Bringing you some of the best-known names in today’s folk music scene, The Spirit of Rasputin’s Concerts run monthly through the fall/winter/spring season for 2011-2012 at the Westboro Masonic Hall, 430 Churchill at Byron.
Like the Open Stage on Mondays, the Concerts are presented in a distinctive “listening environment” which performers love and audiences appreciate.
Check the performance calendar for additional details on times and who is performing.
Who: Lynne Hanson w/ Gilles LeClerc & Jonathan Ferrabee
When: 8:00pm Sat. February 4
Where: Westboro Masonic Hall, 430 Churchill
Lynne Hanson brings her unique blend of country, roots, blues and folk to our concert stage on Saturday February 4 at 8 pm. Admission is $20 and are available online here and at the Ottawa Folklore Centre, 1111 Bank St. will still be available at the door tonight. Doors open at 7:30pm.
One of the mainstays of Ottawa’s roots scene, Lynne has been increasingly busy over the last couple of years. She released a well-received debut album, Things I Miss, in 2006, followed by 2008’s internationally-acclaimed Eleven Months, a CD that scored rave reviews in Q and Maverick. Her latest release “Once the Sun Goes Down” is continuing the trend. She was nominated for a Canadian Folk Music Award in 2009 and In 2010 she won the Colleen Peterson Songwriting Award, presented by the Ontario Arts Council..
In March she leaves for a UK tour supporting Nashville star Gretchen Peters, and in April she is overseas again for a tour in Germany.
Onstage Lynne is a happy-go-lucky storyteller with a gift for the gab and a wink in her eye, engaging her audience just as much with her stories and one-liners as she can with her music. She’s intimate with her audience, as if she were shooting the breeze with old friends at her kitchen table. Or her front porch. Which brings us back to that Texas red dirt …
The Spirit of Rasputin’s membership is very excited about our third season of concerts which begins on September 17 with our traditional opener: Rasputin’s Beard. We will continue to make the Westboro Masonic Hall our primary concert venue. However, we expect three concerts to draw audiences exceeding that hall’s capacity. Accordingly, we have arranged for The Creaking Tree String Quartet and The Sultans of String to perform at the First Unitarian Congregation at 30 Cleary Avenue. Also, Gil’s Hootenanny (always on May Day) continues to grow by leaps and bounds so that event will be held at the NAC Fourth Stage.
e-Tickets for all shows are available on-line now at the e-Store. Printed tickets are available starting August 15 at our Monday night Open Stage upstairs at Whispers, The Ottawa Folklore Centre, 1111 Bank St, and at Collected Works Bookstore and Coffee Bar, 1242 Wellington St. at Holland Ave.
NOTE: All concerts are 8pm on Saturday evenings except Gil’s Hootenanny which is 7:30pm on Tuesday May 1st. Doors open 30 minutes before showtime.
| Rasputin’s Beard (our traditional season opener) September 17, 2011 (no cover, pass-the-hat) Featuring: “Fumblin’ Fingers (http://www NULL.fumblinfingers NULL.ca)“, “Steel Moon (http://www NULL.steelmoonsound NULL.com/)“, “Pouch Cotatoes”, and “Lost Colt (http://www NULL.myspace NULL.com/lostcolt)” Location: Westboro Masonic Hall, 430 Churchill at Byron |
| “Hats ‘n Spats” Gala with Sheesham and Lotus October 22, 2011 $20 A Tribute to Dean Verger with surprise guests and music by Sheesham & Lotus (http://www NULL.sheeshamandlotus NULL.com/ ) Here’s a Youtube of Sheesham and Lotus (http://www NULL.youtube NULL.com/watch?v=ABtpGZHhgO0&feature=youtu NULL.be) Location: Westboro Masonic Hall, 430 Churchill at Byron |
| Missy Burgess (http://www NULL.missyburgess NULL.com/) and Keith Glass November 19, 2011 $20 Our very own “Missy” has a new CD. This is the official “CD Release Concert” Location: Westboro Masonic Hall, 430 Churchill at Byron |
| Santa’s Beard December 17, 2011 (no cover, pass-the-hat) Featured performers will be announced in the fall Extending the Rasputin’s Beard concept to the holiday season, this event will raise funds for a local charity (recipient to be determined). Location: Westboro Masonic Hall, 430 Churchill at Byron |
| Anders Drerup (http://www NULL.myspace NULL.com/andersdrerup) with special guests Kelly Prescott (http://www NULL.myspace NULL.com/theprescottsound) and Adam Puddington (http://www NULL.adampuddington NULL.com/) January 21, 2012 $20 Location: Westboro Masonic Hall, 430 Churchill at Byron |
| Lynne Hanson (http://www NULL.lynnehanson NULL.com/ ) February 4, 2012 $20 Winner 2010 Colleen Peterson Songwriting Award Location: Westboro Masonic Hall, 430 Churchill at Byron |
| Note: The Creaking Tree String Quartet – has been cancelled and replaced by:The 20th Anniversary Great Canadian Song-Along!! 8pm Friday March 9th and Saturday March 10th More details to come. |
| Double bill: John Bowman (http://johnbowman NULL.ca/) & Vince Halfhide with Chris White April 21, 2012 $20 A shared evening with excellent local acts. (Youtube John (http://youtu NULL.be/0JQDroxrhuE)) Location: Westboro Masonic Hall, 430 Churchill at Byron |
