BobCat House Concerts

Andrea Simms-Karp and Brian Simms cover "Climax" by Usher

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 20:57:00 +0000

A camera malfunction left me with no usable images or video from our last show with Andrea Simms-Karp and Brian Simms. But thank heavens for the ubiquity of cameras these days ...

Now don't you wish you'd been here? Don't let that happen again -- Shari Ulrich with Julia Graff and Ted Littlemore play May 12.

PS: Here's the original:

Shari Ulrich comes to BobCat May 12!

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 17:00:00 +0000

Shari Ulrich is someone that we Canadians should feel fortunate to have among us. Originally a California girl, Shari's career has spanned multiple bands whose names you might recognize: Pied Pumkin, The Hometown Band, UHF (Shari, Chilliwack's Bill Henderson, and Roy Forbes), BTU (Barney Bentall, Tom Taylor and Shari) and her own solo career.

She plays everything from violin, piano, guitar, dulcimer. She's won two Junos. She's in the BC Entertainment Hall of Fame, and she has a discography comprising 19 records. She's taught songwriting to countless young performers. And she's discovered a wonderful new musical relationship with her daughter, Julia Graff.

Here's Shari performing her song "By the Grace of Goodbye"

And Shari perfroming her song "Why can't we get along" with her daughter Julia on Bowen Island:

And she and Julia will be charming you at BobCat #39 on May 12.

WHO: Shari Ulrich and Julia Graff
WHEN: May 12, 2012
WHERE: 214 Northwestern Avenue
WHAT: Suggested donation $20; bring some snacky food to share and some potent potables, and maybe a non-perishable food good for the Ottawa Food Bank. You can use plain ol' mail, drop off a cheque, or use PayPal or Interac e-transfer to bob.ledrew@gmail.com to reserve your space.

Next BobCat show: Andrea Simms-Karp, March 31

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 22:25:00 +0000

Andrea Simms-Karp is too good to not be famous.

An Ottawa girl, she's been playing in various bands and combos for a long time. But her 2009 release Sleeper signalled something special. The songs were driven by her banjo playing, by chugging rhythms, and her soprano voice that seemed to be at the same time innocent yet knowing, languid yet urgent.

That album took her great places, from successful touring to appearing on CBC Radio's The Vinyl Cafe. And her newest CD Hibernation Nation took on some of the same territory, with a new approach to instrumentation (still keeping her signature strummed banjo sound) and her personal struggle to warm up to winter.

Don't believe me? Check out a sampler of her music on CBC Radio 3, or her video for "One Lane Highway":

One Lane Highway - Andrea Simms Karp from Ryan Hanson on Vimeo.

So if you missed her two sold-out release shows in Ottawa last November, here's your chance for an intimate encounter celebrating the end of winter with one of Ottawa's best singer-songwriters.

WHO: Andrea Simms-Karp and friends
WHEN: March 31, 2012; 7:00 mingling and 8:00 music
WHERE: The BobCat Bear Cave, 214 Northwestern Avenue, Ottawa
WHAT: $20 suggested donation, snacky food to share, BYOB, non-perishable food good for the Ottawa Food Bank

You can use plain ol' mail, drop off a cheque, or use PayPal or Interac e-transfer to bob.ledrew@gmail.com to reserve your space.

Amy Campbell helps us turn five, February 25!

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:14:00 +0000

We're celebrating five years!

In February 2007, Suzie Vinnick and Tony D rocked the house for our first house concert. And now, we're going to have a bit of a party for five years of great music.

Our guest? None other than the performer who helped us celebrate our first birthday and released her last CD with us, the wonderful Amy Campbell. Amy is a true gem among Canada's folk community. Her unique guitar style and her warm, inviting voice are endearing. And her songs of heartbreak and love are leavened with the wry sense of humour she brings to the stage (perhaps a byproduct of her Newfoundland heritage).

Amy is finalizing her followup to the double CD/book project "Oh Heart / Oh Highway", and I have no doubt that "Letters Home" will be as enjoyable as her last project.

