This Winter and coming Spring we have some of the hottest venues. Join us for dinner and live music here at The Cove and keep the frost at bay.

Beginning with the STEVE STRONGMAN BAND (www.stevestrongman.com) on Saturday, February 15
Steve Strongman Band is the 2013 Juno Award winner for Best Blues Album of the Year and 3 more Maple Blues Awards.He has also been voted Recording, Songwriter and Guitarist of the Year.

JW-JONES BAND on Friday, March 14
JW-Jones has an identifiable song writing style and voice that is quickly making him Canad’s best touring act. Touring right now with Johnny Winter, don’t miss this up and coming Canadian Blues Star.

THE HOGTOWN ALLSTARS Friday, April 18
The Hogtown Allstars feature some of Canada’s most gifted blues artists. With these versatile and talented bunch you know the night is going to rock on.

DAVID ROTUNDO BAND Friday, May 9, and Saturday, May 10
The David Rotundo Band’s travelling influences have helped to make this band most well known for their harmonica playing style and their versatility in song. A definite stop on the Blues on the Rideau.

Dinner & Show only $60
Advance reservations required. Call 1-888-COVE-INN
Book ahead – many of these Shows sell out in advance.
More info on the Series, including artists’ videos and songs at www.bluesontherideau.ca

Now that the Acoustic Blue Monday are over it’s time for the return of the Blues On The Rideau full band Series. This will be the 9th year for what has become one of the most popular Blues Series in Canada.

Click Here for Blues On the Rideau Page

All the acts are Maple Blues and/or Juno Award winners/nominees. There’s young talent along with seasoned veterans, popular returnees and new bands who’ve never played BOTR before. And this year two acts from western Canada are coming  – piano man David Vest from Victoria in October and a hot young soul/funk/R&B band from Edmonton called Boogie Patrol – in February.    As in the past all BOTR Shows are fundraisers for different Westport charities. To date over $45,000 has been raised and the goal this year is to hit another $5,000.

All BOTR Shows will be singles this year – all on Friday nights – except February 15th (a Saturday) when Boogie Patrol is here and May 9 & 10 (Friday & Saturday) when the David Rotundo Band is back for a 2 night stand. There is a chance that some Saturday dates may be added for some of the other bands as well but that will depend totally on the number of early advance reservations.

For more information about, Blues on the Rideau visit, www.davidvest.ca or www.choosetheblues.ca

Here are a list of the acts starting with October 25, 2013:

October 25
DAVID VEST & THE EAST MEETS VEST BAND
www.davidvest.ca

Now living in Victoria, BC Alabama boogie-woogie piano man David Vest plays the 88’s like Jerry Lee Lewis and has shared the stage with legends like Big Walter, Floyd Dixon, Jimmy T99 Nelson and Katie Webster over his long career. He won the 2012 Maple Blues Award for Keyboardist of the Year. 2 members from Downchild and 1 from Fathead join him.

PROCEEDS TO THE WESTPORT LIBRARY

November 15
THE 24th STREET WAILERS
www.the24thsteetwailers.com

4 young musicians from Toronto who have taken the Canadian and international Blues scene by storm over the past few years. Semi-finalists at the 2012 International Blues Challenge in Memphis. Fun, gritty & funky – they bring a breath of fresh air to the Blues. Sax player Jon Wong won the 2012 Maple Blues Award for Horn Player Of The Year.

PROCEEDS TO THE WESTPORT FOOD BANK

February 15
STEVE STRONGMAN BAND

February 15 – STEVE STRONGMAN BAND* www.stevestrongman.com  
Unquestionably one of Canada’s best Blues singer/songwriter/harp players & guitarists. Won a Juno last year for best Blues album plus 3 Maple Blues Awards – for Guitarist , Recording & Songwriter of the Year. Nominated for 2 more MBA’s this year. An electrifying performer as well as a great musician. He always delivers a great show. His 3rd visit to The Cove.
* Replaces Boogie Patrol who were originally booked & unable to make it.
PROCEEDS TO EASTER SEALS EASTERN ONTARIO

March 14
JW-JONES BAND
www.jw-jones.com

Ottawa singer, songwriter and one of the best contemporary Blues guitarists in the world today. 11 Maple Blues Award nominations! – JW has played with artists like Kim Wilson, David “Fathead” Newman, Little Charlie Baty, Hubert Sumlin & Junior Watson performing in 19 countries on 4 continents. Dan Aykroyd calls them “one amazing Blues band”. They are.

