The Johnny’s and I have played phone and email tag for the past couple weeks, but now were down to the wire.
They were on CJCD last week talking about their nomination for Best Rock Album at the Aboriginal People Choice Awards, so hopefully you go the back story then.
They are asking everyone to help by voting for them by tomorrow, August 18.
The Johnny’s are originally from Yellowknife, but moved to Ontario to be closer to the music scene. They are hoping to get some support from the city that helped them get off the ground. You can find out more about The Johnny’s on their website: Thejohnnys.com
I had the pleasure to speak with Michael Bernard Fitzgerald before he travels to Yellowknife for the 30th Folk on the Rocks. Listen to the full interview using the player above or click the link to download it.
My first impression of MBF when talking to him was that he is a very genuine person. He was about as thankful to be doing the interview with me, as I was doing it with him.
He spent all of April touring Canada playing shows and then went solo in May for a road trip. He said the idea behind heading into the US on a solo road trip was to help with some creativity and to just have some fun.
He started playing acoustic guitar in 2005 and it took off from there. Having started writing songs in Junior High, he gets his inspiration from music like Motown, choral arrangements and choirs. He says he likes the simplicity of acoustic guitar, but also enjoys the big band sound.
MBF committed to his music full-time only two years ago, but also mentions that there was never a defining point whether or not to do it. He says he always knew he wanted to make music and as he did the momentum and support grew.
Having organized several shows around Alberta, with an almost sold out show of 1600 with 120 different people on stage, he is not afraid to push the envelope and push himself to the limit. He did tell me, that if I find the plane, he would make the calls to get all those people up to Yellowknife. He says he enjoys those types of challenges, doing things that are original and not seen often.
To wrap up the conversation I asked him if he would be treating us to any news songs that will be on his new album, which is set to be released in 2010, this weekend at Folk on the Rocks. He told me you never know, but at the moment says he is still working on them and making sure they are just right. In his words he is letting them simmer for the time being.
To get the full extent of the interview listen to it above. Make sure you check out Michael Bernard Fitzgerald’s music on iTunes and his website, iLoveMBF.com. Follow him on Twitter @iLoveMBF and on Facebook.
Loyal and wonderful Yellowknife Fans,
Top Knight Presents Bushleague DJs with ‘Hustle for Haiti’
Krystal Thompson, of ‘Do it up YK’ Magazine has organized a night to not be forgotten! It’s a full night of awesome electronic music, dancing & most importantly Relief for the country of Haiti.
***ALL PROCEEDS GO TO RED CROSS FOR THE HAITI EARTHQUAKE RELIEF***
$5 COVER + ANY DONATIONS WELCOME
SATURDAY MAY 8, DOORS OPEN @ 8 PM, MUSIC WILL START SHORTLY AFTER.
WE’RE GOIN ALL NIGHT LONG!
Art & Photography by Dave Brosha & Sari Wouters.
Some art & photos will be available for purchase…all purchases to go Haiti!
Music by Bushleague DJ’s ‘King Friday’ & ‘Clarkitech’
Funky House, Breaks, Fidget-House, Dubstep, Drum & Bass & other goodies.
19+ Event
Bring all your friends & show your support while having a great time!
Marshall Lawrence, also know as Doctor Blues, is a Blues extraordinaire, who is based out of Edmonton. During Caribou Carnival this past March Yellowknife was honored to have him come up and perform over the course of the weekend. Accompanying Dr. Blues on his trip was Toby Tellier, a videographer extraordinaire. She was following Dr. Blues around documenting his trip. Why, you might ask. Because Dr. Blues has his own documentary series. Tellier has been filming, and editing 14 episodes now, today being the release of the Caribou Carnival episode. Check out episodes 1-13 on their YouTube Page. Watch episode 14 below:
The evening before I left town for a 3 week holiday, the Yellowknife Choral Society put on their first performance of “Whatever the Weather”. On March 31, 2010 I attended the performance at NACC and I was indeed looking forward to it, after an amazing performance before Christmas.
The evening was filled with songs that took the audience on an exciting, hilarious, bright, joyful ride through the season of Spring. You could say, there really was a spring in the steps of the performers. The groups rendition of California Dreamin’ and It’s Raining Men had the audience in stitches. It was a wonderful performance and everyone did an excellent job.
