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October 26, 2008 - 4th Season Kicks Off at The Cove Inn |
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Written by Press Release
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CURLEY & CHRIS WERE CLASSIC – STEVE STRONGMAN NEXT
NOV 21
BLUES ON THE RIDEAU kicked off its
4th season at THE COVE
INN, Westport in style last weekend.
At age 74 CURLEY BRIDGES showed us how the
masters do it carving out classic blues on the piano with a right hand that
moved so fast it was hard to see at times and a voice that still carries power
and range. Man I hope I can have as much fun as that man when I get to his
age.
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CHRIS WHITELEY provided perfect
counterpoint in support on guitar, harmonica, trumpet and vocals with his usual
consummate musicianship. On drums the incomparable Bucky Berger played Friday night but
had to leave for a Fathead gig the next day so another favourite Bob Vespaziani stepped in – neither of
them strangers to BOTR @ The Cove. Victor Bateman played solid stand up
bass all night long. To quote Curley “they’re as fine a band as I have ever
played with” and that’s saying A LOT since over his long career he’s played with
many greats. |
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As an added treat the lovely and
talented DIANA BRAITHWAITE - who
came up for a little holiday before she and Chris leave for a 6 week tour of the
U.K., Europe and Russia – graced the stage for a few numbers adding that sweet,
strong voice of hers to the mix. Another two BOTR @ The Cove nights to
remember. |
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The famous Cove roast beef buffet
topped off with pumpkin cheesecake for dessert rated the usual 9’s and 10’s on
the Comment Cards. Over $800 was
raised for Rideau Vista and St. Edwards Schools. Little Chicago Studios
provided excellent quality sound as always.
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“Love the ambience, music, food & fellow blues lovers. We’re
away all winter but will be here in April on our return for sure!” Paul Hargreaves,
Portland
“First time here. We heard about BOTR @ The Cove from Kenny “Blues
Boss” Wayne when he praised it while playing The Liquid Lounge in Brantford and
decided to come up and see for ourselves. Wonderful venue, great atmosphere,
moving music. 10 out of 10 for everything” Barbara & Les Roberts,
Brantford
“Probably the most cohesive and purist group sound to date. Great
individual artists but one sound. Thoughtful balance of tempo for all listening,
dancing tastes. Terrific!” Diana &
Luc Bujold, Westport (regulars who have only missed one Show in 3 years!)
Next up:
Friday, November 21 - STEVE
STRONGMAN BAND – One Show Only
Proceeds to Blues In The Schools w.
Mark Bird Stafford & The David McCarthy Scholarship Fund
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| Steve Strongman was nominated for the
2007 Maple Blues Award for Best New
Artist of the Year although at age 37 with a long career playing blues, rock
& country he is no newbie. Born in Hamilton – the home of many great
Canadian blues artists including Richard Newell “King Biscuit Boy”, Daniel
Lanois, Rita Chiarelli, Harrison Kennedy and many more – Steve started his
career at age 16 playing around southern Ontario where he caught the eye of
legendary Mississippi blues guitarist Mel Brown (Mel has played BOTR twice
delivering dynamite shows as many will remember). |
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| He tutored and encouraged him,
introducing him to many of the blues greats. In 2007 Steve recorded his CD
“Honey” which immediately got everyone’s attention, including mine! His LIVE shows are known for their high
energy, great guitar and vocals. His band includes one of Canada’s best bass
players Alec Fraser and Dave King (King Biscuit Boy, T-Bone
Burnett) on drums. Mark “Bird”
Stafford who is in town doing his Harmonica Blues in the Schools
presentation for the kids at Rideau Vista and St. Edward’s will get up on stage
for a few songs with the band as well – an added bonus. Only one Show for Steve
Strongman Band – get your tickets now! |
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“From the first notes of the first track this album just cries out
to be cranked up loud…. altogether a blues history in under a dozen tracks”. David Kidney, Greenmanreview.com, Portland
Oregon
$55 pp includes dinner, show &
dancing (taxes and donation to charity included). Well-priced accommodation at
The Cove and nearby B&B’s is available for out-of-towners. Call The Cove for tickets (613) 273-3636 or
1-888-268-3466.
Visit www.bluesontherideau.ca
for more
details
Artists and
dates may change. Check the web site or call The Cove for updates.
The Cove Inn www.coveinn.com is located on
Rideau Lake in the beautiful town of Westport - a 45 minute drive from
Kingston, 1:15 from Ottawa. Buffet 7
pm, Show at 8:30
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CONTACT: James Doran
613-574-0086
Produced by Choose The Blues Productions, Kenmore Ontario (613)
574-0086 in co-operation with The Cove Inn, Westport Ontario (613)
273-3636
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