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JMI News
June 18, 2010JMI Signs Hans Theessink
JMI is very pleased to announce an exclusive signing for Holland's Hans Theessink. After seeing him perform at the Tønder Festival in Denmark, we knew he was someone who would be perfect for JMI. Hans is a legend, widely considered Europe's greatest acoustic bluesman. In a career spanning 35 years and 20 albums, he has performed around the world, sharing the stage and recording studios with people like Arlo Guthrie and Townes Van Zandt, and performing at Edmonton Folk Festival, Tønder Festival, Kerrville and New Orleans Jazz Festival, to name just a few. He currently performs 200 shows each year.
"Banjoman", the tribute project to Derroll Adams that Hans produced with Arlo Guthrie, was nominated for a Grammy, and he has won numerous prestigious international blues awards. "Hans Theessink is an international blues treasure. June 4, 2010JMI Signs Ireland's Caladh Nua
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Flamenco Artist Juan Martín has large followings in countries China, Turkey, Indonesia and England, but recent trips to Iran have left the guitarist speechless. Upon arriving at the airport in Shiraz, the Spanish musician noticed a huge crowd of people with flowers and banners. Thinking someone famous must have been on the plane, he looked around on the tarmac, expecting to see a movie star or famous politician. On closer examination, he realized that the crowd of 3000 was there to greet him. |
Martin in Iran in February |
Martín takes a bow at one of his sold out shows |
Martin has been to the country three times now, most recently in February of this year, performing for crowds so large that jumbotron screens had to be employed so that everyone could see him. The concert at the Shah's Palace in Tehran was completely sold out (9,000 tickets) as was Shiraz, (12,000 tickets). As he was whisked from venue to venue by limousine, photographers followed his every move, waiting outside hotels and venues for a glimpse of him, even following and filming his wife & manager, Helen Martin. |
He most recently participated in the Fadjr Festival in February, with his show once again completely selling out, and he has been invited back to perform again in September of this year. Martín will tour Canada in the fall of 2011. To see live video from his sold out show at the mammoth Barbican Centre in London in May of 2009, please visit the JMI Theatre here. |
Martin performs solo to 9000 |
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May 18, 2010
Mickey Rooney to Tour Canada
Eastern & Western dates set for September, 2010
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Visit the Mickey Rooney Fan Club
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He may not be what you would call a folk or blues performer, but when JMI was asked to book some Canadian dates for fabled Hollywood legend Mickey Rooney, we could hardly say no. In a career that goes all the way back to Vaudeville, the 89 year old actor has worked with the likes of Judy Garland, Clark Gable, Marilyn Munroe, Elizabeth Taylor, Spencer Tracy, Bob Hope and Ava Gardner, to name just a few. And Rooney has never stopped working. He recently starred in the much acclaimed comedy "Night at the Museum" with Ben Stiller, Robin Williams, Ricky Gervais and Dick Van Dyke. |
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Mr. Rooney has asked JMI to book a small string of dates in Eastern Canada, where he has not been since WW2, and another string in western Canada, where he has fond memories of Banff from his youth. We have also had a couple of offers from Ontario. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to book this Oscar Award winner and Hollywood Walk of Fame recipient. |
 A young Mickey Rooney with Clark Gable |
 With Elizabeth Taylor in National Velvet |
"Let's Put On A Show!" is an autobiographical musical, highlighted with film clips, humor and anecdotal memories, which enjoyed a successful run Off-Broadway in New York and also played in London's West End. Mickey is excited to share the stage with his wife of 31 years, the singer/actress Jan Rooney. Drawing on a rich 80 plus year career, the musical numbers are broad ranged and are taken from Mickey's films, as well as some original tunes and Jan's vast repertoire, including her tribute to Patsy Cline. |
Additionally, the show features a moving tribute to Mickey's famous co-star from his days at MGM, Judy Garland. The show also features an on stage trio. Let's Put on a Show kicked off in August 2007 with a successful 25 show tour of the United Kingdom and Ireland. In the US they have played at major Civic Centers throughout the country and have had successful runs at theatres, Resorts and Casinos in Atlantic City. |
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 Mickey and Jan Rooney in Staten Island |
Three weeks ago "Let's Put on a Show" quickly sold out two performances at the 600 seat Bear Creek Farms Theatre in Indiana, and a review the next day in the Bluffton News Banner said "Show business legend Mickey Rooney and his wife Jan put on a sensational show at Bear Creek Farms on Saturday. It was obvious that age was no handicap for Rooney to put on a real show for the folks who remembered him well." |
You can hear a collage of songs from "Let's Put on a Show" here.
April 12, 2010
Black Umfolosi to Tour Canada
in October, 2011
JMI is very pleased to announce that Zimbabwe's incredible Black Umfolosi 5 will tour across Canada in October, 2011. This will mark a full two years since their last jaunt across the country, which saw them go coast to coast over five weeks with almost no days off. That tour booked up more quickly than any other in JMI's history.
Not only is Black Umfolosi a world music headliner around the world, but their tech and hospitality riders are so simple that they can perform in virtually any venue, and they also come highly recommended for school shows and workshops. |
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WORKSHOPS:
"I had something like 40 events in schools during the two weeks of our festival but Black Umfolosi was the most memorable one." |
What the international press has to say:
| Folk Roots (fRoots) | "...Their singing is a marvelous blend of rhythm, melody and harmony welded together with enormous complexity but ending up with a sound which is acting simplicity..." |
| Sydney Morning Herald | "There is no doubt that anyone interested in the shimmering vocal harmonies and compulsive rhythms which characterize Southern African vocal harmony groups will be mesmerized by Black Umfolosi..." |
| Glasgow Herald | "Marvelous harmonies...spine-tingling gospel singing...bare-torsoed, hard-hatted gum-boot dancing" |
| The Scotsman | "...Extraordinarily exuberant dancers...stunning, colourful and one hundred and one percent engaging..." |
| The Bath Chronicle | "...in a dramatic display of a cappella song punctuated by tongue clicking, hand movements and dance...the full harmonic potential of the human voice..." |
| Salisbury Journal | "...Sheer energy radiates from this world-famous group...a cappella singing...rich and fascinating, bursting with life yet under perfect control." |
If you are interested in booking or rebooking a date with Black Umfolosi, please let us know and we will be happy to discuss the details with you.
