nickelodeonMusic Club

Crescent Heights Community Hall - 1101 - 2nd Street N.W.Mailing address: P. O. Box 63016, Stadium RPO

Calgary, AB T2N 4S5

Welcome to the 35th anniversary season at the Nick! 35 years - how did that happen? Once again we will pres-ent some fabulous old friends along with some terrific

newcomers and we’ll finish with a Patrons’ Night in the New Year. The home of the Nickelodeon is the Crescent Heights Community Hall (1101 - 2nd Street NW). Seating is first-come first serve with the following exception: season’s ticket holders who arrive early will be given preferential admission from 6:50 - 7:00 P.M. Our ticket capacity is 193 patrons, and 110 are season’s ticket holders. Concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. with the doors opening at 7:00 p.m.An evening at the Nick begins with an opening act, followed by two sets by our featured performer. Breaks between sets allow time for socializing and indulging in an entree, great cakes, popcorn and other refreshments.Guitar Raffle! The Nick will once again conduct a raffle for a Bristol BD-16 Dreadnought guitar and trailpack bag, generously donated by Mike MacLeod and The Acoustic Guitar. Tickets will be sold throughout the season and our Nick performers will autograph the guitar. The draw for this one-of-a-kind guitar will be held on April 18th , 2015. This year, proceeds from the Nickelodeon Guitar Raffle will support ArtsCan Circle. See the back page for more information.Smoke Free / Cell Phone Free Music! The Nick is a non-smoking and cell phone free venue. We appreciate the cooperation of our audience and volunteers in abiding by this policy and trust that it keeps the ‘atmosphere’ even more pleasant. The Nickelodeon wishes to thank Calgary Arts Development and the Alberta Foundation for the Arts for their generous support. We also wish to acknowledge airplay support of our performers on CKUA and CJSW.

Tickets• Our 2014-2015 season’s pass GOLD CARDS are sold out.

The Nickelodeon thanks all the returning GOLD CARD holders who are supporting the club once again. We also warmly welcome those who have purchased a GOLD CARD for the first time. GOLD CARD holders are reminded that your season’s passes are transferable if you cannot attend a performance.

Online Ticket Sales• $25 advance tickets for ALL 2014 concerts will go on sale

September 12. ALL January to April 2015 concerts will go on sale December 12 at www.brownpapertickets.com

Advance Ticket Sales At The Nick• Starting at our first club on September 27, and at each club

thereafter, Nick patrons may purchase advance tickets for any of our upcoming fall shows.

• $25 door tickets are only available if we do not sell out in advance. Any remaining tickets will be sold first come, first serve at the Crescent Heights Hall on the night of the show.

The Nickelodeon Music Club is a volunteer operated, non-profit organization. The Nick wishes to thank its volunteers for the countless number of hours they dedicate. Without the work of our volunteers, these special nights would not be possible.

35th Season: Fall 2014

https://www.facebook.com/NickelodeonMusicClub

Twitter: @NickMusicClub

The Performers

www.thenick.ca

www.thenick.ca

John McCutcheon (Georgia) September 27

Ken Stead has just released his brand new EP Unfinished. He writes with depth and insight and his strong voice takes his listeners on journeys we do not expect. We are drawn into his quiet charm, his joy with life and the world around him, his faith, and hope that love and peace will always prevail. His songs reflect life’s experiences, his spiritual journey and lessons learned on the road. He delivers in an uplifting and affirming manner that leaves an audience energized, connected and knowing that life is better at the end of the evening than it was at the beginning.

“He has an uncanny ability to breathe new life into the familiar. His storytelling has the richness of fine literature.” Washington Post

After teaching himself how to play a mail-order guitar John McCutcheon headed for the classroom of the eastern Kentucky coal camps, union halls, country churches, and square dance halls. His apprenticeship to many of the legendary figures of Appalachian music imbedded a love of not only home-made music, but a sense of community and rootedness. As an instrumentalist, he is a master of a multitude of traditional instruments; including fiddle, banjo, guitar, autoharp, jaw harp and most notably, the rare and beautiful hammer dulcimer. His songwriting has been hailed by critics and singers around the globe. His thirty recordings have garnered every imaginable honor including seven Grammy nominations. His books and instructional materials have introduced budding players to the joys of their own musicality and his commitment to grassroots political organizations has put him on the front lines of many of the issues important to communities and workers.

