Summer Pause will end with a “Bomb” – October show booked!

Bomb – Kelly McMichael‘s single, that is. Check out the video here and make this your ‘song of summer’. We are stoked to have Kelly slotted in for September 20th! And while I have your attention, don’t delay! Tickets for this show are live now on EventBrite for $25.  

Here’s a taste of what you can expect: You Got it Wrong

Kelly McMichael is an artist and producer known for her buttery vocals, genre-bending arrangements and commanding stage presence. Kelly’s blend of retro pop/rock flirts with psychedelia and jazz to help provide rich packaging for her ‘instant-classic’ songwriting.

Based in Newfoundland, originally from Peterborough, Ontario, Kelly’s career kicked off while she was studying Art at The University of Guelph with her DIY feminist synth band ‘Rouge’. She was recruited to perform with Tim Baker, Sarah Harmer, and The Burning Hell across North America and Europe. After a decade as a side player, Kelly had a breakthrough with her debut, independently-released album, ‘Waves’ (2021), earning a spot on the Polaris Prize shortlist, three Music NL Awards, and the ECMA for ‘Best Rock Recording’.

Kelly McMichael’s sophomore album, ‘After The Sting Of It’ (2024) is a fearless expansion of the classic sound of her first. With an adventurous and broad sonic landscape, the album sits in the comfort of its core ideas – tear down and rebirth. Kelly’s voice is rich with resilience and empathy on record, and “sounds even better live” (Michael Barclay). The single ‘Bomb’ charted on The Verge (satelite), campus radio, and CBC, making the CBC Top 20 along with a second single, ‘Open (Hurts to Have a Heart)’. And BIG NEWS – Kelly made the recently announced Polaris Prize long list for 2025 with this record!!

“I write and record in a way that you’re just giving the song what it needs. “Why limit the creativity?”, Kelly says. “ I don’t want limitations.”

Nor do we! When something sweet comes our way we try to take advantage….like bumping into Kim Dunn at the Carleton a few weeks ago. Chatting with him brought back some great memories of the shows he played here so we asked him to come back and he said yes. Kim Dunn will be here for a solo show on October 25. Tickets on sale now.

Like all of our house concerts, 100 % of the door will go directly to the artists. We provide the stage, chairs and hopefully a room filled with eager listeners. Snacks and soft drinks will be offered; otherwise it is BYOB. Bringing music-loving-friends and visiting family members is strongly encouraged. So gather some friends – grab your tickets – and head on over – easy as that!   See you soon 🙂.  

Monique & George

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Quote the Raven – Summer – Kelly McMichael

Before we pause for the summer, we have one more show on Wednesday, June 11, with the delightful Quote the Raven. Show time is 7:30 pm.  Tickets are $25 here.

Quote the Raven, consisting of Jordan Coaker and Kirsten Rodden-Clarke have been performing together for over a decade. The pair got their start in the small bars and pubs around St. John’s and in the past few years have rapidly grown to a household name around Canada and are steadily growing their clout on an international level. The dynamic duo have a harmonious blend that’s incomparable; it’s like the blending of two voices into one, while their Americana meets east coast songwriting and stage dynamic are irresistibly charming. The duo have performed at major festivals around the Country, including the Vancouver Island, Vancouver, Mission, Canmore, Bear Creek and Lunenburg Folk Festivals. They are recipients of the 2019, 2021, and 2022 MusicNL Group of the Year. Their sophomore album titled Can’t Hold the Light won the 2022 ECMA for Contemporary Roots album of the year and has been nominated for two Canadian Folk Music Awards. And they recently picked up a 2025 ECMA for Roots Release of the Year for their single ‘Already Gone‘. We simply love this duo and you will too!

And please mark your calendars and grab your tickets for our September show, on the 20th of September, featuring the awesome Kelly McMichael.  Tickets are live now on EventBrite for $25.  

Kelly McMichael is an artist and producer known for her buttery vocals, genre-bending arrangements and commanding stage presence. Kelly’s blend of retro pop/rock flirts with psychedelia and jazz to help provide rich packaging for her ‘instant-classic’ songwriting.