PROCEEDS TO RIDEAU WATERWAY LAND TRUST

April 18
THE HOGTOWN ALLSTARS

All stars indeed! 6 veteran players from two of Canada’s most famous Blues bands – Downchild and Fathead. Chuck Jackson vocals & harp, Teddy Leonard guitar, Michael Fonfara keyboards, Pat Carey sax, Gary Kendall bass and Mike Fitzpatrick drums. All of them have won Junos and/or Maple Blues Awards. High grade, big time Blues!

PROCEEDS TO WESTPORT’S RIDEAU VISTA & ST. EDWARD’S ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

May 9 & 10  *2 night stand*
DAVID ROTUNDO BAND
www.davidrotundo.com

David blows harp as if possessed by the ghosts of Sonny Boy Williamson, Little Walter and George Harmonica Smith. Combined with his great voice, mesmerizing stage performance and tight band this is the most popular act to ever play BOTR @ The Cove and that’s why they’re back again for 2 nights. Get your tickets early for this one.

PROCEEDS TO RIDEAU DISTRICT MUSEUM & WESTPORT IN BLOOM

$60 DINNER & SHOWADVANCE RESERVATIONS REQUIRED Book ahead – most shows sell out in advance 1-888-COVE-INN or (613) 273-3636 WELL-PRICED ACCOMMODATION AVAILABLE AT THE COVE

Acoustic Blue Mondays at The Cove Inn in Westport, Ontario launches its 3rd season in June. This famous Dinner & Show fundraiser Series features some of Canada’s premier acoustic artists – “sit-and-listen” Blues as good as it gets.

Proceeds go to support local Westport cultural events. There will be 4 Shows this summer all in the intimate, air-conditioned comfort of The Cove Dining Room. The Cove is a classic 137 year old country inn with a Day Spa right next door. It’s located in one of the most beautiful small towns in eastern Ontario – Westport – on the shores of scenic Upper Rideau Lake, part of the Rideau Waterway (a UNESCO World Heritage site).

It’s a wonderful area to visit any time of year but especially in the summer. The Cove is famous for its excellent food and drink, friendly staff, comfortable accommodation and fabulous LIVE music. It’s only a 45 minute drive from Kingston, 1.5 hours from Ottawa, 2.5 from Syracuse NY, 3 from Montreal and 4 from Toronto – or you can come by boat!

Below is a sneak peak at what 2013 Line Up >>For more information click here

June 17 MORGAN DAVIS	July 15 FRASER/DALEY	August 26 THE HARPOONIST & THE AXE MURDERER
September 16 SUZIE VINNICK

BUFFET DINNER & SHOW only $45
All shows 6 to 10 pm
ADVANCE RESERVATIONS are required
Call (613) 273-3636 or 1-888-COVE-INN

Well-priced accommodation is available at The Cove and nearby B&B’s but book ahead, rooms sell out early for these nights.

For more information visit www.choosetheblues.ca

ACOUSTIC BLUE MONDAYS is produced by CHOOSE THE BLUES PRODUCTIONS Kenmore, Ontario www.choosetheblues.ca in co-operation with THE COVE INN www.coveinn.com Sponsored by 101.9 DAWG FM Ottawa www.dawgfm.com & DAN AYKROYD WINES www.danaykroydwines.com

February 15 – THE HOGTOWN ALL-STARS
Proceeds to Rideau Vista & St. Edward Elementary Schools

March 15 & 16 – JACK DE KEYZER BAND
Proceeds to Easter Seals Eastern Ontario 7 Habitat for Humanity

April 19 & 20 – DAVID ROTUNDO BAND w. JULIAN FAUTH
Proceeds to Westport In Bloom & Westport Library

May 17 – ROBIN BANK$ BAND
Proceeds to Rideau District Museum

For more details on these individual shows please visit: www.explorewestport.com/blues-on-the-rideau-series

A last call reminder that the famous BLUES ON THE RIDEAU SERIES @ THE COVE INN, WESTPORT kicks off the 2012/13 Season – our 8th year! – this Friday, OCTOBER 26 with the TERRY GILLESPIE BAND and THERE ARE STILL A FEW TICKETS AVAILABLE.

