tag:jamiefergusonmusic.com,2005:/blogs/latest-newsLatest News2022-09-22T14:11:29-04:00Jamie Fergusonfalsetag:jamiefergusonmusic.com,2005:Post/70664232022-09-22T14:11:29-04:002023-10-16T10:50:02-04:00Still Kickin'...<p>Hi there,</p>
<p>Interesting how the time passes and your priorities and instincts adapt...</p>
<p>I wanted to post a short note to say that I'm still kickin', and feeling a bit more grounded after this 2 year time warp and all that it brought with it. I've played a couple of gigs this past summer of 2022 - Wakefield and Aylmer markets - and it felt somewhat affirming. Think maybe I'll play a few more this fall and winter...</p>
<p>I'll post the dates when they crop up.</p>
<p>Hope you're all doing well...</p>
<p>Jamie</p>Jamie Fergusontag:jamiefergusonmusic.com,2005:Post/62950712020-04-26T12:26:18-04:002020-04-26T12:26:18-04:00A note from the Kitchen Table - and Two new songs<p>Hi there,</p>
<p>We are indeed in uncharted waters, and it seems there are no constants - except perhaps for that old constant, change.</p>
<p>I hope you are doing well.</p>
<p>Just before the pandemic locked us down, my pal Chris and I recorded two new songs: Lover Gone, and Exit Stage.</p>
<p>I've uploaded them on the Listen page here, and hope you enjoy them. Lover Gone is a lament to a stately Gatineau River dame - the paddle wheeler Chrisalis II, while Exit Stage is a musing about Brexit, with the lyrics written in fall 2018.</p>
<p>Stay safe, and see you out there someday soon.</p>
<p>Cheers</p>
<p>Jamie</p>Jamie Fergusontag:jamiefergusonmusic.com,2005:Post/61973132020-01-30T14:41:18-05:002020-01-30T14:41:18-05:00Jeepers, it's been a while!<p>Hi there,</p>
<p>Hard to believe I've neglected this site for almost a year - lots of life going on, including music. 2020 sure has arrived in a hurry, and as the new decade begins it is a bit daunting how quickly time goes by. But I am alive, kicking and generally content, so no matter, bring it on!</p>
<p>Got a couple of events to share with you.</p>
<p>I'll be hosting the Kaffe 1870 Open Stage in beautiful downtown Wakefield on Wednesday Feb 12th at 9pm. Always a good time, and you never know what gem of a singer, musician, poet or other entertainer will show up on stage! </p>
<p>Then on Thursday March 19th, my lovely wife Dawn and I will be playing Musical Thursdays at Cafe Le Hibou, also in Wakefield. This is a great venue for live music, and the show goes from 7 pm to 8:30. No cover, and you can enjoy a drink or delicious supper as you listen.</p>
<p>Hope to see you at one or other.</p>
<p>Been working on recording a couple of new tunes, so look for those here and on my twitter @jamiefergmusic in the very near future. As well, Ian Tamblyn is the main Muse and leader for our current songwriting course, and there are some cool tunes coming out of that. Can't wait to share some of those as well.</p>
<p>Thanks for tuning in.</p>
<p>Happy winter.</p>
<p>Jamie</p>
<p> </p>Jamie Fergusontag:jamiefergusonmusic.com,2005:Post/52377112018-05-16T13:09:59-04:002022-05-09T07:00:07-04:00Black Sheep Inn - Here we come...<p>Hi there,</p>
<p>I and the Hills Gang are super excited for this Sunday's all ages show at the Black Sheep Inn in Wakefield, QC. With special guest Kelsey Hayes opening up, it promises to be a fun afternoon along the shores of the Gatineau River.</p>
<p>$10 at the door, show starts a wee bit after 4 pm. Bring your walking shoes to enjoy the new boardwalk pre or post show.</p>
<p>And we'll have T-shirts and CD's available too!</p>
<p>Really looking forward to see you there.</p>
<p>Have a great sunny day.</p>
<p>Jamie</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/204308/a8828ae707115bf52f85ed70b576a489d280e721/original/img-2406.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/204308/50e4677354571ad0d54b55efa07723460f92a6f1/original/jf-tshirt-edit-1.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_" /></p>Jamie Fergusontag:jamiefergusonmusic.com,2005:Post/52159682018-05-03T20:03:35-04:002018-05-03T20:03:35-04:00Special Guest announced for May 20th Black Sheep Show...<p>Hi there,</p>