| Gil’s Hootenanny sponsored by CUPE Tuesday, May 1, 2012, 7:30pm MAY DAY $15 Location: This year’s celebration of songs of protest and songs of hope is at the NAC Fourth Stage |
| The Sultans of String (http://www NULL.maplemusic NULL.com/artists/sos/default NULL.asp) May 12, 2012 $25 2010 JUNO Award Nominees for Instrumental Album of the Year! 2009 Canadian Folk Music Award triple nominee winning Instrumental Group of the Year. Location: First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa, 30 Cleary Ave, Ottawa |
| Chrysalis hosted by Missy Burgess May 26, 2012 (no cover, pass-the-hat) Ottawans singing other Ottawans’ songs Location: Westboro Masonic Hall, 430 Churchill at Byron |
| Rasputin’s Beard our traditional season closer. June 16, 2012 (no cover, pass-the-hat) Bands to be determined. Location: Westboro Masonic Hall, 430 Churchill at Byron |
Sheesham and Lotus
are based in Kingston, Ontario, Crow and Wight play fiddle and banjo respectively, with an additional array of home-made curiosities of noise-makery. Sheesham is a maker of gourd banjos and fiddles, and Lotus plays an invention called the contra-bass harmoniphoneum, which is a self-contained bass-harmonica and euphonium horn which can be used while plucking a banjo. Indeed it is a well documented fact that Sheesham and Lotus use horns for singing, harmonicas, jaw-harps and more. The music of Sheesham and Lotus could be described as American roots music. They love to play fiddle tunes, hokum blues songs and ragtime string music.
Anders Drerup,
the 26 year old singer/songwriter from Carp, Ontario, carries an impressive resume in formats ranging from reggae to classic country. He has logged tours of Europe, Australia, Cuba and Canada and has recorded in premier studios around the world. In addition to his first instrument, guitar, Anders also plays mandolin, steel guitar, banjo, harmonica, piano, bass and dobro. Kelly Prescott and Adam Puddington have graced our stage before. They have worked on numerous projects with Anders including the “Grievous Angel” theatrical concert based on the music and short life of Gram Parsons in which Kelly plays the role of Emmylou Harris.
Lynne Hanson’s
early love of jazz was later replaced by bluegrass and traditional country , while teenage years included singing and playing Neil Young songs at home. If pressed, Lynne will describe her sound as “porch music with a little Texas red dirt. I write these songs on acoustic guitar in my kitchen. I want them to sound like the original concept, except with a band. I call it porch music, as it’s like everyone in the neighbourhood comes over and brings their instruments. Lynn has a growing repertoire of three fabulous CD’s. Things I Miss, Eleven Months and her newest endeavour, Once The Sun Goes Down. “Lynne’s songs have a beautiful, haunting feeling, into which you can sink and be enveloped.” Ontario Arts Council jury
The Great Canadian Song-Along
A two night celebration of songwriting , The Twentieth Anniversary Song-Along features two nights of singer songwriters performing new songs based on topics created for the event. Stay tuned for announcements concerning topics and for details on the special gala presentation planned for Saturday March 10th.
John Bowman
will be featuring songs from his debut CD,Beach on the Ocean. In the late 70′s John began to perform as a solo singer/songwriter and wrote a large number of songs. Since moving to Ottawa from Vancouver he adopted the Rasputin’s Open Stage and other open mics around town as his sounding board. He is also a consistent contributor to Writer’s Bloc. John’s songs are thoughtful, poetic and inspired commentaries on parenthood, aging, loss and love.
Maple Hill
is an award winning bluegrass band who brings energy, emotion, and entertainment to their show. Built on the foundation that “it’s all about the song”, the band delivers strong vocals supported by tasteful instrumental backup rooted in traditional sound, yet fresh and inspiring. Co-founders Garry Greenland and Pat Moore are joined by banjo player Sean Lundy, who is quickly “earning his stripes” as a solid and well respected musician. When filling out a four piece sound, Maple Hill invites the best to join them, like Kevin Golka of Concession 23, and Gilles Leclerc, of the Dusty Drifters.
Sultans of String,
“Canada’s ambassadors of musical diversity,” thrill their audiences with their global sonic tapestry of Spanish Flamenco, Arabic folk, Cuban rhythms, and French Manouche Gypsy-jazz, celebrating musical fusion and human creativity with warmth and virtuosity. Fiery violin dances with rumba-flamenco guitar while a funk bass lays down unstoppable grooves. Acoustic strings meet with electronic wizardry to create layers and depth of sound, while world rhythms excite audiences to their feet with the irresistible need to dance.
What: “Hats ‘n Spats Gala” in honour of Dean Verger
Where: Westboro Masonic Hall, 430 Churchill at Byron
When: October 22, 8pm
Who: Sheesham & Lotus
Tickets are available at: Collected Works Bookstore 1242 Wellington; Ottawa Folklore Centre 1111 Bank; and our online e-Store.
On October 22 The Spirit of Rasputin’s Arts Society will induct Dean Verger as its first honorary Lifetime Member. The event is billed as “A Hats ‘n Spats Gala.”
