Rasputin’s Beard

Rasputin’s Beard is an open stage for folk ensembles…duos, trios, quartets, or larger!  Each group gets a 30 minute set with 10 minutes of turnaround between groups. This provides time for five or six songs.  Expect the same high quality professional sound the Spirit of Rasputin’s provides for all its Saturday concerts.

This is a great way to introduce a new combo, promote an upcoming show, or simply to try out a mash-up of two or three musicians who don’t usually perform together…anything goes!! We love percussion and small drum kits, but please…no large drum sets. A large drum kit takes too much time to set up with the quick turn-around we have.

Register in advance with me, your host, Carol Noel, at 613-729-7973 home ( +ans. machine ), or email me at carolnoel1@sympatico.ca (carolnoel1 null@null sympatico NULL.ca).

Space is limited to four ensembles per show, first come first booked.

Rasputin’s Beard…Bully for You!

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Wasn’t that a great evening!?! Yesssss!
THANK YOU to ALL the bands and to all the fans for your financial and artistic contribution, for sharing your wonderful talents with our community, and for contributing generously to a worthy cause. We collected over $600 for Maria Hawkins’ “Stop the Bullying!” program for elementary schools.
And we all had loads of FUN doing it! Spread the word…. there are more charity BEARDS to come.

Rasputin’s Beard: March 24, 2012

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This edition of Rasputin’s Beard is very special in several ways. PSAC / UNE (Public Service Alliance of Canada, National Capital Region)  is now sponsoring all four 2012 shows! This means we can donate ALL the pass-the-hat funds collected at the Beards to community charities and projects. This show’s “hat” will go to two Ottawa schools, earmarked for Maria Hawkin’s “Stop the Bullying” program for kids, which she developed in response to what we all hear about in the news: we need to raise awareness early, in childhood and youth. Maria will also be our very special guest, doing the last set of the show” you do not want to miss her powerful and heart-felt vocals!

Beards are WONDERUL occasions of great entertainment and socializing! Come with your friends and families, and make this one yet another full house! The last show was standing room only! And thank you to our new sponsor!
Public Service Alliance of Canada National Capital Region

Now here’s the fab line-up for the evening….

Sarah Drader & Friends

Music has been a part of Sarah’s life… her whole life. Whether playing together as a family, listening to her dad or her brother practice with their bands, playing open-stages at Rasputin’s (when still in high school), or attending bluegrass festivals in the Ottawa Valley (as a little girl)… music has always been part of “living”. Sarah has been playing piano and guitar by ear ever since she can remember. Songwriting also began early at age 10. Her songs reflects life’s soulful tragedies and amazements with hints of bluegrass, folk and a little bluesy-rock. She was also lucky enough to have classical vocal training with Wendell Atchison. Her father Doug Hill — playing bass in her band — has been a long time Ottawa bluegrass musician; his longtime buddies Vic Chartrand (mandolin and guitar) and Mike Holy (guitar/vocal) will also be on stage. Sarah lives in Ottawa with her husband Steve and her two boys, Rowan 4 and Ben 2…..who all like music as much as she does! Watch for the third generation!

Three Little Birds

Three Little Birds is a fusion of three distinct women who candidly sing their minds on social and political issues. Erin Saoirse Adair is an Ottawa-based singer-songwriter and folk musician, Amelia Leclair is a singer/percussionist who studied Latin music styles while in Brazil and Angela Schleihauf is currently studying oboe performance at the University of Ottawa.
Their songs draw upon a variety of eclectic mélange of musical influences: everything from Balkan styled harmonies within reggae beats, to country-flavoured melodies amidst Tin-Pan-Alley arrangements. Their strong vocal harmonies ride over upbeat acoustic arrangements of guitar, oboe, percussion, stand-up bass violin; instrumentation kept simple in order to emphasize their lyrics. On stage their goal is to spark dialogue.

Three Little Birds have performed at various venues in Ottawa, Montreal and Toronto and have featured at the University of Ottawa’s Frosh Week and the Ontario Council of Folk Festival Conference in October of 2010.

www.myspace.com/threelittlebirdstheban (http://www NULL.myspace NULL.com/threelittlebirdstheband)

Tower of Song

Tower of Song has been performing the songs of Leonard Cohen in Ottawa over the past several years. The unparalleled depth and richness of Cohen’s music inspire us to share it in live performances. Audience members remark that they find Cohen’s lyrics more vivid when heard live.
The group “happened” several years ago, at the New Bayou on Bank Street. Ron Green was on guitar, with Jerry on vocals and acoustic guitar.  Out of the blue, John Godin and Jacques Carpentier jumped in on keyboards and drums. Some vocalists in the crowd joined in as well and the group was born. Since then there have been various changes of personnel so the band has always been a work in progress. For the Beard, Tower of Song is: Jerry Golland,  Peter Pelletier, Judy Jibb, John Godin and Rick Kersey. Tower of Song have performed at Rasputin’s, The New Bayou, The Lookout Bar, The New Edinburgh Pub, The Black Irish Pub, StBrigid’s Centre for the Arts and most recently at The Carleton Tavern.

http://lcohenband.ca/Tower_of_Song/Welcome.html (http://lcohenband NULL.ca/Tower_of_Song/Welcome NULL.html)

Maria Hawkins

The Inspired Musician: Singing is her life! Maria celebrates 25 years of using her voice to help and to heal, as well as to entertain across Canada. Maria is soulful, spicy, funky, energetic and playful with a whole lotta love and the chops to back it up. Her voice is rich and emotional because she sings from her heart. Maria is a co-founder of the Ottawa Blues Society and co-creator of the Blues in the Schools.

