Renee’s Cafe
June/July 2010 Music/Art/Dining


Join our email list at reneescafe@gmail.com
Check out www.renees.net
Call us! 705 386-0977
OPEN HOURS:
Sunday – Wednesday 10am – 3pm
Thursday - Friday 10:00am – 7:00pm
Saturday noon - 11pm
DINING & LIVE MUSIC - Reservations Appreciated
Artwork for July - Sally Ferguson
Artwork for August - Jane Bonnell

Wednesday June 30

Artist: Art Opening
Time: 7-9pm
Price: No Cover

Coming to art suddenly in the halfway point in her life, Sally Ferguson's training has been a study in following clues of inspiration that supported her emerging sense of purpose. Even with the surprise of immediate success in Canadian and U.S. exhibits and sales, she quickly realized that she did not relate to the art world in the expected way. Turning instead to the strong call of the inner world, she surrendered to a process of being guided from there, and devoted herself to research in this arena of wonders. She deepened her practice of entering stillness in a sacred way, learning from what was shown to her and recording what occurred in vision. Sally Ferguson is a 'Research Artist', following a way of strictest integrity with the gifts that have been given to her. Following such a path of spirit has brought her to a global perspective about her work and the creative process, how it can and does impact the earth, and how such a spirit based creativity can nurture creativity in community and its relationship with the land and water and all with whom we share necessity and beauty. Her work comes ever more strongly from this depth, and the depth itself guides others to creativity through Sally and her ongoing practices and discoveries. It was in this sense that her last major exhibit was called, Infinite Purpose.

Friday July 2

Artist: Kevin Closs
Time: 8pm
Price: $10 cover

Kevin Closs is a Northern Ontario based singer/songwriter from Manitoulin Island, an island in Georgian Bay south of the La Cloche mountain range. Since 1989 he has worked as a recording and performing artist releasing nine independent CDs and playing concerts, festivals and clubs across the country. Kevin’s third CD, Surrender, featured two singles, “Erica” and “Home”, which made the Canadian AC and Country charts respectively.

His fourth album, Homecoming, was produced by Ian Tamblyn at Sound of One Hand in Ottawa, and featured some of that scene’s best musicians including Rebecca Campbell, Fred Guignion and Peter Kiesewalter. Several tracks from Homecoming have become CBC Radio staples including Kevin’s solo guitar arrangement of “O Canada”. Kevin has also honed his skills as a producer and engineer recording his most recent CDs, Solar Ethic and Sun’s In My Eyes, in his own home studio. He has produced two albums of traditional Irish music and also records with his rock group The Nobs, who have a devoted following in Northern Ontario.

A gifted and accomplished guitarist he has been featured on the radio program “Six Strings and a Million Possibilities” on Regina’s CJTR. His contributions to the folk music community won him the prestigious Jackie Washington Award in 2002. He has garnered support from the Ontario Arts Council from which he received songwriting grants in 1996 and 2001. His latest CD is entitled Heart's End.

Saturday July 3

Artist: Garry & Renee White
Time: 8pm
Price: $12 Cover

The instrumental duo plays music from many musical eras, including popular jazz standards from the 30's & 40's, be-bop from the 50's, and soul jazz from the 60's. Their love songs are sweet and their blues funky. Folk, Beatles, pop and original compositions are also in the repertoire. Garry White is a veteran of the Toronto jazz scene and a versatile, gifted player who plays the guitar like no one else and is a treat to hear. He has played and toured North America and Europe with the Tommy Hunter Show, and later he played with The Platters. He went on to join Hagood Hardy, and also played with Guido Basso, Moe Koffman, Peter Appleyard, Ed Bickert, Norm Amadeo and many other jazz greats. His dynamic guitar sound shows many influences, ranging from Chet Atkins to Lennie Breau, Ed Bickert and Wes Montgomery. Bassist Renée White is from Toronto where she began her musical studies on clarinet, playing with various concert bands and orchestras. Moving on to the bass opened many musical doors and she soon began playing with jazz and dance bands around the North Bay area.

