September: The Schotts and Zakary Miller

Posted on August 27, 2016August 22, 2016 by desboromh

September ushers in autumn, my favourite time of the year. And of course, we’re bringing in the acts I’m most looking forward to (Shhh….don’t tell the others). It’s going to be such a great concert. I’m so excited!

The Schotts are a husband and wife team. He plays the mandolin, fiddle and guitar. She plays guitar. They both sing. His finger picking, their harmonies, a mix of bluegrass, folk and country ballads and good ole’ storytelling = sublime beauty in music. This really is the show I’ve been waiting for.

Many of their songs are about Norfolk County, where they’re from. In fact, since Darrin turned 50 this year, he decided that they wanted to release 50 original fiddle tunes, once a week for a year. Each of them are named after hamlets/villages from Norfolk County. They are proud of where they’re from and it shows.

Darrin has played/recorded with many different artists including The Good Brothers when he was 17, The Ennis Sisters, Stomping’ Tom Connors, Ashley Condon, who we saw earlier in our season and even our favourite, David Francey! And his finger picking is absolutely amazing.

Together with Alison’s sweet vocals they create some beautiful, nostalgic music that you can’t help tapping your feet to or singing along.

Zakary Miller, the opening act, has his own unique sound that he calls “Canadiana swing” with his band (tuba, trombone, trumpet, sax and clarinet and his vocals). It’s a little mix of country twang, swing, jazz and folk. There’s even some yodelling! Can’t imagine what that sounds like? You’ve got to come out to see the show. The fun these guys all have playing together comes through in their music. The music is catchy and playful.

You’ve definitely got to come out to this performance. It’s going to be such a great night of unique music. I can’t help but repeat how excited I am for it.

So come on out on Saturday September 10, 2016
Doors Open: 7pm, Music Starts: 7:30pm
All Ages

If you want to read their bios and hear some songs, go to their Events Page

Tickets available:
Buy Tickets online
Box office hours (Saturday Sept 3, 10: 9am – 12pm)
Phone/text Joe Klages (519) 377-2358
At the Door (if there are any left) the day of the concert

August: Trent Severn and Leah Mathies

Posted on July 23, 2016July 20, 2016 by desboromh

Summer is nearly over as August comes along. For a little pick-me-up to remember the carefree days of summer, come on out to see Trent Severn and Leah Mathies on Friday August 12.

Trent Severn is comprised of three very talented ladies on their own – Emm Gryner, Dayna Manning and Lindsay Schindler – but put them together and it’s an explosion. Their songs are quintessential Canadiana. What does that mean? Well, with songs such as “Stealin Syrup” (about the big maple syrup heist in 2012) and references to Mulroney, the Bluenose, William Lishman (the guy who taught geese to fly with his ultralight aircraft), Steven Truscott (who was wrongfully convicted at the age of 14) and of course snowstorms, how could they be singing about anything but Canada? Some of the ideas for the songs come from experiences with other Canadians and the communities that make up this great country. They love hearing stories from all parts of Canada. (Who knows? Maybe Desboro will make it into their next song…) They’ve even sung with Col Chris Hadfield! Their songs are country and folk rolled together with banjo, guitar, bass, violin/fiddle, stomp box and three part harmonies. It’s going to be a fun time! We’re very much looking forward to hearing their voices echoing through the Hall.

Leah Mathies is another bright light in the world of music. She’s got a fresh, young voice that hails from a farm from the Owen Sound area. She’s only beginning her career but is already a prolific writer. You might have heard her song, “Mesmerized”, which she wrote when she was in Grade 10! She’s what you might call “a rising star”. Come out and support our local artists. We’re excited to have her join us and show off what she’s been working on.

Don’t miss this night of fantastic harmonies, stories and fun.

So come on out on Friday August 12, 2016
Doors Open: 7pm, Music Starts: 7:30pm
All Ages

If you want to read their bios and hear some songs, go to their Events Page

Tickets available:
Buy Tickets online
Box office hours (Saturday August 6: 9am – 12pm)
Phone/text Joe Klages (519) 377-2358
At the Door (if there are any left) the day of the concert

July: Alfie Smith and Nicole Christian

Posted on June 13, 2016June 3, 2016 by desboromh

With the hotter weather, we thought July is the perfect month for a little blues and maybe a little sing-a-long. So on July 2, we have Alfie Smith and Nicole Christian treating us to their gutsy vocals and guitar playing. Joining them as the opener is Gathering Sparks who love a good sing-a-long and create beautiful harmonies.

