Coral Andrews - Independent Media Professional
  • Home
  • About
  • The Stringer
    • In Memoriam
  • International & National Artists
  • Podcasts Local Artists
  • Archive
    • Earlier 2014 Podcasts
    • 2014
    • 2013
    • Dangerous Visions
  • Contact

The Afternoon Drive Passenger Seat / Coral FM Current Podcasts with National and International Artists on FM 98.5 CKWR 

Dream for Uganda - Two Drums Many Dreamers! 

In February 2011, journalist Valerie Hill, was assigned to interview a Kitchener businessman who was donating money to build a school in Uganda.
Inspired by the man’s generosity, Valerie (with a lot of help) raised nearly $10,000 and set out to volunteer at a Ugandan school that October. While there, Valerie also visited the Cambridge Secondary School, near Kampala, where students from the dance program performed traditional music.


Enthralled by their talent, by May of 2013 the growing Dream for Uganda committee had raised enough money to bring eight of the students to Waterloo Region for a two-week tour. Since then, Dream For Uganda INC has become a registered non-profit organization. 
For Valerie Hill it was like a dream come true and that dream continues to flourish.
The Suubi: Dance, Drum, Dream Documentary premiered at the Grand River Film Festival November 2015 playing to a sold out house.
The Dream For Uganda volunteers flew out to Uganda with a film crew (MetaMedia Production - documentary film makers Paul Francescutti and Paul Campsall) ) and recorded footage of the amazing experience both the students and volunteers felt.
Green Hill and Driftwood Park Public School became pen pals, then fundraising began with bake sales. Eventually, through this and other fundraising projects, Green Hill were able to complete a classroom building project to replace their dilapidated wooden buildings.
In February 2017 the Dream for Uganda team and performers from the First Nations troupe, White Pine Dancers, will travel to Uganda with MetaMedia filmmakers for an unprecedented collaboration of music, drumming, dance and traditional storytelling.
The new documentary “Two Drums, Many Dreamers” will screen in Waterloo Region, Sept. 2017. Suubi Fusion Troupe and the White Pine Dancers will also perform together in several Southern Ontario venues.

In this time-line podcast – documentary film maker Paul Francescutti speaks about the making of “Subbi: Dance, Drum. Dream” And arts journalist Valerie Hill speaks about the next part of the Dream – Two Drums Many Dreamers plus all of the other wonderful fund raising inittives through Dream for Uganda including In Harmony for Uganda Feburary 26 at The Registry Theatre. Also featured music from “Suubi: Dance, Drum, Dream.” Special thanks to Paul Campsall of MetaMedia Production.
For more info – www.dreamforuganda.com
Here is the interview with Paul Francescutti and Valerie Hill on FM 98.5 CKWR. There is a magic about Dream for Uganda. It comes from the amazing musical fusion through this heart warming music mixed, with an unforgettable group of kids including a young singer named Muhai ( singing at the end of podcast) and the pure passion and drive of Valerie Hill and her Dream Team.  

Chris Latta's Deep Tracks - Traffic and Jimi Hendrix to Tedeschi Trucks Band

Picture
 

​









Deep Tracks is a show that Chris Latta has been thinking about for a long time.
Latta, a skilled much-in-demand guitarist (Jon Knight and Soulstack, Douglas Watson Band, Miss Angel and The Homewreckers, and The Bayou Boys) has assembled a set of songs that have inspired him over many years.
He says "Deep Tracks" comes from the satellite radio station of the same name, and refers to songs that are classics yet, somewhat off the beaten path.
"Make no mistake, this will be a Rock and Roll show but with a few twists and turns. It'll be rock, blues, a touch of jazz, psychedelic, heavy and most of all, it'll be fun!” he notes.
His musical "dream team" includes Matt Weidinger, Steve Hogg and Randall Coryell as well as special guests The Divines, Jay and Wendy Carraro, Cheryl Lescom, Jonathan Knight, Cory Williams, Mike McDonald, Tony Enns, David Rodenburg, and John Lee.
Latta will be singing a few songs as well. 
For more info go to www.facebook.com/events/131555993953783/
​Here is my my Deep Radio Tracks Podcast with Chris Latta on The Afternoon Drive FM 98.5 CKWR. Chris's playlist (the artists but not the actual songs played this Sunday) - Traffic - "Medicated Goo"; James Gang -"Funk #49" and Tedeschi Trucks Band - "Keep on Growing."

Mark Willms - Synchonous Piano Music Man In The Afternoon Drive Passenger's Seat on FM 98.5 CKWR 

Picture
About Mark Willms ….
From the house keyboardist at Lulu's Roadhouse (once the world's largest bar), to performing in 5 Star hotels all over the world, including Seoul, Dubai, Tokyo, and Europe. He's worked as a touring keyboardist for numerous recording artists, and has a cameo appearance in Sofia Coppola's Oscar-winning movie 'Lost In Translation'. After obtaining a music degree at Wilfrid Laurier University,Mark went on to have world class experiences spanning 6 decades. His critically acclaimed CD "Release" is a reflection of some of his extensive traveling and touring. Now back in Kitchener after working in Hong Kong, and Seoul, South Korea, Mark continues to write, produce and record. His solo performances are in demand throughout southern Ontario, as he also carries on the proud tradition of delivering the party with the Lulu's Band.