If you need any more convincing, why not take a look at this video of a song I hope will be on the new record:

Opening for Amy will be John Bowman. We are proud to say that John rediscovered a love of music at our house that resulted in his releasing "Beach on the Ocean", his first CD, in 2011. John will be playing a Spirit of Rasputin's show later this spring.

Join us, won't you? There will be some cake. There will be much music. There will be laughter, and there will be celebration.

WHAT: BobCat turns FIVE!
WHERE: BobCat Birthday House, 214 Northwestern Ave
WHEN: February 25, 2012. Any time after 7; music starts at 8
WHO: Amy Campbell (s/g John Bowman)

Suggested donation is $20. All proceeds to the artist. Please pay in advance using PayPal, Interac e-transfer, by mail, or in person.

How to donate to the OCFF Taylor Mitchell Bursary

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 14:49:00 +0000

Here's the donation link for the OCFF Taylor Mitchell Bursary. Any donation is kindly accepted.

Something special for our fifth birthday

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 16:49:00 +0000

In February of 2007, we celebrated music, we celebrated me being cancer free, and we celebrated Cathy's birthday, by inviting Suzie Vinnick and Tony D to come and play at our house.

I couldn't have guessed where all of that would lead us over the ensuing five years. And I couldn't have guessed the joy that BobCat House Concerts would bring to us.

In February of 2012, we celebrate five years of giving musicians a respectful, comfortable, joyful place to play, and giving friends, colleagues, acquaintances and neighbours the experience of seeing and hearing tremendous talent up close. We -- you, mostly, with us creating the place -- have raised money for Babes For Breasts. We've donated more than 1000 pounds of food to the Food Bank. And we've all had a great time.

Traditionally, February's the month when Cat gets to pick the artist. And her taste has been impeccable. Suzie and Tony. Penny Lang. Peter Elkas. The Good Lovelies (remember Cat's version of "My Inflatable Guy" with the Lovelies backing her up?). Missy Burgess and Keith Glass.

And so for five years, she chose someone who we both love dearly, as a human being and as a performer. Amy Campbell is a Newfoundlander by birth (which already is a good sign), who has been performing for more than a decade and recording since 2003.

In 2008, we were proud to host her at BobCat to release her CD "O Heart, O Highway", which went on to critical acclaim and well-deserved popularity. And she's coming back to BobCat on February 11 to premiere her new CD "Letters Home."

Opening for Amy will be John Bowman. We are proud to be mentioned on the liner notes for John's first CD. When he moved to Ottawa and was brought to BobCat by his brother Rob, he rediscovered his own passion for making music (and became a big Amy fan too), which has led him to his own first CD, "Beach on the Ocean." John will be performing with Amanda Rheaume at Spirit of Rasputin's later in the spring, and we look forward to a preview here.

Taylor Mitchell

And one final thing. We're talking about this show so early because we want it to be something special. In 2009, a young singer-songwriter named Taylor Mitchell was killed in an animal attack in Cape Breton. She was on her first tour. Taylor had benefited from the Ontario Council of Folk Festivals Youth Mentoring Program. And so after her death, her family created the OCFF Taylor Mitchell Bursary, which allows a young performer who might not be able to afford the costs of attending.

To celebrate the power of music and of community, we're pledging to match your donations to the Taylor Mitchell Bursary up to $500, meaning we could raise $1000 to help young musicians chase their dreams. Use the ChipIn widget at the top of the right-hand column (right above our logo), why don't you?

So come. There will be wonderful music to be sure. There will be surprises, and laughter, and possibly a tear or two. It will be everything you expect of a BobCat show, and maybe a bit more.

WHO: Amy Campbell

WHEN: February 11, 2012; 7:00 mingling, 8:00 music

WHERE: BobCat Birthday Club, 214 Northwestern Avenue

WHAT: $20 suggested donation, all proceeds to artist. A food item to share, and booze if you're partial; a non-perishable food good for the Ottawa Food Bank.

Here's some memories of BobCats past:

Final 2011 show: Terry Gillespie, with Lyndell Montgomery November 19

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 02:16:00 +0000

Terry Gillespie is a bluesman respected the world over. From his days with the legendary “Heaven's Radio” to opening and playing with people like Howlin' Wolf and John Lee Hooker, to his solo career, Terry has impressed and influenced generations of musicians and listeners.

