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Folk Roots Radio Episode 307: International Women’s Day
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Winona Wilde – Folk Roots Radio at FMO
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Red Dirt Skinners at the Sun Parlour Coffee House Sessions – The Interview
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Folk Roots Radio Episode 306: Amanda Lynn Stubley Interview & More New Releases
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Folk Roots Radio Episode 305: We’re All About The Music!
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Benjamin Dakota Rogers – Folk Roots Radio at FMO
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Amanda Lynn Stubley – Folk Roots Radio Interview
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Roots North Music Festival: April 21-22 2017
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Folk Roots Radio Episode 304: Julian Taylor Interview & More New Releases
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Folk Roots Radio Episode 303: Sarah Beatty Interview & More New Releases
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Folk Roots Radio Episode 302: We’re All About The Music!
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Julian Taylor – Folk Roots Radio at FMO
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Sarah Beatty – Bandit Queen – Folk Roots Radio Interview
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Folk Roots Radio Episode 301: Corin Raymond Interview & More New Releases
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Folk Roots Radio Episode 300: We’re All About The Music!
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Hillside Inside – February 9-12 in Guelph
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Folk Roots Radio Episode 299: Gary & Whit Interview & More New Releases
18
Folk Roots Radio Episode 298: We’re All About The Music!
19
Guelph Celtic Orchestra – St Patrick’s Day Extravaganza
20
Corin Raymond – Folk Roots Radio at FMO
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Folk Roots Radio Episode 297: Erin Costelo Interview & More New Releases
22
Folk Roots Radio Episode 296: Banjofest Guelph Interview & More New Releases
23
The Slocan Ramblers – Folk Roots Radio Interview
24
Banjofest Guelph – March 11
25
Erin Costelo – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Folk Roots Radio Episode 307: International Women’s Day

We’re all about the music of female artists on Episode 307 of Folk Roots Radio as we celebrate International Women’s Day with an hour of the latest new releases, from a female perspective. Check out the full playlist below.

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Winona Wilde – Folk Roots Radio at FMO

Award-winning songwriter and full-time road dog, Winona Wilde has been slinging her boisterous brand of country-folk Canadiana all over Canada, the U.S & Europe for several years without rest. Wielding lyrical wit and fearless emotion, this born-again-Ontarian promises to be two parts funny and one part sad. A 2016 Folk Music Ontario Official Showcase Artist and 2015 BC Musician Magazine Songwriter of the Year, Winona Wilde joined us in the mobile studio at the Folk Music Ontario conference to chat about her music, and play a couple of new songs live. For more information, visit winonawilde.com. Music: Winona Wilde, “Dating Song” from “You Lose Some, You Lose Some” (2015, Self), Chick Singer (live), Wasted Time (live) and “Paper Clips For The Apocalypse” from “You Lose Some, You Lose Some” (2015, Self).

Red Dirt Skinners at the Sun Parlour Coffee House Sessions – The Interview

The Red Dirt Skinners joined us in the studio last fall for the Sun Parlour Coffee House Sessions. The duo, featuring Sarah Skinner on soprano sax, and multi-instrumentalist Rob Skinner on guitar and vocals, have been taking the UK roots scene by storm. An intoxicating mix of high energy and divine harmonies, the music they produce is original, unique and genre-defying as they effortlessly cross boundaries from blues, to country, to folk and all places in between. They’re back in Canada this spring for a tour of Alberta and Ontario including a stop in Leamington ON for a show at The Bank Theatre on May 5. Alongside a five song set, Sarah and Rob sat down with us to chat about their music and latest album “Behind the Wheel” (2016, Sidegoat Records). Definitely, check out the fabulous live version of their 7 minute soprano sax workout “Daybreak” after the interview. For more information about the Red Dirt Skinners, visit reddirtskinners.com. You can check out the full Red Dirt Skinners session and more videos from the Sun Parlour Coffee House Sessions at sunparloursessions.com.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 306: Amanda Lynn Stubley Interview & More New Releases

Folklorist and fellow folk dj Amanda Lynn Stubley joins us on Episode 306 of Folk Roots Radio to talk about “Gem”, a six track album of old time music recorded live off-the-floor with producer Deni Gauthier. We also check out more of the new music we’ve received including new albums from Andrea Ramolo, Lee Palmer and Brock Zeman. You can check out the full playlist to Episode 306 below.

