Mariposa’s Annual ‘An Evening of Blues & Gospel Xl’ Show Feb. 4. 2023

Mariposa’s Annual ‘An Evening of Blues & Gospel Xl’ Show Feb. 4. 2023

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Orillia, ON – January 4, 2023

Mariposa in Concert’s (MIC) wildly popular ‘An Evening of Blues & Gospel’ Show returns Feb. 4, 2023 with another incredible lineup of all-star vocalists and musicians assembled, arranged and directed by Orillia’s own JUNO award winning producer, Lance Anderson.

“This is our 11th annual Blues and Gospel Show,” MIC Chair Pam Carter said. “It is a sell-out every year and provides a much-needed mid-winter relief for attendees.”

The show will be held at the Orillia Opera House. Tickets are $35 (all fees and taxes included) and are available at the Orillia Opera House box office or online at orilliaoperahouse.ca.

Winner and 2020’s nominee for the Maple Blues Piano/Keyboard Player of the Year, Lance Anderson, is musical arranger and director of the show. Bobby Dean Blackburn, one of Canada’s earliest R&B artists will be joined by Matt Weidinger on vocals and multiple instruments, Thomas Nelson on bass and vocals and as in past years, Lance will introduce an artist that is new to the Mariposa audience. This year, that artist is Verese Vassell-Bowen, a spectacular gospel and soul vocalist from Guelph.

Lance Anderson’s musical connections run deep in the industry and he always assembles a stellar group of artists, We sell out this show every year and people are well-advised to pick up their tickets as soon as possible.

Bobby Dean Blackburn

R&B artist Bobby Dean Blackburn gained legendary status as the first black entertainer on Yonge Street in Toronto. Starting in 1959, Blackburn made a name for himself with his band, Bobby Dean and the Gems, playing in the afternoons at the Zanzibar a Go Go on the Yonge Street strip for years. The Zanzibar began as a live music venue, featuring jazz and blues. Later, it became a dance club with go-go dancers. He helped provide opportunities for musicians who followed him.

Known as “Canada’s Fats Domino,” Bobby is a world-class soulful blues man and true Rock and Roller, with over 60 years of experience entertaining audiences around North America.

In his career, Blackburn has shared his stage with many of the legends of the past including Bo Diddley, Buddy Miles, Rick James and Liberty Silver. He also inspired four musician sons: tenor saxophonist Robert; keyboardist Duane; drummer Cory and guitarist Brooke. They perform under the group name, Blackburn.

It took until 2010 for Bobby Dean to record his first album, Don’t Ask … Don’t Tell, at the age of 69.  Now, he says he’s fulfilled because all of his four sons are musicians. “They are fulfilling a dream that I always had.”

Matt Weidinger 

Matt Weidinger has a voice like no other. The 28-year-old Kitchener, ON native is a passionate young songwriter, who is well known for his mature rock/soul vocals and impressive multi-instrumental (keyboards, guitars, mandolin) talents.

His unmistakable earthly tones captivate the hearts of anyone who hears it. He performs like a veteran musician on the piano and organ, and is equally proficient on guitar, bass or mandolin.

Although some consider him a throwback of the ’60s, he still has the capacity to grab the attention of both the old, young and everyone in between. He’s an “old soul” who easily commands the attention of any crowd.  His passion for music and performing is contagious. Starting his music career at the ripe age of 15, Weidinger has had the pleasure of playing a variety of venues around Southwestern Ontario on a weekly basis. He also performs at multiple blues festivals around the province and across Canada.

Verese Vassell-Bowen

Verese Vassell-Bowen is a singer, songwriter and recording artist based in the City of Guelph. She graced the Canadian gospel scene in 2016 with her debut album Forever Praise.   This project blends a combination of traditional, contemporary, neo soul, and even spoken word into a soul-stirring musical work. Her new single I Am Enough takes you on a journey from pain to praise. 

