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The Shoeless On Tour

Apr 21 2015

The Shoeless are back in tour in Ontario with upcoming shows in Hamilton and Kitchener. The Shoeless are Frank Evans (Slocan Ramblers) on banjo, Eli Bender (Hale and Hearty) on cello and Emilyn Stam (Lemon Bucket Orkestra, Beneath the Ice, Eh?!, Té) on fiddle. Their music is a blend of traditional and original tunes/songs, with influences from klezmer, celtic, old time, french, bluegrass and more… they describe it as Bela Fleck meets Bela Bartok in Appalachia! They are lots of fun live, and definitely worth checking out if you get the chance. For more information, visit www.theshoeless.com.

Wednesday, May 6 2015 at 8 p.m.
Artword Artbar, Hamilton
$10 (sliding scale, depending what you can afford)
More details

Thursday, May 7 2015 at 7 p.m.
Café Pyrus, Kitchener
Double bill with The Ever Lovin’ Jug Band
More details

Coco Love Alcorn – The Interview

Apr 20 2015

Folk, pop and jazz singer Coco Love Alcorn is renowned for compelling vocal delivery, fantastic improvisation skills and extraordinary ability to engage the audience, and equally comfortable fronting her own music or providing backing vocals for others. She is about to head out on a spring and summer tour of Canada prior to returning to the studio to record her next project the intriguingly titled “Spirit Sessions”. Coco stopped by our mobile studio at this past October’s Folk Music Ontario conference to chat about her music, and play a couple of songs live on her instrument of choice, the ukulele. Like everything that Coco gets involved in, the interview was a lot of fun, and very in the moment. We hope you enjoy it. Music: Coco Love Alcorn, ‘Best Part Of My Day’ from ‘Play’ (2011, Self); Coco Love Alcorn, ‘The River’ (Live); Coco Love Alcorn, ‘Wonderland’ (Live); Coco Love Alcorn, ‘Joyful’ from ‘Joyful’ (2011, Self).

Episode 192: Trent Severn

Apr 19 2015

This week’s Folk Roots Radio featured another interview recorded at the Folk Music Ontario conference this past October. This time we talked to Emm Gryner, Laura C. Bates and Dayna Manning who collectively form Trent Severn, a wonderful folk super-group who share fabulous stories of Canadiana in gorgeous harmony and music. You can find the interview on the website here. As always, we found time for some new music plus our mystery theme and guilty pleasure.

Apr 18 2015

Kevin Breit is one of the most innovative and creative guitarists that Canada has ever produced. Comfortable performing jazz, blues, world music or his own solo compositions that often go in all those directions at the same time, Kevin Breit has recorded and toured with a who’s who of modern popular music. Watching him play live is indeed an amazing experience – if ever there is someone who is one with whatever stringed instrument he is playing, that person has to be Kevin Breit. Kevin Breit joined us in the studio to chat about his new double album, ‘Ernesto & Delilah’; ‘Ernesto’ – instrumental compositions from the Upper York Mandolin Orchestra with a Brazilian favour and ‘Delilah’ – gorgeous duets with actress and vocalist Rebecca Jenkins, accompanied by a mandolin quartet. Music: Kevin Breit ‘Dance with Delilah’ (feat. Rebecca Jenkins) , ‘Como Uma Corrida De Cavalo’, ‘Seven Silver Buttons’, ‘Murderous Dimitri’ (feat. Rebecca Jenkins), ‘Ghost Of California’ (feat. Rebecca Jenkins) and ‘Come On Home’ (feat. Rebecca Jenkins) from ‘Ernesto and Delilah’ (2015, Poverty Playlist).

Trent Severn – The Interview

Apr 17 2015

Emm Gryner and Dayna Manning had successful careers in their own right as singer-songwriters before joining fiddler Laura C Bates to form Trent Severn, the Southern Ontario based folk super-group known for a love of Canadiana, plaid, fine harmonies and outstanding musicianship. Their debut album, the self-titled ‘Trent Severn’ became a firm favourite with many from the first listen, their live shows a must-see based on a burgeoning reputation. They sat down with us as the Folk Music Ontario conference this past October to chat about their music past, present and future. Music: Trent Severn, ‘Bluenose on a Dime’, ‘Mulroney Times’ and ‘Road Less Travelled’ from Trent Severn (2012, Outside Music).

Episode 191: Charlie Angus

Apr 12 2015

This week’s Folk Roots Radio featured an interview with singer-songwriter, politician and Canadian MP (Timmins-James Bay) Charlie Angus, who joined us to chat about his music, activism and politics. You can find the interview online here. As always, we found time to include some new music alongside our mystery theme and guilty pleasure.

