www.thenick.ca Crescent Heights Community Hall • 1101 - 2nd Street N.W.

Mailing address: P.O. Box 64244, Thorncliffe PO, Calgary, AB T2K 6J7

WWelcome to the 2nd half of our 39th anniversary season at the Nick! Once again we’ll feature fabulous old friends and some terrific newcomers.

The home of the Nick is the Crescent Heights Community Hall (1101 - 2nd Street NW). Seating is first-come first serve with the following exception: season ticket holders who arrive early will be given preferential admission from 6:50–7:00 p.m. Our ticket capacity is 193 patrons, and 110 are season ticket holders. Concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. with the doors opening at 7:00 p.m.

An evening at the Nick begins with an opening act, followed by two sets by our featured performer. Breaks between sets allow time for socializing and indulging in great cakes, popcorn and other refreshments.

Guitar Raffle! The Nick is once again conducting a raffle for a guitar, generously donated by Mike MacLeod and The Acoustic Guitar. Tickets will be sold throughout the season and our Nick performers will autograph the guitar. The draw for this one-of-a-kind guitar will be held on April 6, 2019. Once again, this year proceeds from the Nickelodeon Guitar Raffle will support ArtsCan Circle, a registered charity dedicated to linking creative artists with Indigenous youth at risk.

Ringtone Free Music! We appreciate the cooperation of patrons and volunteers in silencing their cell phone ringtones and minimizing phone use while at the club to ensure everyone’s enjoyment of our performances.

The Nickelodeon wishes to thank Calgary Arts Development and the Alberta Foundation for the Arts for their generous support. We also wish to acknowledge airplay support of our performers on CKUA and CJSW.

Season’s Passes

• 2018–2019 GOLD CARDs – Our current season ticket subscrip-tion is sold out. Renewals for 2019–2020 Season Ticket Gold Cards will commence on February 23.

Online Ticket Sales

• AllJanuarytoApril2019concertswillgoonsaleDecember15 at www.brownpapertickets.com. Tickets are $25; service charges are applicable.

•Ticketsareavailableatthedooronlyifwearenotsoldoutinadvance. Any remaining tickets will be sold first come, first serve at the Crescent Heights Hall on the night of the show.

The Nickelodeon Music Club is a volunteer operated, non-profit organization. The Nick wishes to thank its volunteers for the countless number of hours they dedicate. Without their work, these special nights would not be possible.

Social Media

Facebook: NickelodeonMusicClub

Twitter: @NickMusicClub

Instagram: thenickfolk

Winter 2019 our 39th Season

The Performers

www.thenick.ca

“ Melding hard-won bluegrass chops, great songwriting, superb ensemble playing, and a tight-knit sound many bands never achieve, John Reischman and the Jaybirds have forged a unique and utterly engaging style that should appeal to fans of first-generation bluegrass to those seeking more modern tones. ” Bluegrass Unlimited

First Nick Headline October 2005 Likethepowerfulmandolinistandcomposeratitshelm,JohnReischmanandtheJaybirdsfashion a stylish take on bluegrass that seamlessly blends original songs and instrumentals with Appalachian old-time music for a truly unique band sound, sometimes bluesy, sometimes folky,sometimeshard-edged,sometimeshaunting.TheJaybirdsfeaturePatrickSauberonguitar, Trisha Gagnon on bass, Nick Hornbuckle on banjo and Greg Spatz on fiddle. Now in their20thyear,theJaybirdsaresimultaneouslyinnovativeandunadorned,sophisticatedandstripped-down,happilyold-fashionedand21st-centurycontemporary.TheJaybirdsputtheirown particular stamp on bluegrass, old time and acoustic roots music, with a satisfying blend of traditional and modern styles. There’s plenty here to please both bluegrass traditionalists and lovers of modern American folk music, especially for those with an appreciation of great harmony singing as well as masterful instrumental playing.

Jeremy Gignoux Trio (Alberta) A Nickelodeon Debut!JeremyGignouxiseveroscillatingbetweencallinghimselfaviolinistorafiddler.Playinginbetweenthoselines,inmanydifferentstyles,jazz,bluegrass, classical, Eastern European folk, North American folk and improvisation, he has developed an original sound and technique, push-ingtheboundariesofParisianSwing.He’sbeenpartoftwoDecidedlyJazzDanceworksproductions,New Universe, in 2016 and Juliet and Romeo in 2017. He was part of Catherine Hayward’s piece form, act, cease, ensue withDancers’StudioWest.AttheNickJeremywillbeaccompaniedbyBenLongmanonguitarandJasonValleauondoublebass.