The Inspirational Motivational Speaker: Maria travels across Canada as a motivational speaker for Health Canada. She has been a high-energy keynote speaker to students for 25 years, using Blues and other art forms to foster good leadership development. Her Stop the Bullying! program works with schools and communities, to help youth find their way: modules such as “Get Into Your Groove” Success, Leadership and Character development are for high school youth; and “Groove 4 Kids” for grades 2-8.
Maria has garnered many honours; a few are: the prestigious W. C. Handy Award; the National Arts Center “Artistic Excellence” award; the YM/YWCA Woman of Distinction; United Way “Community Builder” award.
Greg Szepietowski has been her accompanist for 12 years. He came here 20 years ago from Europe, where he was a member of some of the best 80′s rock bands; his own band toured all over Europe. He has been awarded “best instrumentalist” many time by the Polish Jazz Association.
stopthebullying.ca (http://stopthebullying NULL.ca)
mariahawkins.com (http://mariahawkins NULL.com)

Santa’s Beard Raises $1,222 for The Snowsuit Fund

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Congratulations to all the musicians, patrons and volunteers for making Santa’s Beard such a success. Here’s the link to the review in the Ottawa Citizen (http://blogs NULL.ottawacitizen NULL.com/2011/12/18/spirit-of-rasputins-showcase-of-ottawa-bands/ ).

Amanda Bon

Amanda Bon

The Ottawa Valley Special, The Elementals, The Amanda Bon Band and The Gerry Griffin Band provided a stellar evening of music. And thanks to the volunteers who make this event happen: Carol Noel, Elaine Gibson, Isabel Bouchard, Katherine Gunn, Heather Evenchick, Sharon Letovsky, Kate Morgan,  
Mark Evenchick and Hollis Morgan.

And thank you, audience, for making the show a sold out success and for being so generous with your donations.

Here is Kate Morgan’s Gallery of photographs:

 

Saturday December 17 “Santa’s Beard” will support The Snowsuit Fund

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What: The December version of Rasputin’s Beard, a fast-paced four band showcase.
When: 8-10pm Saturday, December 17
Where: Westboro Masonic Hall, 430 Churchill at Byron
Who: Ottawa Valley Special, The Elementals, Amanda Bon Band, and Gerry Griffin Band.

NO COVER!! Pass-the-hat/pay-what-you-can.

All net proceeds will go to The Snowsuit Fund. The Fund gratefully accepts donations of cash and knitted articles as well as gently used winter outerwear, hats, mitts and boots of all sizes. They endeavour to provide every eligible child with a brand new snowsuit. However, many of their clientele have older children in need of winter clothing, or the parents themselves are in need of a warm coat. Good quality used items can help bridge that gap. 

Why did the board decide to support The Snowsuit Fund?

For the Kids
This organization has one reason for being, and that is to see to it that the children of less fortunate families in our region have one very basic necessity: warmth during our bitter winters.

They are a local charity
Contributions go directly back into our community, to children who are the classmates and playmates of our children.

They are a responsible charity
Only the children of families truly in need receive a new snowsuit. The Fund has a rigorous referral and application process to qualify those we help. A $10 administration fee is applied to help defray costs. Your cash donations are used to purchase and distribute new, quality snowsuits from Canadian manufacturers. A donation of $40.00 is all it takes to dress a child warmly. Your donations of gently-used winter clothing are available to children and their families who do not qualify for a new snowsuit. No child in need will be turned away.

Their support is broadly-based
Over the years, the Fund has continued to expand its reach into the community, and today is supported by groups that range from the corporate sector to school children, from the media to members of local councils, from service clubs to community centres. But in all of that, it is still the individual citizen who comes forward with used suits or cash donations or who supports one of the many fundraising events and activities we undertake each year, that we count on most.

The need is real and present
Every year, they receive about 15,000 snowsuit requests for children up to the age of 15 – that’s a lot of cold kids. And it takes plenty of donations of good used suits and money to keep them warm.

Along with the Spirit volunteers, all the bands are donating their time and talent. This will be an extraordinary show.

