CestWhat.com Events and Artists

Jonathan Roy

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 16:54:12 -0400

Jonathan Roy
Tuesday, August 10, 2010 at 10:00 PM
Doors Open: 9:00 PM
$6.00
Tickets Available: Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Great Diviners

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 16:16:23 -0400

Great Diviners
with tba.
Wednesday, August 04, 2010 at 10:00 PM
Doors Open: 9:00 PM
$6.00
Tickets Available: Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Great Diviners

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 16:14:55 -0400

Sometimes the greatest connections between people are those which are the most unexpected. In 2007, Brad Fillatre and Bianca Oran- co-founders of Toronto-based alt-country group Great Diviners- met through a series of random sightings and polite nods throughout the vibrant streets and hopeful venues that help define downtown Toronto. Eventually introducing themselves to each other; a natural friendship was formed. At the time of their meeting Fillatre, singer/guitarist for Newfoundland transplanted group The Evelyn Room, was writing songs steeped in traditional rock, a stark contrast to the roots-inspired, Canadiana songs he would later create and eventually share with Oran. "There were no verses at the time, just the melody and chorus which replayed in my head for weeks,� says Oran of the first track shared between the two, �I would email him, basically harassing him to finish it!" The song Wheels Keep on Turnin� was born as were the Great Diviners. In no short time the remaining members of The Evelyn Room; multi-instrumentalist and bassist Justin Mahoney, percussionist Ryan Mercier and lead guitarist Adam Ferri joined Fillatre and Oran and the Great Diviners were now complete. Connected through a city; The Great Diviners look forward to whatever the future may hold, says Fillatre, "We can�t wait to play across Canada and share this music with our friends. It just feels so great to have songs that we believe in and enjoy performing." Read more: http://www.myspace.com/greatdiviners#ixzz0uRbGKYRA

Patchwork Collective

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 15:49:10 -0400

Patchwork Collective
with Laurent Bourque, The Nathan Day Project.
Tuesday, September 07, 2010 at 10:00 PM
Doors Open: 9:00 PM
$6.00 General Admission / $6.00 Reserved Seating
Tickets Available: Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Patchwork Collective

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 15:47:47 -0400

The best part about a patchwork quilt is that each square stands on it's own but is still connected to one purpose, keeping somebody warm. Patchwork Collective works in the same way. Finding each other through the Independent Music Production program at Seneca College, Bram Cherun, Justice R.F. and Bethany Geddes decided to form Patchwork Collective, a group that represents Independent solo musicians from Toronto, who each stand on their own musically but come together to perform, to create and to share their music. Patchwork Collective varies in musical style and musical background with each performing individual, but this is also a Collective about which movie to watch on a Saturday night, how many cups of tea to brew and what cd to put in the car stereo, which just goes to show that Patchwork is not only a group of indies who love their art, but who also have heart.

Colin Rink

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 17:47:11 -0400

Colin Rink
with Johnny Good, Beware the Leopard.
Thursday, September 02, 2010 at 10:00 PM
Doors Open: 9:00 PM
$6.00 General Admission / $6.00 Reserved Seating
Tickets Available: Thursday, August 12, 2010

Nomfusi

Fri, 9 Jul 2010 17:04:12 -0400

Nomfusi
Saturday, July 31, 2010 at 10:00 PM
Doors Open: 9:00 PM
$6.00
Tickets Available: Saturday, July 10, 2010