The Young Novelists (Ontario) January 26

“ This is emotional, melodic music that variously reminds me of the Jayhawks and Richard and Linda Thompson. ” No Depression

The Young Novelists are a five-piece, folk-roots band, formed in August 2009. When they first met,GraydonJamesandLauraSpinkhadnoideathattheywouldbemarriedoneday,muchless touring the world together as The Young Novelists. Their previous album made us stran-gers landed them a 2015 Canadian Folk Music Award for New/Emerging Artist of the Year and anominationforVocalGroupoftheYear.TheToronto-basedbanddecidedtotraveloutofthe city and into small-town Ontario in order to connect the two places. Their third album In City & Country features songs about 10 small towns in Ontario that tell the universal stories of both parallels while highlighting the differences, similarities, and everything in-between. The Young Novelists create contemporary folk songs that marry their effortless harmonies with darkly poetic lyrics and exquisitely crafted hooks.

Kris Demeanor (Alberta) First Nick opener with Tinderbox March ’96Calgary-bornsongwriterKrisDemeanordelightsinexposingtheunderbellyof western Canadian culture—gambling, drug use, murder, religion, the suburbs.HissixCDsoforiginalworkexplorethedarknessandabsurdityofthese corners of Alberta life. He has become a fixture of Calgary’s spoken word, theatre and music communities, and served a term as poet laureate of Calgary from 2012 to 2014. Kris’ work has appeared in magazines like Alberta Views and Canadian Geographic. In 2009 he was awarded the Best New MagazineWriterAwardforhisfeaturepiece‘GetaRealJob’inUnlimited.

A Nickelodeon Debut!

John Reischman and the Jaybirds (British Columbia) February 9

DanBernisanAmericanguitarist,singer,songwriter,novelistandpainter.Heisconvincing,funny and timely, with an unassuming tip of the hat to the spirits of past greats, all while soundingfreshandoriginal.Dan’ssongspackapunch,andareengagingandoftencinematic.HismusichasbeencomparedtothatofBobDylan,WoodyGuthrie,BruceSpringsteen,PhilOchs and Elvis Costello. Bern’s song Talkin’ Woody, Bob, Bruce, and Dan Blues, from the album Smartie Mine,offersajokingtakeonthisinfluence,inthestyleofaGuthrieorDylantalk-ing blues song, and containing a spoof of a Springsteen song as well. When asked about the similaritybetweenhimselfandDylan,heoncequipped,“IguessBobDylanwassortoftheDanBernofthe‘60s.”Heisknownforsardonic,literarylyrics,andarangeofmusicalstyles,paired with rock instrumentation.

Amy Bishop (Alberta) First Nick opener February ’03Amy Bishop’s voice is a combination of smooth pavement and rough gravel, with the ability to charm listeners with her sweet tones; yet stun audiences with the ability to hit any high note. Amy appeared on the inaugural sea-sonofCTV’sThe Launch where she dazzled all of Canada with her amazing performances. Hailing from Calgary, Amy began her music career around campfires, at block parties, and in church choir. Knowing a career in music is no guarantee, Amy decided to practice other trades, but her passion for music prevailed, leading her to collaborations with Moby and opening for AprilWine,Farmer’sDaughter,andChrisCummings.Amyhasaninstinctiveabilitytocraftstories into song and deliver them with sincerity and beauty.

Dan Bern (California) January 12A Nickelodeon Debut!

“ A Dan Bern show is an indescribable folk adventure into a shared experience of honesty, self-revelation, humor, brilliant songwriting, sometimes haunting vocals and political protest that sheds new light on issues we think about and some never considered, like the red states have Waffle Houses and the blue states don’t… ” Post Star

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www.thenick.ca

Two of Canada’s greatest roots singer-songwriters have finally done what everybody’s wanted for years. Dave Gunning and J.P. Cormier have released their first album together. Gunning & Cormier go back 23 years when Dave had a fiddle player drop out of a show at the last minute. “He hired me for a gig when I was just back from Nashville, nobody knew me here,” says Cormier. “We were totally blown away by J.P.’s playing,” recalls Gunning. “I remember him saying if you ever do a CD, I want to play on it.” That happened, and much more. They played together and wrote together whenever they could, coming up with songs that graced both their projects, over the years showered with awards and nominations on the East Coast and nationally. Two, was nominated for two 2018 Canadian Folk Music Awards, Contemporary Album of the Year and Vocal Group of the Year.