Friday July 9

Artist: Amy Bishop
Time: 8pm
Price: $12 Cover

This calgary-based singer-songwriter has collaborated with moby, opened for april wine, farmer's daughter and chris cummings, and her intuitive musical prowess has become the stuff of local legend. she has an instinctive ability to craft stories into song and deliver them with the sincerity and passion of a best friend - qualities that make amy an undeniable canadian talent. Amy had been compared to: kd lang, mary chapin carpenter, tracy chapman, janice joplin, johnny reid and more.

Saturday July 10

Artist: Vince Andrushko
Time: 8pm
Price: $12 Cover

Vince Andrushko's songs take you places. But, more than that, they give you a sense of all the history that went into making that place at that moment just so. He has an engaging voice overflowing with style and character that compels you to keep listening in a way that's becoming rare in these days of instant communication. Vince was raised where the open prairie and the big sky meet the big city, on the outskirts of the indomitable underdog of Canadian culture, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Listening to him perform gives you a sense that maybe time doesn't behave exactly how you thought it did. Maybe it's a recognition of a common yearning we all have to make ourselves unreachable to the stresses of modern life and retreat to a cabin in the woods where we, not our cell phones and alarm clocks, can determine the pace of life. "Almost Home," Andrushko's second album, was released in 2009, and was recorded at the hotbed of roots/Canadiana, Beverland Studios in Winnipeg's West End. Do yourself a favour and find a copy of this record. Or better yet, come see Vince perform live and get one straight from him.

Friday July 16

Artist: Cameron Austin
Time: 8pm
Price: $10 Cover

Singer-songwriter Cameron Austin performs original songs that have been described as Rhythm and Groove featuring “stunning” percussive rhythms, peppered with folk, blues, latin, & jazz flavours - music for long, hot summer nights.

His latest album offering, Seems To Me, is a perfect back-country road trip CD - windows down, wind in your hair, arms out the window, feet on the dashboard - visions of freedom and escape with the heat, energy, and grittiness of asphalt and gravel in steamy July. Cameron performs with percussionist extraordinaire, Rick Roy, who provides the rhythm of the road, whether on a Healey, ‘hog‘, or horse.

Seems To Me, Cameron’s second CD, was mastered by the Joao Carvalho and recorded/mixed with engineer Gary Long who worked with Digging Roots on their JUNO award winning CD. In the past, Cameron has recorded and performed with JUNO award winner Erroll Starr ( www.errollstarr.com ), Melissa McClelland (www.melissamcclelland.com ) , Don Bray & Alyssa Wright.

“When guitarist & singer-songwriter Cameron Austin takes his place in front of the microphone, he delivers a performance straight from the heart that sends a charge through the audience who came to hear music performed as it was meant to be performed - live.” (Brian Lockhart, Sideroads)
www.myspace.com/cameronaustin5

Saturday July 17

Artist: Doug & Ada Maeck
Time: 8pm
Price: Donation

Come, relax, and let this local duo cool you down from the summer heat. They are going to pass the evening singing a blend of easy listening country and old-time rock, ranging from Anne Murray covers to 50’s classics. Doug and Ada are donating all proceeds from this show to the Machar Animal Shelter.

Friday July 23

Artist: Daniel Champagne
Time: 8pm
Price: $12 Cover

Hailed in his home country as ‘the most talked about rising star of Australia’s next generation’ Daniel Champagne delivers one of the most impressive one man shows out there. Reaching to musical depths far beyond his years and a way with the guitar that can only be seen to be believed. Champagne explodes with an energy closer to a three piece band then that of a 20yr old Singer/Songwriter/Guitarist. Pulling off sets from intense blues-driven crowd pleasers, experimental compositions, bags of originals to century old Folk or Blues Songs. As for the voice...'He sings with a wonderfully pronounced and proud Aussie twang, howling here, hushed there, always confident, fearless and knowing' (Jamie Forbes). Ever since the release of the debut ‘My Own Design’ as an 18yr old. Daniel has toured the Australian Circuit extensively, stamping his name in the Folk and Blues ranks, sharing stages with some of the leaders on the scene today and most notably becoming a prominent light for his generation in the ever evolving culture of music. Daniel has performed some of the world’s most prestigious Folk and Blues festivals including... -Woodford Folk Festival, Byron Bay Bluesfest, Vancouver Folk Festival (Canada), Salmon Arms Roots and Blues Festival (Canada), National Folk Festival, Queenscliff Music Festival, Australian Blues Festival and many more.

