Events

 

 

Aug
25
Fri
2017
Tragedy Ann, Shawna Caspi & Cody Zevenbergen @ Desboro Music Hall
Aug 25 @ 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm

Desboro Music Hall 2017 Concert Series
All Ages
Doors Open: 7pm, Music Starts: 7:30pm
Tickets: Advance: $20 ($17.70 +HST), Regular: $25 ($22.12 +HST)

*Advance tickets are only available up to the Box Office hours the weekend before the show or we run out (Note: there is a limit of 25 advance price tickets)


Tragedy Ann

When grit and groove meets softly swaying silk, the thrift-folk of Braden Phelan and Liv Cazzola comes to life. With an electric chemistry and quick-witted sense of humour, they’ve threaded their colours and textures together to create the terrifying two-headed kitten that is Tragedy Ann. Playing with folk and alt. blues yarns, Cazzola and Phelan draw from personal experiences to filter narrative stories of the past and present into their own songwriting. Having performed in 2016 at Live From the Rock, toured Western Canada, and released their debut EP Stumbling – Tragedy Ann is known to make audiences laugh, cry, hug complete strangers, and is the only cure for the common cold. Bring the purr.


Tragedy Ann Website
Tragedy Ann Facebook
Tragedy Ann Instagram


Shawna Caspi

Shawna Caspi is a singer-songwriter with a powerful voice and serious guitar chops. With a commanding stage presence and an inviting charm, she doesn’t need a band to deliver an engaging and energetic show. She has all the sound she needs under her fingertips, with a remarkable fingerstyle guitar technique.

Shawna makes her living singing stories in cafes, theatres, living rooms, and even on moving trains. She has toured across Canada and the north and southeast United States and has played festivals including the Blue Skies Music Festival, the Summerfolk Festival, the Shelter Valley Folk Festival, the Ottawa Grassroots Festival, and the Deep Roots Music Festival. She loves the landscapes of her travels and while weaving them into her songs, she has also been portraying them on canvases. Shawna paints one-of-a-kind works of art inspired by the rich scenery she sees on tour.


Shawna Caspi Website
Shawna Caspi Facebook
Shawna Caspi Twitter
Shawna Caspi YouTube


Cody Zevenbergen

Cody Zevenbergen is a guitarist, singer, songwriter, and music instructor based in the Grey and Bruce County area.  In October of 2016, he received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Jazz Guitar Performance from York University.  His music incorporates a wide variety of influences, including rock, blues, country, and jazz.  He has played numerous concerts and festivals in the Grey-Bruce area, including the Summerfolk Arts & Crafts festival, OTHERfolk, and the Lupercalia Winter Multi-Arts festival.  Currently, he  plays with his hard rock band Frankie & The Wild Years, and continues to do shows as a solo artist.

Cody Zevenbergen Facebook

 

Sep
16
Sat
2017
Naomi Bristow @ Desboro Music Hall
Sep 16 @ 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm
Main Act: Naomi Bristow with Steve Piticco
Opening Act: Ken Yates

Desboro Music Hall 2017 Concert Series
All Ages
Doors Open: 7pm, Music Starts: 7:30pm

Tickets: Advance: $20 ($17.70 +HST), Regular: $25 ($22.12 +HST)

*Advance tickets are only available up to the Box Office hours the weekend before the show or we run out (Note: there is a limit of 25 advance price tickets)


Naomi Bristow

Naomi is a young artist that hails from a small farm in Ontario, Canada. Her family was involved in the rodeo life which led her down the path of country, western and gospel music. At a young age, Naomi has made some impressive contributions to the industry which include opening for Gene Watson, Johnny Reid, David Frizzell, Moe Bandy, Ronda Vincent, Charlie Daniels, Marty Stuart, Jim Ed Brown, George Canyon, Bobby Bare, Dean Brody and many others. Among the many accolades received in the past, Naomi cherishes the “Fans Choice Award” from the Havelock Jamboree, the “Rising Star Award” from the BC Cowboy Heritage Festival and the Western Music Association two time winner, “Youth Yodeler of the Year”. Naomi has received awards from the Municipal, Provincial and Federal Governments for her outstanding achievement in music. Naomi was honored to be a two time nominee for the Western Music Association Crescendo Award and the Ontario Country Music Award Rising Star.  She has also been featured in the United States for the third season of Shotgun Red Variety Show and she is a regular on the Midwest Country Show both on the RFD television network. Naomi has recorded 7 CD’s that demonstrate her incredible singing and yodeling talents earning her “Best Traditional Yodel Album of the Year 2010”.  Naomi has had the absolute honor of recording in Nashville featuring Grand Ole Opry stars, Jim Ed Brown, Richard Sterban, Whispering Bill Anderson and recently recording a gospel album with Vince Gill. Naomi was also featured on Canada’s Got Talent in the 2012 season.  Naomi will capture your heart and she will be sure to please any audience.

