A couple weeks ago Ari Neufeld performed an ispiring show for the release of his new live CD/DVD. Friend and fellow performer Brent Tyler opened the night. Ari was joined by his brother Chris on vocals and Jenny Long, who created an amazing painting during the show (view that painting and others @ www.jennylongpainting.com).
It’s always cool to see artists that have performed at the cafe continuing to develop their artistic craft and growing an audience. Abbotsford singer/songwriter Joshua Hyslop has certainly done that in the last year since he played the Streaming Cafe.
I first discovered Joshua well looking over some clips from Vancouver Island based music video site Naked Jams (be sure to check them out!) . His live performances set in a bookstore, a back alley and a local diner, the honest delivery in Josh's voice accompanied by his old whole ridden guitar made for some really cool moments.
Joshua has been keeping great company lately, working with Nettwerk Records who’s roster includes music greats Sarah McLachlan, William Fitzsimmons (who just performed at the cafe a couple months ago) and Ron Sexsmith to name just a few.
After much anticipation he has just released his debut EP Cold Wind with Nettwerk and they've arranged for an exclusive stream. Have a listen to the six-song EP via sound cloud.
by Michael Donley
For me, I think part of the appeal of the independent music scene is that feeling I get with the discovery of an amazing band or song that the mainstream doesn't know about. It makes you feel like you are holding a secret that is all yours.
i thought i'd share my latest secrets and finds with you...Hope you enjoy and find some new discoveries of your own.
by Michael Donley photos by Nico Boesten Michael Bernard Fitzgerald performed a matinee show at the cafe in celebration of his new live album on June 25th. Here's a few shots from that show and some pics from the evening show with Attack In Black's Spencer Burton's side project Grey Kingdom, and grunge girl Young Wife. A packed day of musical fun-ness!
by Michael Donley The 2011 Western Canadian Music Award nominees were just announced at the end of last week and it`s really cool to see some familiar names getting recognition. A hand full of these nominees have performed at Streaming Cafe over the last couple years and I thought this would be a great excuse to showcase these talents in a blog!
The associated Break Out West music festival was held in Kelowna, BC last year and we were very privileged to be a host venue for the festivities in which the cafe streamed twelve bands in just three nights... it was a blast! Winnipeg`s Del Barber was one of those shows.
Since Del`s performance at the cafe in Oct of last year, he has had a Juno Nomination for Roots & Traditional Album of the Year for his 2010 release Love Songs for the Last Twenty and in April he appeared as the musical guest and interview on CBC`s The Q with Jian Ghomeshi.
Del has been nominated for two WCMA`s this year: Roots Solo Recording of the Year and Independent Album of the Year.
Here`s clip from Barber`s Oct 22nd performance at the cafe and we have just featured Del on our weekly ITUNES PODCAST channel.
Jen Lane from Saskatoon, SK who performed at the cafe during the BOWF last October and earlier that year in November was also nominated for a WCMA: Roots Solo Recording of the Year. Her 2010 release For The Night was produced and engineered by Vancouver`s Steven Drake, known for his work with The Hip, Michelle Wright and The Odds to name a few.
Jen Lane is back to perform at Streaming Cafe September 3rd , so be sure not miss it!
It`s was cool to see that young roots/bluegrass up-and-comers Fish & Bird were nominated for Roots Duo/Group Recording of the Year. Not only have they thrown their own twist on bluegrass, it just so happens that theyare performing this Saturday night, July 9th. Go to our event section info on the show!
Edmonton's Manuela performed at the cafe during her "Different Kind Of Fire" tour in February of 2010 and her album by the same name was nominated for a WCMA`s Urban Recording of the Year.
I encourage you to head to the Break Out festival and WCMA festivities October 20th to 23rd in Whitehorse, YT, but if my encouragement isn`t enough to get you to travel to the Yukon then keep up to date with all the happenings at http://breakoutwest.ca.
