Ottawa Blues This Week -- 5 March 2007

Summary: Ottawa Blues This Week is a proud benefactor member of the Ottawa Blues Society.

Ottawa Blues This Week is a proud benefactor member of the Ottawa Blues
Society. Local blues societies across Canada help to promote the music we all
enjoy.
Here are the websites of a few Ontario blues societies.   If you're not a
member of your local blues society, why not check them out.
_www.ottawabluessociety.com_ (http://www.ottawabluessociety.com)
_www.kingstonbluessociety.ca_ (http://www.kingstonbluessociety.ca)
_www.loyalblues.ca_ (http://www.loyalblues.ca)
_www.torontobluessociety.com_ (http://www.torontobluessociety.com)
********************************************************
SPECIAL EVENTS THIS WEEK
********************************************************
Ndidi Onukwulu
and Mihirangi
Black Sheep Inn, Wakefield QC
Friday, March 9 @ 9 pm

Ndidi Onukwulu, a singer/songwriter who is making waves on the Canadian
blues circuit, is this year’s MapleBlues Award-winner for ‘New Artist’.   With a
distinctive voice that lends itself to edgy, dark blues and an arresting
stage presence, Ndidi was only seven when she first entered regional talent
contests in her native British Columbia. Having grown up listening to her
Nigerian-born father play drums, her music is infused with the rhythms of that
African country as well as with the deep influence of her first love, the blues.
What you get is a beguiling mixture that is truly Ndidi’s own creation. Now
based in Toronto, Ndidi pursued her singing career in New York City, where
she began by singing a capella on the city’s open mic circuit. With a brief
foray singing backing vocals for hip hop and blues artists, she also fronted a
rock band. Ultimately, she decided to return to the blues and if you’re a
fan of blues with a twist, Ndidi is one concert you can’t afford to miss.
_www.ndidi.ca_ (http://www.ndidi.ca)

Mihirangi performs acoustic soulful-roots and funky world-r’n’b with a rare
performance style. She creates her own band sound – live in front of the
audience. Using a loop pedal she layers her vocals into intricate harmonies
with beat boxing and vocal bass lines, along with acoustic guitar and tribal
rhythms, to accompany her r’n’b infused vocals. Currently based in Melbourne
Australia, Aotearoa-born (NZ) Mihirangi was brought up in a touring musical
family. Paying homage to her Maori roots, her music is a passionate internal
journey: from danceable rhythms to lyrics evoking quiet reverie.   The insight
into Mihirangi’s emotions, personal triumphs, fears and political convictions
offer a refreshing perspective on contemporary culture. Her performance is
renowned as a celebrated spiritual event that is sincere and inspiring,
crafting an original rootsy dynamic sound that is deservedly attracting a wide and
enthusiastic audience.
_www.mihirangi.com_ (http://www.mihirangi.com)
********************************************************
Southside Denny
Tucson’s, 2440 Bank Street
Friday, March 9

At long last, a new version of the Southside Denny Band has arrived!   After
a hiatus of a few years Denny will reunite with his long time partner ‘Lord’
Lindsay Pugh (the bassist on both “Rendez-Vous Blues” and “Moving On”)
thumping the bass, along with a newcomer to the show, Legendary Ottawa drummer
Matt Sobb. The trio will begin rocking the Capitol of Canada at 9:30 at Tucson
’s.

As of February 1st, Denny will be locating to the coolest city in North
America, Montréal, Québec with his wife and children. This is a very big move,
and although he will returning to the Midwest from time to time to perform, he
will be calling Montréal home for good!
_www.southsidedenny.com_ (http://www.southsidedenny.com)
********************************************************
Andy J. Forest
Rainbow, 76 Murray Street
Friday & Saturday, March 9-10 @ 9:30 pm

A renaissance man – writer, artist, musician, Andy J. Forest is
multi-talented and definitely unique. He’s back at the Rainbow for a weekend in
March.
********************************************************
All in the Whiteley Family
Library and Archives Canada Auditorium, 395 Wellington Street
Saturday, March 10 @ 8 pm; tickets $20 advance ($24 at the door)

The Ottawa Folk Festival invites you to a special concert. In a rare
concert performance, six members of the legendary Whiteley family – brothers Chris
and Ken Whiteley, Chris' wife, Caitlin Hanford; their children, Jenny and
Dan Whiteley; and Jenny's husband, Joey Wright – will offer a broad mix of
musical styles, including blues, bluegrass and swing. Says Chris Whiteley. “
There is lots of harmony singing, and a real mixture of original material and
classics.” Don’t miss this very special event!

