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

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!

Here’s what’s going on at The Cove this summer. Check out the below “Blues on the Rideau Series” for the 2011 Summer Season, and pick the night you want to visit the Cove for an evening of Dinner and Blues. There is also a new series, Acoustic Blue Mondays with the Best in Canadian Blues. Schedule is below.

 
For more information visit: www.choosetheblues.ca

Also some more summer fun!

EVERY SATURDAY
The Return of Pianist Ben San Pedro. Our old friends is back to entertain you over our famous Roast Beef Buffet. 6-9pm.

EVERY SUNDAY
Singer/Songwriter Kevin Head returns to the Cove Waterfront Patio overlooking the Westport Pond. 1-4pm.

EVERY THURSDAY
Jazz Night with the Spencer Evans Trio featuring Jeff and Seamus Cowan. Dinner Special…”Bourbon St.Platter” – BBQ Brisket, Craw fish with Remoulade, Cajun Coleslaw and a biscuit. Dinner 5:30-8:30pm, Show 9-11pm, Reservations Suggested.

For more information visit www.coveinn.com.

Blues On The Rideau at The Cove Inn, Westport Ontario – the popular once a month Dinner & Show Fundraiser Series – returns for its 6th season starting October 22nd. It’s another superb Line-Up of artists this year with multiple Juno, Maple Blues and American Blues Award nominees/winners. Proceeds from all Shows go to support different local charities. $27,000 has been raised over the past 5 years and the goal is to raise at least $5,000 more this season. If you love good food and great Blues in a small, friendly atmosphere and you haven’t been to a BOTR @ The Cove night before then you owe it to yourself to try one. You won’t be disappointed. If you’re a regular you already know how good these nights are! Welcome back. Summer withdrawal is over. See you for the first show on October 22nd with SHAKURA S’AIDA!

All artists appear with their bands.
Visit artists’ web sites and MySpace sites for more information, audio and video clips, etc

October 22 – SHAKURA S’AIDA
Born in NY, raised in Switzerland, now living in Toronto – a beautiful woman with great stage presence and a passionate, powerful voice. Jazz, Blues and R&B as good as it gets.
www.shakurasaida.com
Proceeds to the Lucy Drysdale Memorial Scholarship Fund

November 19 – DAVID ROTUNDO
Back by popular demand. Down and dirty Blues with dynamite harmonica and voice. A high energy, entertaining show guaranteed every time.
www.davidrotundo.com
Proceeds to the Westport Library

January 21/22 (*2 night stand) – JACK DE KEYZER
Singer/songwriter and the King of Canadian blues guitar Jack de Keyzer returns to BOTR for a 4th time. 2010 Juno Award winner for Best Blues CD (his 2nd Juno – he also won in 2003) & and a 7X Maple Blues Award winner his reputation speaks for itself.
www.jackdekeyzer.com
Proceeds to Rideau Vista & St. Edwards’ Elementary Schools

February 18 – CLIO & THE BLUES HIGHWAY
A rising new star from Quebec with a beautiful voice. Nominated for Best New Artist Of The Year Lys Award and Best Female Vocalist Maple Blues Award last year. Swing style, jazzy, smoky Blues.
www.myspace.com/cliovalerie
Proceeds to the Rideau Waterway Land Trust

March 18 & 19 (*2 night stand) – MONKEY JUNK
Ottawa’s own and a very HOT band these days. Winners of the American Blues Award for Best New Band Of The Year and 6 Maple Blues Awards in 2010! Swamp R&B, soul boogie & bedroom funk.
www.monkeyjunkband.com
Proceeds to the Friends of Foley Mountain

April 15 – PAUL REDDICK
Canada’s poet of the Blues with his superb harmonica and voice returns to BOTR for a 3rd visit. A multiple Maple Blues Award winner with a great new album.
www.paulreddick.ca
Proceeds to Westport In Bloom

May 20 – TREASA LEVASSEUR
Back for a 2nd visit. The slim lady with the BIG voice. A 2010 Juno Award nominee & multiple Maple Blues Award nominee. Delicious Blues, soul, funk & R&B.
www.treasalevasseur.com
Proceeds to the Rideau District Museum

June 10 – RAOUL & THE BIG TIME
Toronto actor and Blues man who blows harp like Little Walter reincarnated. A multiple Maple Blues Award winner. Rough ‘n ready swing Blues.
www.raoulandthebigtime.com
Proceeds to Habitat For Humanity

NOTE * If there is enough advance ticket demand on single show weekends a Saturday night show may be added – so BOOK EARLY!

Date (two shows): April 23 & 24, 2010
Time: 7-11pm

Harmonica Shah Band with Jack de Keyzer (Detroit, MI and Toronto, ON) and Al Cross (Big Sugar) on drums

Tickets are only $55 per person (taxes and charitable donation included) and advance reservations are required.
Ticket price includes your meal!

*EVERY SHOW IS A SELLOUT*
***Electro-Fi Records will be RECORDING LIVE***