Here is my wee chat with Mark Willms on FM 98.5 CKWR! He was my first guest for The Afternoon's Drive first Passenger Seat!
Featured songs include Mark's songs from his latest CD "Release" - "Amy," "So Into You," "Sweet Marie," "No Way Out," and "The Party's Over" plus Mark's pic for the late ELP keyboard master Keith Emerson - In the Beginning. 
For more info go to www.markwillms.com 



Canadian music legend Charity Brown & musicians John Lee, Don Featherstone, Chris Latta, and Blue Moon owner Bev Finnegan in The Passenger's Seat. 

PictureFrom Left to Right Don Featherstone, Charity Brown, John Lee, Bev Finnegan, and Chris Latta
This weekend at The Blue Moon Charity Brown is playing with The Divines. It was my pleasure to have Charity as special guest along with noted music  veterans John Lee, Chris Latta, and Bev Finnegan of The Blue Moon. 

​Charity Brown Band with The Divines
Dinner Show
Saturday April 16
Tickets $55.00 includes show, 3 Course dinner,
taxes and gratuity with premium seating.
Dinner served 6:30 to 7:30 pm
For show only $15.00 advance $20.00 Door
Doors for show 8:00 starts at 8:30 p.m.

Tickets available at:
The Blue Moon 519 634 5421
Encore Records 301 King St. E. Kit.
The Guitar Corner 165 Victoria St. S. Kit.

Peter Temple and Mike McDonald in The Afternoon Drive Passenger's Seat on FM 98.5 CKWR - Help Them Finish The New Mo' Kauffey CD

Peter Temple was Mo's partner in the duo Kauffey/Temple.  They were together for almost 2 years, and were in the process of recording the first Kauffey/Temple CD.
In the recording studio of producer Mike McDonald, Mo was working very hard, and was excited about this new project. They captured Mo' at his finest with both new originals and unique covers, as well as his last few live performances.  
Mo' passed away from cancer, before the project was finished.  As Mo's health was failing Peter promised him he would get the CD completed and released. 
In order to do this Pete and Mike NEED YOUR HELP!  They are fundraising with pre orders of the CD, to complete the mixing, mastering and production. They estimate the cost at $4500, and a release date of July 15th.  The price of the CD will be  $20 plus shipping. To order your copy today, click on ADD A PERK, and complete your shipping address. You can also help by sharing this IndieGoGo site with all of your friends.  Let's all work together to keep the music and legacy of Mo' Kauffey alive, and reach all of his fans. 
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT FROM THE BOTTOM OF OUR HEARTS!
For more info on the IndieGoGo Project for Mo - go to 
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/keep-the-memory-and-music-of-mo-kauffey-alive#/
It was a pleasure to have Pete and Mike as guests in The Passenger's Seat. We premiered the title track of the new album entitled Honey Be!
One listener called in and said she was dancing around her kitchen when she heard the song! That's a great testament to how good this album is going to be! 

​

Jason Wilson and The Perennials -  Award-Winning Reggae-Jazz-Folk at Our World Music Festival of Music 

PictureJason Wilson and The Perennials
ason Wilson has been nominated for two Junos. He is also a Canadian Reggae Music Award winner from Downsview, Ontario. Born to Scottish parents, Wilson was the protégé of Studio One keyboardist Jackie Mittoo and is the cousin of UB40's Michael Virtue. Wilson played his first night-club gig with Messenjah when he was only fourteen. Known for incorporating jazz and Scottish and English folk influences atop a reggae foundation, Wilson is a multi-instrumentalist though is perhaps best known for his piano skills. The singer-songwriter has performed and recorded with UB40, Alanis Morissette, Sly & Robbie, Ernest Ranglin, Pee Wee Ellis, Dave Swarbrick, Ron Sexsmith, The Mighty Sparrow, Percy Sledge, Brinsley Forde (Aswad), Dick Gaughan, David Francey and many more. Wilson has extensive studio-session experience on his native instruments the piano and voice, but also on bass, guitar and accordion. 

Wilson has also been featured on many radio and television shows and is no stranger to the CBC where he has guested on many national and local programmes including Metro Morning; Fresh Air; The Current; Ontario Today; Big City, Small World and Mama Yama. Jason's own life story and music was featured in a special mini-documentary entitled 'The Grateful Dread' that appeared on The National with Peter Mansbridge. Similarly, Wilson's life was featured in a documentary on BBC radio. Jason's work on the Dumbells - Canada's famous concert party of WWI - was also featured on The National in 2013.
Author of four books, including Soldiers of Song: The Dumbells and Other Canadian Concert Parties of the First World War and the award-winning Lord Stanley: The Man Behind the Cup, Wilson has been published several times in both academic and popular journals on a wide variety of historical topics. A winner of a SSHRC Doctoral Fellowship, Dr. Wilson's research has included works on Canadiana, pop culture, the First World War, hockey, immigration and, of course, music. Indeed, much of the material found on Wilson's five critically acclaimed albums have largely been inspired by events in Canadian history. Jason's song-writing combines, as journalist Nicholas Jennings confirmed "his historical perspective and inventive arrangements on thoughtful, genre-stretching songs about human conflict." In the summer of 2009, Jason served as the lone professional musician on the advisory committee for the 'Cantos at the King Eddy' project in Calgary that will serve as Canada's national music museum. Wilson is currently co-authoring the Official Centenary book for the Toronto Maple Leafs (2016) alongside Kevin Shea.