His sound ranges from blues to soul to touches of reggae, but whether it's soul food or jerk spiced, it's all tasty.

If you fondly remember our shows with Suzie Vinnick, Tony D, David Gogo Rick Fines, Andy J. Forest, or Chris Whitely and Diana Braithwaite, DO NOT miss this show.

Terry will be bringing along musician Lyndell Montgomery, who is a veteran of both years of touring with Ember Swift and a memorable outing in the Van Kleek Hill Demolition Derby.
* WHO: Terry Gillespie with Lyndell Montgomery
* WHEN: November 19, 7:00 mingle, 8:00 music
* WHERE: BobCat Blues Barn
* WHAT: Suggested donation of $20; BYOB; bring some food to share if you prefer, and a donation to the Ottawa Food Bank if you can. Please pay in advance so that the musicians are paid fairly for their work.

As always, you can contact us to pay by cheque or cash, or just use PayPal or Interac Money Transfer with the email address bob.ledrew@gmail.com.

Here's what you'll be hearing:

And a teaser: we have a real treat coming in February to celebrate our fifth anniversary of BobCat. You'll hear more soon.

David is still playing!

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 17:56:00 +0000

Some of you may have heard that David hurt himself last week. While he's not healed up yet, he is playing, and expects to be performing on the 8th. Just don't expect to high-five him.

Welcome new visitors!

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 13:34:00 +0000

Welcome to those of you who found us through the Ottawa Citizen's Style magazine. Hope you like the site, and hope to see you at a show sometime soon!

Ann Vriend and David Ross MacDonald, October 8

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 13:17:00 +0000

It's becoming a bit of a tradition. Thanksgiving weekend comes, and we have the good luck of presenting our friend, singer-songwriter David Ross MacDonald. (I won't make any turkey puns)

You may have seen David here, in which case you already know what a stunning songwriter, guitarist and performer he is. He's able to bring you into the musical equivalent of a sacred circle with his songs and his quiet but engaging stage presence.

Here's what David does:

David Ross Macdonald: Pepper Tree from shoottheplayer.com on Vimeo.

Well, this time David is being joined by a musical friend from Alberta, Ann Vriend. Where David is a guitarist, Ann is a master of the piano; where David is understated, Ann is theatrical; where David's vocal style owes debts to Nick Drake, Ann's will remind you of Dolly Parton or Dusty Springfield.

Here's a taste of Ann's music, from a recent Australian tour:

One thing these two very different performers share is a confident originality. I guarantee you will find joy in the music they make.

Who: David Ross MacDonald and Ann Vriend

Where: the BobCat turkey coop

When: October 8, 2011, 7:00 mingling 8:00 music

What: bring a snack or dessert to share, and a donation to the Ottawa Food Bank if you choose.

Suggested donation $25; as always, 100% of proceeds to the artists.

Let us know when you're coming.

Folk Festival passes winner!

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 10:55:00 +0000

Jennifer who wants to see Steve Earle and Levon Helm, it's your lucky day. The gods at Random chose you as the winner of two Folk Club passes for the Ottawa Folk Festival.

Drop me an e-mail or call me at 613.869.2148 and we'll work out how to get your tickets to you.

Ottawa Folk Festival giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 19:01:00 +0000

Hi music lovers:

UPPITYDATE -- I'm making it TWO passes.

I have TWO full-weekend passes to the Ottawa Folk Festival that I want to give you. Here's the info about the pass:

"FOLK CLUB: This 4-day passport offers full access to the Folk Club area at the CUPE Stage. This package includes four transferrable single-day-tickets, one for each day of the event, that with daily wristband grant access to the general admission area plus a separate section that features private bar service, washroom facilities, and a limited number of patio tables and chairs (first come, first served!)."

Sweet deal, huh? It's worth $225 each. All you have to do to win the pair is leave me a comment with the name of the artist you most want to see at the Folk Festival this year.

Good luck, and happy festing.

I'll pick someone Thursday morning from comments received by 6 am Thursday.

Fall BobCat begins with Jon Brooks!