Verese served as the Artistic Director for Guelph Black Heritage Society’s Juneteenth Celebration 2021. She has gracefully shared the stage with some of southern Ontario’s finest musicians and singers.  Verese also served as executive producer and visionary for the annual Joy in the City, A Christmas Gospel Celebration and Women in Worship (May 2018). Her music can be found on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify and other digital music outlets. 

Thomas Nelson

Thomas Nelson is a Canadian bass player and vocalist. Born in Luverne, Alabama, at the age of two he moved with his family to Niagara Falls, New York during the Great Migration. At five years of age, he began singing and was a featured soloist in school and church.

Influenced by James Brown, Wilson Picket, Sam Cooke and The Beatles, at 16 Thomas formed his first band, Supreme Soul. He carved out a space in the local music scene and became a highly respected vocalist and bassist performing in events and night clubs. He is a 2020 Inductee to the Niagara Falls, NY Music Hall of Fame.

In 1970, Thomas immigrated to Canada and began performing with a variety of bands in the Niagara Falls, Ontario music scene. The late Colleen Petersons’ invitation to be in her backup band led to nine performances in the Spring of 1979 at Massey Hall, one of the nine was as an opener for Gordon Lightfoot. Thomas moved to Toronto and the music scene was very kind. For four years he toured with Mark Haines and The Zippers, and recorded the LP Radio Jungle. Al Jarreau, Keb ‘Mo, Esperanza Spalding, James Jamerson, Larry Graham, Marcus Miller, The Staple Singers, Stevie Wonder and Weather Report are a few influences.

Lance Anderson

JUNO award winning producer Lance Anderson returns once again to reprise his role as musical arranger/director behind Mariposa in Concert’s annual ‘An Evening of Blues and Gospel’ Show.

Anderson, who has been performing for 50 years, was nominated for the Maple Blues Award for Piano/Keyboard Player of the Year, and his new band Matchedash Parish was nominated for two Maple Blues Awards in 2020 for: New Artist/Group of the Year and Record of the Year (Saturday Night).

The Orillia resident has still had a busy season getting back to work after the pandemic. The Last Waltz – A Musical Celebration of The Band; and Everyday People – The Music of Sly and the Family Stone, are two theatre shows that played festivals and concerts this summer. His words and music presentation, TAKE FIVE – Dave Brubeck was a hit at the Orillia Jazz Festival this fall. Add to that an orchestral work that Lance scored of Oscar Peterson’s ‘Canadiana Suite’ that will be performed by the Windsor Symphony, Feb. 11, 12, 2023.

In 2015, Anderson and Kelly Peterson, widow of the late Oscar Peterson, co-produced a three-CD set of Oscar Peterson classics entitled Oscar, with Love. Anderson himself contributed two performances – Sir Lancewell, an original composition Peterson wrote for him, and O.P.s Boogie, which Anderson wrote for Peterson based on some lines from one of the jazz legend’s solos.

Still one of the busiest producers and arrangers in Canada, Anderson looks forward to another year of projects, including a new CD by The Matchedash Parish, his new, large ensemble featuring Matt Weidinger. This group played to rave reviews at the Mariposa Folk Festival, Montreal International Jazz festival, Mont Tremblant International Blues Fest and the Kitchener Blues Festival in 2019. He also has a New Orleans based band called the NOLA Parish

Anderson is currently co-executive producer of the Boquete Jazz and Blues Festival and the Beaches Jazz and Blues Festival both in Panama.

Michael Sloski  – drums

St. Catharines’ based drummer Michael Sloski has performed and recorded with many of Canada’s top musicians and artists including Bruce Cockburn, (Wondering Where the Lions Are) Holly Cole, The Cameo Blues Band, Mary Margaret O’Hara, Manteca, The Domenic Troiano Band, The Dexters, Prairie Oyster, Strangeness Beauty, Danny Brooks, and The Rockin’ Revelators, Bill King’s Saturday Night Fish Fry, and has enhanced the sound on countless pop, rock and blues recordings at North America’s most prestigious studios.