It’ll be quite a night. Terry has been one of the seminal artists on the Ottawa blues scene since he moved here from Detroit in the 1960’s and he’s still going strong. He and his band represented the Ottawa Blues Society at the prestigious International Blues Challenge in Memphis last January and made it to the semi-finals from among 200 entrants. His unique blend of blues, reggae, country and jazz is infectious and fun. Bring your dancing shoes and wear a costume if you like – it’s a HALLOWEEN PARTY and there are prizes for the best ones.

If you’re not familiar with Terry’s music visit www.terrygillespie.ca or go to www.bluesontherideau.ca – 2012/13 Season. You’ll find Bios, YOU TUBES and song clips on all the artists that will be performing at the Series this year – including Terry.

Grab your significant other and enjoy a night out of great Blues, food, dance and drink. Dinner & Show is only $60 and each BOTR show supports a different Westport good cause. This one is for the Lucy Drysdale Memorial Scholarship Fund. There are still a COUPLE OF ROOMS LEFT at The Cove and nearby B&B’s if you want to stay over.

Advance Reservations are required. Call THE COVE at (613) 273-3636 or 1-888-COVE-INN and book now!

The popular ACOUSTIC BLUE SUNDAY Summer Series just ended at THE COVE INN in Westport with a fabulous performance by Juno Award nominee TREASA LEVASSEUR. Now it’s time to look forward to another great season of BLUES ON THE RIDEAU at THE COVE.

Celebrating it’s 8th year BOTR has become one of the premier Blues Series in the country. The combination of a delicious buffet dinner and dancing to some of Canada’s best blues bands in the friendly, intimate setting of The Cove has proven to be a real winner. Proceeds from every show go to support different local charities. $38,000 has been raised since the Series started and another $7,000 is expected this year.

It’s another great Line-Up for 2012/13 – a combination of the most popular acts who’ve played the Series previously and some exciting new talent.  The 2012/13 Season starts October 26 and will continue once a month until May (excluding December). There will be a total of 11 shows this year  – 2 two-night stands (Friday & Saturday) and 3 singles (Friday only). Most occur on the third weekend of the month. Times are the same for all shows – 7 to 11 pm. Despite increased costs the ticket price will remain the same as last year – $60 which includes a full course buffet dinner, dancing and a donation to the charity.

2012/13 LINE-UP  – our 8^th season!

October 26 – TERRY GILLESPIE BAND

From Vankleek Hill, ON – a very talented singer/songwriter/guitarist Terry learned the Blues growing up in Detroit watching greats like Howlin’ Wolf, Buddy Guy and John Lee Hooker perform. He moved to Ottawa in 1968 and helped establish the Blues scene there with his great band “Heaven’s Radio”. His hot trio now consists of him on guitar and vocals with Wayne Stoute on drums and Lyndell Montgomery on bass – they were semi-finalists at the 2012 Memphis International Blues Challenge. Keyboardist Peter Measroch will join them for this show.

PROCEEDS TO THE LUCY DRYSDALE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND

November 16 & 17 – FATHEAD

From Toronto – one of Canada’s best loved Blues bands for over 20 years led by harmonica/sax player/singer Al Lerman and the great John Mays on lead vocals with Teddy Leonard on guitar, Omar Tunnoch on bass, and Bucky Berger on drums. This band has won 2 Juno Awards & multiple Maple Blues Awards over its career and every player has won a Maple Blues Award in their instrument category at least once. A superb blend of blues R&B, funk and soul.

PROCEEDS TO FRIENDS OF FOLEY MOUNTAIN & WESTPORT FOOD BANK

January 18 – CONOR GAINS BAND

From Cambridge, ON – an incredible young guitarist/singer/songwriter (only 19 years old!) with a very tight band who has already played prestigious events like the Montreal International Festival de Jazz and the International Blues Challenge in Memphis to standing ovations. He has a great new album out full of original songs. A rising young star on the Canadian Blues scene. It’s his first visit to BOTR at The Cove.

PROCEEDS TO RIDEAU WATERWAY LAND TRUST

February 15 & 16 – THE HOGTOWN ALLSTARS

From Toronto – 6 players from two of Canada’s most famous Blues bands – DOWNCHILD & FATHEAD – wow! Chuck Jackson (vocals &harp), Teddy Leonard (guitar), Michael Fonfara (keyboards), Pat Carey (sax), Gary Kendall (bass) and Mike Fitzpatrick (drums). Both bands have won Junos and everyone in the band has won a Maple Blues Award in their instrument category at last once. Are you ready for some Big Time Blues?