It was great fun chatting with Jason Wilson - who has created a whole new sound blending jazz and folk stylings with piano-driven reggae. Special thanks to Our World Festival of Music creator Lawrence McNaught for setting up this chat. Jason plays the festival at Kitchener's Civic Square Sat June 18. 

For more info go to www.therecord.com/events/6708352--our-world-festival-of-music/ or summerlightsfestival.com/ 
and http://www.jasonwilsonmusic.com/




Mike McKenna Returns to Mike's Monster Jam at The KW Boathouse 

Picture
​Mike McKenna is a legendary Canadian guitarist known for his particular brand of electric slide blues guitar riffs. 
His is also known as a founding member of Toronto's soul and blues band Luke and The Apostles who started everything off in 1960's Yorkville which led to this popular band opening for The Grateful Dead (in Greenwich Village, NYC) and also Jefferson Airplane.  
McKenna was instrumental in the formation of McKenna Mendelson Mainline (iconic "Stink" album) and he has also played with The Ugly Ducklings, and Downchild. 
Now, coming full career circle McKenna and Gibson are back together playing as Luke and The Apostles - The Soul Sound of Rhythm and Blues!
And they have an upcoming album in the works!  
McKenna and Gibson came to Kitchener to help their good pal musician Mike McDonald with his inaugural Monster Jam last November. Now McKenna is back as McDonald's special guest to have some fun and play with fellow musicians Leo Valvassori (Mel Brown) on bass and Randall Coryell (Mel Brown, Tom Cochrane) on drums. McKenna has known Coryell since they played in another band called Sidetrack. McKenna is also bringing some very cool Mainline merch. 
In 2013 Mike McKenna was inducted into The Canadian Blues Museum Hall of Fame. 
For more info on Mike McKenna and Luke and The Apostles go to http://lukeandtheapostles.com/history/
For more info on Mike's Monster Jam go to Facebook events 
​https://www.facebook.com/groups/953853847986461/?fref=ts

I also did a feature article for Nightlife in Waterloo Region Record when Mike McKenna and Luke Gibson first came to town for some Monster Jamming! 
http://www.therecord.com/whatson-story/6062010-mckenna-and-gibson-ready-to-jam/

Here is a little chat that I did with Mike McKenna on http://www.ckwr.com.
Also featured during the interview Luke and The Apostles songs - "Good Morning Little Schoolgirl," Cherry Beach Shuffle," and "You Make Me High."  
Wow.... Guess I had better start looking for my "Stink" album! - Coral FM.  



Mike McKenna - Happy 70th Birthday from The Afternoon Drive on FM 98.5 CKWR

The Hi Rhythm of Frazey Ford 

Picture
Frazey Ford has an amazing voice - almost like an instrument in itself. 
Ford, formerly of Vancouver folk trio Be Good Tanyas, has the ability to climb inside a song and take the listener with her, whatever the genre, be it cover tracks like Bruce Cockburn's "Lovers in a Dangerous Time," Bob Dylan's "One More Cup of Coffee" or breath-taking soul-style originals "Firecracker" and "Lay Down with You" featured on 2010 solo debut "Obadiah."
Her 2014 sophomore solo release "Indian Ocean" was partially recorded at Royal Studios in Memphis, Tenn.
Ocean song "September Fields" features video footage by acclaimed writer/music documentary filmmaker Robert Gordon ("Best of Enemies") who invited Ford to record with the Hodge brothers (from soul king Al Green's Hi Rhythm Section), including keyboardist Charles, bassist Leroy, and the late Mabon (Teenie) Hodges on guitar.
Ford has been "obsessing" over Hi Rhythm recordings since her teens — one of her first bands was an Al Green cover band — so this Royal Studio session was a dream come true. Find out more about Frazey, this incredible Royal Studio session, and her unique take on what it takes to writea song in this wide ranging interview. Featured songs from "Indian Ocean" include the title track, "Done", "You're Not Free", "Three Golden Trees" and "September Fields". Frazey is currently on tour in Canada. To find out more go to www.frazeyford.com   
Below Frazey's Take No Prisoners When it comes to Love - "Done". ​

Starlight Series #1  At The Elora Music Festival 2015 - The Mike Janzen Trio 

PictureMike Janzen - jazz pianist/composer/singer Photo by Kevin McAlary
Born in the heartland of Manitoba, Mike Janzen grew up with music.  Classical music, hymnody and gospel singing were his first influences.  Early formative explorations took in rock and funk, and along with advanced training in both piano and composition (Mike holds a Master of Composition from the University of Toronto) came forays into the wilds of jazz and modern contemporary classical.
Mike has toured internationally and across North America and last year completed a cross Canada symphony tour with Steve Bell.  His orchestrations  have been called, “imaginative (Holly Harris, Winnipeg Free Press), “full of virtuosic craftsmanship (Vincent Ho, Composer in Residence WSO), and “some of the finest and most creative (arrangements) our orchestra has played in years (Gwen Hoebig / Concert Master / WSO). The Mike Janzen Trio is an award winning group with “Best Jazz/Blues Album of the Year” at the GMA music awards in Calgary in both 2007 and 2009. 
"Metronome" is the Mike Janzen Trio’s fourth release and explores how music interacts with time, both technically and philosophically. 
Music has the capacity to move the listener from the business of ‘every second counting’ to the sense of time passing without our awareness.  The eight original compositions are an instrumental collaboration between Mike Janzen (piano/organ), iconic bassist George Koller (Holly Cole, Shuffle Demons), and drummer sensation Larnell Lewis (Snarky Puppy) on the theme of time.
For more info on The Elora Festival Starlight Series go to http://www.elorafestival.ca/
For more info on the Mike Janzen Trio go to http://www.mikejanzentrio.com/

I had the pleasure of chatting with Mike Janzen who is playing at The Elora Festival's brand new venue The Heritage Barn, Museum and Archives. He spoke about his latest release and the creative process behind it. I also play "Metronome" and "The Summer That Winter Was" to illustrate the Cronos / Kairos time theory explored on the CD, and Mike's playlist pic - Keith Jarrett!  

