Looks like we're heading back to Texas- the International Folk Alliance is having their annual conference (I fondly refer to it as "the Folk Nazi Convention")in Austin this year, and I'm gonna be part of the "Beaver Suite" showcase. Also, the Brass Tax and I just recieved an invitation to play at the SXSW Festival in- yup- Austin. Twice in a little over a month! I can't wait. The only downside to Austin is the fact that it's in Texas, but considering the fact that I live next door to where Chairman Ralph was born (seriously! ...he probably learned to walk in what is now my back yard... oof.), I guess I can handle the proximity to the State Capitol, where all the Bushes took root. Austin's a killer town, and I can't wait to folk it and then rock it in the span of a few weeks...

Don't forget about the rock show w/ the Summerlad at Weeds on Friday (Dec 2nd), and the songwriter's nite w/ the fabulous Stagger Lee Shedden at Karma on Thursday (Dec 1st). Tons o' fun!!
- posted @ 8:57 PM

Here's the poster for our rock show w/ the Summerlad and others, Dec.2 @ Weeds Cafe...

All-ages, so bring yer grandparents, parents, uncles, aunts, cousins, sisters, brothers, kids, nieces, nephews, grandkids. Be just like the Christmas concert back in Morin Creek, w/out the goodie-bags at the end, or my Mom playing "Here Comes Santa Claus" on the pump organ.

Jason Crocker's with me at the Karma this Thursday, the 24th... he's good.
- posted @ 9:17 PM

Once more, with feeling…

Well, I’m gonna try this Thursday night thing once again. The last time kinda fizzled out when extenuating circumstances beyond my control forced a premature end to the proceedings. Those of you who came to those nights back in the dog days of summer know how much fun it was, and when Jeff Shipley informed me that he had taken over the Karma Local Arts House and asked if I’d be willing to revive the Thursday Night songwriter showcase up there in the Marda Loop, I jumped at the chance.

Same format as before- I invite a different songwriter every week to come in and play a feature-length set, book ended by short ones from yours truly.

This Thursday, Nov. 17th, Ayla Brook from Edmonton’s AA Soundsystem will be there, followed by Jay Crocker on Nov. 24 and Stagger Lee Shedden on Dec. 1. Karma's at 2139 33 Ave SW, in the heart of Marda Loop. Shows start at 9 pm, with no cover.

The shot above is courtesy of Allan Parker, who was kind enough to come down and snap a pic or two at last weeks Karma show.


It's a great room (as many of you already know) and w/ Mr. Shipley at the helm, good vibes and libations will abound, no question. Come out and hear some awesome songwriters and help get the new improved Karma off the ground.

In other news, the Brass Tax and I had some big fun out in Vancouver at the Western Canadian Music Fest, and while I packed my tuxedo for nothing (the Waking Eyes took home the… um… ‘coveted’…? “Best Independent Album” award), we had a couple great shows at the Lamplighter and the Railway. Thanks as always to Dawn, Jen and Owen from the SBR crew, Ox, Dan Grisdale, Marek and Ayla, and of course our great friend, Ken Beattie. All these fine folks ensured a good time was had and the hangovers were cured.

I recorded some stripped-down songs as a duo with Jay Crocker at Sundae Sound a while back and they may see the light of day in the near future if I can get over my disturbing lack of self-confidence.

Also, the Brass Tax album is slowly taking shape; hopefully it’ll be done in the spring. Look for some shows in the near future as we test-drive the new tunes. That’s it for now, I think. Keep warm.
- posted @ 4:45 PM