Artsfest Waterdown Free Festival will return August 19 & 20, 2017.

Currently added to the lineup:
ORDER OF CANADA JAZZ ENSEMBLE
TOMMY BANKS, TERRY CLARKE, GUIDO BASSO, DAVE YOUNG, & JENS LINDEMANN
With Guest Vocalists SOPHIE MILMAN, ALEX PANGMAN & GENEVIEVE MARENTETTE
Accompanied By THE SWING SHIFT BIG BAND Performing SWEET CANADIANA
A Tribute To The Music Of OSCAR PETERSON
THE CANADA 150 ALL STAR BLUES BAND
With DONNIE “MR. DOWNCHILD” WALSH, CHUCK JACKSON, RITA CHIARELLI,
MICHAEL KAESHAMMER, DANNY MARKS, CARLOS DEL JUNCO, PAT CAREY,
BUCKY BERGER & TERRY WILKINS
ROBERT MICHAELS
RON HAWKINS
CATHERINE MACLELLAN
VALDY
LES ‘SURVIVORMAN’ STROUD
JADEA KELLY
FOUNDERS

Previously announced:
CELTIC KITCHEN PARTY
feat. Natalie MacMaster &, Donnell Leahy & Friends
LUNCH AT ALLEN’S
feat. Murray McLauchlan, Ian Thomas, Marc Jordan, Cindy Church
CANADIAN BRASS
SUSAN AGLUKARK
THE GOOD BROTHERS
THE ONCE
SHUFFLE DEMONS
MOZART EFFECT CHAMBER ENSEMBLE

Returning to Toronto for her first appearance since being disabled by a lightning strike, Kellylee Evans brings her trio to Toronto for an evening of her full repertoire. The Ottawa based Universal France recording artist and JUNO Award winning chanteuse has achieved worldwide acclaim with her successful adaptation of Nina Simone’s songbook with charm, grace and full tilt passion. ~We are delighted that Hugh’s Room Live will host Kellylee’s return to strength.

Norris “Norro” Wilson, Nashville Songwiter Hall of Fame member  has passed away.. Wilson,the  co-writer of classic songs  like “The Grand Tour,” “The Most Beautiful Girl” and “A Picture of Me (Without You),” died after several months of bad health at 79 years old.

During his long career Wilson his career was active in many different aspects of the music business as a performer, a songwriter, a song plugger, a publisher, an A&R rep and a producer,  working  with artists that included George Jones, Kenny Chesney, Charley Pride, Tammy Wynette and Reba McEntire.

Born on April 4, 1938, in Scottsville, Kentucky.  Wilson began performing in a barbershop quartet in high school. Going to  Western Kentucky State College after highschool he  joined the Southlanders Quartet,  that brought him to Nashville in 1957.

In 1970, as an artist, he was picked for Country Radio Seminar’s inaugural “New Faces of Country Music.” That year, his recording of "Do It to Someone You Love" which reached as high as # 20 , the highest-charting single of his singing career. He gave up recording entirely when he started thriving as a songwriter and music executive.

Photo Credit Pat Blythe A Girl With A Camera The Picture Taker

Q107 (CLIQ-FM) went live on the air May 22, 1977, ten days ahead of schedule. The official "official" date was June 1 at noon. Settled in their first home at the Hudson Bay Centre in downtown Toronto, the first song to hit the airwaves was Murray McLauchlin's "Hard Rock Town". Album rock format was the music of the day and it was a direct hit with the rock 'n' roll babies of the 70's and 80's. Q107 was the sixth FM station to broadcast from the CN Tower.

A history in brief.....

Currently owned by Corus Entertainment since 2000, Q107 was born out of mergers, buyouts and/or acquisitions......Slaight Broadcasting Ltd. (yes, THE Slaight family) took ownership of CFGM Broadcasting Ltd. which then merged with IWC Communications Ltd. (Industrial Wire and Cable) and Montreal's Radio CHOK-AM. While applying for CFGM's licence renewal (and getting Global TV out of the red), Slaight also requested a new FM licence for a sister station. So, here we are, 40 years later and The Mighty Q is still going strong.