PROCEEDS TO RIDEAU VISTA & ST. EDWARDS ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

March 15 & 16 – JACK DE KEYZER BAND

From Toronto – Canada’s “King Of The Blues” – singer/songwriter and guitarist extraordinaire.  A 2X Juno Award & 7X Maple BluesAward winner. “The finest Blues guitarist in Canada” according to the late, great Jeff Healey. This is Jack’s 4^th visit to The Cove and he always rips it up. One of the most popular acts to ever play the Series.

PROCEEDS TO EASTER SEALS EASTERN ONTARIO & HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

April 19 & 20 – DAVID ROTUNDO BAND w. JULIAN FAUTH

From Toronto – A Blues Superduo with multiple Maple Blues Award winning singer/songwriter and harp player David Rotundo along with Juno award winning singer/songwriter piano player Julian Fauth. Their show at BOTR last April was so good we just had to have them back! High energy “tear the house down” Blues from two of the best. 

PROCEEDS TO WESTPORT IN BLOOM & WESTPORT LIBRARY

May 17 – ROBIN BANK$ BAND

From Toronto – a dynamite vocalist and 3X Maple Blues Award nominee Robin sings Blues, Soul and R&B equally well with passion, power and clarity. Over the years she’s lived in Chicago, Memphis and Texas playing alongside Blues greats like Sam Myers, Willie “Big Eyes” Smith and Junior Watson. Now she’s back in Toronto and about to do a new album produced by Duke Robillard who has stated that “Robin Banks has got soul, class and most of all, good taste”.

PROCEEDS TO RIDEAU DISTRICT MUSEUM

DINNER & SHOW $60

ADVANCE RESERVATIONS REQUIRED 

1-888-COVE-INN or (613) 273-3636

WELL-PRICED ACCOMMODATION IS AVAILABLE AT THE COVE AND NEARBY B&B’s

More information including LINKS to artists’ websites, YOU TUBES & song samples from each of them can all be found at www.choosetheblues.ca

BLUES ON THE RIDEAU @ THE COVE is produced by CHOOSE THE BLUES PRODUCTIONS, Kenmore Ontario

Choose The Blues Productions is very pleased to announce that INSIDE THE BLUES – a weekly radio show produced and hosted by James Doran – is returning to 101.9 DAWG FM Ottawa starting June 3rd from 7 to 8 pm ET and every Sunday evening thereafter in that time slot. Those living outside the DAWG broadcast area can pick it up on the internet at www.dawgfm.com. All Shows will also be ARCHIVED after broadcast on www.insidetheblues.ca where they can be listened to at any time.

The great selection of music on INSIDE THE BLUES continues however – both classic and contemporary, new and old – as well as the interesting “insider” background information on the artists provided by host James Doran which makes ITB so unique. Generally there will be more than one song played by each artist so listeners get a better taste of their music. As before the Show will continue to have a strong focus on Canadian Blues talent of which we have so much in this country.

All the Sponsors for INSIDE THE BLUES are in place and include The Cove Inn, Lake Effects Cottage Store and Wolfe Springs Golf & Waterfront Resort. They are all based in Westport, the most beautiful small town in eastern Ontario and a favourite destination for Ottawa visitors. Other Westport businesses my rotate in and out as Sponsors in the future. It’s a natural fit since, in addition to its great shopping and many cultural events, Westport has become known as the “Blues Capital of Eastern Ontario” thanks to the long-running BLUES ON THE RIDEAU and ACOUSTIC BLUE SUNDAY Series at The Cove Inn.

Host James Doran stated “I am really excited about bringing INSIDE THE BLUES back to DAWG FM – Canada’s first commercial all Blues radio station – and thank them for welcoming me back on air. I also want to thank my Sponsors – The Cove Inn, Lake Effects Cottage Store and Wolfe Springs Golf & Waterfront Resort – for supporting the Show. I couldn’t be doing it without them. I look forward to bringing the best in Blues music and interesting backgrounder information to listeners every week and hope that dedicated Blues fans, as well as people who may not know that much about the Blues but would like to learn more, will tune in regularly”.

The inaugural June 3rd show will feature music by the legendary Big Bill Broonzy, Chicago singer/harpmaster Billy Boy Arnold, the young up-and-coming Conor Gains Band from Cambridge Ontario, Toronto-based international star Shakura S’Aida off her great new album and Hamilton’s own Steve Strongman with some fabulous music off his new brand new CD.

