TWB heading to Charlottetown in April
TheTerry Whalen Band will be appearing at the ECMA's East Coast Music Week in Charlottetown, PEI between April 13 -17, 2011, as part of the Discovery Stage Showcase, They will be sharing the stage with fellow New Brunswickers;
Clinton Charlton, Chris Boudreau,
Becka deHaan,
David Wills, Derrick Paul Miller,
Eleanor McCain,
Heather Allison, Jaclyn Reinhart Band, Jacquie Drew & The Crew, Jared Lutes, Katherine Moller, Kendra Gale,
Melanie D, Oh No, Theodore!, Phil Flowers, Tradition, and ZWERG.
N.B. Music Weekend was a hit
Published Friday October 15th, 2010 - KV Style
By Jeff Liberty who has spent two decades in the entertainment business.
Visit his blog at http://jlibertyletters.blogspot.com.
Email him at freedomismusic@aol.com.
Our finest musicians, songwriters and industry taste makers made their way to Moncton Oct 7-9 to take part in a very important cultural event for New Brunswick's music scene: the first annual Music New Brunswick Awards weekend.
The three jam-packed days included a couple dozen official showcases by some incredible talent. It was enlightening to see the wealth of talent along with such an eclectic array of artists.
It was a nice road trip. Singer/songwriter Mike Biggar of Rothesay and I headed down the highway late Thursday afternoon. Upon our arrival in Moncton, we signed up to get our delegate passes, ate a little sushi at a Meet & Greet in the Capitol Theatre lobby, checked into our hotel and headed back to the Empress where the Molson Main Stage featured Hampton's Stephanie Mainville accompanied by a string section. She gave a beautiful performance.
After Mainville, Saint John's Clinton Charlton and his band performed an enigmatic show. My highlights were his original Bee in October and a new song, an epic pop song, which they opened the set with.
Country rockers Rik Reese and Neon Highway put on a very high-energy performance with songs that really brought the crowd to life. Rik and the band are the KISS of country music in my books... and that is a huge compliment!
Rik Reese is a well polished force to reckon with. He strikes me as the Paul Stanley of country/rock. To finish the evening at the Empress was a performance by 20-year-old Melanie D.
Well now we were just getting revved up so we headed to the intimate and very cool venue Plan B but then we got so hungry we stopped to share a poutine pizza at the Cut Throat Pizza. It was really good, but I could feel my arteries hardening as I finished it. Yummy!
Unfortunately we missed Kendra Gale, Helene Godin, Lisa Leblanc and Mel Keithand and The Strombachs. I heard from various parties this was another outstanding line-up.
During the daytime their were several sessions to help the artists better promote themselves as well as other informative sessions. There was even a drum clinic.
Hit songwriter Larry Wayne Clark of Quispamsis came down to the festivities for the day and evening with his wife and publisher Maggie Ross to take in some exciting N.B. music action. We had a real nice time with them as we networked and met some of the amazing and hard working people who help make this all happen from NB Music including its executive director Jean Surette, project manager Marissa Leblanc, co-ordinator Robin Anne Ettles and all the invaluable volunteers.
The second night of showcases included last year's Galaxie Rising star winner from the Harvest Blues festival, Sleepy Driver, plus arts/music collective Something Delicious, which was a cross between the Village People on a sugar rush and the Dead Kennedy's.
Up next were the incredibly catchy songs of Sackville's Shotgun Jimmie who put on one of the funnest shows of the festival. To close the main stage that night was the new "buzz" artist of the year, Andy Brown, who is winning awards both locally and internationally.
After that my posse and I braved the cold wind and headed to the Paramount, but not before buying some street meat from a vendor. Once we were in the warmth of the Paramount I grabbed a wobbly pop and caught new artists I have never heard of before including Chris Boudreau and his band and the Arka Teks.
Two of the artists I really enjoyed that evening were the DEVO-esque cool vibes of the Great Balancing Act and Saint John's own puck masters Hospital Grade was tearing it up with some killer songs!
On Saturday evening we went to the gala awards at the Crowne Plaza where we were treated to a wonderful dinner as we watched 29 awards being given out. The big winner here for us was Jessica Rhaye who took home four N.B. Music awards and who also performed perfectly during the awards show.
We were also entertained during the award ceremonies by shooting star Andy Brown, strawberry girl and fiddling sensation Kathleen Gorey-McSorley, Christian "Kit" Goguen, Serge Brido, award winner Jens Jeppesen and up-and-coming country starlette Melanie Morgan.
New Brunswick's pride and joy Matt Andersen won the Expat of the year award edging out other N.B. expats Thom Swift and David Myles who attended the awards.