Name many of the most notable recordings and/or performers in Irish music and it's a fair bet that John Doyle had something to do with them. Liz Carroll; Eileen Ivers; Karan Casey; Solas; Michael Black; Mary Black; the trio of McCusker, McGoldrick and Doyle; The Teetotalers (Martin Hayes, Kevin Crawford, John Doyle); and now Usher's Island (Andy Irvine, Donal Lunny, Mike McGoldrick, Paddy Glackin and John Doyle) - a veritable who's who of the greatest names in Irish music. These are just a very few of the stellar artists for whom John Doyle's signature guitar sound, singing or songwriting is essential.

He Is Legend announced their Canadian tour and the he band will make stops in London, Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa. Sharing their music from their fifth full-length offering, few, which was released on April 28th through Spinefarm Records. See below for a complete list of tour dates.

The communal faith belonging to a cadre of musicians, artists, and fans brought the collection to life. That’s why the album’s title, a nod to Madame Helena Blavatsky’s occult treasure, The Voice of the Silence, feels so cosmically apropos for the Wilmington, NC quartet — Schuylar Croom (vocals), Adam Tanbouz (lead guitar), Matty Williams (bass), and Denis Desloge (guitar). Have a look at the video for the album opener, Air Raid.

Introducing Toronto’s Mermaids Exist:  a five-piece ensemble that has performed at notable venues such as The Horseshoe Tavern and The Mod Club. Continuing in that tradition, they will bring their intricate, atmospheric yet accessible sounds to 3030 Dundas West, June 29th.

Influenced by artists such as John Mayer, X Ambassadors, and Maroon 5, the Merms have created a melting pot of their individual influences leading to both lyrical and groove centric songs. Winners of a 2016 Toronto Independent Music Award in the Adult Contemporary category and current semi-finalists in the 2016 International Songwriting Competition, their live performances are filled with energy and beautiful vocal harmonies – a sound that has been beautifully captured on their first full length album, Losing Colour.

Anthem Legacy , an imprint of ole Label Group, is celebrating the 50th Anniversary of one of Canada's most prolific and iconic artists, Stompin' Tom Connors. June 30, 2017 (ole Label Group / Anthem Legacy) sees the release of the Stompin' Tom Connors 50th Anniversary self-titled CD. In association with Canada 150 and an introduction from NHL Legend and Hockey Hall of Famer Ken Dryden, this special edition release will include all of Stompin' Tom's timeless classics. The album also features four new renditions from notable Canadian Country stars including; The Cuddy/Polley Family Band, Corb Lund, George Canyon and Whiskey Jack.

"We're extremely excited and proud at ole to release this Stompin' Tom Connors collector's set, said Andy Curran, who is A&R'ing the project at Anthem. "We've managed to assemble a collector's edition that will satisfy the most loyal fan but also to excite a new generation of fans as these great songs really transcend generations and speak to all Canadians."

Hot off the heels of their current single “How to Get the Girl”, party-starters Blackjack Billy are releasing their new digital EP, Show Out. Available June 23, this is the bands first release with a label, and features their signature good-time sounds, with big names like Tim Hicks and Madeline Merlo in the credits.

Show Out was recorded in Montreal, QC and produced by Blackjack Billy’s Jeff Coplan, a Montreal native. The versatility of the band is evident through its six-song compilation. The EP kicks off with rock-infused “My Lips Your Kiss”, transitions into a classic Blackjack Billy sound with the track, “Nothing Like You”, shifts into the reggae-inspired “L-I-V-I-N”, and surprises with the gritty title track, “Show Out”. Also included is the upbeat “Lucky Dog” and the current Top 50 single “How to Get the Girl”, featuring vocal powerhouse Madeline Merlo.

An early contender for summertime anthem of 2017, “Bright Eyes” – the sunny and outrageously catchy second single from country crossover duo The Orchard’s acclaimed third album The Great Unknown – drops June 5 via Royalty Records.