Nomfusi

Fri, 9 Jul 2010 17:02:59 -0400

With an incredibly powerful voice, rare beauty and electrifying stage presence, Nomfusi is conquering the world with her band from the townships, The Lucky Charms. Her music is a refreshing blend of Sophiatown (African jazz from the 60�s) and classic Motown. Seasoned music critic Miles Keylock from The Mail & Guardian described her as follows: "Betraying youthful vulnerability while at the same time projecting strength, confidence, and uncanny insight for a 23-year old, the diminutive singer-songwriter stands tall in defiance of pop-fashion expectations." Nomfusi was born in the township of KwaZhakele in the Eastern Cape, a beautiful but poverty-stricken province in rural South Africa. Her single mother, Kwazibani (�Who knows?� in English) raised her while her father languished in jail for 21 years. A domestic worker by day, Kwazibani was also a sangoma (African medicine woman) with a gift for music. Nomfusi would accompany her mother over weekends to sangoma rituals (Intlombe) where they would dance and sing for hours. She fondly recalls, �One of my earliest memories is my mum playing the drum for me. I loved performing for the crowd at the intlombe, I was such a show-off!� Sadly, in 1998, Nomfusi was orphaned at the age of 12 when Kwazibani died of Aids. She described the day of her mother�s funeral: �I got up in the morning, took a bath at my mother�s friend�s house as there was not enough space for everybody. After that we went to the church and to the cemetary and that was it. Her funeral was over within less than a day and we were left with no one.� Nomfusi�s aunt took them in, but she also tragically died of Aids three years later. Her aunt�s daughter-by-marriage looked after them, but the situation was unbearable. �We still stayed in our aunt�s house, and it was a living hell being told every day to go cause you are not wanted.� Nomfusi told her brother Rithulie that she could no longer bear the verbal and physical abuse. He paid for her bus fare to Cape Town, and offered her shelter in his shack in Khayelitsha, a slum on the outskirts of Cape Town. Nomfusi had incredible strength and wisdom at a very young age. �The day she died I got to understand what love is and the kind of love she was teaching us. For me it was to love myself so much that I would not let any situation destroy me, not even her death.� Nomfusi wrote her first song, Uthando (the Xhosa word for �love�) at the time of her mother�s funeral. With remarkable inner strength she turned around her situation to become one of the brightest new stars South Africa has to offer. She could barely speak English when she moved from the Eastern Cape, but found a job at a restaurant where she was also required to sing between serving tables. With her earnings she was able to move to a better part of the township, into a house with running water and sanitation. NOMFUSI�S CAREER Recently Nomfusi played a big role in the FIFA World Cup celebrations in South Africa, performing to crowds of nearly 65 000 spectators at the City of Cape Town's Fan Parks. She also toured with the World Cup Trophy to far flung places like Umtata in the former Transkei. She was discovered at her township church in Khayelitsha, where she is still a worship leader today. She was offered a scholarship at Vivacious Voice, a singing and songwriting academy in Cape Town, where she was developed under the tutelage of music producer Philip de Villiers. At a graduation concert she was spotted by Universal Publishing, who offered her a publishing deal and introduced her to Universal Music, who signed her in May 2009. UK-based producer Ross Cullum, producer-engineer of heavy weights like Tori Amos and Enya, was sent by Universal to South Africa in May 2009 to do a survey of the recording standards in the country. He attended a pre-production rehearsal of Nomfusi and her band, and took keen interest in the act. Three months later, Ross mixed Nomfusi�s first album, Kwazibani, at Wispington Studios in England with Mark Tufty Evans, who has mixed albums for Elton John, James Morrison and Joe Cocker. The album was awarded five stars in DRUM Magazine, with Kwazibani becoming an infectious hit on many radio stations, including Umhloboo Wenene. STAGE In February 2009 she performed a Miriam Makeba Medley (listen at www.nomfusi.com) with a 50 piece orchestra which included an orchestration of her song, Uthando. In April 2009 she performed at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival community concert, as well as at the opening of hotel magnate Sol Kerzner's new resort in the Cape Town Waterfront. The audience included many Hollywood stars, including Morgan Freeman, Robert de Niro and Clint Eastwoord. After spending three months recording her album, she had the honour to anchor a Miriam Makeba tribute in Canada in August 2009, where she also spoke at a symposium for arts and healing. On her way back to South Africa she performed at a Women�s Day concert in Norway for the South African Ambassador, Beryl Sisulu, and opened the Risor International Photo Festival with her guitarist, Mark Williams. In November 2009 she was represented by her producer-manager Philip de Villiers at the Womex International World Music Conference in Copenhagen, where he brought her under the attention of the Montreal Jazz Festival, Womad and The Barbican Centre in London. Nomfusi and her band embarked on an extended international tour in 2010, having been invited to prestigious festivals in North America and Europe, like the Dunya Festival in Rotterdam and Festival International Nuits d'Afrique in Montreal. Nomfusi and her closest friends run a book club in their township, called G Spot. �It�s to inspire girls to read, since most of us didn�t grow up in a reading culture.� She chose the name to make sure they don�t think it�s another boring trip to the library, but something fun and sexy to do. �I love the name we have chosen for it. G Spot, which actually stands for �girl�s spot,� is a space where we, besides encouraging literacy, can openly discuss topics like safe sex and relationships. The name is apt, as I find that we as African people are too shy to explore ourselves physically. Maybe if we ge in touch with our bodies and learn to love it, it will be easier to say no to unsafe sex and physical abuse?� Nomfusi�s startlingly big voice, tangible charm and incredible life story have courted the attention of all the major music role players in South Africa. Carving out a solid circuit for her engrossing live performances, she is enjoying a rapidly growing following in South Africa and abroad. Being such an inspiring example of the will to survive amidst unfathomable adversity, she exudes immense inner and outer strength. She has something to tell the world. Considering the rate at which she is accumulating air miles, millions will soon be listening. Who knows?" Read more: http://www.myspace.com/nomfusi#ixzz0tDmGjut5

