News Archive
GREGG LAWLESS COMES OUT OF HIDING
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2018
Well, he hasn't exactly been hiding, he's been writing songs. Lots of songs. And keeping secrets. Well, at least a few. Come join the party for a night of incredible musicianship, wacky stories and compelling performances with some of Canada's finest musicians. And maybe just a few secrets. A decade of standing-room-only crowds and flat-out entertaining performances guarantee this show will sell out in advance ... so book your group now!
With very special guests: drummer and JUNO nominee Mark Kelso (Jazz Exiles), bassist Fergus Marsh (Bruce Cockburn) and pianist David Matheson (Ron Sexsmith).
Saturday, November 24th, 2018
Doors at 6 pm, Show at 6:30 pm
The Burdock
1184 Bloor St. West (w. of Dufferin)
Toronto, ON
Tickets: $25 advance / $30 door
Early or late dinner reservations: 416-546-4033
http://burdockto.com/musichall/
GREGG LAWLESS RETURNS TO HUGH'S ROOM
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2016
Come join the party for a night of incredible musicianship, wacky stories and compelling duets with some of Canada's finest singers and players. A decade of standing-room-only crowds and flat-out entertaining performances guarantee this show will sell out in advance ... so book your table now!
With very special guests: drummer and 2016 JUNO nominee Mark Kelso (Jazz Exiles), bassist Fergus Marsh (Bruce Cockburn), pianist John Sheard (CBC Vinyl Cafe Orchestra), vocalists Peter Katz, Laura Spinks (The Young Novelists), Kirsten Jones, Mike Lawless and the legendary Uncle Don!
Saturday, February 27, 2016
Hugh's Room
2261 Dundas St. West
Toronto, ON
Dinner reservations and concert tickets:
416-531-6604
$25 advance / $30 door.
http://hughsroom.com/reservations/ or
email
.
http://hughsroom.com/2015/11/gregg-lawless-3/
UNFORGETTABLE RIDE IN TRADITIONAL TAXI GETS PERFORMER GREGG LAWLESS UBER-EXCITED
Singer/songwriter Gregg Lawless has been uber-successful selling out his performances at Toronto roots music venue Hugh's Room -- twelve times. But he's not sure if he will be travelling to his Saturday, February 27th performance at Hugh's Room in an Uber car or a traditional cab.
One thing that Lawless' fans can count on is that he will be performing his catchy song "Taxi Driver" at the show - a song inspired by a tariff-free ride that a cabbie offered to get him to a gig after the songwriter missed the last bus out of town.
"It was quite the ride," says Lawless. "We got into an accident and I missed my bus out of town - but the cabbie told me to buy a bus ticket anyway. He chased the bus out of town, caught up to it, forced it to stop on the highway, and I boarded with my ticket ... and got to my gig on time. A week later, I wrote a song for the cabbie, John Laviolette, who wouldn't accept money when I tracked him down to pay him for the ride."
Joining Lawless at Hugh's Room will be drummer and 2016 JUNO nominee Mark Kelso (Jazz Exiles), bassist Fergus Marsh (Bruce Cockburn), pianist John Sheard (CBC Vinyl Cafe Orchestra) and guest vocalists Peter Katz, Laura Spinks (The Young Novelists) and Kirsten Jones.
LAWLESS DUETS CONCERT AT HUGH'S ROOM
JANUARY 24, 2015
GREGG LAWLESS & SPECIAL GUESTS: Russell DeCarle (Prairie Oyster) John Sheard, piano (CBC's Vinyl Café); Mark Inneo, drums (The Tenors); Fergus Marsh, bass (Bruce Cockburn); David Matheson, accordion, guitar, B3 (Ron Sexsmith).
Come join the party to celebrate a BIG birthday for Gregg with a night of "Lawless Duets Etc." at Hugh's Room on Saturday, January 24th. A decade of standing-room-only crowds and flat-out entertaining performances guarantee this show will sell out in advance - so book your table now!
https://www.facebook.com/events/378780735628839/?ref=51&source=1
Saturday, January 24, 2015
Hugh's Room
2261 Dundas St. West
Toronto, ON
Dinner reservations and concert tickets:
416-531-6604
$25 advance / $30 door.
http://hughsroom.com/reservations/ or
email
.
http://hughsroom.com/2014/10/gregg-lawless/
LISTEN TO GREGG LAWLESS
https://soundcloud.com/gregglawless/
NEW SONGWRITING SEASON - ROCKING WITH THE KIDS
http://www.gregglawless.com/literacy.html
Gregg is now in his tenth year of leading the musical component of the award-winning Literacy And Values Through Music program with the Peel District School Board. This year he will make 30 visits to 10 schools, co-writing character-based songs with hundreds of Grade 5 students. Gregg and the students will perform their songs, backed by a five-piece band, at a live-to-CD recording/performance on April 17th at Mississauga's Living Arts Centre (http://www.livingartscentre.ca/). Gregg will be producing the CD with LiveWire Remote Recorder's top gun Doug McClement whose past clients include Blue Rodeo, The Tragically Hip, Gordon Lightfoot, The JUNO Awards, the MuchMusic Awards and countless others. http://www.livewireremote.com/.
THE ROB FORD SONG: "ANOTHER DAY WITH FORD"
Toronto singer/songwriter Gregg Lawless really should be rehearsing for his Saturday night CD Release Concert at Hugh's Room. But when you live in Toronto, it's hard to avoid the daily distraction of mayoral updates. Click here to listen to "The Rob Ford Song: Another Day with Ford", Gregg's take on the ongoing saga of Toronto's sort-of-but-not-really mayor, Rob Ford.
"I do not need to talk about Rob Ford any more, nor am I an addict of news related to Rob Ford," says Lawless. "And as for my Footnote CD Release concert on Saturday night, I cannot comment on a concert that I have never performed and does not exist. Yet."
Lawless is declining all interviews on the subject of the mayor, preferring rather to sing about it - which he will most certainly be doing at his CD Release Concert on Saturday night at Hugh's Room. http://hughsroom.com/2013/11/gregg-lawless-cd-release/
FOOTNOTE CD RELEASE AT HUGH'S ROOM - JANUARY 25, 2014
GREGG LAWLESS & SPECIAL GUESTS: John Sheard, piano (Vinyl Café); Mark Inneo, drums (The Tenors); Fergus Marsh,
bass (Bruce Cockburn); David Matheson, accordion, guitar, B3 (Ron Sexsmith)
https://www.facebook.com/events/273942686090096/273942689423429/?notif_t=like
Come join the party to celebrate Gregg's long awaited Footnote CD at Hugh's Room on Saturday, January 25th. A decade of standing-room-only crowds and flat-out entertaining performances guarantee this show will sell out in advance - so book your table now.
Saturday, January 25, 2014
Hugh's Room
2261 Dundas St. West
Toronto, ON
Dinner reservations and concert tickets:
416-531-6604
$25 advance / $30 door.
http://hughsroom.com/reservations/ or
email
.
http://hughsroom.com/2013/11/gregg-lawless-cd-release/
NEW SONGWRITING SEASON - ROCKING WITH THE KIDS
http://www.gregglawless.com/literacy.html
Gregg recently started his ninth year of leading the musical component of the award-winning Literacy And Values Through Music programs with the Peel and York Region school boards. This year he will make 60 visits to 20 schools, co-writing character-based songs with hundreds of Grade 5 students. Gregg and the students will perform their songs, backed by a five-piece band, at two live-to-CD recordings/performances on April 11th at Richmond Hill's Centre For The Performing Arts (http://www.rhcentre.ca/) and April 17th at Mississauga's Living Arts Centre (http://www.livingartscentre.ca/). Gregg will be producing the CDs with LiveWire Remote Recorder's top gun Doug McClement whose past clients include Blue Rodeo, The Tragically Hip, Gordon Lightfoot, The JUNO Awards, the MuchMusic Awards and countless others. http://www.livewireremote.com/.
GREGG LeROCK JUNO NOD
Gregg received a second JUNO nomination for French songs composed under his nom de plume, "Gregg LeRock" http://www.gregglerock.ca/. Monsieur LeRock, who has written songs that are part of the French curriculum in text books used in schools across Canada, has also been filling major theatres in cities across Ontario and recently sold out shows in Calgary, Edmonton, Surrey and Vancouver. http://www.accentalberta.ca/en/directory/artist.php?id=66
GIVE IT A WHIRL
Gregg has been working for quite some time as producer and co-writer with songwriter/wordsmith extraordinaire David Newland. David's upcoming CD "Give It A Whirl" features guest appearances by a stellar cast of Canadian roots musicians, including DALA, The Good Lovelies' Sue Passmore, George Koller, three Bebop Cowboys (Steve Briggs, Drew Jurecka, John Sheard) and many more. Definitely worth a whirl!
ANTHEM SINGER FOR HIRE
One of the biggest thrills of Gregg's life came in 2009 when he had the honour of singing the national anthem at Kandahar Air Force Base in Afghanistan, when he performed for - and played ball hockey against - Canadian troops. http://www.gregglawless.com/images/fs_afghan6.jpg More recently, Gregg has been singing the anthem at St. Michael's Majors' OHL hockey games in Mississauga's 5,000-seat Hershey Centre., including the Majors' Memorial Cup games. Nice gig for a flag-waving hockey nut!
