FEATURED ARTIST: JEFF HEALEY |
Critically acclaimed and award-winning, Jeff Healey is arguably one of the most distinctive guitar players of our time. The man who sold millions of hard blues/rock recordings is equally at ease playing the trumpet and trombone-recreating joyful pop music from the '20s and '30s that's usually described as "traditional" or "classic" jazz. |
After several hugely successful blues/rock albums, Healey became an accomplished trumpet player, modeling himself on his musical hero, Louis Armstrong. Three superb classic jazz albums followed: Among Friends (2002), Adventures in Jazzland (2004) and It's Tight Like That (2006), featuring legendary British jazz trombonist Chris Barber. Jeff plays guitar, trumpet, and valve trombone, performing with many other musicians who came together to form Jeff Healey and the Jazz Wizards. On stage, Healey remains a charismatic figure, at ease and always ready with a laugh, and his musical skills have matured in a way that he could not have imagined when he started his musical career. |
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THE ROAD HAMMERS DO CHINA |
On May 8, five-piece, no-nonsense country rockers, The Road Hammers, returned home from a week-long tour of China. Along with fellow Canadians, Alun Piggins, The Jimmy Swift Band, and Vinnick Sheppard Harte, the band took part in the Maple Rhythm Festival, organized by The Canadian Consulate in Shanghai and the Canadian Embassy. The bands travelled from Shanghai to Bejing, bringing cutting-edge Canadian music to the Chinese masses. Highlights of their trip include seeing the Great Wall of China, The Bund, and the Yangtze River. To read more about their experiences in China, please visit the Road Hammers' online journal. |
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NEW SIGNINGS |
Click on artist name for more info. |
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Defending the Caveman
The wildly popular comedy, written by Rob Becker, has become a peacemaker in the ongoing misunderstandings between men and women. Defending the Caveman has won the hearts of millions in more than thirty countries and is performed in over fifteen different languages. Described as "a comic phenomena" (New York Times), Caveman entered the record books as the longest running solo play in Broadway history.
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Madviolet
Madviolet are singer-songwriter Brenley MacEachern and "fiddlechick" Lisa MacIsaac. For years they have traveled the world, earning a reputation as one of Canada's most exciting live folk/country acts. The duo are renowned for humorous, emotionally-charged performances and tremendous vocal harmonies. Currently touring Europe, Madviolet will present songs from their long-awaited second album, Caravan, which includes tracks co-written with Ron Sexsmith.
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Rick Miller's Machomer
A one-man vocal show and international smash hit, MacHomer features impressions of over 50 voices from TV's The Simpsons in a hilarious performance of Shakespeare's Macbeth. Rick has performed MacHomer to capacity crowds across the U.S. and Canada and toured the world to rave reviews and awards in Scotland, England, Australia, and New Zealand.
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Rick Miller's Bigger than Jesus
Bigger than Jesus grapples with the thorny crown of Christianity through conflicting viewpoints, each embodied by a character obsessed with Jesus. This challenging new one-man multimedia show features the trademark humour and intelligence of Rick Miller. Playing a host of characters, including Jesus himself, Miller takes each portrait right to the edge, without ever slipping into caricature.
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Sharron's Party
An exciting musical comedy cabaret filled with singing, stories, audience participation and tons of laughter! Sharron combines her powerful voice and comedic wit to create pop medleys, sing-a-longs and songologues that will have the audience roaring with laughter and crooning along. Called 'Critics' Pick' seven times by NOW Magazine and 'The Thing to Do!' by The Globe and Mail, this is one party you don't want to miss!
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Wayne Petti
With his first stab at a solo project Wayne Petti sticks you right through the heart. Known for his work as lead singer and principal song-writer for Canada's alt-country favourites, Cuff The Duke, and keyboardist/vocalist for The Hylozoists; Wayne Petti offers a unique blend of country and folk with a more personal and stripped down edge, conjuring comparisons to influences like Hank Williams, Bob Dylan, Nick Drake and John Lennon.
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