Join the Voice of the Rideau Singing Competition and get a chance to perform during MUSICwestport!

Auditions will occur at North Crosby Community Centre, 875 Eighth Concession Rd, Westport on Saturday, July 28, 2012 between 11:00 am and 4 pm, depending on the amount of entries received.

The top scoring contestants in each of the two groups will compete in the finals on Saturday, August 18 at the Cove Inn, Westport during MUSICwestport.

For more information visit www.westportartscouncil.ca

This is the second year for this Series. Last years shows all Sold Out. There will be 6 shows this summer – again featuring more of Canada’s best Blues artists. This is wonderful, relaxing sit-and-listen acoustic Blues – perfect for a summer’s evening. A delicious Cove buffet dinner plus the show is only $45. And proceeds go to support Westport festivals and special events.

Please click on the images below to view photo’s from last years (2011) Acoustic Blue Sunday.

[Show slideshow]

SUMMER 2012 LINE-UP

June 24 – From Hamilton STEVE STRONGMAN www.stevestrongman.com

2011 Maple Blues Award winner for Guitarist Of The Year and a fabulous singer, songwriter and harmonica player. Steve has opened for Blues legends like Buddy Guy, Joe Cocker, Jimmie Vaughan, Jeff Healey, and Sonny Landreth. His career has taken off over the past 6 years. He’s played festivals in Rio de Janeiro, France, Switzerland, Mexico City and Memphis – and now he’s coming to Westport. This show is part of his new CD Tour for “A Natural Fact” – a great album!

PROCEEDS TO WESTPORT LIONS CLUB CANADA DAY CELEBRATIONS

July 8 – From Austin, Texas DANNY BROOKS www.dannybrooks.com

A consummate singer, songwriter, guitarist and harmonica player with a deep, soulful, powerful voice. Born and raised in Toronto Danny recently moved to Austin Texas where he’s been incredibly well received. He calls his unique blend of Blues “Texassippi Hill Country Soul”. He’s like nobody you have ever seen before. Once you do you’ll never forget him.

PROCEEDS TO WESTPORT DANDELION GARDENS STUDIO TOUR

July 22 – From Hamilton HARRISON KENNEDY www.harrisonkennedy.ca

A 4X Juno Award nominee – including one for his newest CD “Shame The Devil”. Harrison writes and sings a blend of rich deep-down Blues with roots, folk, country and soul influences. He has a wonderful voice and plays guitar, banjo, mandolin, and harmonica very well. His songs tell stories about the sorrows and joys that we all face in life and he makes you feel good all over just for the listening.

PROCEEDS TO WESTPORT HERITAGE FESTIVAL

August 12 – From Toronto PAUL REDDICK w. THE WEBER BROTHERS
www.compass360.com/paulreddick/ www.weberbrothers.com

Harmonica player, singer songwriter. Nominated for 2 Juno Awards, a W.C. Handy Blues Award and winner of multiple Maple Blues Awards Paul is sometimes referred to as “Canada’s Poet Of The Blues”. His lyrics are distinctive, almost dreamy at times and he has a wonderful way with a song. Joining him are the very talented Weber Brothers (Ronnie Hawkins, Garth Hudson, Kris Kristofferson) on string bass & guitar

PROCEEDS TO MUSICWESTPORT & WESTPORT ARTS COUNCIL

August 26 – From Montreal MICHAEL JEROME BROWNE w. JOHN McCOLGAN
www.michaeljeromebrowne.com www.johnmccolgan.com

MJB is an extremely accomplished string instrumentalist and singer/songwriter. A 2X Juno Award nominee, 17X Maple Blues Award nominee and winner of the Canadian Folk Music Award for Solo Artist Of The Year. You’ll hear elements of folk, roots, gospel, country, soul, R&B, jazz and bluegrass in his Blues. Sometimes you’d think he was from anther era. Joined for this show by his percussionist friend John McColgan (Stephen Barry Band, Kate & Anna McGarrigle).

PROCEEDS TO THE RIDEAU VALLEY ART FESTIVAL

September 9 – From Toronto TREASA LEVASSEUR w. DAVID BAXTER www.treasalevasseur.com

An excellent songwriter and keyboardist and one of the best female vocalists on the Canadian – and international – Blues scene today. A multiple Maple Blues Award and Juno Award nominee. Treasa’s voice has great power and range – it can whisper, cry, soar and blast you out of your seat – sometimes all in the same song! Think Joni Mitchell, Etta James, Carole King and Dusty Springfield rolled into one. Accompanied by an excellent guitarist David Gavan Baxter.

PROCEEDS TO THE WESTPORT FALL COLOURS STUDIO TOUR

$45 BUFFET DINNER & SHOW
ADVANCE RESERVATIONS REQUIRED
1-888-COVE-INN or (613) 273-3636
BOOK EARLY, MOST SHOWS SELL OUT IN ADVANCE!