WORLD VISION + CAMP TRILLIUM = SINGING FOR A CAUSE
Gregg is continuing his outreach work with World Vision Canada in a special collaboration with the Oakville Children's Choir http://www.oakvillechildrenschoir.org/. They will be perform his song, "What If?", at the Oakville Centre For The Performing Arts this spring to raise more money for children living in impoverished countries.
Many summers ago, while working as a camp counsellor at Camp Trillium (http://www.camptrillium.com/) - a camp for families affected by childhood cancer - Gregg wrote "The Goodnight Song", a song created for those peaceful and reflective moments of the end of the day. It quickly became a campfire favourite and the camp's official song. It is now being sung by children, families and counsellors at numerous camps around the world. Gregg was honoured to perform "The Goodnight Song" recently at the Tour For Kids gala on the shores of Lake Ontario in Toronto. http://www.tourforkids.com/ontario/about-us/camps.php To get an idea of what a difference Camp Trillium makes in the lives of the children and families who go there, please check out this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nhxUvfz0mE.
HUGH'S ROOM SHOW
GREGG LAWLESS & SPECIAL GUESTS: John Sheard, piano (Vinyl Café); Mark Kelso, drums (Holly Cole); Fergus Marsh, bass (Bruce Cockburn); Steve Briggs, mandolin and guitar (Bebop Cowboys)
How long does it take to create a great tradition? Hard to pick a number but when it comes to Gregg Lawless' Annual Concert party at Hugh's Room, more than a decade definitely qualifies - a decade of sell-out crowds and flat-out entertaining performances by a compelling singer-songwriter supported by outstanding musicians. A veteran entertainer who never loses his freshness, Lawless is at his best as a live performer. If you've seen him in the past you'll know that every show is different and the only thing that's predictable is a night full of musical surprises. Lawless has sold out Hugh's Room on every one of the ten times he's played there. So whether you're already part of the tradition or not, don't miss the chance to catch this year's stellar concert.
Saturday, January 26
Hugh's Room
2261 Dundas St. West
Toronto, ON
Dinner reservations and concert tickets:
416-531-6604
$25 advance / $30 door.
http://hughsroom.com/reservations/ or
email
.
10TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT PARTY AT HUGH'S ROOM
Join your favourite 3G Man for his 10th Anniversary Concert Party at Hugh's Room in Toronto on Saturday, January 28th. Gregg will be joined by some of Canada's top instrumentalists, including pianist John Sheard (CBC Vinyl Café Orchestra), bassist Fergus Marsh (Bruce Cockburn), mandolinist/guitarist Steve Briggs (Bebop Cowboys) and drummer Mark Kelso (Holly Cole). Book a table now for you and 47 of your closest friends for an unforgettable celebration in Canada's premier roots music venue - it'll rock! Tickets are on sale now - and since there's always been a sellout crowd, grab 'em while you can! $20 advance / $25 door. http://hughsroom.com/reservations/ or call 416-531-6604.
LITERACY THROUGH MUSIC - CHARACTER EDUCATION SONGWRITING PROJECT
http://www.gregglawless.com/literacy.html
Cool news: "Character Education: Literacy Through Music" has been implemented in three different school boards and is being studied by scores of other school boards from across North America and Europe. It has also become the basis of a doctoral thesis for a U.S. student, was showcased at the Quest For Leading Edge Learning Conference and was awarded the National Schools of Character prize in Washington, D.C. http://www.character.org/
This year Gregg will be making a total of 60 visits to 20 schools in York Region and Peel Region to co-write 20 character-based songs with Grade 5 students. Accompanied by an AllStar band, Gregg and the students will perform their songs in two live-to-DVD concerts at The Richmond Hill Centre For The Performing Arts http:// www.richmondhill.ca/ in April and at The Living Arts Centre http://www.livingartscentre.ca/. Gregg will be producing the CDs with LiveWire Remote Recorder's top gun Doug McClement whose past clients include Blue Rodeo, The Tragically Hip, Gordon Lightfoot, The JUNO Awards, the MuchMusic Awards and countless others. http://www.livewireremote.com/
LAWLESS PRODUCTION AND MORE
Gregg is currently fast at work with brilliant wordsmith David Newland http://www.davidnewland.com/ on a CD of roots/folk/early jazz stylings. David is a fiercely talented storyteller and this CD is one that is definitely worth waiting for. Gregg was also happy to lend a hand to his friend Kirsten Jones - who many have heard perform as part of the Lawless Duets Etc. series - in sequencing songs for her upcoming CD release, The Mad Mile. You'll be hearing and reading lots about her in the new year: http://www.kirstenjones.com/ And he recently spent three pun-filled afternoons at songsmith Kevin Zarnett's studio http://www.myspace.com/kevvyz recording fifty- six (yes, 56) demos of new songs he has written over the past couple of years. Ask nicely and hemight even play you one or ten of 'em.
LAWLESS RETURNS TO HUGH'S ROOM - WITH SIX NEW SONGS
After a very busy fall working on his Literacy Through Music and World Vision "WorldSong" projects Gregg is getting ready to debut six new songs on Saturday, January 29th concert at Hugh's Room - tickets are now on sale! Many folks choose to have dinner with friends/family at this classy venue before the show - this is highly recommended, not just for the food but for the best seats in the house.
Gregg will be accompanied by some of Canada's finest musicians: pianist John Sheard (CBC Vinyl Cafe with Stuart MacLean); drummer Mark Kelso (Michael Bublé, James Taylor); bassist Fergus Marsh (Bruce Cockburn) and guitarist Kevin Zarnett (The Complements). Why not share this invitation with your Facebook friends and Twitter-ites and make a night of it? It's an all ages, licensed event; if you have kids eight or older, bring 'em along for the musical ride. Book now to get discounted advance tickets and to guarantee a table for you, your friends and family. There's more info at: http://hughsroom.com/wordpress/?cat=134
WHO: Gregg Lawless
WHAT: Powerful roots music and damn entertaining stories.
WHERE: Hugh's Room, 2261 Dundas St. W., Toronto.
WHEN: Saturday, January 29, 2011, 8:30 p.m. show.
HOW MUCH: $22.50 advance / $25.00 at the door (includes HST)
ORDER TICKETS: 416-531-6604,
WEBSITE:
http://www.hughsroom.com/
RIVERDALE SHARE CONCERT
Gregg will be returning this year as host of the annual Riverdale Share Concert on Saturday, December 11th (2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. shows) at St. Barnabas Church, 361 Danforth Avenue (at Hampton), a one minute walk from Chester subway station. Since 1991, this all-volunteer concert has brought together some of Toronto's most celebrated artists to entertain the community and has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars and truckloads of food for children and families in need. http://www.riverdaleshare.com/
LAWLESS COMES HOME TO AURORA - SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 13th, 2010 - TICKETS ON SALE TODAY!
We're tickled purple to report that Gregg will be returning to The Nation's Party Capital (Aurora, Ontario) for a very special homecoming show. Gregg will be performing songs from all three of his critically acclaimed CDs as well as five brand new tunes. Add Vinyl Café pianist John Sheard and bassist Fergus Marsh (Bruce Cockburn) to the mix and you've got yourself a Party Capital cocktail. If you still don't know why Aurora is the Nation's Party Capital this is your chance to experience the 11th wonder of the world. Why not share this invitation with your Facebook friends and Twitter-ites and make a night of it?
Gregg Lawless in Concert
with very special guests John Sheard (piano, CBC Vinyl Cafe Orchestra)
& Fergus Marsh (bass, Bruce Cockburn)
Saturday, November 13, 2010
8:00 p.m.
Aurora Cultural Centre
22 Church Street
Aurora, ON L4G 1G4
905-713-1818
$15 Adults
$45 Family (of 4)
$10 Students/Seniors
Tickets available in advance or at the door
THURSDAY NIGHT IN RIVERDALE - INTIMATE HOUSE CONCERT PREVIEW
Gregg will be hosting a series of invitation-only house concerts in Toronto on several Thursday nights in December. If you would like to bring some friends who haven't heard my music to an intimate, acoustic, BYOB performance please contact Gregg at for details.
CAMP TRILLIUM - BACK TO THE ISLAND
Gregg was very happy to re-establish his ties with Camp Trillium http://www.camptrillium.com/ over the past few months with a Teen Songwriting Workshop as well as two concerts on Garratt's Island in Prince Edward County. Any day that combines kids, sailing, swimming, fishing, Scrabble, face painting, kayaking, a campfire and live, unplugged music is a great one. Keep your eyes peeled for an announcement about Gregg sing at The Air Canada Centre for a special Trillium event.
LAWLESS RETURNS TO HUGH'S ROOM - SATURDAY, JANUARY 30th - TICKETS ON SALE TODAY!