Dean Verger
Starting at 8 p.m. at the Westboro Masonic Hall, 430 Churchill Avenue, the evening will feature fond remembrances of legendary a café and it’s inspirational owner. With the proximity to Halloween, patrons are encouraged to wear their most interesting hats and footwear. Kingston’s Sheesham & Lotus (http://www NULL.sheeshamandlotus NULL.com/) will set toes-a-tapping with their infectious brand of old-time fiddle and banjo music.
Dean, along with his mother Helen Verger, founded Rasputin’s Folk Café on Bronson Avenue in August 1981. Sadly, the café closed three years ago following a fire. During those 27 years, Dean consistently applied values that respected both the performer and the audience through what is still known as the Rasputin’s listening environment. The listening environment remains a core value of all Spirit of Rasputin’s events.
Formed shortly after the fire in July 2008, the volunteer-based not-for-profit Spirit of Rasputin’s Arts Society organizes more than 130 folk music events each year in various locations across Ottawa. It has grown from a dozen dedicated volunteers to over 80 dues-paying members. It is the largest, most active folk music society in the National Capital Region.
Sheesham and Lotus
“Folk music is grass roots music accessible to the old, young, rich and poor. Spirit of Rasputin’s is dedicated to nurturing the performer inside all of us,” says President, Hollis Morgan. “You don’t need expensive instruments or years of lessons…we all learn from each other and share our traditions, song writing tips, and storytelling. The folk music community is uniquely supportive of performers at all skill levels.”
Who: The Echo Hunters
Opening Act: Ball and Chain!!
Where: Westboro Masonic Hall, 430 Churchill Ave at Byron
When: 8pm, May 14, 2011
Tickets available at
The Ottawa Folklore Centre, 1111 Bank St,
Collected Works Bookstore, 1242 Wellington West,
On-line at the e-Store
“[The Echo Hunter's] shows have become the stuff of legend… Like the best southern barbecue, the best music often benefits from long, slow cooking (…) Cabin Fever, a collection of masterful folk-countryblues originals… has already scored major rave reviews and lots of airplay …” Greg Quill, Toronto Star
Ball and Chain, a.k.a. Jody Benjamin and Michael Ball, understand the beauty of a simple style, where melody and groove can carry the music all the way to your soul. When Michael gets going on the Cajun tunes with Jody on the triangle, you can almost taste the jambalaya.
The Echo Hunters, favorite sons of the Montreal folk/roots circuit, blend folk-rock with blues and country roots, layered with their signature dynamic vocal harmonies and deep soul grooves. CABIN FEVER has been described as. “a deliciously varied collection of twelve tracks revisiting the strengths of early America, CS&N and the ground-breaking Harmonium of years gone by, revamping the formula to give birth to something altogether fresh….Key ingredients in their sound include strong lead vocals, multiple acoustic guitars and jaw-dropping harmonies. The delicate application of flute, mandolin, piano, fiddle and percussion add a progressive edge to an age- old blend that, when coupled with exceptional songwriting, results in a novel approach, making theirs a quintessentially Canadian sound, distilled into an unforgettable evening’s entertainment. In their hometown of Montréal, they’ve gained a loyal and devoted following over the years, playing on the folk/roots circuit. Their sound features haunting vocal harmonies on thoughtful lyrics, driving acoustic guitars and an eclectic rock ‘n roll groove; it can be classified as folk-rock, but with blues, gospel and country roots. They also have a quirky side and will cause an audience much mirth in the course of an evening… or weekend (they’re great at jams). “.. taut harmonies and a wall of acoustic guitars that first gave wings to the seductive sound of ‘70s California yet advances the substantial groove through progressive elements that add the haunting quality first pioneered by Cano and Harmonium” Eric Thom, Exclaim
“Cabin Fever”, the follow-up to their 2003 debut album ‘’Twenty Years’’, features once again the collective writing and performing team of longtime friends Larry Cassini, Gordon Fleming, Kirk Fontaine, and percussionist Rob Couture, along with newcomers Sylvain Dancausse on violin, young bass player-singer Ben Griffin, and Alan Springer on resonator guitar, though Fontaine and Springer rarely tour with the band.
They have played festivals from Yosemite, California to Vancouver Island, BC to Lunenberg, NS, and clubs and showcases throughout Lunenberg, NS, and clubs and showcases throughout North America (NXNE, Folk Alliance, etc.), and along North America (NXNE, Folk Alliance, etc.), and along the way have opened for and backed up rootsman Jim Condie, roots darling Penny Lang, bluesman Rob Lutes and last summer, they toured in Ontario and Québec with Chris Jagger’s Atcha!, zydeco-funk band from UK. Their songs – such as the haunting Walking Home (http://echohunters NULL.com/echos/wp-content/audiovideo/EchoHunters_Cabin_WalkingHome NULL.mp3) – are dark reflections on life, love and the world in which we live. Bloody Big World is a comment on the environmental chaos surrounding us; Going Down (http://echohunters NULL.com/echos/wp-content/audiovideo/EchoHunters_Cabin_GoingDown NULL.mp3) a sombre and deeply personal ballad. Chester (http://echohunters NULL.com/echos/wp-content/audiovideo/EchoHunters_Cabin_Chester NULL.mp3)is about a larger-than-life character who lived near one of their favourite fishing spots: Second Chance (http://echohunters NULL.com/echos/wp-content/audiovideo/EchoHunters_Cabin_SecondChance NULL.mp3) is “a muscular jam eerily reminiscent of Cinnamon-Girl era Neil Young”
Ball and Chain have been making frequent trips to Louisiana since 1997 and the music from Southwest Louisiana and its cultural context continues to fascinate them. They were instrumental in bringing the first outdoor dance floor to a festival in Ottawa(OFF Dance Tent) and they have the band to make the dancing happen. They play a mixture of Roots Country and Cajun music, always with the dancers in mind.