If you can believe it, Goodman Guitars has named a guitar model after Alfie. If anyone is a guitar connoisseur, it seems to be Alfie. So if you enjoy a good guitar riff and some resophonic guitar, this is your night. Add in Nicole, who specializes in flute, piano and her own slide guitar, and you have a talented duo, you don’t want to miss. They have been playing solo and together for years and just made their first record together a couple years ago called, Come On In My Kitchen. Check our their music and come see them play live.

“Alfie Smith and Nicole Christian are old-style slide guitarists, multi-instrumentalists and a blues duo not to be missed. Featuring Alfie’s belting baritone vocals mixed with Nicole’s sass and jazz flute, they bring you blues, roots and originals in a way you have never seen before. Come on into their kitchen, and you won’t be disappointed.”
-from their website

Our opener is Gathering Sparks who consist of Eve Goldberg and Jane Lewis. Again, these are two talented solo artists who came together to create something different because of a mutual love of harmonies and songwriting. Their style varies and can include influences of folk, blues and gospel. They love a good sing-a-long and incorporate that element into their shows. Their shows are always fun and a good time is had by all. Check them out.

“What a delight! Great songs, great singing and lovely harmonies.
I’m singing along as if I’ve known these songs forever.”
— Sharon Hampson of Sharon, Lois & Bram

So come on out on July 2, 2016
Doors Open: 7pm, Music Starts: 7:30pm
All Ages

If you want to read their bios and hear some songs, go to their Events Page

Tickets available:
Buy Tickets online
Box office hours (Saturday: June 25, July 2: 9am – 12pm)
Phone/text Joe Klages (519) 377-2358
At the Door (if there are any left) the day of the concert

June: Ashley Condon and Paul J McInnis

Posted on May 25, 2016May 26, 2016 by desboromh

June sees the ushering in of beautiful weather which allows for lazy walks outside and barbecuing. We’re bringing you the ideal music for a summer evening with Ashley Condon and Paul J McInnis.

Although you might not have heard of Ashley Condon yet, you will. She’s got some catchy, thought-provoking, heartfelt songs. One of our all-time favourite musicians, David Francey produced her latest record, The Great Compromise. And that in itself, speaks highly of her. There’s a pureness and freshness in her music that evokes the East Coast. In fact, she hails from P.E.I. You will fall in love with her music as we have. She’s a great storyteller. Check her out. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a summer evening.

“The finest writer and performer I have heard in many years. There is not a song on this record that I wouldn’t gladly claim as my own.”
– David Francey, singer-songwriter

A perfect complement to Ashley Condon is Paul J McInnis, a local artist from Goderich. Here is another great storyteller. He draws you into his songs. His latest, Broken Down Waltz is pure, gritty and honest folk music. His music is heartwarming and uplifting but at the same time doesn’t shy away from darker, more regretful subject matters. Check him out.

“Love lost. Coming to terms with regret. Finding the right words to say to a forlorn friend when the words are far away. …Troubadour Paul J. McInnis mines these universal subjects with an observant eye.
A warm voice invites you to listen long, and listen well.”
– Penguin Eggs Magazine, Winter 2014

This is a show not to miss. Get your tickets soon and join us for the June show of our Music Concert Series.

June 4, 2016
Doors Open: 7pm, Music Starts: 7:30pm
All Ages

If you want to read their bios and hear some songs, go to their Events Page

Tickets available:
Buy Tickets online
Box office hours (Saturdays May 28 and June 4: 9am – 12pm)
Phone/text Joe Klages (519) 377-2358
At the Door (if there are any left) the day of the concert

Videos

Posted on May 22, 2016May 26, 2016 by desboromh

Here are videos from the last couple of shows.

The first one is a clip of Larry Jensen and Pete Devlin from April 30, 2016, the Grand Opening of Desboro Music Hall:

This next one is from Our Shotgun Wedding, Dylan McMullin and Lauren Jewell, the opener on May 14, 2016 singing “Makes Me Think of You” and “The Bad Son”:

This is a clip of Oh Susanna from May 14, 2016 singing “Cottonseed” by Keri Latimer:

May: Oh Susanna and Our Shotgun Wedding

Posted on May 4, 2016 by desboromh

May is going to be a great month. The weather is warming up as spring arrives. And in only two more weeks, we have Oh Susanna and Our Shotgun Wedding stopping by to share their music with us.

