Nickelodeon Music Club
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
 

Fall Season (2010)

October 02:  Ray Bonneville
Ray Bonneville cooks up a deep groove, blending a unique percussive electric guitar style, a weathered voice, and a soulful rack harmonica into image provoking songs that can be believed. His right thumb works the bass line, his index finger brushes and hooks out rhythm and melody, and his hand slaps the guitar for a snare-like effect. He sometimes uses a slide, always plays through a Fender tube amp, and brings his foot down on an amplified piece of plywood on the floor for added percussion. It is a powerful and visceral sound with a lot of forward momentum.  He recorded his first album, On The Main, in 1993.  Ray won a Juno Award in 1999, for his third album, Gust of Wind.  Rough Luck, and his fifth album, Roll It Down, were also nominated for the coveted award.  His latest recording, Goin' by Feel, was released in 2008.
Opener:  John Rutherford
A founding member of the King Eddy house band, The Hoodoo Sons, John has also performed with the acoustic duo No Guff and the all-star roots collective, Highwater Jug Band.  John's debut solo CD Echo Broadcast skillfully dovetails a roots/blues/folk/rock vibe with an imaginative and contemporary songwriters' take on the stories, the people, the instruments and the soul and feel that continues to shape popular music.  Echo Broadcast reached #1 on CKUA's Top 30.  While acknowledging his blues background, John Rutherford fuses rock, jazz, folk, roots music and singer/songwriter traditions creating music that is distinctly his own.  
 

October 16:  Chuck and Albert
2006 Canadian Comedy Award and 2007 East Coast Music Award nominees, Chuck and Albert Arsenault have performed as a duo since 2004.  As members of Barachois, they developed a distinctive brand of traditional Acadian music.  They present material from local singers, fiddlers and historians; as well as original instrumental and vocal compositions.  Consummate showmen, their physical comedy and dance finds its inspiration in the day-to-day experiences of their Acadian heritage.  Multi-instrumentalists, the fiddle and feet have always been the primary instruments at an Acadian kitchen party.  A talented bass player, Albert's vocal interpretations are one of a kind as is his Acadian percussion: spoons, guimbarde (jaw harp), knives and forks, saw, and the rhythm bones.  Chuck also plays the acoustic guitar and his voice is well suited to ballads and harmonies and anchoring acapella arrangements.  They offer clever bilingual banter in both of Canada's unofficial languages: comedy and music.
Opener:  Tragically Hick
The festival trail is a great place for new discoveries and last summer, Tragically Hick, on stage at the Carstairs Mountain View Festival easily won over the crowd with their stellar musicianship.  They have performed together since 1999, pickin' music with a "bluegrass" twist.  That could include anything from the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band to the Beatles to Texas swing.  Tragically Hick features Gord Armstrong on guitar and vocals, Jack Loree, on dobro, Bill Figeczki, on bass and Lorne Foster on mandolin.  With great picking and bluegrass harmonies, Tragically Hick provide foot-stompin' fun and lots of opportunities to sing along.
 

October 30:  John Gorka and Susan Werner
John Gorka writes multifaceted songs full of depth and beauty with a trademark twist of lyric and attention to the details that so effectively evoke a time, a place, a person, or a range of emotion.  His versatility on guitar and piano keeps his sets musically interesting, while his rich baritone, effortlessly executes his bidding.  He has an uncanny ability to work every nuance of language, to capture a wide array of topics and experiences woven into memorable melodies.  Susan Werner was named Best Contemporary Folk Artist at the 2008 International Folk Alliance music conference.  She has cultivated a reputation as a daring and innovative songwriter with a killer live show.  With stops in folk, pop-rock, and classic jazz styles, she boldly endeavours to weave old with new, and she regularly keeps audiences simultaneously guessing and laughing. Her work constantly challenges listeners to experience music from a fresh and unexpected perspective.
Opener:  Lucas Chaisson
Lucas Chaisson is a 16-year old singer songwriter from Cochrane, Alberta who has just released a debut CD, No Loitering. Both as a writer and performer Lucas exudes a maturity far beyond his years. His soulful original songs and imaginative arrangements of covers make a strong emotional connection with his audience. With songs described as roots, rhythm and blues and comparisons to the likes of John Mayer, Martin Sexton and Ron Sexsmith, Lucas continues to capture audiences and grow as an artist.  His skillful, percussive guitar style, insightful lyrics and roots -inspired soulful voice keep audiences engaged and wanting more.
 

November 13:  John Reischman and the Jaybirds
John Reischman and the Jaybirds offer a blend of vintage gems, original vocal songs and trademark instrumentals, variously bluesy, hard-edge and haunting, that make them one of the most interesting bands on the circuit today.  Tours across North America and Europe, three critically-acclaimed albums and a Juno nomination have established John Reischman and the Jaybirds as a topflight band in bluegrass music.  Their newest CD, Stellar Jays was released in 2007.  The Jaybirds are highly regarded veterans Jim Nunally on guitar and vocals, Trisha Gagnon on bass and vocals, Nick Hornbuckle on banjo and Greg Spatz on fiddle.  Their virtuosity, inspiring material and heartfelt vocals generate a live performance not to be missed!  With a unique traditional sound, the mandolin master and his band are known for powerful original songs and instrumentals, soaring vocals and refreshing interpretations of songs from the old-time repertoire presented with their own bluegrass twist.
Opener:  Tim Williams
Tim's career has seen him explore vintage blues in Riverboat Rendezvous, rootsy singer-songwriter in Songster, Musicianer & Music Physicianer, honky-tonk country in Sorrow Bound and 1920's-30's novelty music with The Highwater Jug Band.  Performing with the Electrofires, he opened a Saddledome show for ZZ Top. Tim Williams' latest CD When I Was A Cowboy is an all-acoustic effort featuring Tim performing on 6 and 12 string guitars, dobro, mandolin, bajo sexto bass and button accordion.  The album presents traditional cowboy tunes along with songs written by Tim when he was a working ranch hand in B.C. and Alberta. 
 