We're tickled purple to report that Gregg will be returning to what, by most accounts, is everyone's fave live music/dining venue in Toronto. http://www.hughsroom.com/ Many folks choose to have dinner with friends/family at Hugh's Room before the show - this is highly recommended, not just for the food but for the best seats in the house. Why not share this invitation with your Facebook friends and Twitter-ites and make a night of it? It's an all ages, licensed event in a classy venue; if you have kids eight or older why not bring 'em along for the musical ride? Book now to get discounted advance tickets and to guarantee a table for you, your friends and family. $20.00 advance / $25.00 at the door 416-531-6604, http://www.hughsroom.com/reservation.htm
JUNO NOMINATION FOR FRENCH CD
Gregg was honoured to have his "Gregg LeRock, OUI!" CD nominated for a 2009 JUNO award. He will be celebrating with 25 dates in major theatres across Canada in 2010. Who'd have known that the ole Lettres Françaises degree would be put to such use? http://www.gregglerock.ca/
TICKETS NOW ON SALE!
GREGG LAWLESS IN CONCERT
SATURDAY, JANUARY 31st, 8:00 PM
ST. STEPHEN-IN-THE-FIELDS, 365 COLLEGE ST., TORONTO
LICENSED, ALL AGES CONCERT
TICKETS:
http://www.ticketweb.ca/snl/EventListings.action?orgId=44342
or via the toll-free charge-by-phone number: 888-222-6608
We'd like to extend a warm invitation to you, your family and friends of all ages to join Gregg for his yearly Toronto concert. This year's show will take place at the beautiful St.-Stephen-in-the-Fields Church (http://www.saintstephens.ca/building/interior/interior.html), an acoustic gem that has previously hosted performances by Bruce Cockburn, Molly Johnson, Jane Siberry and Daniel Lanois. Gregg's very special guest will be CBC Radio Two personality Jowi Taylor (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jowi_Taylor). Jowi will be giving a special slide presentation on the history of the Six String Nation guitar, made from 63 pieces of history and heritage - including wood from the Golden Sitka Spruce, Pierre Trudeau's canoe paddle, Wayne Gretzky's hockey stick, Rocket Richard's Stanley Cup ring - from every part of Canada representing many different cultures, communities and characters from across the country (http://sixstringnation.com/en/). This living piece of Canadian history has been featured in countless print and radio news stories and has been played by dozens of Canada's leading musicians. After the concert, students and adults alike will be invited to have their picture taken holding the guitar for the Six String Nation on-line gallery (http://www.flickr.com/photos/sixstringnation/sets/).
Looking for a place to dine out before the show? Here's a link to a multitude of eateries - from fast food diners to world class restaurants - within walking distance!
Special Note: Although this will be a licensed event - i.e., you can add to your enjoyment of the music by sipping a beer or a glass of wine - it will be a decidedly child-friendly, all-ages event - so please do bring along your kids, your nieces and nephews, and your friends. Tickets for this very special event are limited and go on sale today at 9 a.m. Advance tickets (service charges included) are $25.00 adult / $15.00 child or student. All tickets at the door are $30.00. Order securely on-line at http://www.ticketweb.ca/snl/EventListings.action?orgId=44342 or via the toll-free charge-by-phone number: 888-222-6608
AFGHANISTAN - DUST, MUSIC, HOCKEY AND MORE DUST
Gregg was privileged to be part of a special "Team Canada" visit to Canadian troops in Afghanistan, which featured a long list of former NHLers and current musicians, including Blue Rodeo, Lori Anna Reid and Montréal's Jonas. In addition to performing a dusty and surreal evening concert to over 2,000 troops on Kandahar Air Force Base and singing O Canada before three hockey games, Gregg had the great pleasure of engaging in many discussions with Rick Hillier, various officers and scores of Canadian soldiers. Gregg's personal highlights included lending his guitar to soldiers - who have no musical instruments to play on base - and being asked by team captain Mark Napier to play a regular shift for Team Canada's hockey team, alongside Mike Gartner, Bob Probert, Chris Nilan, Mike Pelyk, Troy Crowder, Dave Hutchison and many more. And although they were playing for the same team, our 3G man couldn't resist going head-to head - twice - with legendary 6'5", 245 lb. tough guy Stu "The Grim Reaper" Grimson - at Scrabble! Click this link to see photos of the trip: http://www.gregglawless.com/candid.html
LITERACY AND VALUES THROUGH MUSIC - CHARACTER EDUCATION SONGWRITING PROJECTS
Gregg is continuing his work with students from the York Region District School Board and the Peel District School Board in the Literacy And Values Through Music songwriting program http://www.gregglawless.com/literacy.html. This year, he will make a total of 60 visits to 20 schools as he collaborates with the students in composing, rehearsing and performing 20 original songs focused on character. Backed by an all-star, five- piece band, YRDSB students will perform their compositions on April 15th at Markham Theatre (http://www.markham.ca/Markham/Attractions/Theatre/boxoffice.htm ); Peel students will showcase their tunes the following night, April 16th, at Mississauga's Living Arts Centre (http://www.livingartscentre.ca/). The live performances will be recorded and mixed by LiveWire Remote Recorders (http://www.livewireremote.com/index.asp) for future CD releases.
MISCELLANEOUS NEWS
In other news, our 3G man ...
- was a guest speaker at the recent Ontario Music Educators Association conference (http://www.omea.on.ca/) , where he joined Peel DSB music consultant Mary Ann Fratia in presenting a Literacy And Values Through Music songwriting workshop for music consultants and elementary and high school teachers from across the province;
- has been delighted to receive correspondence from across North America, Europe and, most recently, South Africa from teachers who are using "Hana's Suitcase", the song Gregg co-wrote with Gr. 8 students in York Region based on Karen Levine's award-winning book about how an artifact from Auschwitz helped to form ties between a Japanese schoolteacher and her students and an elderly man in Toronto (http://www.hanassuitcase.ca/classprojects.html#) as part of their Holocaust studies unit;
- loved working with students from Toronto's Frankland Community School and Nelson Mandela P.S. as part of the Luminato Festival (http://www.luminato.com/);
- performed "Lawless Duets, Etc." concerts - with special guests John Sheard, Lori Anna Reid and Kevin Zarnett - at the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts, Markham Theatre and St. Catharine's Centre for the Arts;
- is honoured to have two of his fave Canadian singers, Debbie Fleming and Lori Anna Reid, currently covering several of his compositions in their performances (http://www.loriannareid.com/songs.htm);
- enjoyed teaching an evening songwriting course at Brock University;
- hosted and performed at the Riverdale Share Concert (http://riverdaleshare.com/) at Toronto's Danforth Music Hall. Guests include The Skydiggers, CBC's Radio One's Jian Ghomeshi and Murray McLachlan. (Sorry - sold out!);
- has donated a special edition of "The Goodnight Song" (http://www.maplemusic.com/artists/gla/disc.asp) to all Camp Trillium campers (http://www.camptrillium.com/);
- is looking forward to meeting with CBC Vinyl Café host Stuart McLean in the New Year to bounce around a few ideas for a possible 2009 show.
GREGG LAWLESS w/ very special guest LORI ANNA REID
HUGH'S ROOM, TORONTO
8:30 P.M., SATURDAY, JANUARY 26th
416-531-6604
http://www.hughsroom.com/
This year's concert features lots of new songs and a new singer. A native of St. John's NFLD, Lori Anna Reid has performed at Massey Hall, Carnegie Hall, The Montreal Jazz Festival and has sung duets with Daniel Lanois, U2's Bono, and Emmylou Harris. She was the featured vocalist for last year's National Arts Centre Christmas Concert in Ottawa and also performed a private concert at the residence of our Governor General, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean. Lori Anna will be singing a whole whack of new songs Gregg has written for her. Also appearing with Gregg is John Sheard, pianist extraordinaire and musical director of the CBC's Vinyl Café Orchestra. Call now to book a table for you and bunch of your friends. Most folks go as a large group and have dinner before the show .. and the food's great. 416-531-6604 or or e-mail .
ON CBC'S VINYL CAFÉ w/ STUART MCLEAN
Gregg met Jess Milton, producer of The Vinyl Café, when he was working with Stuart McLean on a special Canada broadcast of "Songs In The Key of Canada", a show he toured in theatres across Ontario a couple of years ago. Jess recently asked Gregg if I'd be interested in contributing a song for a special show. She was looking for Canadian songwriters who could provide a low-fi recording of a song with which they have a special history. In the spirit of low fidelity, Gregg phoned her back and sang his contribution into her answering machine. Judging by the emails we've received lately, more than a few of you heard it!
CHARACTER EDUCATION: LITERACY AND VALUES THROUGH MUSIC
http://www.gregglawless.com/literacy.html
It all started out over coffee with York Region DSB music and literacy consultant Yana Ioffe, who Gregg had worked with on the highly rewarding Hana's Suitcase CD project.
Gregg wanted to start an intensive school song writing program that would involve 30 school visits (3 visits to 10 different schools), followed by a live concert in a major theatre where professional musicians would accompany the students in a gala, live-to-DVD, finale performance. Yana wanted the program to become a cross-curricular one that would involve music, literacy, art, and character education. Now - five years later - "Character Education: Literacy Through Music" has been implemented in three different school boards, is being studied by scores of other school boards from across North America and Europe, is the basis of a doctoral thesis for U.S. student, was showcased at the Quest For Leading Edge Learning Conference, and was just awarded the National Schools of Character prize in Washington, D.C. Sounds like Yana and Gregg should go out for coffee more often.