He is a drummer’s drummer and has a legendary groove. Since 2003 and the release of their first CD, Footwork, Michael and Lance have played an organ and drum duo at festivals. The Joint Chiefs of Soul is the name of their next CD to be released in the spring of 2023.

The Mariposa Folk Foundation’s 2022-23 Concert Series is sponsored by Alleycats Music & Art, Apple Annie’s Café, Bell Chiropractic and Soft Tissue Centre, Cathy Cleary Design, Dapper Depot, Dentistry on West, Downtown Computers, Hog ‘n Penny Pub, IG Wealth Management; Lavender Hills Farm, Tim Lauer, Sales Representative, Royal LePage Real Quest Realty and Wildflower Farm.

Teilhard Frost of Shesham and Lotus & ‘Son – Mariposa Talks Interview

Teilhard Frost of Shesham and Lotus & ‘Son – Mariposa Talks Interview

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SheeshamLotusSon4Teilhard Frost and Sam Allison (known by their noms de minstrel as Sheesham Crow and Lotus Wight) along with Son Sanderson make up the band Sheesham & Lotus and ‘Son. The trio draws inspiration from ragtime, classic fiddle tunes and music from the early days of recording. In this conversation with Mariposa volunteer Philip Jackman, Teilhard talks about the band’s roots and  what it’s like to record a 78 rpm record at a public swimming pool in northeast England.

Click here to watch a video of Sheesham & Lotus and ‘Son recording their song 1929, direct to a 78 rpm lacquer disk on a 1938 recording lathe.

Here’s some more live performance videos of Sheesham & Lotus and ‘Son for your enjoyment:

Head Over Heels
Roscoe
Drunken Nights
Shake That
Jackson Stomp!

 

RUNA – Bringing a Mystical, Lyrical, Exciting Sound to Mariposa

RUNA – Bringing a Mystical, Lyrical, Exciting Sound to Mariposa

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runaRecognized as one of Irish music’s new super-groups, RUNA has been enchanting audiences by pushing the boundaries of Irish folk music.

Interweaving the haunting melodies and exuberant tunes of Ireland and Scotland with the lush harmonies and intoxicating rhythms of bluegrass, flamenco, blues, and jazz, they offer a thrilling and redefining take on traditional music.

The group has been honoured internationally, winning Top Group and Top Traditional Group in the Irish Music Awards and an Independent Music Award for Best World/Traditional Song.

They combine vocals, step-dancing, guitar, percussion, mandolin, bodhrán, and fiddle for a sound that is at once mystical, lyrical, unique and exciting.

Charlie A’Court – Planted at the Crossroads of Roots and Soul

Charlie A’Court – Planted at the Crossroads of Roots and Soul

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charlieacourtPlanted at the crossroads of roots and soul, the mighty voice, fierce guitar work and contemporary song writing of Charlie A’Court connect with people, one emotion at a time.

He’s a country boy raised on classic R&B, soul, blues, rock and folk ranging from The Band and John Prine to Otis Redding and B.B. King.

Charlie is well known for his emotional delivery and strong stage presence, and for fearlessly bridging genres and challenging stylistic conventions.

He has toured extensively internationally both as a headlining performer or sharing the stage with greats like James Cotton, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, George Thorogood, Harry Manx, Martin Sexton, Delbert McClinton, Colin James and Dan Aykroyd.

Kunle Basks His Audience in Beautiful Gentleness and Optimism

Kunle Basks His Audience in Beautiful Gentleness and Optimism

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KunleNigerian-born singer songwriter, Kunle, launched his musical career in Ghana, spent time on the open seas as a marine engineer, and made his way to Toronto where he is currently based.

His music employs guitar tapping, harmonica, talking drum, and rich vocals to animate traditional and contemporary songs that guide audiences into a musical place where there are no boundaries, and where traditions from Celtic to blues to rock to African folk meld together.

Whether singing in Yoruba, English, Pidgin or German, his sensitivity and kindness come out through his songs and generous performances, leaving his audience basking in beautiful gentleness and optimism.