Travis Matthews (Alberta) A Nickelodeon Debut!Travis Matthews started playing music at 7 years old under the guidance of an accomplished musical family. Now, at the age of 22, he is making his mark in the flourishing Edmonton music scene. Hosting open stages at The Dirtbag Cafe and possessing an eclectic catalogue of performance material, he is capable of playing a variety of venues from house concerts to festivals. Travis finds joy and inspiration in all genres of music, whether it’s old jazz classics, Walt Disney theme songs or something from the top 40. His per-formances are delivered with grace and ease, the signs of a true natural.

Gunning & Cormier (Nova Scotia) February 23

“ Two. Two guitars, two voices. Two of the most exceptional singer-songwriters to ever rise from the East Coast. ” To Do Canada

J.P. First Nick Headline April 1999Dave First Nick Headline February 2015

“ Coco is the ultimate musical spark plug… an electrical connector through which the creative energy flows. In my 30 years of touring around the world, I have never seen another performer able to bring people together like Coco does. ” James Keelaghan

A Nickelodeon Debut! Coco Love Alcorn has always followed her spirit. With her latest album, Wonderland, Coco offers a universal interpretation that invites listeners to jump in and sing along. Exploring song writing from a new perspective she put down her guitar and wrote with just her voice, layering vocals and rhythms on a 5-track looper and releasing a video of The River which spread across the internet. To date there are about 20 choirs singing the song. Just like her career, which has spanned over 20 years, 10 albums, cross-canada tours, collaborations, fes-tival appearances, award nominations and notable success in TV and film licensing, creating this album has been a journey. “Throughout my career I have explored across many genres, collaborations and projects, taking a windy path to get to here. But I have loved every step of my journey and trusted my inner curiosity to take me where it wanted to go.”

Benjamin Williams (Alberta) A Nickelodeon Debut!19-year-old Benjamin Williams is a clever songwriter with observational abilities and introspection that belie his age. As an alternative folk-rock singer-songwriter, he was 1st Place Winner in Parkland’s Got Talent (2014), 1st Runner-Up at the Big Valley Jamboree Road To Mainstage Competition (2016), and Rising Star Award nominee at the 2017 Edmonton Music Awards. Benjamin released his debut EP Handshake To The World in 2016 to critical acclaim. Armed with a 12-string guitar, perfect pitch and an engaging pres-ence, Benjamin is a natural born entertainer in every sense of the word.

Master of the diatonic harmonica, simultaneously sophisticated and raw, his playing blurs the boundaries between blues and jazz (hence the name for his band The Blues Mongrels). The emphasis is on blues, but Carlos and his band are not afraid to merrily traipse off in other dir-ections delivering a seamless fusion of New Orleans second-line grooves, swing, Latin, hip-hop or ska melodies, and swampy roots rock. Carlos blows the blues harp through a prism, sud-denly it seems he’s holding every color in the musical rainbow right there in his hands. Early on, del Junco was immersed in a visual arts career; majoring in sculpture. This has definitely had an influence on his outlook on music: “Music is just a different way of creating textures and shapes.” His sophisticated sound is at once sensitive, soulful, and sexy while never forget-ting the rawness inherent in blues music.

Trad Trio (Nova Scotia) A Nickelodeon Debut!Trad Trio is made up of Kenny Stewart on guitar, banjo and vocals; Rodger Leeder on mandolin and vocals; and Heather Cameron on fiddle, guitar and vocals. A native of Nova Scotia, Heather grew up in a musical family exposed to a number of musical styles. Heather has mastered piano, fiddle, bagpipes and guitar and has a beautiful clear voice. Her latest project is a collabora-tion with J.P. Cormier, resulting in her first full-length album, Never Land. It features an exciting mix of traditional and contemporary tunes, with a blend of Irish, Scottish, Maritime and folk tunes in the mix.

Carlos del Junco (Ontario) March 23

Coco Love Alcorn (Ontario) March 9

First Nick Headline February ’03

“ One of the finest harmonica players alive today, with a big sound and immense melodic flexibility. ” The Georgia Straight

www.thenick.ca

Guitar RaffleThis year’s Guitar Raffle prize will be a BeaverCreekBCTD101LDreadnoughtguitar and trailpack bag, generously donated by Mike MacLeod and The Acoustic Guitar. The draw for this one-of-a-kind guitar, autographed by all of this season’s Nick performers, will be held on

April 6, 2019. Tickets will be sold throughout the season; $2 each or 3 for $5. All proceeds will support ArtsCan Circle, a char-ity dedicated to linking creative artists with Indigenous youth at risk.