Hana's Suitcase:
http://hanassuitcase.ca/classprojects.html
Dare to Dream: the Quest for Leading Edge Learning Conference:
http://www.yrdsb.edu.on.ca/page.cfm?id=ITQ000007
Character Education Partnership: Promising Practices Award:
http://www.character.org/
Closer to home, Gregg will also be presenting a song writing workshop for TDSB secondary teachers on November 30th as part of a professional development workshop.
SUMMER SUMMARY
As per usual, Gregg kept his summer shows to a minimum. After a crazy November - May gig schedule he spent most of the summer catching up on admin., writing new songs, and preparing new projects. A special thanks to those of you who came to concerts at the Sean O'Sullivan Theatre (St. Catharines), The Old Ormsby Church (Bancroft), Newmarket Theatre, Just Milton Folks Concert Series, and at a special Members' Night at Oakville Centre For The Performing Arts with Rik Emmett and Sean Cullen. After two weeks of writing and relaxing in NFLD. Gregg completed six songs for future Thomson-Nelson student textbooks that will be used by Grade 4-6 students across Canada, and also produced and recorded a third, full-length CD in French called "Oui!", under the pseudonymn "Gregg LeRock".
RIVERDALE SHARE CONCERT
http://riverdaleshare.com/2007/
Gregg will be hosting the 16th annual Riverdale Share Concert at The Danforth Music Hall on Sunday, December 9th. This year's show will include, among others, Steven Page (Barenaked Ladies), Murray McLauchlan, Lorraine Segato (Parachute Club), Cindy Church (Quartette), CBC's Jian Ghomeshi, and Russell deCarle (Prairie Oyster). Get your tix now, this show always sells out!
ON CBC'S VINYL CAFÉ w/ STUART MCLEAN
Gregg met Jess Milton, producer of The Vinyl Café, when he was working with Stuart McLean on a special Canada Day broadcast of "Songs In The Key of Canada", a show he toured in theatres across Ontario a couple of years ago. This weekend's show features low-fi home recordings. In the spirit of low fidelity, Gregg phoned in his contribution to Jess' answering machine. Tune in this weekend to hear how it turned out.
Saturday, November 17th, 10 a.m. on CBC Radio Two 94.1 FM
Sunday, November 18th, 12 p.m. on CBC Radio One 99.1 FM
Tuesday, November 20th, 11 p.m. on CBC Radio One 99.1 FM
The frequencies listed above are for CBC Toronto. For the frequency
listing for your area see the column on the left at:
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/
MORE CHANCES TO SEE LAWLESS DUETS ETC.!
Gregg's celebrated "Lawless Duets Etc." concert format, which features Gregg performing unconventional versions of his original songs with various guest vocalists and instrumentalists (see http://www.gregglawless.com/oldnews.html), has taken on a life of its own. Originally conceived as a "one night only" show for Toronto's Hugh's Room, "Lawless Duets Etc." has now been booked into various theatres across the province. For details of upcoming concerts in Bancroft, Milton, Aylmer, Oakville, Toronto, and St. Catharines please see http://www.gregglawless.com/newshows.html
BOOK NOW FOR CONCERT AT HUGH'S ROOM, SATURDAY JANUARY 26th
Advance tickets tickets are now on sale for the 3G show of the year. Book now; this show always sells out in advance. TICKETS: $20 advance, $25 at the door. Call 416-531-6604 or e-mail . Call now for the best seats and to enjoy a lovely meal; dinner is available from 6:30 p.m. http://www.hughsroom.com/food.html. Yes, you can bring the kids; there are no age restrictions to see performances at Hugh's Room; the concert will be over by 11 p.m.
WHERE: Hugh's Room (2261 Dundas St. W., Toronto, just south of the Dundas W. subway station)
WHEN: 8:30 PM Saturday, January 26, 2008
DIRECTIONS: http://www.hughsroom.com/map.html
This year's show will feature a large stack of new compositions performed by Gregg and this year's featured guest vocalist, Lori Anna Reid. Originally a classically trained mezzo-soprano, Lori Anna has been touring with Daniel Lanois for the past four years. He has called her voice "hauntingly beautiful", and praises her sense of phrasing in ensemble as "telepathic". With Lanois she has toured Canada, the U.S.A. and Europe with stellar musicians Brian Blade, Daryll Johnson, and Jorn Anderson, and has also sung with U2's Bono and The Edge, and Emmylou Harris. Lori Anna was recently featured as guest vocalist with the National Arts Centre Orchestra in Ottawa and also performed a solo set at Rideau Hall for Governor General Michaelle Jean, Chief of Defence Staff Rick Hillier, and special guests.
EN FRANÇAIS
Gregg is currently writing, recording and producing French songs - under the pseudonymn Gregg LeRock - for Thomson Nelson, Canada's leading educational publisher. The songs - ranging in style from folk to reggae to rock to pop to rock - will be used in text books across the country for French as a Second Language (FSL) students in grades four to six.
LITERACY THROUGH MUSIC PROJECTS
Gregg will be leading young
songwriters from Peel Region and York Region school boards through The
Literacy and Values Through Music programme, now into its fifth year.
Participants be performing this year's compositions at Markham Theatre
and The Mississauga Living Arts Centre in spring 2008. The performances
will be recorded for a future live CD.
http://www.gregglawless.com/literacy.html
SUMMER SONG WRITING
In the past, our 3G man has led songwriting workshops in elementary and secondary schools, colleges and universities. This year Gregg tried working in a new venue: his kitchen. Gregg's summer songwriting workshop for teens was a huge hit in its first year. If you, or someone you know, has a teen who would be interested in participating in the 2008 summer workshop contact .
GREGG PLAYS CANADA'S PARTY CAPITAL
It's hard to believe, but Gregg has
never played a concert in his hometown, the nation's Party Capital,
Aurora, Ontario. Gregg will be performing a special homecoming show
on Saturday, May 5th with longtime musical friend Jamie Miller at the newly renovated Theatre Aurora. It's easy to find:
http://www.theatreaurora.com/msg4.htm
Tickets will go fast for this one!
Book now via Visa or Mastercard at 905-727-3669.
LITERACY THROUGH MUSIC PROJECTS
The Literacy and Values Through Music
programme, now into year four, is off to a rocking start. Participants
be performing this year's compositions at Markham Theatre and The
Mississauga Living Arts Centre in the spring. The performances will be
recorded for a future live CD.
http://www.gregglawless.com/literacy.html
EN FRANÇAIS
Gregg is currently writing French songs - under the pseudonymn Gregg LeRock - for Thomson Nelson, Canada's leading educational publisher. These songs will be used in grade four text books across the country.
LAWLESS DUETS ETC
Gregg's second installment of Duets Etc. at Hugh's
Room sold out in advance and garnered rave reviews. There will be more
dates around the province; stay tuned for details! Read more about the
show at:
http://www.gregglawless.com/oldnews.html
BOOK NOW FOR "LAWLESS DUETS ETC." CONCERT AT HUGH'S ROOM, SATURDAY JANUARY 27th:
Advance tickets tickets are now on sale for the 3G show of the year. This year's concert will feature 10 new songs, 8 new duetists, and a very special appearance by CBC Radio/Global Village host Jowi Taylor with the Six String Nation guitar (read more below). TICKETS: $20 advance, $25 at the door. Call 416-531-6604 or e-mail . Book now for the best seats and to enjoy a lovely meal; dinner is available from 6:30 p.m. http://www.hughsroom.com/food.html. Yes, you can bring the kids; there are no age restrictions to see performances at Hugh's Room; the concert will be over by 11 p.m.
WHERE: Hugh's Room (2261 Dundas St. W.,
Toronto, just south of the Dundas W. subway station)
WHEN: 8:30 PM Saturday, January 27, 2007
DIRECTIONS:
http://www.hughsroom.com/map.html
Guests for this year's show ...
LORI ANNA REID: Originally a classically trained mezzo-soprano vocalist,
Lori Anna has been touring with Daniel Lanois since 2003. He has called
her voice "hauntingly beautiful", and praises her sense of phrasing in
ensemble as "telepathic". With Lanois she has toured Canada, the U.S.A.
and Europe with stellar musicians Brian Blade, Daryll Johnson, and Jorn
Anderson, and has also sung with U2's Bono and The Edge, and Emmy Lou
Harris. Lori Anna was recently featured as guest vocalist with the NAC
Orchestra in Ottawa.
http://www.loriannareid.com
JOHN SHEARD: Before settling into his current gig as pianist
extraordinaire and musical director for Stuart McLean's CBC Vinyl Café
Orchestra, John toured and/or recorded with the likes of Ian & Sylvia
Tyson, Olivia Newton-John, Mary-Margaret O'Hara, Celine Dion, Ronnie
Milsap, Rita MacNeil, Colm Wilkinson, Willie P. Bennett, Murray
McLauchlan, The Pointer Sisters, The Nylons, and Quartette.
http://www.johnsheardmusic.com/
MICHAEL BRENNAN: Michael Brennan is the voice of REAL country music in
Toronto. "Country" with edge, true stories, full of honest characters
who've loved and lost more often than they've won.
http://www.michaelbrennan.ca/
VICTOR BATEMAN: In addition to playing
jazz with the country's top instrumentalists, Victor plays new music,
blues, klezmer, country, and folk with equal commitment, skill and
grace. He has performed with The Good Brothers, Sylvia Tyson and folk
legend Penny Lang.
http://www.victorbateman.com/
STEVE BRIGGS: Longtime 3G fans will remember Briggsy from his days
playing with Gregg in Bloorstation; he is currently
guitarist/mandolinist for cool western swing revivalists The Bebop
Cowboys (NOW Magazine's Best Roots/Country Act).
http://www.bebopcowboys.com
"UNCLE DON"' LAWLESS: The legend himself, back by popular request.