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Folk Roots Radio Episode 305: We’re All About The Music!

We’re all about the music on Episode 305 of Folk Roots Radio as we take a look at more of the latest new releases, including a first look at the new Blackie & The Rodeo Kings duet album “Kings & Kings”, a political single from Ernest Troost, a new gritty Lynne Hanson release and a great compilation from the Battlefield Band. You can check out the full playlist to Episode 305 below.

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Benjamin Dakota Rogers – Folk Roots Radio at FMO

Multi-instrumentalist, singer/songwriter and composer, the prolific, Benjamin Dakota Rogers is pushing the boundaries of traditional folk with each album release. Combining fiddle, guitar and mandolin with his unique voice and strong lyrics, he creates music that demands your attention. Benjamin has picked up Canadian Folk Music Awards nominations for each of his three releases; the “Wayfarer” E.P. from 2014, 2015’s “The Strong Man’s Address to the Circus Crowd” and his latest, “Whiskey & Pine”. Whiskey & Pine features 11 songs that showcase Benjamin’s strong vocals, powerful guitar and fiddle, with support from Chris Rait on stand-up bass, guitar and djembe. Benjamin joined us in the mobile studio at the recent Folk Music Ontario conference to chat about his music, and play three songs live. For more information about Benjamin’s music visit benjaminrogersmusic.com. Music: Benjamin Dakota Rogers “Soldier Song” from “Whiskey & Pine” (2016, Self), “Whiskey For Blood” (Live), “Mr. Robot” (Live), “Come Home” (Live) and “Whiskey & Pine” from “Whiskey & Pine” (2016, Self).

Amanda Lynn Stubley – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Folklorist and London ON Folk DJ Amanda Lynn Stubley is about to release “Gem”, a six track album of old time music recorded live off-the-floor with producer Deni Gauthier.  The album features Amanda Lynn on banjo, guitar and vocals alongside her partner Martin Horak on fiddle, guitar and vocals. The album features six songs, three Amanda Lynn Stubbly originals, alongside a Martin Horak original and versions of both The Carter Family’s “Lonesome Pine Special” and Merle Haggard’s “Mama’s Hungry Eyes”. We caught up with Amanda Lynn at home in London ON to chat about the new album. The album release for Gem takes place on Sunday March 5 at 3 p.m. at the SoHo Bar And Grill, 466 South St, London (formerly known as the Victoria Tavern). Cover $5 ($10 with a copy of the CD). Amanda Lynn Stubley and Martin Horak are also members of London’s Heartaches Stringband with James Cummins on mandolin and multi-instrumentalist Uncle Dan Henshall on upright bass. For more information about Amanda Lynn, visit theheartachesmusic.com/amanda-lynn. Music: Amanda Lynn Stubley “Trouble Light”, “Christmas at the Brunswick Hotel” and “Lonesome Pine Special” from “Gem” (2016, self).

Roots North Music Festival: April 21-22 2017

Danny Michel, fresh from a very successful launch of his new album “Khlebnikov”, recorded while traversing the arctic ocean on a Russian icebreaker and phenomenal live act Digging Roots, featuring the wonderful husband and wife duo Raven Kanetakta and Shoshona Kish, are the headliners at this year’s Roots North Music Festival taking place in Downtown Orillia from April 21-22. Also on the main stage bill this year are Jim Bryson, Birds of Bellwoods, Kaia Kater & Cassie Dasilva. The main stage shows take place in the beautifully restored St Paul’s Centre in Downtown Orillia. A late night programme will also take place at the Geneva Event Centre. Further shows are planned for other performance spaces within Orillia. We caught up with Amy Mangan, one of the organizers of the festival to chat about the 2017 line-up. Stay tuned for more artist announcements. For more information about the Roots North Music Festival and to pick up tickets, visit rootsnorthmusic.ca.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 304: Julian Taylor Interview & More New Releases

Episode 304 of Folk Roots Radio features an interview with Julian Taylor, leader of self-described “pilgrims of funk, soul ‘n’ roll” – the Julian Taylor Band, recorded at the Folk Music Ontario conference. We also feature music from the band’s great 2016 double album “Desert Star”. And, as always, we take a look at some of the latest new releases. Check out the full playlist online at https://folkrootsradio.com.

