Our little shire here continues to be a nucleus of magical music.  Just heard that one of our own, Taes Leavitt and her partner Nick Adams last night won the Indie Children’s Album of the Year for their 2006 album “Popcorn, Pickles and Parrots”.  They perform under the name Splash’n Boots and have been reaping in several awards for this album. They are touring the continent as seen on their excellent website http://www.splashnboots.com  Congrats gang !!!  We’re proud of you.

 

My congratulations and thanks to those who helped organize the successful fundraiser for the late Jeffo Brown’s family.  Upon arriving I was immediately swept up with the stellar picking from Joey Wright on guitar, Dan Whiteley on his magical mandolin, Luther Wright on guitar and Chris Bartos on fiddle.  I could see them catching the attention of most in attendance as conversations paused and rapt attention around the room focused on them.  Hard to believe things could get even better but when Sarah Harmer joined them on stage to share her sweet voice to the mix, their sound completely captivated the room.   

 

Guthrie House took to the stage later in the evening.  They continue to tighten their own material in an impressive manner that got the dance floor hoppin’.  From Dave Balfour’s custom sound , Steve Hanna’s various creative stylings backed by the solid backline of Stu Pike’s drumming and Marty Crapper’s bass, this band continue to grow and impress.  I expect their next gig at O’reilly’s on St. Paddy’s Day will impress the throng that attend to drown their shamrocks.

 

Speaking of St. Paddy’s Day.  Ron Hynes, multiple award winner, singer / songwriter from Newfoundland, who has graced our Stewart Park Festival stage a few years ago will be playing at the Studio Theatre.  His songs are always engaging and I encourage everyone to get out and attend this event.

 

Suzie Vinnick and Rick Fines will be performing the evening before, Friday March 16th at the Smiths Falls Legion.  Might I suggest that anyone who hasn’t gone out and picked up their most recent cd  “Nothing Halfway” should do so because it really catches their unique creativity in a pleasing fashion.  They won Songwriter’s of the Year at the recent Maple Blues Awards and Susie won Female Vocalist of the Year, which augments my previous suggestion of it’s quality.

 

Speaking of Maple Blues Award Winners….  My far better half and I caught the Acoustic Act of the Year, Hot Toddy, twice while at Winterfolk in Toronto.  Was nice chatting with them again and we hope to bring them to Music On McLean as soon as their schedule cooperates. 

 

I wanted to thank Tom Johnstone for his kind letter in last week’s Courier and to also thank all those who have shared their appreciation for my last column on Keith Glass.  Nice to hear people are actually reading my musings.  Thanks to my son Adam, all archived articles are available on the www.perthhouseconcerts.com website under Musical Musings.

 

Music on McLean recently hosted Doug Cox and Sam Hurrie and I wanted to let everyone know we heard from them later and their show in Perth was their favourite of their tour.  Next up is keyboardist/ singer / songwriter Michael Johnston on April 28th.  Anyone who remembers him from Stewart Park Festival a couple of years ago will know of his amazing energy, versatile style and engaging presentation.  We’ve also just booked Brock Zeman, Dan Walsh and a crew of their friends to play May 25th, a rare Friday night performance.  To reserve seats call Sue at 613-267-7902. 

 

I see that our own James McKenty is bringing his band the Spades back to Perth at the Studio Theatre on Friday March 30th for a CD release.  These guys just keep getting better and better, every time I see them so I hope to see you there.

 

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