Jody Benjamin was the lead singer in the Toasted Westerns, Ottawa’s favorite singing sandwich, from 1988 to 2008. She is a talented rhythm player and her triangle, rub board and rhythm guitar (as well as harmony vocals) can be heard on many recordings by various artists including: Juno nominee and Maple Blues award winner, Michael Jerome Browne, Keith Glass, Finest Kind, Grouyan Gombo. She currently directs the two Ottawa chapters of Georgette Fry’s community women’s choir, Shout Sister!.
A student of the violin since childhood, Michael Ball was first exposed to Cajun and Zydeco music when he joined Danielle Martineau’s band,Rockabayou in 1992. The band toured Europe, Canada and the U.S. and recorded three albums between ’92 and ’97. Michael also plays with other musicians including party favorites, Zydeco Loco and (Prairie Oyster) Keith Glass’ band, Twister. He can be seen playing bass every Sunday night at Irene’s with the popular bluegrass group, The Dusty Drifters.
Check out their website’s music page. (http://www NULL.ballandchain NULL.ca/albums NULL.html)
The Great Canadian Song Along is Ottawa’s annual songwriting and performance event, now in its 19th year. The event is organized by Writers’ Bloc and presented by the Spirit of Rasputin’s Arts Society. Here’s how it works. Songwriters are invited to write a new song inspired by one of these four topics:
* cold feet,
* it’s a … day,
* let it go, or
* meet me tonight.
The new songs are performed at Whispers Pub & Eatery, 249 Richmond Road in Westboro, in the room upstairs – the same room used by the Monday open stage crowd. The songs can be performed by the songwriter or another performer of their choice.
Performance dates are Sunday April 17 and Tuesday April 19, 2011, starting at 7:00 pm
If you would like to participate, write a new song on topic, and contact Tony Turner 613-798-0365 / tony@tonyturner.ca or Greg Kelly 613-680-6163 / grgr2swtr@yahoo.ca
Or just come out and hear some great music at Westboro’s favourite pub.
(http://www NULL.patmoore NULL.net)
Don’t miss this “Grand ‘Ole” evening at the National Library and Archives Auditorium in support of Amnesty International
The Opry Poster - Click to enlarge
The Spirit of Rasputin’s is pleased to tell you about a wonderful upcoming event in support of Amnesty International – a very worthy cause! If you love great musicianship, theatre, comedy, enjoy an evening of fun, or just want to support Amnesty International, head on down to the 4th Annual Ottawa Opry, at the National Library and Archives Auditorium, 395 Wellington at Bay on Friday, April 8, 2011, at 8:00 p.m!
Tickets are available here. (http://www NULL.patmoore NULL.net)
This year, Anders Drerup and Kelly Prescott are taking time out from the road-show “The Legend of Gram Parsons”, with the Grievous Angel Band, and from the release of each of their solo albums, to join the Ottawa Opry stage. The show also features four-time Master Fiddle Champion Louis Schryer (back by popular demand), Ray Harris, and Maple Hill Bluegrass! The evening is hosted by Pat Moore & The Vinyl Frontier, featuring Al Bragg on steel, Pat McLaughlin on guitar, Ann Downey on bass, and Alistair Dennett on drums. Again this year, Garry Greenland will MC this stellar evening of entertainment
Watch for the Spirit of Rasputin’s table at the Opry – you’ll be able to pick up a membership, and tickets to upcoming concerts. See you at the 4th Annual Ottawa Opry! For more information visit www.patmoore.net.
The poster: click to enlarge
Who: Marie-Lynn Hammond with Tom Leighton
When: 8pm, March 19, 2011
Where: Westboro Masonic Hall, 430 Churchill
Listen to: Not Another Benefit (http://www NULL.marielynnhammond NULL.com/benefit NULL.mp3)
Advance tickets are still available on-line at our e-Store, at the Ottawa Folklore Centre 1111 Bank (613-730-2887), or Collected Works Bookstore 1242 Wellington St (613-722-1265).
Spirit of Rasputin’s is proud to host Marie-Lynn’s return to the Ottawa concert scene at our intimate concert venue. Marie-Lynn Hammond has been called one of Canada’s best songwriters by no less than Estelle Klein, a co-founder of the Mariposa Folk Festival, and Gary Cristal, founder of the Vancouver Folk Music Festival. Herself a co-founder of Stringband, the seminal Canadian folk group and indie-record pioneer, Hammond’s known for her unique voice, her dynamic stage presence, and her brilliant songs, which range from wickedly funny to hauntingly personal—in both official languages.
While she was recording Pegasus, her most recent album, Hammond lost one of her sisters to cancer, and after the album’s release she withdrew from the music scene for several years. Just as she was about to start performing again, a major accident left her with a visual disability, forcing her once again to regroup. But Hammond is back performing and writing at the top of her form once again, with a new CD slated for summer or fall of 2011.
