Finally, we are able to be together again.  Live music is back, and I am loving it.  It's been a tough year for me.  Music and friends have helped me to not only get through it, but to live it in a good way.  I am so thankful that we can play music together again, with and in front of people

I've been writing on my own and with friends.  During the last lockdown, my friends Brant and Brian sent me a guitar track that Brant had written, and Brian recorded.  I wrote and recorded some lyrics, sent it back to them, and first thing you know, we had a song.  After the lock down let up, and before the snow melted, we recorded a video: "Ready for Nothing".  here is a link to it, in case you want to check it out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Rx4VKpEQDg 

In the meantime, I've been busy in the studio, finishing up an album that has been in the works for over two years.  It is sounding great. I've been working the Dave Draves at Little Bullhorn.  Like the first album, "All Tied Up", you will hear some cello on this one. 

As for gigs, I've had a few and will have a few more.  One big one is Musical Mondays at Fairbairn House in Wakefield, QC set for July 4.  I'll be playing with Alden Roberge on drums, but you will see some new faces, namely Jill Rick on stand up bass, and Brant Lucuik on vocals and guitar.  We have some beautiful three part harmonies happening.  

I was fortunate to be able to play the Aylmer Guitar and Folk Festival with Jill, and we happen to be playing the Aylmer Farmer's Market tomorrow.  Look out also for the CD release show for "Tall Tales" some time early fall.  

Take care! ❤️

Dawn

What crazy times we live in.  I've been hibernating, as we have been asked to do.  Still playing music - lots of writing for sure.  Writing songs about living in this COVID time, being together, but alone.  Songs about having nowhere to go, if I even wanted to go somewhere.  Songs about my neighbourhood, both metaphorically and literally.  Hmmm... songs that are just melodic and fun and not really about anything.  Still, I feel a bit like I am in suspended animation.  What am I waiting for though?  I feel like I should have done more during this time, but then I feel like I needed the rest.  Some good songs did come out of it, and a pretty decent garden. How about you?

Oooooohhhh... too long since my last post.  Lots going on, things are happening (geez, it's quite hard typing with my cat, Yady, in my lap....) Lots of new songs coming - finally.  Part of this is thanks to IanTamblyn and his crew of Repeat Offenders.  I've also tried singing Jazz, and guess what? I like it - and it likes me!  Thank-you Nicole, Louise, Sonia, Diane and Fouinart for their great Jazz Vocal Camp in Cantly last autumn.  I realized that jazz has been one of my musical influences right back to the jazz music they used to play on Sesame Street. It's still in me.  

Upcoming gigs include March 8 at the Wakefield Community Centre for International Women's Day. This is always a great event wherein the men cook and bake goodies which are auctioned off to the highest bidder.  Next, on March 19 is Live and Locale at Le Hibou in Wakefield with my hub Jamie Ferguson.  There is no cover to this show and you can enjoy a great meal at the same time. I should have something special to announce for June - look out for it.

In the meantime, I will continue writing songs for the next album.  I'll also be singing some backs for Jamie who is in the studio as we speak.

Thanks for your patience and take care. I'll see you soon!

A while back, Julien Dionne interviewed me for this Comedy Hour Podcast. What a great time we had! I can't believe that I haven't posted that interview until now!  Julien is great - funny, engaging and gets you talking. Take a listen, who knows, maybe your name came up...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4nrOHBinlY  

Dang, it's been a while! Hello!

Seems I've been busy and neglected both you and this website.  And the bots are taking over! 

Anyways, I've been working my day job and writing songs.  Last fall Ian Tamblyn did a songwriting course for some Wakefielders and he worked us hard. And, we came out with some pretty good songs.  Not sure when I will be recording them next, but I will play them live here and there.  

Take care and I will write soon - I promise!

Last week was the 35th Anniversary of Canada's Charter of Rights and of section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982. Section 35 recognizes and affirms existing Aboriginal rights, that is, the rights of the Indian, Inuit and Metis peoples of Canada.  Justice Canada hosted an event to celebrate this anniversary and I was invited to play some music there.  It took place at the Library and Archives building in Ottawa.  I played and sang in the background while people mingled and dined on beautiful bannock made by the fine people from Nikosi, an Aboriginal-Quebecois bistro in Wakefield.  With maple butter and sage, garlic butter it was a treat.  (Almost as good as my auntie Verna's.) The event proper opened with an Algonquin Elder.  I followed by playing "Lament of the Caribou" with my looping pedal.  The guest speaker, Marco Mendocino, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice, was a few minutes late. So, I was asked to play a few more songs, which I happily agreed to.  Mr. Mendocino arrived and gave his presentation.  Following, was the film, Angry Inuk.  It tells of the European ban on importing seal products which has negatively affected the daily lives of the Inuit. The Inuit rely not only on seal meat for food, but from the economic benefits that selling seal products bring.  Auju Peter, one of the Inuit activists in the film, was present to answer questions.  When the film ended and Auju took the stage, there was not a dry eye in the auditorium.  This is a powerful film and I urge you to take the time to view it.  Some groups have portrayed the Inuit seal hunt negatively, but that is not the case. The seal hunt is traditional and sustainable. Here is a link to some information about the film and the Inuit seal hunt: https://www.nfb.ca/film/angry_inuk/  I wish to thank Mylene Tremblay for organizing this important event and for inviting me to come and play music.  

Later that evening, I was the guest artist for the Mill Road Community Space open mic.  I was impressed by the young musicians there.  This is an open and inviting environment for musicians and listeners, whether young, or young at heart. Thanks Margot for inviting me. 

I am always looking for new songwriting tips, so the next day, I attended a songwriting workshop hosted by North Easton. As always, North gave excellent advice and provided many cool examples even writing pop songs on the spot.  I have a few songs brewing in my head that I plan to record with this new DAW that I got with my computer. Funny, I don't even know what DAW stands for.  I only remember the acronym because it contains the first three letters of my name.: ) 

Sometimes it is hard to make time to do music type work on the computer with other competing priorities.  After setting a goal at North's "Strongwriting" workshop of setting up an electronic press kit, I actually created one.  Well, Greg Stone came over and helped me create one. Thanks Greg!  He is a local fellow who can play guitar like no one else. Actually he can play virtually any instrument, including drums. He is pretty handy on the computer too. Click on the Press Kit tab to check it out our work.   

Finally, I have a few shows coming up.  First one is this Saturday May 6 at the Kaffe 1870 in Wakefield, QC.  I will be playing guitar and singing backup vocals with Jamie Ferguson and the Hills Gang.  I always look forward to playing with Jamie. It gives me a good opportunity to bring out the black strat. The lovely and talented Rosanna Nicol is opening. Tickets are 10$.  Next, I will be hosting the open stage at the Kaffe 1870 on May 31.  No cover. Music will start at 9ish.  All are welcome, whether to listen or to play.  Then, Sunday June 11, I'll be at the Blacksheep Inn. It will be a special event, not only because my backup band the Prima Donalds will be joining me, but the show will be a double header with the Fluffy Little Cowboys out of PEI.  The show starts at 4pm.  Tickets are 10$ advance and 12$ at the door.   

Have a great week and thanks for reading.  

photo below by Anne Olivier
photo right by Dawn Pritchard