The Once
Newfoundland has a storied history of stunning songwriters, poets, and players. Over the course of the last decade The Once have writ and knit themselves into that story
Within the nine songs on their new album Time Enough, The Once offer some of the most vulnerable and honest material of their career. The up-tempo album opener, “I Can’t Live Without You,” reflects on women battling with self-image issues and offers wisened words to be the positive change in their own lives. The gritty guitar driven “Before The Fall” succumbs to the notion that we must accept our past and use those memories to grow. Riff rocker “Any Other Way” reflects the fact that true love accepts us at our worst but insists we do the work to be our best selves to keep it together.
On this, their fourth studio album, the band stays true to the root strength of their harmony driven sound, while extending the borders into fresh yet familiar territory. They craft a sonically understated, but emotionally fulsome sound that accomplishes what they’ve always done so well: stun listeners with what Amelia Curran calls “perfect vocal harmonies, thick enough to stand on.”
Crowdis Bridge
Join us for an evening with some of Cape Breton’s finest multi-instrumentalists, vocalists & songwriters.
Kimberley Fraser is one of Cape Breton Island’s most accomplished traditional musicians and one of the foremost sought after instructors for Celtic music.
Crowdis Bridge are lovers and purveyors of roots & traditional music, steeped in bluegrass, old-time, folk, Celtic and country-blues.
Together they promise to create a musical landscape as amazing and diverse as the Island they call home.
Kitchen open till 9PM, Bar licensed till 2AM
Abbey Mullendore, Steve Luxton & Russ Mathews
Abbey Mullendore is a Cape Breton born and bred singer-songwriter. Raised in a musical family, Abbey’s passion for music and singing began at a very young age. Her style and sound has been influenced by a wide range of female powerhouse artists and bands such as: Fleetwood Mac, Heart, Carole King, Bonnie Raitt, Janis Joplin, Alanis Morissette, and many more. Her sound is often compared to that of vocalists such as Stevie Nicks, Janis Joplin, and Ann Wilson.
Over the past few years, Abbey’s journey in music has taken shape into more of a profession. She has played in many establishments and events across Nova Scotia including The Careltone (Halifax), Strathspey Place (Mabou), with Boardwalk Productions @ Bella Rose Theatre (Halifax), Blueberry Jam Festival (Mabou), as well as opening for acts such as Ashley MacIsac and Jimmy Rankin. Her most recent musical achievement has been performing the lead vocal role of Stevie Nicks with Classic Albums Live’s Fleetwood Mac ‘Rumours’ show across Canada and the US in venues such as Massey Hall (Toronto), National Arts Centre (Ottawa), and Hard Rock Live (Orlando).
Meet Steve Luxton, an alternative folk-rock singer whose music transcends boundaries and resonates with the human experience. With a captivating blend of soulful lyrics and haunting melodies, Steve Luxton weaves tales of introspection and emotion, inviting listeners into a world of sonic storytelling.
Russ Mathewsis a rising singer-musician known for his soulful melodies and crowd pleasing songs. Hailing from the heart of Cape Breton, his music combines folk and country influences, creating a fresh, authentic sound that resonates with audiences accross the Island. With a guitar in hand and a heart full of stories, Russ is making his mark on the music scene, one heartfelt note at a time.
Joel Plaskett Redux
From rocking Halifax’s Marquee Club to performing for the masses at Massey Hall or touring the country with his father, Joel Plaskett has forged a reputation as one of Canada’s most engaging performers and respected singer-songwriters.
Plaskett’s songs are a perennial part of the national playlist, a fixture on “best of” lists, and the soundtrack to the lives of faithful fans across the country and around the world. His accolades over a quarter century include a Juno, numerous East Coast Music, Canadian Folk and Music Nova Scotia awards, and two Polaris short list nominations.
Plaskett’s new project, 44, is his most detailed musical weave yet. A sprawling box set comprised of four, 11-song albums connected visually and thematically, at its heart 44 is an imaginative rumination on trying to slow down and grow up in a rapidly accelerating world.
Plaskett began his musical career in the early 1990s as a member of alt-rock favourites Thrush Hermit, recruiting lifelong fans as the band toured North America in a half-size school bus, setting up their signature neon ROCK & ROLL sign from show to show.
In the early 2000s, Plaskett started touring under his own name with his band, The Emergency (featuring Dave Marsh on drums since 1999, and for the last 14 years, Chris Pennell on bass). Backed by the Emergency and racking up a growing roster of anthemic singalongs, Plaskett worked his way up from small clubs to opening for Paul McCartney and the Tragically Hip, and filling larger venues with his own devoted audience.
