“Rock me mama like a Wagon Wheel
Rock me mama…all the way to Wolfville!”

June 1st Old Crow Medicine Show will take to the stage in Wolfville, with the amazing Matt Andersen supporting!

SOLD OUT

Old Crow Medicine Show are the creators of Wagon Wheel which is one of the bestselling and most covered songs of the last decade. The song is a true phenomenon, un-paralleled in folk music’s recent history. While Old Crow Medicine Show’s high energy and charismatic stage presence make them a favourite at big alternative festivals like Coachella and Bonnaroo, their Nashville credentials are just as strong with the more purist bluegrass audiences, with frequent appearances at the Grand Ole Opry and on A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor.

In 2011 Old Crow found themselves embarking on the historic Railroad Revival Tour with Mumford and Sons, and Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros. This tour had the bands riding a vintage train from California to New Orleans, playing shows along the way. The magic of this musical excursion across America’s vast landscape is captured in the Emmet Malloy directed documentary, Big Easy Express.

In 2013 Old Crow Medicine Show, along with Mumford & Sons and Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, won the Grammy Award for “Best Long Form Music Video” for the film.

It is no accident that Matt Andersen, now recognized internationally as one of the most impressive performers to emerge from Atlantic Canada, will be supporting the show. In 2010, after hearing his cover of Wagon Wheel, Old Crow Medicine Show invited Matt to open for them on several dates across the United States.

Proudly presented by the Deep Roots Music Cooperative
and the Annapolis Valley Apple Blossoms Festival:

OLD CROW MEDICINE SHOW
with special guest MATT ANDERSEN

SOLD OUT

Saturday, June 1, 2013 at 8:00pm
Convocation Hall, Acadia University, Wolfville
Tickets on sale Friday, April 12th at www.deeprootsmusic.ca
and at all TICKETPRO outlets

Deep Roots Music Festival (10th year Anniversary) planning is underway and the Kick Off Celebration happens March 22nd, 2013. Join us for an evening of music with Trip A Lady, Ian Sherwood and Kickin’ Mule Blues Band and a silent auction.

See the Poster [PDF format] for more details.

If you have a SILENT AUCTION item that you would like to donate, please contact Elizabeth MacArthur at emac...@eastlink.ca

Ilannaat

“Ilannaat”, an Inuktitut term describing good friends, is the new Throat-singing duet of Kerri Tattuinee and Kathleen Merritt. The two are indeed good friends, who grew up in the tiny Arctic community of Rankin Inlet, Nunavut. Since the age of seven, they have been inspired to learn the art of Inuit throat-singing; an ancient practice done as a pass time between two Inuit women.

Over the years, Kerri and Kathleen have undertaken their own paths to discover themselves and their passions, performing separately across Canada and internationally. The two will sing for the first time together on stage as Ilannaat; mixing together Inuit traditional sounds and modern melodies.

Jaffa Road

Based out of Toronto, this award-winning musical group draws their creative inspiration from various eclectic sources. Their music reflects their love for pop, rock, modern jazz, and dub music, the worlds of sacred and secular Jewish songs, as well as Classical, Arabic and Indian music.

Their first album, Sunplace, received a Juno-nomination for World Music Album of the Year, then went on to be released as a live recording on CBC Radio 2, earn the #1 spot on the CIUT World Music Chart, and win them the Grand Prize and Lennon Award at the John Lennon Song Writing contest.

Their second album is in the works. The band, comprised of Aaron Lightstone, Aviva Chernick, Chris Gartner, Jeff Wilson and Sundar Viswanathan, is ready to give the Wolfville audience a great demonstration of how electric and compelling their live shows can be.

For more visit:  www.jaffaroad.com

Loudon Wainwright III

Loudon Wainwright III has had a vibrant 41 year career in the music business that most singer-songwriters only aspire to. MOJO Magazine calls Wainwright “lyrically compelling and emotionally overpowering.” He began his career as a folk singer-songwriter, in the late 60′s, writing humorous, yet honest, autobiographical songs. In 1972, he wrote “Dead Skunk,” in 15 minutes and it landed him in the Top 40 charts.

He has always been a concert favorite with his engaging stage presence and catchy tunes, and has a well established international fan base. During his career, he has released over 25 albums, been nominated for three Grammy Awards, been an accomplished actor appearing in numerous movies and television shows, and watched his children – Rufus, Martha, and Lucy Wainwright – find their own success in the music business.

His songs have also been covered by many other musicians. His 2009 album “High Wide and Handsome: The Charlie Poole Project” won the 2010 Grammy Award for Best Traditional Folk Album. With his most recent studio album, “Older Than My Old Man Now”, released this year, Loudon called on family and friends so the list of guest singers is impressive. For Deep Roots, Loudon will be performing a special 90-minute acoustic set on Saturday September 29th in Convocation Hall.

