Juno nominee Jack De Keyzer plays Simcoe Jazz 'n Blues Feb 15

Whitby-based blues guitar maestro, Jack de Keyzer, has been nominated for Blues Album of the Year at the 2019 Junos for his album “Checkmate”. Its not his first rodeo as the country players say, Jack has won two already in 2003 and 2013 and has a total of six nominations overall. Bob Dylan has noticed Jack and is quoted as saying if the dude was a Yank and not a Canuck he’s be world class famous. As it is Jack is a world class player and he is playing Simcoe Jazz ‘n Blues Friday Feb 15.
Information here ->

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K-Os and the subtle art of No giving a Buck

Last I recall of K-Os was he was digging views from the stix but he's back to the city, the T Dot, for his new video - leaving his sweet woodsy hideaway and moving on in to Toronto. What he is back for, I'm not sure, but he's an interesting kat so always up to give a buck or two to hear him jam out. He has a new track "No Bucks", from an upcoming EP. Tune in.

“There's this common idea that to be a rapper you have to be from the city, and that to be perceived as ‘hard’ you need to create some kind of street identity,” comments k-os (in a press release). “However, it may take a harder nerve and resolve to spend a few nights in nature under the stars alone. This music video investigates the idea that to get to know your city streets better you might have to leave them behind. Not for another city, but for a road less travelled. I never really focused too much on what everyone in my city was doing. Not because I didn't enjoy their work, but because a lot of us Canadians are trained to imitate American sensibilities. I was never good at that. The concept of trying to be an original artist that doesn't chase cash is obviously not something I invented. I just spend a lot of time in nature, and as far as the eye can see…money doesn't grow on trees.”

Chastity releases video for 'Heaven Hell Anywhere Else'

Last time we checked in with Chastity it was in a barn in Whitby, with METZ, also on the bill. Such a great show, next day we signed up for a pre-order of new album, "Death Lust", which drops Frrrrriday July 13. Looking forward to hearing this album and while we're waiting Chastity has released this video.

Jerry Leger on his European tour; plays Town Brewery in Whitby Jun 7

By Will McGuirk

Its been a while since Jerry Leger has played in Durham Region but he makes a welcome return Jun 7 2018 at the Town Brewery in Whitby. The Toronto singer/songwriter, considered one of the best in the country by many (including me), has recently returned from a tour of Europe with his band, The Situation. They played The Netherlands, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Ireland, Scotland and England. There is a lot of European folk traditions in Leger's songbook so we asked him how it went on this, his first visit to the mythical source.

SC: Much of what would inform your music would come from the British Isles and Ireland - how has visiting the wellspring of folk affected your own songwriting?

JL: "Yeah, music from there has always been a part of my make up, so it's always had an affect on my writing. It was wild to finally be there and I could almost hear music bouncing off of the land, water, streets and pubs."

SC: Have you had a chance to see other musicians in the towns you have toured? Any of the locals impressed you?

JL: "Not really, we played 21 or 22 shows in 25 days, so there wasn't a lot of downtime. We did see some jazz played by some local students in Copenhagen. That was cool and Kyle (Sullivan), the drummer in The Situation sat in for a tune. Other than that we got to hear some cool musicians who opened for us. I dug Matt McGinn who opened for us in Belfast and a great guy too. The Situation and I roamed the streets of Cologne, drinking beers with the band that opened for us there, B. Phonics."

SC: There were places in Ireland and England I visited where I felt very grounded, has that happened to you, has the land spoken to you?

JL: "I wish I could have spent more time in some these places, we were on the move a lot but I felt very comfortable in Winchester, England. We played this old tavern dating back to the 1500's, filled with ghosts, a great bartender and a great crowd. I enjoyed hanging out there and walking around the block a bit. Outside of Manchester, James McKie's Dad lives there and drove us around to see a lot of the surrounding villages and beautiful scenery. I just wanted to stay there. Belfast we had a day off, so that was nice getting to hang out there. Overall I really enjoyed meeting people and always felt welcomed and comfortable. Looking forward to going back"

Chastity releases video for 'Children', explores Dafonte Miller case

Chastity has sourced much of his work from his hometown of Whitby ON. The city fuels his songs and now the video for the previously release track, "Children" from his upcoming album Death Lust. The video reflects on the case of 19-year-old Dafonte Miller, resident of Whitby, who was beaten allegedly by an-off duty police officer.
The Toronto Star has been reporting on the case. 