A Nickelodeon Debut!

“Dala can trade a melody line and leave one wondering who is taking the lead and simply leave one behind when the harmonies kick in.” Peterborough Examiner

1st Nick headline, Jan. ‘11

The Doll Sisters are a fiery Celtic Americana duo who weave haunting harmonies and stellar songwriting. As skillful multi-instrumentalists on guitar, fiddle, banjo, mandolin and bodhrán, Jenna Leigh Doll & Shelby Doll fuse together influences from their rich Irish and Scottish heritage, as well as inspirations from roots and rock. Their harmonies easily conjure up images of moonlit mountains and misty, rain-soaked hills, backed by the fierceness of Shelby’s soaring fiddle and Jenna’s rhythmic and adaptive intensity on guitar. The dynamism and connection between the duo captivates audiences, drawing them in from the beginning to the end.

Amanda Walther and Sheila Carabine of Dala write and sing in harmony best described as angelic. Amanda’s ethereal soprano voice blends seamlessly with Sheila’s velvety alto, creating the lush harmonies that have become their trademark. The sheer joy with which they perform is infectious, turning first-time listeners into instant fans. Dala are equally entertaining between songs, telling funny and down to earth stories that make every show unique. In the summer of 2010, Dala’s PBS special Girls From The North Country was broadcast and the live CD earned Dala the 2010 Canadian Folk Music Award for Vocal Group of the Year and a Juno nomination for a Roots and Traditional Album of the Year: Group. Dala’s latest album Best Day was released in June of 2012. It was nominated for three Canadian Folk Music Awards: English Songwriter of the Year, Vocal Group of the Year and Producer of the Year.

Ken Stead (Alberta) A Nickelodeon Debut!

Fred Eaglesmith Travelling Steam Show (Ontario) October 11

Dala (Ontario) October 25

The Doll Sisters (Alberta) First Nick Opener Nov. ‘11

Tif Ginn is a gutsy, amazing singer and a transcendent songwriter who is a member of the Fred Eaglesmith Travelling Steam Show. Her solo CD was recorded with Eaglesmith’s road-weathered band. Nine of the twelve songs were co-written by Eaglesmith and indirectly reflect the kind of ‘struggle’ that is living in a motorhome and touring for years without much time to relax or regroup. They are songs of single moms, lovesick fools, trailer park life, and abuse. Stylistically, the CD runs from sultry, jazzy country to angry punk, embracing pop, Americana and folk along the way.

“Eaglesmith’s music blows like an arctic wind across the plains, stark and chilling.” Philadelphia Weekly

A true road dog, Fred Eaglesmith, a songwriter’s songwriter, has released his 20th album, Tambourine, “a walk through the garden of rock ‘n’ roll...the primary essence is 1966 – the year that gave us Bob Dylan’s Blonde on Blonde and Question Mark & the Mysterians.” Tambourine mixes rock ‘n’ roll and R&B with richly drawn characters, meaty themes and stunning turns of phrase. Eaglesmith dubs his band The Travelling Steam Show, and features Matty Simpson on guitar, banjo and keyboards, Justine Fischer on double bass, Kori Heppner on drums and Tif Ginn on guitar and accordion. The band performs in steampunk-ish outfits, adding a touch of the theatrical to their shows. “It harkens back to the ’60s and ’70s variety shows that were on TV,” Eaglesmith says. “It’s a lot more than a concert. I like to pay attention to what’s cutting edge and bring that into the live show.”

1st Nick Headline Feb. ‘97

Tif Ginn (Texas) A Nickelodeon Debut!

www.thenick.ca

Martin Simpson (Great Britain) November 8

Shawna Caspi is a guitar-picking, classically-trained folkie with a sweet-tooth for a good story, a sly lyrical wit and a rich, powerful voice. She sings of love, travel, home and heart, distilling each experience into a series of vibrant snapshots, coloured with humour and grace and arranged with care and craft. Her latest release, Apartments for Lovers, is a solo guitar and voice album that showcases her rich voice and remarkable fingerstyle guitar technique. With a commanding stage presence and an inviting charm, she doesn’t need a band to deliver an engaging and energetic show.