November 27:  The Mark Atkinson Trio
Marc's hummable original compositions, take acoustic guitar to a refreshing new level. The tunes use a ferocious but elegant gypsy guitar style, infused with a catchy blend of influences ranging from folk to jazz to classical to world beat. All this while still maintaining the laid back humour and casual 'good time feel' of Canada's West Coast.  Marc's picking has been described as flawless, surprise-filled and sizzling.  His music is original, complex and challenging in its conception and delivery but remains accessible and absorbing.  Acoustic Guitar Magazine voted the Trio's second CD, The Marc Atkinson Trio II, one of the top 5 five CDs released in North America and the same CD was nominated for best jazz album by the 2003 Western Canadian Music Awards.  Marc will be backed by Joey Smith on bass and Michael Hamilton on rhythm guitar, welcoming all listeners aboard for an intriguing, exhilarating and unforgettable ride.
Opener:  Magnolia Buckskin
Magnolia Buckskin have just released their self titled debut CD bringing you bohemian cowgirl and gospel-touched, folk roots music.  Kathy Cook is a sultry-voiced, multi instrumentalist inspired by her love of Celtic, folk, roots and country music.  Natasha Platt is known for her powerful vocals, her unforgettable melodies and her ability to engage an audience.  Emily Triggs' honest, authentic vocals win fans everywhere she sings her alt-country music.  Corry Ulan brings quirky and humourous songs performed on banjo and bass   Magnolia Buckskin are four sublime voices playing refreshing originals that will elevate your soul into the rafters of the nearest saloon.
 

Winter Season (2011)

January 15:  J. P. Cormier
J.P. Cormier began playing guitar at age 5.  By 9, he was considered a genuine prodigy and won his first guitar competition.   At 16, he recorded a collection of bluegrass instrumentals which led to many memorable nights at the Grand Ole Opry.   J.P. has ten CD's including the Juno nominated Another Morning and X8Š a mandolin collection which won Instrumental Album of the Year at the 2005 Canadian Folk Awards.  The Long River: A Personal Tribute to Gordon Lightfoot won the 2006 ECMA Folk Recording of the Year.  J.P's 2006 CD Take FiveŠ a Banjo Collection features bluegrass standards, vocals, Celtic fiddle tunes rearranged for banjo, the Beatles and even Bach!   J.P. is known for his flawless delivery of original story songs, basing his lyrics on true events.   J.P. brings his dazzling compositions and finger-work to the stage accompanied by the Elliot Brothers, Bill on guitar and Mike on bass.
Opener:  Ruth Purves-Smith
Ruth's childhood rambled the prairie highways between urban and country homes. While the stories in her music may appear to be simple, traditional country, they are supported by a sound that pulls influence from the city: complicated, restless and sometimes loud.   In '87, Ruth answered an ad for a "girl country singer".  Later bands included Rodeo-A-Go-Go and in '93, the all-girl trio, Roadside Turnout with Kathy Cook.  In '96, Ruth embarked on her solo career and has recently released her debut CD Out in the Storm.  Ruth will be accompanied by Jim Kukko on guitar and Kathy Cook on mandolin.
 

January 29: The Wild Turkey Outfit
Armed with fiddles, mandolin, guitar, bass, harmonica, a tin can percussive suitcase contraption, and melodic, brotherly four part harmonies, the Wild Turkeys fun stage presence and energetic sound has been recently coined as "Swamp-Stomp Country".
Opener:  tba
 

February 12:  Vishten
From Acadian roots, their sound is Celtic, sung in French, alone or in four part harmony.  Multi-instrumentalists and step-dancers they incorporate the fiddle, guitar, accordion, penny-whistle, banjo, mandolin, piano, jaw-harp and bodhran into each performance.
Opener:  tba
 

February 26:  Wendell and Wheat
Blending Katherine Wheatley's vibrant and heartfelt lyrical vision and a poignant voice that exudes sheer kindness and love with award-winning guitarist Wendell Ferguson's irreverent and ridiculous songs make for both a moving and hilarious show.
Opener:  tba
 

March 12: Madison Violet
uno nominees Brenley MacEachern and Lisa MacIsaac are stellar singers, winners of the Canadian Folk Music Awards Vocal Group of the Year and Grand Prize in the folk category of the John Lennon Songwriting Contest.
Opener:  tba
 

March 26:  Carlos del Junco and the Blues Mongrels
He's a master of the diatonic harmonica and seven time winner of the Canadian Maple Blues Award for harmonica player of the year.  With bass, drums and guitar, their music is stylish, soulful and sizzling.
Opener: tba
 

April 09:  Chuck Brodsky
With his dry, barb-witted social commentary combined with a deep underlying compassion, Chuck knows that the best stories are the little things in the lives of everyday people trying to muddle through with some grace.
Opener: tba
 

This Season's Past Performers