Albums

2007 Cowboy Sweetheart
2008 The Yodelin’ Cowgirl
2009 Ridin’ High
2010 Lookin’ Back with Jim Ed Brown
2011 Lovin’ the Ride with Jim Ed Brown and Richard Sterban
2012 Blessed Trails with Vince Gill
2013 The Heart of the Cowgirl DVD
2014 Stayin’ on Track
2015 Yodelin’ Christmas with Whispering Bill Anderson

· Recorded with Jim Ed Brown 2010/11
· Recorded with Richard Sterban 2011
· Recorded with Vince Gill 2012
· Recorded with Whispering Bill Anderson 2015
· Opened for Gene Watson
· Opened for Charlie Daniels
· Opened for Helen Cornellus
· Opened Jim Ed Brown
· Opened for Marty Stuart (Kipawa, Canada)
· Opened for The Good Brothers
· Opened for The Quebe Sisters
· Opened for David Church
· Opened for Bobby Bare
· Opened for Moe Bandy
· Opened for Gary Fjellgaard
· Opened for George Canyon
· Opened for Gordie Tapp
· Duet with Dean Brody on Arena Tour
· Headliner at the Hank Snow Festival
· Featured on the top list of Canada’s Got Talent
· 3 Seasons of Shotgun Red Variety Show
· Monthly featured for the 4th year on Midwest Country RFD TV
· Fans Choice Award for the Havelock Country Jamboree
· Rising Star Award from the BC Cowboy Heritage Society
· Western Music Association two-time Youth Yodeler of the Year and 2 nominations for Crescendo Award
· Municipal, Provincial and Federal awards for outstanding achievement in music

Naomi Bristow Website
Naomi Bristow Facebook
Naomi Bristow YouTube


Steve Piticco

STEVE PITICCO; born in Toronto, Ontario on July 6th/1961, started playing guitar at age eleven.
At the age of fifteen years he purchased his Telecaster and has since then, performed professionally with that specific guitar.
Subsequently, he has toured and recorded with countless Top Canadian Country acts, who utilize him for his distinctive Tele sound.


Ken Yates

Since first planting roots within the Canadian music scene in 2011, Ken Yates has steadily grown a reputation as one of the country’s brightest singer/songwriters. His sound offers the complete package—unforgettable melodies, emotionally charged storytelling, and top-notch guitar chops—all gloriously displayed on Yates’ new album, Huntsville. Produced by Jim Bryson (Weakerthans, Kathleen Edwards), Yates’ second full-length effort is a major stylistic step forward, with its 11 tracks capturing his artistic evolution amid extensive touring over the past three years. “Keep Your Head Down,” with its subtle, driving groove, opens the album like a train pulling out at dawn, with vast, open vistas lying ahead. Those come into focus on other key tracks such as “Once More To The Lake,” “Roll Me On Home” and “The Best Part Of Leaving.” Yet, everywhere on the album, echoes of the Canadian songwriting tradition, from Gordon Lightfoot to Bruce Cockburn to Ron Sexsmith, are apparent, proving that with Huntsville, Ken Yates is ready to join that exalted company. A native of London, Ontario (a few hours’ drive south of the actual Huntsville), Yates studied at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston. His first release, The Backseat EP, came out in 2011, followed by his full-length debut, twenty-three in 2013. One track on that album caught the ear of fellow Berklee alum John Mayer, who commented in a lengthy blog post, “Ken Yates wrote a song called ‘I Don’t Wanna Fall In Love.’ This song moved me when I first heard it, and it still does today.”

Ken Yates Website
Ken Yates Facebook
Ken Yates Twitter
Ken Yates Instagram

Dec
3
Sun
2017
Interro Quartet @ Desboro Music Hall
Dec 3 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Please join us for a Winter Chamber Music Concert.  We have always thought the acoustics in the Hall would be perfect for a small quartet.  Interro Quartet is a string quartet featuring violin, viola and cello.

Interro Quartet combines passionate performances with a curiosity to explore new sounds and venues in chamber music. The group’s repertoire includes works of classical music giants, as well as new compositions by emerging and established Canadian composers. Featuring award-winning graduates of University of Toronto, the Interro Quartet includes violinists Adam Despinic and Steve Koh, violist Maxime Despax, and cellist Sebastian Ostertag.