Starlight Series # 3 At The Elora Music Festival 2015 - Glenn Buhr and The Button Factory Band 

Picture
Glenn Buhr and The Button Factory Band wrap up the Elora Music Festival Starlight Series Sat. July 25 @ 9:pm at Elora Heritage Barn, Museum and Archives.
Glenn Buhr, guitars/piano/vocals
Glenn Buhr has a broad and various musical life. He’s a singer/songwriter; a powerful performer his own songs, and he’s also developed a reputation as creator and performer of unique remixes of classic blues, rock and popular songs, giving them all his own peculiar compositional voice. 
Recently he’s worked with Madeleine Peyroux, Ron Sexsmith, Kiran Alhuwalia and Sarah Slean as arranger, producer and composer. He won the Genie Award for best song from the film Seven Times Lucky in 2005, and he’s the winner two recent SOCAN awards for his music.
Buhr is also a composer of concert and stage music for symphony orchestra’s, ballet companies, string quartets and various chamber ensembles. He became well known in Canada in the mid-80’s when the Toronto and Montreal Symphony Orchestras first championed his work, and in the mid-90’s as front man – with conductor Bramwell Tovey – of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra’s New Music Festival. Visit glennbuhr.com.
Mike Anderson, guitar/laptop/vocals
A musical jack of all trades, Mike Anderson performs professionally as a jazz keyboardist, laptop artist, singer-songwriter, and virtuoso guitarist. Mike’s musical skills and interests range from the populism of his songwriting and improvisation (especially with his work in the indie band Blind), to the experimental, especially his celebrated performances of his own electronic compositions in various clubs in southwestern Ontario.
Victor Bateman, bass/guitar/vocals
Victor Bateman has spent the past 32 years playing music in, around, and outside of Toronto. During this time he’s had the good fortune to perform and record with many excellent musicians in a variety of styles and situations. They include country music with The Good Brothers, Sylvia Tyson and Quartette, blues with Amos Garrett and Chris Whiteley, improvisatory music with CCMC, Jean Derome, and Lori Freedman, jazz with Reg Schwager and Laura Hubert, folk music with Murray Maclauchlan, Ken Whiteley, Jackie Washington, and Eve Goldberg, pop music with Jill Barber and Big Sugar, klezmer music with the Flying Bulgars. as well as contemporary concert music and opera by Anthony Braxton, Wende Bartley and Nic Gotham.
Brandon Miguel Valdivia, drums/percussion
Brandon Miguel Valdivia is a percussionist, mbira-ist, flautist and composer. He studied composition and percussion performance at Wilfrid Laurier University and has studied West African percussion, Mbira Dzavadzimu, Javanese Gamelan and Latin American percussion. He is involved in the experimental folk band Picastro, the improv/world music/psych duo Not the Wind, Not the Flag and punk/psych/folk band Pachamama, and his solo project Mas Aya. He has appeared on releases for local and international labels such as Barnyard Records, Medusa Editions, Bug Incision Records, Healing Power Records, Alien8, Polyvinyl, Spool and Constellation Records.
He has also composed and performed music for theatre groups such as MT Space in Kitchener, IXOK’ Theatre Collective, Aluna Theatre, Clay and Paper Theatre in Toronto, and the Red Snow Collective. Brandon has performed throughout Canada, the United States, China, Europe and in Colombia.
For more info - http://www.elorafestival.ca/concert-information/2015-summer-concert-series-schedule/
Glenn was my special guest and though I said I would play the song "Jackhammer" to cap off this chat - I changed mee mind. 
"Jackhammer" is best experienced live!  In this podcast - Glenn Buhr and The Button Factory Band - "While The Babies Sleep", "Red She Dances", and "These Wishes." Glenn's special guest is Jeremy Bell (Penderecki String Quarltet!)  Excelsior - Coral FM. 