BUY TICKETS

For more visit: www.lw3.com

In support of the Deep Roots Music Cooperative, join Gary Ness & the Mud Creek Boys for an evening aboard the Dominion Atlantic Railway! Revisit a bygone era through pictures and tales that cover more than a century of DAR history, with accompanying railroadin’ songs recalling the nostalgia and romance of the heyday of the iron horse.

Gary is a local train historian and an accomplished storyteller, with a wealth of tales about trains here in the Annapolis Valley. He’ll show projections from his extensive photographic collections, which are also featured in his two published volumes on the Canadian Pacific’s Dominion Atlantic Railway.

The Mud Creek boys are an acoustic trio, playing a mix of old time country, bluegrass, blues and swing … those ‘old songs that everybody remembers but nobody plays anymore’. Members are J. P. Huang – guitar and mandolin, Ian Spooner – banjo and guitar, and Peter Williams – banjo, bass and guitar.

Deep Roots is thrilled that Gary, J.P., Ian and Peter are willing to do the Train Show to help with our fund-raising. This show was performed once before, in November 2011, and the packed house obviously loved it. Click Here for Ann O’Dell’s review of the show).

After the show, you are invited to join us in the lobby at the Whittle to take a closer look at fascinating train paraphernalia, chat with Gary and the Mud Creek Boys, enjoy wine and cheese (included in ticket price), and maybe even share your own memories and stories of the train.

Tickets for the September 27th Pre-Festival Fundraiser ‘the train show,’ are now available online through Ticket Pro for $20, including taxes. This show was a sell out when performed in November 2011 so you will want to get your tickets early…either online or at the Box of Delights Bookshop.

Box of Delights Bookshop
466 Main Street, Wolfville NS B4P 1E2
Phone: 902-542-9511

Hours of Operation:
Monday-Thursday 9:00am-5:30pm
Friday 9:00am-8:00pm
Saturday 9:00am-5:00pm
Sunday 12:00pm-5:00pm

Willie Stratton

The Willie Stratton band is a howling, seething cyclone of god-fearing folk music. Comprised of the band’s founder, chief writer and namesake Willie Stratton, his half-wolf little sister Grace Stratton and super solid bassist Dave Fultz, The Willie Stratton band has been stomping their feet, gnashing their teeth and belting their lungs out since they were formed in the winter of 2011. Lashing together chilling harmonies, thundering war drums, and a whole lot of soul, The Willie Stratton Band is slightly less likely to make you feel OK than they are to kill your boredom absolutely stone cold dead.

For more visit: williestratton.bandcamp.com

Harvey Marcotte

Harvey Marcotte is a singer/songwriter, from Bear River, Nova Scotia, who has his feet firmly planted in the fertile soil of a family musical tradition. Growing up in a French community on Rhode Island and encouraged by musical parents, Harvey learned to sing and play various instruments. At the age of 15, he was performing in a folk trio with his sister and a friend, playing guitar and singing harmony. He was also a member of the famous Acadian band “Blou,” before going solo.

Over the years, Harvey has honed his songwriting skills, and many of his songs reflect strong family ties and a rich ethnic background. His self-titled CD is a collection of original tunes, underscored by Harvey’s warm voice and strong, fresh-sounding melodies. His instrumental abilities also shine through on this recording. As well as possessing strong guitar skills, Harvey is an accomplished fiddle and mandolin player, with a solid repertoire of traditional fiddle tunes to draw on. As a performer, his cheerful, relaxed delivery and eclectic repertoire ensure Harvey is a hit with audiences.

For more visit: harveymarcotte.com

Micah O'Connell

Micah O’Connell came to the East Coast from Ontario three years ago to follow his dream of pursuing a music career. And he is doing just that! He’s been honing his skills playing with the Bruce Street Bandits, performing locally and across Canada. He also plays saxophone and bass as a member of a six-piece instrumental group, Northwest Arm, out of Halifax.

His debut album, Big Mouth and The Old Oak, recorded with the Bruce Street Bandits, came into being with some help from Wolfville’s Andy and Ariana. He currently lives in Halifax, and a second album, to be released in the upcoming year, is in the works.

For more visit: www.reverbnation.com/micahoconnell

Gary Ness and The Mud Creek Boys

The Mud Creek Boys, an acoustic trio based out of Wolfville, Nova Scotia, play an eclectic mix of old-time country, bluegrass, blues and swing. They especially seek out those “old tunes that everyone remembers but no one plays anymore”. J.P. Huang plays guitar and mandolin, Peter Williams plays guitar and bass, and Ian Spooner plays banjo and guitar.

