Rose and Kettle Concert Sessions

Winter is Warmer at the Rose and Kettle Concert Sessions

2012-01-04T12:58:00.000-08:00

This could very well be the hottest winter on record with the line-up we have at the Rose and Kettle Concert Sessions. We have a tremendous range of music and talent gracing our wonderfully cozy venue. Our sincerest gratitude goes to the Cole Harbour Rural Heritage Society who provide us what has become the most welcoming venue in the region for both our musicians and our audiences.

Our concerts start at 7 on Thursday evenings, and admission is by free-will donation. All the funds go to the artists, except for a small percentage to support SOCAN. "The Rose and Kettle Concert Sessions" is an all-volunteer effort. Proceeds from sales of refreshments go to support the Cole Harbour Rural Heritage Farm.

Checkout our Youtube channel at: www.youtube.com/user/yourshantyman

Jan 26 – Al Macdonald and Richard Fortier

Al Macdonald
The formidable team of Alistair Macdonald and Richard Fortier join us again on January 26 with another evening of awesome music.
There is not a more prolific writer of Maritime contemporary folk songs than Al Macdonald. Over the years his songs have become embedded in the DNA of Maritime traditional music, having penned tunes which have been recorded by many top rated groups like Miller’s Jug and Breakin’ Tradition to name only two. His now legendary tune “Headin’ for Halifax” became an anthem for an entire generation forced to seek their fortunes further west than their homes here in the Maritimes.

Richard Fortier

Richard Fortier is certainly one of the more unique musicians and singer/songwriters one will encounter in Nova Scotia. His family roots can be found in the Southern US, but he was born and raised in Cape Breton. This unusual cultural background brings a particular vibrancy to his musicianship and keeps his fans intrigued. In addition to the traditions of his immediate upbringing, he has also developed a deep affection for the music of Middle Eastern and Spanish traditions.

Coming up:

Feb 2 – Brooke Miller

In the cold depths of last winter, Brooke Miller came to the Rose and Kettle for one of the best concerts we have ever had. In fact the youtube video we have of her from that concert has had more views and comments than any we have ever posted:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=OW1BuVpMeG4

Brooke is originally from PEI and has been playing music professionally since she was 12. After spending time on the “other” coast, and central Canada, she and her family came back here a few years ago and boy are we glad she did!

With her fourth new self titled album – and I use that old fashioned term correctly because it is available in CD, download and VINYL! – Brooke has been travelling the country winning acclaims both from those who are familiar with her work and brand new fans as well.

The new album (released on CD and 12″ red vinyl, and distributed worldwide on iTunes) includes reworked versions of some of Brooke’s best songs as well as new material, produced in a format ready for commercial radio. New tracks and new versions include the first single, “Cannonball,” a cover version of the great song by The Blue Nile “Tinseltown in the Rain,” an R&B-tinged vocal version of her tune “Shake It Off” (replete with horn section), loud versions of “Big Deal,” “You’ve Got My Attention” and “Big Deal,” and reworkings of “What You Know,” “You Can See Everything,” and “What Kind of Move.” Getting back to her rockier roots, Brooke has re-immersed herself into a more electric sound, while still keeping her acoustic and electric guitar playing front and centre.

Brooke also recorded her fifth album this November 2011 for the German label Stockfisch Records. This will be a more acoustic feeling album and be released followed by a May/June 2012 European tour.

Brooke’s tunes have been heard in recent feature films (THE YEAR OF GETTING TO KNOW US, starring Sharon Stone, Lucy Liu and Jimmy Fallon), and on hit television shows (The L Word and Women’s Murder Club). She won the Ontario Council of Folk Festivals’ 2007 Colleen Peterson Songwriting Award.

We feel like lottery winners getting Brooke back again. Catch her while you can folks ‘cause she is goin’ places fast!

Find out all about Brooke and her new ventures at: http://www.brookemiller.ca/

Feb 9 – Dylan Cormier

Feb 16 – Zach Smith and the Worry Birds

Feb 23 – Karen Robinson – CD RELEASE!!!

Mar 1 – TBA

Mar 8 – Norma MacDonald

Mar 15 - Dave Borins

Mar 22 – Leo Feinstein and Friends

Mar 29 – Ian Foster; Alex Hickey; and Bob Ardern

Ap 5 – TBA

Ap 12 – TBA

Ap 19 – Jeff Arsenault

Ap 26 – TBA

May 3 – Clary Croft

May 10 – Gillian Boucher

May 17 – South Shore Guitar Summit: James Crouse and Bob Ardern

Fall 2011 Rose and Kettle Concert Sessions

2011-09-02T08:19:00.000-07:00

December 15 – Food Bank Benefit Jammin with James

Annual Feed Nova Scotia food-bank benefit featured none other than our own “universal side man” the incredibly talented and versatile master of the six string guitar James Crouse.