The mission of the Interro Quartet is not only to make quartet music accessible to those who seek it but also to broaden the spectrum of audiences through diverse programming. To complement this mission, members of the Interro Quartet are also avid educators and clinicians, dedicated to supporting education programs that encourage new ways for artists and listeners to share, experience, and incorporate chamber music into their daily lives.

Interro Quartet Website
Interro Quartet Facebook
Interro Quartet Instagram

Individual bios:
Adam Despinic, violin
Steve Koh, violin
Maxime Despax, viola
Sebastian Ostertag, cello

May
12
Sat
2018
Zachary Lucky with The Kelly Song Collective @ Desboro Music Hall
May 12 @ 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm
Opening Act: The Kelly Song Collective

Desboro Music Hall 2018 Concert Series

All Ages Doors Open: 7pm, Music Starts: 7:30pm

Tickets: Limited Advance: $20Regular: $25

*Advance tickets are only available up to the Box Office hours the weekend before the show or we run out (Note: there is a limit of 25 advance price tickets)


ZACHARY LUCKY

Zachary Lucky is unapologetically old-school country, armed with a husky, baritone voice – He often receives comparisons to songwriters such as Gordon Lightfoot and Kris Kristofferson. He sings of Canadian places and people as knowingly as he might Townes Van Zandt or the Rio Grande. It’s a relatable show on many levels, and conjures universal feelings that have passed through our collective timelines. Already hailed as a master storyteller by outlets ranging from No Depression to The Globe and Mail, and recently nominated best solo artist of the year at the 2017 Canadian Folk Music Awards, Lucky’s Everywhere A Man Can Be is his most powerful statement to date.  

 


Zachary Lucky Website
Zachary Lucky Facebook
Zachary Lucky Instagram
Zachary Lucky Twitter


THE KELLY SONG COLLECTIVE

The Kelly Song Collective have been together for half a century. Brothers John and Joe Kelly played air guitar to the Beatles in their bedroom, before being set loose on the Toronto bar scene; apprenticeship for the song writing and playing that defines the record.

“There’s a melancholy and rawness to the Kellys’ music that’s hard to deny. They clearly appreciate the power of words and understand how to weave them together.” Karl Magi, Hub Pages Music
Call it acoustic, folk, singer songwriter or whatever pigeon hole is trending these days, the goal is writing great songs. Maybe you’ll hear of echoes of Townes and Bob, and like Leonard and Stan, the muse remains life, love and this country.

“The Kelly Song Collective’s Unless and Until is a collection of gritty, deeply felt roots-folk songs, filled with resonant imagery, unexpected lyrical twists & turns, and a heart-on-sleeve authenticity that grabs you from the get-go.” Grant Stovel, CKUA Radio


The Kelly Song Collective Website
The Kelly Song Collective Facebook
The Kelly Song Collective Instagram
The Kelly Song Collective Twitter

Jun
30
Sun
2019
Harmony B’s and Friends: A Tribute to the Batterman Orchestra @ Desboro Music Hall
Jun 30 @ 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Harmony B's and Friends: A Tribute to the Batterman Orchestra @ Desboro Music Hall

Harmony B’s and Friends

A Tribute to the Batterman Orchestra

Come join us for an afternoon of storytelling and music and learn the history of the Batterman Orchestra and Harmony B’s.

RSVP ONLY. There will be no tickets at the door.

Limit 100 people.

Pay What You Can at the door

Doors Open 2pm, Music at 2:30pm

Jul
13
Sat
2019
Safe as Houses with Nick Nace @ Desboro Music Hall
Jul 13 @ 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm
Opening Act: Nick Nace

Desboro Music Hall 2018 Concert Series

All Ages Doors Open: 7pm, Music Starts: 7:30pm

Tickets:Regular: $25


 

SAFE AS HOUSES

Fresh off the release of their critically acclaimed 3rd studio album, Lucky Lucky, Safe As Houses continues to push boundaries in the folk world with their genre-splicing alternative-folk sound, infused with flecks of pop and rock. Armed with a collection of youth-driven anthems, this kinetic quintet has amassed a cult following, spiraling out from their hometown of Kitchener, ON, where bandmates Elliot Anton (guitar, vocals) and Bensen Carter (cello, bass, vocals), along with brothers Andrew Laughton (guitar, vocals) and Thomas Laughton (drums, vocals), laid the band’s monumental foundation.  Chasing a more expansive sound, Safe As Houses enlisted Lauren Taylor (violin, vocals) to round out their signature string-centric arrangements and soften the edges of their soul-stirring harmonies.