In the early 1970s, Marie-Lynn and Bob Bossin founded the legendary and indie-pioneering Canadian folk group Stringband. Tirelessly criss-crossing Canada for 15 years, they also made international forays (see below). Their 30th anniversary was marked by two Stringband reunion shows on CBC’s The Vinyl Café, followed by appearances across the country in 2002–03.
Four albums, one compilation CD (Stringband); five recordings, reissued as CDs (solo); plus several songs composed and/or performed for documentary films and television shows.
INTERNATIONAL: Folk Alliance Showcase, Chicago; Expo 85 (Japan), Expo 86 (Vancouver); USSR tour (28 dates); Mexican tour for the Canadian embassy (30 dates)
TELEVSION & RADIO: Person 2 Person with Paula Todd, The Vinyl Café, Sounds like Canada, Swinging on a Star, Musical Friends, Morningside, The Ian Tyson Show, The Al Hamel Show, Variety Tonight, The George Hamilton IV Show, CBC Radio Canada Day Special from Lahr, Germany
CONCERTS: Canada Day shows, Parliament Hill and Harbourfront; opening for Pauline Julien, Paul Butterfield, Fairport Convention and others
FESTIVALS: Every major folk festival in Canada (Mariposa, Vancouver, Winnipeg, etc.)
In the early 1980s Marie-Lynn’s songs about her bicultural family grew into a critically acclaimed musical play, De Beaux Gestes & Beautiful Deeds, which has received several productions. She has written or co-written four more plays and a screenplay (all produced), hosted two national CBC radio shows and written articles for national magazines, and she currently works part-time as a freelance editor.
All concerts are 8pm Saturday evenings. Doors open at 7:30.
Tickets, $20 or $15 for students unless otherwise specified, are available in advance at the Ottawa Folklore Centre or at the door.
October 23, 2010
USC Canada Benefit
Missy Burgess with Ken Voita, Kate & Hollis, Greg Kelly and the Broken Windows Philharmonic.
USC Canada promotes vibrant family farms, strong rural communities, and healthy ecosystems around the world. With engaged Canadians and partners in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, USC supports programs, training, and policies that strengthen biodiversity, food sovereignty, and the rights of those at the heart of resilient food systems – women, indigenous peoples, and small-scale farmers.
November 20, 2010
Prescott with special guest Adam Puddington
A sweet distillation of family tradition with an alternative sound
Prescott is Kaylen and Kelly Prescott, a brother and sister duo, third generation musicians. Their young world was a revolving door of talented musicians and songwriters, who recorded at their family’s studio. As children and grandchildren of performers, they were immersed in touring life. It seems natural that they now embark on their own musical journey.
Their debut CD, “The Lakeside Sessions” is an impressive collection of songs textured with rock and roots, heartbreak and love. Pooling their rich songwriting strengths and unique, beautiful harmonies, Prescott embody the soul of generations.
January 15, 2011
Jenny Whiteley
A new CD from Jenny Whiteley is always something to celebrate, but for her growing number of fans the release of ‘Forgive or Forget’ will prove more than worth the wait. Those who have heard Jenny sing as she’s crisscrossed the country over the past dozen or so years know that an evening spent listening to her songs is like a long delayed meeting with an old dear friend. Laughter and sorrow are shared, barriers dissolve, and life’s burdens suddenly don’t seem so heavy anymore.
February 19, 2011
David Woodhead’s Confabulation
Featuring David Woodhead’s fanciful instrumentals, powerful Oliver Schroer tunes, ukulele excursions and fearless improvisation.,. with occasional Lord Buckley rants and Neruda poems. Some long-term musical relationships and some brand new. The Confabulation is a unique collaboration of adventurous performance veterans with like-minded stellar young players.
March 19, 2011
Marie-Lynn Hammond with Tom Leighton
Half English, half French, Marie-Lynn Hammond has been called one of Canada’s best songwriters by no less than Estelle Klein (Mariposa co-founder) and Gary Cristall (Vancouver festival founder). A founding member of the seminal Canadian group Stringband, she crafts brilliant songs about things you’ve never heard sung about before: Catholic high-school dances, scandalous grandmothers, cats who mess with computers. Excerpts from her bilingual musical play, which toured Canada, are a highlight of her dynamic shows. Accompanied by keyboardist extraordinaire Tom Leighton, Marie-Lynn is sure to move you from laughter to tears and back again.
April 9, 2011
Stephen Fearing & Andy White
All tickets $25.
Fearing is well known within the international folk and roots music community as one of its most accomplished songsmiths, storytellers and guitarists. A double Juno award winner in his native Canada, he has experienced commercial and critical success, both in his solo career and with roots/rock supergroup Blackie and The Rodeo Kings. Along the way, Stephen has toured and recorded with everybody from Merle Haggard to Shawn Colvin.
Northern Ireland born and raised White has earned a global following for blending folk and pop stylings with a poet’s sensibility. Working with the great names of Irish music – Sinead O’Connor, Van Morrison – and writing with the likes of Peter Gabriel and Neil and Tim Finn, Andy has won Ireland’s top songwriting awards and toured the world many times. A published
author, his recent on the road journal/novel 21st Century Troubadour has scored rave reviews.