<p>I'm happy to let you all know that Ottawa based musician Kelsey Hayes will be our special guest for The Hills Gang Black Sheep show on Sunday May 20th. </p>
<p>Kelsey is an accomplished singer/songwriter, who has been winning awards and recently announced she'll be performing at RBC BluesFest 2018.</p>
<p>You can check out Kelseys Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/khayesmusic/ for mo' info and music listens. </p>
<p>Looking forward to seeing you out to catch the show - it's shaping up to be a good one.</p>
<p>Cheers,</p>
<p>Jamie</p>Jamie Fergusontag:jamiefergusonmusic.com,2005:Post/52097092018-04-30T12:18:57-04:002018-04-30T12:18:57-04:00Hurray for May 20th - We'll be Live at The Black Sheep Inn!<p>Hi there, </p>
<p>Could it be? Could spring really be nigh? Soon will we see… </p>
<p>A short note to remind you JF and The Hills Gang will play the Black Sheep Inn on Sunday May 20th, a 4 pm all ages show. Our premiere at this fine establishment!!! </p>
<p>It surely will be spring by then, and you’ll be able to enjoy a walk on the new Wakefield Boardwalk – could be a song in there eh? </p>
<p>$10 at the door, or advance tickets from any band member (Dawn, Chris, Jammin or me) and on-line at:</p>
<p><a href="https://www.theblacksheepinn.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=1049">https://www.theblacksheepinn.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=1049</a> </p>
<p>Hope you can join us. </p>
<p>Take good care, </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/204308/bf6dafe644e17a0fce776f8817a62034ae5d7085/original/jamie-ferguson-blacksheep-may-20th.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Jamie</p>Jamie Fergusontag:jamiefergusonmusic.com,2005:Post/50578912018-02-02T12:26:08-05:002018-02-02T12:26:08-05:00Shadows and news<p>Hi there,</p>
<p>Looks like our rabbit, along with Wyerton Willie and his pals saw a shadow this morning. Must be a sunny day then...and winter?</p>
<p>This current weather holds me almost breathless, wondering what will happen next. My memory of being a kid never included rain, just frozen legs and toes from sliding and skating all day.</p>
<p>Checking in to let you know of a couple of shows coming up. The first at The South Branch Bistro in Kemptville on March 9th. Showtime is 9 pm, with no cover. The second, a JF and The Hills Gang debut, is a full on Sunday show at The Black Sheep Inn on May 20th, with showtime 4pm and tics $10. Very excited about both shows, and especially looking forward to a Sunday spring afternoon show in Wakefield. Have a look at my Shows page to get the details.</p>
<p>Hope to see you out there...have a good Groundhog Day...maybe I'll watch that movie again for the hundreth time...</p>
<p>Thanks for reading,</p>
<p>Jamie</p>
<p> </p>Jamie Fergusontag:jamiefergusonmusic.com,2005:Post/49001442017-10-20T13:00:44-04:002020-03-16T03:54:17-04:00"The Powers Back on - so is The Hills Gang"<p>Hi There,</p>
<p>Well the power's back on at the Kaffe after the May 6th blackout, and the flood waters have thankfully receded from the Kaffe. So , we're gonna do our show.</p>
<p>Hope to see you out November 4th, 8 pm....</p>
<p>Lights, sound, action...</p>
<p>Jamie</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/204308/ce2aa44d78f5f30bec58a718632af7969eb74ed7/original/poster-edit-1iweb.jpg?1508518651" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Jamie Fergusontag:jamiefergusonmusic.com,2005:Post/48679922017-09-27T19:15:10-04:002017-09-27T19:16:54-04:00Summer is Fall<p>Hi there,</p>
<p>What amazing weather we've been having - I call it Summer as Fall. I am deeply influenced by the seasons and the weather - it is how I seem to navigate this life in many ways. The connection to my environment and the land is very strong, and it so often guides my state of being.</p>
<p>It is also a time, as the light slips away each day, we start to cocoon a bit, and take some time to reflect on where we are. And we are reminded of time and how fleeting it can be.</p>