JULIE FITZGERALD: Julie is the current Canadian Junior Fiddle Champion
and has toured Canada extensively with the fiery band Everything Fitz.
http://www.everythingfitz.ca/
KEVIN ZARNETT: Rave reviews seems to follow this most original
singer/songwriter wherever he goes. Gregg produced his debut CD,
"Something Like Happiness". Listen up at:
http://www.thecomplements.com
COUSIN MIKE LAWLESS: The handsome lad just released a fantastic new CD,
recorded live at the Living Arts Centre:
http://www.mikelawless.com
KIRSTEN JONES: Kirsten just took first place at the prestigious, Gibson
Guitars-sponsored Magna "Hoedown Showdown". Find out why by visiting
http://www.kirstenjones.com
MARK INNEO: Mark has paid the bills drumming for major theatrical
productions such as Grease, Little Shop of Horrors, Jesus Christ
Superstar, Chicago, Godspell, Joseph & the Technicolor Dream Coat,
Oklahoma and FAME.
http://www.markinneo.com/
STEVE FALK: Lead vocalist/ harmonica whiz for Party Capital legends "The TNJ Band". The ladies have opined, "He's not too hard on the eyes, eh?"
JOWI TAYLOR: Host of the long-running and
multiple award-winning CBC Radio programme Global Village. Jowi will be
bringing the Six String Nation guitar to the January 27th performance
where it will be both displayed AND played. More info below.
http://www.sixstringnation.com
In other news ...
NOW MAGAZINE PROFILE: Gregg was honoured to perform - and act as MC -
for the 15th annual Riverdale Share concert at The Danforth Music Hall.
Check out the splashy profile from NOW Magazine at:
http://www.nowtoronto.com/issues/2006-12-07/music_feature.php
SUMMER SONG WRITING BINGE: Our 3G Man had originally planned on recording a new CD this past summer but a bunch of new songs got in the way. Twenty five, to be exact. You'll hear at least ten of them on January 27th at Hugh's Room.
SIX STRING NATION: http://www.sixstringnation.com Jowi Taylor is the host of
the long-running and multiple award-winning CBC Radio programme Global
Village. Jowi will be bringing the Six String Nation guitar to my
January 27th performance at Hugh's Room where it will be both displayed
AND played. The guitar is made of more than 60 pieces that are
significant aspects of history or culture from across the country. Most
of the front piece is cut from the Golden Spruce, a majestic
300-year-old tree revered by the Haida-Gwaii of British Columbia. Among
the other parts of the guitar are a gold dot from Maurice Richard's
Stanley Cup ring, decking from the Bluenose II, a piece of Pierre
Trudeau's canoe paddle, part of cowboy John Ware's cabin and a piece of
the oldest rock in the world, found near Great Bear Lake.
http://www.cbc.ca/arts/story/2006/06/30/guitar-canada.html
LAWLESS RADIO IN JANUARY: Gregg will be performing live-to-air for several radio interviews in January. All of these performances can be heard via the internet:
SUN. JAN. 7th, 7-8 PM http://www.ckln.fm/ 88.1 FM
SAT. JAN. 20th, CFMU 93.3, 10 AM - 12 PM Live on the Internet:
http://cfmu.mcmaster.ca/ (in Hamilton, I can drive)
MON. JAN. 22, 7 PM http://www.ciut.fm 89.5 FM
THUR. JAN. 25th, 6 PM http://www.ciut.fm 89.5 FM
FRI. JAN 26th 8:53/9:23/9:47 AM http://www.ciut.fm 89.5 FM
FRI. JAN. 26th 11:30 AM http://www.ckln.fm/ 88.1 FM
SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL CD REVIEW IN EYE WEEKLY
The accolades keep coming; check out the latest review of Gregg's Something Beautiful CD in EYE Weekly:
http://www.eye.net/eye/issue/issue_05.25.06/music/ondisc.html
NEW PHOTOS FROM "LAWLESS DUETS ETC." AND MORE
Check out the latest pix, including shots from Winterfolk, "Lawless Duets Etc.", and more! http://www.gregglawless.com/candid.html and http://www.gregglawless.com/press.html.
LAWLESS RESCUES COUSIN FROM PIANO BAR HELL
Here's a cheeky article from insidetoronto.com that profiles cousin Mike Lawless, whose new One Piano, One Mike CD was produced by our 3G Man:
http://www.insidetoronto.ca/to/villager/story/3509632p-4055180c.html
LAWLESS AND ACOUSTIC ORCHESTRA ON CBC RADIO'S "VINYL CAFE" FOR CANADA DAY
"Songs in the Key of Canada", recorded live at the Algonquin Theatre in Huntsville, will be featured on CBC Radio's "The Vinyl Cafe" with Stuart McLean on July 1st. Please stay tuned for details, or drop by http://www.gregglawless.com/news.html for updates.
Here's a country-wide frequency guide:
http://www.cbc.ca/frequency/
If you're not in Canada you can listen live online:
http://www.cbc.ca/listen/index.html
LITERACY THROUGH MUSIC PROJECT/FINALE CONCERTS
Our 3G man recently celebrated the culmination of 60 visits to 20 schools in York and Peel Regions with live finale concerts at Markham Theatre and The Living Arts Centre in Mississauga. Backed by a first-rate band - horn player Sean O'Connor (JUNO winner w/NOJO, The Sidemen), Hammond organ meister Steve Klodt, drummer Gary Craig (Bruce Cockburn, Blackie & The Rodeo Kings), bassist Marc Rogers (Philosopher Kings, K'naan, Nelly Furtado), and Gregg on guitar - students performed the songs they co-wrote this year as part of the Literacy and Values Through Music programme Gregg leads in schools. http://www.gregglawless.com/literacy.html As an added bonus, the shows were recorded live to CD by Doug McClement's world-famous LiveWire Remote mobile recording unit (LiveWire has recorded everyone from Blue Rodeo to Neil Young to Gordon Lightfoot to Coldplay to 50 Cent to the JUNO awards).
SUMMER SONGWRITING IN HALIBURTON
Gregg be returning for his fourth summer of teaching songwriting at Haliburton's School For The Arts:
The course will be offered this summer at the intermediate/advanced level. If all of your songs are undeniable show stoppers, if you are able to consistently write high-quality songs in several different styles, if you have no problem writing four complete songs over five days, if you're already a seasoned co-writer, if all of the songs on your CD are outstanding, or if you already know everything you'll ever need to know about songwriting, then this course might not be for you.
If, like most songwriting mortals, you've retained some humility and want to learn more, this will be the best $232.27 you ever spend for 47.5 hours of intensive instruction and critique. If you have a friend who may be interested in this course, kindly forward the link above.
More info at:
http://www.gregglawless.com/summersong.html
THE LAWLESS ART GALLERY
Singer/songwriter/entrepreneur Aengus Finnan will be launching The Lawless Gallery in Grafton, ON. on Saturday, May 27th. Aengus recently purchased the former R. Lawless and Sons General Store (built and run by the Lawless family from the early 1800's to the early 1970's) and has turned it into a charming art gallery and live music venue. Grandpa would be pleased. Gregg will be performing "The Shores of Grafton" at the grand opening party. Stay tuned for details.
FRIDAY, MAY 26th: THE LAWLESS COUSINS IN CONCERT AT HUGH'S ROOM
For the many folks wrote after the "Lawless Duets Etc." show to ask, "When can we hear more of Gregg and that handsome cousin of his singing together?" ... here's the answer:
Join cousins Gregg and Mike Lawless (http://www.gregglawless.com/press.html) for a double shot of zany stories, thoughtful songs and tight harmonies at Toronto music lovers' favourite listening venue. Gregg and Mike will be accompanied by Great Big Sea bassist Murray Foster, drummer Mark Kelso (Holly Cole), and the man who tinkles ivories and squeezes accordions like no other, Mr. Steve Klodt (Jeff Healey). Gregg will be debuting a whole slew of new tunes; Mike will be celebrating the release of his excellent new CD, One Piano, One Mike, produced by his 3G cousin and recorded live at the stately Mississauga Living Arts Centre.
Who: Gregg Lawless & Mike Lawless
What: The Lawless Cousins in Concert
When: 8:30 P.M. Friday, May 26th, 2006
Where: Hugh's Room, 2261 Dundas St. W., Toronto, just south of the
Dundas W. subway station.
Dinner is available from 6:00 p.m.
http://www.hughsroom.com/food.html
Tickets: 416-531-6604 or e-mail
Directions/more info:
http://www.hughsroom.com/
http://www.gregglawless.com/
http://www.mikelawless.com/
BLUEBIRD NORTH/CKMU PERFORMANCES
Thanks to those of you who came out to see Gregg host and perform at the celebrated SAC Bluebird North concert. http://www.songwriters.ca/. One of many highlights was hearing great play with Barenaked Ladies' bassist Jim Creegan. And special thanks to CKMU's Jim Marino for making 3G and Steve Briggs feel so welcome at their Hamilton performance with Stephen Fearing and Lynn Harrison.