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March 16, 2010
Oysterband Canadian Tour
to Include Maritime Dates
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The UK’s Oysterband is set to tour Canada in April, with dates from Cape Breton to Vancouver on what is an unofficial 30th Anniversary tour of sorts for the band, who recently released The Oxford Girl & Other Stories in Canada and around the world. This time the guys will be breaking some new ground, with a few dates in the Maritimes. Here is where you will be able to see Oysterband in April of 2010. |
| Apr 06 | Halifax, NS | The Carleton |
| Apr 07 | Halifax, NS | The Carleton |
| Apr 09 | Sydney, NS | Membertou Convention Centre |
| Apr 11 | Toronto, ON | Hugh’s Room |
| Apr 13 | Peterborough, ON | Showplace |
| Apr 14 | Winnipeg, MB | West End Cultural Centre |
| Apr 16 | Vancouver, BC | Saint James Hall |
| Apr 17 | Kelowna, BC | Mission Hall |
| Apr 18 | Armstrong, BC | Armstrong Inn |
| Apr 19 | Banff, AB | Wild Bill’s |
| Apr 20 | Cranbrook, BC | Key City Theatre |
| Apr 22 | Camrose, AB | Scalliwags Pub and Rum Bar |
| Apr 23 | Calgary, AB | Calgary Folk Club |
| Apr 24 | Edmonton, AB | Festival Place |
| Apr 25 | Athabasca, AB | Nancy Appleby Theatre |
Most dates sold out last time, so don’t wait to get your tickets.
March 11, 2010
Keelo Live Broadcast!
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James Keelaghan be playing a show on March 20th at the Registry Theatre in Kitchener/Waterloo and though the show is sold out, you can still be there! The performance will be webcast live by RootsMusic.ca and James will be joined on stage by David Woodhead, with lots of new material from James current release, “House of Cards.” |
The show starts at 8PM eastern on the 20th of March. To view this performance, please visit www.rootsmusic.ca.
March 2, 2010
Oysterband Releases
The Oxford Girl and Other Stories
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Oysterband, who not long ago passed their 30th anniversary (with a small gulp of disbelief), celebrated by putting out an album of acoustic rearrangements of 14 of their favourite songs, called "The Oxford Girl & Other Stories". Originally this was meant as a fan-club item only, but to the band's surprise it has been a slow grower and a word-of-mouth success. It has been reviewed enthusiastically in UK and Europe and released in several countries. Canada's turn comes on March 30 (distribution by Conveyor, Toronto). |
Oysterband emphasise it's not a Best Of and not a systematic retrospective - just a collection of songs that have meant a lot to the band personally over the years, for a whole variety of reasons. They're not necessarily even their best-known songs - tho' some are: "When I'm Up I Can't Get Down", for example, borrowed to good effect by Great Big Sea some years ago, and the much-covered "By Northern Light".
"What they have in common is that there was something more to say about them," says fiddler Ian Telfer. "And it's about where we are now, not where we were then. We've reinvented the songs as simply and directly as we could, with voices, harmony singing and acoustic instruments to the fore. That's how we started out, and it feels right to come full circle."
Over the years Oysterband has made a lot of noise, seen a lot of places, had a lot of fun. Through it all the mysterious power of traditional song and the magic of story have never left them. In many ways "The Oxford Girl..." is Oysterband's autobiography in song.
Oysterband tour Canada from April 6 to 25.
...great tunes, superb voices, clever lyrics
and a big dollop of the stuff
that turns a band into a Great British Institution. ****
R2
...tremendous, joyous, remarkable...
Oysterband play with an imagination
and vigor that makes them
the cream of their genre.
Rolling Stone
March 1, 2010
James Keelaghan and Chirgilchin Touring
in March
The Russians are coming. Tuva’s throat singing sensation, Chirgilchin, will perform dates in Ontario and the Maritimes in May. This is a rare chance to catch one of the finest groups of its kind in the world
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James Keelaghan will be touring in the Maritimes and Ontario in March to support his new CD entitled House of Card before heading off to Oz for some festivals and folk clubs. |
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Here is where you can catch him:
| Vintage Bistro & Lounge | Hampton, NB, CA | Thu Mar 04 | |
| Joey's Bar | Sackville, NB, CA | Fri Mar 05 | |
| Evergreen Theatre | Margaretsville, NS, CA | Sat Mar 06 | |
| The Carlton | Halifax, NS, CA | Mon Mar 08 10 | |
| Hawk Ridge Golf & Country Club | Orillia, ON, CA | Fri Mar 12 | |
| Greenbank Centennial Hall | Greenbank, ON, CA | Sat Mar 13 | |
| Grafton Town Hall Grafton Ontario | Grafton, ON, CA | Sun Mar 14 | |
| Acoustic Grill | Picton, ON, CA | Tue Mar 16 | |
| Brampton Folk Club | Brampton, MB, CA | Fri Mar 19 | |
| Folk Night At The Registry Theatre | Kitchener, ON, CA | Sat Mar 20 | |
| Mechanics Institute | Apollo Bay, VIC, AU | Sat Mar 27 | |
| Mechanics Institute | Apollo Bay, VIC, AU | Sun Mar 28 | |
| National Folk Festival | Canberra, ACT, AU | Fri Apr 02 | |
| National Folk Festival | Canberra, ACT, AU | Sat Apr 03 | |
| National Folk Festival | Canberra, ACT, AU | Sun Apr 04 | |
| Briagolong Hotel | Briagolong Vic, AU | Tue Apr 06 | |
| Bendigo Folk Club | Bendigo, AU | Wed Apr 07 | |
| Fairbridge Folk Festival | Pinjarra, WA, AU | Fri Apr 09 | |
| Fairbridge Folk Festival | Pinjarra, WA, AU | Sat Apr 10 | |
| Lawson concerts | Lawson, AU | Wed Apr 14 | |
| Nowra Concerts | Nowra, AU | Thu Apr 15 | |
| The Merry Muse | Canberra, AU | Fri Apr 16 | |
| The Diggers Club | Wollongong Nsw, NSW, AU | Sat Apr 17 | |
| Braidwood Folk Club | Braidwood Nsw, AU | Mon Apr 19 | |
| The Harpe | Tempe, AU | Wed Apr 21 | |
| South Coast Folk Club | Sa, AU | Thu Apr 22 | |
February 23, 2010
Strawbs Inducted into the
Progressive Rock Hall of Fame
The Strawbs are now in the prestigious company of Pink Floyd, Genesis, Yes and Jethro Tull as 2010 inductees into the Progressive Rock Hall of Fame. The Progressive Rock Hall of Fame’s purpose is to honor those involved in rock's highest art form. The conception of The Progressive Rock Hall of Fame began when NARAS voting member Laurie Larson learned that the only Progressive Artist on the list to nominate for a Grammy did not win. So far the organization has recognized some of the most respected names in rock’s history. The Strawbs are joined as new inductees in 2010 by Emerson, Lake & Palmer, The Moody Blues and the fabled Frank Zappa. |
 Strawbs, early 70s, with Dave Cousins, centre, standing, and keyboardist Rick Wakeman, far right |
February 17, 2010
ARCHIE FISHER APRIL DATES
 Archie Fisher in Aruba last month |
Archie Fisher will be touring the USA in April of this. He had a couple of free days in the middle of the tour, and asked if we could book some Ontario dates during that time frame, and we have done that. Archie has only three dates in Canada in April. Here is where you can catch him at that time. |
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It is possible that Archie might yet have something on the 12th or 13th, so keep an eye on the JMI news page. Archie will be back for a western tour in November of this year - stay tuned for details on that as the routing comes together. |
February 17, 2010
Olympic-sized touring for Chuck & Albert!