Since their debut on the music scene in 2014 with their freshman album, The Fall of a Sparrow, and further fuelled by their follow-up releases, Hurricane (2016), and Lucky Lucky (2018), audiences and critics alike have celebrated their undeniable musical aptitude, praising their tight performances and likening them to legendary artists: “Their music follows in the footsteps of Mumford & Sons with orchestral arrangements and big builds…will leave you with goosebumps”-BAM Productions.

On the heels of their most recent release, Safe As Houses inspires a new generation of listeners with their fresh, energetic take on the genre, while dabbling in whimsy and nostalgia to satisfy even the most seasoned of folk enthusiasts – “If ever there was a record that could reach several generations of roots fans all at once, this might be it”-Roots Music Canada.

With the world at their feet, 2019 promises to be a definitive year for the young band with the release of their upcoming album, Lucky Lucky Deluxe.

 

Safe as Houses Website
Safe as Houses Facebook
Safe as Houses Twitter
Safe as Houses Instagram


NICK NACE

 

The Canadian born Nick Nace is a “highly-respected wordsmith among East Nashville’s Americana scene” (-American Songwriter). He was one half of the NYC based folk duo A Brief View of the Hudson (Best Folk Duo – NY Press) for over a decade, recording two albums and composing the soundtrack for Tell Your Friends! The Concert Film! which premiered at SXSW.

In 2015 he moved to Nashville and has since toured Ireland (Whelans, The Ruby Sessions), the U.S. and Canada, was selected to perform at the Mississippi Songwriter Festival, The Druid City Songwriter Festival, The Dripping Springs Songwriter Festival, Panama City Songwriter Festival and is a winner of the gulf coast’s biggest songwriting competition The Gulf Coast Songwriter Shootout (judged by Travis Meadows).

Last summer he toured the Southeast with Nashville songwriters Jon Latham & Darrin Bradbury and opened for Texas troubadour Hayes Carll. He will be releasing his debut solo album in 2019.

 

Nick Nace Website
Nick Nace Facebook
Nick Nace Instagram

Aug
10
Sat
2019
Jack Pine and the Fire with Will Melville @ Desboro Music Hall
Aug 10 @ 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm
Opening Act: Will Melville

Desboro Music Hall 2018 Concert Series

All Ages Doors Open: 7pm, Music Starts: 7:30pm

Tickets:Regular: $25


 

JACK PINE AND THE FIRE

Jack Pine and The Fire is “driving”, “masterful”, “dynamic”, and all acoustic – upright bass, Dobro, Mandolin, and Drums – A gritty alt-folk-Canadiana string band with 5 heavy right hands, haunting harmonies, and all the feels.  Nominated at the 2019 JUNOs  and the 2018 Canadian Folk Music Awards, their newest album Left To Our Own Devices explores all our relationships – with ourselves, with each other, and with the earth. Jack hollers and howls like a lone wolf, spitting wry words and tall tales, while strumming his mandolin furiously, then softly. His sings songs of lost souls and forgotten truths, with lyricism that blends vivid and powerful imagery with quirky wordplay, dark humour, and biting social commentary.

 

Jack Pine and the Fire Website
Jack Pine and the Fire Facebook
Jack Pine and the Fire Twitter
Jack Pine and the Fire Instagram


WILL MELVILLE

Will Melville is Toronto-based singer, multi-instrumentalist, writer, and music teacher. Will started learning classical violin at the age of 10, and went on to play in the McMaster University Chamber Orchestra. He’s been writing songs, singing, and playing guitar since he was a teenager in his band Dr. Love and the Love Brigade.Over the years he has had the privilege to work with and learn from esteemed Canadian musicians including Dave Clark (Rheostatics), and Lewis Melville (Skydiggers, Banjo Mechanics). His songs are lyric and melody-driven in the world of roots, folk and country. You can catch will performing as solo act, singing with Toronto group Moonlight Flood, yodelling and playing anything with strings with the eclectic & enthusiastic Cilantro Collective, and performing with various other acts around Toronto. Also check out his work with the experimental Andy Krangus Collaborative.

 

Jul
9
Sat
2022
Songwriters in the Round @ Desboro Music Hall
Jul 9 @ 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm
Songwriters in the Round
Featuring Karen Morand, Ken Dunn and Gillian Nicola

This will be a slightly different format than our other concerts.  All three musicians will be on the stage together.  Each performer will tell a story and play their song before rotating to the next performer.  We’ll have an hour of songs with a half hour break before another set of music. Come enjoy a fantastic evening of stories and songs.