About the Bands

Ottawa Valley Special serve up a potpourri of fine Americana. The band includes Tracy Clark, lead vocals and guitar; Jamie Anderson, vocals, guitar and mandolin; Ellen Daly, fiddle; and Jim Brossert, standup bass. Link to Ottawa Valley Special on MySpace (http://www NULL.myspace NULL.com/ottawavalleyspecial)

The Elementals, fronted by lead singer Julie Element on acoustic guitar, present a tragic blend of Brit/alt/urban-folk. The other five members of the band (who all sing backup vocals) are Peter Pelletier, harmonica and conga; Edith Falkenburg, ukelele; Judy Jibb accordion; Dave Skully acoustic guitar and mandolin; and Patrick Shank, bass guitar.

Amanda Bon Band, country/folk/bluegrass, will be playing songs from Amanda’s new CD Juniper Weekends. Joining Amanda are Danny Artuso, acoustic guitar; Gilles Leclerc, mandolin; and Ken Kanwisher, upright bass. www.amandabon.com

Gerry Griffin Band plays an eclectic meld of folk, country, blues, rock, celtic, and elements of North African music. Lead singer Gerry Griffin plays acoustic guitar and Turkish saz with partner Heather Houston adding harmonies, Appalachian dulcimer and thumbpiano. Rounding out the band are Bruce Wittet on drums and Andy Roberts on upright bass. www.gerrygriffinmusic.com

See you there,

Hollis Morgan
President, Spirit of Rasputin’s Arts Society

Santa’s Beard, December 17th

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Take a break from all that shopping and those pesky workplace parties! Come all ye to Santa’s Beard for a truly jolly good time! The 2011 Beards have been getting great buzz and filling the Masonic Hall with musical joy. This fast-paced always-entertaining evening features four local groups offering a variety of musical styles for your listening pleasure. For the whole family and your friends… and the price is always right!

WARNING! This program may contain extreme songwriter passion, great grooves, haunting harmony and marvellous musicianship! (seasonal tunes not required… just good tunes)

What: Rasputin’s Beard
When: Saturday, December 17, 2011, 8pm
Where: Westboro Masonic Hall, 430 Churchill at Byron
NO COVER!! This is a pass-the-hat-event!

Santa’s Beard features:


Ottawa Valley Special,
The Elementals,
Gerry Griffin Band, and
Amanda Bon Band.

Ottawa Valley Special

(www.MySpace.com/OttawaValleySpecial (http://www NULL.myspace NULL.com/OttawaValleySpecial))

The Ottawa Valley Special serves up a tasty meal of mighty fine Americana… bluegrass, classic country, blues and folk… even better than Mama’s home cookin’.  Ellen Daly, Tracy Clark, Jamie Anderson and Jim Bossert… are a versatile award-winning fiddler, a seasoned blues/folk musician, a touring singer-songwriter, and a rock-steady bass player. While steeped in bluegrass, they are not at all afraid to tackle other genres. So expect lots of fun! PS: they bring their own hot sauce.

The Elementals

In a moment of millennium madness, Julie Element moved to Ottawa from Amsterdam…. on April Fools’ Day. What was she thinking? Her only answer can be heard in the songs that she has been writing and performing for the last 10 years. From the first self-pitying break-up ballads, she has since cultivated a comic-tragic blend of Brit/alt/urban-folk. Along her merry way, she’s had the pleasure to meet up with a delightful band of like-minded troubadours, which resulted in The Elementals, a contra-band of mad minstrels with a will to gig. The Five Elements are Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and sometimes Metal (unless you’re into disco, in which case there are only three). An evening in the presence of Elemental Entertainment will offer a clue as to which Element you might prove to be….

Gerry Griffin Band

(www.gerrygriffinmusic.com (http://www NULL.gerrygriffinmusic NULL.com/))

Gerry Griffin has been an Ottawa musician for a long, long time… starting in the early ’70′s with ‘Cain’, the after hours band at renowned coffeehouse Le Hibou. During the ’80s, he was the harmonica player and a vocalist with the extremely popular ’Blue Angels’. Since the early ’90s he has concentrated on his own material, gaining both national and international respect as a singer and songwriter. Gerry’s songs are intensely poetic and presented in a dramatic and highly original musical style. His hard earned authenticity can be heard in every note, his insightful lyrics supported by an esoteric melding of musical styles and influences: folk, country, blues, rock, celtic, and elements of North African music… which he calls “music for humans … and other people”.
CD: Moment to Moment flies the flag for Canadian music high and proud… songs that sound like welcome old friends.

Amanda Bon Band

(www.amandabon.com (http://www NULL.amandabon NULL.com))

If you ask Ottawa native Amanda Bon when she started singing, she will tell you she doesn’t remember. Her song writing arose naturally out of her love of words and her early music training on piano and guitar. Her training as a contemporary and flamenco dancer may influence her love of rhythmic drive and unique vocal phrasing, She is a born performer.  Her repertoire is a blend of country, bluegrass and folk elements. After various demo-recording projects, she embarked on her first full-length CD, Juniper Weekends, released in 2011 to rave reviews.  Accompanying her for the Beard will be Danny Artuso, Gilles Leclerc and Ken Kanwisher.
CD  Juniper Weekends is a collection of 11 catchy, touching songs… beautiful melodies, insightful lyrics and rich harmony.

