Events

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

Opening Act: Madison Galloway

Desboro Music Hall 2018 Concert Series

**Please note this is a Friday concert (Friday April 20)**

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

Tickets: Limited Advance: $20, Regular: $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)

THE O’PEARS

The O’Pears are a Toronto-based contemporary folk trio made up of Lydia Persaud, Jill Harris and Meg Contini, three songwriters who weave stories that stir the spirit and capture the timeless character of folk music. Like Those Nights, their debut album, captures soaring harmonies and a seamless blend, evoking the profound intimacy of Nick Drake, the sister-like blend of The Staves and the dynamic harmony of Crosby, Stills, and Nash. Live performances turn the loudest bar into the warmest house concert, with their endearing, unabashed personalities balancing the intimate sincerity of the songs. They recently performed to high acclaim at festivals such as Summerfolk, Great Heart Festival, Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival, garnered radio play across Canada, including CBC, and have been featured live with Royal Wood, Good Lovelies, Michelle Willis, and Coco Love Alcorn. Each band member a distinctly talented musician with a stand-alone voice, style, and stage presence, when these three come together it is breathtaking. A striking mix of tight a cappella and rootsy instrumentation, Like Those Nights explores lessons learned about love and loss through the eyes and hearts of young Canadian storytellers. The O’Pears continue to bring a strong, honest voice to the modern female perspective.

The O’Pears Website
The O’Pears Facebook
The O’Pears Instagram
The O’Pears Twitter

MADISON GALLOWAY

Born and raised in small town Fergus, Ontario, 18-year old Madison Galloway is a driven and dynamic musician and singer-songwriter with a unique approach to her blend of folk, rock, and blues.

At 15, Madison set out to translate her youthfulness and energy into fresh hooks and appealing melodies with her debut EP “Who Knows Where” featuring five of her original songs that flirt with country influences, while retaining Madison’s signature style and direct attitude.

Madison takes the stage with guitar, harmonica, and ukulele performing solo, as part of the duo Fork n’ Harp, or accompanied by her band, The Mud Guppies. She has over 160 shows under her belt, having shared the stage with renowned Canadian artists such as 54-40, The Sadies, Alysha Brilla, and Coco Love Alcorn. She captures the ears and hearts of her audience with a performance that is riveting for its energy; imagine Janis Joplin jamming with Neil Young while Joni Mitchell looks over proudly.

Madison Galloway Website
Madison Galloway Facebook
Madison Galloway Instagram
Madison Galloway Twitter
Madison Galloway YouTube

Opening Act: The Kelly Song Collective

Desboro Music Hall 2018 Concert Series

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

Tickets: Limited Advance: $20, Regular: $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

Desboro Music Hall 2018 Concert Series

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

Tickets: Limited Advance: $20, Regular: $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)

PIPER HAYES

Piper Hayes is a Canadian folk pop singer-songwriter and social activist based in Hamilton, Ontario. She has toured her original music extensively across North America, Europe, the U.K., and Nepal. She teaches workshops on mental health, vocal empowerment, and songwriting all over the world. She often teams up with the Canadian Mental Health Association, using contact education to reduce stigma around mental illness. She has released two EPs, a live album and most recently a full-length album to much critical acclaim. She is a two time nominee of the Ontario Arts Council’s Colleen Peterson Songwriting Award in 2016 and 2017. Nowadays she performs, tours and writes with her partner Carson Ritcey-Thorpe. On December 8, 2017 Piper released her debut full-length album ‘Piper & Carson’, which is designed to be listened to start to finish. It is a compilation of intentioned tracks; a reflection of the couple’s last few years; and a moment in time. Recorded live off the floor at Thorpe’s Organics and produced by Chris Bartos.

Piper Hayes Website
Piper Hayes Facebook
Piper Hayes Instagram
Piper Hayes Twitter

PAT MALONEY

A true red and white travelling songwriter, Pat Maloney has performed a thousand times in the last few years all over Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States. He’s a casual strummer who sings in a rich baritone, stomping away and whistling like no other. Three full length albums deep, Pat’s catalogue is diverse in character & feel. A committed genre hopper, his music is inclusive and free of pretension. The one thing his songs have in common is that they all tell stories. Real stories, with real heart and a healthy sense of humour. His favourite bartender once said his voice makes her want to sip a nice bourbon and fall in love. He told her he would add that to his next bio.

Pat Maloney Website
Pat Maloney Facebook
Pat Maloney Instagram
Pat Maloney Twitter

JESSICA PEARSON & THE EAST WIND

After their first international tour of Ireland, release of their Debut EP ‘Grave and Garden Songs’ in July 2017 and summer tour across Ontario, Jessica Pearson and the East Wind show no sign of slowing down. This Folk Canadiana Trio from Ottawa have since taken the stage at JunoFest, RBC’s Bluesfest and Manitoulin Country Festival as well as played with Hillsburn, the East Pointers, Murder Murder and Ten Strings and a Goat Skin! Jessica Pearson and the East wind’s music infuses Americana and Celtic sounds into their folk roots story telling.

Recently signed with Willow Sound Records, Jessica Pearson and the East Wind’s dynamic live shows take you on a journey with heartwarming melodies, spirited story telling and haunting three part harmonies! The band is known for its strong audience engagement during shows and magnetic personality.

Jessica Pearson & the East Wind Website
Jessica Pearson & the East Wind Facebook
Jessica Pearson & the East Wind Instagram
Jessica Pearson & the East Wind Twitter

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

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

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.