Apr 08 2015

We don’t normally promote classical events on Folk Roots Radio as they are somewhat out with our remit, however, we’re pleased to mention this one because it takes place at Silence, the great community venue in Guelph, and – it is their first classical performance. Silence has been incredibly kind in welcoming our own shows to their wonderful space. It seemed only natural that we extend that kindness and promote this event for them.

Apr 07 2015

Charlie Angus and The Grievous Angels have been making great Canadian roots music with a strong social conscience together for more than two decades now. After taking a break from recording for nearly a decade to pursue a political career, Charlie Angus, who is now the Member of Parliament for his home region of Timmins-James Bay, put the band back together to record their seventh album ‘The Great Divide’ in 2013. The Great Divide is a haunting, heartbreaking and fun ride across the great northern plains of Canada. We caught up with Charlie at home in Cobalt to chat about his music. Music: Charlie Angus & the Grievous Angels ‘Village Of The Bomb’, ‘Four Horses’ and ‘Diamonds In The Snow’ from ‘The Great Divide’ (2013, Self).

Steeltown Pilgrim – In The Studio

Apr 05 2015

Folk Roots Radio Overtime is an hour of radio on CFRU 93.3fm (Guelph, Ontario) dedicated to live in-studio sessions and in-depth artist interviews. This week we welcomed Hamilton-based singer-songwriter ‘Steeltown Pilgrim’ Matthew Mutch into the studio to chat about his music and play songs (some live) from his new JK Gulley produced album ‘Walkin’ The Way of St James’, inspired by his many pilgrimages to the Camino Santiago in Spain. Music: Steeltown Pilgrim ‘Carmen By The Sea’ from ‘Walkin’ The Way of St James’ (2015, Americanada Records); Steeltown Pilgrim ‘Camino Sunset’ (Live); Steeltown Pilgrim ‘Song For Angel’ from ‘Walkin’ The Way of St James’ (2015, Americanada Records); Steeltown Pilgrim ‘If You Ever Feel The Way I Do’ (Live); Steeltown Pilgrim ‘Who We Are’, ‘Southbound Train’ and ‘Walkin’ The Way of St James’ from ‘Walkin’ The Way of St James’ (2015, Americanada Records).

Folk Roots Radio Episode 190: feat. The Oh Chays & More New Releases

Apr 05 2015

This week’s Folk Roots Radio features an interview with Kelly Authier and Mike Authier who together are The Oh Chays. Kelly and Mike joined us to chat about their music and play a couple of songs at the Folk Music Ontario conference this past October. You can listen to the interview again here. As usual, there’s a lot of new music on this week’s episode – plus, as always, our mystery theme and guilty pleasure.

Apr 01 2015

Kelly Authier and Mike Authier are The Oh Chays. They first came to our attention at the Kingsville Folk Music Festival where we became enchanted by their upbeat and fun songs, the uplifting and heartfelt lyrics, Kelly’s powerful vocals and their wonderful stage banter. Kelly and Mike joined us for a chat at the Folk Music Ontario conference this past October, where much hilarity ensued. They also played a couple of songs for us live despite the challenge of a cold guitar in a warm room. To try and capture the experience we’ve tried to keep our editing to the minimum. We hope you enjoy it. Music: The Oh Chays, ‘Big Old World’ from ‘Big Old World’ (2014, self); The Oh Chays ‘Do Say Think’ (Live); The Oh Chays, ‘Dirk’s Lullaby’ from ‘Big Old World’ (2014, self); The Oh Chays ‘Righting Your Wrongs’ (Live); The Oh Chays, ‘Piece of Me’ from ‘Big Old World’ (2014, self)

Episode 189: Jory Nash

Mar 30 2015

This week’s Folk Roots Radio featured an excerpt from our recent in-depth interview with Toronto-based singer-songwriter Jory Nash. Jory has just released a smashing new album, ‘The Many Hats Of Jory Nash’, an album that pays homage to his extensive hat collection. It’s a beautifully textured album of folk and folk-pop and well worth checking out. As usual there’s lots of new music on this week’s show – plus, as always, our mystery theme and guilty pleasure.