<p>We have a show with the Hills Gang in a bit, inspiring us to renew some of our music, create a bit more, and generally fall into fall.</p>
<p>I hope you enjoy these days. I know I will.</p>
<p>Cheers</p>
<p>Jamie</p>Jamie Fergusontag:jamiefergusonmusic.com,2005:Post/47446672017-06-14T13:52:42-04:002017-06-14T13:52:42-04:00Fireflies and Bistros...<p>Hi there,</p>
<p>Have you seen the Firelies out there yet - or the lightning bugs as my wife likes to call them? Must be June on the 45th parallel...</p>
<p>A short note to let you know I'll be playing at The South Branch Bistro in Kemptville on Friday June 23rd. No full band this time, but some gentle harmonies and accompaniment.</p>
<p>No cover - a tip jar - and hope to see you there if you're feeling like a Friday evening out.</p>
<p>Enjoy the luminescence and the sunshine.</p>
<p>Cheers,</p>
<p>Jamie</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>Jamie Fergusontag:jamiefergusonmusic.com,2005:Post/46731362017-04-16T17:06:13-04:002017-04-16T17:06:13-04:00Spring Time in the HillsHi there,<br><br>It's Easter Sunday, the rain is gently falling on the last vestiges of snow as the meltwater meanders on its path to the mighty Gatineau river. Spring in the hills is a wonderful time, with all being new and possible again as we awake from our respective slumbers.<br><br>A time to rejuvenate after a long winter; shedding cobwebs and unwanted fur to join the cacaphony of spring. It seems we get more inspired too at this time of year, as we make our plans for gardens, summer adventures and music and festivals.<br><br>Hoping you'll join us on May 6th at 1870 to celebrate the season, enjoy some live music and generally revel in this wonderful place we call home.<br><br>See you soon I hope.<br><br>JamieJamie Fergusontag:jamiefergusonmusic.com,2005:Post/46016102017-02-22T09:54:06-05:002017-02-22T09:54:06-05:00Open Stage at Kaffe 1870Hi There,<br><br>Tonight - Feb 22nd - I have the pleasure and honour of hosting the weekly Open Stage at Kaffe 1870 in Wakefield. It is one of those evenings of music and entertainment that no matter who you are, what you play, or whether you're a novice or a pro at getting on stage, the atmosphere is ALWAYS welcoming. It is a warm and fun evening where everyone - act or patron - belongs to the place and the event going on.<br><br>If you've never experienced Open Stage in Wakefield, I encourage you to come on down and play a few tunes, read a poem or story, or listen and have a drink. You won't be disappointed.<br><br>Hope to see you there. Things get rolling at 9 pm or so, and there is no cover...<br><br>Thanks for reading.<br><br>JamieJamie Fergusontag:jamiefergusonmusic.com,2005:Post/45691672017-01-30T13:46:03-05:002017-01-30T13:46:03-05:00You gotta love Wakefield...Hi there,<br><br>Thanks to all of the folks who showed up at Kaffe 1870 for the Saturday night gig - we played, we sang, and some danced; and we rang in the Year of the Rooster too!<br><br>The band was great - thanks Dawn, Chris, James and Jamie - and the evening vibe was warm and comfortable.<br><br>Wakefield is a most wonderful place to play and see music, and you just gotta love the place...<br><br>A la prochaine mes amis.<br><br>JamieJamie Fergusontag:jamiefergusonmusic.com,2005:Post/45511402017-01-15T17:32:19-05:002017-01-15T17:32:19-05:00Gonna be a hot night at the Kaffe 1870...Hi there,<br><br>January has setted in around these parts, with the temperature and weather as crazy as can be. Never mind "the" January thaw - one night it's -28, then two days later +3 and raining. But we know about this, don't we...I digress...<br><br>January 28th is shaping up to be a fun night at Kaffe 1870, with a full contingent of The Hills Gang ready to go - welcome new bass player Chris Hopkins - with James Stephens, Jamie Munroe and Dawn Pritchard. And our good friend Ken Walsh will kick off the evening with his talented songwriting.