Let's Thank Bruce
I would like to post Jim Roy's message here as well, please come out and show your appreciation. Upside Blue will be making our way down after our show at Kinki.
Bruce Blair's Last Jammin' Open Stage & Thank Him Event at The Bayou Wednesday 30th November with Traffic Jam. Bruce Blair's last hurrah in this venue as soundman extraordinaire and local live music entrepreneur with sidekick Sue's support for five fun years - 9:30 pm @ Bayou
Last chance to come on down to enjoy the jam and thank Bruce for all he has done to feature Ottawa's fine music community!

Bye Bye Bayou Bruce?
I can't believe what I heard last night at the Guitar Brothers Jam. It seems that Bruce, Suzanne and all the equipment have been asked to vacate the Bayou premises by Dec. 1. My interpretation of that means no more jams, blues or jazz, no more equipment and worst of all no more Bruce and Suzanne. As Jim puts it, Bruce and Suzanne have given his heart and soul to the Bayou, and I agree. Next Wednesday (30th) will be the last Bayou jam for Bruce, I know I'll be there (albeit later, after my Kinki gig). Music supporters like these two are few and far between, let's send them out with a real bang.

Straight Up, No Chaser
Congrats to Steve, David, Adrien and (forgive me but I forget your name) the keyboard player that did a great job at a show at Stout Brothers Pub last night with the 80s and 90s pop tune repetoire. They are new on the scene together but old faces to music in general. You guys did a super job!

R&B Fest at the 'Bow
I missed the whole week at the 'Bow but heard from everyone that attended that it was a series super shows. Apparently, Maria Hawkins was her usual amazing self last night and that one of her stage guests was Mary Gray. I was so pleased to hear that Mary was able to make it. Some of you may know that Mary has a bit of trouble getting out these days. As she loves music so much, it is really heartwarming to know that she could join in. Mary is a true example of courage and passion, another asset to the Ottawa Music Community.
Maria and Mary, although I was not with you in body, my spirit was. I am lucky to call you my friends.

Guitar Brothers at Bayou this Wednesday
Don't miss a great jam this Wednesday (23rd) at the Bayou. Larry Wayne Church, Murray Kinsley, Richard W. (okay, so I can barely pronounce his last name let alone spell it!) and Rick Woyiwada will likely show up on keys and if we're lucky, maybe Ross Taylor on bass. I'm hoping the usual gang including Johnny B Good, Joe and Greg, Pearl, Cliff, Steve, David J., etc will be there. Bruce and Suzanne, thanks for keeping this going for the last several years.
The Bayou is a great place for those who are just starting out to come and meet some great musicians and to get up and tout their talents in a not-so-intimidating environment. It's always really great to see new faces.

Wicked Jam at the 'Bow
Well, Wicked Grin outdid themselves again yesterday at the afternoon jam. They have a wonderful following of friends and musicians that came out to lend their talents. It was a blast. Johnny B Good was in top form on his solos playing alongside a really fun sax player whose name escapes me.
Double Double did a truly fabulous version of "Fever".
Ross and Mark came in from their country residences to contribute to the amazing mix.
Mark, I would like to see you play a whole song next time, not just a few notes!
Murray, way to go. You get alot of respect at your jams and it is well deserved. Thanks for yet another really fun time.

Wicked Grin will be appearing at the 'Bow's R&B Fest this week on Thursday night. Don't miss them!

Amazing Young Talent
have been hearing rumblings lately of an amazing young guitar player who happens to be blind. I finally was able to enjoy his amazing talent at Maria Hawkins gig at the 'Bow last Thursday night (yet another amazing talent!). And amazing he was. If you haven't seen Lucas, you must. His sound is naked: sweet, clean and pure. That young man is going to famous someday and you can say that you knew him "when". A message to Lucas: I apologize for delivering this kudos in such a way that you cannot easily take advantage of. If someone is reading this to you, tell them to give you a big hug for all the amazing talent you have. I never caught up with you last Thursday to give you a hug myself.

Jim Roy, my hero.
Need I say more.
I can't think of anyone I know that has a more passionate, unselfish giving attitude to the Ottawa Jazz Blues Scene. And what does Jim get out of it for himself...nada.
I call him the Sugar Daddy of the Ottawa Blues Community and he deserves more praise and thanks than we can all offer him in a lifetime. Jim, you don't hear Thank You enough. I'm honoured to call you my friend.

Welcome

As a musician myself, I decided to start this blog as a way of encouraging other musicians and music fans. I also wanted to highlight the best parts of the Ottawa Jazz Blues community that are sometimes unknown.

We have such an amazing community in Ottawa that it just has to be shared. It is defintely an experiment. I am hoping that others who are just as passionate about music will contribute. Who knows where it will go. Send me your thoughts!