If you haven’t heard Oh Susanna before, check her out. Oh Susanna draws you in with her lyrics and her voice. She has previously released 7 records. Her latest, Namedropper, was delayed as Suzie spent a year fighting breast cancer. This gives the record an energy and a joy that is precious and special. It is built on a great premise: other singer-songwriters wrote songs for her to sing. It’s the kind of collaboration that makes music great. You can hear the essence of the song-writer, who happen to be some of Canada’s great musicians like Joel Plaskett, Ron Sexsmith, Amelia Curran and the Good Lovelies, to name just a couple. Mix that with the magic of Oh Susanna’s voice and you want to listen to the songs over and over.

“This project is about friendship. Through music we want to express our admiration, gratitude and respect for our fellow Canadian songwriters. They kick us in the ass. They break our hearts. They inspire.”

Opening for Oh Susanna is Our Shotgun Wedding. They are from Owen Sound and have those irresistible catchy tunes that you can’t help tapping your feet or bopping your head along with. Listening to them just makes you feel happy. They’ve got a pretty interesting story, too. They met at Summerfolk (right in Owen Sound) on the dance floor and have been making beautiful music since. [I know…that was cheesy but I just couldn’t resist!] They’ve even played the Desboro Fall Fair! Check them out.

“Our Shotgun Wedding a duo with an infectious energy, clever, well-written songs and a ton of charisma. On festival workshops they are a great spark-plug who can kick start an onstage jam and make everybody feel welcome.”
-James Keelaghan, Artistic Director, Summerfolk Music and Crafts Festival

Saturday May 14, 2016
Doors Open: 7pm, Music Starts: 7:30pm
All Ages

Get your tickets and come support us in the May show in our Desboro Music Concert Series.

If you want to read their bios and hear some songs, go to their Events Page

Tickets available:
Buy Tickets online
Box office hours (Saturdays 9am – 12pm)
Phone/text Joe Klages (519) 377-2358
At the Door (if there are any left) the day of the concert

April: Rob Elder and Friends

Posted on April 25, 2016 by desboromh

We have known Rob Elder since he was young as he grew up next door in Chesley and he used to perform at the Ag Society Talent Show in the old Community Centre. As soon as we decided to start the Desboro Music Hall, we knew we wanted Rob to open for us. We asked him to bring along some friends for a great local show and so we have an amazing lineup with Drew McIvor and Larry Jensen. Although we don’t know Drew or Larry personally, their music speaks to us. Drew’s engaging music is catchy and fun. Larry is a poet in music.

All three of these guys have been very active in the music scene in Owen Sound and they’re all very talented. If you didn’t know, Rob can play the guitar but also the drums, bass and keyboard and who knows what else. Drew is involved in so many bands, it’s hard to keep track but can still shine as a solo artist. Larry has released 14 albums over the years and was named Owen Sound Poet Laureate 2015-2017. Yes, that’s right, the talent that will be appearing in Desboro is astounding.

Sometimes we can’t believe that the Music Hall is actually becoming a reality and these three are going to open our Hall for us! We can’t wait to show off the acoustics and the intimacy of the space.

But the day is nearly here! There’s only five more days! Get your tickets soon and come on out to Desboro on April 30th to celebrate our Grand Opening with us. Joining us are Rob Elder, Drew McIvor and Larry Jensen. As a bonus, Larry is also bringing Peter Devlin. (Another awesome guitarist and musician!)

Desboro Music Hall is located in the heart of Desboro at 136215 Grey Road 40, beside the baseball diamonds and in front of the Arena

Tickets are $25 (including H.S.T.)
Tickets are available at:
– Online on their Event Page
– Phone Joe Klages at (519) 377-2358
– Box Office on Saturdays 9am – 12pm
– At the door (if there are any left) on the day of the concert

Line-up Release

Posted on March 31, 2016March 31, 2016 by desboromh

our 2016 Concert Series Line-up

We are very excited to reveal the rest of our season line-up. We are very proud of the musicians we are bringing to Desboro and have a variety of music coming your way. Most shows will open with a local musician as we also want to support our local artists.