Sept. 8th - Jenny MacDonald

On September 8th for our fall premier we featured Jenny MacDonald . Read more about this fabulous young performer at: www.jennymacdonald.com/index.php

Sept. 15th – Steve Keith

Watch steve perform some of his original tunes for our (very) live audience.

Coming all the way to us from Louisiana, Steve Keith is a brand new transplant to Nova Scotia’s South shore. Check out more on Steve at : Stevekeith.com

Sept. 22 - Ian Foster

We welcomed back for the third time all the way from St. John’s, NL, Ian Foster.

Check out more on Ian at: ianfoster.ca

Sept. 29 - Ronald Bourgeois

Music is a universal language for sure, and the concert with Ron Bourgeois on Sept 29th sure proved that! Watch this video of Ron performing his famous song "Amene le Vent"

Find out more about Ron at: www.myspace.com/ronaldbourgeois

Oct. 6 - Ernest Laidlaw CD release

Ernest Laidlaw pre-released for his new album, All The Way Down, with 10 original tunes.

Oct. 13 Ian Sherwood

Ian rocked the house! Find out all about Ian at: Iansherwood.com

Oct. 20 - Thom Swift

This was an evening we had been waiting for with great excitement.

Oct. 27 – Jay Perry and Margo Carruthers
aka "The Crone" and "He Who Dares"

Truly a unique evening and one of the most entertaining we have ever had!

Nov. 10 - Jason Macdonald

Find out more about Jason at:

www.jasonmacdonald.com/home.cfm

Nov. 17 Songwriters' Circle featured
Ann Fearon, Susan Crowe, Mel Farrimond

November 24 - Bonnie Ste Croix

Our November 24th Rose and Kettle Concert Session featured Bonnie Ste Croix.

Learn more about Bonnie at:

bonniestecroix.com

December 1 - Hank Middleton

Findout more about Hank at middletunes.ca

December 8 STEPHEN FEARING!!

Find out more about Stephen Fearing at: www.stephenfearing.com/

Some video memories of a great season

2011-07-08T18:42:00.000-07:00

Rosalee launches Voices

Rosalee Peppard launched her brand-new CD "Voices"at the Rose and Kettle last year. A signature song from that collection "Voice of Nova Scotia" reflects our founding cultures of Mi'Kmaq, French, English, Acadian, Gaelic, African and German.

Songwriters circles are always popular at the Rose and Kettle.

Jim Hanlon and Vince Morash traded a couple of tunes at one of our latest Songwriters' Circles. Jim Hanlon's "Wooden Ships and Iron Men" comes from his memories of a seacoast town.

Vince Morash's song "When a Soldier Falls" is a thoughtful tribute to our sons and daughters, husbands, wives and friends who are serving us overseas.

Sprucing up Spring for 2011

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Last years' performers:

June 9 – Bill Shaw and the Voyage of the Lucky Suz

A great evening with Bill as he shared his adventure with us through story, song and images.

Rosalee Peppard
launched her brand new CD "Voices on June 2.

May 26 - JK and the Pixie Dusters

May 19 - David Stone and Melanie Ross

May 12 - Alex Hickey

A fabulous singer/songwriter
http://www.alexsings.ca/

May 5 - Ardyth and Jennifer

Find out more about this incredible pair of talented performers at: www.ardythandjennifer.com

April 21 - Songwriters' Circle featured Ann Fearon, Karen Robinson and Louise Brooking-McDow

Louise

Ann

Karen

April 7 - Ian Foster

Check out more at http://www.ianfoster.ca/

March 31 - Acoustic Blues with Catahoula Brown and Mason MacLeod March 31

Catahoula Brown (the alter-ego of Chris Weagle) and Mason Macleod wowed the crowd with a fine selection of great acoustic blues. Find out more about Chris and his “alter ego” at:

www.myspace.com/catahoulabrown

www.myspace.com/masonmacleod

March 24 - Songwriters' Circle with Jim Hanlon, Robbie MacNeil, Vince Morash

We staged one of our popular song writers’ circles to welcome Spring on March 24. Vince Morash was joined by Robbie McNeil and Jim Hanlon for a great evening of song and the stories behind them.

March 17 - John Simms

On March 17 the Rose and Kettle Concert Sessions welcomed a new face to our stage with John Simms.

For more information on John, visit his website at:

www.sonicbids.com/JohnSimms

March 10 - Dan McKinnon

Dan McKinnon is a treasure of Maritime singer/songwriters. Our evening with Dan was a huge treat with Dan's rich baritone perfectly at home in the historic Tea Room.

March 3 - Sean Nos Irish workshop with Mossie Scanlon

Mossie O'Scanlon was joined by Cian O’Morain for a truly unique Sean Nos workshop which was an evening of song, story, conversations and questions with a few laughs and maybe a tear or two thrown in for good measure. These two came all the way from the Dingle peninsula in Ireland.

