WESTBOUND TRAIN. On Saturday, Laura & I leave for Vancouver, riding the rails for three and a half days while we play some music for the folks and possibly solve a murder. I think that’s how it works… We’ll be playing two shows in Vancouver:

Wed May 29 at Cafe Deux Soleils (2096 Commercial Dr, Vancouver)
with Sheree Plett and Pitre. Music at 8pm, tickets $5-$10 (sliding scale) at the door.
More details here.

Thu May 30 at The Main (4210 Main St, Vancouver)
Music at 10pm, no cover.
More details here.

And then heading back home to Toronto the same way we came with more music and probably a road trip where we really learn some life lessons. We’re very excited to be heading west for the first time. Please help spread the word to any Vancouverite friends and enemies you may have, we’d really appreciate it! And if you have any suggestions for things to do in the Rainy City during the day, feel free to leave a comment and let us know.

Graydon & Laura head west to Vancouver

CD RELEASES GALORE. Last week I got to see Rachael Cardiello’s band release her CD at the Tranzac, and this week (tomorrow!) I’m going to go see another CD release, and I’m pretty jazzed about it. I’ll tell you why: I’ve heard there will be a combination of Star Wars nerdery and amazing musicianship. Let me introduce:

Jadea Kelly releases her new album “Clover”

THE BAND OF THE WEEK: Jadea Kelly. She’ll be releasing her album on Wednesday May 22nd at The Great Hall. I streamed this sweet album (Clover, an apt title for a number of reasons) last week and then went to a potluck at the apartment Jadea shares with Melanie Brulee. Not only are they two vastly talented songwriters and performers, they also throw a mean potluck. That’s not easy. But the album is an innovative layering of tones over Jadea’s powerful voice and stark songwriting — a pretty strong departure from her previous sound. It’s quite a thing to see someone grow over time as a musician, and Jadea has certainly come into her talent with a rare maturity. Not many folks would know — I don’t even think Jadea remembers — but I played drums for her very first EP release at the Cameron House many many moons ago. I was terrible. The songs were great. And they are still great, but now she delivers them like no one else could. So that’s why I’m looking forward to Wednesday’s CD release!