I’m delighted that, with every year that goes by, my gig schedule is more and more exciting. I’m looking forward to even more spectacular shows in 2013, but first, a look back at some of this year’s highlights…
January 22, 2012: In my first gig of 2012, Enoch Kent and the Flying Cloud Folk Club welcomed me onstage at the annual “Night that Robert Burns Would’ve Liked”. It seemed like a pretty unlikely scene for my songs, but somehow it all fit together, sharing the stage with Enoch, Ian Bell, and Rosemary Phelan and Jason LaPrade.
January 26, 2012: This was an extremely memorable and moving night as a whole, as the folk music community came together to support our dear friend Andy Frank, who was starting a fierce battle with colon cancer. David Newland graciously gave up his CD release date at Hugh’s Room for this all-star, jam-packed event, which was also streamed live at rootsmusic.ca. The roof was raised, indeed (and Andy kicked cancer’s ass!).
February 19, 2012: My first time on the Winterfolk stage in Toronto, sharing the Songwriters Unite! showcase with Ben Veneer, Frank Patrick, Blair Packham, and Russell Leon.
March 2 – 5, 2012: I went to Winter Folk Camp up in Haliburton, Ontario as an embedded reporter for Roots Music Canada. Besides writing this article, I took a songwriting class with Lynn Miles that changed how I think and write, and I learned that the world doesn’t end when I disconnect from my phone and internet for four days.
April 20, 2012: The big Toronto CD release for Skyline at Loft404. Gorgeous venue, packed room, tons of love.
June 16, 2012: Nothing like a free, street festival to ring in the summer! The weather was perfect at Roncy Rocks for this outdoor set. Lots of surprise familiar faces in the audience.
August 19, 2012: Exhilarating tweener spot on the Summerfolk main stage. Thanks, James Keelaghan!
September 2012: I spent September touring around southern Ontario. I developed a crush on beautiful Bayfield and their lovely town hall. Then Ian Foster and I cruised the 401 from Windsor to Ottawa and back, ending the month at a cosy house concert in Port Hope.
October 11 – 14, 2012: The Ontario Council of Folk Festivals conference meant lots of learning, laughing, listening, and music-making, while reconnecting with old friends and making new ones. The members also elected me to the board, for which I am honoured. I led my first-ever music workshop for kids as part of the ArtBeat program.
November 10, 2012: I was selected as an official showcase artist at the Canadian Organization of Campus Activities conference. Levi Stephens, Patrick Dorie, Brett Caswell, and I shared an intimiate and dynamic song circle on the shores of Lake Simcoe.
November 20 – 23, 2012: An unforgettable week in St. John’s, NL where I sometimes played until 3am and where I could get a falafel at 4. Folk Night at The Ship Inn was a definite highlight. I was warmly welcomed by some of the kindest, most candid, and hilarious people I’ve ever met and capped off the trip with a climb up Cape Spear and fish ‘n’ chips in Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s.
November 27, 2012: My final gig of the year, before I took December off to sing in the “Tweet A Carol” program at Pearson Airport, and my first university show as a Partick Artist. Craig Cardiff and I hammed it up in Hamilton at McMaster’s Dinner and a Show.
2013 is already starting to take shape, with dates already booked in Ontario and Nova Scotia. Hope to see you out on the road and happy new year!
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