The Whiteley Brothers: Chris and Ken Whiteley, are two incredibly talented
songwriters and accomplished musicians. Their careers span over 30 years;
they started performing professionally as teenagers in a group called the
Original Sloth Band. They have appeared on over 150 recordings and garnered many
awards. Most recently, Chris was named Horn Player of the Year at the 2006
Maple Blues Awards, and Ken received a 2006 Canadian Folk Music Award for Best
Children’s Album. As solo artists, together and with other groups – Ken is
part of the legendary group Scarlett, Washington and Whiteley, and Chris
recently released a new recording with Diana Braithwaite to rave reviews – they
are always ready to entertain and enthral audiences.

Originally from Bainbridge Island, Washington, Caitlin Hanford immigrated to
Canada after graduating from McGill University, and embarked on a musical
career with her husband, Chris Whiteley. Caitlin’s repertoire includes
original songs and many little-known musical gems. Her voice has a pure,
Appalachian quality, perfectly suited to the high, lonesome sound of traditional
country and bluegrass. She is also a member of the wonderful vocal group,
Quartette.

Jenny Whiteley is a gifted singer and songwriter who writes lyrics that
capture the soul of real life experiences. She won Juno Awards for her first two
solo albums, “Jenny Whiteley” and “Hopetown”, in the Best Roots and
Traditional category. Her latest album, “Dear”, features twelve original songs,
wonderful instrumentation and Jenny’s beautiful voice.

Joey Wright is the guitarist for the Toronto bluegrass group Crazy Strings;
he also plays guitar and mandolin with Sarah Harmer and co-writes and performs
with his wife, Jenny Whiteley. He has released two solo albums.

Dan Whiteley is also a mandolin player and a guitarist. Dan began as a
junior member of his father Chris’ Junior Jug Band, which earned Dan his first
Juno nomination and gold record at the age of eight. In his teens, he turned
to hard-driving mandolin playing and bluegrass. Dan credits his sister Jenny’
s influence on his musical evolution, adding “It’s just a matter of finding
the right balance between the past and the present.”

More info: _www.ottawafolk.org_ (http://www.ottawafolk.org)
********************************************************
Am ketenes Swing
with special guest Denis Chang
La Maison Maxime, 187 Labrosse Blvd, Gatineau QC
Saturday, March 10 @ 8:30 pm; tickets $20

A Tribute to Django Reinardt with musicians from France. A gypsy jazz
evening! Following concerts at Festival Django of New York, Am ketenes will
perform for only one concert in the Gatineau-Ottawa area.

Am ketenes Swing : Emmanuel Kassimo, guitar; Pablo Robin guitar;
Jean-Charles Bavouzet, double bass. Special guest : Denis Chang.

Information : 819-669-0909 (Francine Plouffe)
_www.lamaisonmaxime.com_ (http://www.lamaisonmaxime.com)
_www.amketenes.com_ (http://www.amketenes.com)
********************************************************
LOCAL HIGHLIGHTS THIS WEEK
********************************************************
The Trevor Finlay Band
Australian Tour Kick-Off Party!!!
Tucson’s, 2440 Bank Street
Saturday March 10 @ 9:15 pm

The Trevor Finlay Band is inviting you and everyone you know to the official
Aussie Tour Kick-Off party being held at Tucson’s on Saturday March 10th!

The TFB are embarking on a 6½ week tour Down Under in support of the CD “
Show Me What U Got”, which heralded a #1 hit, the song ‘I'’l Come To You’! “
Show Me What U Got” is the band’s 4th CD. All the dates of the tour can be
found on both the TFB’s website and on the TFB’s Myspace page.