Mar 29 2015

Tia McGraff is about to release her latest album ‘Crazy Beautiful’ (2015, Bandana Records). Tia joined us in the studio on March 28 with her musical partner Tommy Parham to chat about the album and spin a few tunes. Tia and Tommy will be playing at Uncorked on Main in Georgetown on April 2 at 7 p.m., followed by the Port Dover Harbour Museum on April 3-4 at 7 p.m. (the April 3 show is sold out) before heading off on a UK tour. For more information, visit tiamcgraff.com. Music: Tia McGraff ‘Baby’s Got A Banjo’, ‘The One I’ve Waited For’, ‘Mesa Gold’, ‘Movin’ The Smoke Away’ from ‘Crazy Beautiful’ (2015, Bandana Records) ;Tia McGraff, ‘Abigail’ (excerpt, live); Tia McGraff, ‘Reckonin’ ‘ from ‘Break These Chains’ (2013, Bandana Records); Tia McGraff ‘Long Ride Home’ from ‘Crazy Beautiful’ (2015, Bandana Records).

Stephen Fearing with Jane Lewis

Mar 27 2015

Stephen Fearing is back in the Guelph ON area for an Eden Mills Community Hall fundraiser on Saturday April 4 2015 at 7 p.m. Stephen’s solo performance will draw on his eighth and most recent solo recording “Between Hurricanes” (2013). Guelph based singer-songwriter Jane Lewis, who released her debut self-titled album in 2014, will be the opening act. It is hoped that the concert will help pay for the ongoing refurbishment and energy-retrofit of the venue. Check out our recent interview with Stephen Fearing HERE.

Tannis Slimmon at the River Run Centre

Mar 27 2015

Guelph-based Singer-songwriter Tannis Slimmon returns to the Cooperator’s Hall stage at the River Run Centre on April 10 accompanied by her musical partner, Lewis Melville.

Mar 27 2015

The Conor Gains Band and The Kauffey Temple Trio come together on April 2 for a great night of Americana Roots and Blues at the Lancaster Smokehouse (574 Lancaster St. W, Kitchener) at 8 p.m. (Doors 7:30 p.m.). The show is being presented by the Grand River Blues Society and the Lancaster Smokehouse, which is quickly becoming one of Southern Ontario’s best known blues venues. Advance tickets ($15) are now on sale at the Lancaster Smokehouse, Encore Records, Tri City Music aa well as through Ticketscene and directly from the bands involved. Tickets will be $20 at the door (if still available).

Mar 26 2015

Singer-songwriter Jory Nash has just released his new album, “The Many Hats Of Jory Nash “, an album that pays homage to his extensive hat collection in it’s title. It’s a beautifully textured album of folk and folk-pop, in the classic singer-songwriter tradition featuring excellent songs with a wonderfully warm and playful sound, clever lyrical hooks and excellent musicianship. We caught up with Jory at home at Toronto. Photo credit: Steve Dean. Music: Jory Nash, “A Night With You”, “King In Denial”, “Homeless Man”, “I Wake Up To Face Another Day” (duet with Michelle Willis) and “Ain’t Coming Home” from “The Many Hats Of Jory Nash” (2015, Thin Man Records)

Irish Mythen at The Rookery

Mar 24 2015

Irish Mythen will be at The Rookery in Kitchener for a house concert on Saturday March 28 at 7:30 p.m. If you’ve never been to an Irish Mythen show, you should get there – it’s an unforgettable experience. If you’ve never been to a Rookery house concert, you should go – they put on some wonderful hospitality, and these days, house concerts are a great way to enjoy fabulous music in an intimate atmosphere that allows you to hang out with the artist before and after the performance.

Mar 24 2015

Regular listeners to Folk Roots Radio will know that we are big fans of Hannah Shira Naiman. Hannah will be at The Galt Room above Café 13, 13 Main Street, Galt, Cambridge for a Mill Race Folk Society fundraiser on March 27 at 8 p.m. Tickets $15.00 at the Door & online at www.millracefolksociety.com.

Mar 24 2015

This week’s Folk Roots Radio features an interview with Connecticut based singer-songwriter Kerri Powers. After years out of the spotlight to raise a family, Kerri returned to the music scene in 2014 with her stunning self-titled Americana blues and roots album, “Kerri Powers”, a little bit country, a little bit bluesy and very rootsy it was one of our favourite albums of 2014. As usual, there’s lots of new music on this week’s show alongside our mystery theme and guilty pleasure.