HOSTING BLUEBIRD NORTH, MARCH 14th
Gregg will be hosting - and playing at - Bluebird North, a one-of-kind musical experience coming to Hugh's Room on Tues. March 14th. Barenaked Ladies fans will note that Ladies' bassist Jim Creegan and his brother Andy will be part of the line up.
Read more about the Bluebird North series at:
http://www.songwriters.ca/
REVIEW OF "LAWLESS DUETS, ETC."
Read up on what you missed - or didn't miss - in this detailed review
of the show of the year:
http://www.itsalive.info/
GORDON LIGHTFOOT TRIBUTE AT HUGH'S ROOM, FEBRUARY 25th
Our 3G man will be part of a grand musical tribute to a legendary national treasure, singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot, featuring a stellar collection of Canadian artists. It's all happening at Hugh's Room on Sat. Feb. 25th.
More info:
http://www.hughsroom.com/
MIKE LAWLESS CD PRODUCTION
Gregg is producing Mike Lawless' yet-to-be-named sophomore CD, recorded live at The Living Arts Centre in Mississauga. Stay tuned for details about the CD release party.
In the meantime, read about cousin Mike at:
http://www.mikelawless.com/
UNFORGETTABLE WHATCHAMACALLITS AT WINTERFOLK
Thanks to those of you who came to The Unforgettable Whatchamacallits' rockin' set at the Winterfolk Festival. As one listener put it, "Man, I can't believe they can get away with playing that kind of stuff at a folk festival!" Precisely. For those of you who abhor dirty slide guitar, funky grooves, and the wackiest choice of roots "covers" around, you'd best steer clear of this group.
RADIO BROADCAST OF "LAWLESS DUETS, ETC."
Valentine's Day is really all about "duets", isn't it? Tune in - with your radio or via the internet - for the airing of Gregg's sold out "Lawless Duets, etc." show, recorded live at Hugh's Room:
Tues. Feb. 14th, 9:00 p.m. E.S.T.
"It's Alive!", CIUT 89.5 FM
Live on the Internet:
http://www.ciut.fm
"LAWLESS DUETS ETC." BOOK NOW!!!
On Saturday, January 28th our 3G man brings his "Lawless Duets Etc." concert to everyone's favourite southern Ontario music venue, Hugh's Room.
Guest include Murray Foster (Great Big Sea), Juno Award winning sax players Sean O'Connor and Kenny Kirkwood (NOJO), guitar/mandolin slinger Steve Briggs (Bebop Cowboys), Aussie roots pioneer Greg Quill, Suzie Vinnick (Maple Blues Awards vocalist of the year), blues harmonica wiz Paul Reddick (The Sidemen), CBC Vinyl Cafe Orchestra pianist John Sheard, and many more.
The evening will also feature music from Gregg's side projects "Songs in the Key of Canada" (w/ Steve Klodt, Sean Cotton, Suzie Vinnick) and roots rebels "The Unforgettable Whachamacallits" (w/ Steve Klodt, Mark Kelso, Suzie Vinnick).
Make your reservations now to make sure that you and 47 of your closest
friends get the best seats available. Call 416-531-6604.
http://www.hughsroom.com/
HUGH'S ROOM JANUARY 28TH: "LAWLESS DUETS" CONCERT CONFIRMED!
Please mark Saturday, January 28th in your calendar for a special "Lawless Duets" concert at everyone's favourite southern Ontario music venue, Hugh's Room. This promises to be a musical evening like no other, in more than one way ... rumour has it that the evening just may be masquerading as a 40th b-day party for the 3-G man. Tickets will be going on sale in early November and Gregg will send a "heads up" note to make sure that you and 47 of your closest friends can reserve the best seats available.
http://www.hughsroom.com/
THIS WEEKEND ON CBC RADIO'S VINYL CAFE
Gregg had the pleasure - along with the rest of The Acoustic Orchestra (Suzie Vinnick, Steve Klodt, Sean Cotton) - to record two performances at The Algonquin Theatre in Huntsville last month. They were the musical guests for a special "Songs in the Key of Canada" version of The Vinyl Cafe with Stuart McLean.
http://www.gregglawless.com/sitkoc.html
http://www.cbc.ca/vinylcafe/
Although the shows they recorded won't be broadcast till Canada Day, you will be able to hear something from the Huntsville experience this weekend on The Vinyl Cafe. Gregg wrote a song in his hotel room called "In a Northern Town"; it described the feeling of visiting a new town, checking in to the hotel, loading in your gear, running through sound check, listening to Stuart muse about the history of great Canadian songwriters, and then having hundreds of people sing along during an evening concert. Once back home, Gregg quickly recorded an acoustic version in Steve Klodt's basement and sent it off to Stuart and producer Jess Milton as a thank you for all of their work in putting the show together ... turns out they liked it. You have two chances to hear the song this weekend on The Vinyl Cafe:
Saturday at 10:00 a.m. (10:30 NT) on CBC Radio Two
Sunday at 12:00 p.m. (12:30 NT) on CBC Radio One
or live on the internet at: http://www.cbc.ca/listen/index.html
NATIONAL POST FEATURE
Check out the feature story of our 3G man in the Friday, September 2nd issue of the National Post!
http://www.nationalpost.com/
HALIBURTON SONGWRITING SUCCESS
Gregg's third summer of teaching songwriting at Haliburton's School For The Arts (http://www.flemingc.on.ca/HSTA/) was another big success. Due to popular demand, the course will be offered next year at the intermediate/advanced level.
While in Haliburton, Gregg was interviewed - and played live - on CANOE-FM, was profiled in the Haliburton and Minden papers, and performed two gala concerts for staff and students in Sir Sandford Fleming College's new auditorium. If you'd like to be kept posted on the songwriting course details, drop us a line at: .
CBC GIG IS A PICNIC
Gregg's first performance while recovering from a herniated disc was at the CBC's staff picnic on Toronto Island. The reviews are in: " ... the band was so accommodating and the musical mix was fantastic! ... I've had nothing but rave reviews from all of our staff ... we'll have you back next year!" (Sylvie McLean, President, CBC Staff Association/Special Events).
LAWLESS PRODUCTION
Not all producers get to record their favourite singer. Gregg just did. He took his croonin' Uncle Don Lawless into Toronto's Kingston Studios to record a nine song CD in early August. Wait till you hear this!
More production info at: http://www.gregglawless.com/production.html.
CANADA COUNCIL / CAPACOA / SONGWRITERS' ASSOCIATION GET LAWLESS
Our 3G man has been hired by the Canada Council to write an article on audience development. The article will be featured in the upcoming Touring/Presenting Guide for Canadian artists and arts presenters. More info at: http://www.canadacouncil.ca/.
Gregg has finished his first year working as a mentor to an up-and-coming indie artist, Josée Deschenes, as part of CAPACOA's (Canadian Arts Presenting Association) mentorship program (http://www.capacoa.ca/). He has also been hired by The Songwriters' Association of Canada to evaluate, critique, and offer feedback to members who submit their songs to the SAC's Song Assessment Service.
More info at: http://www.songwriters.ca/services/songassessment.htm.
LAWLESS FINDS HIS ROOTS IN T.O.
Folks in southern Ontario can catch the 3G man live in action this Friday, September 2nd at 8 pm on the main stage, as part of The Distillery District's City Roots Festival. Other featured acts include Lynn Harrison, Jane Bunnett, Arlene Bishop, Blair Packham, Danny Michel, Swamperella, Russell DeCarle, The Parachute Club, Autorickshaw, Folk Alarm Trio with Kevin Breit, Gregory Hoskins, Vinyl Café – The Musical, Ken Whiteley , Jenny Whiteley, Liam Titcomb, Sue Foley, Justin Rutledge, Scott B. Sympathy, and Suzie Vinnick.
More info at: http://www.torontocityroots.com/
LAWLESS AND ACOUSTIC ORCHESTRA VISIT THE VINYL CAFE
For folks who live in the near north, you can catch Gregg and the rest of The Acoustic Orchestra as they perform tunes from their critically acclaimed "Songs in the Key of Canada" show (http://www.gregglawless.com/sitkoc.html) on Saturday, September 10th and Sunday, September 11th, at Huntsville's brand new Algonquin Theatre. The concerts are being recorded and will be featured on CBC's Vinyl Café with Stuart MacLean later this fall. Stuart McLean is a best-selling author, award-winning journalist and humourist. Tickets are $37.50 for adults and $27.50 for youth. For ticket reservations and more information, please call the Box Office at (705) 789-4975.