Though not officially part of Canada's Olympic team, Chuck & Albert do plan on delivering gold medal performances during the next 6 weeks they embark on a 26 show coast to coast tour beginning in Vancouver, B.C. On February 22nd the dynamic duo will hit the Granville Island stage at Atlantic Canada House alongside some of the best Eastern Canada has to offer. From there, the pair will be touring Manitoba from Feb 27- March 6 before performing in a dozen communities in Saskatchewan from March 16-28. In April, the duo returns home for a pair of shows at The Mack in Charlottetown before completing their winter touring in Geraldton, Ontario. "It's awesome to kick things off at the Olympics, we plan on bottling some of that the Olympic spirit to keep us going!" says Chuck. |
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On February 22nd, Chuck & Albert will share the stage with Jessica Rhaye (NB) , Classified (NS) and the Irish Descendants (NL). Show starts at 7:30 p.m. Visit the Atlantic Canada House website for more details and sign up for a chance to win a trip Down East!
February 16, 2010
New Release from
Alpha Yaya Diallo
February 8, 2010
Jerry Jeff Walker to Headline
Stan Rogers Folk Festival
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The legendary Jerry Jeff Walker will make a rare trip to Canada in July, to headline the Stan Rogers Folk Festival in Canso, Nova Scotia on the weekend of July 3-4, 2010. Jerry Jeff will be bringing along his band, so fans are in for a great treat. For more information on Jerry Jeff’s participation in the festival, visit the Stanfest website. Jerry Jeff continues to write, record and tour, dividing his down time between Texas and Belize. You can view recent video of JJW here. |
February 8, 2010
Quartette and Kate Rusby
to Tour in March
JMI has two fantastic tours coming up in March. Quartette will tour western Canada, with dates in Alberta and BC, as follows.
| Mar 13 | Chilliwack, BC | Chilliwack Arts Centre |  |
| Mar 14 | Rossland, BC | The Old Firehall | |
| Mar 15 | Kelowna, BC | Creekside Theatre | |
| Mar 17 | Edmonton, AB | Festival Place | |
| Mar 19 | Edson, AB | Ernie O’s | |
| Mar 20 | Cranbrook, BC | Key City Theatre | |
| Mar 21 | Banff, AB | Margaret Greenham Theatre |
Kate Rusby tours Canada very rarely. In March, she will perform dates with a trio from Montreal to Vancouver - watch also for her to return in August for the Canmore and Edmonton Folk Festivals.
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Mar 11 | Montreal, QC | Venue TBC |
| Mar 12 | Peterborough, ON | Showplace | |
| Mar 13 | London, ON | Aeolian Hall | |
| Mar 14 | Toronto, ON | Hugh’s Room | |
| Mar 15 | Toronto, ON | Hugh’s Room | |
| Mar 17 | Prince Albert, SK | E.A. Rawlinson Centre | |
| Mar 19 | Calgary, AB | Calgary Folk Club | |
| Mar 20 | Cochrane, AB | The Ranch House | |
| Mar 21 | Vancouver, BC | Saint James Hall |
February 7, 2010
Archie Fisher Performs
on the High Seas
Archie Fisher was in fine form on the Irish Music Cruise, which left Fort Lauderdale on January 23rd and made ports of call in Grand Turk, Dominican Republic, Bonaire, Curacao and Aruba over ten days. Archie joined Evans & Doherty, The Makem & Spain Brothers, Gabriel Donohue and others aboard Holland America’s Noordam for a series of concerts and informal sessions over the course of the cruise, and also managed to do a bit of exploring while ashore. |
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For more photos of Archie's musical cruise, please click here.
Archie will be joined by James Keelaghan, Jez Lowe and others for another musical cruise on January 29th of next year - stay tuned for more information on that event.
January 18, 2010
Kate McGarrigle
1946 - 2010
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It was with great sorrow that we learned of the passing of Kate McGarrigle in Montreal on January 18th at the age of 63 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Kate was many things - funny, smart, tough, honest, incredibly well-read, opinionated and always engaging. She was also an adventurous world traveler and a woman of immense talent. It was always about the music for Kate, and any considerations regarding money, profile or career always took a distant back seat to the integrity of the craft she shared so beautifully with her equally talented sister, Anna. Surpassing everything though, was her great love of family, and Kate spent a lot of time on the road with Martha and Rufus in recent years. With the McGarrigles, it always appeared that music was a seamless part of life, what they were as much as what they did. Kate leaves a great legacy of recorded music with Anna, and a living legacy in her children, who are taking the McGarrigle musical tradition around the globe. Enjoy this video of Talk To Me of Mendocino. |
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It was a great privilege to know and work with Kate McGarrigle, who believed in us when we were just starting out, something we will always be grateful for. We send out sincere condolences to Anna, Martha, Rufus, Jane and the rest of the extended McGarrigle family. |
January 11, 2010
Rankin, Church & Crowe
Western Canada Tour
Rankin, Church & Crowe will embark on their first western tour in February of 2010. They will be performing at the following venues.