“He glides through covers of Dylan and Cohen, Scots ballads, old wartime laments and originals, all united by their humanity and Simpson’s delicate touch.” Mail on Sunday

Widely acknowledged as one of the finest acoustic and slide guitar players in the world, Martin Simpson’s interpretations of traditional songs are masterpieces of storytelling. His solo shows are intense, eclectic, spellbinding and deeply moving. There is no-one who has more successfully combined the diverse elements of British, Afro-American and old-timey music than Simpson. His career includes collaborations on stage and record with Richard Thompson, June Tabor, Jackson Browne, Martin Carthy, David Lindley, David Hidalgo, Steve Miller, Dick Gaughan and many more. Martin has been nominated an astounding 26 times in the twelve years of the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards - more than any other performer - with 9 consecutive years as nominee for Musician of the Year, which he has won twice. Whether playing American old-time music, blues, a Dylan song or his own material, Martin Simpson is unpredictable, individual and a guitarist of immense subtlety.

1st Nick headline, Mar. ‘96

“Occasionally an artist has a night that makes even skeptics think, ‘OK, maybe he is the best.’ Richard Shindell achieved this on Thursday at the Bottom Line.” Ann Powers, The New York Times

1st Nick Headline Mar. ‘96

From greasy blues to country soul, this accomplished guitarist with a signature dusty voice delivers the real gold in his lyrics. Hard to pigeon-hole, his influences range from Hank Williams to J.J. Cale and everything in between. He cut his musical teeth in Alberta’s rough and tumble honky-tonks and blues bars playing for cowboys, lumberjacks and bikers. This somewhat reclusive writer likes the quiet life and lives in a cabin in the woods. His latest CD, Shake Your Faith was released this summer. Cook’s tales of dark beauty tempered with an offbeat sense of humour will captivate you.

Richard Shindell is a meticulous craftsman of song whose albums have been revered by critics and fans alike. Innovative, original and occasionally spiritual, Shindell’s songs weave tales that interchangeably champion the downtrodden, exalt the disaffected or wax empathetic to those lost to society’s fringes. He has a unique ability to morph into the soul of the varied personalities he casts as narrators; songs that are veritable novellas framed in haunting acoustic melodies, sometimes including cryptic, revelations through the eyes of a woman. In 1997, he was invited to join Joan Baez on tour, opening the ears of new folk music enthusiasts to his talents as a songwriter and performer. In 1998, Shindell joined the acoustic trio, Cry Cry Cry, with Dar Williams and Lucy Kaplansky. Shindell’s songwriting is truly eclectic; ranging from lighthearted ballads and adulterous love songs, to dirges and diatribes that skillfully skewer politics, prejudice, war and religion.

The Travelling Mabels, voted 2011 Association of Country Music in Alberta Group of the Year, are a folk/country female trio full of spirit, spunk and laughter. Eva Levesque formed the Levesque family band including 12 year old daughter Suzanne. Lana Floen won a “Sing with Shania” contest, to sing lead, with Shania back-up, to a sold out crowd at the Saddledome. Keith Floen was nominated 2012 Canadian Country Music Association Keyboard Player of the Year. Singularily, each woman can vocally stand alone, but once you hear the combined harmony blend, you will know why these three women came together.

The new 100 mile house release, Wait With Me, is their third full-length album, packed with the lyrically driven roots tunes that gained a WCMA for Roots Duo/Group Recording of the Year, The song London won the coveted Calgary Folk Festival Songwriting Contest, the second time the band has walked away with the prize. Better, Still won the contest Grand Prize in 2011. Husband and wife duo Peter Stone and Denise MacKay, plus multi-instrumentalist Scott Zubot, share their unique brand of original transatlantic folk. Their beautiful harmonies, rich arrangements and captivating lyrics make their sound truly distinctive.