The Mud Creek Boys have performed in many different venues across western Nova Scotia, and been part of a showcase at the Lunenburg Folk Festival. To a great extent, their repertoire draws from traditional sources, such as the Delmore Brothers, the Carter Family, and Woody Guthrie, but numbers by contemporary artists, such as Alison Krauss and Union Station, Peter Rowan, The Beatles and The Dillards, also find their way into the mix.

Special guest Gary Ness, now a retired professor who was with Acadia University for many years, joins the Mud Creek Boys, for the “train show.” Gary is a historical train enthusiast and has written two books on the Dominion Atlantic Railway. As part of the “train show,” he will tell stories about trains and share from the vast collection of train photos he has collected over the years.

For more: visit their website

Naming The Twins

This engaging acoustic duo, Robbie Smith and Kathleen Glauser, has developed a beautiful balance between singing songs with depth and lyrical imagery, and performing them with a sense of humour and rich harmonies. They are both from the Shelburne, NS, area and have been a musical duo since 2008.

Robbie is an extremely talented songwriter; his inspired lyrics capture the essence of life lived by and on the sea, and, as one audience member noted, “Rob’s superb guitar skills stopped us dead in our tracks.” Kath’s clear engaging voice and vocal harmonies help to breathe life into those lyrics…she’s a natural with a great sense of harmony and timing.

Their repertoire of originals and familiar favorites never fail to please and they don’t just sing, they entertain. They love to interact with their listeners and they’ll sing their hearts out for you.

For more visit: www.namingthetwins.com

The Modern Grass

The Modern Grass has been creating quite a stir in the Canadian music scene since this group of five musicians came together in 2011.  They’ve already had a successful Canadian tour and their debut album, The Modern Grass Quartet, was nominated for Music Nova Scotia’s Best Country/Bluegrass album of the year in 2011.  They followed that up with a second album, High on the Mountain, earlier this year.  The Modern Grass features Donald Maclennan, Adam Pye, Andrew Sneddon, Dan MacCormack and Tom Terrell.

The Quintet plays tribute to various musical traditions putting an acoustic spin on a mix of jazz, bluegrass, gypsy, blues, classical, and folk music. Seamlessly translating complex arrangements, adding their own innovation and improvisation, and then including Terrell’s down home songs and lyrics result in a distinctive and reassuring contrast. The Modern Grass in a breath of fresh air.

For more visit: themoderngrassquartet.com

Littlehouse

Charlie Wilson and Jude Pelley are Littlehouse, an acoustic duo focusing on original instrumental compositions with a Celtic twist. Charlie plays Irish flute and whistles and Jude plays guitars, mandolin, and Appalachian dulcimer. Traditional and contemporary influences are combined to create atmospheric music that has depth and complexity. They’ve had an exciting first year together, on the road performing across Canada and working on their first full length CD of original music. Look for its release date coming soon.

Charlie originally hails from the northwest of England, and when adventure called her to travel, she took her childhood passion for the flute with her, and over the years amassed quite a collection of her own compositions. Jude started life in Carbonear, Nfld. His life long interest in music could in part be attributed to his father’s involvement in the seminal Canadian folk rock group, Figgy Duff. Charlie and Jude now call southwestern Nova Scotia home.

For more visit: www.littlehousemusic.ca

Angie Oriana Jenkins - Belly Dancer

Angie Oriana Jenkins began her journey as a belly dancer while living on the west coast of Canada where she lived for about 15 years. She studied with various teachers and was part of a belly dance troupe on Salt Spring Island. Originally from New Brunswick, Angie heeded the call to come back home, returning to the east coast and making her home in Wolfville in 2009. She has created “Sister Lotus” as a business that could incorporate all her passions…belly dancing, herbal medicine & sensual body care products.

This belly dancing herbalist has found many eager students and appreciative audiences so she keeps herself busy teaching and performing belly dance as well as juggling the other parts of her business. You can find her at the Wolfville Farmers’ Market, selling her luscious products or doing herbal consultations when she is not on stage or teaching.

For more visit: www.sisterlotus.com

This ‘homegrown’ talent is sure to get your feet tapping and dancing if there’s room. From Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia, the Kickin’ Mule Blues Band recreates authentic blues tracks from both Chicago and West Coast Jump Blues Sound; sounds that were once popularized by artists like Hollywood Fats, William Clarke, amongst others.

Guitar, bass, harmonica, drums, and vocals help this band really perfect the essence of the blues. The band is comprised of Brian Chipman, Mark Bezanson, Darrin Beaton, Jason Burns, and Richard “Rico” Berthiaume.