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| Feb19 | Airdrie | AB | Bert Church Theatre |
| Feb 21 | Rossland | BC | Old Firehall |
| Feb 23 | Salt Spring | BC | Artspring |
| Feb 24 | Kelowna | BC | Rotary Centre for the Arts |
| Feb 25 | Bassano | AB | Bassano Community Hall |
| Feb 26 | Cochrane | AB | Beaupre Community Hall |
| Feb 27 | Bragg Creek | AB | Bragg Creek Centre |
| Feb 28 | Sherwood Park | AB | Festival Place |
| Mar 01 | Prince Albert | SK | E.A. Rawlinson Centre |
January 11, 2010
Memeza Africa to Tour Eastern Canada in 2011
JMI is very excited to announce dates for a truly spectacular tour from South Africa, which will take place from Mid-February 2011 through to the end of the month in Ontario and the Maritimes. Those who have presented Black Umfolosi will want to consider this tour. Despite the size of the show (13 dancers, singers, musicians in full costume) the riders are quite simple. We require 5 rooms and fairly simple production.
Memeza Africa is a brilliant example of what can happen when two worlds come together in harmony. This masterful fusion of traditional African music and dance combined with spellbinding original Canadian compositions, delivers a performance so packed with energy and emotion, audiences are left profoundly moved and sincerely hooked. Memeza Africa powers through the boundaries of nationality, language and culture to strike at the heart and soul of the listener, resulting in an emotional and unforgettable journey through the universal language of joy and humility. |
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To hear a sample of their breathtaking music, click here.
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To see dozens of beautiful live performance photos while listening to the music of Memeza Africa, please click here. |
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Last time the group toured western Canada, virtually all of the shows were sell-outs, and everyone who had them is having them back, some for the third time. We had Memeza Africa at the Sid this spring and they were fantastic. If you need any presenter testimonials you can have mine. It was a sell-out show and the audience rapport was super. People were in tears from the emotional high on the way out. Great show. I highly recommend it. Deborah A. Renz,
General Manager |
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| The concert was a sell out and a tremendous success. I had comments from a number of people that it was the best concert they had ever been been to. The power of the voices, the emotion of the performers, the blend of Holly's songs and the African sound led to an experience most of the audience hadn't had before that night. When they told me Memeza was coming back in 2009 I offered to do the same thing for Wainwright. Again we had a sell out crowd and for me it was my favorite concert of all time. Memeza Africa is a phenominal group coming from an disturbingly poor life situation and I have made a commitment to help where I can. If I could go to only one concert the rest of my life it would be to see and hear Memeza. I would be very happy to help bring Memeza back to Wainwright. Bye for now, Mark Perkins Wainright, AB |
If you are interested in booking Memeza Africa, please contact us and we will be glad to discuss dates and specifics with you.
January 10, 2010
It's A Boy!
Congratulations to James & Miche Keelaghan on the arrival of Patrick Marlow, who was born on January 3rd, weighing in at 9 lbs. 6 oz. James is enjoying a little down time at home this January, and reports that Mom and baby are doing very well. Patrick is their second son.
December 2, 2009
December 1, 2009
Cross Country Dates for Chuck & Albert
JMI has announced Chuck & Albert tours in three regions of Canada, and the response has been fantastic.
Here is when and where they will be performing over the next couple of years. Maritimes: Alberta & BC: |
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December 1, 2009
Susan Crowe Wins Award
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Congratulations to Susan Crowe, who recently won English Songwriter of the Year at the Canadian Folk Music Awards in Calgary. Crowe says that she was taken by surprise at the win. “When Shelagh Rogers announced my name (thank you, Shelagh for the delight of your pure enthusiasm), I was surprised. Really surprised. As I walked to the stage, I was in some suspended state of credulity. I’m glad I hadn’t prepared any remarks. There were no bon mots in my words of thanks.” |
Susan will be touring out West with Rankin, Church & Crowe in February.
November 10, 2009
JMI Signs PEI's Chuck & Albert
We are genuinely thrilled to announce an exclusive Canadian signing for the incredibly talented Chuck & Albert. While the duo has been entertaining all over the world since 2004, many will remember them as proud former members of the successful Acadian group Barachois.
Chuck & Albert perform clean, creative and highly interactive entertainment that is perfect for both festivals and theatres. With a keen eye on Acadian history and its relevance to current art forms today, they provide audiences with an engaging and authentic panorama of PEI Acadian musical, cultural and dance traditions. Chuck & Albert believe two things: that every situation, no matter how grim, will be happily resolved; and that Chuck, who is thirty-nine years old, will never be able to do his own laundry.
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They dance, they sing, they play every instrument going, and they are probably the funniest variety act to be found on any stage, anywhere. |
They are also highly portable, with a minimal rider, and they cover a lot of ground, including dance, song, comedy and Acadian culture, and Albert is the only man we know of who can play fiddle and step dance while suspended on someone's shoulders.
The group is about to embark on a 30 date tour of Saskatchewan, and were recently presented with this year's Touring Performers Award at Contact East on October 4th in Moncton, NB.
Five years in the making, Chuck & Albert will release their debut CD, Energie, on November 13th, featuring songs, foot tapping, spoons, fiddles, a suitcase as a kick drum, and the joie de vivre that Acadians have come to be known for.
For a sampling of what makes Chuck & Albert so special, check out their promotional video, "A Little Bit of Everything" in English or French here in the JMI Theatre.
Watch for tours to be announced soon in all regions of Canada, including the Maritimes in the Fall of 2010, exact dates TBA.