We missed another round of showcases because dinner was a tad late and Mike Biggar and I had to go to a soundcheck for his late night showcase.
One thing that was a highlight was catching a show by Jay Smith who you would know from the Matt Mays Band. Smith is an exciting and talented guitarist who is about to release a new CD so look out for it.
I am sorry to report I missed our friends Daniel Goguen, the wondrous pop duo Lovestorm and Melanie Morgan.
The last showcase ended with a bang at Plan B where we were wowed by Saint John's Penny Blacks, Corey Isenor, Phil Flowers, heavy ZZ Top-influenced big blues by The Terry Whalen Band and the one-man music machine Rothesay's Mike Biggar whose soulful show impressed some of the East Coast Music Awards executives down for the event.
Our weekend adventure was over so we headed to bed, woke up early and headed back home to the valley for Thanksgiving dinners with our families. Home sweet home! Find out about all the winners and nominees at www.musicnb.org. It was a class act event! The Music Man xo
Jeff's musical pick of the week - Shotgun Jimmie - Still Jimmie
It was announced on Tuesday, September 7, 2010, that The Terry Whalen Band have recieved a Music NB Award nomination for Blues Recording of the Year for their 2009 release of A Wicked Driving Rain. They have been nominated along side Keith Hallett's CD, Bear With Me and Ross Neilsen & The Sufferin' Bastards release, Redemption.
Music NB Awards will take place on October 9th during Music NB Week in Moncton, NB.
Terry and the band were recently named as a 2010 CBC Galaxie Rising Stars Showcase Finalist where they will perform at the Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival in Fredericton, NB on September 17th, 2010 at The Galaxie Barracks Tent, 495 Queen Street.
The band had a great time at the Dutch Mason Blues Festival in Truro, NS. It was an incredible experience and opportunity. The Dutch Mason Blues Festival is an exceptionally, well run event, and first class in every way. From the moment we arrived until we left for home we were treated like royality. The event organizers, stage, sound and security crew treated us no differently than any of the headliners.
The great weather was only overshadowed by an enthuastic crowd that really made us feel at home. In fact, there were a number of familiar faces in attendance, which was nice to see. The band had a great set, and based on the response it seems very well recieved. Our thanks go out to organizer David Dewolfe and his incredible team for allowing us to be part of the biggest and best blues festival in Atlantic Canada. Being able to share the stage with international blues greats, Jonny Lang, Robert Cray, and James Cotton among other artists was an experience we will never forget.
The weekend line-up was second to none. Johnny Lang, Robert Cray, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Johnny Winter, Lalya Zoe, Zac Harmon, Ronnie Hawkins, The Respectables, Garrett Mason, Charlie A'Court, The Hupman Brothers and a whole lot of other great bands. There was so much more than great blues, there was a motorcycle show, a BBQ competition... a full weekend of awesome events. We certainly hope to be able to do it again. A big thank you to everyone.
The band had a great trip to the ECMA's in Sydney, NS on March 5th - 7th, 2010. They played on the MIA Fest II Stage (Music New Brunswick) on Friday the 5th at the Crown and Moose Pub, and at 3:00am at the Music NB Late Night Showcase at the Delta Sydney in Suite 306, and again on Saturday night at the Membertou Trade and Convention Center as part of the ECMA Blues Showcase which was presented by the Dutch Mason Blues Festival. Response was great and lots of new friends were forged. Hopefully the band will get to do it again next year, it was a great learning experience and an experience what will surely take the band to the next level.
On Saturday night Terry and the band shared the stage with
Charlie A’Court,
The Hupman Brothers,
Morgan Davis,
Mike Trask and the great
Sam Moon along with other special guests. You had to be there, it was an awesome show.
Official CD Launch
Wednesday, December 16, 2009 @ 7:00pm
An intimate gathering of family and close friends got together to celebrate the release of A Wicked Driving Rain, a big thank you goes out to all in attendance. They were treated to a performace of songs from the CD. A big thank you to Laura MacInnis for the pic.
On December 2, 2009, it was announced that A Wicked Drriving Rain recieved a 2010 ECMA nomination for Blues Recording of the Year. The band would like to thank the ECMA nominating committee and look forward to a trip to Sydney, NS for the Awards and Gala weekend.
The Terry Whalen Band's new CD, "A Wicked Driving Rain" is now available. On September 22, 2009 the bands 3rd disc was released. The 13 track CD, picks up where the ECMA nominated "The Devil's Fireplace" leaves off. A steady mixture of roots, rock and blues continues to be the theme. A Wicked Driving Rain is available at select CD Plus locations, Books Inn, Millbank Music, Saltwater Sounds, Edgewater Gallery in Miramichi, Pizza Delight in Chatham, and Backstreet Records in Saint John.