Meaghan Blanchard

Meaghan is a rising star from Hunter River, PEI. This 22 year old has already released two albums, with the most recent one, “Chasin’ Lonely Again,” picking up the 2011 ECMA Country Album of the Year award.

Her first album, “Changing Things” picked up four Music PEI awards, and received a couple of ECMA nominations in 2009. During each of the past four years, she has showcased at the ECMA’s. In 2009, she was part of the nationally televised Canada Games Opening Ceremonies, and then, the following February, 2010, she performed no less than 47 times in 15 days, in the Atlantic Canada House, during the Olympic Games. Last summer, when Will and Kate toured PEI, she took part in a royal performance. Meaghan has spent time in Nashville showcasing, co-writing and networking and her plans for this coming year include a return to Nashville, as well as touring and live performances.

For more visit: www.sandbarmusic.com

DRUMHAND

Energized by drums and jazz horns, and a variety of instruments from around the globe, DRUMHAND draws musical inspiration from the circuitous rhythms of hot climates and the melodic spirit of New Orleans Second Line parades. Innovative arrangements and vibrant stage presence make their unique show appealing to audiences of all ages…eclectic & accessible.

Originally founded in 2008, DRUMHAND presently consists of five members. After their debut album, Moving Still (2010), which includes non-lyric vocal work, it was clear that they all love to sing and they continue to explore in the realm of voice as well.  During the past year, they have been touring extensively in Eastern Canada, been part of numerous festivals, and are ready to release their second album, The Traveling Scheme.

For more visit: www.reverbnation.com/drumhandmusic

James Hill & Anne Davison

James Hill has earned a reputation as one of the world’s foremost players of the often-underestimated ukulele. This young British Columbian virtuoso has the amazing ability of bringing very different musical worlds together, even combining influences of hip-hop into heavily percussive and beat-driven ukulele “sound sculptures”.

Worlds collide!

In collaboration with cellist Anne Davison, on their 2009 album, True Love Don’t Weep, James’ skills as a vocalist and songwriter started to emerge more and it won a Canadian Folk Music Award, so an impressive step forward.

Now, a quantum leap…his most recent album, Man With a Love Song (2011) takes Hill’s talents to a whole new level. This seasoned performer, barely into his 30’s, brings a powerful new voice to the songwriting world.  His eloquent poetic lyrics are honest and vulnerable and definitely have something to say. Anne Davison will join James Hill once again on stage bringing  an exciting and vibrant show to Wolfville.

For more visit: jameshillmusic.com

Wee Giant Theatre

Festival goers love the enormous, whimsical puppets that make an appearance at the Fresh Beats Rhythm Parade and various events during the Festival weekend. Monika Wildemann, Artistic Director of Wee Giant Theatre, specializes in puppets that energize spaces and creative activities for youth, Wildemann creates puppets, props and costumes (all made from recycled materials) to help people celebrate living in peace and harmony. Join the fun as the Wee Giants make their majestic way through Wolfville’s downtown core in a colourful, musical, magical procession.

For more visit: www.weegiants.ca

The Hupman Brothers

The first thing you notice about the Hupman Brothers is how much they love what they’re doing. There’s no question that these Nova Scotian brothers, Ryan and Scott Hupman, have a passion for music. Their superb musicianship, as well as their energy and enthusiasm, shines through during their live shows.

Their original music, although steeped in the Blues, does not strictly adhere to the standard Blues formula. Their songs and arrangements are fresh, with a hint of the swing/ragtime Blues guitar style commonly found in the 30s and 40s, woven in with their own contemporary sensibilities.

In four years, they’ve released four albums, been nominated for multiple awards, and won the 2010 ECMA for Best Blues Album for their 2009 “Countin’ Quarters” album. Two songs from their 2010 album, Loveseat Volume 1, were semifinalists in the 2010 International Songwriting Competition.

During their live concerts, Ryan and Scott are joined by band mates Caleb Miles on guitar, Bob Federer on keyboard, Mike Carroll on drums, and Ian Sherwood and Ariana Nasr on saxophones.

For more visit: www.hupmanbrothers.com

Gordie MacKeeman & His Rhythm Boys

“If ever someone was deserving of the nickname, ‘Crazy Legs’, it just might be Gordie MacKeeman”. Hailing from Prince Edward Island, Gordie MacKeeman and his Rhythm Boys are a high-energy, old-time roots band that will be sure to get your toes tapping.

Tom Power, host of Deep Roots on CBC, called this band his “Best Discovered Band” at the 2012 East Coast Music Awards. Soon after forming and releasing their self-titled debut CD, the band received two Music PEI awards in 2011 for Roots/Traditional Group of the Year and Instrumental Recording of the Year.