The Nickelodeon Music Club is a volunteer operated, non-profit organization. The Nick wishes to thank its volunteers for the countless number of hours they dedicate. Without the work of our volunteers, these special nights would not be possible.

Nick NewsletterThe days of getting a Nick Newsletter by snail mail have come to a close. Up-to-date information on Nick performances will con-tinue to be available on:

our Nick website: www.thenick

Facebook: www.facebook.com/NickelodeonMusicClub

Twitter: @NickMusicClub

Nick Email Updates

If you would like to receive regular email updates about Nick events, please send an email to info@thenick.ca

2017–18 Guitar Raffle prize

MadisonViolet,BrenleyMacEachernandLisaMacIsaac,haveearnedaJunonominationandaCanadianFolkMusicAwardforBestVocalGroupAlbumoftheYearandaCritic’sChoiceawardfromCountryMusicPeople’sMagazine.TheirsongsearnedtheduotheGrandPrizeinthe2010MaxellJohnLennonSongWritingContest.MacIsaacandMacEachernfirstmetatan artists’ hangout in Toronto in the late 1990s. Their newest collection of songs The Knight Sessions is a mix of stripped back, acoustic takes on some of their more upbeat musings as well as a new batch of poetic and heartfelt tunes. When you hear them, the first thing you’ll notice is that their voices blend together, symbiotically, like family: Born to sing the same songs. They have taken to genre-bending, moving effortlessly from folk to pop to electronic to Americana. In a word, they are musical chameleons.

Paul Woida (Alberta) First Nick Opener February ’17PaulWoidaisasinger-songwriterandmasterlooper,amusicianwholoops,records, and plays back melodic and rhythmic lines using instruments and voiceinrealtime.Paulcreatesmultiplelayerswhichweaveinandoutofthemusical arrangement he creates. With diplomas in both Composition and DrumSetfromGrantMacEwanUniversity,Paulcombinescomplexrhythmswith melody and harmony resulting in a sound close to that of a full band. HIs unique live show turns heads and wins the hearts of new fans wherever he goes. His incredible musicianship, catchy hooks and emotive vocals are unforgettable once experienced.

First Nick Headline March 2011

“ Madison Violet has suddenly appeared, like a ray of sunshine on a rainy day ” No Depression

2019–2020 40th Nickelodeon Season Ticket Gold Cards

We have held the line on ticket prices for a number of years but we are facing increasing costs for, among other things, hall rentals and performer accommodation. Recent years have also seen a signifi-cant decrease in the Alberta Foundation for the Arts grant that we have depended upon to break even. Increasing our prices puts us back in line with ticket prices at other volunteer-run clubs in the city. By increasing our ticket prices we place ourselves in a better position to be able to attract performers to the Nick.

• 110gold cards for the twelve concerts next season will sell for $336.00.

• Advanceticketsforallour2019–2020concertswillbe$30.00.

• Confirmedperformersfor2019–2020willbeannouncedatthebeginningoftheclubonMarch23rd.

Current GOLD CARD Holders

• Currentgold card holders may renew their passes by mail or in person, starting on February 23rd and up until the end of the break after the first set of the club on March 23rd; write cheques to “TheAcousticMusicSociety”,post-datedSeptember1,2019.

• PassesnotrenewedbyMarch23rdwillbemadeavailabletothegeneralpublicviaouremaillist and website.

Madison Violet (Ontario) April 6

www.thenick.ca Crescent Heights Community Hall • 1101 - 2nd Street N.W.

Mailing address: P.O. Box 64244, Thorncliffe PO, Calgary, AB T2K 6J7

January 12 Dan Bern Amy Bishop

January 26 The Young Novelists Kris Demeanor

February 9 John Reischman and the Jaybirds Jeremy Gignoux Trio

February 23 Gunning & Cormier Travis Matthews

March 9 Coco Love Alcorn Benjamin Williams March 23 Carlos del Junco Trad Trio

April 6 Madison Violet Paul Woida

Winter 2019 our 39th Season

2019

Up-to-date information on Nick performances is available on:

our Nick website: www.thenick

Facebook: www.facebook.com/NickelodeonMusicClub

Twitter: @NickMusicClub

www.thenick.ca