More info at www.choosetheblues.ca

Produced by CHOOSE THE BLUES PRODUCTIONS Kenmore Ontario

Looking to hear more local entertainers and be amazed by what’s in your own back yard? Check out TUESDAY LOCALS NIGHT, our new summer series at The Cove in Westport featuring solo, duo and small group acts performing a mix of original and cover music in the lounge. The Cove Country Inn is located at 2 Bedford Street, Westport, Ontario.

Shows are FREE and go from 8-11pm.

Jun.19 Chris Murphy of Crooked Wood (Folk/Celtic, Perth Road Village) www.myspace.com/crookedwoodmusic

Jun.26 Mike Cochrane and Shawn McCullough (Country/Folk/Rock, Westport) www.reverbnation.com/shawnmccullough

Jul.3 StringTease (Gypsy/Blues/Folk, Westport)

Jul.10 Tom Savage (Rock/Folk/Blues, Kingston) www.tomsavage.ca

Jul.17 Brock Zeman (Storytelling/Folk/Rock, Lanark) www.brockzeman.com

Jul.24 Emily Fennell (Soul/Jazz/Pop, Kingston) on Facebook

Jul.31 Mike Cochrane and Shawn McCullough (Westport)

Aug.7 StringTease (Westport)

Aug.14 Jason Kent with Jeff and Seamus Cowan (Rock/Folk, Montreal/Westport) www.myspace.com/sunfields www.spoonriverband.com

Aug.21 Chris Murphy (Perth Road Village)

Aug.28 Brock Zeman (Lanark)

Sept.4 Eric Lawrance (Folk/Rock/Blues, Delta) www.myspace.com/ericlawrance

Sept.11 Tom Savage (Kingston)

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.

Saturday, April 28
Local Guitar Hero/Country Singer and Sideman, Shawn McCullough returns with his new CD “THIS IS ME” and guess what, he’s having his release here at The Cove! With 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 Westport Outdoors Association Fundraiser in memory of Doc Halliday.

His shows always sell out so don’t forget to book ahead!
www.reverbnation.com/shawnmccullough
8-11pm
Reservations suggested.

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!

You will want to check out these events happening at The Cove during March 2012. To make reservation for these events or for more information call 1-613-273-3636. The Cove is located at 2 Bedford, Westport, Ontario. For more information about The Cove visit www.coveinn.com.

Kevin Head featuring Miss V
Friday March 3 & 10, 2012 – 6-9pm
Singer/Songwriter Acoustic Guitarist
Please call for more info and to confirm his performance. Admission is free.
www.myspace.com/kevinheadakasaltcodcowboy

*For reservations call The Cove

Chet Doxas Quartet
Friday March 9, 2012 – 8-11pm
Featuring Chet Doxas-tenor saxophone, Matt Stevens-guitar, Zack Lober-bass and Eric Doob-drums. The Juno nominated saxophonist, Chet Doxas, one of Canada’s great jazz players has brought together some of the brightest young voices on the New York jazz scene to perform his original compositions. All shows have stunned audiences.

www.chetdoxas.com

$10/person
*For reservations call The Cove

Blackburn
Friday & Saturday March 16-17, 2012 – 7-11pm

2010 Maple Blues Award Winners for Best New Band. 3 terrifically talented brothers – Duane on vocals and keyboards, Brooke on guitar and vocals, Cory on drums with best friend Mark Ayee on bass. Solid blues mixed with soul, funk and R&B with a unique style and infectious groove.

Proceeds to the EASTER SEALS ONTARIO and HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

www.myspace.com/blackburnbrothers

$60/person includes amazing Blues, delicious Buffet and donation to Local Charity!
Reservations Only
*For reservations call The Cove

St. Pat’s Party Matinee with Chris Murphy from Crooked Wood
Sunday March 18, 2012 – 2-5pm

Join us for a 2-5pm matinee with local talent, Chris Murphy of folk sensation Crooked Wood. He’ll be playing a solo show stacked with Irish sing-a-longs and more!

www.crookedwood.ca

Free
*For reservations call The Cove

Spoon River and opening, Reuben Degroot
Friday March 23, 2012 – 7-11pm

Roots rock band Spoon River return after an almost two year hiatus! Featuring The Cove’s own Seamus Cowan on bass and Jeff Cowan on drums, the band will be performing new songs for their upcoming album.

Rueben deGroot Band – Hailing from Kingston, ON, Rueben has performed at the Cove and for MUSICwestport in the past and his band includes semi-regular to the Cove stage, drummer Rob Radford.

www.spoonriverband.com
www.ruebendegroot.com

$10/person
A great night of original music
*For reservations call The Cove

Join the Village of Westport on February 4, 2012 for our 5th Annual Day Long Party to celebrate Westport’s version of Groundhog Day! Come and bring the family to The Cove and enjoy kids games, skating on the pond and see Wally himself? Will he see his shadow or not? Festivities start at 11am.

For entertainment, enjoy Singer/Guitarist Kevin Head indoors for a matinee show 1-4pm. Then after dinner, Angler Management featuring Mike Cochrane from the Salmon House, Gerald Van Halteren and Jeff and Seamus Cowan from The Cove!

All entertainment is FREE!