Plaskett is a versatile and ever-evolving artist, at turns delivering intimate and idiosyncratic singer-songwriter fare (In Need of Medical Attention, La De Da, The Park Avenue Sobriety Test); incendiary riff-rock (Down at the Khyber, Truthfully, Truthfully), left-leaning folk rock (Solidarity), as well as conceptual epics and off-kilter feats of musical stamina (Ashtray Rock, Three, Scrappy Happiness, 44).
Recorded to analog tape, Plaskett’s records reflect his attention to detail, his dedication to technique, musical history and craft, and a sincere and inimitable lyrical style that runs through his diverse and ever-expanding catalogue.
In addition to producing most of his own records since 1999, Plaskett has also set up shop behind the console at his New Scotland Yard studio in downtown Dartmouth, N.S. His work with artists like Jimmy Rankin, Two Hours Traffic, David Myles, Sarah Slean, Shotgun Jimmie, Dennis Ellsworth, Old Man Luedecke, Dave Marsh, Colleen Brown and longtime collaborator Mo Kenney has led to numerous awards for production, and turned New Scotland Yard into a popular destination for artists looking to develop and document their sound.
In front of the studio is The New Scotland Yard Emporium, where Plaskett has partnered with Halifax mainstay Taz Records to bring a curated selection of records to his adopted hometown, providing a spot where music fans can congregate to grab a coffee or beer while they dig for records.
In a world increasingly connected—and disconnected — by digital mediums, Joel Plaskett prefers to make his connections the old-fashioned way, building community at his studio and shop, dedicating himself to the art and authenticity of songwriting and analog recording processes, and moving audiences with the electrifying, uplifting experience of live performance.
In all aspects of his work, Plaskett embraces both the communal and individual experiences music provides. The ways music and words combine to connect with the listener, turning a minute into a moment out of time, reminding us that we aren’t alone.
Joel Plaskett
From rocking Halifax’s Marquee Club to performing for the masses at Massey Hall or touring the country with his father, Joel Plaskett has forged a reputation as one of Canada’s most engaging performers and respected singer-songwriters.
Plaskett’s songs are a perennial part of the national playlist, a fixture on “best of” lists, and the soundtrack to the lives of faithful fans across the country and around the world. His accolades over a quarter century include a Juno, numerous East Coast Music, Canadian Folk and Music Nova Scotia awards, and two Polaris short list nominations.
Plaskett’s new project, 44, is his most detailed musical weave yet. A sprawling box set comprised of four, 11-song albums connected visually and thematically, at its heart 44 is an imaginative rumination on trying to slow down and grow up in a rapidly accelerating world.
Plaskett began his musical career in the early 1990s as a member of alt-rock favourites Thrush Hermit, recruiting lifelong fans as the band toured North America in a half-size school bus, setting up their signature neon ROCK & ROLL sign from show to show.
In the early 2000s, Plaskett started touring under his own name with his band, The Emergency (featuring Dave Marsh on drums since 1999, and for the last 14 years, Chris Pennell on bass). Backed by the Emergency and racking up a growing roster of anthemic singalongs, Plaskett worked his way up from small clubs to opening for Paul McCartney and the Tragically Hip, and filling larger venues with his own devoted audience.
Plaskett is a versatile and ever-evolving artist, at turns delivering intimate and idiosyncratic singer-songwriter fare (In Need of Medical Attention, La De Da, The Park Avenue Sobriety Test); incendiary riff-rock (Down at the Khyber, Truthfully, Truthfully), left-leaning folk rock (Solidarity), as well as conceptual epics and off-kilter feats of musical stamina (Ashtray Rock, Three, Scrappy Happiness, 44).
Recorded to analog tape, Plaskett’s records reflect his attention to detail, his dedication to technique, musical history and craft, and a sincere and inimitable lyrical style that runs through his diverse and ever-expanding catalogue.
In addition to producing most of his own records since 1999, Plaskett has also set up shop behind the console at his New Scotland Yard studio in downtown Dartmouth, N.S. His work with artists like Jimmy Rankin, Two Hours Traffic, David Myles, Sarah Slean, Shotgun Jimmie, Dennis Ellsworth, Old Man Luedecke, Dave Marsh, Colleen Brown and longtime collaborator Mo Kenney has led to numerous awards for production, and turned New Scotland Yard into a popular destination for artists looking to develop and document their sound.
In front of the studio is The New Scotland Yard Emporium, where Plaskett has partnered with Halifax mainstay Taz Records to bring a curated selection of records to his adopted hometown, providing a spot where music fans can congregate to grab a coffee or beer while they dig for records.