<br><br>We'll do mostly originals, and throw in a cover or two for fun. The Kaffe gets warm with a good crowd, so let's get the place warmer than warm - we may need a hot night in late January.<br><br>Hope you'll stop by and join in the fun. Oh, and if you head up to the village a bit early, you can take in some of the Wakefield DragonFest happenin's that weekend as well...<br> <br>Finally, check out Dave Irvine's latest creative poster effort - his mind works in mysterious and wonderful ways...<br><br>See you soon, and thanks for visiting.<br><br>Jamie<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/204308/940ff200a27da3d8f15ee0381804fa02b52c5612/original/jamie-ferguson-jan-28-2017-kaffe-1870.jpg?1484519146" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Jamie Fergusontag:jamiefergusonmusic.com,2005:Post/44366172016-10-25T15:24:46-04:002016-10-25T15:24:46-04:00Take a Listen...Hi All,<br><br>A short post to let you know you can now take a listen to the full Comin' Back album on the Music page. I've loaded all 10 songs, and if you like 'em and want to purchase a CD, please contact me from the Contact page. Once I get organized to have them download and pay as you go, I'll post an update.<br><br>And a reminder to check out the Black Sheep on Saturday Nov 5th for Dawn Pritchard's CD release party, with yours truly opening.<br><br>Stay tuned, and keep warm.<br><br>Cheers,<br><br>JamieJamie Fergusontag:jamiefergusonmusic.com,2005:Post/44230862016-10-17T15:57:58-04:002017-01-16T08:37:22-05:00Gonna be a busy, fun Fall and Winter...Hi Again,<br><br>Well we're back from Eganville - in the Ottawa Valley as some will know - and had a great evening of music and dancing at the RIO Tap and Grill. Thanks to Chris and George for the hospitality and great venue. We'll be back!<br><br>And we've got a fairly busy schedule ahead - for me musically at least - and I'm really looking forward to playing some gigs. First up is as the opening act for Dawn Pritchards CD release November 5th at the Black Sheep in Wakefield. Check out the cool Poster Dave Irvine made for this one...This will be the first time for me at the "Sheep" and I'l be joined by a pared down Hills Gang. We're looking to have some fun. Dawn's CD is sounding great, and she'll have an all star band backing her up too!<br><br>Next up is a house concert in Huntsville, then a couple of gigs at Kaffe 1870 in Spring - check out the events page for mo' info - and some guest hosting at the regular Kaffe Open Mic night.<br><br>And as the days grow shorter, the nights longer and the wood stove warmer, the urge and inspiration to write more music seems to grow as well. So look for a few new tunes come late winter and spring.<br><br>I hope you are enjoying our 45 degree latitude fall - I sure am - and let's look forward to a gentle transition to the next season...<br><br>Thanks for reading.<br><br>Jamie<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/204308/316aa80fa3966e4d6707d4794a8dc657c553704c/original/dp-nov-5th-poster.jpg?1476734171" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Jamie Fergusontag:jamiefergusonmusic.com,2005:Post/43832162016-09-21T13:06:28-04:002017-01-16T08:37:22-05:00Autumn is Nigh, and Eganville is Calling...Hi there,<br><br>Hard to believe fall is just around the corner, but there it is - tomorrow in fact! What beautiful weather we've had, and it keeps on coming. Although it has been a tough year for growing, it has been one to remember. Interesting how the weather has such an impact on our lives...<br><br>With the coming of Fall, we'll be heading to Eganville play the RIO Tap and Grill in just over a week, on Saturday October 1st. George and Chris are getting things set up, so it should be a great night for a shindig...And the valley is THE place to be come fall...<br><br>Hope you can come on out, and I'll have some CD's there if you're inclined to like some of the tunes.<br><br>Happy Equinox.