Happy New Year! You will want to check out these events happening at The Cove during January & February. To make reservation for these events or for more information call 1-613-273-3636. The Cove is located at 2 Bedford, Westport, Ontario. For more information about The Cove visit www.coveinn.com.

Diana Braithwaite & Chris Whiteley Band
January 20 -21, 2012 – 7-11pm
Two dynamic talents – multiple Maple Blues Award winners. Diana’s powerful, soulful vocals are matched with Chris’ singing and superb guitar, harmonica and trumpet.They play it all from ’40’s Bluebird Records style roots blues to Chicago/Mississippi electric to soul and R&B.
www.braithwaiteandwhiteley.com

Proceeds to Westport’s Rideau Vista & St. Edward’s Elementary Schools
$60/person includes huge buffet, show and donation to local charity

Reservations Only…SATURDAY SOLD OUT!
*For reservations call The Cove

Norman Hardie Winemaker’s Dinner
January 31, 2012 – 6-9pm
Enjoy a rare chance to taste and learn from one of Canada’s best winemakers, Norman Hardie from Hillier, Prince Edward County! Norm’s award winning Old World style of viticulture is making headlines around the world with his Chardonnay and Pinot Noir taking cues and drawing large comparisons to those of Burgundy, France where these grapes are most well known. Named in Wine Spectator’s Top 3 wines of the year for 2011! A night for wine lovers truly not to be missed. As usual, the culinary creations will come from Chef Joanne Edwards with the help of Chef Angela Baldwin.

www.normanhardie.com

$70/person
Reservations Only
*For reservations call The Cove

Valentine’s Party with Emily Fennell and Spencer Evans
February 11, 2012 – 6-10pm
Enjoy the romantic sounds of Kingston Vocalist Emily Fennell with the inimitable Spencer Evans accompaniment!

www.themissemily.blogspot.com

Diner & Show $40/person includes
Dinner Reservations Highly Suggested
*For reservations call The Cove

The Original Homwreckers w. Miss Angel
February 17, 2012 – 6-10pm
Members of the late great Mel Brown’s band – Shawn Kellerman guitar, Al Richardson bass, Jimmy Boudreau drums and Miss Angel on vocals. If you missed Mel when he played BOTR @ The Cove in May 2007 then here’s your chance to appreciate the legacy of fabulous Blues talent he left behind. Genuine “homewreckin’ Blues done LIVE!

www.shawnkellerman.com

Proceeds to the Rideau Waterway Land Trust
*For reservations call The Cove

Prescott – Friday November 4, 2011 | 8-11pm
From Almonte, is Kaylen and Kelly Prescott, a brother and sister duo. Their new CD called “The Lakeside Sessions” is an impressive collection of songs textured with hillbilly, heartbreak, and love. Their performance at MUSICwestport 2011 surprised and delighted crowds!
$10/person
Reservations Recommended

Jazz Night Friday November 11, 2011 | 9-11pm
Jazz Night with the Spencer Evans Trio featuring Seamus Cowan and Special Guest Drummer, Rob Radford. This event is free. Join us for an incredible Jazz inspired special for dinner too 5:30-9:00pm
Reservations Recommended

Blues on the Rideau Series – Donald Ray Johnson & Maurice John Vaughn Band – Friday November 18-19, 2011 | 7-11pm
Donald Ray is a Grammy Award winning soul/blues/R&B vocalist and drummer from Calgary via Texas/California with a voice like Lou Rawls. Maurice John is a long time friend and veteran guitarist/keyboardist/singer/songwriter from Chicago who has toured with Luther Allison, Son Seals and A.C. Reed. Backed by a hot Chicago band including B.J. Emery on sax.
Proceeds to Friend of Foley Mountain and Westport Food Bank
$60/person Show and Buffet with Donation to Charity
Reservations Only

Westport Christmas Fashion Show Tuesday November 22, 2011 | 12-2pm
Featuring Local Businesses Fundraiser for Westport Food Bank…Bring a Non-Perishable Food Item for those in need! Door Prizes! Discounts from Stores!
$25/person includes Show, Lunch, Tea/Coffee and Dessert
Tickets availabe at participating stores and The Cove

Kevin Head Saturday November 26, 2011 | 1-4pm | 8-11pm
Come watch the annual parade then enjoy the seasonal sounds of Kevin Head during his matinee appearance 1-4pm.
At night, party it up with Angler Management featuring Mike Cochrane from The Salmon House with Jeff and Seamus Cowan of The Cove and Gerald Van Halteren. Roots Rock and Roll Classics.
Free!

Twin Sax December 9, 2011 | 8-11pm
Featuring master saxophonists Chet Doxas (Montreal) and Jonathan “Bunny” Stewart (Kingston) with Jeff Cowan on Drums and Seamus Cowan on Bass. Don’t miss a special night reuniting fellow McGill University jazz alumni!
Uniting these hornmen with friends and former bandmates Jeff and Seamus Cowan opens opportunity for uncharted territory with original and classic modern jazz compositions.
Prepare to be surprised and challenged…

The Cove is located at 2 Bedford St., Westport, Ontario. To call and make reservations phone 613-273-3636. For additional information visit: www.coveinn.com.