Our Season Opener on April 30th will be a showcase of three local talents, Rob Elder, Drew McIvor and Larry Jensen. In May, we bring you the beautiful voice of Oh Susanna with the local favourite, Our Shotgun Wedding. June sees a night of storytelling through song with Ashley Condon, all the way from P.E.I., bringing her fresh voice and Paul J McInnis with his engaging music. July we rock out with the blues with Alfie Smith and Nicole Christian and our opener, Gathering Sparks‘ catchy tunes. In August, we get to hear “Canadian history in harmony” with Trent Severn and the talented Leah Mathies. September sees us switching gears with The Schotts, a husband and wife bluegrass duo and Zakary Miller with his “Canadiana swing” opening for them. Finally, our Closing Show is with the high energy Mark Reeves, his guitar and his harmonica. It’s going to be a great season.

Please come out and join us in our inaugural year. Tickets are available at our box office hours or online. See our blog post on “How to buy a ticket?” for more details.

Box Office Hours at Desboro Music Hall for April:
Saturdays: 9am – 12pm

Read more about each artist on their events page or on our facebook page. Click on their picture or on their name below to go to their events page.

Desboro Music Hall Concert Series
Rob Elder and Friends
Saturday April 30, 2016

Desboro Music Hall Concert Series 2016
Oh Susanna with Our Shotgun Wedding
Saturday May 14, 2016
Photo by Heather Pollock

Desboro Music Hall Concert Series
Ashley Condon with Paul J McInnis
Saturday June 4, 2016

Desboro Music Hall Concert Series
Alfie Smith and Nicole Christian with Gathering Sparks
Saturday July 1, 2016

Desboro Music Hall Concert Series
Trent Severn with Leah Mathies
Friday August 12, 2016
Photo by Mark Maryanovich

Desboro Music Hall Concert Series
The Schotts with Zakary Miller
Saturday September 10, 2016

Desboro Music Hall Concert Series
Mark Reeves with TBA
Saturday Oct 1, 2016

April 30, 2016 – Rob Elder and Friends

May 4 , 2016 – Oh Susanna/Our Shotgun Wedding

June 14, 2016 – Ashley Condon/Paul J McInnis

July 2, 2016 – Alfie Smith and Nicole Christian/Gathering Sparks

August 12, 2016 – Trent Severn/Leah Mathies

September 10, 2106 – The Schotts/Zakary Miller

October 1, 2016 – Mark Reeves/TBA

Posters

Posted on March 23, 2016April 6, 2016 by desboromh

Here are our posters. Feel free to print them up and hand them out! Please DO NOT put them on car windshields.

You can ask a business if you can put them up.
Hand them out to friends
Put them up on local “what’s happening” bulletin boards

Help us spread the news. Thanks!!! We’ll add more posters as we go.

2016 Grand Opening Poster letter		2016 Season Poster pdf
Oh Susanna Poster pdf		Ashley Condon Poster pdf
Alfie Smith Poster pdf		Trent Severn Poster pdf
The Schotts Poster pdf		Mark Reeves Poster pdf

Grand Opening: April 30, 2016

Posted on March 20, 2016 by desboromh

It’s taken countless hours of work and organization but on this first day of Spring, we are so excited to announce our Grand Opening Show on Saturday April 30th. We will release the rest of our line-up in the next couple of weeks. We are very proud of the musicians we will be bringing to Desboro and have a variety of music coming your way.

Our Season Opener on April 30th will be a showcase of three local talents: Rob Elder, Drew McIvor and Larry Jensen. Check out their events page for more information.

Please come out and join us in our inaugural year. Tickets are available several ways but the easiest are at our box office hours or online. See our blog post on “How to buy a ticket?” for more details.

Box Office Hours at Desboro Music Hall for April:
Saturday April 2: 9am – 12pm
Saturday April 9: 9am – 12pm
Saturday April 16: 9am – 12pm
Saturday April 23: 9am – 12pm
Saturday April 30: 9am – 12pm

Online at universe.com or this website.

In the next couple of days, we will continue to announce our line-up. As a hint, keep the following dates free: May 14, June 4, July 2, Aug 12, Sept 10 and Oct 1