Over the next two months, Trevor and the gang will be posting excerpts from
their adventures on Youtube.com – make sure you check it, subscribe to it,
whatever! (On a personal note, Trevor says that the first thing he’s going to
film when he gets to Australia is a flushing toilet to put the Simpson’s
debate to rest. Watch for that one…………)
_www.trevorfinlay.com_ (http://www.trevorfinlay.com)
_www.myspace.com/thetrevorfinlayband_
(http://www.myspace.com/thetrevorfinlayband)
********************************************************
AREA EVENTS THIS WEEK
********************************************************
The Mighty Popo
Library and Archives Canada Auditorium, 395 Wellington Street
Wednesday, March 7

You could say that the Mighty Popo is a Rwandan/Burundian refugee/survivor
whose music is steeped in African tradition, but you’d hardly be getting at the
whole story of one of Canada’s greatest rising stars. You’d hardly be able
to account for his effortless musicality as a member of the 2004 Juno Award
winning African Guitar Summit, the kudos received for his genre-busting solo
work, his highlight performance at the Canadian edition of Bob Geldof’’s
international Live 8 concerts (one of the few chosen for EMI’s Live 8 DVD) or
his brilliant return to New Orleans for CBC Radio’s Maple Leaf Mojo Meets New
Orleans Gumbo benefit concert broadcast live across Canada.

As much as Popo has inherited a love of the traditional music of Rwanda and
Burundi, he also has a lifelong connection with rock and roll, blues, jazz,
R&B, Reggae and folk traditions. His music reflects his immersion in a world
culture which he has navigated with grace, sensitivity and an enormous sense
of exploration and fun. It is enriched by many traditions. It is
authentically his. It is validated by its own excellence. Yes, the Mighty Popo is a
Rwandan/Burundian refugee/ survivor whose music is steeped in African
tradition. He is also one terrific musician and someone to watch – in Canada and
around the world.
_www.mightypopo.ca_ (http://www.mightypopo.ca)
********************************************************
Loyal Blues Society
End of Winter Blues Festival
Shark Tank Pub, Loyalist College, Belleville ON
Saturday, March 10, 3 pm - ??; tickets $20; students $10

The Loyal Blues Society in Belleville is presenting their annual End of
Winter Blues Festival. The line-up features the Flaming Cheese Productions
Showcase with Loco Zydeco, Cheryl Lescom and Jack deKeyzer. There will also be a
local showcase with many other blues acts from around the area, including
Mark Taylor, Timeline, Scoundrel, Tore Down, Tim Campbell Band, the Stir, Loyal
Blues Band and the Fade Kings. It all starts at 3 in the afternoon in the
city of Belleville.
_www.loyalblues.ca_ (http://www.loyalblues.ca)
********************************************************
SPECIAL EVENTS COMING IN MARCH
********************************************************
Smiths Falls Community Hospital Auxiliary proudly presents
Rick Fines & Suzie Vinnick
Royal Canadian Legion, 7 Main Street, Smiths Falls
Friday March 16 @ 8 pm
Tickets $12 (advance); $15 (at the door)

“Nothing Halfway” – Blues at its best!
_www.suzievinnick.com_ (http://www.suzievinnick.com)
_www.rickfines.com_ (http://www.rickfines.com)

Sponsored by The Record News/EMC
Supported by Jack FM 92.3
Tickets available at Rusty’s Corner Store, Smiths Falls
& Cobra Pools, Perth
or call the Smiths Falls Community Hospital Auxiliary
at 613-283-2330 x 1465
********************************************************
Rick Fines & Suzie Vinnick
CD Release Concert “Nothing Halfway”
Special Guest - Charlie Sohmer Trio
NAC 4th Stage, 53 Elgin Street
Thursday, March 22 @ 8 pm; tickets $25

Nutshell Music & Event management and Glowing Hearts Records with CKCU FM
will be presenting Rick Fines and Suzie Vinnick in a CD Release Concert on
Thursday, March 22.

It was more than twelve years ago when Rick Fines first met Suzie Vinnick. “
I was so impressed with her bass playing,” says Fines, “then she stepped up
to the mike to sing! As soon as the set was over I was there asking ‘How do
I get to play music with you?’” Fines was a member of Jackson Delta and
Vinnick was the talk of the town in Ottawa. Now, years later, with over 15
recordings between them, multiple awards and much critical acclaim, they have
released “Nothing Halfway”, a collection of mostly self-penned songs that
reflects what fans have loved about Suzie and Rick all along.
_www.suzievinnick.com_ (http://www.suzievinnick.com)
_www.rickfines.com_ (http://www.rickfines.com)
********************************************************
David Gogo
Tucson’s, 2440 Bank Street
Thursday, March 22 @ 7:30 pm
Friday, March 23 @ 9:15 pm

