Category Archives: Country, Bluegrass & Folk

Abbey Stewart played the Isabel Bader Centre For The Performing Arts at Queen’s University in Kingston on October 26th and we were there! Photos: Ron Pettitt

Blue Rodeo’s first album, Outskirts came out 34 years ago, longer ago than most bands ever see. They are not only still playing together, but actually getting ready for a brand new release, Many A Mile, which will be available to you on December 3^rd. A band of the stature of Blue Rodeo could just go out there and play the hits and people would be happy, but last night at Leon’s Centre, they unveiled a handful of new songs, possibly future hits.

Being the first concert at Leon’s Centre since February of 2020, people are starved for live music and they came out last night, and were not disappointed. The concert started out with a couple of well known hits, Trust Yourself and Diamond Mine to get things rolling.

Blue Rodeo, Leon’s Centre, Kingston. November 6, 2021. Photo: Ron Pettitt

They sprinkled in a selection of the new tunes like Ride Your Bike, I Owe It To Myself, When You Were Wild and I think About You. Jim Cuddy jokingly commented about people not wanting to hear new music but added “new songs have to start somewhere”. Blue Rodeo still have things to say, and that’s a good thing.

One of the highlights for me was a moment about halfway through when the band left Jim Cuddy and Greg Keelor onstage to do an acoustic version of Bad Timing. It was great to have a more intimate moment with them and Jim can still hit those high notes as well as he ever did.

When the rest of the band returned, we heard a great version of The Railroad where Colin Cripps traded licks with the mandolin of Jimmy Bowskill who currently plays with The Sheepdogs but pops up in many other places when called upon. If it has strings on it, it’s likely Jimmy can play it. Colin Cripps is quite possibly one of Canada’s best guitar players and I thought he played a stellar show last night, treating the audience to some world class guitar solos.

Blue Rodeo, Leon’s Centre, Kingston. November 6, 2021. Photo: Ron Pettitt

Jim Cuddy has a voice that for most Canadians is instantly recognizable. He has given us some great performances such as the song Try, which was in the encore along with You’re Everywhere and Lost Together. Try was Blue Rodeo’s introduction to most people and even today stands as a crowd favourite as was evident last week. Cuddy’s vocal range was amazing and last night’s performance by the whole band was amazing. Maybe they are as excited to play as we are to listen. As I drove home from the show, I thought about the evening and I was moved. I had just witnessed a great moment in Canadian music, Blue Rodeo remains one of the best. Great to be back.

If you haven’t seen the show yet, you still have time with stops coming up in Peterborough, Barrie and Niagara Falls. Check out Blue Rodeo’s website for more information.

Special Charity Concert Announcement

THE ANDY KIM CHRISTMAS AT MASSEY HALL
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2021

Concert in support of CAMH Gifts of Light
Tickets on sale NOW

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT LiveNation.com
Tickets (incl. HST) $37.50 – $97.50 (plus service charges)
All Ages / Reserved Seating

Deck the ‘Small Halls’ with festive live music this holiday season

November 4, OTTAWA — Ontario Festival of Small Halls organizers today announced that they will be welcoming music fans back to beloved rural venues across Eastern Ontario this holiday season to share the joy of big music in little, festive places.

DIERKS BENTLEY EXTENDS THE BEERS ON ME TOUR INTO 2022 WITH 20 ARENA DATES ACROSS US AND CANADA
BENTLEY, HARDY AND BRELAND SURPRISE BYSTANDERS WITH FREE BEER IN NEW MUSIC VIDEO – OUT NOW

“This is a song about unconditional love. It’s about continuously choosing to dedicate yourself to one person because you can’t imagine life without them,” said Jordan. “I hope it encourages others to love wholeheartedly and always choose kindness and compassion, especially on the hard days even when they break your heart.” – Amanda Jordan

Following a sell-out show at the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, RBC Bluesfest organizers are pleased to announce country music superstar Luke Combs will perform at the iconic Ottawa festival on July 9, 2022.

And that’s a wrap. After three incredible nights of live music we’re done for another year. After 2 years of waiting Granger Smith finally made it to Canada and he didn’t disappoint, all be it one of the smaller crowds of the weekend (likely due to the final night being a Sunday)

After an explosive finish to day 1 many, myself included, wondered how, or if, day 2 would measure up. Day 2 would be filled with another round of 4 performances with Phil G. Smith, Five Roses, Brittany Kennel and, High Valley taking to the stage.

The day started out looking much like a repeat of 2019 which saw heavy rains overtake the venue but Matt Lang promised that the rain would push past by showtime and although light rain continued on and off through Manny Blu’s, just as Matt had promised, the passed and a rainbow took its place just in time for Kelsi Mayne to take to the stage.