October 26, 2009
Guy Davis Western Canada Tour
New York City bluesman Guy Davis makes his return to Western Canada this fall after a two year absence, and this time he is bringing along a very special Guest. Rod Davis, no relation, will be opening the shows for Guy, with songs and stories from his days in Liverpool, England, when he was in a band called The Quarrymen, with a teenager named John Lennon. Rod played banjo with the Quarrymen from 1956 to mid 1957, when he was replaced in the band by Paul McCartney. At one point, the Quarrymen featured John, Paul and George, and the group is featured on the first Bealtes Anthology album. This is a must for Beatles fans, and anyone interested in the early days of rock and roll in England. (See www.originalquarrymen.co.uk) Guy will be touring his latest CD, Sweetheart Like You, and will be performing solo on this outing. |
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Here are all the dates on the tour, including the opener in Ontario before heading west;
| Nov 19 | Aylmer, ON | Aylmer Old Town Hall |
| Nov 20 | Edmonton | Festival Place |
| Nov 21 | Strathmore | Travelodge Ballroom |
| Nov 24 | Lethbridge | Geomatic Attic |
| Nov 25 | Lethbridge | Geomatic Attic |
| Nov 27 | Calgary | Calgary Folk Club |
| Nov 28 | Elkford, BC | Sneaky’s Pub |
| Nov 29 | Canmore, AB | Cornerstone Theatre |
| Dec 02 | Rossland, BC | Old Fire Hall |
| Dec 03 | Penticton, BC | Dream Cafe |
| Dec 04 | Vancouver, BC | St. James Hall |
| Dec 05 | Victoria, BC | Ambrosia Event Centre |
Rod Davis will also be performing a solo show at Hugh’s Room in Toronto on December 8th as part of an event marking the anniversary of the death of John Lennon.
October 17, 2009
World Music Tours
for Western Canada in 2011
JMI is today announcing two world music tours in 2011
as part of the 2010/11 season:
MUSAFIR (India) - Second half of February, 2011
ALPHA YAYA DIALLO - (Guinea) - March 31 through April 16, 2011
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The word “Musafir" means wandering which reflects the reality of founding member Hameed Khan “Kawa” and his artists. They express their itinerant life through their music and stage performances. As the nomads say, “For us, to stay at the same place is to stop the rhythm of the universe and die”.
Over the past decade, Musafir has performed at concert halls and festivals in more than 30 countries from North America to Europe and the Far East.
Musafir on Myspace.
Musafir on YouTube.
Guitarist and singer, Alpha Yaya Diallo, from Guinea in West Africa, is one of the hottest acts on the current world music scene. Now based in Vancouver, Canada, he’s earned a matchless reputation internationally for the excellence of his musicianship and the excitement of his live shows - whether performing solo or with his band Bafing. Diallo is a uniquely multi-talented artist. His dexterous acoustic and electric guitar-playing, with its fluid melodic lines and compelling grooves, places him in the front ranks of African axemen. In addition he is a skilled and experienced performer on a variety of percussion instruments, and on the balafon (traditional wooden xylophone). To complete the abundance of riches Diallo writes his own compositions, and sings with a supple and beautifully modulated voice.
Watch Alpha on Youtube or listen to MP3s on his web site.
If you would like to secure a date with either of these outstanding artists, please contact us and we will be happy to discuss a booking with you.
Other recently announced western tours can be viewed here.
October 14, 2009
Rankin, Church & Crowe in 2010
| JMI is very pleased to announce that Rankin, Church & Crowe will tour the Maritimes next fall, from October 14th through the 28th, inclusive. Last time the ladies were in the Maritimes for a few dates, they had two sold out shows in Halifax and one in Truro. |  |
Friends and colleagues Raylene Rankin, Cindy Church, and Susan Crowe, all award winning recording artists, bring their varied musical signatures to the stage in a mix of elegance and accessibility. Folk, country, jazz, contemporary singer-songwriter are blended with a confident ease that makes for richly textured harmonies and a welcoming rapport that invites audiences in, and makes them want to stay.
The group delivers a wonderful unplugged live show, with highlights from each of their own separate careers, as featured on their release, "Live at Alderney Landing," and the tech and hospitality riders on this show are very simple.
You can view live performance video of Rankin, Church & Crowe at the JMI Theatre. on this web site
Please let us know if you would like more information on this tour. You can also submit an offer on our new online offer form right here on this web site. Just fill in the form, which will take one or two minutes. When you have completed the form, hit "submit," and your offer will be sent to me instantly. We will respond to the offer as soon as possible, after consulting with the group.
October 13th, 2009
New Western Tours
JMI is very pleased
to announce these new tours
for western Canada for the fall of 2010
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RAY BONNEVILLE (QUÉBEC) Juno Award-winner Ray Bonneville is a superb singer-songwriter who currently calls Montreal home, but has lived from Alaska to Memphis, to Paris, France. Bonneville's smooth blues styling features impeccable guitar and harmonica, whether he is working solo or with a full band. Ray's Gust of Wind was produced by Juno Award winning guitarist Colin Linden, and which took the Juno Award for Blues Recording in 2000. Ray's 2001 mainstage at the Winnipeg Folk Festival with Colin Linden and a full band was one of the highlights of the festival. "A guitar style of exacting persuasive nuances, gut-felt harmonica lines and a voice soaked in whiskey and road-weary sentiment." Planet Jazz.
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ARCHIE FISHER (SCOTLAND) Archie Fisher is a singer-songwriter of legendary status in the world of folk music. From the early 1960s, Archie has been the leading proponent of Scottish traditional music, and he has taken his songs and those of Scotland to stages around the world, influencing a couple of generations of musicians on both sides of the Atlantic. Archie has performed many times in Canada, both solo and on several tours with Garnett Rogers. Garnett and Archie recorded two albums in Canada; Off the Map - Live and the beautiful Sunsets I've Galloped Into. Two of Archie's songs (Dark Eyed Molly and The Witch of Westmoreland) were covered by the late Stan Rogers. Archie has also toured and recorded with Ireland's Tommy Makem & Liam Clancy
Please let us know if you are interested in any of these tours. You can now submit an offer on our new on-line offer form on the website.
And fill in the form, which will take one or two minutes. When you have completed the form, hit "submit," and your offer will be sent to me instantly. We will respond to the offer as soon as possible, after consulting with the artist.