Based in Newfoundland, originally from Peterborough, Ontario, Kelly’s career kicked off while she was studying Art at The University of Guelph with her DIY feminist synth band ‘Rouge’. She was recruited to perform with Tim Baker, Sarah Harmer, and The Burning Hell across North America and Europe. After a decade as a side player, Kelly had a breakthrough with her debut, independently-released album, ‘Waves’ (2021), earning a spot on the Polaris Prize shortlist, three Music NL Awards, and the ECMA for ‘Best Rock Recording’.

Kelly McMichael’s sophomore album, ‘After The Sting Of It’ (2024) is a fearless expansion of the classic sound of her first. With an adventurous and broad sonic landscape, the album sits in the comfort of its core ideas – tear down and rebirth. Kelly’s voice is rich with resilience and empathy on record, and “sounds even better live” (Michael Barclay). The single ‘Bomb’ charted on The Verge (satelite), campus radio, and CBC, making the CBC Top 20 along with a second single, ‘Open (Hurts to Have a Heart)’.

“I write and record in a way that you’re just giving the song what it needs. “Why limit the creativity?”, Kelly says. “ I don’t want limitations.”

Like all of our house concerts, 100 % of the door will go directly to the artists. We provide the stage, chairs and hopefully a room filled with eager listeners. Snacks and soft drinks will be offered; otherwise it is BYOB. Bringing music-loving-friends and visiting family members is strongly encouraged. So gather some friends – grab your tickets – and head on over – easy as that!   See you soon 🙂. 

Monique & George

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Jessica Pearson and The East Wind bring harmonies to the house on June 7 + a surprise show added

Like sirens calling from an ancient shore, the haunting three-part harmonies of Jessica Pearson & The East Wind will bind you in a timeless folkloric spell. Alchemizing roots, classic country, Americana and Celtic soundscapes, the trio spin tales of outlaw heroics, matriarchal power, resistance and resilience, and the unrelenting beauty of becoming who you are.

Jessica Pearson and the East Wind’s live show will first bring you to the edge of your seat, and then to the edge of tears – before spilling over into joy, community, and a sense of sacred, shared power. Backed by the impeccable harmonies of Sam Stone and Malia Rogers alongside clawhammer banjo, mandolin, and tasteful percussion, Jessica’s storytelling and songs centre kindness and vulnerability while imploring audiences toward a better future for all. For a sneak peak, check out this sizzle video. Lots more on their website.

Join us on Saturday, June 7. Tickets (just) $20 here.

“Impeccable musicianship, great singing and a wide variety of material all served up with with good humour… with Jessica’s warm and genuine personality shining through and creating an instant rapport with the audience.” – Mike Kirrage, Festival Director of Gate to Southwell Music Festival, UK

Don’t be afraid to show up alone; from the minute the first chord plays, you’ll be among friends.

SURPRISE SHOW: While we were at the ECMAs in St. John’s we kept running into our good friends Jordan and Kirsten from Quote the Raven.  They mentioned, in passing, that they would be driving up to Ontario in mid-June and that a show or two en route would be nice…..we couldn’t agree more!  So we are bringing Quote the Raven in to play a show on Wednesday, June 11.  Because it is a school night we will start at 7:30 pm so that you can be home in time for a normal bedtime.  Tickets are $25 here.

Quote the Raven, consisting of Jordan Coaker and Kirsten Rodden-Clarke have been performing together for over a decade. The pair got their start in the small bars and pubs around St. John’s and in the past few years have rapidly grown to a household name around Canada and are steadily growing their clout on an international level. The dynamic duo have a harmonious blend that’s incomparable; it’s like the blending of two voices into one, while their Americana meets east coast songwriting and stage dynamic are irresistibly charming. The duo have performed at major festivals around the Country, including the Vancouver Island, Vancouver, Mission, Canmore, Bear Creek and Lunenburg Folk Festivals. They are recipients of the 2019, 2021, and 2022 MusicNL Group of the Year. Their sophomore album titled Can’t Hold the Light won the 2022 ECMA for Contemporary Roots album of the year and has been nominated for two Canadian Folk Music Awards. And they recently picked up a 2025 ECMA for Roots Release of the Year for their single ‘Already Gone‘. We simply love this duo and you will too!

