The Arts Station

“I would be proud to share the stage with him anytime, anywhere.� Waylon Jennings

“…he is one of the most important guitar players of his generation.â€? Chet Atkins

“What you have to say as an artist and your special talents are a credit to the entire Canadian music industry.� Adrienne Clarkson, former Governor General of Canada

“…truly phenomenal. It has been a long time since I have been witness to not only the audience being blown away by someone’s immense talent but also an entire orchestra. The energy that came from the stage was electrifying and contagious.â€? Michael Reason, Artistic Director, Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra

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Singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, sideman, innovator, recording artist, award winner. His names are many, but underlying that is a young man with an ancient soul who has traveled the world for the past 23 years bringing his unique brand of joy to audiences wherever he goes.

J.P. Cormier began playing guitar, self taught, at the age of 5 and quickly became immersed in the rich musical heritage of his Cape Breton roots. By the age of 9, he was considered a genuine prodigy and won his first guitar competition against 30 other players three times his age. By his mid-teens, it became obvious J.P. could play almost any stringed instrument he picked up. However it was his guitar playing which shone with his flawless executions of tunes he learned from records of giants like Chet Atkins and Doc Watson.

At 16, Cormier recorded his first album, a collection of bluegrass instrumentals. With the project in hand, he worked his way across the U.S. festival circuit - performing for anyone who might take notice. These appearances led to a move to the U.S., and 10 years of session work, live appearances, and many memorable nights at the Grand Ole Opry with such notable artists as Waylon Jennings, Marty Stuart, Earl Scruggs, Bill Monroe, Charlie Louvin, and Vince Gill.

www.jp-cormier.com

Tickets are available at the Blue Toque, Carosella's, Freshies, the Good Earth and The Arts Station.
FDAC Member tickets: $18/adult; $10/youth. Non-member tickets: $20/adult; $12/youth.

Dinner at 6:30, Show at 8pm

$40 for dinner & show ($35/person for groups of 5 or more) $15 for show only

Come to the Cabaret, my friends! Come to the Cabaret! They’ll be song & dance, wine & women, froth & frivolity. The theme, as you are aware, is MARDI GRAS… masks, corsets, beads, feathers, bright colours, tight costumes, outrageous wigs and phat hats, alter egos, and spectacle. The event format is CABARET… dancing girls, divas and dare devils; from the sublime to ridiculous, poignant to squirmy, awe-inspiring to confounding – expect the unexpected. Come dressed to impress.

*NEW FOR 2007* Dinner Chez the Blue Toque
Dinner and show combo for $40 per person! Or $35 for groups of 5 or more. The fixin’s are Louisiana style. Read and drool…

Starter Gumbo or Green salad with pecans & goat cheese
Entrée Shrimp Etoufée; Creole Roast Beef; Orange Bourbon Chicken; or Vegetarian Red Beans & Rice
Dessert Red Velvet Cake or Chocolate Pecan Pie

Book yer seat in advance – call 423-4842 TODAY!

Come dressed to impress.

“After hearing Ndidi the first time at a showcase in 2004, I was determined to find a way to work with her. She has a powerful stage presence, a great voice and has built a band that features some of my favorite musicians. Everyone in our organization is excited she chose our label for her debut”.
Jack Schuller, President of Jericho Beach Music

“Ndidi Onukwulu has that rare kind of presence on stage that stops everyone in their tracks and makes them take notice. Anyone who’s a fan of classic female soul/jazz vocalist like Billie Holiday, Betty Wright, Ella should add Nidi Onukwulu to their must see list. Plus, she is one sexy woman to boot.â€?
Rob Kingston, Chart Attack

“Its rare indeed that a voice like Ndidi’s comes along. With nuances of Billie Holiday and Bessie Smith, Ndidi’s own unique style hits you where you live. Whether she’s singing a slow torchy blues or a driving knock-out fast tune, Ndidi nails it every time. “
Phyllis Stenson, Artistic Director, Harrison Festival of the Arts

Ndidi Onukwulu has one of those voices that you can’t forget. Whether she’s out on the down-low with a melancholy moan, or chasing hellhounds with a strident tone, it’s a voice that can stop you in your tracks. More than one knowledgeable listener has heard echoes of Billy Holiday’s hue around the edges of her bluesy, seductive purr.

Onukwulu’s full-time guitarist and sometime co-writer Madagascar Slim — a three-time Juno Award winner in his own right — says her voice is outstanding. “I really got excited the first time I heard it,” says Slim. “She really does have something special.”