October 13, 2009
Ray Bonneville to Tour
Maritimes and Ontario
Juno-Award winner Ray Bonneville will be touring in the Maritimes and Ontario in October (2009). Ray received the award for "Song of the Year" at the International Folk Alliance conference in February for his song 'The Big Easy.' The award was voted on by Folk & Americana radio DJs all across North America. |
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'The Big Easy' - a song in which the city of New Orleans is speaking to the world - is off Ray's 2008 release, "Goin' by Feel". It was recorded in Montreal and Austin Texas, and is co-produced by Rob Heaney, Gurf Morlix, and Ray Bonneville.
Here is where you can catch him;
| October | |||
14 |
St. Andrew’s | NB | Arena Complex Theatre |
15 |
Chester | NS | Chester Playhouse |
19 |
Halifax | NS | The Carlton |
20 |
Pictou | NS | The Decoste Centre |
21 |
Picton | ON | Acoustic Grill |
22 |
Meadford | ON | McGinty’s |
23 |
Guelph | ON | Folkway Music |
24 |
Alliston | ON | Millpond Centre |
25 |
London | ON | London Music Club |
September 22, 2009
Black Umfolosi Christmas Tour
Will Cross Canada
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The ever-popular Black Umfolosi will take their unique African Christmas show, featuring mostly traditional African Christmas songs, to seven provinces, as well as the Northwest Territories in November and December of this year. The shows will feature the dancing and colourful costumes that audiences have come to expect from the group. Here is where you can catch the guys on this run: |
| Date | City | Venue |
| Nov 25 | Pinawa, MB | Pinawa Com. Centre |
| Nov 26 | Victoria, BC | Alex Goolden Hall |
| Nov 27 | Vancouver, BC | St. James Hall |
| Nov 28 | Kelowna, BC | Creekside Theatre |
| Nov 29 | Penticton, BC | Dream Cafe |
| Nov 30 | Athatbasca, AB | Nancy Appleby Theatre |
| Dec 2/4 | Yellowknife, NT | N.A.C.C Theatre |
| Dec 05 | Edmonton, AB | Festival Place |
| Dec 06 | Sundre, AB | Sundre Arts Centre |
| Dec 07 | Regina, SK | Casino Regina |
| Dec 08 | Moose Jaw, SK | May Wilson Theatre |
| Dec 09, 10 | Kingston, ON | Grand Theatre |
| Dec 11 | Richmond Hill, ON | Richmond Hill Centre |
| Dec 12 | Oakville, ON | Oakville Centre |
| Dec 13 | Fredericton, NB | The Playhouse |
| Dec 14 | Fredericton, NB | School Workshop |
| Dec 15 | Pictou, MB | Decoste Centre |
| Dec 16 | Truro, MB | Marigold Centre |
| Dec 17 | Wolfville, NS | Festival Theatre |
| Dec 18 | Saint John, NB | Imperial Theatre |
September 18, 2009
Alpha Yaya Diallo
to Tour October, 2010
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JMI is very pleased to announced that African guitar virtuoso and Juno Award winner Alpha Yaya Diallo will tour the Maritimes and Central Canada from October 1 through 17, 2010. |
Guitarist and singer Alpha Yaya Diallo, from Guinea in West Africa, is one of the hottest acts on the current world music scene. Now based in Vancouver, Canada, he’s earned a matchless reputation internationally for the excellence of his musicianship and the excitement of his live shows - whether performing solo or with his band Bafing. Diallo is a uniquely multi-talented artist. His dexterous acoustic and electric guitar-playing, with its fluid melodic lines and compelling grooves, places him in the front ranks of African axemen. In addition he is a skilled and experienced performer on a variety of percussion instruments, and on the balafon (traditional wooden xylophone). To complete the abundance of riches Diallo writes his own compositions, and sings with a supple and beautifully modulated voice.
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To hear mp3s of Alpha, please go to alphayayadiallo.com/site/audio-video. Watch Alpha on Youtube alphayayadiallo.com/site/videos. Please contact us to book a date with Alpha Yaya Diallo or submit an offer online. |
September 16, 2009
Rattle The Boards to Launch
First Canadian Tour
Ireland’s Rattle the Boards, lead by Danu’s Benny McCarthy, will perform their first Canadian dates in western Canada in October of this year. The group features the kind of finesse Danu fans have come to expect, mixed with the grit of a typical Dublin pub session. To hear an MP3 from their new CD, please click here. |
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You can catch Rattle the Boards at the following locations in October:
| 01 | Pinawa | MB | Community Centre |
| 02 | Edmonton | AB | Festival Place |
| 03 | Calgary | AB | Irish Cultural Centre |
| 04 | Elkford | BC | Sneaky’s Pub |
| 07 | Armstrong | BC | Armstrong Inn |
| 08 | Vancouver | BC | St. James Hall |
| 09 | Harrison | BC | Harrison Memorial Hall |
| 10 | Kelowna | BC | Creekside Theatre |
September 11, 2009
Memeza Africa to Tour Western Canada
in February, 2011
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JMI is very excited to announce that the incredible |
Memeza Africa is a brilliant example of what can happen when two worlds come together in harmony. This masterful fusion of traditional African music and dance combined with spellbinding original Canadian compositions, delivers a performance so packed with energy and emotion, audiences are left profoundly moved and sincerely hooked. Memeza Africa powers through the boundaries of nationality, language and culture to strike at the heart and soul of the listener, resulting in an emotional and unforgettable journey through the universal language of joy and humility.
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"We had Memeza Africa at the Sid this spring and they were fantastic. It was a sell-out show and the audience rapport was super. People were in tears from the emotional high on the way out. Great show. I highly recommend it." Deborah A. Renz, |
Memeza Africa's first western tour was a great success, with packed houses and rave reviews from audiences and presenters alike. This show will be great for world-music programming, performance series or as a stand alone date.
