a violent home, Tentrees put most of his energy into sport, theatre, and dance, channeling every negative into a positive, and excelling as an amateur boxer (Three-time Golden Glove champion). I realized I was going to carve my own way early on, and the only person deciding where I ended up was going to be me. Honing his determination, Tentrees became a school teacher, youth worker, counselor, coach, and mentor for at risk kids. It never felt like work, and I feel grateful to call these kids my friends.
At age 25, Tentrees wrote his first song, learned his first guitar chord, eventually graduating to dobro and harmonica, touring and recording. His first three albums were story narratives chronicling his difficult past the gritty characters of his life, relationships with the dark,
His music is his own blend of folk, roots and blues sounds, and Tentrees counts Rick Fines and Fred Eaglesmith as heroes and strong influences in his songwriting,
Tentrees earned a Western Canadian Music Award Album of the Year nomination for Mercy or Sin performed at the Best of Canada Vancouver Olympics concert, and was also named a Finalist in the International Song Competition out of 15,000 entries in the Americana category. Competition judges included Tom Waits, Loretta Lynn and Jerry Lee Lewis. The rave reviews starting pouring in and Tentreesreputation as one of Canada's hardest touring musicians began.
Tentrees delivery is so relaxed and unpretentious it's impossible to not get drawn into his world, sounding like a young John Prine.
NO DEPRESSION
In the rough cut vein of Kelly Joe Phelps or Fred Eaglesmith,Tentrees is gifted.
- THE GLOBE & MAIL
Never one to give less, Tentrees started booking his own tours, averaging 200 concerts a year, all while promoting his own shows, tracking his own records, and acting as his own publicist. Tentrees learned the business while growing as an artist, pushing himself to continue to succeed. I know I am not a musician, writer or performer yet, that I am just starting. People assume I am or have done something, but that's not even close.
However, over the past three years, Tentrees has accomplished much:
-Released a live album recorded in Finland
-Released North Country Heart (Top 20 most played album in Canada)
-Signed to Continental, a European record label
-Secured a US publishing deal with Bluewater
-Has had songs featured in the CBC Series Arctic Air and Space Channel Ring of Fire
-Toured and shared the stage with Mary Gauthier, Kelly Joe Phelps, Danny Michel, James Cotton, Rick Fines, Fred Penner, Blackie & The Rodeo Kings, and Fred Eaglesmith.
-Capped off 2012 with a world tour that spanned 140 concerts in 148 days in Canada, US, Europe, UK and Scandanavia, including the infamous Fred Eaglesmith Tin Can Caravan Tour along historic Route 66 from Chicago to LA.
These days he is performing solo or with his band, Hill Country News, featuring Fabian Brook (Fiddle, Guitar) and Aiden Tentrees (Upright Bass), gaining a reputation for both his dynamic solo shows and full band concerts, which range from storytelling folk rants to swampy high energy dirges. I feel so damn lucky every night that I am allowed to do this, and am more motivated than ever to learn from it.
Tentrees is a talent on the move, and moving in good company.PETERBOROUGH EXAMINER
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