Tempus Fugitives - The Peter Ulrich Collaboration 

Picture















The Peter Ulrich Collaboration - he has worked closely with City Canyons CEO Trebor Lloyd and a wide ranging group of artists including Sara Wendt, David Steele, Jen Elliott, Kingsley Sage of Anemo and Saskia Dommisse of Poets to their Beloved. 
Tempus Fugitives is the second part of the trilogy, as the Collaboration continues to evolve featuring a collective of New York's finest performing musicians and actors, with Ulrich as the 'linchpin" for this sophomore release. 
Singer/ harpist Erin Hill is featured on album single / music video "Dark Daddy." The album also includes also includes Shane Chapman, ("Don Juan's Lament"), Samara Dunn, Timothy Dark, ("Mr Johnson"),  David Steele ("King of Fools"), Sunny Brooke Moriber, with Alain Rozan ("En Bleu'), Danny Cosgrove, and Dosia McKay ("Big Iron Gun"), Evi Steriou of Daemonia Nymphe ("Icarus") I.V Webb, ("Beloved Suicide"), John Penwarden ('Migrators" and "Zanzibar" featuring Timothy Dark, and Stephanie Linn. The first fruit of this collaboration is an album The Painted Caravan released on Market Square Records in March 2013 which has attracted positive reviews in national UK publications as diverse as Rock'n'Reel magazine and the Financial Times, as well as receiving radio airplay from Tom Robinson and Frank Skinner. 
Ulrich continues to be heavily influenced by folk, world and early musics, and draws many elements of these into his distinctive style of songwriting and arranging. And this album which takes the listener on a fascinating journey through time in sound and story is no exception. 

Peter Ulrich comes to New York to join the Collaboration for the world stage premiere of Tempus Fugitives to be performed on Saturday June 20 in The Marlin Room at Webster Hall NYC. The show also features Erin Hill and 
Euro-American folk punk cabaret duo Frenchy and The Punk.  

For more info and tickets head to http://www.ticketweb.com/t3/sale/SaleEventDetail?dispatch=loadSelectionData&eventId=5621155&pl=webhall&REFID=whsite

For more on Peter Ulrich, Trebor Lloyd  and City Canyons Records go to http://www.citycanyons.com/
For more on Frenchy and The Punk go to http://www.frenchyandthepunk.com/
Here is a chat with my pal Peter Ulrich via England for Coral FM. 
Songs on this podcast include Tempus Fugitives trax "Dark Daddy," "Mr. Johnson," "Don Juan's Lament,"and "Zanzibar"
Below is the music video for "Dark Daddy" on You Tube featuring Erin Hill. 
New York here I come!!! I am going down to see the world premiere of The Peter Ulrich Collaboration's Tempus Fugitives. - Coral FM.  


Peter Ulrich's World Premiere of Tempus Fugitives at Webster Hall NYC 

This was a sublime performance including Peter Ulrich and New York Collaborators musicians Sara Wendt, Timothy Dark, Shane Chapman, and Erin Hill. They performed selected tracks from both Tempus Fugitives and The Painted Caravan. It was great to finally meet Peter Ulrich and show producer Trebor Lloyd of NYC's City Canyon Records after 10 years of email correspondence. Below my wee chat with Peter at The Tempus Fugitives Afterparty. Brava! - Coral FM. 

Mo' Kauffey and Pete Temple - Two Veteran Musicians - Kauffey /Temple - A Rare Treat for the Eyes and Ears.. 

PictureMo' Kauffey
From the moment you see Mo’ Kauffey and his old Supertone arch-top guitar you get the idea you are in for something unique, when you hear it you know you are in for something special.
You can understand why these two have performed for many audiences around Ontario, across the US and in Europe.
Mo’ has been performing his brand of roots music for more than 30 years and has opened for and/or shared the stage with John Mayall, The Amazing Rhythm Aces, Bill Kirchen, Roy Book Binder, Rock Bottom,Colin Linden, Manitoba Hal, Ken Hamm, Honeyboy Edwards, Michael Pickett and Mel Brown to name a few.
He has released 6 independent albums since 2000; there is a live one in the can and a new one on the drawing board.


He interprets a broad swath of American roots music in a personable, acoustic blues format, Mo' also composes and reinvents more contemporary folk, rock, country, and pop music in his unique style.
He's a deeply rooted artist who brings tradition and authenticity to everything he touches.
Since Mo’ Kauffey became the stage name for Gary Wickizer, he has gone from someone known by few to a widely known, much respected, and loved artist throughout Colorado, Florida, Southern Ontario, Michigan, and points in between.


PicturePete Temple

Pete was born in Toronto on Nov 21 1950. He started trumpet lessons at 9 yrs of age. He learned guitar at age 14 and was self taught. His 1st harmonica was purchased at 16 yrs old after discovering British Blues as an offshoot of the main Beatles, Stones, Eric Burdon phenomenon. The Yardbirds, Eric Clapton, Fleetwood Mac, John Mayall led him to discover the originators of amplified harp in Chicago Blues. Little Walter, Big Walter, Carey Bell, Howlin Wolf & Paul Butterfield started him off on his harmonica journey. Now 40 years later….
Currently with The Douglas Watson R&B Revue, (Toronto Blues Society 2007 winner top new talent/band in Canada), as well as the Waterstreet Blues band. www.waterstreetband.com
Specializes in all styles of harp playing incl Country, R&B, Blues, Jazz, Funk and Reggae. Plays LEE OSKAR Harmonica’s 
Major influences include Little Walter, Big Walter, James Cotton, Paul Butterfield, Richard ‘King Biscuit Boy’ Newell, Magic Dick, Lee Oskar, Kim Wilson, Sugar Ray Norkia, & Charlie Musselwhite.

A lot people ask about the nickname 'Mississippi Pete' when he is not from Mississippi. It comes from the early slang term for a harmonica, that is, a 'Mississippi Saxaphone'. So instead of 'Harmonica Pete' people called him 'Mississippi Pete'!
Pete recorded live on Canada AM 2004 with Waterstreet Blues Band. He has guest credits on over 5 CD’s with Brandon Alexander, Chris Miles, Pat Temple & High Lonesome Players, Dorianne Forester & Greg Todd On stage appearances with Jeff Healy, Jack DeKeyzer, Mel Brown, Kelly Hoppe, The Perpetrators, Stacy Mitchhart, Bernard Allison, Cheryl Lescom, Pat Temple & High Lonesome Players. 