In a world increasingly connected—and disconnected — by digital mediums, Joel Plaskett prefers to make his connections the old-fashioned way, building community at his studio and shop, dedicating himself to the art and authenticity of songwriting and analog recording processes, and moving audiences with the electrifying, uplifting experience of live performance.
In all aspects of his work, Plaskett embraces both the communal and individual experiences music provides. The ways music and words combine to connect with the listener, turning a minute into a moment out of time, reminding us that we aren’t alone.
Songwriters Circle
Steve MacIntyre is a singer/songwriter from Cape Breton Island. Describing the things that move him well enough that they move you is his greatest pleasure.
“Steve MacIntyre is a rare original. He brings you in, effortlessly, to an intensely personal place you may not have expected, with his heart on his sleeve and a huge, bear hug of a voice.” – Jamie Foulds, producer
Telling stories of love, loss, and life, Steve takes you on a journey; one that is dripping with images of the east coast. The good and the bad take equal footing in Steve’s songs. They are songs that describe the things common to the human experience and do so through beautifully crafted words and music.
Aaron MacDonald
Out of the woods of Mabou, a town that beats in the musical heart of Cape Breton, comes the soulful, ever captivating, Americana singer Aaron MacDonald. It’s this small-town lifestyle that inspires songs for this ECMA nominee. Aaron’s matured blend of country and rock, all lovingly leaning towards roots and blues, carries the feel of familiarity while experiencing new songs for the first time. The authenticity of MacDonald’s live performances is magically captured as he lays out his life’s story with each song. His music comes across as something between the rhythmic soul of Nathaniel Rateliff mixed with the superb simplicity of John Prine.
Named as one of CBC Music Searchlight’s Top 100 Emerging Artists, showcasing at ECMA 2022, nominated for NSMW 2022 Americana Album of the Year, spots at the 2023 Stan Rogers Folks Festival and Halifax Urban Folk Festival, this seasoned songwriter is making his mark.
Woody Woodburn
Born & raised in Mississauga, ON, Canada, Woody cut his teeth on the Canadian music industry with his band in the mid 90’s. Drawn to the small town lifestyle of his roots in Cape Breton, NS, he now calls his home Rockwood, ON. After many years struggling to find a place in the corporate world, he has now found a renewed passion & love for music and will not let anything stand in his way. The music is much more than Top 40. The kind of melodies that linger in your head well after you’ve heard them. He gives life to your own struggles. Like listening to an old friend. Woody is an unassuming, humble guy that will surprise you with his powerful voice. A voice that combined with the real & “come from the heart” lyrics will leave you more hopeful & inspired in your life.
Steve Luxton
Blurring the lines between alternative rock and roll and renegade folk, Steve Luxton captures moments in time and frames them in captivating melodies and haunting harmonic changes. Steve draws his sound from classic lyrical greats like Willie Nelson, the neo-modern country sounds presented by artists such as Sturgill Simpson, and the soulful energy & grooves of artists like the Bahama’s. Steve’s unique sound and high energy performances are quickly winning over audience members across the East Coast of Canada.
Quote the Raven
Quote the Raven’s sophomore record Can’t Hold the Light has been almost three years in the making. After an impromptu trip to AmericanaFest in 2019, the sounds filling the Nashville streets lit a fire for what would be the duo’s journey into the Americana genre. A collection of songs written with friends all across Canada, this album is a combination of country jams, folk storytelling, heart warming and wrenching ballads, and a glimpse into the life of touring musicians.
Despite delaying the release of their record until the Fall of 2021 Quote the Raven continued to work onward and upward since their album Golden Hour released in 2018. They’ve toured around Canada, performed in Germany, Trinidad, and in the US. They’ve been nominated for an ECMA and awarded the 2019 MusicNL Group the the Year. Their music has been streamed over one million times and featured in international film and television. The first three singles from the album have all charted in the top 100 on the BDS and TRAX
Canadian Country Charts and have been featured on SiriusXM radio in the top 40.
Quote the Raven blend haunting harmony and quick-witted comedy into their East-Coast meets Americana songwriting leaving audiences with a smile on their face and a tear in their eye.
Lookout Tower
Winter Swamp Music!
A groovy mix of bluesy rockers, soulful ballads and blizzard funks. Lookout Tower hails from Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. Their debut album ‘Smoke Over Sound’ was recorded live off the floor last spring in a century old church in Forks Baddeck and their upcoming follow-up album ‘Fields’ was recorded this winter in a 125-year old farmhouse across the street. This release is a sonically exciting and diverse collection of original songs about the places we leave, and how we perceive the passage of time.