For every show, 100 % of ticket proceeds go directly to the artist(s). As this is a house concert, all shows are BYOB. There will be snacks and soft beverages offered. You are welcome to bring a snack for sharing. You are encouraged to share this event with friends who enjoy listening to live music performed in an intimate setting.

Monique & George

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Maritime Appalachian Folk with Jessica Rhaye, Bill Preeper & Sandy MacKay – May 3

It can’t get any better than this folks: Jessica Rhaye, Bill Preeper & Sandy MacKay on Saturday, May 3. Tickets are $25 here

Preeper Rhaye MacKay is a folk trio comprised of songbird and Canadian Folk Music Nominee, Jessica Rhaye, guitarist Bill Preeper, and multi-instrumentalist Sandy MacKay. They began working together in the folk-rock band The Ramshackle Parade. This trio has developed a Maritime Appalachian Folk sound with a unique mix of acoustic and electric instrumentation. The singers deliver lush 3-part harmonies, weaving and sharing lead and harmony parts for their own compositions, along with simple, yet elegant arrangements. It’s new folk music at its finest, pulling together inspiration from the likes of Woody Guthrie, Ian Tyson, and Bob Dylan. This trio is described as a modern Peter Paul & Mary, creating an intricate vocal blend. Each is an accomplished musician; together they create magic! Sneak peak a few videos here.

WOOD & WIRE is Preeper Rhaye MacKay’s first album as a trio. It’s a collection of new original works and includes a special cover from the Kate and Anna McGarrigle catalogue that helps define their provenance. The album falls on the heals of the members work together with Jessica Rhaye and The Ramshackle Parade on their critically acclaimed albums Just like a Woman – Songs of Bob Dylan (2019), and Sunshine Baby (2023).

Jessica Pearson and The East Wind join us here on Saturday, June 7. Tickets (just) $20 here.

Like sirens calling from an ancient shore, the haunting three-part harmonies of Jessica Pearson & The East Wind will bind you in a timeless folkloric spell. Alchemizing roots, classic country, Americana and Celtic soundscapes, the trio spin tales of outlaw heroics, matriarchal power, resistance and resilience, and the unrelenting beauty of becoming who you are.

Jessica Pearson and the East Wind’s live show will first bring you to the edge of your seat, and then to the edge of tears – before spilling over into joy, community, and a sense of sacred, shared power. Backed by the impeccable harmonies of Sam Stone and Malia Rogers alongside clawhammer banjo, mandolin, and tasteful percussion, Jessica’s storytelling and songs centre kindness and vulnerability while imploring audiences toward a better future for all. For a sneak peak, check out this sizzle video. Lots more on their website.

“Impeccable musicianship, great singing and a wide variety of material all served up with with good humour… with Jessica’s warm and genuine personality shining through and creating an instant rapport with the audience.” – Mike Kirrage, Festival Director of Gate to Southwell Music Festival, UK

Don’t be afraid to show up alone; from the minute the first chord plays, you’ll be among friends.

For every show, 100 % of ticket proceeds go directly to the artist(s). As this is a house concert, all shows are BYOB. There will be snacks and soft beverages offered. You are welcome to bring a snack for sharing. You are encouraged to share this event with friends who enjoy listening to live music performed in an intimate setting.

Monique & George

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The “J” Series…….

Who knew Jeffery Straker was a comedian on top of being a stellar song writer and musician!! Last night we had it all – a full house (a mix of old and new friends), loads of laughter, top-notch harmonies on the old audience participation bits, an overflowing snack table, heartwarming stories, beautiful songs brilliantly executed…and a smile on every face. Thank-you Jeffery!

Heads up for 3 shows featuring 3 artists whose name begins with the letter “J”, ending in the month of June…….

APRIL: The wonderfully entertaining Jeffery Straker returns to Patchwork on Saturday, April 12. Tickets are $25.