GREGG IN THE NEWS
Read about Gregg's history of writing CBC "songs to order":
http://www.yorkregion.com/yr/newscentre/markhameconomistandsun/story/ 2751169p-3184088c.html
Read a feature profile of Gregg in The Mississauga News:
http://www.mississauga.com/mi/arts/
From Toronto.com:
http://www.toronto.com/profile/879693?context=music
Read a feature article from various York Region newspapers:
http://www.yorkregion.com/yr/yrlive/story/2734450p-3165207c.html
From The Alliston Herald:
http://www.simcoe.com/sc/alliston/story/2725333p-3156895c.html
CBC RADIO AIRS "I'M SORRY", SATIRICAL SONG RE: PRIME MINISTER'S ADDRESS TO THE NATION
Last Thursday afternoon I received a call from a CBC Radio producer regarding writing a satirical song about PM Paul Martin's address to the nation; the next morning I performed it live to air on "Metro Morning with Andy Barrie". The song was also picked up in syndication by various CBC affiliates across the country. Click here to hear the MP3! (Large file - 2.15 MB)
LITERACY THROUGH MUSIC PROJECT / FINALE CONCERTS
This songwriting/literacy/performance project involves 90 visits to 30 schools from three Ontario school boards (York Region, Peel District, and Simcoe District). Gregg has been co-writing 30 original songs with Gr. 5-6 students in preparation for three finale performances in major Ontario theatres. The students will be accompanied at their performances by five professional musicians: Gregg Lawless (guitars); Sean O'Connor (sax, clarinet, flute); Steve Klodt (piano, organ, accordion); Russ Boswell (bass); and Mark Kelso (drums).
"LITERACY THROUGH MUSIC" CONCERT / MARKHAM
Wednesday, April 27th, 2005, 7 pm
Markham Theatre, Markham, ON
http://www.city.markham.on.ca/markham/channels/theatre/overview.htm
SCDSB "COMMIT TO CHARACTER" CONCERT / BARRIE
Thursday, May 26, 2005 7:30 pm
Gryphon Theatre, Barrie, ON
http://www.gryphontheatre.com/
PDSB "LITERACY AND VALUES THROUGH MUSIC" CONCERT / MISSISSAUGA
Wednesday, June 1, 2005, 7:30 pm
Living Arts Centre, 4141 Living Arts Drive, Mississauga, ON
http://www.livingartscentre.ca/
SUMMER SONGWRITING COURSE
This will be the third year that Gregg offers - via Sir Sandford Fleming's Haliburton campus - a summer songwriting
course in July. Spend your holiday dipping your toes in to Lake Kashagawigamog, guitar in hand! Check it out at:
http://www.flemingc.on.ca/Courses/CourseOffering.cfm? Course_Code=ARTS308&Section=01&StartDate=18-JUL-05&DeliveryMode=T
INTERNET RADIO INTERVIEW
Gregg will be joining host Steve Fruitman on CIUT 89.5 FM's "Back To The Sugar Camp". If you're not in southern Ontario, you can listen via the internet at http://www.ciut.fm/. Gregg and Steve will be yakking about everything from David Wilcox to Gordon Lightfoot to Geddy Lee to Gregg's show on Saturday, May 7th at the swanky Living Arts Centre in Mississauga.
Thursday, May 5th, 2005
Live radio/internet interview 6 - 7 pm
CIUT 89.5 FM Toronto "Live on the Internet"
http://www.ciut.fm
FULL BAND THEATRE PERFORMANCE AT LIVING ARTS CENTRE, MISSISSAUGA
Gregg played this theatre three years ago during the Wicked Little Buzz tour ... it is an exceptionally classy theatre and a fantastic venue to see a show ... heck, this is Oscar Peterson's venue of choice ... if you missed the sold-out show at Hugh's Room in January then be sure to grab your tix for this one right now! (... easily accessible from highways 401/QEW/403 ... w/ free indoor parking!)
Saturday, May 7, 2005
4141 Living Arts Drive, Mississauga, ON 8:00 pm
905-306-6000 / 1-888-805-8888
http://www.livingartscentre.ca/event_calendar/living_arts/
THE UNFORGETTABLE WHATCHAMACALLITS (shhhhhhhhhhh...)
The Unforgettable Whatchamacallits are better known to industry insiders as "... Gregg Lawless (slide guitars, vox),
Suzie Vinnick (bass, vox), Steve Klodt (Hammond organ, vox), and Mark Kelso (Drums, vox) playing whatever rockin'
roots songs they happen to feel like playing ..." ... could be John Lee Hooker, could be Big Mama Thornton, could be
an old Elvis song, could be a Ska version of a pop song, could be an original that they wrote for the show, could be
them making it up as they go ... whatever it is, it rocks. The UW's will be joining Gregg's cousin, melody meister Mike
Lawless, to celebrate the release of his début CD Patio Rock Star.
http://www.mikelawless.com/
Friday, April 29, 2005
w/ Mike Lawless' CD Release
The Rivoli, 332 - 334 Queen St West, Toronto
(416) 596-1908
http://www.toronto.com/profile/147332/
"SONGS IN THE KEY OF CANADA" THEATRE PERFORMANCE
SANDERSON CENTRE, BRANTFORD
Read the story behind the show, see the poster, find out about the songs, the artists, and the players by clicking here:
http://www.gregglawless.com/sitkoc.html
Read the reviews:
http://www.gregglawless.com/concertreview.html
Wednesday, April 20, 2005 Sanderson Centre, Brantford, ON. 8:00 pm
1-800-265-0710
http://www.sandersoncentre.on.ca/
MILLBROOK CONCERT SERIES PREPARES FOR
LAWLESSNESS
Hot off a "sold out, standing room only" show at Toronto's Hugh's Room, Gregg is bringing his own rootsy brand of "musical lawlessness" to Millbrook's "Give A Hoot" concert series on Saturday, April 2nd at 8 pm.
More info:
http://www.cmnm.ca/content/office/old.htm
PRESS PHOTOS
Gregg now has high-resolution photos up on his new Press page, for use in print media. Be forewarned -- these are very large in size and will take a long time to download using a dialup connection!
GREGG & GREG IN HAMILTON
One of the few Ontario cities Gregg hasn't played is Hamilton ... but that's about to change on Saturday, March 5th, at 9 pm. He'll be playing at the Staircase Cafe Theatre (27 Dundurn St. North), along with Greg Quill & the Usual Suspects.
Check out the poster for the event, or contact the Staircase Cafe Theatre for ticket information.
LAWLESS STAYS HOME FOR WINTERFOLK
Gregg is happy to be staying home for Winterfolk: "It's all happening within three minutes from my home ... and it's been a while since I walked to a gig."
The three-day roots music festival, taking place February 4 - 6 in Toronto's Riverdale neighbourhood, will be held at five clubs within walking distance of the Danforth/Broadview intersection. Winterfolk III features more than 80 artists, and offers live performances, workshops for guitar playing, songwriting, and more.
Gregg's recent show at Hugh's Room marked his 5th consecutive sell-out, in spite of the year's nastiest snowstorm. "I thought of calling in the army to help shovel snow, but that's been done before", says our 3G Man.
Gregg closes the Winterfolk Festival with a showcase performance Sunday, February 6th at 6 pm at The Old Nick, 123 Danforth Avenue, Toronto. See http://www.winterfolk.com/ for more details.
LAWLESS GOES FOR FIVE AT HUGH'S
8:30 PM, SATURDAY, JANUARY 22, 2005
Hugh's Room
2261 Dundas St West, Toronto, ON
Tickets: $15.00 Advance / $20.00 Door
416-531-6604
info@hughsroom.com
Gregg returns for his fifth appearance at Toronto's Hugh's Room on Saturday, January 22th, 2005. The 3 "G" man, who has sold out the venue on each of four previous visits, is coming off a critically acclaimed tour of 10 major Ontario theatres in support of his latest CD release Something Beautiful.
"Mixing pop, country, folk and rock into tight, catchy arrangements is something Lawless does with confident
ease."
— Brent Raynor, NOW Magazine
Do order your tix now ... this show will sell out!
www.hughsroom.com
NEW YEAR'S EVE CONCERT
Friday, December 31, 2004
First Night Toronto Festival
8:30 pm Outdoor Main Stage
Distillery District, Toronto
http://www.firstnighttoronto.ca/explore_biography.php?I=55&CO=Music
TicketMaster (416) 872-1111 or http://www.ticketmaster.ca
PRODUCTION
Gregg has finished producing and playing on two very special Indie CD projects:
... melody meister Mike Lawless' (yes, they're related: first cousins) soon-to-be-released, début CD Patio Rock Star. Look for a live Toronto performance in February!
... and a smart, rootsy CD recording by talented Thornhill singer/songwriter Kevin Zarnett and singer Nurit Suzana (a.k.a. The Complements).
http://www.thecomplements.com/
Want to talk to Gregg Lawless about your next recording project? ...write to .
HOUSE CONCERTS
Although they're not often listed on the SHOWS page of the website, Gregg loves to perform "house concerts" in communities small and large across Ontario. Here's how it works: you invite 30-50 friends to your house and Gregg plays a concert for them. Simple as that! With each person paying a reasonable concert cover charge, it's free for the host... if you want, you can suggest potluck snacks and/or dinner, but it's not necessary... it's a very special and intimate way to experience live music in the comfort of your own home... for more information, write to .
SPREADING THE WORD!
For those of you who have friends and relatives in the areas in which we're playing, please go ahead and make our day: forward our tour dates ... and have your friends/relatives drop by to say "hi" after the show...