Blues on The Rideau

Blues on the Rideau is a concert series that takes place at The Cove Inn (2 Bedford Street, Westport). This concert series supports great LIVE Blues and the charities who benefit from it. Blues on the Rideau is produced by Choose The Blues Productions.

For more information you can visit www.bluesontherideau.ca or www.coveinn.com.

April 20 & 21 – David Rotundo Band w. Julian Fauth & Enrico CrivellaroDAVID ROTUNDO is back! A dynamic performer/singer/songwriter and harp player David is a multiple Maple Blues Award winner/nominee (Harmonica Player, Electric Act and New Artist Of The Year) and one of the most popular acts to ever play BOTR @ The Cove. This is a record 4th appearance for him at the Series. Proceeds to Westport In Bloom and The Westport Library. www.davidrotundo.com www.julianfauth.com www.enricocrivellaro.com
Friday May 18, 2012 – Chris Antonik BandGuitarist/singer/songwriter Chris Antonik burst on the scene last year with his debut album which hit #35 on the International Roots Music Chart and had great reviews in UK, American and Canadian magazines.. Nominated for the 2011 Maple Blues Award for Best New Artist Chris plays blues, rock, funk & soul guitar masterfully and will be accompanied by an excellent vocalist – Josh Williams. Proceeds to Rideau District Museum. www.chrisantonik.com

The Cove Inn is located in the beautiful town of Westport on the historic Rideau Waterway – a 45 minute drive northeast of Kingston, 1.5 hours from Ottawa, 3.5 from Montreal and 4 from Toronto. Well-priced accommodation available at The Cove and nearby B&B’s.

DINNER & SHOW $60 (plus HST)
All Shows 7 to 11 pm
ADVANCE RESERVATIONS REQUIRED
Book early – most shows sell out in advance
CALL THE COVE (613) 273-3636 or 1-888-COVE-INN

Jazz Nights & Music

April 5 & 7, 2012 – Spencer Evans TrioThis night (April 5) is a special fundraiser for Brooke Colford and the local Girl Guides group as they are heading to Nunavut in June. Admission is $5 donation to their cause! The Spencer Evans Trio Featuring Seamus and Jeff Cowan – Launch Party for Jake by the Lake announcing their new tshirt “Life is Good Westport Ontario”. (April 7) Come to the Cove after the Westport Arts Council Annual Fundraiser Kitchen Party at the Legion! The Popular Spencer Evans Trio with Jeff Cowan on drums, Seamus Cowan on bass and Spencer Evans on piano, clarinet and vocals has proven a formidable three performing all styles of music to huge crowds of all ages. 9-11pm FREE Join us before for the Dinner Special of the Night from 5:30-8:30pm
Saturday April 14, 2012 – Angler ManagementClassic Roots/Folk/Rock featuring Jeff and Seamus Cowan from the Cove and Mike Cochrane of The Salmon House with Gerald Van Halteren. With songs from Johnny Cash to Tom Petty to Neil Young and The Band, it’s always a good time to sing along and a chance to let out your inner hippie out. Former Bullmoose member Eric Lawrance will be in the house and in the band as well. Expect some surprises… 8-11pm Reservations suggested
Saturday April 28, 2012 – Shawn McCullough & Doubleback CD ReleaseLocal Guitar Hero/Country Singer and Sideman, Shawn McCullough returns with a new CD of original music and guess what, he’s having his release here at The Cove! With the likes of John Wilberforce, Roch Lafleur and Mark Lemieux and Wade Foster, it will surely be a night of quality tunesmithing and entertainment. This night will also be a Outdoors Association Fundraiser. His shows always sell out so don’t forget to book ahead! 8-11pm Reservations suggested www.reverbnation.com/shawnmccullough

Other Events

Friday May 4, 2012 – 2nd Annual Songwriters CircleFeaturing Seamus Cowan (Spoon River/Angler Management/Bullmoose), Brock Zeman (Brock Zeman), Eric Lawrance (Ladies of the Canyon/Bullmoose) and Mike Cochrane (Angler Management/Fish ‘n Licks) A initimate night of acoustic music featuring original music and other choice gems from all members. Expect some interesting support, introspective stories, collaborations, laughs, old instruments, screams, etc… 8-11pm $10/person Reservations Suggested – Join us before for DINNER!