Vocals / Rankin MacEachern
Guitars, vocals / Bryan Picard
Bass, vocals / Franzi Habith
Drums / John Pinnington
J.P. Cormier
Nobody really knows who J.P. Cormier is for sure. That’s to be expected, believe me.
In 1974 he was a five year old boy, discovering an innate talent for playing the guitar, I had a little hand in that, guiding him through the beginning stages. He learned faster than I could teach.
By the mid eighties, not out of his teens, he was a sideman for bands and artists of many different genres in Alabama, Tennessee, Mississippi, and all across the deep south. As he travelled and worked he added more and more instruments to his arsenal of capabilities. He became indispensable to the bands he worked for.
In the early Nineties, he became a sideman for one of Canada’s favourite sons, Stompin’ Tom Connors and also became a staple of the recordings at Studio H in Halifax. His work with the CBC there, spanned musical, production and arranging duties.
All this before he was 20.
In the mid nineties he reentered the musical scene of his beloved East Coast and the Island called Cape Breton. He exploded onto the trad music scene there as a fiddler, performing some of the most difficult music ever produced by legends like Winston Fitzgerald and Angus Chisholm with a facility that stunned onlookers. Especially those who knew he wasn’t born there, but born in Ontario to Cape Breton parents. Somehow, some way, his music was the real thing, sounding like he had been steeped continually in a handed-down brew of family tradition from the old country.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
His previous gig was in Nashville playing mandolin and banjo in a grammy nominated bluegrass gospel band and performing on the Opry, and playing television shows with the likes of Waylon Jennings. All those people also thought he was one of them, American, reared in the ways of bluegrass, old time and Americana music. They knew he was from Canada, but it just didn’t seem possible.
Then in 1997, something amazing happened.
An album released in Canada, out of nowhere, called Another Morning. This time it was him as a songwriter and a lead singer.
And what a songwriter he turned out to be. Some of the performances on that album are literally part of the musical vocabulary today in the East Coast. Songs like the title cut, and Kelly’s Mountain, The Molly May (co written with his cousin Gervais) and others. It inspired, 25 years ago, some of the biggest names in the business today. People like Dave Gunning, Matt Andersen, David Myles, Joel Plaskett, all of which will tell you: that record changed things.
The Canadian industry thought so too, and it received a juno nomination and won an ECMA.
And that was just the beginning.
36 years later after stepping on stage as professional union musician for the first time at the tender age of 13, JP is still going, and frighteningly, still getting better.
16 albums followed the success of Another Morning, winning 12 more ECMA’s, another Juno nomination, a Canadian Folk Music Award and 5 Music Nova Scotia Awards. Each album was a snapshot of each thing that he can do. There are fiddle albums, Mandolin, Banjo, Guitar, tribute records, songwriting collections, a purely astounding spectrum of talent and musical vision.
His catalogue of recordings and the 150 or so records he’s produced on other artists, resemble the tapestry he weaves in live performance. Where he used to carry 3 and 4 piece bands, he tours alone now.
Just him and the instruments.
People still leave his shows confused, amazed and wondering what they just saw. Did they see a storyteller? A Songwriter? Arguably one of the best guitar players in the business today? Someone who crosses the lines between different instruments like there are no lines? Who was that masked man, anyway?
Accolades aside, and there are many from people like Chet Atkins, Marty Stuart, Waylon Jennings, Gordon Lightfoot; JP sees himself as just a performer. He’s shy, but has a razor sharp wit and lightning sense of humour. He can be reserved or edgy to the point no return. He speaks for soldiers, first responders, other artists, the forgotten and lost. He speaks sometimes only for himself and refuses rebuttal.
Of all the things he is, foremost he is an entertainer. I think one of the best. After you’ve seen what he does, I’m certain you will too.
Mo Kenney
Kenney’s willingness to unflinchingly pursue their artistic impulses on their own terms has resulted in numerous accolades over the past decade, including a SOCAN Songwriting Prize, a nomination for Juno Adult Alternative Album of the Year, and too many East Coast Music Awards and Nova Scotia Awards to count.
2021’s “Covers”, was an acoustic collection that offered a glimpse into the molecular musical composition of the artist interpreting them. 2022 release, “With You”, was written, played, and produced by Kenney alone. 2023 will see the release of a new album of original material.
One of the most refreshing things about Kenney is that their performance and stories are completely raw. Their distinctive vocals and outstanding guitar playing are intensified by the simplicity, their songs relatable yet mysterious. A unique singer-songwriter, Mo’s music has been described as both folk and pop.
2023 touring includes the US, the UK, Europe and Canada.