Find out more about Mossie at: http://www.mossiescanlon.com/

February 24 Songwriters' circle with Rob Wigle, Kev Corbett and Lloyd McHardy

February 17 featured Laura Smith

Our February 17 Concert Session with Laura Smith was the most amazing evening we have ever had. We had a trecord breaking crowd and Laura moved everyone with her incredible songs and singing. The masterful accompaniment of George Antoniak brought out the absolute best in Laura and her music.

The Rose and Kettle Fall Season

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Dec. 16 - Annual Christmas

Food Bank benefit

"Jammin' with James"

Santa Crouse

There is not a more versatile guitarist than James Crouse. He is the number one choice for helping out some of our moust outstanding musicians and singer songwriters.

This is a night to highlight James and his many musical friends. We will be talking about this night for a long time to come!

Bring along a friend and a donation for the food bank in cash or non perishable food item.

This will be our last Rose and Kettle Concert Session for 2010! See you all in January

Thoughts of the season from
Vince Morash

As the year 2010 comes to a close, I feel it is only fitting to acknowledge, and give thanks for this great year of music and camaraderie.

(not Vince but close)

Yes, there is something very special about the rose and kettle concert sessions…....maybe a bit hard to define, like describing quality was to Robert Pirsig (zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance). We all think we know quality, but we have trouble defining it. Truth is (my truth) that quality is many different things to many different people, so if quality is perception, and only exists with the individual, then does quality exist? Robert Pirsig ended up in a mental institution while pondering these thoughts, so lets not dwell here too much.

Maybe a "seat of the pants " explanation is that it’s fun; And we all get a kick out of it. Organizers, performers, and listeners alike.

I’ve thought of it, for some time as an exchange of energies,

The positive receptive energy of an audience willing to be moved and entertained by music and the creative energy of the performers rising to greet that energy with enthusiasm;. and what wonderful shows we’ve had!.

I’ve delighted in listening to artists and audience, quickly develop a relationship over the evening, and also that audience’s generous support by donation and CD sales.

The Rose and Kettle kitchen has been busy this year and many thanks to Jan’s staff for their baked goods.

By purchasing tea, coffee and sweets, our concert sessions are contributing to maintaining this great heritage property.

This exchange of energies I spoke of is really like relationship building and there’s lots going on here. The relationship of performer and audience; music and listener; coffee and cream; date squares and waist size; meeting and greeting, new tunes and old; maybe stories yet told.

Great relationships seem to flourish where there is a genuine attitude of caring and sharing, audience, artists, kitchen help, chair drudges, sound folks, occasional helpers and publicity, we’re all in this together.

It has been my observation that so much about life is about those things that we share and care for, the things that we hold on to and the things we set free and the choices we make.

So thank you everyone for choosing Rose and Kettle concert sessions, this is your special night. Let’s keep it going.

Peace out - Vince Morash

Recent sessions:

The Dave Brothers December 9

Once again the trio of Daves Chapman, Halley and Puxley gave us a great evening of musicianship and great tunes.
We have a couple of videos to remind us of the show or see what you missed. The Daves perform "Gumboot Cloggin' " and Dave Chapman's original lap-steel tune "Nova Hula".

Dec. 2 - Hal Bruce performs "All Alone Again"

Hal Bruce brought us all back to the late sixties and the seventies with his original tunes and covers of The Beatles, Simon and Garfunkle, James Taylor and others. In this clip he sings one of his original tunes "All Alone Again" which made it to the charts. Read more about Hal at: http://www.halbruce.com/

November 25 - Ian Sherwood

Ian Sherwood

Nova Scotia's Musician of the Year left the crowd wanting more!!!

November 18 - Naming the Twins

This duo just keeps getting better and better. Many of the tunes they performed are from their new album For further information, musical samples and fun reading - please check out the Twins' web page: www.myspace.com/namingthetwins

Naming the Twins perform "Darby Street"

Naming the Twins perform "Oh Life!"

October 28 featured Jim Hanlon

Our Concert Session with Jim Hanlon really warmed things up. Joined by musical friends Bruce Conrad and Karen "Momma" Munro, Jim played a great variety of his own music and his favourites. Here are two You Tube videos of Jim playing his prize winning tune "Annie's Promise" and the title song from his current CD "From the Heart".

Read more at: www3.ns.sympatico.ca/chrislumsden/jimhanlon/index.html

SPECIAL CONCERT SUNDAY OCT.24 - Geoff Kaufman

Our special session with Geoiff Kaufman on Sunday, October 24 was a huge success.

Geoff treated the audience to a great selection of his folk songs and sea songs as well as some unique musicianship on the "bones" and the concertina. The "sailors' squeezebox" has a long association with sea music. Geoff gave us a bit of history of the instruemnt and how it was invented.

Read more at: www.geoffkaufman.com/

Clary Croft October 21

Clary Croft's Sesssion on October 21 was one of tghe best we have ever had at the Rose and Kettle. Watch for Clary's Christmas concerts coming soon!

Clary’s latest book: “Witchcraft: Tales, beliefs and superstitions from the Maritimes” has just been launched and getting rave reviews