Gogo was named the recipient of the 2004 CBC Saturday Night Blues’ “Great
Canadian Blues Award” for his lifetime contribution. Inspired by Howling Wolf
and Stevie Ray Vaughan, who encouraged him to follow his dreams, he has
opened for such icons as Albert Collins and George Thorogood. His latest,
Juno-nominated, release is an acoustic CD entitled, surprisingly, “Acoustic”. The
CD was recorded at David’s home in between his extensive touring and offers
fans an intimate and interesting look at the acoustic side of his talents as
part of the ‘Official Bootleg Series’. It features ten exciting new
tracks, including five originals, and showcases the rich tones of David’s 1930
National Steel guitar as well as his 1915 Gibson and a modern day 12-string.
David will be appearing as part of Tucson’s Acoustic Blues Series on
Thursday night, then again on Friday night.
_www.davidgogo.com_ (http://www.davidgogo.com)
********************************************************
The Mighty Popo
Black Sheep Inn, Wakefield QC
Saturday, March 24 @ 9 pm

You could say that the Mighty Popo is a Rwandan/Burundian refugee/survivor
whose music is steeped in African tradition, but you’d hardly be getting at the
whole story of one of Canada’s greatest rising stars. You’d hardly be able
to account for his effortless musicality as a member of the 2004 Juno Award
winning African Guitar Summit, the kudos received for his genre-busting solo
work, his highlight performance at the Canadian edition of Bob Geldof’’s
international Live 8 concerts (one of the few chosen for EMI’s Live 8 DVD) or
his brilliant return to New Orleans for CBC Radio’s Maple Leaf Mojo Meets New
Orleans Gumbo benefit concert broadcast live across Canada.

As much as Popo has inherited a love of the traditional music of Rwanda and
Burundi, he also has a lifelong connection with rock and roll, blues, jazz,
R&B, Reggae and folk traditions. His music reflects his immersion in a world
culture which he has navigated with grace, sensitivity and an enormous sense
of exploration and fun. It is enriched by many traditions. It is
authentically his. It is validated by its own excellence. Yes, the Mighty Popo is a
Rwandan/Burundian refugee/ survivor whose music is steeped in African
tradition. He is also one terrific musician and someone to watch – in Canada and
around the world.
_www.mightypopo.ca_ (http://www.mightypopo.ca)
********************************************************
Mark Hummel with Rusty Zinn
Rainbow, 76 Murray Street
Saturday, March 24 @ 9:30 pm

Mark Hummel has been nominated for the this year’s Blues Foundation Blues
Music Award (formerly W.C. Handy Award) in the Harmonica - Instrumentalist
category. His latest release, on Canada’s Electro-Fi label, “Ain’t Easy No More”
, has been receiving a lot of airplay on XM Radio’s Bluesville.

And this harp-slinger from the West Coast is making an all-too-rare visit to
Ontario ... with none other than Rusty Zinn on guitar. Rusty is into reggae
these days and his bio tells us that, on his new CD “ReggaeBlue”, “The
sounds displayed on this set are a musical marriage of reggae and soul, seasoned
throughout with the blues.” However, Rusty will be ‘back to the blues’ on
this tour.

Serious blues fans ... this is a show you *must* see!
_www.markhummel.com_ (http://www.markhummel.com)
_http://www.baddaddy.com/artists_zinn.html_
(http://www.baddaddy.com/artists_zinn.html)
_www.electrofi.com_ (http://www.electrofi.com)
********************************************************
Johnny Winter
Special Guests The Scott Holt Band
The Bronson Centre (formerly Immaculata High School), 211 Bronson Avenue
Saturday, March 24 @ 7 pm

Johnny Winter, multi Grammy-nominated fiery and flamboyant rock and roll
guitar hero will be joined by former Buddy Guy guitarist Scott Holt, for a back
by popular demand performance.

One of the most influential guitarist of our time, Johnny Winter carries on
the Texas tradition of a long line of guitarist from T-Bone Walker to Freddy
King. He brought a raw, contemporary edge to the blues with his powerful
guitar playing and raspy vocals and went on to influence many young guitarist
including Stevie Ray Vaughan, Kenny Wayne Shepherd and David Gogo.

A fixture on the U.S. blues touring circuit, Holt, who spent ten years in
Buddy Guy’s band, is no stranger to Ottawa, having performed at Ottawa Bluesfest
as well as some of the clubs around town. The Nashville-based guitar
slinger is almost an icon in parts of Southern Ontario, where he has performed
several times at the Windsor and London International Blues Festivals.

