Patchwork Threads

A Visit (to Patchwork) from St. Nicholas (2013)

 ‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house,                                               Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.                                                                         The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,                                                                     In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,                                                                     While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.                                                                   And Monique in her woollies, and George in his vest,                                                                 Had just settled down for a holiday rest.

When out of the blue there arose such a clatter,                                                                            I sprang from my chair knowing what was the matter.                                                           Our next show upon us I flew like a flash,                                                                                     To get ready for Patchwork’s next music bash.

I’d sent out my emails, posters and tweets.                                                                                   If we have 30 or 40 or more it’d be sweet….                                                                             For musicians need audiences to do their thing,                                                                             To come to our living room to play and to sing.

New artists this year?  Why there were a few!                                                                       With all the requests I get what to do? what to do?                                                                     Three Sheet were a blast!  Jeffery Straker – what a find!                                                       His song ‘Slings & Arrows’ is still stuck in my mind.

We’ve got more new artists set to appear.                                                                                  On George’s new stage where view lines stay clear.                                                                     Paper Beat Scissors.  Asif Ilyas. And Ian Janes.                                                                       The breadth of musical talent in Halifax is insane!

Case in point: Stephen Fearing, your muse tonight.                                                                 This alternative to shopping is a pure delight.                                                                             When, what to my wondering eyes did appear,                                                                            A series of cars for this last show of the year.                                             

With a stream of arrivals, so steady and slick,                                                                                 I knew in a moment: a gift from St Nick!                                                                                More rapid than eagles these listeners they came,                                                                        For good reason, for music, no two shows the same!

54 shows since we began in ’08,                                                                                                       All the new friends we have made have been great.                                                                 120 followers on twitter this year.                                                                                           That’s 100 more than George has, ya hear?

And Patchwork, you know, like a patchwork quilt,                                                               Describes our famille and the home that we’ve built:                                                                     Five persons, four surnames, two languages spoke,                                                                 Ties to four different countries, a multi-coloured cloak.

And we all love live music and the chaos and din,                                                                       With a house full of music, friends, neighbours and kin.                                                             With a toast to the evening having heard music so fine,                                                           We happily tidy and drink leftover wine.

As music lovers know, house concerts are best,                                                                         For enjoying live music, we beat all the rest.                                                                                   So join us at Patchwork for each show this year.                                                                       With a line up like ours it’s a gift for the ear.

But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,                                                          “Happy Christmas to all, great music tonight!“

Multiple JUNO-Award winner Stephen Fearing is between tours.  He has been touring a lot this year in support his solo project ‘Between Hurricanes’.  In January, ‘South’ – the next release from his trio Blackie and the Rodeo Kings makes it debut and another tour will start.  Catch him while you can – at Patchwork on Saturday, December 7.

Between Hurricanes is Stephen Fearing’s eighth solo album.  Over the course of his celebrated career he has collaborated with a long list of artists including Shawn Colvin, Sarah McLachlan, Tom Wilson & Colin Linden (the other two members of BARK), and Halifax’s Erin Costelo.

The consistent quality of work produced over Stephen Fearing’s two decades plus career has earned him a West Coast Music Award for Best Folk Music Recording and five Juno Award nominations as a solo artist and a faithful international fan base.  On top of that, Blackie & the Rodeo Kings have released several highly praised and award-winning albums including a Juno Award for their album “BARK”.

Round up some friends and turn this into a pre-Christmas outing (feel free to dress up!).  Beats shopping!  And cds are very easy to wrap….

Saturday, December 7 @ 8 pm ($25 per person)

RSVP to mleblanc.patchwork@gmail.com

BYOB (there will be snacks)

Monique

@PatchworkHConc

Quiet Parade headlines our next show, promoting their latest EP called Old Haunts with first track Ghosts…….

The latest EP from Halifax bleeding-heart quintet Quiet Parade finds the group writing some of its most powerful and contemplative songs to date. What started as a solo project for songwriter Trevor Murphy (ex-Sleepless Nights and The Establishment) has matured into an organic, full band effort on Old Haunts. The new album is a collection of songs reflecting on places and people of the past – a reoccurring theme in Quiet Parade’s fog-laden songs.

Voted the Best Band To Listen To Quietly by The Coast’s Best of Music Reader’s Poll for the last three years, Quiet Parade once again taps into its core of introspective and honest songs to present a record that stirs up long-standing ghosts, lingering memories and a glimmer of hope for better days. Whether lamenting relationships or dwelling on fears, the old haunts in these songs are more than just physical. They channel the idea that the hauntingly familiar is in everything.

Old Haunts received two NS Music Week 2013 Nominations, for Group Recording of the Year & Alternative Recording of the Year.

PRESS QUOTES:

– “…meaningful lyrics and beautiful instrumentals.” – The Cadre (Charlottetown)

– “I have yet to hear five songs from another artist this year that equal such brutal splendor.” – The Silver Tongue (USA)

– “…a feast of beauty, shrouded in a little fog.” – Bob Mersereau, CBC (Fredericton)
– “…one of those albums that gets better with each listen.” – Halifax Musicphile

– “Kick you in the gut honesty.” – Sea Legs Collective

http://www.quietparade.com/

The evening begins with a set from the lovely Kim Harris.  Originally from Newfoundland, Halifax-based Harris believes her birthright is to create music. Not only does it make her feel closest to herself, she feels more connected to the world. Recorded live off the floor, Harris’ debut EP She’d Say Otherwise is a testament to an artist born with an innate, graceful talent.

Produced by Dustin Clarke and Kristan Moore at Action/Adventure Studios in Halifax, the 6-song EP was recorded in a matter of days. Harris’ voice hints at soulful voices like Adele and Jill Barber, with her own stylistic flair.

http://kimharris.bandcamp.com/

Quiet Parade with Kim Harris – Saturday, November 16 @ 8 pm, $10/$15 per person (all funds to the artists).

Please RSVP* to mleblanc.patchwork@gmail.com or by calling 434-8355.  That way we know how to arrange the furniture.  A reminder will go out a couple of days before that will include directions for newbies and those who have forgotten the way.  (Last minute RSVPs and drop-ins are cool too.)

Non-alcoholic beverages will be offered.  You are invited to take along any wine/beer/etc. that you wish to enjoy.  There will be a selection of munchies at the break.  Contributions to the munchies table will be shared happily although not required.

Best,

Monique & George

Patchwork House Concerts

First Ave., Bedford

www.patchworkhouseconcerts.ca

www.facebook.com/PatchworkHouseConcerts

www.twitter.com/PatchworkHConc

www.acousticroof.ca

*A Patchwork House Concert is a special experience. It’s a chance to really listen to live music by great Canadian and international artists in a relaxed, intimate atmosphere. It’s kind of like having your favorite artists play in your living room.  Heck, that’s exactly what it is! 

Shows generally start early (at 8 pm) so we begin welcoming guests around 7:30pm to allow everyone time to get a soft drink (or if you have brought your own, something stronger), grab a snack, find a seat and get comfortable. 

Usually we have 2 sets with a break in between for enjoying some refreshments, socializing, and maybe having a chat with one of the artists. CDs and other musician merchandise are often available for purchase so it is wise to bring a little extra cash to pick up a cd or two for your music collection.  At the break, we also collect money for the show.  All the proceeds go to the performers.

Why do we do this?  Well, we like listening to live music in small spaces.  We like the little bit of extra chaos this brings to our lives. We like the fact that we are supporting hard-working musicians.  We like seeing old friends and meeting new people.  We hope to see you soon!