<br><br>Jamie<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/204308/70b9d2e56f01fbd3cda95aacd7fc158ba799a910/original/dscn0698.jpg?1474477347" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Jamie Fergusontag:jamiefergusonmusic.com,2005:Post/43219732016-08-12T12:26:05-04:002016-08-12T12:26:05-04:00Surfacing!Hi there,<br><br>It is a month since the CD release, and I have finally surfaced! It has been a busy month post gig, and I am delinquent in getting this thank you out.<br><br>So, many, many thanks to all the folks who came to the Kaffe 1870 for the Album release. Thank you to the Kaffe for hosting, to the musicians who played so well, and to the patrons who paid hard earned cash to listen, and purchase a few CD's. It was an electric evening, and we crammed over 100 people into the Kaffe - no mean feat! I hope you had as much fun as I and the band did.<br><br>Regular life has taken hold as summer winds on, but we are busy planning some gigs for the fall, so stay tuned to see when and where.<br><br>I hope you are enjoying this wonderful, hot summer, albeit somewhat too dry for cropping. A "real" summer some might say.<br><br>Thank you all for supporting the music.<br><br>Jamie<br><br><br><br> Jamie Fergusontag:jamiefergusonmusic.com,2005:Post/42610432016-07-02T18:09:24-04:002016-07-02T18:09:24-04:00One Week to Go !!!It seemed like such a long way off, but now only one week to go to the album release of Comin' Back. I think I'm now more excited than nervous - but I'm still nervous!<br><br>The CD's have arrived and the look really nice. Thanks to Dave Irvine for the great artwork, and Precision Record Pressing in Toronto who got them done and out right on schedule. <br><br>The band has been rehearsing, and the sound is taking shape. If you're able to get out on July 9th, I think you'll enjoy the show.<br><br>And the special guest for evening will be my good pal John McAlpine, who always brings a great set to the stage. He'll open things up after 8.<br><br>Hope to see you there.<br><br>Thanks for reading.<br><br>JamieJamie Fergusontag:jamiefergusonmusic.com,2005:Post/42314022016-06-15T12:46:57-04:002017-01-16T08:37:22-05:00Wow! Less than a month until Comin' Back Album releaseHi again,<br><br>Seems crazy that it's less than a month before Comin' Back drops at the Kaffe 1870 July 9th. It has been a whirlwind month to get everything finalized, but now the artwork is done, the mastering complete and the CD gets pressed next week!<br><br>Check out the retro/"homage to the past" poster Dave Irvine cooked up for the gig - I think it's pretty neat.<br><br>And the Hills Gang is busy rehearsing for the big night. You'll recognize all of these fine players; James Stephens, Greg Stone, Pat Maher, Dawn Pritchard and Jamie Munroe. And I'll be trying to keep up with these great musicians!<br><br>And I'll announce our special guest for the evening next time I write...<br><br><br>Jamie<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/204308/a754779266ae8509288150c2d988f78a61166683/original/web-poster.jpg?1466009079" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Jamie Fergusontag:jamiefergusonmusic.com,2005:Post/41621102016-05-02T10:12:42-04:002016-05-19T15:46:43-04:00Comin' Back...Did you know the term blog comes from splitting the word "weblog" to make "we blog", shortened to today's common use of the word blog? One of the trivial things I've learned while working on this website stuff..<br><br>Anyway, this would be my first "blog", and it is really just to say I am almost finished recording my debut album - Comin' Back - with James Stephens at his funky Chelsea studios. We've had some great musicians play on the record, so stay tuned for more on that, and the pending release. Mixing will be begin in mid-May, and it should all be ready to press by early June.<br><br>And please mark your calendars for Saturday July 9th, when I'll be releasing the album, well CD, at the Kaffe 1870 in Wakefield. We'll have a great band on stage, so it should be a fun night.<br><br>In the meantime, check out the two demo tracks - Different Shore and Comin' Back - on the Music tab of the site. Two songs that cover the musical spectrum of the record.<br><br>Cheers,<br><br>JamieJamie Ferguson