Monica Schroeder

Fri, 9 Jul 2010 16:47:22 -0400

Monica Schroeder
Thursday, September 23, 2010 at 9:00 PM
Doors Open: 10:00 PM
$6.00 General Admission / $6.00 Reserved Seating
Tickets Available: Thursday, September 02, 2010

Sheena Grobb

Wed, 7 Jul 2010 18:34:16 -0400

Sheena Grobb
with Zoe Sky Jordan and Colleen Dauncey.
Friday, September 10, 2010 at 10:00 PM
Doors Open: 9:00 PM
$10.00 General Admission / $10.00 Reserved Seating
Tickets Available: Friday, August 20, 2010

jillian Brady

Wed, 7 Jul 2010 18:24:59 -0400

jillian Brady
with Don Campbell.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010 at 10:00 PM
Doors Open: 9:00 PM
$6.00 General Admission / $6.00 Reserved Seating
Tickets Available: Wednesday, September 22, 2010

jillian Brady

Wed, 7 Jul 2010 18:22:55 -0400

Noah Zacharin

Thu, 1 Jul 2010 18:16:45 -0400

Noah Zacharin
Thursday, October 14, 2010 at 10:00 PM
Doors Open: 9:00 PM
$6.00 General Admission / $6.00 Reserved Seating
Tickets Available: Thursday, September 23, 2010

Shari Ulrich

Thu, 1 Jul 2010 17:57:19 -0400

Shari Ulrich
with tba.
Saturday, August 28, 2010 at 9:00 PM
Doors Open: 8:00 PM
$15.00 General Admission / $15.00 Reserved Seating
Tickets Available: Saturday, August 07, 2010

Shari Ulrich

Thu, 1 Jul 2010 17:55:53 -0400

Born in San Rafael, California Shari first moved to Vancouver, British Columbia in the early 1970's in response to the Viet Nam War. After stints of backpacking and cycling around Canada and the US, (always with a guitar and a flute on her back) her search for her place and path in the world included a stint performing with her older brother and sister with the San Francisco Free Theatre, finally discovering that music was IT. In all, Ulrich has released 17 albums � as a solo artist and as part of various groups -- which have garnered her 2 Juno Awards, several award nominations, and an induction into the British Columbia Entertainment Hall of Fame. Shari first hit the stage as one-third of the infamous Pied Pumkin String Ensemble. The Pumkins -- Ulrich, Joe Mock and Rick Scott � embodied joie de vivre and intellectual whimsy and became the foundation of British Columbian music for an entire generation. Die-hard Pumkin fans recall Ulrich"s violin, mandolin, flute, dulcimer, guitar, and saxophone playing as well as her incomparable voice � a formidable balance to the wacky and unique songwriting and performance personalities of her cohorts. "To finance our recordings in those days, Pied Pumkin would collect the names, addresses and $5 from fans, record the album, then mail it off to all those trusting souls who had pre-paid...." In fact, the Pied Pumkin"s "Squash Records" was Canada"s first "Indie Label", long before such a term existed. Big changes came in "76 when Shari was hired to tour with West Coast folk artist Valdy as part of his backing group, The Hometown Band. Shari was called on every show to step forward and sing Joe Mock's stunning Flying and her reputation across Canada was launched. On the strength of that song, and the eclectic and remarkable musicianship of the members, The Hometown Band was signed with A&M, released two albums and won a Juno award. The top single from the second album was Shari"s very first self penned song "Feel Good". When the Hometown Band dissolved in �78, Shari embarked on solo and songwriting career. Her next 2 albums (on A&M) contained her next 20 songs, followed by an MCA US signing. "Talk Around Town" was released with much success in Canada, but a fateful merge and purge at MCA, on the eve of the record"s US release, left Shari suddenly without a label or management. With her undeterred and signature determination, Shari marched on to record and release her albums independently ("Every Road", "The Best of Shari Ulrich" and "The View From Here") and pursued a wealth of new challenges. These included TV hosting, (including "Futurescan" with David Suzuki), writing and hosting BCTV"s "Inside Trax", writing and producing pieces for Sesame Street, scoring themes and documentaries for CBC, Life, and the Knowledge Networks, as well as the National Film Board; and even musical theatre ("Tapestry" and "Baby Boomer Blues"). She also became a role model for women after surviving near-fatal assault and speaking publicly about the experience. 1989 marked the start of her collaboration with long-time friends Bill Henderson and Roy Forbes - UHF - the much praised acoustic/vocal trio with whom she continues to record and perform. Shari has also resumed touring and recording with The Pied Pumkin, since reuniting in 1997. They recently released a children"s album "Pumkids" which has won a coveted Parents Choice award in the US. She has also produced the popular Bluebird North concert series for the Songwriters Association of Canada both in Vancouver and nationally for over a decade. A long time mentor for Canadian songwriters, Ulrich"s reputation as a songwriting educator has lead to her participation in countless workshops and camps, as well as the university setting at both the University of British Columbia and Humber College in Toronto. Through it all Shari raised a daughter, Julia Graff, along with former husband, songwriter and visual artist David Graff. Julia, now 19 and herself an increasingly accomplished instrumentalist, has been joining her mother in her concerts on violin, guitar, piano and vocals for several years. She is currently studying psychology and music technology at McGill in Montreal. Shari is also often joined by her long time partner - jazz great Bill Runge. Ulrich's collaboration with her daughter marks an exciting chapter in her rich and varied career.