 

 

 

All this for pass-the-hat?

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A review of the September 17,2011 Rasputin’s Beard

by host and organizer Carol Noël

Well THAT was an exceptional evening of entertainment! Lucky us to be part of this full house, packed-to-the-walls energy! The fiddles and jigs of celtic big-band Fumblin’ Fingers put big smiles on faces and got toes tapping! Steel Moon’s romantic pop ballads – Lise’s vocals and Dave’s creative guitar, tasteful looper-use and harmonies – were soulful and beautiful; their upcoming CD will be the stocking stuffer! The intricate a capella harmonies, joyous energy and comedy of the Pouch Cotätoes quintet earned them an encore! Lost Colt’s alt-country originals were authentic, their lead-vocals outstanding and acoustic guitar solos all came straight from the heart! All this for pass-the-hat? Rasputins Beard is absolutely the best music deal in town! All these local groups have websites; check them out for gigs and CD-orders.Next Beard: December 17th…be there or be square! 

The Flash Player (http://www NULL.macromedia NULL.com/go/getflashplayer) and a browser with Javascript support (http://www NULL.mozilla NULL.com/firefox/) are needed.

Rasputin’s Beard September 17

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The first Beard of the 2011-2012 season is a four-band showcase. If you haven’t attended a Rasputin’s Beard before, this is your chance! These shows are great for the whole family and all your friends…a fast paced evening featuring a wide variety of musical styles…and the price is right!!

Warning: there will be a LOT of toe-tapping and harmony singing during this show!

What: Rasputin’s Beard
When: Saturday, September 17, 2011, 8pm
Where: Westboro Masonic Hall, 430 Churchill at Byron
NO COVER!! This is a pass-the-hat-event.

This Beard features Fumblin’ Fingers, Steel Moon, Pouch Cotätoes, and Lost Colt.

Fumblin’ Fingers

( (http://docweissband NULL.com/)http://www.fumblinfingers.ca/index.html (http://www NULL.fumblinfingers NULL.ca/index NULL.html)) (http://docweissband NULL.com/)

The instrumental octet Fumblin’ Fingers will get you kickin’ up your heels, with Traditional Music from the East Coast and beyond! Jigs and Reels, Polkas and Strathspeys! They formed as the house band for the community choir Atlantic Voices - The Newfoundland and Labrador Choir; their first performance with the choir’s Winter concert of 2005. Their instruments include guitars, fiddles, mandolin, bass, ektara, various woodwinds and tin whistles, accordions, bodhran, ugly stick and various percussion instruments. Fumblin’ Fingers have produced two CDs… their second CD “Rainy Day Jigs” is hot off the press! The members: Celeste Brad-bury Marshall, Tom Murray, Lynn Petros, Hannie Fitzgerald, Marcia Phillips, Wayne Mercer,  Dave Huddlestone and Sue McCarthy.

Steel Moon

(http://www.steelmoonsound.com/) (http://www NULL.steelmoonsound NULL.com/)

Steel Moon is an Ottawa-based contemporary folk-pop duo: Lise Larocque and Dave Miliken. Lise is a singer-songwriter, who has been penning lyrics in English and French since the tender age of seven. She is becoming increasingly known as a performer at various local clubs and festivals, also as a lead vocalist for Millstreet, a big brass band covering R&B/funk. Dave Milliken is a performer, songwriter, music teacher and studio-guitarist (several CDs). He also plays bass, piano and harmonica. Dave also performs solo, with the R&B/blues/swing band The Priorities, and with the classical guitar and flute Duo Capricci. He has also worked with Andrea England; their song Lemonade — the title song for one of England’s CDs — was a prize-winner in the 2002 John Lennon Songwriting Contest, out of 25,000 entries. A very well-schooled musician, Dave’s guitar work is featured on CDs for several artists.

Pouch Cotätoes

(http://www.flickr.com/photos/terrio/3630908225/ (http://www NULL.flickr NULL.com/photos/terrio/3630908225/))

The Pouch Cotätoes are an a cappella singing qunitet who have been together for eight years, delivering five-part close harmony arrangements of contemporary songs dating from the 1950′s to 1980′s. The Cotätoes are all accomplished performers in various genres of music, yet simply enjoy the freedom and energy that comes from leaving instruments aside and getting close to their audience with just their voices. Based in Ottawa, these gentlemen can often be heard on street corners across the city with their lively and fun-loving style as they engage in spontaneous ‘guerilla’ a cappella wherever people gather. Pouch Cotätoes are: Chris Bancej, Mark Green, Stephen Beneteau, Ryan Lindsey and Jerome Gobuyan. They perform FUN covers of contemporary pop songs.