Saturday July 24

Artist: Luke Fretwalker
Time: 8pm
Price: $12 Cover

Luke Fretwalker. Coming from a very eclectic background, he’s ready to put out a solid night of dancing, singing, laughing and even crying if that’s what you need. An all around celebration of music, community, the wonderful world we live in and just life in general. “I’ve been studying sound therapy and really have latched onto the idea of secretly healing folks through the music that I’m writing and I also am trying to pick out tunes that have words, sounds and general qualities of healing. Even if you don’t need healing, it’s still music to uplift people and bring them together in a celebratory manor.”

With the turbulent times that we are amidst it’s seems more important than ever to be strong in our communities and what better way to bring us together than music and celebration of all things good in life!!! May the Force be with us. : )

Friday July 30

Artist: Bill Candy
Time: 8pm
Price: $12 Cover

As a performer ...Bill Candy brings a gripping combination of guitar and vocal mastery to the stage. His original arrangements of folk, jazz, country, blues & pop classics are both unique and refreshing – keeping the audience entertained for the entire performance. Bill’s roots stem back to the 60’s & 70’s (Jim Croce, Paul Simon, James Taylor etc.), and combine with his classical and Jazz studies at the Royal Conservatory of Music and Berklee College of Music in Boston. It is this eclectic musical background that has produced Bill’s unique style of playing, and what sets him apart from other performers. Native Canadian star Susan Aglukark has also recorded one of Bill’s songs on her critically acclaimed EMI CD “This Child”, which presented Bill as one of Canada’s finest songwriters to the International community. The release of Bill’s long-awaited new CD, “COMMON GROUND” is being well received internationally, as well as here at home.

Saturday July 31

Artist: David Leask
Time: 8pm
Price: $12 Cover

Originally from Edinburgh, Scotland, David is a powerful performing songwriter who has built an artistic bridge between the influences of his birthplace, and the fresh possibilities of his new Canadian home; the result has been three critically-acclaimed CD’s, one Juno nomination, and a bag full of songwriting awards. His music explores the diverse landscapes of human emotion while combining the story-telling tradition of his homeland and his own fusion of Celtic soul and country-pop-rock. David’s live show is always musically rich, high energy and heart-felt, whether he’s playing solo, in a trio or backed by his 5-piece band. The secret lies in his ability to read both his audience and the event, tailoring the musical sensibilities of his show accordingly. He has shared the stage at venues across the country with artists such as the Waterboys, the Irish Descendants, Barra MacNeil’s, Natalie MacMaster, and Bruce Guthro, and he continues to captivate audiences with the intensity of his performance and his Scots charm.

Friday Aug 6

Artist: Jane Bonnell
Time: Art Opening
Price: No Cover

Jane holds a BFA in painting and drawing from the University of Windsor and a Diploma in Art and Design from Sheridan College, and received awards for academic excellence in both. Her studio degree is augmented by an academic major in art history and a minor in psychology. This accomplished artist is now a 2-time winner of the Curator’s Choice prize, in the Tom Thomson Challenge show, organized by Brenda Scott, during the South River Festival of the Arts. The prize was awarded by Joan Murray, well-known curator, retired director of the McLaughlin Gallery in Oshawa, and author of many books on Canadian art.