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Folk Roots Radio Episode 303: Sarah Beatty Interview & More New Releases

On Episode 303 of Folk Roots Radio we talk to singer/songwriter and scientist Sarah Beatty about the soundtrack to her life, her great new second album, “Bandit Queen” – a sassy, rootsy and bluesy delight. And, as usual, we take a look at some of the latest new releases.

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Folk Roots Radio Episode 302: We’re All About The Music!

Another hour of Folk Roots Radio that’s all about the music as we take a look at more of the latest new releases. Among the new releases on this episode, we check out “Khlebnikov”, the latest from Danny Michel – which was recorded far above the arctic circle, while aboard the Russian icebreaker Capitan Khlebnikov, in the middle of the arctic ocean. We also take a first listen to “Folklife”, Jayme Stone‘s follow up to the fabulous Lomax Project, a new Battlefield Band compilation, and the latest from folk great Tom Paxton.

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Julian Taylor – Folk Roots Radio at FMO

Self-described “pilgrims of funk, soul ‘n’ roll”, the fabulous Julian Taylor Band are heading out on an eleven date tour of Southern Ontario in support of their double vinyl release “Desert Star” (2016, Aporia Records) during February and March. Desert Star – one of our favourite albums of 2016, was originally released on four E.P.s before the vinyl version made its appearance last fall. If you love the sound of a funk, soul and rock n’roll band, with some folk, blues, jazz, reggae and calypso thrown into the mix, you definitely need to check them out – they’re wonderful live. The tour starts in Windsor at The Rondo on March 16, they’re at Aeolian Hall in London ON on March 25, with a Hamilton date at The Casbah on April 2. You can check out all the tour dates online at juliantaylorband.com. Julian Taylor sat down with us at the Folk Music Ontario conference this past October to chat about his music, and the new album. Music: Julian Taylor Band “Just A Little Bit”, “One Time”, Get Loud” and “Set Me Free” from “Desert Star” (2016, Aporia Records).

Sarah Beatty – Bandit Queen – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Hamilton based singer-songwriter and scientist Sarah Beatty has just released her second album “Bandit Queen”, an album she describes as the soundtrack to her life – a modern folk fable with spaghetti western movie stylings. It’s an album that because of its sassy rootsy, bluesy and jazzy joyously horn-filled groove and playful lyrics, works on several levels. The album was recorded at home in Hamilton with a great set of musicians under the watchful eye of Joe Lapinski. Bandit Queen is an album that’s all about transitions, for an artist who took time away from her music last year, to graduate with a Ph D in environmental science – and now juggles two careers. Featuring personal songs about relationships, discovering your life purpose, energy extraction/fracking and the notorious American female outlaw Belle Starr, there is much to explore. We caught up with Sarah while on tour in Europe to get the lowdown on the new album, and her interesting career choices. For more information, visit sarahbeatty.ca. Music: Sarah Beatty “Slaves & Kings”, “Holy Smokes”, “We Will Never Be The Same” and “Bandit Queen” (Acoustic) from “Bandit Queen” (2017, King of the Road).

Folk Roots Radio Episode 301: Corin Raymond Interview & More New Releases

On this edition of Folk Roots Radio, we talk to singer/songwriter Corin Raymond who has just received a Juno Award nomination for Contemporary Roots Album of the Year for his wonderful album “Hobo Jungle Fever Dreams”, which just happened to be our favourite recording of 2016.  Corin joined us in the mobile studio at the Folk Music Ontario conference this past October for a wide-ranging conversation that covered his songwriting, the joys of collaboration, his 100 Book Blog, and, of course, the making of “Hobo Jungle Fever Dreams”. We also get to play some tracks from the album we haven’t yet played on the show. And, as always, we fill up the rest of the hour with a look at more of the latest new releases.

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Folk Roots Radio Episode 300: We’re All About The Music!