Lost Colt

(http://www.myspace.com/lostcolt)
(http://www NULL.daveandrews NULL.ca/frame NULL.html)(https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lost-Colt/208134429243240 (https://www NULL.facebook NULL.com/pages/Lost-Colt/208134429243240))

Ottawa’s Lost Colt alt-country/folk band is part of the renaissance in country music. With three songwriters in the band, alt-country rockers Lost Colt can evoke Roy Orbison, the Cars, Blue Rodeo and Canada’s legendary Blue Shadows. Rick Fry writes clever, pop-inflected country, rock and folk songs. Dan Jetté is a prodigious writer of versatile melodic and infectious tunes. Conrad (“rad”) White started drumming on cardboard boxes after seeing Ringo Starr on the Ed Sullivan Show, then switched to drums thanks to his grandad’s generosity. Bruce Wozny (“woz”) cut his songwriting chops in West Coast folk and country bands, releasing two original albums prior to joining Lost Colt.

Have a great summer!

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Kate posted a great series of photographs from the June 25th Beard, our final 2010/2011 concert event before our summer break. The 2011/2012 concert  series kicks off on September 17th with another Rasputin’s Beard featuring The Fumblin’ Fingers (http://www NULL.fumblinfingers NULL.ca/) (yes, all eight of them!), the duo Steel Moon (http://www NULL.steelmoonsound NULL.com/), the a capella quintet Pouch Cotatoes (http://www NULL.flickr NULL.com/photos/terrio/3630908225/), and Lost Colt (http://www NULL.myspace NULL.com/lostcolt) in their second Beard appearance. We will announce our  complete 2011/2012 concert lineup in July (to our members)  and August (to the general public and media.) In the meantime, our Monday Open Stage at Whispers Pub and our Tuesday Folk-along Jam at the Georgetown Pub will continue every week right through the summer. Check out the  video clips and reviews from the past season posted below. Thanks to all the members and patrons who have made this season so much fun! Cheers,

Hollis Morgan,
President, Spirit of Rasputin’s Arts Society

Rasputin’s Beard June 25

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The last event of the season is a four-band  showcase on the final Saturday of June. If you haven’t attended a Rasputin’s Beard Showcase before, this is your chance! These shows are great for the whole family…a fast paced evening featuring a wide variety of musical styles…and the price is right!!

What: Rasputin’s Beard
When: Saturday, June 25, 2011, 8pm
Where: Westboro Masonic Hall, 430 Churchill at Byron

NO COVER!! This is a pass-the-hat-event.

This Beard features docweissband, Scary Bear Soundtrack, Call Me Katie, and Dave Andrews.

docweissband

(…their website here) (http://docweissband NULL.com)
Acoustic, folky, funky and lyrical.  docweissband incorporates influences from James Taylor and Bruce Cockburn to Hall & Oates and Funk Brothers Motown (acoustic/folk/rock). Ron Weiss, singer/songwriter is backed by Gleb Sturov on drum kit, and Mike Liepe, bass.

Scary Bear Soundtrack

(…their myspace here) (http://www NULL.myspace NULL.com/559839690)
This Ottawa girl band acquired its current lineup when Gloria and Ainslie met while working for Ladyfest Ottawa teaching young girls to play music at Rock Camp for girls. By then Gloria, formerly of bands such as Hamilton Trading Co. (w/ members of the Diableros) and gatesgatesgates (w/ former members of Cuff the Duke and the Postage Stamps), was already performing under the name Scary Bear Soundtrack, playing shows as far as Vancouver, Portland, and Amsterdam. Keyboardist/vocalist Dannik (whose voice can also be heard in the Ottawa Regional Youth Choir) was added to the mix, making the loveliest trio of lady musicians since maybe the famous Trio of Ronstadt/Parton/Harris, although they sound nothing like that particular Trio.

Call Me Katie

Monty Reid will be gracing the stage with his band Call Me Katie. Best known as a poet, Monty Reid has been writing songs and playing in bands for decades. His repertoire includes bluegrass, western swing and blues, and hundreds of original songs. A versatile musician, he’s most often found with a guitar or mandolin, but has shown up with a banjo and a bouzouki as well. His sidekicks in Call Me Katie are Sarah Hill and Mike Rivoche. Hill, with her angelic voice and demonic fiddle, is a veteran of Celtic and bluegrass bands in Ottawa and on the east coast. Also a songwriter, she brings a more sophisticated touch to the band. Rivoche is a long-time Ottawa resident with a twangy past – he played guitar in several well-known rockabilly bands but holds down the doghouse bass in this configuration.

Dave Andrews

(…his website here) (http://www NULL.daveandrews NULL.ca/frame NULL.html)

Dave Andrews

“Andrews has a rich, pleasing voice that is occasionally reminiscent of Fred Neil, and writes sensitive, perceptive songs about love, life and the other usual culprits.” Patrick Langston, The Ottawa Citizen

 

Dave was raised in Ottawa. His first introduction to music was with his High School Band and a local jazz band. His first public performances were with Bluegrass Bands and Folk ensembles in the 1970s, appearing on Carleton University’s local radio CKCU “Canadian Spaces” and local cable television “No One Came”. His band “Elam Plectorial Society” played as the back up band to Canadian Step Dancing Champion – Cindy Thompson. He took 20 years off to raise a family and eat.