They were also nominated for Roots/Traditional Group Recording at the 2011 ECMA’s, and were voted the 2011 Music PEI Showcase Artist of the Year. With a balanced mixture of dance style music, bluegrass vocals, and a lively multi-instrumental music backdrop, this four-piece group is not one to be missed.

For more visit: www.gordiemackeeman.com

Fish & Bird

Originally from Victoria, British Columbia, Fish & Bird started as an acoustic duo in 2006, comprised of Taylor Ashton and Adam Iredale-Gray. Their interpretation of ‘folk’ took them to original songs in odd time signatures and traditional murder ballads with rock beats. On their second album, Left Brain Blues in 2009, friends were enlisted to help fill out the sound on the record and at live shows and some have since become permanent members of the band.

Today, Fish & Bird is a five-piece indie-folk powerhouse group that is always looking to go above and beyond the expectations of the genre. Their latest album, Every Whisper is a Shout Across the Void (2011), features some of their strongest material yet and redefines the Fish & Bird experience yet again.

In 2011, they travelled to Memphis, TN, to perform an official showcase at the International Folk Alliance conference, they performed to a sold-out crowd at CBC that was aired on radio and television nationwide, they toured extensively throughout Canada and picked up a Western Canadian Music Award nomination. This band is quickly gaining well deserved recognition by critics and fans.

For more visit: www.fishandbird.ca

Mae Moore

Mae Moore is no stranger to accolades for her work as a solo artist. She was a major label success story, scoring nine top-forty hits, two Juno nominations and two SOCAN Awards for commercial radio airplay. As an indie artist, she has most recently garnered two Canadian Folk Music Award nominations for Solo Artist of the Year and English Songwriter of the Year.

Mae’s renowned sound, a mature and sophisticated mixture of pop, folk and jazz music, come together on her new album, Folklore, a collection of songs inspired by her experiences living in different parts of the country. This most recent album was released alongside a companion book featuring 30 of Mae’s acclaimed landscape paintings.

For more visit: www.maemoore.com

Sheesham & Lotus & Son

Sheesham Crow and Lotus Wight originally came together, as Teilhard Frost and Sam Allison, for the fiddle band Flapjack, in 1998. During their seven years with this group, they discovered their mutual interest in the folk traditions of North America, particularly the American south.

Through personal instruction, perseverance and osmosis, they learned harmonica, jaw-harp, flatfoot and song and started playing as a duo. Their musical and creative style is a unique blend of folk music and traditional instrumentation.

Dressed in the old style, they play fiddle and banjo as well as an array of other curiosities, including gourd banjos, jaw harps, ham-bone percussion and an invention called the contra-bass harmoniphoneum. This season, Sheesham & Lotus are on tour with a third member, sousaphone player Son Sanderson. Their passion for traditional music and their connection to authenticity are sure to put a smile on your face.

For more visit: sheeshamandlotus.com

Lynn Miles

Juno Award winner and winner of multiple Canadian Folk Music Awards, Lynn Miles has been praised as one of Canada’s most accomplished singer/songwriters. With a career that started in Ottawa 25 years ago, Lynn has continued to travel and sing folk music to her devoted fans around the world.  She has released eight studio albums, including her latest release, in 2010, “Fall For Beauty”, which was nominated for multiple awards and won her English Songwriter of the Year at the CFMA’s in 2011.

For more visit: www.lynnmilesmusic.com

Genticorum

Genticorum, featuring Pascal Gemme, Alexandre de Grosbois-Garand and Yann Falquet, is known for its energetic stage presence. This Quebec trio has become a fixture in the international world, traditional, folk and Celtic music scene. They weave intricate fiddle and flute work, beautiful vocal harmonies, energetic foot percussions, and guitar and bass accompaniment into a big and exuberant musical feast. Their latest album, Nagez Rameurs (2011), demonstrates that the band continues to develop their unique sound by sounding both ancient and modern at the same time.

All four of their albums have been met with critical acclaim in Canada, the United States, and Great Britain, and with a history of playing more than 800 concerts in no fewer than 15 countries, it is clear there is no stopping this dynamic group.

For more visit: www.genticorum.com

Full Artist Profiles for 2012 are still in the works. In the meantime, most of the artists performing this year have websites, so check these out:

Loudon Wainwright III
Genticorum
Lynn Miles
Mae Moore
James Hill (Anne Davison)
Sheesham & Lotus & Son
Gordie MacKeeman & His Rhythm Boys
Fish & Bird
The Hupman Brothers
The Wee Giants
Drumhand
Meaghan Blanchard
The Modern Grass
Kickin’ Mule Blues Band
Naming The Twins
Micah O’Connell
Littlehouse
Willie Stratton
Harvey Marcotte
The Acadia Capoeira Club
Angie Oriana Jenkins – local Belly dance
Mud Creek Boys – Gary Ness

Until the end of June you can still buy ‘Early Bird passes’ to Deep Roots Music Festival 2012 for the ridiculously low price of $75!!