Jane has had an annual solo show at Renee’s since 1998. www.janebonnell.ca

Saturday Aug 7

Artist: David Carmichael & Flora Poste
Time: 8pm
Price: $12 Cover

It’s the double-bill tour of the summer…multiple East Coast Music Award and Canadian Folk Music Award nominee Dave Carmichael is teaming up with dazzling newcomer Flora Poste, on the heels of her critically-acclaimed debut release, for an extensive Canadian tour this August.

Dave Carmichael is a singer-songwriter in the folk/roots tradition who has been wowing audiences throughout North America & Europe for over ten years. Penguin Eggs magazine says of his latest release, Spirit Dance: “Carmichael has found an effective way to translate his musical and poetic gifts into clear and resonant recordings.” The Halifax Daily News describes Spirit Dance as “…a listener's album; a soundtrack for a rainy afternoon or a drive down a quiet country road.” His intricate guitar-playing, heartfelt song-writing and energetic performance style combine to make Dave Carmichael an act not to be missed.

Flora Poste’s debut album In The Open has received enormous praise since its very recent release this past May. CBC’s “Mr. Music” Mark Rheaume praised In The Open as “…a rewarding listen from the first time you put it in the player.” CHARTattack raved “...her debut is the kind of positive first impression most young artists hope to make... beaming with a high degree of cleverness and maturity.” Exclaim! magazine says of her music: “"Like an ethereal summer breeze, Flora Poste's balmy voice hovers gracefully above her gently strummed guitar ballads. She layers her harmonies, to angelic effect...Flora Poste is brimming with potential.”. Come see what all the buzz is about. For more information on these artists, please visit www.davecarmichael.com & www.florapostemusic.com

Friday Aug 13

Artist: Stewed Roots
Time: 8pm
Price: $12 Cover

Stewed Roots is Jeff (Jennifer) Hale & Neva Tesolin from Toronto and Niagara, performing original music with memorable story songs that you’ll readily want to rehear. With Jeff on lead vocals and guitar, accompanied by Neva on piano, accordion, and octave mandolin; the duo cultivates a versatile sound rooted in folk, blues, country, celtic and cajun styles. Playfulness, irony, melancholy and poetry are simmered into tales of everyday life and family. In 2009, Stewed Roots performed at the Ottawa Folk Festival as winners of the ‘One Fret Less Award’ competition. The duo has also garnered CBC, independent and international air play and reviews with their debut CD - ‘In the Middle of This,’ which earned them a place in the top 40 spins of 2009 on CBC’s Galaxie Radio Folk/Roots Channel. www.stewedroots.com

Saturday Aug 14

Artist: Dom DeLuca
Time: 8pm
Price: $12 Cover

Inspired by Bob Dylan, Townes Van Zandt and Ron Sexsmith, Dom De Luca taught himself how to play guitar, sing and compose songs and took it all on as if it was the only thing that mattered.

De Luca believes in living life with purpose and passion. As one his songs says…”I ain’t strong/But, you know my style/I’ll smash all walls down/And burn up towns/just to make you smile.”

“BIRDS OF WORRY” is De Luca’s debut record – an equally quiet and raucous affair filled with imaginative and emotionally revealing lyrics and catchy, well-crafted melodies. He rails at gossip mongers in “I’VE BEEN FINE” while, in “TORONTO” he, with a smudge of the obscene, sweetly serenades his own beloved city. “PLAY THAT SONG” finds him passionately rhapsodizes about the power of music to heal any and all emotional wounds. And, in the title track, he softy coos a tune of comfort to a friend who has just seen her world evaporate before her eyes.

“BIRDS OF WORRY” has received airplay on CBC SASKATCHEWAN, CBC OTTAWA, CANOE FM 100.9, CKLN, CIUT, BREAKTHRU RADIO and INDIE LOVE RADIO. Dom has toured Ontario promoting, “BIRDS OF WORRY”, with stops in Hamilton, Belleville, Picton, Camden East, Mattawa, South River and Sault Sainte Marie.