May 14, 2011
The Echo Hunters
The Echo Hunters has played festivals from Yosemite, California to Vancouver Island, British Columbia and Lunenberg, Nova Scotia and clubs and showcases throughout North America (NXNE, Folk Alliance, etc.), and along the way have opened for and backed up UK rootsman Jim Condie, roots darling Penny Lang, bluesman Rob Lutes, and in Ontario and Quebec with the UK’s Chris Jagger’s Atcha (brother of the brother). They have just recently toured in the UK, BC and Ontario. The’ve also released 2 albums.
Missy Burgess
On the evening of Saturday October 23, at 8:00 pm, the Spirit of Rasputin’s Arts Society continues its 2010/2011 concert series at the Westboro Masonic Hall with a show that combines good tunes and good works – a fundraising evening for the Unitarian Service Committee(USC). The USC www.usc-canada.org (http://www NULL.usc-canada NULL.org/) (http://www NULL.usc-canada NULL.org/)is deeply involved in food supply, biodiversity, water stewardship and climate change projects – issues close to the hearts of many of us.
Kate & Hollis Morgan
Opening the night, Greg Kelly (http://www NULL.constantsoundstudio NULL.com/GregKellySongs/brokenWindows NULL.php) and the Broken Windows Philharmonic brings an earnest sound and deeply-felt lyrics that paint a picture of life as we know it all too well. Kate & Hollis (http://www NULL.kateandhollis NULL.com), a husband-and-wife duo steeped in old-time tradition promise to raise our spirits, and the night ends with a set by Missy Burgess (http://www NULL.missyburgess NULL.com), an Ottawa favourite, who will share the stage with Ken Voita. Ken is a young singer/songwriter from Ottawa who is making waves across the region.
Greg Kelly
Don’t miss this terrific show! Tickets $20 or $15 for wage free patrons.
Spirit of Rasputin’s is very excited to announce its new concert venue. Following an exhaustive search during June and July, the search committee has partnered with The Westboro Masonic Hall (http://maps NULL.google NULL.ca/maps?ie=UTF8&q=Westboro+Masonic+Temple&fb=1&gl=ca&hq=Westboro+Masonic+Temple&hnear=Ottawa,+ON&hl=en&view=map&cid=8394008550846583673&iwloc=A&ved=0CFYQpQY&sa=X&ei=BBZcTMyeL6W6M4XwoXw) at 430 Churchill Ave. The Westboro Masons enticed us with their dedication to building a community of like-minded tenants, as well as their offer of an affordable rent. Other participants in this space include The International Folk Dancers of Ottawa, Sacred Circle Dance, Toastmasters, Ottawa Interfaith Spiritualist Church, Ottawa Connect, and others with interests consistent with our own.
All SoR concerts will be in the licenced Banquet Hall. In addition to the well stocked bar, there is a fully functional commercial kitchen at our disposal. Coffee, a variety of teas, and light snacks will be available for all events…yes, we are looking for volunteer bakers!! This is a family friendly environment where we are encouraged to develop our own atmosphere for concerts and other activities.
The Temple is currently renovating the Banquet Hall into a sophisticated Victorian style multi-purpose space. With its high painted copper ceiling and wooden floor, the space provides excellent acoustics. Accommodating up to 120 patrons, we will need to set up our own risers, sound and light equipment for each concert. Fortunately, there is storage space on site for our larger items. We believe our volunteers and patrons will develop a much stronger sense of ownership over this new space, and the extra effort involved to set up each concert will be well worth it.
The first Spirit event to take place at this location will be the Rasputin’s Beard New Band Showcase on Sunday, September 26 at 7pm. This is a free event so make sure to come out to help launch our new concert home.
“And of the few things on Earth of value and worth
I’ll still have at the end of the day
There’s the memories I’ll sleep with and things
My father would say”
W.T. Tufts, 2000
Terry Tufts
Want a Father’s Day to Remember? Then go no further than the Elmdale Tavern, this Sunday June 20th to hear Terry Tufts weave his ‘wild ideas’ and the wise words of fathers into heartfelt songs that will inspire and leave you smiling. A dedicated dad himself, Tufts sings fondly of his late father, “the smartest person I ever met.” He credits his dad’s job, which took him to postings from Denver to Rome, as an important early influence in his musical career.
Tufts lives off-grid with his wife and daughter in North Frontenac county. He is known for his commitment to the environment and social justice – best felt on songs such as “Brighter Shade of Green”and “Open Letter to the Earth.” He is also known for his brilliant finger-style guitar work and a voice that pours out passion with every note. Terry Tufts has six albums to his credit including “2 Nights Solo” which was recorded live at the old Rasputin’s Café. He is the only two time winner of the Ontario Council of Folk Festival’s “Songs from the Heart” competition. Tufts has lent his voice, passion and quick silver fingers to compilations such as “Beautiful; A Tribute to Gordon Lightfoot” (a major influence). He has also worked as a session musician and sideman for a variety of artists including Tom Paxton, Kathryn Briggs, David Francey, Colleen Peterson, Laura Smith, Laura Bird, Ian Tamblyn, Lynn Miles, Bill Garrett & Sue Lothrop, Charlie Sohmer, The Arrogant Worms, Wayne Rostad, Susan Aglukark, Tracey Brown, and George Fox. He is signed with Borealis Records and is currently working on a new release.
And if that were not enough, Terry Tufts will be joined by world class musicians John Geggie and Mark Ferguson who helped him perfect his sound on his most recent album “The Better Fight”.