It was my great pleasure to have Mo' Kauffey as a guest for second time. Here is our podcast featuring new music by The Conor Gains Band and some of Mo's finest tunes. Coral FM. 

Julian Fauth - Barrelhouse and Boogie Woogie Keys N Axe Virtuoso

PictureJulian Fauth
Julian Fauth is a singer and piano player whose style is based on the tradition of pre-war barrelhouse blues and boogie woogie, with infusions of gospel and jazz. He writes his own songs in addition to re-interpreting traditional material. In his teens he was a protégé of the late Mississippi blues legend Mel Brown. He plays regularly in Toronto and has played across Canada, in the USA, Western Europe, Russia and Cuba. 
He has recorded three CDs for Electro-Fi Records. His first was nominated for, and his second won, the Juno Award. He has also received a Maple Blues Award and was nominated for several others. He has opened for Johnny Winter and John Mayall. 
In early 2011 while on tour in Western Canada, Julian suffered a serious fall resulting in a severely broken right shoulder. Doctors were not overly optimistic that Julian’s  recovery would include regaining his prowess on the piano, but much hard work and over a year of intensive physiotherapy has resulted in Julian pounding the ivories better than ever. 
2013…. he’s back as a two fisted barrelhouse piano man, who swings as well as he boogies! 

Proof positive is in the grooves of Julian’s ambitious new album “Everybody Ought To Treat A Stranger Right” which has been selected as the “Best Blues Album of 2012” by C.B.C. Radio. 
Tonight Julian will be playing tunes from "Everybody Ought to Treat a Stranger Right" plus some new songs as well. 

Concert presented by music aficionado/impresario Kevin Doyle! Julian Fauth plays The KW Jazz Room tonight!
Tickets available at Encore Records 
http://encorerecords.ca/

It was my great pleasure to finally chat with this amazing artist. And I learned so much about the music he cherishes!  
I reached Julian by phone from Toronto. Here is my podcast including one of Julian's favorite songs! Excelsior! - Coral FM. 


Terrance Odette's latest film feature "Fall" - Forgiveness, Redemption, Sin, ... Reflection 

PictureDirector Terrance Odette
About Terrance Odette 
Award winning Filmmaker Terrance Odette’s 1st feature, Heater (1999) garnered critical acclaim, (Variety, Village Voice, MacLean’s, Vancouver Sun), multiple awards and festival achievement: Sundance, Vancouver, London. His 2nd feature, Saint Monica (2002) played successfully to festivals (Toronto, Berlin, Vancouver), and again won multiple awards (“Best film” at the Sarasota International Film Festival, Hampton International Film Festival “Best of Berlin’s Kinderfest”)
“Sleeping Dogs”, his 3rd feature, went to TIFF, VIFF, and Mumbai in 2006. Fall is Terrance Odette's fourth feature film. 

Odette lives with his wife and daughter in Hamilton, Ontario. 

Terrance Odette's Feature film
"Michael Murphy is Mesmorising" Bruce Damara - Toronto Star 

"Quietly Poetic, Emotionally Resonant, Poignantly Nuanced!" Robert Reid - The Record

PictureMichael Murphy as Father Sam
Synopsis of the movie Fall 
Father Sam Ryan, (Michael Murphy - Manhattan, Tanner 88) an aging Roman Catholic Priest living contentedly at a Niagara Falls parish, receives a letter forcing his complacent life into a downward spiral. The letter, from "Christopher," confronts him about an incident that happened 40 years ago. Father Sam was a young, charismatic priest, serving a remote, Northern Ontario parish. Christopher was a 14-year-old adolescent, whom Sam mentored. The letter asks Father Sam for the truth: what did take place all those years ago? Were lines blurred or crossed? What choices were made? Forgiveness, redemption and sin are the dominant themes of Terrance Odette’s latest feature.
All the characters encountered by Father Sam—through his parish duties and from his suppressed past—force him into deeper reflection: Chelsea, ( Katie Boland – The Reign) a restless bride-to-be; Michael, a repentant addict; (Joel Bissonnette – Zodiac, Curious Case of Benjamin Buttton) Reza, (Cas Anvar – The Source Code) a gay Iranian grieving his recently deceased mother; Sheila, (Wendy Crewson - Saving Hope, Away from Her) Sam’s free-spirited, benevolent sister; and, finally, Catherine, (Suzanne Clement – Laurence Anyways, Mommy) as the shattered wife of enigmatic Christopher. Now haunted by his memories, for the first time in his life Sam is compelled to reconcile himself more than just as a priest… but as a man, as well. Did a sexual encounter happen? Can a moral custodian of the faithful, a dispenser of God’s grace, transcend his own fall?

Fall plays again tonight at 7 pm at The Original Princess Cinema. Director Terry Odette will be in attendance for an audience Q and A after the screening. I am still pretty chuffed that I got to be part of his 2006 feature film “Sleeping Dogs.” 

