African Guitar Summit

The African Guitar Summit is performing at The North Peace Cultural Centre on January 23 at 7:30.

Face The Music Workshop with African Guitar Summit - Monday January 23 at 5:30 at the North Peace Cultural Centre

Alright, so as a musician I dream of concerts like this. Nine guitar players of African descent touring together to showcase some of the best music this planet has to offer. As a young percussionist the music of Africa was so intriguing. The melodies are intricate and beautiful. The rhythms create a pulse that makes you dance and groove. Once I started to explore African music I soon came to the truth that the roots of blues, jazz, rock, and country were given birth in a continent so far away.

As a musician, I'm not really suggesting you attend I'm actually going to reach out on a limb and telling you to buy a ticket... NOW. The African Guitar Summit is performing at The North Peace Cultural Centre on January 23 at 7:30. You can buy tickets at www.npcc.bc.ca.

BUT, a big BUT, if you are a musician, interested in music or just love the music of Africa you need to check out the Face The Music workshop, it's taking place at The NPCC on Monday January 23 at 5:30 at the North Peace Cultural Centre. This music is the roots of almost everything we listen to. Let's hear some great guitar players.

The star-studded collective unites the talents of 9 musicians, each an expert in their individual style. The African Summit features: From Guinea, the smooth fire of Juno Award winner Alpha YaYa Diallo, with his countryman Naby Camara on balafon; From Ghana, we have the elder master of the guitar, Pa Joe, the “golden voice” Theo Boakye, and the heartbeat of drummer Kofi Ackah; From Kenya, Professor Adam Solomon brings the Fiesta guitar. From Burundi/Rwanda, we have the bluesy Mighty Popo; and from Madagascar we have the quicksilver guitars and harmonies of Donne Roberts and multiple Juno Award winner Madagascar Slim. 

See ya there,

Dave 

It's time for another great show at JD's this weekend. It's a mash up of some of the best to grace the JD's stage...

Gidd - great guy, fantastic wingman, picks and slides his guitar strings to get a sound that will get you on the edge of your seat.

Bettyanne - the other lovely half of the Hampton duo, plays a mean accordian, adds definite flair to the stage

Dave - funny man, hits the cajon, keeps everyone in the same rhythm

Huck - great voice, adorable face, plays some kickass tunes, also has killer 'chops.

Come out and experience the jammin'est band in the house. They will make you laugh, cry, and mostly just want to join in!

Buck3Eighty at JD Fitzgerald's, Saturday, January 14th at 8pm. 

Good times are happenin' at JD's this week! Not only are they a great place to hang out, eat some delicious food, and raise a glass with buddies - they've upped the ante by adding AWESOME live music to the mix.

On Thursday, December 15th, the one and only Dayna Manning will be live in the house. Juno-nominated, continental-traveller, and local music treasure, Dayna's song-writing and musical skills are unbelievable. Her songs are unique and personal takes on pieces of life and her voice is passion-filled and unmistakable. Her website - heartist.ca - has even more about her and her creative talents.

Don't miss out on a great night out at JD's on Thursday! The show starts at 8pm and Dayna Manning will deliver a live music show - no, a music experience - that you don't want to miss.

Oh. And Dave Tolley will be there too. Banging away.

Miss Quincy, The Wild Oaks, and Sasha Lewis performed a breathtaking night of music to a good crowd last weekend in the fantastic new venue, "The Breakfast Room".  Several folks were asking what the room is all about, and if it's nice... and well, I can' say a thousand words... or I could upload a few pictures.

I think you'll enjoy the pictures better.

....Well depending on where you live it probably isn't nine miles to JD's. But this weekend Nine Mile will be at JD's!

The dynamic duo of D'Ari and Dave are back together in Fort St. John and will be playing live at JD Fitzgerald's on October 7th and 8th (after Spotlight 2011). The shows start at 8 pm so you have time to get a good seat and possibly some nachos before the music begins.

If you've never seen or heard Nine Mile - firstly, where have you been? - and secondly, this is what has been said about them: "A seamless blend of country, reggae and rock. With songs as well executed as these, categorization is pointless. This is simply contemporary Canadiana at its best." - The Record. D'Ari plays and sings and has great hair, while Dave lays the beat and is really tall.

With comments like that, who wouldn't want to hang out at a cool pub and listen to such obviously cool music? Check out Nine Mile at JD Fitzgerald's, 8 pm on Friday and Saturday after Spotlight.

http://www.myspace.com/ninemile

Spotlight 2011...October 8th...Mark it on your calendar, gussy up (or not), gather your friends and come out for an evening of full on entertainment! The evening starts at 7:00pm. Mainstage event at 8:15pm.

Dave Tolley is a tall, friendly guy who works with Northern Groove and makes some serious rhythm as a percussionist. He's toured all over and is part of the dynamic duo, Nine Mile. He teaches percussion and music lessons at the artSpace and plays with some of best local musicans in Fort St. John.

Dave will be playing some roots 'n blues at Spotlight in the Peace Gallery North. While you check out local textile art by the Spinners and Weaver's Guild, enojy some wine and rhythm.

Please reserve your tickets in advance (they're free!) at the NPCC Box Office by coming down in person or calling 250-785-1992.  Best hurry!

The last week of September is going out with a bang as JD Fitzgerald's packs in some amazing live music. 

Starting off the week at 8:30pm on Tuesday, September 27th, the Tuesday Night Performance is the always fun-time guy, Ryan Hennessey. He will play and sing and generally entertain you all night. It's a great way to get your week going and the music will be stellar.

Next up is Dayna Manning and Dave Tolley at 8pm on Thursday, September 29th. Dayna is a phenomenal muscian and singer and song-writer and Dave hits things and makes noise. Seriously though, Dayna's music and fun lyrics are perfectly matched by Dave, keeping rhythm on the cajon. Come down to JD's for a chance to see two of the best artists around!

Finally to finish the month it's the awesome duo of Johnny Stone and Darcy Bailey. They will play some cool tunes and you will like it - I promise. With great harmonies and rock 'n roll talent, Darcy and Johnny will blow your weekend away. Check these guys out at 8pm on Friday, September 30th and Saturday, October 1st. 

And that's what's happening at JD's this week! So get out there and have some great food, hear some great music, and have a great time!

There was standing room only at Whole Wheat 'n Honey last night! Dayna Manning and Dave Tolley kicked off the show with some gorgeous music. Dayna's songs were passionately sung with a fantastic beat brought by Dave. She dedicated songs to friends in the crowd and even sang one inspired by her cat. 

Then Sean Ashby got up, backed by his awesome iPod band and wowed the crowd with his guitarist skills. It was so great to have him back in FSJ and he thanked everyone for showing such support. Sean fulfilled his promise to play every guitar he brought... about five of them! There were Tom Petty covers, surf guitar, and all around great music. 

Check out some of the photos from the show and stay tuned for more awesome music events coming up at Whole Wheat! 

There was some banging goin' on at the NPSS field last weekend. And no, it wasn't all gunpowder and sparklers. Nine Mile's Dari and Dave put on an amazing show to the crowd that braved the winds to experience some great music. Dave Tolley beat out some serious rhythm on the cajon while Dari played melodies that put us all in a good mood.

Mark Bodner enjoyed the fireworks.