Now a Toronto-based blues singer-songwriter Onukwulu was born in British Columbia. Onukwulu left home at an early age and wound up in New York City to pursue her singing career. Starting out by singing a capella on the city’s open mic circuit, she encountered some hip-hop and blues players. She’d sing on their albums; in return, they’d work on her songs. After leaving New York for Toronto, she sang in a rock band, then in an electronic one called Stop, Die, Resuscitate. It was great training for her voice, but Onukwulu ultimately stood by the music that first inspired her. “I could sing many ways, and I would,” she says. “But when it came time for me to do what I want to do, music that I feel, that I’m connected with — the sound and tones that I’m inspired by and understand — it was the blues.” In March 2006, Ndidi Onukwulu released her new album, No I Never.

www.ndidi.ca

NICE PRICE SHOW! Tickets $15/adults $10/youth under 18
NEW: Arts Station Members get a great deal! $12/adults $8/students

“Can you say, blown away? I swear I looked at the cover many times to make sure it wasn’t manufactured in the early 1900’s. I personally haven’t heard anyone perform old country blues with such intense emotion and conviction. ” - E.B. – Bluesday, CKUW 95.9 FM, Winnipeg

Little Miss Higgins captivates audiences with her old time country blues and original gutsy, soul moving, spirited songs reminiscent of the late 30’s and 40’s. Crystal clear vocals that go on forever - and amazing guitar licks - she’s the real thing! Accompanied by guitar player Foy Taylor - himself an accomplished musician - together they are captivating audiences across the country.

2006 Western Canadian Music Awards
Little Miss Higgins debut album “Cobbler Shop Sessions” nominated for Outstanding Blues Recording for the 2006 Western Canadian Music Awards (WCMA). Little Miss and her band have also been asked to showcase at the 3 day WCMA Festival leading up to the awards on October 22nd in Winnipeg, Manitoba!

Audio samples!

Official Website

NICE PRICE!
Tickets are $15/adults or $10/youth under 18
Arts Station Members price: $12/adults or $8/youth under 18

“A deft finger picker and an engaging live performer�.
Tom Murray, SEE Magazine

“… A resourceful, intuitive and humourous writerâ€?.
Rod Campbell, The Edmonton Sun

“His guitar work is flawless and right on the money�.
Andy Grigg

“Goodbye Pretty Girl is the kind of album I wish Tom Waits still made”
Dave Johnston, Editor of Vue Weekly

Ben Sures has all the qualities that make a great performing songwriter. Since 1994 he has been making people smile with his songs and stories. As a performer he is always improvising, bringing the stories in new and often hilarious directions. As a singer his voice can be as smooth as a Torch singer’s or rough as a blues shouter, always expressive and dynamic. As a songwriter he has been compared to Greg Brown, Paul Simon, Tom Waits and Sarah Harmer. Though he shares qualities with all these, his artistry is unique.

The songs are image driven, taking the listener in directions they don’t expect and the melodies are strong and simple. He was born to be on stage, singing his songs, working his magic fingers on the guitar and sharing his unique view of the world. Seeing Ben Sures perform is like taking a voyage to a new land, there are great adventures and plenty of good food along the way.

www.bensures.com

“Andersen’s freshness, musical might and his riveting stage presence have the ability to grab an audience by the shoulders and shake it to its delirious stomping feet. At the East Coast Music Awards he received a standing ovation every time he played. At the pre-telecast he played solo and got 5000+ people, musicians, industry reps and fans on their feet. The only other standing O all night was for Rita MacNiel.â€? Review from liveinthevillage.com

Matt Andersen began his music career in early 2002 with the New Brunswick band FLAT TOP which achieved substantial success and a loyal following on a regional level.

Shortly thereafter, Matt decided to take an alternate path; this is where his solo career began. Matt’s sprawling blues, roots, and rock musical hybrid, coupled with his grand, honey-tinged voice, and enigmatic showmanship has been earning him a fervent grass roots following wherever he graces the stage. This was certainly evident at the 2004 East Coast Music Awards (ECMA’s) where Matt played to a packed house at both industry show cases. Standing ovations erupted in a feverish euphoria as critics praised and lifelong fans were won over.

That momentum spread throughout that summer as Matt’s seamlessly eclectic, raw, and pure sonic bliss had fans clamoring to catch him live on festival stages around the Maritimes. These festival highlights included: THE STAN ROGERS FESTIVAL IN Nova Scotia, THE SAINT JOHN JAZZ & BLUES, and HARVEST JAZZ & BLUES FESTIVALS IN New Brunswick. In early 2005, all this was topped off by a nomination for BEST BLUES RECORDING for this year’s ECMA’s with a series of prominent industry showcases to be held in Sydney, Nova Scotia.

