Patchwork Threads

Halifax based Erin Costelo is a musician, singer-songwriter & composer extraordinaire with a rich velvety voice and a piano style all her own.  We love her stuff more and more each time we hear it.  Recently we enjoyed a performance by Erin at the Company House – accompanied by the Blue Engine String Quartet (I think she did all the arrangements for them for that show!) and again at the Al Whittle Theatre with Stephen Fearing.  Erin & Stephen performed several songs that they penned together including a gorgeous piece to commemorate the Titanic anniversary.

Erin will be performing at Patchwork on Saturday, May 26 starting at 8 pm.  We will be collecting $20 per listener (all proceeds go directly to Erin, to support a new album perhaps!).

It’s always helpful if you RSVP via email (mleblanc.patchwork@gmail.com) or at 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’ve forgotten the way.

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 graciously accepted and appreciated although not required.

Please feel free to forward this invitation on to other music lovers you know.

Check out Shelley Thompson’s documentary which first aired on Sunday, April 22 on Maritime Magazine (CBC Radio 1).  Some of it was taped at Patchwork!

http://www.cbc.ca/maritimemagazine/2012/04/24/house-concerts/

It’s time for a blues show no?  Actually this is a blues meets boogie-woogie meets Patchwork show!

Alan Gerber

Saturday, April 21 @ 8 pm  : $20 per person (100 % to the musician)

Strap on your boogie-woogie shoes, hold on and get ready … Alan Gerber has arrived! This eccentric entertainer is wowing audiences internationally. His amalgamation of boogie-woogie, stunning vocal interpretations and fine musicianship make Gerber an artist of the highest order. His show is exhilarating and captivates audiences of all demographics placing him in high demand to festivals, clubs and theatres nationally, He has participated in major events such as: The Montreal Jazz Festival, Ottawa Blues Festival, Fort Lauderdale Blues Festival, Toronto Harbour Front Blues, Carcassonne Music Festival & many more.

Alan began his career as a singer, songwriter and keyboardist with the group Rhinoceros before embarking on a solo career.  In 1994, he produced and released “Chicken Walk”. He followed that up with “Fools That Try” in 1997 and “The Boogie Man” in 1999. When demand for a live CD began to surface, Alan took the studio on the road and produced “Alan Gerber Live” in 2002. This CD captured his live performance energy and audiences and buyers were quick to stand up and take notice. “Alan Gerber Live” showcased Gerber in all areas of his art. He produced the recording, wrote and performed the songs, and played all instruments on this CD. In 2005 he released the critically acclaimed “Blue Tube”. A quote from Dan Behrman, producer/host of “Espace Musique”, Radio Canada blues show: “He literally explodes from the very start with all the musical colors that Blues-Funk has in its paint box…. Alan Gerber is a sensitive & intelligent lyricist whose positive message is ideally driven home by the right words he uses”.  His latest CD, Queen Of Hearts, was released in 2009.

Please go on youtube for a taste of what this guy can do:                               http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DywNGVWcrnE  Or http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lpFlYWCFGGE

Visit his website for more : http://alangerber.org/

RSVP (mleblanc.patchwork@gmail.com) for directions and reminders.

Simply, a show not to be missed. 

Take Don Ross – one of the top guitarists in the world + Brooke Miller – one of this region’s best songwriters – and what do you get?  Magic.  That’s what.  And with a tour schedule that is straining the bindings of their passports, it’s magic that they will be playing in our living room this month.  And with new albums to boot.

www.gobyfish.com/Home.htm

www.brookemiller.ca/

Showtime is 8 pm on Saturday, March 24.

$25 per person will be collected during the show (all proceeds to the musicians)

Email mleblanc.patchwork@gmail.com to rsvp and get more details.

Megan Couture, who blogs for Halifax Magazine, attended Ria Mae’s show at Patchwork on February 17.  This was her first house concert.  Read about her experience at Halifax Magazine’s blog (see blogroll to right for the link).