September 10, 2009
Juan Martín Ensemble to Tour in October, 2009
| Juan Martín will embark upon a Canadian tour in October, with a singer, a second guitarist and the incredible Flamenco dancer, "El Tigre," who was an audience favourite on the last tour. The addition of a second guitarist promises to make this the best Canadian tour so far for Martín. |  |
Photo by Rob Hamill |
Here is where he will be performing:
| Oct 07 | Sackville | NB | Mount Allison University |
| Oct 08 | Halifax | NS | The Sonic Temple |
| Oct 09 | Liverpool | NS | Astor Theatre |
| Oct 10 | Riverview | NB | Riverview Arts Centre |
| Oct 11 | Charlottetown | PEI | Carrefour Theatre |
| Oct 13 | Prince Albert | SK | E.A. Rawlinson Centre |
| Oct 16 | Edmonton | AB | Festival Place |
| Oct 17 | Kelowna | BC | Okanagan Mission Community Hall |
| Oct 18 | Mission | BC | Venue TBA - |
| Oct 22 | Quesnel | BC | Billy Barker Casino Theatre |
| Oct 23 | Vancouver | BC | Kay Meek Centre |
| Oct 24 | Pender | BC | The Performance Centre |
| Oct 25 | Nanaimo | BC | Port Theatre |
September 9, 2009
New Signings at JMI
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Memeza Africa in Concert |
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India's colourful Kawa Circus |
JMI is very pleased to announce six new signings,
including some incredible world music from Africa and India.
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ALPHA YAYA DIALLO (GUINEA) Guitarist and singer Alpha Yaya Diallo is one of the hottest acts on the current world music scene. Now based in Vancouver, he has earned a matchless reputation internationally for the excellence of his musicianship and the excitement of his live shows - whether performing solo or with his band Bafing. Diallo's dexterous acoustic and electric guitar-playing, with its fluid melodic lines and compelling grooves, places him in the front ranks of African axemen. As well as being a uniquely gifted multi-instrumentalist, Diallo writes his own compositions, and sings with a supple and beautifully modulated voice. |
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JOHN FULLBRIGHT (USA) Although just 21 years old, Okemah, Oklahoma (home town of Woody Guthrie) native John Fullbright sings like he has been around for years. Firmly rooted in many American musical styles including folk, country, blues, bluegrass and jazz, John is just now beginning his musical journey that is sure to delight listeners from coast to coast. Equally skilled on guitar, harmonica, piano and accordion, John understands best that “it’s called playing music for a reason.” That is why you can find him at the music festival campgrounds late at night pickin’ out songs from such mentors as Townes Van Zandt, Hoyt Axton and Leonard Cohen, along with his own unique songs that belie his young age. |
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JAIPUR KAWA BRASS BAND (INDIA) For over ten years, Jaipur Kawa Brass Band has firmly established itself on the international music scene, winning the hearts of audiences in Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, India, Italy, Ireland, Korea, Morocco, USA, Sweden, and the list goes on. Virtuoso solos and dazzling improvisations, combine with a Gypsy Kalbelia danseuse and a fakir with his astonishing acts to deliver an unexpected and rousing musical extravaganza. |
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KAWA CIRCUS (INDIA) This special creation celebrates the street performers of India, arguably the bearers of one of the most ancient mystical and magical circuses for centuries. Featured artists include a delightful dancer, Supki, three vibrant street performers, an acrobat, Viram, an acrobat and pole-vaulter, Raju, an acrobat and funambulist, Jagpal, and a musician. This rich collaboration of Italian, French and Indian artists takes the ancestral Indian circus to a new level with amazing acts of poetry, humour, colour and freshness. |
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MEMEZA AFRICA (SOUTH AFRICA / CANADA) Memeza Africa is a brilliant example of what can happen when two worlds come together in harmony. This masterful fusion of traditional African music and dance combined with spellbinding original Canadian compositions, delivers a performance so packed with energy and emotion, audiences are left profoundly moved and sincerely hooked. Memeza Africa powers through the boundaries of nationality, language and culture to strike at the heart and soul of the listener, resulting in an emotional and unforgettable journey through the universal language of joy and humility. Hear a sample of their joyful music here. |
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MUSAFIR (INDIA) Musafir represents a cohesion of the divergent styles and backgrounds of traditional Indian music from all corners of the Rajasthan - renowned wandering poets singing ancient songs from Thar Desert and playing the sarangi (Indian violin), kartals (castanets), the murchang (Jaw harp)… the musicians of the Court of Maharajas singing, playing the harmonium, the dholak (two headed drum)…, classical musicians interpreting elaborate and sacred songs and performing on tablas… Hameed Khan “Kawa” has gathered them all together for a complete expression of Gypsy, Hindu, Persian and Moghol cultures, an ethnic and spiritual music with intricate rhythms. |
Watch for tours to be announced soon for the 2010/11 season.
June 15, 2009
JMI Welcomes Karine Polwart
JMI is very pleased to welcome Scottish singer-songwriter Karine Polwart to its roster. Karine will be available for summer festivals in July and August of 2010. Listen to Karine's haunting The Good Years and River's Run. |
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Karine Polwart combines the economy and universality of the folk storytelling tradition with a probing intellect and compassionate lyricism. Four times winner at the UK’s prestigious BBC Folk Awards, including twice for “Best Original Song”, the former philosophy teacher and children’s rights activist, continues to wonder at the homes her many poignant songs find for themselves.
Karine has released four solo albums, including her most recent collection “This Earthly Spell”, as well as notching up a string of eclectic musical collaborations, most recently with Canadian writers, James Keelaghan and Dave Gunning. She’s a former member of Battlefield Band and trad quintet Malinky, and has worked also with Scottish troubadours Dick Gaughan and Brian McNeill, the intellectual maverick of English folk song Chris Wood, UK alt-folk favourite King Creosote, the wildly inventive Scots-English trio Lau, and even the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra.
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Accompanying herself on acoustic and tenor guitar, Karine tours regularly as a trio with her brother Steven Polwart on guitar, ukulele and vocals and Shetland’s Inge Thomson on accordion, percussion and vocals. |
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May 20th, 2009
Sylvia Tyson to Perform May Dates
in Ontario
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Canadian folk icon and Country Music Hall of Famer inductee Sylvia Tyson will perform a pair of dates in southern Ontario in late May. You can read more about Sylvia here. This is where you can catch her: |
| May 28/09 | London, ON | Aeolian Performing Arts Centre |
| May 29/09 | Alliston, ON | Honda Performance Hall |
May 7, 2009
JMI Artists Help Pete Seeger
Celebrate 90th Birthday
in New York City
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| Pete Seeger at Madison Square Gardens on May 3rd, 2009 |
Jensen Music International has had the immense pleasure and privilege of booking American Folk icon, Pete Seeger, who has been championing causes of the environment, organized labour, the peace movement and civil rights for many decades. Pete Seeger learned songs directly from Leadbelly, rode the rails with Woody Guthrie, marched with Dr. King and famously tried to unplug Bob Dylan when he went electric at Newport Folk Festival. There is currently an international movement to have him nominated this year for the Nobel Peace Prize.