POTL

Thu, 1 Jul 2010 17:39:17 -0400

POTL
with Byron Wong, Andrew Aldridge, Michael White.
Saturday, October 02, 2010 at 10:00 PM
Doors Open: 9:00 PM
$0.00 General Admission / $6.00 Reserved Seating
Tickets Available: Saturday, September 11, 2010

POTL

Thu, 1 Jul 2010 17:37:18 -0400

The Planet of the Loops was founded back in Fall 1998. It was presented to the public by Kurt Swinghammer, Trevor Shaiken, Tamara Williamson and Andrew Aldridge. The location... the now defunct Holy Joe's, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It wasn't too soon after that the Planet had officially been claimed and the population began to grow... Soon a monthly gathering featured various musicians from the Southern Ontario area. The first anniversary was celebrated with a compilation CD entitled ' Doc u Ment'. At this point Dreamstate became interested in this event and partnered up the Planets' founder. A weekly ambient/experimental night was born... The Ambient Ping had arrived. One night a month was dedicated to the Planet and it's loopy travelers. The Ping was now a popular regular event at C'est What? Soon C'est What? was shutting down it's live venue and the Ping starting Pinging around different venues in Toronto looking for a new home. Andrew found juggling a busy touring schedule and the Planet's monthly shows were too much. The Planet was put on 'Hold' but the Ping lives on. Now the Planet has returned...

KC Roberts and the Live Revolution

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 16:25:10 -0400

�

KC Roberts and the Live Revolution is an independent 7-piece original funk band from Toronto.� Winners of the 2007 Toronto Independent Music Award for best live act, the band is well-known for its energized live performances.� torontomusicscene.ca writes, �Their live shows are absolutely mind-blowing; the band is something entirely unique and influenced by atypical genres.��

�

The energy of the band�s live shows flows directly into its new record.� In July 2009, KC Roberts and the Live Revolution released their second LP titled Parkdale Funk 1: The Pillage of Bloor West Village, comprising 11 original songs.� Independently recorded, produced and distributed, Parkdale Funk 1 sold 350 copies in its first weekend.� Exclaim! Magazine�s Matt Bauer writes �If one needed proof of the vitality and authenticity of new Canadian funk music, they need look no further.�� Chartattack.com gave the record 4.5 out of 5 stars, raving that �the time, passion and heart that went into this record is undeniable and will blow your mind whether you peruse Toronto's Parkdale or Vancouver's Granville.�� The band is currently in the studio working on Parkdale Funk 2.

Blair Packham

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 17:57:09 -0400

Blair Packham
with Shari Ulrich.
Monday, August 30, 2010 at 9:30 PM
Doors Open: 9:00 PM
$6.00 General Admission / $6.00 Reserved Seating
Tickets Available: Monday, August 09, 2010

c.kenn

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 18:31:12 -0400

c.kenn has been writing and performing original material for over 20 years. His solo acoustic shows blend strong songwriting and a voice that sits somewhere between "country and choir music" according to fellow songwriter and long time friend, Al Tuck. c.kenn's new album, sycamore, features the playing of Ron Sexsmith's touring band, and 8 new original songs. it can be heard at http://ckenn.bandcamp.com . c.kenn is pleased to be opening for Turkey on July 1st.