Make space on your seasonal playlist. While The Orchard – a.k.a. singing/songwriting duo Kasha Anne and Mitch Smith – are well known for crafting brilliantly accessible, lyrically driven songs best described as "a cosmic blend of rock, country and pop" – the sheer lustre and lyrical heft of “Bright Eyes” is terrifically new.

The song “encourages you to live in the moment and be more optimistic,” vocalist Kasha Anne offers, “which is something we all need from time to time.”

Adds Smith, “’Bright Eyes’ showcases a rocking groove by our killer band with lots of fun guitar parts. It’s probably one of our most energetic singles, and it always gets people on their feet!”

Indeed, the track was a favourite of The Great Unknown producer Jim Scott whose sprawling CV includes work with everyone from Wilco to Tedeschi Trucks Band, Tom Petty to the Foo Fighters. Scott knows a bona fide smash when he hears one.

Celebrate Canada Day at Studio Bell with live music that takes you on a cross-Canada journey, interactive exhibitions and some surprises.To commemorate Studio Bell’s first year of opening, and Canada 150, admission on July 1 will be free*, courtesy of Bell.

“Studio Bell celebrates its 1^st birthday on July 1 against the backdrop of Canada 150,” said Andrew Mosker, President and CEO of the National Music Centre (NMC). “We are excited to celebrate these two milestones with two major accessible and fun events. As the home for music in Canada, we are ready to rock on Canada Day.”

Studio Bell will be open on Canada Day from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Visitors will enjoy free admission all day and a range of on-site activations and entertainment:

• “O Canada” sing-along

· Live music all day, including soul, hip hop, gypsy jazz and bluegrass pop-up sets

· Instrument interactives and NMC Educators throughout the building to help you rock out

With the release date of June 2^nd,Benjamin Booker's new album Witness (ATO Records) is streaming in full now via CBC Music's First Play.

North By Northeast (NXNE) is pleased to announce provocative, politically charged electro-pop sensation Peaches as part of this year’s festival. From acclaimed theatre productions to her cinematic debut at the Toronto International Film Festival, her triumphant ‘Live at Massey Hall’ show to the release of her first book, Polaris Prize Winner Peaches, has pushed herself further and with more artistic rewards than ever before during her time away from the studio. Peaches has managed to wield immeasurable influence over mainstream pop culture while still operating from outside of its confines, carving a bold, sexually progressive path in her own image that's opened the door for countless others to follow.

Peaches will be joined by a special set from producer, promoter DJ Betti Forde. Stay tuned for support acts to be announced.

Hugh’s Room Live and Lance Anderson will be presenting a Celebration of Levon Helm with
Jerome Levon Avis (Levon Helm’s godson), Jesse O’Brien, (Colin James Band), Matt Weidinger and musical director Lance Anderson, with a nine piece band.

To honour Toronto’s adopted son Levon, who with his fellow Hawks, tore up Yonge St. in the early sixties and laid the foundation of Rock n Roll and Rhythm and Blues in T.O. We have gathered an All Star cast of some of the country’s top musicians and singers, to play the music Levon sang with THE BAND, before The BAND with Levon and the Hawks and after the band with Levon Helm and the RCO All Stars and the Barnburners.

Levon Helm was one of the world’s most unique drummers. The fact that he also had a voice that could charm the coldest heart and could sing and play at the same time, made him even more special.

It is a special evening, with incredible performances and heartfelt tributes. This show has always sold out. Don’t be disappointed, get your tickets early.

The TD Toronto Jazz Festival is excited to announce it will be moving to Yorkville when it kicks off this summer fromJune 23 - July 2nd, 2017. With more than 100 free concerts being presented throughout stages in Yorkville, we invite everyone to experience the best jazz from Toronto, across the country and around the world Shows start daily at noon and finish at 10 p.m.

We are honoured that multiple Grammy Award-winner Aaron Neville will be headlining our Yorkville Avenue stage with a free performance on Saturday, June 24. A full Yorkville schedule and site map will be available at torontojazz.com in early June.