Mr. Seeger celebrated his 90th birthday with a sold-out concert at Madison Square Gardens in New York on May 3rd. All profits from the concert will go to Seeger’s pet charity, The Hudson River Sloop Clearwater. Headliners included Bruce Springsteen, Dave Matthews, Joan Baez, John Mellancamp, Arlo Guthrie, Ben Harper, Michael Franti, Emmylou Harris, Richie Havens, Taj Mahal and many, many others. Some 50 artists in all participated, and there was a letter of congratulations read from President Obama.
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Joan Baez, Arlo Guthrie, Bruce Springsteen and Tom Morello |
Also on hand, were a number of clients and friends of JMI, including Guy Davis, Bruce Cockburn, Martha Wainwright, Tao Rodriguez-Seeger, Tom Chapin and Kate & Anna McGarrigle, in an historical concert that lasted 4 ½ hours. The show, which was produced by music mogul Michael Cohl, was filmed for a television special, release date TBA.
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Martha Wainwright, Joan Baez, Emmylou Harris, |
Some of the many highlights of the evening included a rendition of False From True featuring Steve Earle, Warren Haynes and Guy Davis, an all-star version of The water is Wide with Emmylou Harris, Teddy Thompson, Kate and Anna McGarrigle, Rufus and Martha Wainwright and New York City Labor Chorus, and a brilliant duo with Bruce Cockburn and Ani DiFranco singing Which Side Are You On.
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Bruce Cockburn and Ani DiFranco perform Which Side Are you On |
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Guy Davis and Steve Earle perform to the 18,000 in New York |
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Bob Jensen, Guy Davis and Emily Jensen backstage at Madison Square Gardens |
The most moving moment of the evening came when Bruce Springsteen delivered a heartfelt speech about his friend, Pete Seeger. He spoke passionately about how Seeger’s journey had taken him through many difficulties, and eventually to the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, where Seeger and Springsteen recently performed at the inauguration of America’s first black president. He concluded by saying, “Pete, you outlasted the bastards, man.” To view video of the entire Springsteen speech, please click here.
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“You outlasted the Bastards.” |
JMI wishes Pete Seeger a happy birthday, many more. Thanks for music, and for the inspiration.
For more photos, visit JMI’s Caught in the Act page
April 7, 2009
Archie Fisher Enlisted for Celtic Cruise
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Archie Fisher will join Liam Clancy, The Makem & Spain Brothers and other Celtic artists aboard the Ms Noordam from January 24th through February 3rd, for The 2010 Irish Music Cruise, featuring 7 nights of concerts at sea in the Caribbean. The event is a private party, and will require I.D. Badges from Irish Music Cruises for all performances. This will be a great opportunity for Archie Fisher fans to combine a number of live performances with a Caribbean vacation. |  |
Liam Clancy |
The Cruise:
10-night Southern Seafarer Cruise
Roundtrip Ft Lauderdale
Ms Noordam
Deep in the Southern Caribbean, just off the Spanish Main, lie the Netherlands Antilles, an archipelago of three idyllic islands : Aruba, Bonaire, & Curacao -- The famous ABC islands, Dutch culture, and the Southern Cross.
Aruba - has both natural wonders, curiously bent Divi-divi trees, and colorful coral reefs.
Bonaire - pink flamingos and world class dive sites such as Lac Bay, one the top dive spots in the world!
Curacao - Floating markets and Amsterdam like canals, world famous liqueur distillery, and intriguing coral reefs.
Turks & Caicos - enchants us with underwater worlds so seldom visited that the reefs have no names. A pristine place of simple pleasures....
Dominican Republic - Rich in amber, Indian culture, and breathtaking natural scenery. Also mating and birthing grounds for the humpback whales.
Half Moon Cay - 1,700 acre island - only 2 % developed - is a private island featuring a huge interior lagoon & a two mile crescent of perfect beach rimmed by blue water.
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For more information Also see the official |
Grand Finale – 2008 Irish Music Cruise |
March 31, 2009
Bellowhead Set for Canadian Tour
England’s hottest festival act, the nearly indescribable Bellowhead, will embark on a Canadian tour in July, after tearing down the house at the Edmonton and Regina Folk Festivals last summer. Their new release, Matachin has been garnering rave reviews across Europe and North America. We like to say if Cirque du Soleil was a group, they would probably be Bellowhead. |
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Here is where you can catch them next July:
9 - 10 |
London, ON |
Sunfest |
11 - 12 |
Winnipeg, MB |
Winnipeg Folk Festival |
15 |
Edmonton, AB |
Festival Place |
16 |
Harrison, BC |
Festival for the Arts |
17 - 19 |
Vancouver, BC |
Vancouver Folk Festival |
20 |
Vancouver, BC |
Rogue Folk Club |
22 |
Victoria, BC |
Butchart Gardens |
24 - 26 |
Calgary, AB |
Calgary Folk Festival |
March 18, 2009
JMI Artists to Play Madison Square Gardens
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JMI artists Guy Davis and Kate & Anna McGarrigle will join Bruce Springsteen, Kris Kristofferson, Dave Matthew's, Emmylou Harris, John Mellencamp, Steve Earle and dozens of other artists in a special concert at Madison Square Gardens on May 3rd, in celebration of Pete Seeger's 90th birthday. Mr. Seeger, who rode the rails with Woody Guthrie during the Great Depression, has influenced generations of musicians, and has been active in the peace movement, with environmental causes and in helping organized labour for decades. In typical Seeger fashion, the concert will be a benefit for his pet environmental project, the Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, a non-profit organization created to defend and restore the Hudson River. There is international movement to have Mr. Seeger nominated for the Nobel Peace prize in 2009. For more information on the New York show, and a complete list of the entertainers, please visit this story in Billboard Magazine online. |
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