This is turning out to be a sweet year for our good friend and Patchwork alumnus Jeffery Straker. Not only will this be his fourth time gracing our stage, his 10th studio album ‘Great Big Sky’ (launched in grain elevators – see Roots Music article) has been nominated for a 2025 Canadian Folk Music Award (Contemporary Singer of the Year), and HRH King Charles III has become a fan! What’s more …. we’ll let Jeffery share his biggest news during the show…….

Jeffery Straker grew up taking piano lessons in small-town Saskatchewan and has gone on to perform over 100 shows per year across Canada, Europe and Latin America. The rootsy-storytelling of his songs has the power to transport a listener – out onto a lake in Canada’s North or to the main street of a prairie town. A clever lyricist with an energetic piano style, his song writing has drawn critical comparisons to the likes of Harry Chapin, Kris Kristofferson , Murray McLauchlan & Billy Joel, while maintaining a style distinctly his own.

For a sense of his style, check out the video for Sing Your Song or a live performance of Morning Light. For a little insight into his charming personality, take a few minutes and watch Jeffery’s Ted Talk about his song The Wonderful Mrs Bell. Lots of other great stuff on his YouTube channel, including Slings & Arrows which was my finish line song for my first marathon in 2013.

It’s been too long and we are super stoked to welcome back Jeffery on April 12.

MAY: Can’t get any better than this folks: Jessica Rhaye, Bill Preeper & Sandy MacKay on Saturday, May 3. Tickets are $25 here

Preeper Rhaye MacKay is a folk trio comprised of songbird and Canadian Folk Music Nominee, Jessica Rhaye, guitarist Bill Preeper, and multi-instrumentalist Sandy MacKay. They began working together in the folk-rock band The Ramshackle Parade. This trio has developed a Maritime Appalachian Folk sound with a unique mix of acoustic and electric instrumentation. The singers deliver lush 3-part harmonies, weaving and sharing lead and harmony parts for their own compositions, along with simple, yet elegant arrangements. It’s new folk music at its finest, pulling together inspiration from the likes of Woody Guthrie, Ian Tyson, and Bob Dylan. This trio is described as a modern Peter Paul & Mary, creating an intricate vocal blend. Each is an accomplished musician; together they create magic! Sneak peak a few videos here.

WOOD & WIRE is Preeper Rhaye MacKay’s first album as a trio. It’s a collection of new original works and includes a special cover from the Kate and Anna McGarrigle catalogue that helps define their provenance. The album falls on the heals of the members work together with Jessica Rhaye and The Ramshackle Parade on their critically acclaimed albums Just like a Woman – Songs of Bob Dylan (2019), and Sunshine Baby (2023).

JUNE: Jessica Pearson and The East Wind on Saturday, June 7. Tickets (just) $20 here.

Like sirens calling from an ancient shore, the haunting three-part harmonies of Jessica Pearson & The East Wind will bind you in a timeless folkloric spell. Alchemizing roots, classic country, Americana and Celtic soundscapes, the trio spin tales of outlaw heroics, matriarchal power, resistance and resilience, and the unrelenting beauty of becoming who you are.

Jessica Pearson and the East Wind’s live show will first bring you to the edge of your seat, and then to the edge of tears – before spilling over into joy, community, and a sense of sacred, shared power. Backed by the impeccable harmonies of Sam Stone and Malia Rogers alongside clawhammer banjo, mandolin, and tasteful percussion, Jessica’s storytelling and songs centre kindness and vulnerability while imploring audiences toward a better future for all. For a sneak peak, check out this sizzle video. Lots more on their website.

“Impeccable musicianship, great singing and a wide variety of material all served up with with good humour… with Jessica’s warm and genuine personality shining through and creating an instant rapport with the audience.” – Mike Kirrage, Festival Director of Gate to Southwell Music Festival, UK

Don’t be afraid to show up alone; from the minute the first chord plays, you’ll be among friends.

For every show, 100 % of ticket proceeds go directly to the artist(s). As this is a house concert, all shows are BYOB. There will be snacks and soft beverages offered. You are welcome to bring a snack for sharing. You are encouraged to share this event with friends who enjoy listening to live music performed in an intimate setting.

Monique & George

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