CANADA DAY
Thursday, July 1st, Chinguacousy Park, Brampton, ON
All day activities, including The Arrogant Worms, The Bills, and Gregg
Lawless and The Acoustic Orchestra @ 9 pm
http://www.city.brampton.on.ca/economic-development/tourism/events.taf
ALMAGUIN MUSIC FEST
July 17th, 12 - 9 pm, Lions Park, Sundridge, ON
(Hwy. #11, between Huntsville and North Bay)
705-382-5864
CAMP TRILLIUM FUNDRAISER
Some of you will know "The Goodnight Song", from the Greggorian Chance CD ... hear this and many
more at a special outdoor show ...
Saturday, August 14th, 2004, Wellington, ON (time to be confirmed)
http://www.camptrillium.com/
SHELTER VALLEY FOLK FESTIVAL
September 3rd - 5th, Labour Day weekend
Grafton, ON (75 minutes east of Toronto)
A two day family festival in the rural heart of Northumberland - celebrating local artists, artisans, culinary vendors, and
wellness practitioners, as well as an international roster of performing artists.
http://www.sheltervalley.com/festival.html
LITERACY THROUGH MUSIC
The Markham Theatre finale concert for the York Region "Literacy Through Music" (10 songs from 10 schools) pilot project
was a huge success ... the show was sold out in advance ... the concert is being edited into a live CD/video and was
featured with a full-page photo spread in 5 different York Region papers ... Gregg will be visiting 10 new schools
in York Region - and 10 more for the Simcoe Board of Education (Barrie/Orillia area) - in the second year of the project. Online
photo at:
http://www.yorkregion.com/yr/galleries/story/1939062p-2245774c.html
Read about the "Literacy Through Music" program by clicking here.
BLUEBIRD NORTH
Gregg recently performed a Songwriters Association of Canada showcase at The Rivoli in Toronto, as part of their celebrated
"Bluebird North" songwriters' series. Read up about the SAC at:
http://www.songwriters.ca/
LIVE RECORDINGS
Gregg played guitar on recent live recordings by two of Canada's finest folk/roots artists, David Newland (http://www.davidnewland.com/) and Aengus Finnan (http://www.aengusfinnan.com/). David recorded his CD in an old café on Toronto Island; Aengus did his in the historic Grafton Town Hall, right across the street from the old R. Lawless and Sons General Store, c. 1845 - 1970(!)
GREGG LAWLESS ON TOUR 2004: SONGS IN THE KEY OF CANADA
Read the story behind the show, see the poster, find out about the songs, the artists, and the players by clicking here.
Read the reviews for Songs in the Key of Canada.
June 11, 2004
Hugh's Room, Toronto
(416) 531-6604
http://www.hughsroom.com
January 30, 2004
Centre in the Square, Kitchener
1-800-265-8977
http://www.centre-square.com/gregglawless.html
March 3, 2004
Centre for the Arts, St. Catharines
(905) 688-5550 ext. 3257
March 5, 2004
Capitol Theatre, North Bay
1-888-834-4747
March 6, 2004
Brant Park Inn, Brantford
(519) 758-8090 or 1-800-265-0710
March 11, 2004
Markham Theatre, Markham
1-866-768-8801
March 25, 2004
Heritage Theatre, Brampton
(905) 874-2800
March 26, 2004
Imperial Oil Centre, Sarnia
1-877-344-SHOW
http://www.imperialtheatre.net/tickets.php
March 27, 2004
Gryphon Theatre, Barrie
(705) 728-4613
http://www.gryphontheatre.com
April 3, 2004
Kiwanis Theatre, Chatham
1-866-807-7770
April 16, 2004
Centre for the Performing Arts, Oakville
1-888-489-7784
http://www.oc4pa.com/
THE NEW CD
Gregg's long-awaited 3rd CD, Something Beautiful, was released in January, 2004. You can buy it on-line from MapleMusic.com, or use this handy order form.
Check out the reviews for Something Beautiful.
There's also a review of the January 24 CD release party for Something Beautiful.
HANA'S SUITCASE
Gregg composed the song "Hana's Suitcase" with Gr. 8 students from Ventura Park Public School in Thornhill, ON. Have a listen (MP3, 4.3 MB) - and learn more about Gregg's Junior Songwriters' Showcase.
WORKSHOPS!
Gregg recently launched his curriculum-based "Junior Songwriters Showcase" program for schools and word is spreading quickly. Over 50 workshops in the first 6 months! Check it out.
SONGSTAGE NORTH
On Saturday, November 15th, Gregg will be the guest host and featured performer for the Songwriters' Association of Canada
"SongStage North" Series in Richmond Hill.
1:00 - 4:00 PM
Urban Cafe
8763 Bayview Avenue, Richmond Hill, ON
(Bayview & Hwy 7, just north of Hwy 7 on the East side)
(905) 707-1311
http://www.songwriters.ca/calendar/index.htm
TORONTO SHOWS
Wednesday, July 30th
12 - 2 pm
Nathan Phillips Square, Toronto
http://www.city.toronto.on.ca/special_events/canada/location.htm
Sunday, June 8th, 12:25 pm
Foodshare's Field to Table Festival
Grange Park, Toronto
Just south of Art Gallery of Ontario, 317 Dundas St. West
(Between Beverly and McCall, north of Queen St. at end of John)
http://www.foodshare.net/upcoming02.htm
SUMMER SONGWRITING COURSE!!!
If you - or some one you know - is interested in a summer songwriting course at Sir Sandford Fleming's Haliburton campus, now's the time to confirm your reservation. Spend your holiday dipping your toes into Lake Kashagawigamog, guitar in hand! Check it out at: http://www.musesmuse.com/markets.html.
HUGH's ROOM 2nd ANNIVERSARY PARTY
Gregg Lawless
Penny Lang
Eve Goldberg
The Bettys and The Bobs
Tim Harrison
... hard to believe that 2 years have passed since Hugh's Room opened its doors. Much celebration and great music are planned for the 2nd Anniversary Gala on April 11... tickets are moving quickly, so best to call early to reserve.
WHERE:
2261 Dundas St. W. (just south of the Dundas W. subway station, btw Roncesvalles & Bloor), Toronto
INFO/TIX:
(416) 531-6604 / info@hughsroom.com
WEB:
www.hughsroom.com
GOURMET DINING:
6 pm onwards. Details at www.hughsroom.com/food.html
ALBERTA TOUR!
Gregg's back for a few shows and a bunch of media appearances! Mark a date in your calendar, call your friends and grab some tix!
Friday, March 7th:
- A-Channel TV performances for "The Big Breakfast" and "Wired"
- interview on CBC Radio's drive home show, "The Homestretch", from 4 - 6 PM
- evening house concert in Calgary
Saturday, March 8th:
8:30 PM, Karma Local Arts House, 139 - 33rd Avenue S.W., Calgary
Phone: (403) 217-7955
Monday, March 10th:
8 PM Drayton Valley Theatre (sold out)
Wednesday, March 12th:
- A-Channel TV performance for "The Big Breakfast"
- afternoon songwriting workshop (sold out)
- 7:30 PM Horizon Stage Theatre, Spruce Grove
http://www.horizonstage.com/
INTERNET RADIO!
Gregg is the featured artist on CKUA's "Folkroutes with Tom Coxworth" this Sunday, March 2nd, from 4 - 6 PM Alberta time (that's 6 - 8 PM for Ontarians!). Listen via the internet at http://www.ckua.com/. Tom will be airing an interview he taped last fall with Gregg ... there are four "live" performances, and information regarding the upcoming Alberta Tour.
CBC Radio Appearance RESCHEDULED!
February 5, 2003 (Wednesday), 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Toronto, ON
On Wednesday, February 5, Gregg will be the "house guest" on CBC Toronto's "Here and Now" Drive home show. He will join host Avril Benoit from 4:00pm - 6:00pm to chat about playing at Massey Hall, working at Camp Trillium, touring in Canada as an "indie" musician, and leading songwriting workshops in schools. Be sure to tune in at 4 p.m. EST on CBC Radio 99.1 FM... or live on the Internet at http://www.toronto.cbc.ca/hereandnow.
MASSEY HALL PERFORMANCE!
February 8, 2003 (Saturday)
Massey Hall
Toronto, ON
Gregg saw his first concert at Massey Hall—Gordon Lightfoot in 1975—and now he's taking to the stage!
On Saturday February 8th, help make memories for children living with cancer and experience a true All Star Canadian Talent line up when music legends–Lighthouse, 54/40, Wide Mouth Mason, Kevin Hearn & Thinbuckle, The Rheostatics, Animotion, Alfie Zappacosta, Freddy Curci, Wendy Lands, Jim Witter, Jerry Doucette, The Bill Hilly Band, Jordan Cook, The Spoons, SAB, host Mike Richards and Gregg take the stage at Massey Hall–these Canadian greats will show you what Canadian music is all about!
Gregg will be singing his "Goodnight Song" (from the "Greggorian Chance" CD), written during his summer working as a counsellor at Camp Trillium, and now officially adopted as the camp's theme song.
Tickets (including GST): $60.00 Reserved Seating. Available at Massey Hall/Roy Thomson Hall Box Offices and all Ticketmaster outlets; or call (416) 870-8000 to charge, or order on-line at http://www.ticketmaster.ca.
A "SELL OUT" AT HUGH'S ROOM!
Thanks to all who helped make the Toronto date, January 18, at Hugh's Room such a big success (...in the words of CBC Radio's Andy Barrie: "SRO!").