Desboro Music Hall 2020 Concert Series

All Ages
Doors Open: 6:30pm, Music Starts: 7:30pm
Tickets:Regular: $25


 

KAREN MORAND

Karen Morand has roots that run deep. Born in Toronto and based in Southern Ontario, the award-winning singer-songwriter does life off the beaten path, sleeves rolled up with an eye on the eternal. Armed with feisty, powerhouse vocals, she delivers a soul-stirring show: lively, alt- folk with well-worn blues and gritty gospel on the side. 

Karen radiates with energy in live performances both solo and accompanied by her acoustic trio, BOSCO (Aaron Verhulst and Benny Santoro). A graduate from the University of Windsor’s music therapy program, Karen enjoys making meaningful connections with her audience and inspiring hope. She is also a music educator, workshop instructor and music director.   

Since her first studio release, ‘Carry On’ in 2012, followed by ‘I Think I’ll Lose My Mind Today’ in 2014, and Junkyard Heart in 2016, Karen has maintained an intense performance schedule throughout Ontario and most recently, touring Eastern Canada. Her first solo and most recent release, “Every Flash of Light” (2018) is an EP produced by Danny Gauthier including co-writes with Nashville songwriters Steve Hindalong (the Choir), Kelly Kessler and Linda McRae (Spirit of the West). Other collaborations include her recent pairing with internationally renowned bluesman, Manitoba Hal Brolund as bluesy gospel Americana duo, “Even the Bird Was Free.” 

What some folks are saying:

“I met Karen Morand at the Ontario Council of Folk Festivals in 2010 where I was a mentor. She was just beginning her career as a singer/songwriter and I was immediately impressed by her warmth and straightforward attitude. She has made great strides since then and has just released her second recording of her own material. Her songwriting belies the amount of time she’s actually been writing and I believe she is on her way to becoming an artist who will be a force on the Canadian music scene” Linda McRae, platinum award winning musician

“Karen Morand is something of a standout in the crowded field of solo singer-songwriters. Her performances and recordings both display a careful attention to craft as well as a broad range of influences. Karen’s material demonstrates her comfort with a variety of styles and genres and her ability to create appealing melodies and lyrics.” Danny Sullivan, Artistic Director, Blue Skies Music Festival

“Songwriter Karen Morand casts power to stir the storm in your soul and part the dark clouds hovering over your heart.  Karen drives the engine through songs that clang, grind and chug with bold defiance, shaken faith and cryptic warnings; breathing steam around embraces of the wounded and outcast.”  Songstress and CJAM radio host Allison Brown

 


KEN DUNN

Over the past 30 years, singer-songwriter Ken Dunn has performed at hundreds of venues across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Central America, as well as recording 10 albums of original music.

He has shared stages with a number of well-known artists, including Jerry Jeff Walker, David Amram, and Canadian folk icons Valdy, Willie P. Bennett, and Garnet Rogers.

Notable performances include those at Canada’s Festival of Friends, a sold out concert at the historic Santa Ana Theatre in San Miguel, Mexico, the Central California Neil Young tribute show in Paso Robles, California, and Jerry Jeff Walker’s Festival in San Pedro, Belize.

With the intention of promoting peace, social, and environmental justice through music, Ken has also performed a number of benefit concerts, including those for Amnesty International, Biblioteca San Miguel, Playing For Change, L.A. Family Housing, and the Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida.

 


 

GILLIAN NICOLA

Hamilton’s Gillian Nicola took an unusual route to becoming a folk/Americana singer-songwriter: trained in classical voice, Nicola spent her teens gigging in a classic rock cover band, singing Janis Joplin and Led Zeppelin before launching herself into alt-country when she began writing songs. Nicola’s music centres around her chameleonic vocals – at one moment with a hint of tobacco in her voice, the next outright rocking – strummed and finger picked guitar, and versatile, melodic songwriting. Nicola’s songs are often built around open and alternate guitar tunings that allow her to throw her music theory upbringing out the window. Nicola released her debut full-length album, Dried Flowers, on May 3, 2019. Produced by John Dinsmore, the album reached number 3 on the earshot! Folk/Roots/Blues Charts and has received CBC airplay nationwide.

 

Dried Flowers is “an alt-country-folk-rock masterclass in the affairs of the heart” – Hamilton Magazine.

 

Gillian Nicola Website
Gillian Nicola Facebook
Gillian Nicola Twitter
Gillian Nicola YouTube