Three In One Alberta Night

Kevin John Cook (Alberta) 1st Nick Opener Mar. ‘02

Richard Shindell (Argentina) November 22

Shawna Caspi (Ontario) A Nickelodeon Debut!

His debut CD, Goodbye Cinderella, produced by Colin Linden in 2011, earned a nomination for a Canadian Folk Music Award for New Emerging Artist of the Year. Tornado was released by Six Shooter Records in January 2014. Joe Nolan’s distinctive and intimate vocals stack the deck. From theremin tremors to raw howls, his range of expression reaches extremes. He delivers bandaged fragility and raw rage with equal impact. The songs are fervent, pressing and intense, attuned at once to the world of youthful melodramas and an older, deeper level of human experience. His insight into the latter has nothing to do with his age.

100 Mile House 1st Nick Opener Mar. ‘12

Joe Nolan A Nickleodean Debut!

The Travelling Mabels A Nickleodean Debut!

www.thenick.ca

January 24, 2015 Wendell and WheatSix time Canadian Country Music Association Guitar Player of the Year, Wendell Ferguson will, this year, be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Katherine Wheatley is able to take minor observations in life and find their soul. Katherine Wheatley’s heartfelt lyrical vision and poignant voice and Wendell Ferguson’s honest yet irreverent humour make for both a moving and hilarious show.

Upcoming Concerts

February 21, 2015 John Reischman and the JaybirdsLed by mandolin master John Reischman, the Jaybirds feature four standout musicians; guitarist Jim Nunally, Greg Spatz on fiddle, Nick Hornbuckle on banjo and Trisha Gagnon on bass. Featuring hard driving instrumentals, lonesome singing and an excellent cross section of originals mixed with traditional covers, John Reischman and the Jaybirds deliver a truly fresh blend of old-time heritage, and bluegrass power.

March 7, 2015 James Hill and Anne JanelleJames Hill has earned a reputation as Canada’s foremost – indeed one of the world’s foremost – players of the often-underestimated ukulele, and stands poised and ready to take his place in the ranks of today’s best young songwriters. Anne Janelle gives every song a contemporary feel and her sweet voice and sultry, bittersweet cello provide the perfect setting for her personal, evocative and poignant lyrics.

February 7, 2015 Dave GunningJuno nominee Dave Gunning won a Canadian Folk Music Award for Traditional Singer of the Year. These Hands was the First Place Winner in the 2014 Great American Song Contest. His CD No More Pennies was awarded a 2014 East Coast Music Award for Solo Recording of the Year and he was also honoured with an ECMA for Songwriter of the Year.

April 18, 2015 The Bills Two time Juno nominees, The Bills are renowned for their instrumental virtuosity, lush vocal arrangements, exuberant live performances, evocative songwriting, and a refreshing sound that transcends musical boundaries and defies simple categorization. With individual band members sporting world-class credentials in folk/roots, jazz, classical and world music, The Bills truly are a Canadian acoustic music supergroup.

Guitar Raffle Proceeds from this years’ guitar raff le will go to support ArtsCan Circle, a registered charity dedicated to linking creative artists with Indigenous youth at risk in Canada. ArtsCan Circle hopes to encourage self-esteem amongst Indigenous youth in isolated communities through a cooperative exploration of the arts. ArtsCan Circle sends teams of volunteer musicians & artists to remote Indigenous communities engaging groups of children and youth in workshops to facilitate creative expression and teach skills in playing musical instruments, song-writing, visual arts and performance arts.

March 21, 2015 Old Man Luedecke Two time Roots and Traditional Juno Award winner Old Man Luedecke’s CD Tender Is The Night won 2014 East Coast Music Awards for Album of the Year and Folk Recording of the Year. With a storyteller’s heart, Luedecke’s narrative-driven folk songs are playful, coy, and soul warming, rich in metaphor, heart and instrumentation, musing on love, art and purpose.

April 25, 2015 Patrons’ Night Have you ever thought, “I’d love to play a song on the Nick stage!”? Now’s your chance. We’ll invite volunteers, season ticket holders and other Nick patrons to sign up in advance to perform for our always-appreciative audience.