Champions of The Battle of the Blues Bands
On July 31, 2009 the boys won the Battle of the Blues Bands at the Shediac Blues Festival. This is a must see festival. The organizing committee do an amazing job, the fans were great and the town was buzzin', and all thr bands were smokin'. It really was a great atmosphere to be part of.
The Terry Whalen Band shard the stage with well known comedian Gerry Dee (http://www.gerrydee.com/) at the Miramichi Exhibition on July 25, 2009 as part of Riverfest Revival. This was an exciting evening with Gerry adding his stand-up rountine along with an evening of music with MooseKnuckle, Rik Reese and Neon Highway and The Terry Whalen Band. We can say for sure we had a ball.
The Terry Whalen Band were happy to share the stage with Blue Rodeo on June 26, at Miramichi Culture Fest 2009. It was a great show. Culture Fest was a huge hit and we look forward to being part of it again next year.
Terry and the boys arrived back from the ECMA's in Corner Brook, NL and a great time was had by all. The band had two showcase gigs, one on Friday at Whelan's Gate Pub for the Music NB Stage and then again on Saturday at the Corner Brook Plaze for the CD Plus Fanfest Stage.
The whole weekend was a blast and it was a trip not to be forgotten. The band had the opportunity to share the stage with many great performers including: The Divorcees, Gary Sappier, Mel Keith, Dave Gunning, David Myles, Faded Blue, Battery Point, Wes Jagoe, Ron Hynes, and Christina Martin just to name a few.
Check out the the photos section to see a few pics from the weekend. A special thanks goes out to Debbie Rockola and the CD Plus team as well as Music NB for the opportunity to strut our stuff.
It was announced on December 11, 2008 that Terry's new CD, The Devil's Fireplace was nominated for a 2009 ECMA for Blues Recording of the Year. Terry and the boys are pleased and want to thank all those who have helped make it possible.
Terry Whalen - The Devil's Fireplace, Official CD Launch on Saturday, October 11, 2008 at 2:00pm at the Miramichi Valley High School Theater. The event was a huge success. Terry and the gang performed songs from the new CD. The band would like to thank all those who took the time to be present, especially family, friends and all other interested persons. A special thanks goes out to Matt Maher of Rogers Cable for his time and efforts. As well, a thank you goes out to Paul Bryan for his efforts for also preserving the events for posterity on video.
In the end it was those present that really made the day a big hit. Thanks so much for being there.
Songs performed included: The Devil's Fireplace, Three Days in the Trenches, Pocket Full of Blues, Driving Me Insane, Ol' Man, Breathe In Breathe Out, That Wall and Sanctuary Mile.
Terry Whalen's new CD, The Devil's Fireplace is now available.
16 tracks of original roots, rock and blues!!!
Official CD Launch fo Sleepwalker's Blues, Thursday September 13, 2007
The official CD launch was a huge success with a great turnout and a great time had by all. The event kicked off around 7:00 PM with an introduction by MC Stephen MacKnight and then Terry played three songs. The first song was "Sleepwalker's Blues", followed by "Life Should Be As Easy" and then "Daylight". There was a break where Terry mingled with those in attendance. Following this Terry played three more songs. He started off with "One More Last Chance" which was followed by Stephen taking the time to thank family and friends. Terry then played "Mississippi" after which he also thanked family and friends for making this CD possible. The last song was "High Rise" followed by Terry thanking everyone in attendance for making this night a special moment for both he and songwriting partner Stephen MacKnight.
Terry was also pleased that Roger's cable was in attendance. An interview and supporting video footage ended up in a segment of "First Local" on Channel 10 in Spetember and October. As well, a representative of The Miramichi Leader was also present. A special thank you goes out to both for taking the time to be in attendance.
Once again Terry and Stephen would like to thank all those that took time out of their busy schedules to come out and share in the celebration of the debut CD, Sleepwalker's Blues.
For those in Atlantic Canada CD's are available at a number of "CD Plus" stores in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland. In NB it can be found at CD Plus in Fredericton at CD Plus in Regent Mall, in Miramichi at Book's Inn, Saltwater Sounds, Pizza Delight in Chatham, and Millbank Music. CD's are available in Charlottetown, PEI, at Confederation Mall as well as in Summerside. In Newfoundland the CD is available at CD Plus in Corner Brook.
As well if you think you want a copy of the CD and are not near a CD Plus location they are available direct for $10.00 plus shipping and handling. Just contact Terry via e-mail to work out the details.
Well, I better go. We have been so busy trying to finish up CD #4 and pounding the pavement to line up gigs. Hope to see you around
Talk to you again soon.
Stay cool,
Terry