John Geggie
Geggie is considered one of Canada’s top upright bass players perhaps best known for running the late-night jams during the Ottawa International Jazz Festival and for his invitational series (now in its ninth year) of jazz concerts at the NAC Fourth Stage. In addition to his work in the award-winning jazz quartet Chelsea Bridge and the Juno-nominated world beat group The Angstones, he is much in-demand for recordings and concerts/broadcasts on both the CBC and Radio-Canada. Geggie may be heard on the fourth recording by Chelsea Bridge, “Bone Dance”, which was released this past July on the Unity/Page label, and the latest CD by the Angstones, “Bytown … It’s My Town”, on Canal Records. He has also worked with numerous singer/songwriters including Ian Tamblyn, Lynn Miles, Three Sheets To The Wind and Meg Lunne and has a long standing performing and recording relationship with Toronto-based pianist and guitarist Justin Haynes and with Ottawa guitarist, Roddy Elias.
Mark Ferguson
Mark Ferguson, who Tufts describes as “a very cool” performer with “perfect tone” and “7 fingers on each hand” has over twenty years of experience in the music industry, as a pianist, trombonist, composer, arranger, producer, and educator. He has performed with many of the world’s great artists including Ella Fitzgerald, Tony Bennett, Gil Evans, Nelson Riddle, Dionne Warwick, Natalie Cole, Tom Jones, Rosemary Clooney, Rob McConnell & the Boss Brass, the NAC Orchestra, Holly Cole, the Funk Brothers of “Standing in the Shadow of Motown” fame, and the nine member world beat band Manteca. Ferguson’s most recent recording project is a collaboration with Mike Tremblay for their debut CD entitled “Home”. Recently, with the help of drummer Peter Beaudoin, he re-united Los Gringos, a 9 piece latin jazz ensemble. Ferguson currently leads his own big band and tours North America with The Big Band Broadcast starring Holly Larocque & The Mark Ferguson Orchestra. An album featuring songs from the stage show is available.
This trio of outstanding artists is sure to deliver an evening of amazing music you (and dad) will not want to miss! This is also the last in the Spirit of Rasputin’s Sunday concert series before the summer break – so buy dad a beer and treat him to a night he won’t forget. Tickets are $15.00 and are available at the Ottawa Folklore Centre or The Elmdale Tavern and in Almonte at Mississippi Mills Musicworks.
‘Songs of Protest, Songs of Hope’: a tribute to the late Gil Levine, labour organizer, social activist, folk music enthusiast, and Spirit of Rasputin’s Booster. This should be a night to remember! Local musicians Phil Jenkins, Alex Sinclair, Missy Burgess, Tom Juravich, Kate & Hollis, Maria Hawkins, Gail Anglin, Tom Lips, & Mary Gick and host Chris White will present an evening of traditional protest songs at the Elmdale Tavern, starting at 7:00 pm. In keeping with the populist spirit of folk music and the labour movement, feel free to sing along! Lyrics will be provided.
Gil Levine was a friend of Rasputins and of folk music in general, before he lost his battle with Leukemia in November of 2009. As a child of Jewish immigrants in Toronto and of the Depression, he fought long and hard to make the world a better place. He was a pioneer trade unionist and long-time research director of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE).
He was happiest when he was fighting for change, winning rights for workers, and organizing everybody. He is sadly missed by the community he fought for and the friends and family who knew him best.
How can we best remember Gil?
“His death leaves an enormous, unbearable hole that can only be filled by all of us doing what he did best — creating opportunities to make a difference, getting people to think and act, connecting people and ideas, and living life to the fullest.” Morna Ballantyne
The Spirit of Rasputin’s presents Ottawa scenester Meredith Luce at the Elmdale Tavern on Sunday, May 31, 2010, with Eric Vieweg of the Withering Pines. Luce has been described as “Feist jamming with Sheryl Crow at a Carter Family picnic”, and Vieweg’s “gentle power” is lauded by the Citizen’s Lynn Saxberg. Do not miss opening duo Rio Samaya, a.k.a. Pancho and Sal, born in Argentina and England respectively, met in Peru, based in Vancouver, and with a history and list of accolades too long to do justice to here. Tickets are $10 and are available at the Elmdale Tavern and the Ottawa Folklore Centre. www.rasputins.ca.
Tony Turner
Tom Lips, Practical Man
Tony Turner: Singing tales of our wide land and its people in that well-renowned rich baritone, he’s paid his dues and it’s no wonder he’s a fixture of the Ottawa roots scene.
Tom Lips: From festivals to radio shows to storied Toronto taverns, at home and overseas, Tom’s songs are poignant yet wry, and his engaging performances have won many friends.
Rob Heath
Rob Heath: Nominated for a Canadian Folk Music Award, Rob’s a master storyteller who just so happens to sing.
See these three fine fellows at the Elmdale on Sunday, May 16th. Tickets cost $15 and are available at the Elmdale and the Folklore Centre.
(http://www NULL.terrygillespie NULL.ca/)Terry Gillespie - photo by Susan Valyi
From England to Edmonton to Detroit to the Elmdale Tavern on Sunday, May 2, “musical shaman” Terry Gillespie has been testifying the blues for many a lonesome mile, and critics and audiences agree that he’s pretty damned good at it. A prophet of the southern blues in Eastern Ontario, and the recipient of many awards and much recognition, Terry is bringing Grammy-nominated Terry Owen and master hand drummer Jeffery Grosvenor with him to the Elmdale for what will no doubt be a memorable night of songs, storytelling, and, well, mojo!
