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That's how the evening felt. Late winter blues in effect, everyone moving a little slowly, drearily. Suddenly, The United Steel Workers of Montreal arrive, load some serious gear on the stage, deliver two sets of sheer full power high octane entertainment, make friends with everyone, make their own meals in our kitchen, party a bit with the turntable (did it end with 'Dream Police?' or 'You've Lost That Loving Feeling') grab some shut eye and head out. Just like that, it seemed to be spring.  Read more »

Okay, it wasn't the friendship tour a week before, but after what was reportedly a good old fashioned dust up between the two, the resulting peace led to a change in the name.  Read more »

In the depths of the winter, it's a pleasure to hear Lindsay's voice; at times powerful, haunting, always sure, on. Lindsay stepped through a repertoire that spanned her career and hinted at a coming album. The fireplace lighting fit well as the evening had a real 'come gather round' feel to it. The celtic folk finale a cappella was he clear highlight of the evening.

It was good to see Lindsay again.

The show the Ladies of the Canyon put on Wednesday night vindicated those that came out for a mid-week January show in the valley.  Maia, Senja, Jasmine and Anna were absolutely stunning in every possible way; gorgeous voices, gorgeous harmonies, gorgeous.  The music was tight and the vocals simply stunning.  Anna's bass was a real treat.   The ladies warmed to the crowd and the banter was fun.   Read more »

Brock returned to the old SchoolHouse Stage in Burnstown and didn't disappoint.  There were some standards and some material from an upcoming album.  Brock was spot-on as ususal.  An easy personality on stage, with great great stories.  The new album promises to be one focused on carnival stories; a nice match fo Brock.   Read more »

Our first Neat Year's Eve Party is over and done and was a real treat for us and judging from the feedback it was a treat for others as well. Jill Zmud serenaded us early in the evening and the Sunparlour Players rang in the midnight hour with a performance that was so good that it could not possibly have been expected. The food was excellent and we were ecstatic about how the the Neat crew delivered.  Read more »

The effect of a Friday and Saturday night's worth of Monkey Junk resonates still.  It was one of those 'glad I was there for that one' shows.  Steve Marriner, Tony D and Matt Sobb put on two live shows that would be the envy of any band. 

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Al Wood and the Woodsmen graced the stage in the old schoolhouse for the 2nd time and delivered another energized show.  They played to solid sets of original and covers and had the crowd playing right along.  Perhaps a highlight of the evening (okay, Folsom Prison will always be a highlight) was 'Right on Queue' that promises to be on the forthcoming new album.   Read more »

Tony McManus delivered two long sets and an encore that had the crowd in awe of the performance.  Tony's numbers tend to the traditional in nature, his ability to deliver everything from the subtle and soothing to the highly technical and intricate was hard to believe.  In between numbers, there were a number of stories that hit upon topic ranging from song origins in the 1600s to one footed pedicures.  Read more »

It was a last minute gig, two incredible artists just off the plane for a Folk Festival Conference. Ryan coming from our own east coast and Tony from the UK. Those who made the trip to the schoolhouse came away with an appreciation of what can be done on an acoustic guitar (and banjo and a box).  Read more »