Old Chestnuts Song Circle Newsletter

Summer 1997

Upcoming Old Chestnuts (and other) Events Jack Cole

Halfway through the summer, and time to start thinking about the fall! And that means a new season for the Old Chestnuts Song Circle and some very exciting concerts too! So here's a short plug for what's in store……in chronological order. Please note the Song Circle info further down!! Call me for any of the Chestnut events - 519.578.6298 .

Bill Gallaher & Harmony Road
House Concert on Chestnut St.
Friday, August 29
There are still a few tickets left for this exciting concert featuring songwriter Bill Gallaher - one of the best kept secrets in the country - and his four person band from Victoria. Lots of instrumental talent and great voices, not to mention the fabulous songs about the country and its people. This is a penultimate Song Circle concert; tickets for a return concert for the Toronto song circle sold out in three days! Tickets are $14, or $13 as part of the subscription.

Christina Smith & Jean Hewson
The Button Factory, Waterloo
Friday September 5
I've had the pleasure of listening to music by both of these ladies recently, and it's wonderful. Christina is an amazing fiddle player, and Jean provides guitar and vocals. They are both from Newfoundland, and their music is firmly based on that tradition. The concert, called Fiddle Me This - An Evening of Traditional Newfoundland Folk Music is being organized by local folk fan Robin Jones. Tickets are $8 in advance, from 886-4577 (days) or 699-4322 (evenings), and $10 at the door.

Cathy Miller
House Concert on Chestnut St.
Friday, September 12
There are also still tickets available for Cathy's concert. Cathy is a veteran folk singer and songwriter, excelling at both. She spent several years living in Ottawa but is now based in Calgary, so return performances in Ontario are rare. Cathy's music is hard to pin down: folky, bluesy, jazzy, topical, funny, serious, romantic. Her voice is spectacular, and her concerts are always fun and captivating. Many of you will know Cathy as part of Trilogy. Tickets are $12, or $11 as part of the subscription.

Old Chestnuts Song Circle
with Special Guest Robin Laing
New season on Chestnut St.
Saturday September 27
A new season for Old Chestnuts Song Circle! Sand the rust off of your guitar strings and the BBQ sauce from your vocal chords, and come on out to the circle. I've decided not to have a theme this month, so just bring your favourite songs. Please remember that each song should have a sing-along part, and/or words to be handed out for learning. If you haven't been to a Circle before, or if you need to tune an instrument, come by 7:30. Otherwise, please come for 7:45. It would be nice if you could let me know ahead, at 578-6298 or jhcole@mgl.ca.

And we have a special "bonus attraction" to start the year! Scottish folksinger Robin Laing (whose CD I reviewed in the last newsletter) asked about playing a house concert for us this fall. Due to our busy schedule I reluctantly declined, but offered Robin accommodations if he should be passing through. It turns out that he will be with us on Song Circle night, and has agreed to treat us to a set of his material. Robin plays both traditional and original songs on a variety of instruments, and has also put together a program called The Angel's Share about that wonderful export of Scotland: Scotch whiskey. After break (around 10:00) Robin will do about an hour of songs. Donations to help him fund this tour will be gratefully accepted, but are entirely at your discretion. I'm sure he will have CDs available as well.

Trilogy: Two Thousand Years of Christmas
Zion United Church, Kitchener
Saturday, December 6
This was such an unbelievable concert last year, and this year Trilogy offered us first choice of nights! So we have a Saturday, back in the same beautiful location. I expect (& hope) that this will sell out quickly. Tickets will be on sale at the house concerts, or by calling me. For those who missed it last year, this is a concert with Cathy Miller, Eileen McGann and David K., all about the songs and traditions of Christmas. It's fun and moving and not to be missed. The only negative comment I received last time was that it was too crowded. So we're selling a few less tickets this year. The price will be $14 (in advance) for adults, something less for children, and $13 with the three concert subscription. (The subscription offer expires August 1).

And don't forget….

Modabo at Summerfolk in Owen Sound
Summerfolk is August 15-17, and Modabo will be sharing the park with Shari Ulrich, Leahy and Trout Fishing in America (and many more). Tickets are about $60 for the weekend.

And speaking of Modabo, I have some news about the long awaited new CD. First of all, Jon Weaver apologizes for the delay. However, they are in the midst of negotiating a "major" deal, and cannot release the new album until that is straightened out. Jon assures me that they will print and FedEx the CDs as soon as possible. The fact that such negotiations are in progress is, I think, a fine recommendation for the new album!!

Shari Ulrich at The Princess in Waterloo, August 20. Tickets available at Reader's Ink. My all time favourite performer, from Pied Pumkin, Hometown Band, to present.

Festival of Friends in Hamilton, the weekend of August 9. Big names include Leahy, Jeff Healy (Friday), Bruce Cockburn, Laura Smith (Saturday), Great Big Sea (Sunday).

Mill Race Festival on Saturday August 2, featuring (our own) Beverlie Robertson. Also (pardon the speillign) Ad Veille Que Pourra.

Black Walnut Folk Club, the third Friday of each month, at their new location at the University of Waterloo! Open stage.

And another open singaround at Ernie's in Cambridge, sponsored by the Mill Race Folk Club, the first Saturday of each month.

Finally, since this newsletter is going far afield, some simple directions to our home. We are located at 111 Chestnut St., In Kitchener. To reach us from the 401, take Highway 8 into Kitchener, and follow Highway 7 East towards Guelph. Exit from the expressway onto Frederick Street, and follow it towards downtown. After about 5 blocks you will see Chestnut on your right. We are just up from the corner on the left. 519.578.6298 if you get lost!

Song Circle is freely open to anyone who loves to sing or listen. We meet the fourth Saturday of each month, with some exceptions - it's best to call if you're unsure. The Old Chestnut house concerts are by advance ticket sales only, and are actually a "minimum donation" to the performers. Except for a small amount for expenses all moneys go to them. There are also opening performers, munchies, coffee and crafty door prizes. Hope to see you there!


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