Don't miss the chance to see the one and only Johnny Winter in action with
the Scott Holt Band, for a night of hard-hitting blues and rock’n’roll.
_www.johnnywinter.net_ (http://www.johnnywinter.net)
_www.scottholt.com_ (http://www.scottholt.com)
********************************************************
Jack de Keyzer
Tucson’s, 2440 Bank Street
Friday, March 30 @ 9:15 pm

Jack de Keyzer is an award winning blues guitarist, singer and song writer.
Born in London, England, Jack has worked as a professional musician since
age 18. His songs have appeared on video, rock & blues radio charts, other
artists CDs, motion pictures, TV soundtracks and he has appeared in the Talkin’
Blues series, which airs on Bravo. An exciting entertainer, soulful singer
and electrifying guitarist, Jack de Keyzer delights a vast spectrum of music
lovers wherever he performs.
_www.jackdekeyzer.com_ (http://www.jackdekeyzer.com)
********************************************************
David Rotundo
Rainbow, 76 Murray Street
Saturday, March 31 @ 9:30 pm

Toronto blues harpist David Rotundo bought his first harmonica after seeing
James Cotton perform at the El Mocambo in 1991. A passion for the blues led
him to travel through the United States, spending time in many of the blues
epicenters – New Orleans, Clarksdale, Austin, Memphis and Chicago – with
little more than his wits and a bag full of harmonicas. He returned to Toronto
with a greater perception of the blues and a heightened knowledge of the
history of the music. Since then he’s played with Canada’s best musicians, as
well as part of the Electro-Fi Revue that was the hit of last year’s
Bluesfest, and he also tours with his own band, the Blue Canadians. Always a
treat, he
’s at the Rainbow in late March.
_www.davidrotundo.com_ (http://www.davidrotundo.com)
********************************************************
BLUES ON THE RIDEAU
********************************************************
News Flash: Due to the growing popularity of the Blues On The Rideau Concert
Series, it will be extended into May and June. It will restart in
September and go straight through (December excluded) to June 2008 –– 3rd Friday of

every month as always.
Upcoming shows:
April 20 – The Bebop Cowboys (from Toronto)
_www.bebopcowboys.com_ (http://www.bebopcowboys.com)

Hot off the press – just confirmed:
May 18 – Mel Brown & The Homewreckers with Miss Angel (from Kitchener via
Mississippi, L.A. And Texas)
_www.melbrownblues.com_ (http://www.melbrownblues.com)
June 15 – Johnny Max Band with Special Guest Downchild Lead Singer Chuck
Jackson (from Toronto)
_www.johnnymaxband.com_ (http://www.johnnymaxband.com)
_www.chuckjackson.com_ (http://www.chuckjackson.com)

Blues On The Rideau concerts are *very* popular events – they’re almost
always sell-outs – and the dance floor is packed all night. The Cove serves a
delicious buffet dinner and staff provides great service. Superb sound by
Little Chicago Studios – clean and powerful yet never loud or distorted.
**************************
Next Blues on the Rideau Concert:
VIRTUALLY SOLD OUT! (perhaps a couple of tickets left)
Diana Braithwaite & Chris Whiteley & Band
The Cove, Westport ON
Friday, March 16; buffet @ 7 pm; show @ 8:30 pm
Dinner and show only $49 including taxes and donation to charity
Proceeds to Westport in Bloom

Diana combines superb song-writing skills with a beautiful, powerful voice.
Joined by the multi-talented blues icon Chris Whiteley on vocals, guitar,
harp and trumpet along with a drummer and bassist, this group will take you on
a musical journey of Delta blues standards, barrelhouse rousers and even a
gospel tune or two. Their new CD “Morning Sun”, a tribute to the classic
Bluebird record label blues of the 30s and 40s, has already being nominated for
several awards.    Diana also just released a solo CD – “Rollin & Tumblin” –
and is doing a major European tour soon where she is well known and loved.
_www.dianabraithwaite.com_ (http://www.dianabraithwaite.com)
_www.chriswhiteley.com_ (http://www.chriswhiteley.com)

Cove Blues Weekend Getaway Packages are also available including Dinner &
Show, meals and accommodation Friday & Saturday nights from $169 per person!
Call The Cove 1-888-268-3466 or (613) 273-3636 _www.coveinn.com_
(http://www.coveinn.com)
For more info, check out the Blues on the Rideau website at
_www.bluesontherideau.ca_ (http://www.bluesontherideau.ca)

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