Stay tuned; a musical force has erupted and a blockbuster career artist has emerged!!

www.stubbyfingers.ca

Hear some of Matt’s tracks!

NICE PRICE!
Tickets are $15/adults or $10/youth under 18
Arts Station Members price: $12/adults or $8/youth under 18

On Big Bubba: “Troy’s work is a delight of energy and humour, delivered with confidence and punch.â€?
-Dave Bidini of the Rheostatics
www.bigbubba.com

On David P. Smith: “Darker and wackier than even the starkest country standard, Smith’s music evokes a hellacious region located somewhere to the south of Tom Wait’s realm…Smith’s songs are grotesque, grim, and often relentlessly hilarious.” Ron Forbes-Roberts, Monday Magazine
www.inflatableeye.com

Thursday, November 16
Tickets $20/adults $12/youth under 18
MEMBER PRICE: $18/adults $10/youth under 18
Available at Ray’s Music, Jamocha’s, Carosella’s, The Blue Toque & the Arts Station.

Feel the passion and charm of the group’s four-part harmonies, as Brisas del Palmar takes you on a musical trip through Eastern Cuba. Original works from Santiago de Cuba and inspiring a cappellas are mixed with traditional Latin American ballads and boleros to create a magical performance. Known in Cuba as one of the leading groups of traditional music, Brisas del Palmar’s rich harmonies have been pleasing crowds in Santiago de Cuba since the group’s inception in 1999.

The quartet proudly presents a varied repertoire of traditional Cuban music and original compositions, reflecting their unique style and interpretation. When not on tour they perform at the Bodequita del Medio, the Havana bar made famous by Ernest Hemingway, and now the most important music venue in Havana. The Arts Station is pleased to host these big crowd-pleasers on their 4th Canadian tour.

www.sonicbids.com/BrisasdelPalmar

Tuesday, October 17
Tickets $20/adults $12/youth under 18
MEMBER PRICE: $18/adults $10/youth under 18
Available at Ray’s Music, Jamocha’s, Carosella’s, The Blue Toque & the Arts Station.

“With oil and fire, trumpeter Lina Allemano can sting and soothe in one breathe.” Jazz Report

“Lina Allemano plays gracefully, sticking almost exclusively to the middle and lower ranges of the horn, her tone fat as the dew on an early Spring morning.� Cadence Magazine

“Deceptively simple, her style… is more concerned with melodic eloquence than tricky techniques.�- The Georgia Straight

Lina Allemano’s debut CD as leader, Lina Allemano Four Concentric, was released in September 2003 on Lumo Records. It features Lina on trumpet, David Occhipinti on guitar, Andrew Downing on bass and Anthony Michelli on drums. The Globe and Mail says “Allemano blows down jazz barriers”, and Concentric showcases her quirky yet deeply lyrical songwriting style combined with her creative, expressive flair and knack for the unexpected. The CD has been described as artful and modern, and the music has its own distinctly fresh sound.

Lina’s groups are known for their forward motion and inventiveness, and are definitely not afraid of taking risks. Her new quartet’s upcoming CD, to be released in 2006, is no exception; it features trumpeter Lina Allemano, alto saxophonist Brodie West, bassist Andrew Downing and drummer Nick Fraser.

www.linaallemano.com

Sunday, October 8
8 pm
Tickets $20/adults $12/youth under 18
MEMBER PRICE: $18/adults $10/youth under 18
Available at Ray’s Music, Jamocha’s, Carosella’s, The Blue Toque & the Arts Station.

SCOTTASTROPHE is a multimedia presentation by Scott Thompson, accompanied musically by Bob Wiseman and Magali Meagher. Like a good scientist, Scott steps back and investigates the unusual density of tragedy and surrealism to which he has been privy since ending The Kids In The Hall: potential lawsuits about racism and sexual harassment on the set of “Touched by an Angel”, behind the scenes on the Larry Sanders Show, trying to play a straight man (or alien) on Star Trek, the firebombing of his Los Angeles home by inflamed supporters of Saddam Hussein, his near death experience on a flight over Madagascar, his infamous hosting of the Griffin Award where he was physically removed and thrown into an alley by Daniel Richler, Scott Griffin and the poet laureate of Scotland, and worst of all, the suicide of his brother Dean… Naturally these things might be solved by finding the hollow Earth society or else giving a power point presentation. You decide.

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