For more info on "Fall" and Terrance Odette @ The Princess Cinema go to http://www.princesscinemas.com/movie/fall

Here is my candid wide ranging chat with Terrance Odette. We speak about the creative process behind “Fall”, and its talented cast, plus film projects yet to come and Terry's favorite music to listen to right now, which is the work of another former resident KW artist - acclaimed composer/cellist Nick Storring. Nick created a haunting score which like a "Fall" character all its own. Courtesy of Nick, who was kind enough to send me some tracks, I have featured some of the score in this interview. I can see “Fall” taking a few awards this film festival season! Lights .. camera. Coral FM.  

Listen HERE for podcast with film director Terrance Odette

Bernie Finkelstein - A candid chat with one of the all time Canadian music greats!   

Picture
Roll Credits!

In 1969, Bernie Finkelstein founded True North Records. He managed The Paupers from 1966–1967 and Kensington Marketfrom 1967-1969. Through 1972-1981, in partnership with Bernie Fiedler, he managed the careers of Abramson, Bruce Cockburn, Murray McLauchlan and Dan Hill. In 1970 he and Cockburn became partners in the music publishing firm Golden Mountain Music.

The first artist signed to True North Records in 1969 was Bruce Cockburn. By the time Finkelstein sold True North the label had released over 550 albums, including records from such Canadian notables as Rough Trade, Randy Bachman, The Rheostatics, Lynn Miles, Cowboy Junkies, Colin Linden, Catherine MacLellan, Tom Wilson, Moxy Fruvous, and Lighthouse among others. True North continued to also release records for acts that Finkelstein managed including Blackie & The Rodeo Kings, Murray McLauchlan, Stephen Fearing Barney Bentall and Bruce Cockburn. During the period from 1969 to 2007 True North received over 40 Gold and Platinum records and over 40 Juno Awards. 


Picture

In December 2007, True North was acquired by an investment group led by Linus Entertainment. 
Finkelstein remained as chairman and long-term consultant. He continued as Cockburn's manager and also managed The Golden Dogs. Until 2011, Bernie was the Chairman of MUCHFACT for 26 years, an organization he co-founded with Moses Znaimer in 1984 when it was known as VideoFACT. Bernie was inducted into the Canadian Music Industry Hall of Fame in 2003. In 2006, the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences (CARAS) awarded Bernie the Walt Grealis Special Achievement Award, which is only given to "individuals who have contributed to the growth of the Canadian music industry". Mr. Finkelstein received the Order of Canada in 2007. In 2012 he wrote his autobiography  - "True North: A Life Inside the Music Business." and Bernie continues to manage his long time pal Bruce Cockburn. Cockburn has also written his memoir called "Rumours of Glory." And now both are on the book promoting trail!

On Thursday Dec 11, The Princess Twin Cinema presents - TRUE NORTH TALKS: An Evening & Film Screening with True North Records founder BERNIE FINKELSTEIN, in celebration of the release of Bruce Cockburn’s autobiography and box-set, RUMOURS OF GLORY. Also in attendance will be director, Joel Goldberg. 

Bernie Finkelstein - Legendary True North Records founder and long-time manager of Bruce Cockburn, is teaming up with director Joel Goldberg to host a celebration of their favourite artist, Bruce Cockburn. Joel will be premiering a never-before screened concert documentary of Bruce's 2008 tour, and Bernie Finkelstein will be talking about Bruce's new memoir RUMOURS OF GLORY, as well as his own book, TRUE NORTH, which chronicles the burgeoning folk scene and early days of True North Records, one of Canada's preeminent independent record companies. Film screening (sneak peek: never screened before in a theatre) of live performances from Bruce Cockburn’s 2008 ‘Slice O Life’ Solo Tour.

For more info 

http://www.princesscinemas.com/movie/true-north-talks-a-salute-to-bruce-cockburn-with-bernie-finkelstein-joel-goldberg

**I could have chatted with Bernie for hours because he is one of my music heroes! We spoke about everything including music from his own music collection, today's changing music trends and how people listen to music, the challenges of today's musicians,... and formats! oh, the formats! Like me, Bernie listened to Europe's Radio Luxembourg... when he was growing up! For this Music Promotions / Cancon champion, it was the shape of things to come! 
Just for fun I compiled a list of Bernie's Fave Music beginning with Canadian classical music composer Marjan Mozetich - "Affairs of the Heart, Part 1, "It's Allright Momma" - Elvis Presley, "The Times They Are a Changin" - Bob Dylan, "Farmer's Song" - Murray McLauchlan, Bruce Cockburn - "Pacing the Cage" and "High School Confidential" - Carole Pope and Rough Trade. ** Coral FM 
   

Picture
Bernie Finkelstein

Sandra Bender CEO of The Centre in the Square -The Book of Mormon to 2015 Season. 

Made Centre attendance hisotry. Almost 15,000 people came to see this show.
Million Dollar Quartet coming to The Centre in the Square Tues Feb 10, 2015.
Joel Plaskett is part of the Centre's On Stage Series - May 20, 2015
Picture
Sandra Bender is the CEO of Centre in the Square. I was chuffed to have her a guest. 
And we had a very wide ranging chat from the recent sell out spectacular The Book of Mormon!!!! and the upcoming challenges of presenting Bill Cosby, to her Centrestage wish-list and the Centre's audience to come. Sandra also spoke about new programming initiatives for 2015, the Centre's venerable Children's Series, and its continuing On Stage Series which features three fine acts for the 2015 season. WE also featured music from Sandra's personal play-list including Sean Lennon & Charlotte Kemp. ZZ Top, Dum Dum Girls, David Bryne and St Vincent,  Seasick Steve, Mike Patton, Jeremy Fisher and more.  