“Navigator” marks Dave’s first commercially available CD and his return to playing music in a more professional genre. One of his songs made the judges short list in the OFFC and CBC Galaxy “Songs from the heart” contest in 2004.

Carol Noel Reboots Rasputin’s Beard for June, 2011

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The 2010/2011 season at our concert hall began with a Beard last September and will end with a Beard this coming June 25th. Carol Noel, a past Beard performer and former member of the OFF board, will be organizing and hosting this final event of the season at the hall before our summer hiatus. Of course, the Open Stage at Whispers and the Jam-a-long at the Georgetown will continue every week through the summer.

The 2011/2012 season of concerts and special events will again kick off with a Beard on September 17th.

Spirit of Rasputin’s Beard Launches New Season

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The Band Showcase is Spirit’s Inaugural Event at the Westboro Masonic Hall

Lost Colt

Lost Colt

The “Rasputin’s Beard“ band showcase for Sunday, September 26, 2010 starting at 7pm will be the first event in the newly renovated Banquet Hall of the Westboro Masonic Temple at 430 Churchill Ave. And remember, there is NO COVER for this event. So come and check out the new venue, grab a brew and enjoy some wonderful music. It’s the best deal in town!

This event will feature:
  • 7:00 – 7:30 Cheapest Thrill (http://www NULL.facebook NULL.com/pages/The-Cheapest-Thrill/184686666923) (Carol Black and Karl White)
  • 7:45 – 8:15 The Overcasters (David Wood, et al)
  • 8:30 – 9:00 Lost Colt (http://www NULL.myspace NULL.com/lostcolt) (Rick Fry, Conrad White, Dan Jette and Bruce Wozny)
  • 9:15 – 9:45 Maple Hill (Pat Moore, et al)
Cheapest Thrill

Cheapest Thrill

This is another terrific line-up and I’m really looking forward to a diverse evening of music. After a busy summer, this is a great way to launch a new season of Spirit events in a new and elegant venue.

NOTE: We’re planning an additional 5 minutes of turnaround time between bands (15 instead of 10 minutes). This allows a little more time for patrons to chat, get another beverage, and interact with the bands. Of course, we still want a quiet, attentive audience during performances.

The Beard for Sunday June 27, 2010

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The  lineup for June 27th, 2010:

  • Moofish (http://www NULL.myspace NULL.com/moofishnz)
  • Brandon Agnew (http://www NULL.myspace NULL.com/brandonagnewmusic)
  • Blue Rose
  • Kate & Hollis (http://www NULL.kateandhollis NULL.com/KHhome NULL.php)

A fast paced evening at The Elmdale starting at 7pm sharp with NO COVER CHARGE!!

Singer Songwriters mOoFish embrace earthly soulful moments with upbeat songs. Originating from the heartland of New Zealand, moofish weave a web of alternative acoustic sounds with vocals and guitars, leaving the air electrified yet calm, imaginative, raw and impromptu.

Whether he’s providing the beats for a good ol’ fashioned blues band or composing mellow, introspective solo tunes on his guitar, Brandon Agnew is definitely an up-and-coming talent to watch on the Ottawa music scene. Since his arrival in the capital just over a year ago, he’s wasted no time getting involved, and his musical projects have been making Ottawa listeners sit up and take notice.

Blue Rose combines the folk/swing compositions of Carol Noel with the multi-instrumental talents of Vic Chartrand. Carol, a well known Ottawa graphic designer, photographer and singer/songwriter, has resurrected the Blue Rose project from a few years ago.  Bluegrassers know Vic as a fabulous banjo and mandolin player. In Blue Rose he struts his considerable talents in swing guitar as well.

Finally, yours truly Hollis and my beautiful wife Kate will finish off this first season of Rasputin’s Beard. A scheduling conflict forced The Chrissy Lovingood Band to back out at the last minute, so Kate & Hollis will be bringing this season of Spirit of Rasputins to a close. Expect a few new compositions and a few old favourites too.

A Cautionary Tale

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by Jeremy Owen

A non-review of Rasputin’s Beard – 5/23/10

I knew I was going to be late to the Beard last night; I knew that much. I was already cursing those circumstances that had conspired and reared their ugly heads at once to mire my day down in non-musical minutia. But even so, I had hoped to catch the latter half at least; 2 out of the 4 bands. I was hoping against hope that one of those bands would be Greg Kelly’s.

But then late became late, and then later still. By the time I arrived at the Elmdale tavern, daylight was fading from the sky, muting all the colors, turning everything to a washed out shade of grey. But I could still hear music as I approached and this was encouraging. I entered into a wave of enthusiastic applause which also boded well: whoever was onstage appeared to be holding the entire room in the palm of their hand.