Below are two videos, part 1 and part 2. Part 2, although a little longer, has California Dreamin’ and It’s Raining Men, which have to be watched. Also are several pictures from throughout the evening. Want more? Check out Life in the Knife’s Photos.
Saturday night was the Snowking’s annual Block 1000 Rock and Roll party. The night started off a little late, only about an hour, but it was probably a good things as the crowd didn’t start to roll in until the first band was half way through their set.
All the bands played very well, mind you I didn’t get to hear Priscilla’s Revenge because my feet finally got to cold to bear, but I did hear they played into the early morning. This years castle is set up perfectly for the musicians and spectators alike. There is a “semi” large backstage area with a couple different rooms for the musicians to prep themselves and a large dance floor and bleachers for viewer.
If you haven’t made it out to the castle for some live music yet, I would highly recommend it. Or even if you go check it out during the day. Unfortunately you wont be able to see Saturday nights bands play in the castle again, so I put together this recap for you to enjoy.
On Wednesday night I got the opportunity to check out the Home for the Holidays caroling concert. The concert was held at the Legislative Assembly here in Yellowknife and featured Aurora Chorealis, The Yellowknife Chamber Choir, Fireweed Children’s Chorus & Guests. The wonderful directors of the evening were Margo Nightingale, Shad Turner & Jackie Boersma.
The evening was filled with many Christmas classics as well as International and multi-language Christmas Songs. Not only that but there were also a couple remix songs such as “12 days after Christmas” which is quite funny.
I was able to take some video and pictures while there. I encourage you to watch the whole movie and listen to the words of some of the songs.
Thanks to everyone who put on the concert. I look forward to next years concert. Did you attend? Did you enjoy it?
Tomorrow night ( Sept 30, 09) at NACC, James Boraski will be having his CD release concert for his latest album NVR2L8 (Never to Late).
Here is what NACC has to say about this talented artist:
James was honoured to receive an NWT Arts Council grant in 2007 to record his original music, and is both pleased and proud to be accompanied by a prominent cast of Northern musicians and special guests to release his debut CD—“NVR2L8” at NACC.
For the past 5 years Boraski has lived in Inuvik and Yellowknife but is originally from Ontario. Where at the young age of 12 got his first guitar and hasn’t stopped playing since. He even started singing and writing along his way.
Now a days Boraski lives and works out of Yellowknife. He has done many things benefiting music in the north such as producing shows and emceeing many of the music festivals around the north, including Folk on the Rocks. He is also currently the VP of Music NWT.
What you need to know:
Where: The concert will be held at NACC (Back of Sir John High School).
When: The concert will start at 8pm.
Tickets: Adults $17, Students & Seniors $12. Tickets are available at the NACC box office or at www.naccnt.ca
If all that isn’t enough there will also be some special guests preforming. Including Digawolf, Dana Sipos, Patrick Duxbury, Marisol Valerio and of course Boraski’s band Momentary Evolution.
Tonight (Friday) and Saturday night Leela Gilday will be preforming at NACC. She will be sharing her musical talent both nights starting at 8pm. If you have
Leela Gilday MySpace
never heard Leela play, I encourage you to try and get out for one of the performances.
Leela was born and raised in Yellowknife and is currently living in Vancouver where she is pursuing her music.
I had a really good time at Folk on the Rocks 2009 and I will definitely be going again next year. I will also be able to enjoy the performances in the Beer Garden a little more.
All the bands that played were awesome and really opened my eyes to the great talent not only those from the north but also from the rest of Canada. My itunes library will be growing over the next couple days. How did you find the bands/ performers? Who was your favorite?
I’m not a photographer by no means but I was taking some pictures while I was there during the day. Unfortunately while Sam Roberts was playing the there was a horrible haze in the air and I was not close enough to get any good photos. Here are just some of what I got:
You can find all Folk on the Rocks photos HERE or maybe HERE
A Big thanks go out to all the organizers, volunteers and of course performers. If you didn’t have a chance to get out there this year I definitely suggest you make it a point to attend next year.
If you want to share the photos you took please share the link in the comment section.
The Johnny’s and I have played phone and email tag for the past couple weeks, but now were down to the wire.
Loading ...