Rick Fines: Veteran of the Blues and Folk Circuits

Rick Fines: Veteran of the Blues and Folk Circuits

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rickFinesRick Fines refuses to be pigeonholed.

Steeped in roots music, he crafts a unique blend of warm-hearted blues, juke joint folk, and dockside soul that both embraces and defies the genres.

A veteran of the North American blues and folk circuits, he engages audiences with captivating songs, diverse guitar styling and his signature vocal growl.

Rick’s storied career has seen him working in stellar collaboration and as a successful solo act.

First gaining attention as part of the legendary Jackson Delta, he’s since released four solo albums, another with his own Rick Fines Trio, and a critically acclaimed disc with fellow troubadour, Suzie Vinnick.

Reverend Robert Jones, Sr., Heading for Mariposa

Reverend Robert Jones, Sr., Heading for Mariposa

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robertJonesSinger, storyteller and multi-instrumentalist, Reverend Robert Jones, Sr., uses folk, blues, spirituals and other American Roots music to champion the beauty and power of our shared culture.

A lifelong Detroiter, he has been performing professionally for nearly 30 years for festivals, schools, civil rights organizations and churches.

Rev. Jones grew up immersed in a wide variety of music, especially the blues.

By his mid-twenties, he was hosting an award-winning radio show called Blues From The Lowlands.

Although he is a respected traditional acoustic blues musician, Rev. Jones considers his greatest honor to be his call to the gospel ministry.

Now, he’s making his first Mariposa Folk Festival appearance.

The Harpoonist and The Axe Murderer Bringing Electrifying Blues to Mariposa

The Harpoonist and The Axe Murderer Bringing Electrifying Blues to Mariposa

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harpoonistAxeMurdererThe name may conjure graphic imagery but this dynamic duo is all about kicking out some pretty raw and primal blues.

Armed with a sack of harmonicas, a mess of foot percussion and a road‐worn Telecaster, The Harpoonist and The Axe Murderer pays homage to a decades-deep style of blues, electrifying it with a bolt of new life.

They’re smothered in greasy, gritty soul, and punched up with a little funk.

The music is not polite. In fact, it slaps you on the face and refuses to apologize. But it also cuts through the clutter, anxieties, tensions and phobias of life.

It’s true and real, and that’s how the blues are meant to be played.

Check out our The Harpoonist & The Axe Murderer story board on Pinterest. While you’re there, click on Follow Board to get updates.

Folk and Blues Rocker Keith Secola is Mariposa Bound

Folk and Blues Rocker Keith Secola is Mariposa Bound

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keithSecolaA guitarist and aboriginal flute player, singer-songwriter, and music producer, Keith Secola is an accomplished folk and blues rocker.

His song, NDN KARS, which receives heavy play on aboriginal radio, is considered by many to be a contemporary Aboriginal American anthem.

Originally from the Mesabi Iron Range country of northern Minnesota and now residing in Arizona, this versatile Ojibwa artist has an audience that spreads from North America to Europe.

He’s a seven-time Native American Music Awards winner and an inductee into the Native American Music Awards Hall of Fame.

Critics have dubbed him the aboriginal version of Neil Young and Bruce Springsteen.

Check out our Keith Secola story board on Pinterest. While you’re there, click on Follow Board to get updates.

Man with a Marmalade Voice – Jory Nash Passing Through Mariposa

Man with a Marmalade Voice – Jory Nash Passing Through Mariposa

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joryNashA singer-songwriter and story teller described as having a marmalade voice, Jory Nash is the quintessential folk minstrel. His music weaves together elements of folk, jazz, blues, pop & soul. With thoughtful lyrics and intricate melodies, he draws the audience close. With easy humour, engaging banter and colourful stories, he wins them over. A man of many hats, Jory has served on the Ontario Council of Folk Festivals Board, as Artistic Director of the Shelter Valley Folk Festival, and produced the Gordon Lightfoot tribute show, The Way We Feel. Among many other musical credits are six albums, many tours, numerous awards and lots of airplay.

For more information about Jory Nash at Mariposa Folk Festival, click here.