Click Here to order on-line at Ticketpro.ca

It looks like it is going to be another wonderful and varied program this year including ‘from aways’ Loudon Wainwright III, Lynn Miles (with Keith Glass of Prairie Oyster playing with her), James Hill, Mae Moore, The Modern Grass, Meaghan Blanchard, Gordie McKeeman and His Rhythm Boys…

Stay tuned for more details about the program plans for the Deep Roots Music Festival 2012 edition.

The buzz has been getting around, and we are very excited to officially announce now that Loudon Wainwright III will be with us at this year’s Deep Roots Music Festival (September 28-30, 2012). Loudon is funny, talented and historical. He is also prolific, putting out 21 albums in 40 years! He’s releasing his 22nd this year: Older Than My Old Man Now, on April 17 via 2nd Story Sound Records. He has been nominated for 3 Grammy awards for the albums I’m Alright (1985), More Love Songs (1986) and High Wide & Handsome: The Charlie Poole Project (2009) for which he won the Grammy in 2010 for “Best Traditional Folk Album”.

At the festival Loudon Wainwright III will be performing a full 90-minute set on Saturday night at Convocation Hall.

See and hear Loudon singing Older Than My Old Man
the title track on his CD coming out in April)

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click Here to see him featured on The New Yorker web site singing about New York Times columnist Paul Krugman (from the 2010 album “10 Songs From The New Depression”) or visit www.lw3.com.

Want to help? Our newsletter co-ordinator is going on a sabbatical. If you think you could volunteer to help us get our monthly newsletter compiled and sent out once each month, please contact our volunteer co-ordinator, Lisa Hammett Vaughan – l...@deeprootsmusic.ca.

The newsletter goes out every month at approximately mid month. The copy deadline for the next newsletter is Wednesday, February 15th at 5:00 pm. We are happy to include notices of music events with which Deep Roots members are involved. Please send info to n...@deeprootsmusic.ca.

Annual General Meeting
for the Deep Roots Music Coop
2:00 – 4:00 PM
Sunday, January 29th, 2012
Studio Z at the Al Whittle Theatre

The annual Deep Roots Music Cooperative AGM will be held on Sunday, January 29th from 2:00 to 4:00 PM in Studio Z at the Al Whittle Theatre. All members are invited to attend.

During the AGM the Board of Directors will be presenting two by-law amendments for a vote. The first will be to re-certify the membership policy previously passed in 2008. This is a formality required by the Cooperative Association.

The second will be a change to the bylaw pertaining to the amount of time that a Board Member can serve on the Board. DRM is also looking for DRM members who might be interested in being on the Board of the Deep Roots Music Co-operative.

Our 2011 Deep Roots Art Shirt image designed by Holly Carr is here! Holly has gained national acclaim for her unique style of silk painting. In recent years Holly has branched out into performance art, where she paints large works LIVE on stage – she is amazing! Her Deep Roots Art Shirt is equally amazing. Simultaneously simple and intricate – you can almost hear the sweet music in her design.

Stop by the Deep Roots Merchandise booths located in the lobby of Convocation Hall during the Mainstage concerts on Friday and Saturday nights and in the Festival Theatre Lobby during the day time performances on Saturday and Sunday to pick up this limited edition t-shirt!

Individual Artists’ CDs will also be available at other performance sites.  Take time to visit our concession stands.  The artists have CDs and lots of other ways to access their music, plus many cool gift items of clothing and artistry.

Look for great deals on Deep Roots merchandise from previous years at the concessions stands.  Beet and guitar logo shirts, hats, seat cushions, and fleeces are all on sale.

Sponsored by Kingstec (Friend of the Festival)

Ryan Roberts

Ryan’s versatility and passion for excellence allowed him to make a very successful living writing, performing, and producing music in Eastern Canada. His songs have been recorded in the styles of bluegrass, country, jazz, and R&B. He has composed instrumental scores for film, as well as jingles for commercial radio, and has been awarded “Songwriter of the Year” for four consecutive years (2005-2009) by the Eastern Canadian Bluegrass Awards.

Roberts’ songs have been recorded by Rose Cousins, Kevin Davison, The Spinney Brothers, True Blue, Justin Carbone, the Jeanette Williams Band, and The Novelty Salesman, among other contemporaries.

