A record size crowd ate, drank and danced the night away with THE HOGTOWN ALLSTARS last Friday April 18 at BLUES ON THE RIDEAU at THE COVE INN Westport Ontario.
This Toronto based supergroup is made up of 5 members of DOWNCHILD (this year’s Juno Award winners for Best Blues Album Of The Year) – Chuck Jackson (vocals & harmonica), Michael Fonfara (keyboards), Pat Carey (sax), Gary Kendall (bass), Mike Fitzpatrick (drums) – plus the great Teddy Leonard on guitar (formerly with 2X Juno Award winners FATHEAD).
They played tight, fast and smooth right from the opening song and had the crowd up and dancing all night long. Collectively this band represents over 250 years of experience playin’ the Blues! This was their second appearance at BOTR @ The Cove and based on the crowd reaction you can definitely expect to see the “Hoggies” back soon.
Happy attendees at the famous Cove buffet
Michael Fonfara on the keys with Teddy Leonard on guitar looking on – Mike Fitzpatrick (drums) and Gary Kendall (bass) in background |
Chuck & Gary with Pat Carey blowin’ hard on the sax |
The smilin’ Irishman, Mike Fitzpatrick, on the drums |
Special Guests in attendance included Stevie & Anne Connor from Blues & Roots Radio in Port Credit, Ontario (www.BluesAndRootsRadio.com) with B&RR Show hosts Mark Stenzler of The Blues Zeppelin in Berne, Switzerland and Craig Mills of Eastern Passage. Randy MacNeil & Francine Aubrey, authors of the great photo book “A Portrait Of Blues In Canada” (www.randymacneil.com/e/bluesbook_e.shtml) were also there. Francine was celebrating her birthday.
The Cove served up their usual delicious buffet – roast beef and fried cod in remoulade with mixed veggies, roast potatoes, two salads and home made buns – topped off with cheesecake covered in fresh local maple syrup for dessert. $816 was raised for Westport’s Rideau Vista and St. Edward’s elementary schools.
Comments from attendees:
“I fell in love with this place as soon as I drove down the big hill and saw the view. A romantic spot on a beautiful lake in a charming small town, excellent shopping, friendly people and a great atmosphere. And The Hogtown Allstars were FANTASTIC! 10 out of 10 for everything. Thank you so much”
Pierre Copping, Ottawa (First timer)
“I don’t always listen to the Blues but when I do, I choose Blues On The Rideau at The Cove! Stay thirsty my friends 🙂 The Hogtown Allstars rock”
Larry & Gail Miles, Catawissee Pennsylvania (They’ve driven up from Pennsylvania 5 times for BOTR Shows and will be back in May for David Rotundo)
“Excellent entertainment, fabulous meal and a wonderful time was had by all. If you didn’t enjoy this night you must be dead!”
Margaret Bourk, Pakenham (2nd time)
“Never a disappointment. Fabulous. 10 out of 10 for everything”
Charlie Courneyea, Oshawa (4th time)
The dance floor was PACKED all night long
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Special Guests in attendance – Stevie Connor (CEO of www.BluesAndRootsRadio.com Port Credit, ON), Mark Stenzler (Host of The Blues Zeppelin on B&RR – visiting from Switzerland!), Craig Mills (Host of Eastern Passage on B&RR and his lovely wife Kayo |
Francine Aubrey of Randy MacNeil Photography – co-author of the great “A Portrait Of Blues in Canada” photo book – celebrating her 25th birthday |
The Hogtown Allstars – Pat Carey, Gary Kendall, Chuck Jackson, Michael Fonfara, Mike Fitzpatrick, Teddy Leonard. All stars indeed |
Next up: May 9 & 10 – 7 to 11 pm
*Last BOTR show of the 2013/14 season*
From Toronto THE DAVID ROTUNDO BAND
Back for his annual visit – David Rotundo and his band are arguably the most popular band to ever play the BOTR Series – that’s why they’re invited back every year and that’s why it’s a 2 night stand.
Dinner & Show only $60 – Proceeds to the Rideau District Museum & Westport In Bloom
***Reservations required
Call 1-888-COVE-INN
Note: Saturday night is already Sold Out (although you can still get on the Waiting List). There are about 30 tickets left for Friday as of April 18. Book NOW if you want to be there!
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