delucadom@hotmail.com

Friday Aug 20

Artist: Ginger St.James
Time: 8pm
Price: $12 Cover

GINGER St. James, a tiny firecracker of a woman, raised on a farm near Hamilton, full of piss and vinegar, has become a serious artist who combines, night after night, two great American traditions: Burlesque and the blues. You CAN take the girl out of the farm, and you CAN take the farm out of the girl. Seriously, people, there’s a smart and sassy sophistication that’s part of the private and public persona of this woman that certainly belies a childhood of bailing hay, mucking out the cowshed, and feeding the animals. St. James found her way into the entertainment business the way most kids do — a guitar at 13, a cheerful streak of exhibitionism (“ I’m on stage; look at me!”), talent contests, and — a defining moment — a guest appearance with a burlesque troupe in a little theatre.

In 2002, she first appeared on the Toronto scene as a member of Les Coquettes as a sultry singer; her affection for good old rock and roll and the lure of footlights led her to Broadway songs. Eighty shows later, St. James had emerged as a singer as well as a saucy soubrette with slithery moves, legs to die for and a smile to melt the ice in your gin and tonic. Along the way, she worked as an artists’ model, took the femme fatale role in Lucky 7, an indie film feature (and she’s currently involved in two other independent movie productions) and performed as a guest with many well known Hamilton bands. In 2009 she formed her pedal-to-the- metal backup group, which she named — of course! — The Grinders.

Ginger St. James has now well and truly broken out of her role as a Hamilton phenomenon; the rest of us are discovering her. And an entertainer who demands that her audience laughs and dances their asses off. This hotrod and hootenanny loving gal is the real deal. Ginger St. James, in short, has arrived. And you should — you will — pay attention.

Saturday Aug 21

Artist: The Beachcombers
Time: 8pm
Price: $12 Cover

This trio of well known musicians performed during their high school years at numerous teen dances & concerts across the Almaguin area. They have reunited after 40 years to perform music from the 60’s, along with a few of your favourite country songs for your entertainment pleasure. Join us for an evening of nostalgia music that is sure to rekindle rock & roll memories.

Friday Aug 27

Artist: Wendell Ferguson – Benefit Concert
Time: 8pm
Price: $15 Cover

Six time CCMA Guitar Player of the Year, Wendell Ferguson has traveled the globe and accompanied a veritable who's who in both the country field - (George Fox, Duane Steele, Tommy Hunter, Shania Twain, The Dixie Chicks) and the folk arena - (Gordon Lightfoot, Quartette, Bob Snider, Cindy Church). He is one of the best loved and most respected guitar players in Canada. Wendell performs his own, very funny songs at Folk Festivals and concert series. "The man writes sharp, witty and head-spinningly brilliant tunes. He's a cross between Roger Miller and Ray Flack. He has more in common with Mark Twain than Shania". (Twangzine). "The Victor Borge of the guitar." According to Country Music News "Wendell Ferguson is recognized by his peers as one of the top pickers in the country and known best as having one of the quickest wits in the game. A talented and funny guy to say the least." Wendell has offered to return the proceeds of this concert to Renee’s café.

Saturday Aug 28

Artist: Garry & Renee White
Time: 8pm
Price: $12 Cover

The instrumental duo plays music from many musical eras, including popular jazz standards from the 30's & 40's, be-bop from the 50's, and soul jazz from the 60's. Their love songs are sweet and their blues funky. Folk, Beatles, pop and original compositions are also in the repertoire.

Garry White is a veteran of the Toronto jazz scene and a versatile, gifted player who plays the guitar like no one else and is a treat to hear. He has played and toured North America and Europe with the Tommy Hunter Show, and later he played with The Platters. He went on to join Hagood Hardy, and also played with Guido Basso, Moe Koffman, Peter Appleyard, Ed Bickert, Norm Amadeo and many other jazz greats. His dynamic guitar sound shows many influences, ranging from Chet Atkins to Lennie Breau, Ed Bickert and Wes Montgomery.

UPCOMING EVENTS
Sept 3 - JD Edwards
Oct 15 - Dan Walsh & Lynn Jackson
Nov 5 - David Essig
Nov 13 - Honeygrass Bluegrass