Germain Robert Joseph (Gerry) Lacoursiere, the man responsible for the launch of A&M Records in Canada, has passed away on May 9th at his family home in Windsor, Ontario.
The legendary Canadian record label executive was inducted into the Canadian Music Industry Hall of Fame in 1997, just after he retired from the position of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Polygram Group. He was also presented the Billboard International Business Achievement Award by the trade publication.

A & M Records Canada was established in 1970 under Lacoursiere’s direction. It was headquartered in Toronto, and, by 1990, had branch offices in six other cities.

A & M Records of Canada Ltd. Canadian subsidiary of A & M Records, a US company founded in 1962 by the trumpeter Herb Alpert (then leader of the Tijuana Brass) and the producer Jerry Moss. A & M and its subsidiaries became part of PolyGram in 1990. A & M (Canada) was established in 1970 under the direction of Gerry Lacoursiere, with head offices in Toronto and, by 1990, branch offices in six other cities. (Joe Summers succeeded Lacoursiere as president in 1990.)

The Beach Boys, widely considered one of the mostinfluential bands in rock and roll, will set out on its Wild Honey World Touracross the U.S. and Europe. The tourbegins on May 18^th at theRoyal Albert Hall in London and willwind through the U.K. and Europe beforeheading to the US. The band is set toperform several US dates including theBeacon Theater in New York City onAugust 17^th. The tour willcontinue into fall of 2017 and featurethe band's beloved summer sound as theyperform a mix of their greatest hitsand fan favorites.

"We are so excited to begin our WildHoney World Tour. It is such an amazingexperience to witness generations offans, from all corners of the world,come together to celebrate our music,"said Mike Love, lead singer andco-founder of The Beach Boys. "It isincredible to see our fans, show aftershow, city after city, country aftercountry, dancing and singing along tothese songs we have loved and performedfor decades."

SEETHER , (Shaun Morgan, vocals/guitar; Dale Stewart, bass/vocals; John Humphrey, drums) have shared a new track called Nothing Left from their upcoming album Poison the Parish, due out May 12^th, 2017 through Morgan's new Canine Riot Records via Concord Music Group.

Poison the Parish was recorded at Blackbird Studio in Nashville, Tennessee, and marks the first album produced in its entirety by front man Morgan. Among the heaviest and emotionally pure efforts of the Seether’s illustrious career, the new album embodies the band’s newfound ferocity and resolve. "In a time when it’s easy to tune out all the monotonous rock, Seether’s Poison the Parish proves the South African outfit still grooves, crushes and rocks harder than all,” affirms REVOLVER. Alternative Press was similarly impressed stating , "Poison the Parish is a return to the darker and heavier style of music that Seether built their name upon.”

Singer-songwriter and storyteller Kim Doolittle steps forward from a complex and musically evolving past and INTO THE BLUE, her new album that she’ll release at Hugh’s Room Live on Thursday, June 8 at 8:30 pm. The blues singer with the serious pipes will be joined by guests Ken Whiteley, Tom Leighton, Bucky Berger, Victor Bateman, Rob Quail and Pat Carey.

“I love to sing, write, play and tell stories about a life I had perfectly planned,” says Kim Doolittle. “Those plans went more curly than straight, teaching me that too many plans are laughable, while those curves inform my Muse.”

Royal Wood is set to embark on a national tour alongside the legendary Bonnie Raitt this spring. On the road since the beginning of the year, Royal has traveled endlessly across North America and Europe impressing audiences with his stunning live show.

Royal Wood's most recent release Ghost Light (Cadence Music) has been met with rave reviews since its release with praise from Canada.com's Pop Forcast who say "Ghost Light is a musical poltergeist you won't want to exorcise." Ghost Light is an album that exudes raw emotion and emanates a feel of the songwriters of the sixties and seventies. Without modern day studio trickery like auto-tuning and digital perfection, the album is warm, inviting and completely forthright

Most recently Royal Wood released Ghost Light Sessions, a series of live off the floor videos that include covers of Bob Dylan's "Make You Feel My Love," James Bay's "Let it Go" and his own "Good To Be Young."