We’ve finally made it to three hundred episodes of Folk Roots Radio! Actually, truth be told, we’re way past 300, as this show previously existed under a different name – but it still sounds good to say that. For this episode, we’re bringing you another great selection of new releases, including our first play of the new albums from Rose Cousins, Richard Laviolette, Portland’s John Craigie and another track the great Bill & Joel Plaskett collaboration “Solidarity”. I hope you’ll check it out.
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Hillside Inside – February 9-12 in Guelph

The Hillside Festival is getting ready to bring Hillside Inside. The summer festival’s wintery cousin, will delight music lovers at a variety of venues in Downtown Guelph. They’re celebrating ten years of winter programming, and, as usual, they’ve put together a wonderfully diverse programme. Concerts, workshops and community activities, there is something for everyone.
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Folk Roots Radio Episode 299: Gary & Whit Interview & More New Releases

On this edition of Folk Roots Radio we head out to Corner Brook in Newfoundland to talk to folk-pop duo Gary & Whit, about “Matches”, an album of beautiful songs, with engaging lyrics and gorgeous harmonies that really connects with the listener – and another of our favourite albums of 2016. And as always, we take a look at some of the latest new releases. For more information about the music of Gary & Whit, visit garyandwhit.com. Photography: Candace Cunning and Dru Kennedy.

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Folk Roots Radio Episode 298: We’re All About The Music!

There are no interviews in this hour of Folk Roots Radio, as we play catch up on some of the best of the new music we’ve received over the past few months. There’s lots of great music out there, and as we’re all about the music, we’re pleased to do our bit to share it with you.

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Guelph Celtic Orchestra – St Patrick’s Day Extravaganza

Guelph Celtic Orchestra are getting ready for their St. Patrick’s Day Extravaganza. This year’s event takes place at the Italian Canadian Club, 135 Ferguson Street, Guelph on Saturday March 18 2017 at 7:30 p.m. (Doors 7 p.m.). This year’s concert also features the Guelph Pipe Band​ and the orchestra’s award winning step dancers. The performance will be followed by a ceilidh dance. Tickets are $20 advance ($25 at the door), $10 (children aged 6-16) and are available through Janus Books, 10 Paisley St., Guelph and their website at guelphceltic.ca.

Corin Raymond – Folk Roots Radio at FMO

Corin Raymond is having a great start to 2017, with a Juno Award nomination for Contemporary Roots Album of the Year for “Hobo Jungle Fever Dreams”. The album was also named our favourite recording of 2016. Hobo Jungle Fever Dreams is quintessential Corin Raymond, featuring some fabulous word craft on ten songs, eight co-written with other top drawer songwriters Jonathan Byrd, Sean CottonRob Vaarmeyer, Rakhu Lokanathan and Jaxon Haldane alongside one Corin Raymond original, the glorious “Morning Glories” and a cover of Doug Norquay‘s “Best Demented Cowgirl Face” (one of the best and most intriguing song titles out there). The album also earned two nominations at the 2016 Canadian Folk Music Awards, with David Gillis taking home the gong for Producer of the Year. Corin joined us in the mobile studio at the Folk Music Ontario conference this past October to chat about the making of “Hobo Jungle Fever Dreams”. For more information about Corin’s music, visit corinraymond.com. Music: Corin Raymond “Rain Bed”, “Two Miles Of Train”, “Best Demented Cowgirl Face” and “Under The Belly Of The Night” from “Hobo Jungle Fever Dreams” (2016, Local Rascal Records).

Folk Roots Radio Episode 297: Erin Costelo Interview & More New Releases

Folk Roots Radio episode 297 features a great interview with Halifax NS singer/songwriter Erin Costelo about her fabulous slice of genre-bending soulful pop, “Down Below, The Status Quo”, one of our Favourite Albums of 2016. And, as always, we take a look at some great new releases.

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Folk Roots Radio Episode 296: Banjofest Guelph Interview & More New Releases

We love the banjo on Folk Roots Radio which is a very good thing, as this edition has more than the usual amount included. We talk to Ian Molesworth about Banjofest – a one day festival taking place in Guelph in March and listen to some of the artists who will be taking part. We also check in on some of the artists who will be performing at the 10th annual Hillside Inside which takes place in Downtown Guelph from February 9-12. Among the new releases, we get to hear some great musical commentary about the recent political upheaval south of the border.