Sarah Cripps

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 18:26:08 -0400

Sarah Cripps
with Wade Woodward.
Saturday, August 14, 2010 at 10:00 PM
Doors Open: 9:00 PM
$6.00
Tickets Available: Saturday, July 24, 2010

Sarah Cripps

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 18:24:53 -0400

The time is now. Only 19, but with ten years in the music industry under Sarah Cripps� belt, there is no better time for this fresh artist to burst onto the scene. Her undeniable talent and recognizable sound has caught the attention of not one, but TWO top ten charting record producers who instantly decided to collaborate with Sarah to establish her among the best. This creative powerhouse team of songwriters and producers have launched an exciting sound that can not be ignored. Producer / Mixer / Engineer: David Kalmusky (Emerson Drive, The Wilkinsons, The Road Hammers), Producer / Songwriter: David Martin (Adam Gregory, Hemmingway Corner, Sony ATV) & Sarah have completed almost half the record in world renown studios between Toronto and Nashville with some of the most noted players in the industry. However, she refuses to stop there; continuing to team up with some of the most decorated songwriters in the business, expanding her already extensive catalogue of songs. Not only has Sarah excelled as a seasoned songwriter and singer at such a young age but her electric performances have lead her to share the stage with the likes of the Barenaked Ladies, Johnny Reid, Doc Walker, and Jason McCoy. Her natural talent has already proven itself by attracting leading industry members and she revels the opportunity to reach the masses. With definite promise Sarah is certain to build a long and powerful career in the music industry. Her time is NOW. -Bio written by Pedro Lopes, February, 2010 Read more: http://www.myspace.com/sarahcripps

Fred Magie CD Release

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 18:12:27 -0400

Fred Magie
with Janine Stoll.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010 at 10:00 PM
Doors Open: 9:00 PM
$6.00
Tickets Available: Wednesday, September 01, 2010

Fred Magie

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 18:10:32 -0400

Dundas songwriter Fred Magie celebrated the release of his new album entitled �Window To The World� with a performance at The Pearl Company on May 15, 2010. Joining Fred on stage was be Lisa Winn (backing vocals), Andrew Aldridge (guitar), Clark Johnson on bass and Chris Lamont (drums).. On this, Fred�s fourth studio recording, he collaborated with producer, Trevor Titian (Michelle Titian, Harrison Kennedy) and world-renowned musician Bill Dillon (Sarah McLachlan). The songs on the album were shaped and rewritten in a downtown Hamilton studio overlooking the fountain in Gore Park, until Magie, Titian, and Dillon all agreed that the lyrics, chords and storylines were cohesive. During those long nights reworking the songs, a trusting connection was formed enabling the studio team to journey through a creative process that saw the album actually being recorded twice. �The first version of the album sounded a lot like the Travelling Willburys with layers of vintage electric guitars. Listening back it was clear that while it sounded good, it just didn�t reflect enough of who I am� Going back to the drawing board, the second attempt was focused on the natural acoustic guitar sound of Fred�s musical heros, Neil Young and Ron Sexsmith. �When we played the songs with mainly acoustic guitars we had an �aha� moment realizing that this was it. This sounded like Fred Magie!� Lyrically, �Window To The World� explores loss, coping with change and finding hope to overcome challenges. Some of the songs follow characters through intricate storylines, while others are more representative of Fred himself. For example, �Co-star is a story of an ambitious actor who is visually impaired, while �Cedar Lane� reflects what it was like for Fred growing up in Muskoka. Fred has been writing and performing his songs for ten years. A previous release entitled �Vote For Orb� under the band name, Molten Blue, earned the title �Best Band of 2002� by The Record in Kitchener Waterloo. Read more: http://www.myspace.com/fredmagie#ixzz0r3ZTmdJ8

The Danger Bees

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 17:57:00 -0400

The Danger Bees
with Canary Mine.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010 at 10:00 PM
Doors Open: 9:00 PM
$6.00
Tickets Available: Saturday, July 17, 2010

Mae Moore

Tue, 18 May 2010 15:27:32 -0400

Mae Moore
with Chris MacLean, Katey Morley.
Friday, March 11, 2011 at 10:00 PM
Doors Open: 9:00 PM
$6.00
Tickets Available: Friday, February 18, 2011

Robbie Burns

Tue, 4 May 2010 15:27:31 -0400

Robbie Burns
with Jack Walker.
Thursday, July 29, 2010 at 10:00 PM
Doors Open: 9:00 PM
$6.00
Tickets Available: Thursday, July 08, 2010