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 11:59:00 +0000

Hello BobCatters:

Hope you’ve enjoyed a summer full of music -- but of course, it’s not over! The Ottawa Folk Festival (disclosure: I’m proud to serve on the board) takes place this weekend. Pray for good weather, please! We’ll take care of the music.

But the music will go on after the festival season, and we’re proud to announce our first two concerts of the 2011 fall season.

Jon Brooks performed at last year’s Ottawa Folk Festival. If you missed him there, you missed something. To my mind, there’s nobody in Canada doing what Jon Brooks does -- writing and performing songs that take on deep and important questions in strong and simple language. If you’re a fan of the social issue and protest songs of the early 1960s folk movement, Jon Brooks is your guy -- a flag-carrier and a modern interpreter of that tradition.

If, on the other hand, you’re getting a rash thinking of someone who can’t sing and barely play croaking tunes about injustice, take a step back. Jon Brooks sings with a powerful and tough voice, and plays with an inventive style that will keep you glued to the guitar.

Who: Jon Brooks
When: September 17, 2011, mingling after 7, show at 8.
Where: Chez BobCat, 214 Northwestern
What: Suggested donation $20. Bring food to share if you like; bring your own potent potables or have a soft drink on us; if you’re so inclined bring a non-perishable food item for the Ottawa Food Bank.

After Jon Brooks, a “return home” for a Friend of BobCat with a musical friend.

David Ross MacDonald IS a friend of BobCat, as well as of Bob and Cat. He’s back for an unprecedented THIRD appearance here following the release of his latest record “Thorns to Sleep.” This time, David is bringing along someone new to us.

Where David’s songs are thoughtful, introspective, and carried along by his amazing guitar playing, Ann Vriend’s are theatrical, soulful, and a unique blend of soul, gospel, and country. It’s like she’s the house band at the Cowboy Cabaret Cathedral. And she is a masterful piano player.

Who: David Ross MacDonald and Ann Vriend
When: October 8, 2011, mingling after 7, show at 8.

Where: Chez BobCat, 214 Northwestern
What: Suggested donation $25. Bring food to share if you like; bring your own potent potables or have a soft drink on us; if you’re so inclined bring a non-perishable food item for the Ottawa Food Bank.

We like to get payment in advance for our concerts. Why? Because we often fill up, and by paying in advance, you ensure that your seat will be full and we won’t turn away others. And if you weren’t aware, ALL BobCat proceeds go to the artist. You experience amazing music; they get important support. Win-win! You can use PayPal or Interac Money Transfers, or contact us to drop off payment.

Next show! May 28 Meredith Luce CD Release party

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Sat, 07 May 2011 02:22:00 +0000

May 28, 2011
7:00 mingle, 8:00 show

Meredith Luce has been a force on Ottawa's musical scene for longer than is reasonable, given her youth.
At 22, she's jumping back into the musical world with both feet after finishing a graphic design program. And that's where her new EP "Live at the Branch" comes in. This disk is a taste of things to come for Meredith and her band the Mandates. "This live EP is an introduction of what is to come on the studio album. It has solo versions of several new songs, which are now epic rock tunes that I have fleshed out with my bandmates."

The Branch Restaurant in Kemptville, Ontario has been a regular performance space for Meredith since 2007. "I first played at the Branch for the gig, but after that first time, I kept going back for the food! I always saw the gig as a bonus to a fabulous evening of gastronomic delight."

Bruce Enloe, chef and co-owner of the Branch considers himself among Meredith's Kemptville fans. "Her music is one of our favourite sounds here at the Branch where we have had the honour of hearing it so many times. She came to us for the first time over 4 years ago as a teenager with a precocious talent, I'll never forget her first show…. We were having a quiet night, but she was on fire—there were only about 5 people in the room, but after experiencing the magnetic presence of this talented artist, everyone who had been to the first [show] came back and brought friends—a trend that has continued unabated ever since to the point that we now have to turn people away whenever we are lucky enough to have her back."

Meredith's show at the Branch was the first of the restaurant's new Listening Room series, where they are trying to encourage the same respectful environment for artists that can be found at venues like the famed Black Sheep Inn of Wakefield, QC.