Q and A with Skye Wallace - Celebrating International Womxn's Day

By Will McGuirk

On Thursday Mar 8, International Women's Day, Toronto folk punk Skye Wallace will release her new single, "Swing Batter", (based on the 1911 trial of Angelina Napolitano in Sault Ste Marie) with a performance at Array Music in Toronto. Wallace will partner with Toronto Womxn In Music and herHABITAT. The show will feature sets by Skye, Lydia Persaud, Winona Wilde, Merival, and jes sachse, as well as pop-up vendors from NEW FRDM and Knot Naked. The event is sponsored by She Does The City and Beau’s and is in support of Sistering, a multi-service agency for at-risk, socially isolated women in Toronto.

Wallace will also be performing May 7 at DRKRM in Uxbridge and in Whitby Mar 14 at the Whitby Curling Club.

Photo by Chet Tilokani

Q: Can you tell me about the event at Array and what people can expect when they go? Also something about your relationship with the other artists on the bill?

"This is going to be a multi-faceted show of music, art, and celebration. We’ve got performances from myself, Lydia Persaud, Winona Wilde, Merival, and a feature performance piece by artist jes sachse. We’ll also be showcasing guest vendors New FRDM & Knot Naked at the event. Beau’s is sponsoring our bar, and there will be a silent auction as well featuring local artists and brands such as The Likely General, Muttonhead, Nic ter Horst, and more. 

"All of the people on the bill are so incredible and I feel very lucky to have this line-up. 

"I’ve actually never had the chance to share the stage with any of them for their solo projects, so this will be an exciting first!"

 Q: According to the press release, “Angelina's story is an insight into how the shift has happened in the past, and how we need to perpetuate that shift by working hard, being inclusive, vocal, and active, and educating ourselves and others." 
Can you suggest to our readers some ways they can continue this work?

"I think action is a very important thing right now.  Engaging in and supporting your communities is imperative; get involved in charity events supporting undermined groups in your community, volunteer with organizations that work for equality, women’s rights, anti-poverty, etc.  Having your voice heard as an ally not just at women’s rights rallies, but rallies supporting indigenous rights, black lives, the queer community, is so necessary.

"So is doing the work in acknowledging and educating yourself regarding the implications of race and gender, and working to dismantle the systems of oppression in this country and around the world.

"One great example that you can get involved in is the #Next150 challenge.

"https://next150.indianhorse.ca is a series of challenges and engagement with literature, music, art, and culture working toward Reconciliation."

 Q: In what ways are you going to continue to spotlight the history of others who have paved the way for this current climate of empowerment of women?

 "This entire upcoming album is actually focussing on this.  It’s a subject that I have gravitated towards, and an area that is rife with untold stories that are fundamental to the understanding of the history of feminism and women’s rights, as well as providing a context for the current climate.

"A lot of these women weren’t big names in headlines or as prevalent a story as Angelina’s. Some of them that I’ve written about are midwives, mothers, prostitutes, unheard voices that permeated with a strength that is so empowering to learn about.  A lot of these stories are based in Newfoundland and the Yukon, places I had the pleasure of doing writing residencies in this last year. I’m excited to share the stories I’ve learned about and share the strength of these women with folks who listen to my music."

Q: There are those who will not define themselves by gender but see themselves as just them - and International Women Day is not needed anymore, but instead focus on collective human rights - why is International Women Day important do you think?

"This is actually a really important point. A lot of people are adopting International Womxn’s Day as an alternative spelling for that reason, as many groups (including Toronto Womxn In Music, who are co-presenting the event) are striving to be inclusive of not just female-identifying individuals in their work toward equality.

"I do still see International Womxn’s Day as an opportunity to celebrate inclusivity, as well as a way to come together to educate and support one another.  

"I see feminism in this way as well - for many, the focus on collective human rights is a very important aspect of their platforms. When putting together this event, I wanted to be very mindful of representation of not just women, but non-binary/gender queer/trans-identifying folks as well. 

"One of the vendors, J of New FRDM, is doing incredible work to educate, empower, and inspire change in how gender identity is viewed. They’re an awesome clothing designer, but are also making an impact with their Gender Freedom Club. Check out what they do at https://newfrdm.com