Ian Tamblyn
Ian Tamblyn, musician, wilderness guide, playwright, photographer, honorary doctor at Lakehead University, and Canadian folk scenester, stops at the Elmdale House Tavern on April 18th. Independent since 1972, he has recorded 32 albums, many of which have been released in the US, Japan, and Italy. Endowed with a great love for the lore and landscapes of our country, Ian will no doubt put on a great show. Joining Ian will be Andy Mason, a multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter who’s been writing and performing for 20+ years, winning a Native-E Music Award in Albuquerque in 2008. Tickets are $15, available at the Elmdale and Ottawa Folklore Centre.
Al Wood
This is a mini-fundraiser for CKCU 93.1 FM – your community radio station supporting local live music! With hosts Pat Moore and Steve Neale, the evening starts with a featured artist, and ends with an open stage – bring your axe, team up with others or play solo, anything goes! The mere $5 cover charge is split between the featured act and CKCU! Come on out, support CKCU, live music, and have a great time. APRIL 11 featured act is: Al Wood, HOST CKCU’s Pat Moore. http://www.myspace.com/alwoodmusic (http://www NULL.myspace NULL.com/alwoodmusic)
Song A Long – Presented by Writer’s Bloc and Spirit of Rasputin’s – Come out to the Elmdale and support some of Ottawa’s best songwriters. Ever wondered how songs get written? See yourself as a musical muse? Here’s your chance to find out… So far, 32 songwriters have signed up over 2 nights singing new songs on one of 4 topics – Lucky; I Wonder; Ghosts; The trouble with… For information contact Tony Turner 613 798-0365/tony@tonyturner.ca or Greg Kelly gregoryk100@rogers.com/613 680-6163.
Read Lynn Stevenson’s article The Musical Muse
With a voice comparable to Joni Mitchell, Sinead O’Connor, and Kate Bush, Lindsay was voted 2008′s “Best New Artist” by Ottawa Xpress and has spent the year touring and writing, sharing the stage with Steve Earle, Kathleen Edwards, and Harry Manx, to name a few. 
She is pleased to share the stage at the Elmdale with Emily Fennell, who after five years, 1000 shows, three original acts and one baby, returns to her musical roots – performing solo. Self-accompanied on piano and guitar, Fennell performs an assortment of original songs from projects old (Emily Fennell Band, Sugarplum) and new (Miss Emily). Tickets are $15, available at the Ottawa Folklore Centre and the Elmdale.
by Lynn Stevenson
“I want to be awake,” says Wakefield singer/songwriter Chris MacLean
explaining why music is not only a passion, but a necessity in her life.
Without being melodramatic, she adds, “I think if I didn’t have either music or painting, I would be dead – these things feed the soul”.
Many things feed the soul of this talented artist – from the rock and water
of her home in West Quebec, her dear friends, meditation or the memory of a special dog who passed away a year ago. Chris MacLean sings about peace, hope and the importance of protecting the environment.
Her pure voice channels compassion on “Nightbird,” for a man she never knew who committed suicide after a struggle with mental illness. But she says she never sets out to write about specific things: “You write what you write – what the muse gives you.”
Her efforts have earned Chris MacLean recognition with awards such as the Colleen Peterson Songwriting Award for “Feet Be Still’ and the OCFF Songs from the Heart Award in the historical category for “Sisters of Charity” – which tells the sad but inspiring tale of a Cree woman and her children struggling against racism and injustice in mid-1800s Manitoba.
Chris has had many struggles of her own in life, but music gives her
hope and makes her smile. Coming home from practice with Fred Guignion (guitar), Stuart Watkins (bass) and Beth Cahill (mandolin and vocals) she describes it as one of her happiest days in weeks. While it hasn’t been easy, Chris knows that music is what she was meant to do.
Chris MacLean’s interest in music started at an early age. She composed and sang folk songs and played in a bluegrass band as a young adult before marriage and children took her away from it for well over a decade. Coming back to it in her late 30s, she was struck by narrow attitude of the music industry. Despite considerable talent, she was told she was basically too old to make it in the business. This was a frustrating aspect of the youth culture that she says dominates life here. It is not something you find in eastern cultures, where experience is honoured and respected.
But Chris did not let that attitude stop her. “I guess I am just stubborn,” she says. Now at 53, with two CDs: Learn to Be Loved (2000) and Feet Be Still, (2009), many successful collaborations and awards to her credit – Chris has proved them wrong. “I feel like life is just beginning.” And for fans of this talented performer – that is a very good thing indeed.
Chris was a core member of world music ensemble GALITCHA as well as FRIDA’S BROW, which was nominated as Best Vocal Group in the 2008 Canadian Folk Music Awards. She currently performs solo accompanied by Fred Guignion and Stuart Watkins. She can be seen
occasionally with The POMELOS, a collective of female songwriters; TLC (Tannis Slimmon, Laura Bird and Chris) and also as a backup vocalist with Ian Tambyln.
Chris will be joined on March 21st by Fred and Stuart along with special guest Beth Cahill as part of the Spirit of Rasputin’s concert series at the Elmdale Tavern.