Although school has kept her busy exercising her design skills, Meredith didn't slow down the creative part of her music-making while in school. "I have been skimming through my laptop relearning and developing demos of songs—which I consider to be new—and they are dated back to 2009! That makes me appreciate how much I have grown. When I was 18, I was so hungry to record and perform every single idea I had. Now, I appreciate holding on to things and developing them. I am still eager to put out more recordings, but my approach has matured."

Meredith will bring her musical friend Tim Watson along for some support on percussion, and not only will you be able to pick up her new CD, but also pick up some of the woodblock-style prints Meredith created as part of the CD packaging.

We first saw Meredith when she was a high-school student with equal portions talent and drive. It's been a privilege to see her use that drive to develop her natural talent for songwriting and performing. Now you have a chance to catch her on the cusp of a new stage of her career.

WHO: Meredith Luce and Tim Watson
WHEN: May 28, 2011
WHERE BobCat branch office, 214 Northwestern Avenue

Particulars:

$20 suggested donation, in advance please! You can get your donation to us in person or by using paypal or Interac e-transfer to bob.ledrew@gmail.com

Feel free to bring a snack to share and potent potables if that's your bag. Soft drinks always available, and donations of non-perishable food goods for the Food Bank gratefully accepted.

Two friendly cats in residence -- allergic folk be warned.

See you in time to celebrate spring!

Janine Stoll & Emma-Lee run hot & cool March 12

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 15:58:00 +0000

Janine Stoll and Emma-Lee are friends, share the ability to do many things well (Janine does great web design; Emma takes amazing photographs), but first and foremost are musicians, and their March 12 show here promises to be memorable.

We first heard Janine as part of the Babes for Breasts show we did that featured her, Rhonda Stakich, and Ottawa fave humans Ana Miura and Amanda Rheaume, and we were enchanted. Janine Stoll's solo work is poignant and passionate, movingly melancholy. She delivers songs that are precise in their imagery and their structure with an alto voice that iscontrolled but strong, sensual but self-possessed.

Where Janine is reason-over-passion, Emma-Lee is wide open. WhereJanine's songs have something of the arms-crossed-in-observation-and-self-protection to them, Emma-Lee's are expansive and soaring and delivered with a voice that feels as big as the sky. We caught Emma-Lee at a Stewart Park after-hours gig a couple of years ago, and fell in love with her voice -- and her choice in hats.

If you are a fan of musicians who craft songs with unexpected chords and words and deliver them with voices that are confident, expressive, and moving, you really need to get to this show.

Emma-Lee and Janine Stoll
12 March 2010, mingling at 7:00, music at 8:00
BYOB; options include bringing a donation for the Ottawa Food Bank and a snackable treat to share with other concertgoers
Suggested donation $20, in advance please. You can use PayPal or Interac e-transfers with Bob's e-mail.

Missy Burgess with Keith Glass, February 12

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 16:04:00 +0000

There is absolutely no doubt that Missy Burgess is a good soul. Conveniently, she also happens to be a very talented singer and songwriter, which means that she will be a wonderful guest here at BobCat on February 12.

A lifetime of music, from her dad's beloved jazz to her brother's choral singing, has found its way into her head and heart and left her that rarest of creatures -- someone who raised children, had a successful non-musical career, and now, in retirement, is tackling a musical life with passion, good humour, and the help of some equally talented friends.

Missy released her second CD "Lemon Pie" in 2008, and is currently working on her third.

At BobCat, she'll be joined by her friend Keith Glass, a founding member of Prairie Oyster and a superb guitarist and singer in his own right.

WHO: Missy Burgess with Keith Glass

WHEN: February 12, 2010. Mingle from 7:00-8:00 pm; show at 8:00

WHERE: BobCat Missytery Mansion, 214 Northwestern Avenue

WHAT: if you can, bring along a dessert or snack to share, as well as a non-perishable food donation for the Ottawa Food Bank. If you are a lover of the alcohol, please bring your own.

Suggested donation: $20.00.

Please email me to reserve your place, and prepay, either by cheque or cash at the house or by Interac Transfer or Paypal to bob.ledrew@gmail.com.

January with Jory Nash & Happy Holidays

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 01:24:00 +0000

Well, we had a lot of fun with Coco Love Alcorn on December 4, and remembered why house concerts were so much fun.

