Patchwork Threads

Irish’s musical journey began in Ireland and has taken her from Sweden to Australia to Canada where her second Canadian album “Open Here” was nominated for Roots Album of the year at the 2012 ECMAs.  A master story teller and energetic performer of awesome folk & blues tunes, her show will be, simply, a celebration.

http://irishmythen.com/

Steven MacDougall wears a few hats.  He is the frontman and principal writer for the multi-award winning Cape Breton rock band, Slowcoaster.  He writes with Gordie Sampson along with teaching and mentoring young writers at the Gordie Sampson Songcamp every summer.  He is also promoting his second solo release “Cruel & Unusual” .   While this release may get spun most often by country radio stations, it  could also be filed under folk, rhythm and blues and rock & roll.  Warning: after a couple of listens you will be humming a few of these songs!   

Catch some samples and videos here: http://www.stevenmacdougall.ca/

Saturday, March 2 @ 8 pm

$20 (all funds given to the artists)

Please RSVP to mleblanc.patchwork@gmail.com.  Directions will follow.

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

SHOW NOW CANCELLED DUE TO WEEK-END STORM.

Our next show features two young artists who are making waves at home and across Canada.

CARLETON STONE is a charismatic performer and soulful songwriter whose sophomore recording (produced by Juno Award-winner Hawksley Workman) has brought him regional accolades – three NS Music Award Nominations and an East Coast Music Award nomination for Pop Recording of the Year – and national attention.

The music sparkles with contemporary smart-pop energy, clever hooks and the infectious exuberance of a songwriter with his eye firmly on the prize.  In the words of CBC’s Bob Mersereau, “The new star on the horizon belongs to Carleton Stone, who is quickly developing into a major national talent.”  Carleton is a prolific writer with songs gaining him placements on NBC’s Saving Hope, CW’s The LA Complex and CBC’s Being Erica. He is a Leader at the Gordie Sampson Songcamp which takes place every summer in Ingonish and is becoming increasingly well known for a vast array of collaborations.

I’ve seen Carleton perform several times and he has a real gift for engaging with his audience.

http://www.carletonstone.com/

BREAGH MACKINNON recently received her first ECMA nomination in the Rising Star Category.  With a voice that digs deep into your heart, smooth guitar lines, and jazzy interludes, Breagh’s debut album Where The Days Went, released September 25, truly flaunts the timeless sound that sets her apart.  She draws inspiration from her formal Jazz training as well as her extensive songwriting collaborations – with Dylan Guthro, Carleton Stone, Natalia Zukerman, Gordie Sampson, and Steve MacDougall. Her song “White Picket Love” propelled Breagh into a finalist position at the Ottawa Bluesfest ‘She’s The One Contest’ and recently, the International Mountain Stage NewSong Contest.

“Breagh is that rare combination of voice, song and musical strength. The writing is breathtaking and the voice is strong medicine” – Gordie Sampson

More praise here from Bob Mersereau:http://www.cbc.ca/nb/mt/east-coast-music/2012/11/music-review-breagh-mackinnon—where-the-days-went.html http://breaghmackinnon.com/

This show takes place on Saturday, February 9 at 8 pm.

$20 (all funds given to the artists) ; there will be 2 sets with a short break in between.  CDs will be available for purchase.

Please RSVP to mleblanc.patchwork@gmail.com.  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, Bedford

Happy New Year! We are kicking off 2013 with a brilliant show featuring Christina Martin & Dale Murray. These NS musical gems need no introduction so I’ll keep it brief….

CHRISTINA MARTIN was awarded the 2012 Music Nova Scotia ‘Female Artist Recording of the Year’ with her latest offering “Sleeping with a Stranger”. This is her fifth and latest album and is a real barn burner.
Americana-uk.com 9/10 ~ October 2, 2012 By Sian Owen: “It’s one of those rare albums where you have to listen to it all in one sitting. Like a good book that’s hard to
put down, this ‘Sleeping with Strangers’ tickles the ears and within three bars you’re completely hooked.”
The Globe and Mail ~ Brad Wheeler ¾ Stars: “This is a singer-songwriter who observes, feels, does not judge, and relays what she finds – “not good at keeping secrets,” she even admits. With a voice high, strong and bittersweet, the affecting Nova Scotian sings of search, vulnerability and the concept of home.”

Video- Falling For You http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3JsKbZ8f0w

Christina recently returned home to share her stories and songs after performing 40 shows in Europe with husband/producer Dale Murray. Speaking of ….

DALE MURRAY was also a 2012 Music Nova Scotia Award winner for ‘Country/Bluegrass Recording of the Year’ for his record “Dream Mountain Dream”. This second solo project was released after spending seven years backing some of Canada’s greatest talents (Hayden, Joel Plaskett, Buck 65, Christina Martin, Matt Mays, Blue Rodeo) in the studio and on the road.
East Coast Music ~ Bob Mersereau “Called Dream Mountain Dream, the album is, hands down, one of the very best east coast works I’ve ever heard, perhaps my favorite new album of the year, and exactly the kind of sound I love.”
Exclaim ~ Kerry Doole “Dream Mountain Dream is an impressive outing, showcasing Murray’s strengths as a writer, as well as the guitar skills for which he has long been recognized.”

Video- My New World: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xaLVzmqbXw

http://www.christinamartin.net
http://www.dalemurray.ca

This is a sure thing folks. Here’s hoping you will join us:

Saturday, January 12
8 pm start
$20 (all funds given to the artists)
There will be 2 sets with a short break in between. CDs will be available for purchase.

Please RSVP to mleblanc.patchwork@gmail.com.  Directions with follow.

Best,

Monique & George
Patchwork House Concerts
Bedford

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.
The new year upon us I flew like a flash,
To get prepared for Patchwork’s next music bash.

I’d sent out my emails and checked the list twice.
If we have 30 or 40 or more it’d be nice….
For the musicians depend on our interest to thrive,
And to pay for their gas on many a long drive.

Ria Mae was close by, Stephen Fearing was too;
But Alan Gerber and Irish had some driving to do.
And Cindy and Andrea – aka Scarlett Jane,
The miles they put on their van is insane!

We’ll hit 50 shows before spring crocuses appear,
Welcoming musicians from far and from near.
From California, Winnipeg, Toronto now,
To Halifax, and Stewiacke and even Port Howe.

The chairs all arranged, our goal of a stage met,
My blueberry white chocolate coffee cake set.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a series of cars, each with eight hungry ears.

With a stream of arrivals, so steady and slick,
I knew in a moment: a late gift from St Nick!
More rapid than eagles these listeners they came,
For good reason, for music, I’ll list them by name!

“Christina Martin! Dale Murray!” a new cd in hand!
“Then Carleton! With Breagh!” both from my birth land!
“To Irish and Steven!” Slowcoaster aside!
“Then Jenny! and Jeffery!” Oh what a ride!”

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 4 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!”