And as I approached the bar for a half-pint the applause faded almost reluctantly and the band started up again.

The song they played was amazing. Crisp, clean female vocals, horn solo, deadly rhythm. After they were done Hollis Morgan took the stage and thanked everyone for coming out to another successful Rasputin’s Beard. The evening was over and that is why I cannot offer anything resembling a review of it – because I only caught two rounds of applause with a single song between them – a pair of thunderclaps and a flash of lightning. But I can offer a unique perspective all the same: that of the outsider, the latecomer, arrived just in time to see the effect but not the cause which preceded it.

To glimpse, in that last song the potential for the entire evening, makes this more of a cautionary tale than anything else: do not let yourself miss Rasputin’s events. You will be sad.

Jeremy Owen is Sad.

Beard #3: Country in the City

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by Hollis Morgan

andrewsnow

The Shard's Andrew Snow

On a long-weekend Sunday, while a lot of folks left the city, the country rolled into the Elmdale Tavern and the 50 or so patrons who stayed were glad they did. While not all of the music was twanged with country charm,  the opening and penultimate acts had that certain relaxed, comfortable feel that traditional country music exudes. The second band, however, exploded with youthful, pop-culture enthusiasm; while the closing act was an intriguing potpourri of jazzy, quirky folk.

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Left to right: Hollis Morgan, Sarah Hill, Greg Kelly, Andrew Snow

Greg Kelly and the Broken Windows Philharmonic (a.k.a. “The Shards”) opened appropriately with songs from Greg’s CD Broken Windows.  Rasputinites are familiar with Greg performing on his own, but it’s great to see him with a good band.  Greg’s lyrics frequently contain a sense of sweet regret; yet there’s always something there to which each listener can relate.  This was the debut of The Shards with Sarah Hill on violin, Andrew Snow on acoustic bass, and yours truly Hollis Morgan on dobro.

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The Ginger Fox Band

The Ginger Fox Band is a trio of twenty-somethings on a mission. Warren Meredith, aka the Ginger Fox, was energetic and strong on lead vocals, and writes most of the songs. While he writes well, I think his stories describing the writing process for each song add a lot to his performance.  Backed up by rhythm and lead guitars, The Ginger Fox is Band sounds quite contemporary — alt rock perhaps –which is a little unusual for Spirit of Rasputins, but the band was still a great fit for the Beard based on Warren’s song writing and and how he reaches out to bring the audience into each song. The only non-original song of the set, Hurt composed by Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails, was definitely a highlight.

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Huntley Slim and the Suburban Cowboys

Huntley Slim and the Suburban Cowboys don’t take alt country too seriously.  But they do take it where ever they can! From a song “older than my grandma” to a variety of well penned gems of their own, they were entertaining and  just rough enough around the edges.  With Chris Mellor – strong rhythm guitar and vocals, Seamus Mulready – both bluegrass and old-time banjo and vocals, and a stand-up bass player who got several rounds of applause for his kick-ass solos.  This band is lots of fun. Okay Chris, we forgive you for not knowing the Tony Rice lick!

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Left to right: Brian Sanderson, Alise Marlane, James Stephens

We finished this Beard with the Alise Marlane Trio. This is a talented, very professional sounding combo that manages to support Alise’ often quick and surprising chord changes.  Alise presented her own material in this set which ranged from non-sense lyrics to a song about a toad…oh yes, and there were some serious songs in there too! And all of it set to jazzy rhythms and flowing chords spiced up by the by skilled and sensitive violin of  James Stephens and a plethora of instruments from Brian Sanderson including ukelele and pocket trumpet.  James and Brian took turns on electro-acoustic bass. All in all, a very rich and rewarding set for the end of the evening.

Check out the rest of the photos in the gallery.

The Beard for May 23

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The May Beard will be another great showcase. We will have Greg Kelly and the Broken Windows Philharmonic, The Ginger Fox Band, Huntley Slim, and the Alise Marlane Trio.
As usual, the action starts at 7pm sharp with the first 30 minute set. The Beard is a fast paced evening with just 10 minutes between bands. It’s all over by 9:30 so get there early and enjoy a great evening of free music by some of Ottawa’s best up-and-coming new bands.

Back cover of Greg Kelly's CD

Ginger Fox

Huntley Slim

Alise Marlane

Alise Marlane

Greg Kelly will perform songs from his CD Broken Windows backed up by The Broken Windows Philharmonic (aka The Shards) featuring Sarah Hill (violin), Andrew (bass), and Hollis Morgan (dobro and banjo).

The Ginger Fox Band will likely perform as a trio but may grow by the time this Beard rolls around. Some of you may have heard them at the Monday Open Stage a few weeks ago.

Huntley Slim and the Suburban Cowboys features Chris Mellor (Guitar and Vocals), Seamus Mulready (Banjo and Vocals) and whoever they can borrow. Expect to hear songs from their first full length CD Songs From This Chicken Coop.