So before everyone gets TOTALLY consumed by holiday frenzy, we thought we'd get out notice of our next show and some sneak previews of the rest of the spring.

Our first show of 2011 will feature the winner of the 2009 Penguin Eggs "Album of the Year" honours: Jory Nash. Roots Music Canada says of Jory: "the thing that can drive me ‘round the bend [about the singer-songwriter genre] – is that it can all start sounding the same after awhile. Thank goodness Jory Nash doesn’t fit this stereotype. On his sixth CD New Blue Day (2009) he has managed, once again, to surprise and delight."

The album catches your ear from the first note, with excellent production that matches the songs, voices and instruments. With guest appearances by notables like Rick Fines and Dala, Nash's songs are diverse in sound and style, but share some important traits -- being literate, sensitive, and sympathetic.

Listen to this sample from "God don't love me anymore" to get a sense of who Jory is. When I heard him play a few months ago, I was taken instantly. And you'll be taken too.

WHO: Jory Nash in concert
WHEN: January 15, 2011 -- 7:00 for mingling with music at 8:00
WHERE: Home of the BobCat Nash Rambler, 214 Northwestern Avenue (Suggested donation $20 -- all proceeds to artist)
WHAT (to bring):

YOB (your own booze)
something nibbly to share with others
non-perishable food item for the Food Bank

Remember, we appreciate pre-payment. You can mail us a cheque; you can arrange to drop off cash; or you can use Paypal or Interac Money Transfer.

As to the rest of the spring:

February brings us local favorite Missy Burgess;
March sees Janine Stoll return (you may have caught her with our Babes for Breasts fundraiser) with her pal, the wondrous Emma-Lee;
May brings someone we've been waiting for a while -- Jon Brooks.

Amanda Rheaume and Tara Holloway, May 15

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 14:15:00 +0000

May at BobCat brings a two-for-one show of powerhouse Ottawa women.

Amanda Rheaume is a veteran of the bar scene, the Big Money Shot, and even of Christmas CDs. She has an amazing ability to write catchy songs but still hit deep emotions. Her voice is able to deliver power-pop and soulful ballad with equal skill and emotion. Add in to that a beautiful hand-built acoustic that she can make sing, and you've got an irresistible package.

And it even gets better when Tara Holloway tags along for a duo show. Tara Holloway brings a raw passion and energy to the stage that is unmatched by anyone I've seen in Ottawa. Her voice makes me think of Melissa Etheridge, Sheryl Crow, and Janis Joplin; her songs are windows into a funnysad world filled with broken hearts that keep on beating.

So come and watch the roof lift off the sunroom.

I can't guarantee QUITE this much volume. But here's a video of Amanda and Tara playing at last year's Bluesfest:

And here's Tara playing on TV with Creed (from the office?!) as part of SXSW:

Amanda Rheaume and Tara Holloway, with ace guitarist Jeff Logan
May 15, 2010, 7:00 mingle, 8:00 show
Suggested donation $20
Please feel free to bring a donation for the Ottawa Food Bank and/or some food to share.

We like pre-payment of your suggested donation so that others don't get shut out of the show. Please use paypal or Interac Money Transfer if you like; otherwise contact me and arrange to drop off a cheque or cash.

Jill Zmud joins us April 17

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 14:07:00 +0000

New artist Jill Zmud is like so many women from Saskatchewan -- immensely talented. Her debut CD, as we quietly drive by, is way better than someone's first record oughtta be. And her performance skills are top-notch.

We met her at the kickoff show for last fall's Babes for Breasts tour, and it was one of those things where Cath immediately started nudging me. Book her. Book her. I wasn't about to exercise my veto. She's too good.

Come see her at BobCat before she's WAY too big to even
look at people like us.

Here's Jill performing at Compact Music recently:

And you can catch Jill's opening set at the January Acoustic Waves concert courtesy of the excellent CBC site Concerts on Demand.

Jill Zmud, with Chris Page
April 17, 2010
as always, 7:00 pm mingling, 8:00 show
Suggested donation $15
Please feel free to bring a donation for the Ottawa Food Bank and/or some food to share

We like pre-payment of your suggested donation so that others don't get shut out of the show. Please use paypal or Interac Money Transfer if you like; otherwise contact me and arrange to drop off a cheque or cash.