Having spent some time in Nashville, Tennessee writing and recording material for his sophomore solo album, and performing with the bluegrass band Special Consensus, Ryan Roberts has recently returned to the East Coast and Deep Roots couldn’t be happier!

For more visit: ryanrobertsmusic.ca
Photo credit: Sabrina Thurlow

Sponsored by NSLC (Festival Partner)

Der Heisser

Der Heisser – Yiddish for “the Hot One” – performs Jewish klezmer music, with that unmistakable Eastern European sound of Romania, Hungary, Russia, and traveling Gypsies. The newly formed band was founded by two of Halifax’s “hot ones”- violinist Gina Burgess and double bassist Adam Fine – and features drummer Ken Shorley and clarinetist Dave Christensen.

Deep Roots invites Der Heisser to the Festival stage for the first time, and can’t wait to take in their unique brand of Eastern euro-jazz!

Sponsored by NSLC (Festival Partner)

Gypsophilia

Halifax-based Gypsophilia combines swing-jazz and European gypsy music, incorporating elements of tango, klezmer, funk, classical music, indie, and be-bop, all melded together with their own modern edge. Admired by audiences young and old, the septet’s passionate, exciting and sophisticated sound has quickly catapulted them to unprecedented jazz popularity.

Gypsophilia’s debut album Minor Hope has been critically well-received, earning East Coast Music Awards and Nova Scotia Music Awards nominations. Their second album, Sa-ba-da-OW!, is a superb demonstration of the band’s jazz-era sound, with bizarre, interesting side-jaunts and a fun, light-hearted charm.

Gysophilia has unanimously been dubbed the East Coast’s best party band, and you should not leave the Festival without discovering why for yourself!

For more visit: gypsophilia.org

Sponsored by the Town of Wolfville (Community Partner)

Unisson

Unisson came to life in 2008 to play for passing tourists wanting to hear local music in Clare, Nova Scotia. Members of the group have been performing in the Acadian Shore’s Musique de la Baie program (a series of “kitchen parties” held at participating restaurants) since its inception in 2001, as well as on numerous festival stages.

Last summer, Unisson recorded its first full length self-titled album, which demonstrates a diversity of styles including original Acadian songs, powerful Cajun ballads, Irish jigs, and traditional East Coast toe-tapping fiddle.

Germaine Comeau states, “Unisson is like a well-aged spiced wine with bouquets of jig, traditional, cajun, down-east and bluegrass rhythms and served with the best Acadian comfort food”.

Unisson is one of the only non-Cajun groups ever to be invited to play the Festivals Acadiens et Créole in Louisiana, and now Deep Roots feels fortunate to have them in the Annapolis Valley for the Festival weekend!

For more visit: www.myspace.com/groupeunisson

Sponsored by the following Friends of the Festival: Country Stoves & Sunrooms Ltd., Vision Care Optometry Centre, The Odd Book, Muddy’s Convenience Store, Acton’s Grill & Cafe, Herbin Jewellers, The Box of Delights Bookshop, & Valley Stationers Ltd.

The Hupman Brothers

A mainstay of the local music scene in the Annapolis Valley, The Hupman Brothers deliver infectious, virtuosic tunes every time they grace a stage. As Kim O’Brien of the East Coast Blues Society describes it, their music is “steeped in the golden age of Blues… with a hint of swing/ragtime Blues guitar style of the 30s and 40s, (and) their own contemporary sensibilities woven in.”

Their win of Blues Recording of the Year at the 2010 East Coast Music Awards, and nominations as Maple Blues New Act of the Year and as Music Nova Scotia’s Blues Album/Group Recording of the Year for Countin’ Quarters have put the Hupman Brothers at the forefront of a new wave of Blues artists in the East Coast.

Ryan Hupman on lead guitar and vocals, and Scott Hupman on rhythm guitar, bass and back-up vocals have been playing music together since childhood. It shows in the sense of fun they display on stage, and in their obvious compatibility, both as musicians and as performers. The “Hups” are at home at Deep Roots and love to jam with our guests. We are really looking forward to hearing them mix it up with Digging Roots at our Late Night party on Saturday Night!

For more visit: www.hupmanbrothers.com

Sponsored by Gardenhouse B & B (Friends of the Festival)

The Lost Tourists

The Lost Tourists’ smooth and lively grooves are reminiscent of long, hot Havana nights. Frederic Mujica, a former headliner for top resorts in Cuba, showcases his guitar and vocal talents, while Csaba Kanyasi provides an energetic heartbeat to the music with his percussion playing. Based in the Annapolis Valley, this duo is pleasure to the ears and rapture to the feet, rarely leaving a room without a spirited dance party in their wake.

The Lost Tourists will be joining Gypsophilia and Der Heisser on stage at our late night party on Friday in the MacKeen Room, rounding out the day’s Festival performances with an international flavour.