Alise Marlane has performed opening sets for the likes of Ron Sexsmith, the The Wailin’ Jenny’s and Terry Tufts to name a few. For this Beard, she will be accompanied by uber folk producer  James Stephens and fiddler Brian Sanderson.

Beard #2: A Two-steppin’ Success

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by Hollis Morgan

godknowswhat

godknowswhat

The Spirit of Rasputins Beard two-stepped its way into history after an evening of solid entertainment from a terrific line-up of four great bands. Most of the evening my attention was focussed on the energy generated by the entertainers on the new, wonderful stage at the front of the Elmdale House Tavern. But when I looked around half-way through the night, there were smiling faces right to the back of the room and every table was full. The Beard is having a good run.

Julie Elements and the Elements

Julie Element and the Elementals

Julie Element and the Elementals delivered a wonderful opening set. They took us on a journey by plane, train and…uhhh, ambulance! Strummed major seventh chords; lush accordian, mandolin and congas; and tasty harmonica, all contrasted wonderfully with Julie’s quirky lyrics. At times, I felt I was seated along the Seine in a Parisian cafe. At other times I knew I was bouncing along in an OC Transpo bus. Julie Element is a wonderful performer with a growing local fan base who draws you into her stories. Well done.

godknowswhat

godknowswhat

Next up were godknowswhat from the Wakefield area. Not many Rasputinites knew about this quartet…but they sure do now! One-step, two-step, three-step…more!! This Quebecois, cajun style band had people out of their seats dancing to their infectious rhythms. And what was that drummer playing? A bodhran for a bass drum, a plastic two-gallon pail for a tom, a snare and a high-hat? Definitely a funk kit for the record books. This band performs in French and English, and in styles from up-the-valley, down-the-delta, and across-the-pond…did I mention the medley of Greek fiddle tunes? Godknowswhat delivers amazing energy with accomplished and polished musicianship. Strong, striding bass; tight percussion; excellent interplay between fiddle and accordian; and, the occasional ballad metered out on ukelele. I’m sure they’ll be back at the Elmdale with a party night all to themselves.

Old Whiskey Road

Old Whiskey Road

The third set was pure alt-country delivered straight from the hip by Old Whiskey Road. Without drums, the strong guitar of lead singer Dave Morrow drove the rhythm beautifully. Dave’s heartfelt songs and delivery, along with Chrissy Lovingood’s harmonies, had me thinking of Gram Parsons and Emmylou. Not that they sound the same…they have their own sound…but somehow it felt familiar. With just the right balance of electric guitars, keyboards, and acoustic guitar fills, Old Whiskey Road is rekindling a comfortable old style on which many of us grew up. I just sat back and mellowed out on this band.

Josh Taerk

Josh Taerk

Josh Taerk from Toronto, with one year left as a teen-ager, finished off this Beard with a set of self-penned ballads that spoke of love lost, love found, and love betrayed. Sometimes, a young man’s heart turns to song writing, and we all benefit! I’m an old folky fogy, but Josh took me back to my youth. Through his songs I remembered first loves, heartbreaks, betrayals, and the unexpected loss of a friend. Backed up by one of his bandmates on very tasty electric guitar, Josh delivered a warm set and finished off the evening nicely. With a gig coming up at The Wakefield Inn, and a summer touring schedule that promises to keep him on the move, some day we’re going to say, “I remember when I saw him at the Elmdale…before he was famous!”

Check out the photo gallery!

See you at the next Beard on May 23rd.

The Beard Bands for Sunday April 25

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  1. 7:00 – 7:30 Julie Element & The Elementals – folk/celtic
  2. 7:40 – 8:10 godknowswhat – celtic/folk and well…god knows!
  3. 8:20 – 8:50 Old Whiskey Road – alt country
  4. 9:00 – 9:30 Josh Taerk – a singer/songwriter from Toronto
Julie Elementgodknowswhat
Old Whiskey RoadJosh Taerk

Openings are still available for May 23rd and June 27th.

The First Beard Hugely Successful!

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by Hollis Morgan

Starting off with the sweet folk sounds of Hurry Up & Wait, the very first Rasputin’s Beard ended with jugglers, and a rousing set from One Big Smile. In between we all enjoyed some very fine, high energy, old-time and bluegrass music from Hank’s Hangover and Shady Blue. All the bands respected the thirty minute limit and all the turnarounds between bands went smoothly. Amazingly, the whole evening stayed on schedule!! The crowd was large and enthusiastic. As the evening’s energy climbed, George Laing (Spirit of Rasputin’s General Manager) turned to Hollis Morgan (Host of the Beard) and said, “What have we created?” Time will tell I guess. Were you there? Leave a comment and tell us what you thought about this event.

Check out Dan Arnott’s review of the evening “The Inaugural Rasputin’s Beard – A Review ”
Shady Blue
Shady Blue members Vic Chartrand, Jocelyn Cleroux and Doug Hill get in close for some tight harmony