Happy Music Year!

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 21:46:00 +0000

Hope all the BobCat friends had a great Christmas. I've been thinking about some of the great music we were treated to here at BobCat. We had:

Ana Miura
Amanda Rheaume
Janine Stoll & Paul MacDougall
Rhonda Stakich
Peter Elkas
Andrea Simms-Karp
Kate Weekes
David Ross MacDonald
The Undesirables (Sean Cotton & Corin Raymond)
Corin Raymond
Jonathan Byrd

grace us with amazing music. What a gift for us all.

But now it's time to start looking forward, and we've got some amazing people coming to play in 2010, starting with a show at the end of January with the amazing Nathan Rogers.

Nathan Rogers carries a family name with resonance -- and maybe with some baggage too. But once you hear him, you'll add the term "powerful performer" to the terms "son of Stan" and "nephew of Garnet". He's produced two CDs - 2005's True Stories and 2009's The Gauntlet. Both feature that rich Rogers voice, his Grit Laskin guitars, and songwriting that moves from the more conventional folk idiom you might expect to incorporate Tuvan throat-singing, beatboxing, and god only knows what.

Here's a sample of a traditional blues-styled song from Nathan's first record. "Can't sit still" was recorded at a concert Rogers did in Canmore:

Nathan's going to have a full weekend in Eastern Ontario. In addition to the BobCat show, he'll be playing a dinner+concert event in Merrickville at the lovely Yellow Canoe Café on Friday January 29, and doing a songwriting workshop on the Sunday afternoon. You can contact me for information on those events as well.

WHO: Nathan Rogers
WHERE: BobCat, 214 Northwestern Avenue
WHEN: Saturday, January 30
WHAT: $20 suggested donation. If you choose, bring some snacks to share at intermission and/or a donation to the Ottawa Food Bank.

I've no doubt this show will be FULL. So please ensure you've got a seat by reserving and providing your donation in advance. Pay by paypal or Interac money transfer by using the e-mail bob-dot-ledrew at gmail-dot-com, by cheque in the mail, or by cash in person.

And a couple of weeks after that, we have three of the brightest young women in Canadian roots music coming to the house for valentine's weekend. If you haven't heard of the Good Lovelies yet, you really need to. Kerri Ough, Caroline Brooks and Sue Passmore formed up as a unit at the Ottawa Folk Festival a couple of years ago, and this year launched their first full-length CD (Good Lovelies) and a Christmas CD (Under the Mistletoe). Both are wonderful items, capturing both their instrumental skills, their truly incredible harmonies (think the Andrews Sisters at a jam session with the Carter family), and their great original songs. But it's live where you get the full Good Lovelies experience, combining all the music with an infectious joie de vivre and good humour that would make Leonard Cohen giggle like a schoolgirl. It's rare to see an act that just seems to be having so much FUN doing what they do.

And now's your chance to see them here.

WHO: Good Lovelies
WHEN: February 13
WHERE: BobCat Love Canal
WHAT: $25 suggested donation by PayPal, Interac Money Transfer, cheque, or cash in advance please.

Corin Raymond and Jonathan Byrd, November 7

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 18:59:00 +0000

We had a full house for our Thanksgiving show with the Undesirables and David Ross MacDonald. Our next show features half of the Undesirables as well as the best export from North Carolina since powered flight and NASCAR - Jonathan Byrd.

Corin Raymond, the "front man" of The Undesirables, also has a burgeoning career as a solo artist. His new CD, "There will always be a small time", has a loose-limbed, good-humoured shuffle that is instantly engaging and treats you to touches of zydeco, Roy Orbison, and honest emotions from loneliness to raucousness.

Jonathan Byrd writes songs that are almost stark in their simplicity but convey deep thoughts in simple terms. People like Tom Paxton have praised him, and he's won the "New Folk" competition at the prestigious Kerrville Folk Festival in Texas. When I brought home a stack of CDs from last year's Ontario Council of Folk Festivals and went through 'em with Cathy, we listened to a bunch of people. When I put Jonathan's on, she said "Can we get him?!" I said "Yes."