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The Slocan Ramblers – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Toronto bluegrass band The Slocan Ramblers have a reputation for producing some of the best live acoustic music out there – a refreshingly youthful and fiddle-free take on bluegrass featuring Adrian Gross on mandolin, Darryl Poulsen on guitar, Alastair Whitehead on bass and Frank Evans on three-finger and clawhammer banjo. They released their second album “Coffee Creek”, the follow up to their very well received 2012 debut “Shaking Down The Acorns”, in 2015. An album that explores the outer reaches of bluegrass while respecting its traditions, Coffee Creek was recorded live off the floor with Chris Coole (from the Foggy Hogtown Boys) at the controls and features a healthy dose of their own original material. The Slocan Ramblers will be appearing at the River Run Centre in Guelph on January 27, The Old Town Hall in Newmarket on March 25, The Registry Theatre in Kitchener on April 7, the Aurora Cultural Centre on May 12 and the Regent Theatre in Picton on May 20 alongside dates in Western Canada, Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia. We caught up with banjo player Frank Evans in Toronto, to chat about their music. For more information visit slocanramblers.com. Music: The Slocan Ramblers “Pastures of Plenty / Honey Babe”, “Elk River”, “Coffee Creek” and “Call Me Long Gone” from “Coffee Creek” (2015, Self).

Banjofest Guelph – March 11

Banjofest Guelph sounds like the perfect day out for anyone who love’s banjo. Guelph’s first festival devoted to banjo music takes place at Silence, 46 Essex Street in Guelph on Saturday March 11 2017. The festival features a full day of banjo music, in all its glory. The afternoon Session (2-5:30 p.m.) features Buckwheat Honey, Lotus Wight, The BIG Schotts, and Chris Coole with Arnie Naiman, commemorating the recording of their album “5 Strings Attached With No Backing” (1997, Merriweather Records) 20 years ago. The evening session (8-11 p.m.) includes performances by The Banjo Mechanics featuring Ian Pattison and Lewis Melville, Tim Posgate with Andrew Downing and The Lonesome Ace Stringband. Tickets are $25 per session or $40 for both sessions (there are only 55 tickets available for each session) and can be purchased by emailing [email protected]. The event is co-sponsored by Woodall Music Acoustic Roots Music Instructional DVDs and Folkway Music. To learn more about Banjofest we caught up with organizer and banjo player Ian Molesworth. Music: Arnie Naiman and Chris Coole “Country Blues” from “5 Strings Attached With No Backing” (1997, Merriweather Records), The Banjo Mechanics “Still Jiggin’ For Trout” from “JlP” (2014, Self).

Erin Costelo – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Erin Costelo from Halifax NS released “Down Below, The Status Quo”, a fabulous slice of genre-bending soulful pop that skips from R&B/Soul to bluesy jazz in March 2016, and one of our Favourite Albums of 2016. The follow up to 2012’s very well-received “We Can Get Over”, Down Below, The Status Quo features ten tracks written, arranged, and produced by Erin Costelo at Joel Plaskett’s Dartmouth NS studio, New Scotland Yard, with support from engineer Thomas Stajcer. Joining Erin on the album are longtime guitarist Clive MacNutt, bassist Ian Bennett, drummers Dave Marsh and Matt Gallant, alongside the Blue Engine String Quartet and horns from Matt Myer, Andrew Jackson and Andrew MacKelvie. Gifted with a fabulous expressive voice that harkens back to some of the great female vocalists of the golden age of soulful blues and jazz, Down Below, The Status Quo is a joy from beginning to end and another of those albums that reminds me that great music needs to be shared – and that show’s like Folk Roots Radio shouldn’t be constrained by a rigid focus on genre. We caught up with Erin Costelo at home in Halifax to chat about her music. To learn more about Erin Costelo, visit erincostelo.caMusic: Erin Costelo, “Move”,  “Quiet The Bombs”, “Titanic” and “Fighter” from “Down Below, The Status Quo” (2016, Venue Records).

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