And kudos to Sandra for bringing “The Book of Mormon” to Centre in the Square because …..this happened!

The Book of Mormon 

Out of 15,000 tickets !!! 14,437 people flocked to Centre In The Square to see the National Tour of The Book of Mormon which ran for eight performances December 9 to 14, 2014. Most performances were sold-out, with overall attendance for the one-week engagement at 97 percent. The show represents the highest attendance and financial impact from a week-long production at The Centre in over 10 years. In addition, more than 38% percent of the audience were first-time visitors to The Centre.

“We’re very pleased that The Book of Mormon was so enthusiastically received by the KW community and it was particularly exhilarating to welcome so many new visitors to The Centre,” said CEO Sandra Bender. “In the strategic plan we set some ambitious goals with respect to programming work that would raise the reputation of The Centre and attract a new audience. This record-breaking run of The Book of Mormon is a major step forward on our journey towards becoming an organization the public can rely on to present important and outstanding work of our time.”

About Centre In The Square

For more than 30 years, Centre In The Square has played a leading role in promoting the highest quality of local and international music and performing arts in southwestern Ontario. Located in Kitchener, Ontario, The Centre is dedicated to promoting performing arts that entertain, inspire, engage and create memorable experiences for the region. The venue’s main hall, a 2,047-seat state-of-the-art theatre boasts superior acoustics and is widely regarded as one the finest performance spaces in North America. Last year, The Centre welcomed nearly 200,000 visitors to a range of events including dance, comedy, musicals, theatre and music from classical to rock. A registered not-for-profit charitable organization, The Centre is governed by a 14-member board with a staff of 200 full-time and part-time employees. Visit www.centreinthesquare.com for more information. 
This is the third Centre CEO I had as a guest, as I also had Dan Donaldson, and Jamie Grant as guests as well. I made Jamie Grant promise that he would bring Mormon to the Centre, but it was Sandra Bender that made it happen! Sweeeeeeet! - Coral FM.
Listen here for my special in-depth chat with Sandra Bender!


Medium Jay Lane Comes to Kitchener for the First Time. 

PictureMedium Jay Lane's Infinity Tour comes to Kitchener's Holiday Inn Tues March 3
Jay Lane is a radiantly outgoing person who absolutely loves life and everything that goes with it. She has an incredible ability to sense the spirit world around her, “tattle-talers” as she calls them. She claims that “they,” spirit, are your loved ones who essentially never really go that far away after they cross over.
“I love my connection to the other side,” she claims. “My mother always told me that things happened for a reason but couldn’t tell me why they did. So I simply started trusting myself with what it was that I felt, sensed and heard. The rest is history.”



Jay claims that she’s had to be quiet about her abilities growing up due to the source of embarrassment it was causing her family. “I’ve had to shut up most of my life because of it. Now, you can’t shut me up.”

Jay has this incredible ability to connect via clairaudience, clairvoyance, and clairsentience. She’s just truly connected! Those who have had the pleasure of meeting her are “amazed” at what comes out of her mouth”.

Her popularity began a few years ago, when she decided to leave a 22 year government job to pursue her true calling in life and her love of mediumship. “It was hard for me to come out of my spiritual closet, I’ve always had to repress my feelings, but I had to face who I am, and could no longer deny it.” Jay claims that her mother’s death had a great affect on her decision and has not looked back since.

Jay is also gaining rapid international popularity for her association with the celebrity world. “I was introduced to my first celebrity through a great friend of mine who is a well known sensitive on paranormal television.”  Who would have thought that a small town girl would be so popular with celebs. They just love her!

“I knew that one day I would be reading for many well known people, it was just a matter of time.” When asked what it is that the celebs like most about her, her cheery reply; “They love my accent, my no nonsense approach to life, and my sincerity. They also love my positivity and the way I say, ‘eh!’ How could they not love me eh?”

With Jay’s rapid popularity, she is moving onward to other avenues so that she can affect the world in a positive way.

“I know I’m here for that reason, and I want to bring closure to those who seek answers and signs from their loved ones. We all have a soul’s journey here on earth and a subconscious knowing of our life-paths. I’m here to be that go-between on this plane and the other side, whether it’s through television, writing, stage work, I’m simply a small medium at large!”

I had a chance to speak with Jay shortly before she left for her tour. She is looking forward to appearing at Kitchener's Holiday Inn on Tuesday March 3 between 7 and 9 pm. This is her first apprearance in Waterloo Region. Jay and I have a mutual love for this song. "Great Gig in the Sky" - Pink Floyd. 
For more info about Jay Lane - http://mediumjaylane.com


Charlie Lawson aka Jim McDonald from Coronation Street.

Picture
This is a wee chat I did with actor Charles Lawson who plays Jim McDonald on Coronation Street.
Charles was here in Canada as part the of Coronation Street based Tales from The Street, a popular Q and A oriented show that toured across Canada also featuring Julia Howarth (Claire Peacock), Steve Arnold (Ashley Peacock) and Nick Cochrane (Andy McDonald). I spoke to Charles backstage at the University of Waterloo. I also did Media Relations for this tour

Here is my chat with Charlie Lawson

® Coral Andrews 2018 - 2020