Corin and Jonathan share a tremendous musicality and a love of words that will move both heart and head.

WHO: Corin Raymond and Jonathan Byrd
WHERE: BobCat, 214 Northwestern Avenue
WHEN: November 7, 7:00 mingle, 8:00 show.

Suggested donation $20.

Your optional activities:

* non-perishable food good for the Ottawa Food Bank,
* some change to help the Babes for Breasts get across Canada and back,
* dessert or snack to share if you're the sharing kind,
* BYOB if you're inclined that way.

See you soon,

Shows with David Ross MacDonald, Jonathan Byrd, Undesirables!

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 18:08:00 +0000

BobCat’s got two great shows coming up this fall.

On October 10, we will be hosting the return of David Ross MacDonald to BobCat.

This Australian singer-songwriter is someone that we’ve become giant fans of, and he’s been having a wonderful year of touring in Canada.

You may have seen him at the (fabulous) Ottawa Folk Festival this year, where he brought the Hall Stage to its feet with his solo set, or you may have seen him at our place last year, where he did the same.

In fact, here’s a little taste of that solo set from the OFF, and here's an instrumental cut from a gig in Australia where David opened for the legendary Chris Smither:

David will be the special guest at the first-ever BobCat potluck early Thanksgiving dinner. The show will be on the Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend, so we're going to take care of turkey for everyone if you take care of the fixings.

And the special guests of our special guest will be Toronto-based duo The Undesirables. Corin Raymond and Sean Cotton are two guys who are bringing their new CD to Ottawa. Their music is full of wood -- honest, strong, shaped by nature, and crafted to evoke the best of your emotions.

Details:

WHO: David Ross MacDonald with the Undesirables
WHERE: BobCat billabong
214 Northwestern Avenue
WHEN: Saturday, October 10; 5:00 dinner; 8:00 concert
$20 suggested donation.

As always, we will require payment in advance to ensure that people aren't told that we're 'sold out' and then no-shows leave empty seats; that disappoints potential audience members and takes money out of artists' pockets. And you wouldn't want to do that, now. (All proceeds of BobCat shows go to the artist.)

Then on November 7, we have another double show you won't want to miss. Corin Raymond of the Undesirables is going to come back for a solo show of songs from his own album "There Will Always Be a Small Time", and bring along one of his other musical friends -- the amazing Jontahn Byrd.
Jonathan Byrd's songs, someone has said, "are rich with imagery and textures of influences from Appalachian, country, early American balladry, modern atmospheric Mideastern, urban and old timey folk music. A stalwart of modern folk music, Jonathan is constantly evolving in new musical directions and each incarnation has proven to be masterful."

Performing Songwriter says "Jonathan Byrd doesn’t sing songs; he sings truth."

His latest album, "The Law and the Lonesome" reminds me of a combination of Lyle Lovett and John Prine; he is a fearsomely talented songwriter with a marvelous way of arranging and singing his songs.

Jonathan Byrd and Corin Raymond
at the Bobamo
Saturday November 7, 7:00 mingle, 8:00 show
Suggested donation $20.

To get your seat for either or both of these shows put aside, email us at bob.ledrew@gmail.com. Pre-payment by cheque to our house, cash in person, or by PayPal or Interac Money Transfer is required.

See you soon!

Peter Elkas plays "Will power"

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 20:04:00 +0000

For those of you who missed out on Peter's house-concert first-time, here's a little snippet. Thanks to Peter Elkas for allowing us to record and post this, and for being such a great performer.

Your feedback is important to BobCat . Seriously.

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 14:18:00 +0000

Take our first-ever (and quite possibly only) survey! We'll listen to what you say, do what we like, and ignore the rest! Just like governments and corporations!

Peter Elkas, Emily Chen, and a peace bond: A valentine's day tale

noreply@blogger.com (Bob) — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 14:01:00 +0000

This is the kind of decadence and depravity that happens when people like Peter Elkas get stalked by people like Emily Chen.

I am so ashamed.

PS: If you don't know, Em did the now-famous BobCat logo, and even used it to explain the difference between raster and vector graphics in this post.