John Huffman’s 60th was fun playing at the Chaffey’s Lock Community Hall on Saturday. They bday boy knows lots of locals as he is basically one from his early vacationing days. Good to see Guy Kelly, Malcolm, Joe, The Sprungs, The Goulah, Gay, Veronica, fold from The Socialist Pig. New Jazz Night band, Love and Goat Boy and myself took it to them. When Spence gets a good list of requests, there’s no stopping him. Cozy little party inside that little galley. I’m playing there solo opening for Great Lake Swimmers Thu.Sept.14 too.
John Wilberforce was back on a confusing weather night at The Cove Friday. Always a benefit to everyone’s ears when he is around.
Chris Murphy took to the plate Saturday at The Cove knocking out the East Coast home runs left and right. You can see why this guy was head hunted by Sean McCann of Great Big Sea to be his full time side kick.
Finally, Eric Uren came out Sunday night to brace the threatening weather of the patio. Some beautiful haunting slap back reverb on his vocal made the gig sound more Boss than usual.
Rack ‘n Tunes returns every Wednesday 7-10pm. Shawn McCullough is literally perfect as the host. In a word, he is inclusive. The reason so many come from far and wide.
Jazz Night is every Thursday 9-11pm. Spence Evans Trio with Seamus Cowan and Andy Love.
If you want to support some well known and loved friends of Blues on the Rideau, consider nothing else. Miracles for Breakfast: The Journey Continues by Lil’ Miss Debi and Danny Brooks is the story of their life and trials and tribulations. There is an Indiegogo Go Fund Me Program you can throw some cash at. Feel good story.
Honestly quite flattered and surprised to jointly accept the Westport Arts Council Volunteer of the Year award! Bringing the arts to the community on a scale we are
Happy to know that Henry Norwood and his ultra talented partner Wade Foster will be back at The Cove on the patio to get a deck wide foot stomp on and a tear in yer beer. Fresh off the boat from Halifax on a pseudo-honeymoon with his little love Kaileigh, he is sure to be inspired. Make a reso! 6-9pm
Saturday will be a heck of an ear opener for Tony Silvestri virgins. This kid is a prodigy. He plays keys like he could have been in Supertramp, sings like he could have been in Genesis and writes as well! The Belleviller has performed solo with jaw dropping command, rocked stages as a member of The Glorious Sons and has worked with Tom Savage now as a major collaborator. Come and see/hear for yourself! 6-9pm
A mention that my friend Brad Barr has released a couple new tracks on his new The Barr Brothers record, Queens of the Breakers. These people have a gift. Pride comes to mind. Check them out.
Finally, nothing more needs to be said!…
MUSICwestport. This annual free outdoor music festival is our flagship and most popular event attracting locals and visitors from far and wide—and that includes the musicians too! We continue to grow the festival but strive to maintain our roots and mission to bring music to our village and all those that join us over the third weekend in August of every year.
FREE Admission. Donations Appreciated.
Thanks to all of the local businesses and sponsors!
Schedule 2017 MUSICwestport Free Open Air Festival
Fri.Aug.18.2017
Kick Off Party @ The Cove
@ The Cove Country Inn, 2 Bedford St.
www.coveinn.com
$50 Buffet & Show
$20 Show Only (Seating available based what is left after Buffet & Show reservations)
7:00-11:00pm The Peptides (Pop Funk, Ottawa) www.thepeptides.com
Sat.Aug.19.2017
Little Rideau Farm Maple Syrup Stage
@ Soho’s Storage, 43 Bedford St.
www.sohosstorage.com
Free
12:00-1:00pm Kingston Ceili Band (East Coast Folk, Kingston) www.ceiliband.com
1:30-2:40pm Brea Lawrenson Band (Country, Carleton Place) www.brealawrenson.com
3:00-4:10pm The Barrel Boys (Bluegrass, Toronto) www.thebarrelboys.com
4:30-6:00pm Miss Emily feat. Rob Baker & Gord Sinclair of The Tragically Hip (Rock, Kingston) www.themissemily.com
Westport Village IDA Pharmacy Stage
@ The Cove, 2 Bedford St.
www.coveinn.com
Free
12:30-1:40pm Tom Savage Band (Rock, Kingston) www.tomsavage.ca
2:00-3:10pm The Grace Babies/Mae West (Funk, Montreal)
3:30-4:30pm A Fellow Ship (Indie Folk, Toronto) www.afellowship.net
5:00-6:30pm Kasador (Indie Rock, Kingston) Offspring of The Tragically Hip www.kasadorband.com
Wandering Minstrels Downtown Westport
1:00-5:00pm King of The Swingers (Upbeat Dixieland, Westport)
www.westportartscouncil.com
Be there or be an extremely long rectangle!