Sponsored by Kings County Honda (Festival Contributor)

Caleb Miles

Caleb Miles began his musical career in New Mexico’s high desert. His masterful guitar style is self-described as “sharp, clear, and dry like the sage-scented air; lawless like the Old West.”

Caleb has been traveling and performing for most of his life, playing a blend of folk, rock and blues music in venues across the United States. In 2005 Caleb moved to Nova Scotia expecting to surrender to rural solitude, but instead found a vibrant, art-minded community that served as motivation and inspiration to keep writing and performing. Caleb now performs solo as well as select gigs with The Hupman Brothers Band, and has cultivated an excellent reputation amongst local audiences. We are proud to present Caleb Miles once again to Deep Roots audiences.

For more visit: www.calebmiles.net

Sponsored by Long & McQuade (Festival Contributors)

Ian Sherwood

Dartmouth native Ian Sherwood mixes catchy melodies and heart-breaking stories with intricate guitar loops, saxophones and pop/rock/jazz grooves to create music that has been described as “traditional singer/songwriter style at it’s essence” by CBC Radio one. His energetic stage show and honest presentation have quickly gained him recognition as a solid performer, lyricist and player, and garnered him Music Nova Scotia’s 2008 and 2010 Musician of the Year awards.

Josh Visser of the Halifax Chronicle Herald describes Sherwood’s lyrics as, “..romantic as they are clever and snarky… Sherwood has a tongue that can be firmly planted-in-cheek, in his often funny, often poignant lyrics.” The release of his third CD, And Now The Fun Begins is generating a lot of buzz, including a Male Solo Recording of the Year nomination. Deep Roots is excited to welcome back this celebrated musician to the 2011 Festival!

For more visit: iansherwood.com

Sponsored by Subway (Festival Contributor)

Lovestorm

Tim Isaac and Nina Khosla joined musical forces in 2009 to form a duo that is energetic, powerful, and celebratory. Their debut CD Great Ocean garnered nominations from both the East Coast Music Awards and Music New Brunswick for Pop Recording of the Year in 2010.

Khosla’s warm, expressive vocals are complimented by Isaac’s innovative cello accompaniment, which stretches the instrument into exciting new territory. Flourishes of xylophone, harmonium, flute, and keyboard played by Khosla further enliven the music. The merging of these two talents has resulted in something wonderfully engaging, that is at once sacred and sensual. Their intimate show, uplifting lyrics, diverse instrumentation and distinctively beautiful sound are winning over audiences everywhere they perform, and we’re confident that the Annapolis Valley will be no exception!

For more visit: www.lovestorm.ca

Sponsored by Flowercart (Friends of the Festival)

Andy & Ariana - Photo by Bruce Dienes

Now based in Wolfville, Andy Flinn and Ariana Nasr have been making music together for more than 12 years. During that time they have released six CDs, a DVD and a number of music videos under the name Thugs at Bay (or t@b). As well, they have travelled and performed extensively across Canada and overseas, while remaining strong favourites in the local music scene.

“Ariana’s captivating vocals move easily across a mix of roots, jazz, world and contemporary songwriting. She further explores melody with saxophone and violin. Andy fascinates audiences with his polymetric rhythms as he beat-boxes, plays guitar, and uses his heels to play the drums” (www.tabmusic.ca).

With their hands full of instruments, and their hearts full of song, the folky duo conveys a zest for life and has audiences clapping and tapping along. Deep Roots is happy to have Andy & Ariana share their talent and energy with us at this year’s Music Festival!

For more visit: www.tabmusic.ca

Sponsored by Roselawn Lodging (Festival Builder)

Michael Jerome Browne

Born in Indiana, Michael Jerome Browne is the son of English professors whose love of music and poetry inspired them to take their nine year old son to the great jazz, blues and folk clubs in their adopted home of Montreal. Now Michael tours all over the world, sharing his unique musical voice that spans the spectrum of genres from old-time country to electric blues, and influenced by the greats that he observed as a child, including the likes of Big Bill Broonzy and David Byrne.

Skilled in guitar, banjo, fiddle, harmonica, mandolin, and vocals, Michael gives being a multi-instrumentalist a new meaning. Maple Blues Magazine describes Michael’s music as, “a veritable feast… he can perform in any roots style, putting them all together simply requires good songs. He has them here.”

Michael possesses a prolific list of awards and nominations, including Solo Artist of the Year at the 2008 Canadian Folk Music Awards, and JUNO nominations for all three of his recent releases. We are very proud to have Michael Jerome Browne with us at this year’s Deep Roots Music Festival.

For more visit: www.michaeljeromebrowne.com