Mar 22 2015

Jonathan Byrd and The Pickup Cowboys (feat. Johnny Waken and Paul Ford) and Eliot Bronson were in Guelph on March 20 2015 for a wonderful show at Silence. They joined us in the studio at CFRU 93.3fm the next day as we went “Overtime” on Folk Roots Radio. Music: Jonathan Byrd “38 Baby” from “You Can’t Outrun The Radio” (2014, Waterbug Records); Jonathan Byrd and the Pickup Cowboys – “I Was An Oak Tree” (Live), “Working Offshore” (Live) and “Love Is The Law” (Live); Eliot Bronson – “Comin’ For Ya North Georgia Blues” (Live), “River Runs Dry” (Live) and “One Mississippi” (Live); Jonathan Byrd and the Pickup Cowboys – “A Big Truck Brought It” (Live) and “Sun On The Water” (Live).

Episode 187: Eliot Bronson

Mar 14 2015

This week’s Folk Roots Radio features an interview with Atlanta singer-songwriter Eliot Bronson, who joins us to chat about his new self-titled album and his tour of Ontario with Jonathan Byrd. Jonathan Byrd and Eliot Bronson will be in Guelph on Friday March 20 for a Folk Roots Radio hosted show at the great listening venue, Silence. Check out all the event details here. As always, the show also contains a lot of new music and our mystery theme and guilty pleasure.

Mar 09 2015

This week’s Folk Roots Radio features an excerpt of an interview with North Carolina singer-songwriter Jonathan Byrd discussing his forthcoming album “Mother Tongue” (recorded recently in Denmark) and upcoming Ontario tour with The Pickup Cowboys. You can listen to the full interview here. Jonathan Byrd will be in Guelph on Friday March 20 for a show at the great listening venue Silence with another fabulous songwriter, Atlanta’s Eliot Bronson. Check out the event details here. As always, the show also contains a lot of new music and our mystery theme and guilty pleasure.

Mar 07 2015

“Eliot Bronson”, the self-titled third album from Atlanta-based singer-songwriter Eliot Bronson has been creating quite a stir since its release in 2014, with favourable comparison being made to people like Ryan Adams. The album, tracked entirely in analog by acclaimed Nashville producer Dave Cobb (Sturgill Simpson, Rival Sons, Jason Isbell, Nikki Lane), is already creating quite a buzz on the folk scene. Eliot is on tour in Ontario during March and will be joining Jonathan Byrd for a Folk Roots Radio hosted show at Silence on March 20. Eliot Bronson joined us on Folk Roots Radio to chat about his music. Music: Eliot Bronson, “River Runs Dry”; “Nothing Like Me”; “Time Ain’t Nothin'” and “Coming For Ya North Georgia Blues” from “Eliot Bronson” (2014, Saturn 5 Records).

Jonathan Byrd – The Interview

Mar 04 2015

North Carolina singer-songwriter Jonathan Byrd is back on tour in Ontario. He makes a Guelph stop with Eliot Bronson for a Folk Roots Radio hosted show at Silence on March 20. A son of a preacher man and Gulf War veteran, Jonathan Byrd has received many accolades for the quality of his songwriting including being named a New Folk award winner at the famed Kerrville Folk Festival in 2003. A gregarious and affable road warrior, his shows resemble something between a revival meeting and musical theatre, bringing together great songs, fine musicianship and some wonderful southern storytelling. We caught up with Jonathan at home in North Carolina. Music: Jonathan Byrd and The Sentimentals, “If I Was An Oak Tree” (Live); Jonathan Byrd and The Pickup Cowboys, “Do You Dream” (Live); Jonathan Byrd and The Pickup Cowboys, “Pick-up Cowboy” (Live); Jonathan Byrd and The Sentimentals, “You Can’t Outrun The Radio” (Live).

The Shoeless On Tour

Coco Love Alcorn – The Interview

Episode 192: Trent Severn

Kevin Breit – The Interview

Trent Severn – The Interview

Episode 191: Charlie Angus

Dido & Aeneas

Charlie Angus – The Interview

Steeltown Pilgrim – In The Studio

Folk Roots Radio Episode 190: feat. The Oh Chays & More New Releases

The Oh Chays – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Episode 189: Jory Nash

Tia McGraff & Tommy Parham – The Interview

Stephen Fearing with Jane Lewis

Tannis Slimmon at the River Run Centre

The Conor Gains Band with Kauffey Temple Trio

Jory Nash – The Interview

Irish Mythen at The Rookery

Hannah Shira Naiman

Episode 188: Kerri Powers

Jonathan Byrd & The Pickup Cowboys with Eliot Bronson – In The Folk Roots Radio Studio

Episode 187: Eliot Bronson

Episode 186: Jonathan Byrd

Eliot Bronson – The Interview

Jonathan Byrd – The Interview