On the Next TTBTGH

I'm taking part in the MS Society Biking to the Viking event where I'll be riding from Stonewall to Gimli on Saturday and then back again on Sunday. Although I do plan to be back by 2, you just never know, and I have a feeling I'll be a bit tired, so I won't be in the studio. There will be a pre-recorded episode for you to enjoy (it'll be posted on the downloads page before then, so check back soon).

Or, you can check out some of the items still up for auction here: MS Bike Tour page

As I've mentioned to some of you, again this year I'll be taking part in the MS Bike Tour to raise money and awareness for the MS Society. It's a very worthwhile cause that hits very close to home for me. I could really use your support. I am humbled and honoured that some gracious friends/listeners have supported the cause already. Their generousity is so much appreciated, but I'm looking for as many folks to help out as possible.

This week on Tell the Band to Go Home, I'll be having my first (and probably last) charity radio auction. I have a whole bunch of CDs, some DVDs, VHS, books, etc that I'll be giving away in return for pledges to the MS Bike Tour. There are some great CDs (yeah, there's some mystery junk too) that I'll be auctioning off on the air this week. You can call or email in a "bid" on any of the items listed, and the highest bid gets the item (hopefully others will still be willing to pay...). ALL of the money goes to the MS Society, so no matter how much you pledge, it will help out. You can bid as much or as little as you want for as many items as you want. It's all going to a really great cause.

I have returned from far off lands with tales to tell. OK, so it wasn't quite as far as it sometimes seemed, but still, my trip to Ontario for the Hillside Festival (and much more) was a big success, and a lot of fun, but I'm glad to be back home and back on the air, live this Sunday. To celebrate (and because I'm putting off all of the many, many other things that I have to do...), in addition to the usual jam-packed exciting edition of Tell the Band to Go Home, this week we present two special bonus hours of A Collector's Guide to Jeff's Musical Universe. Marc Giguere, who normally hosts A Connoisseur's Guide to Jigger's Musical Galaxy from noon-2 isn't coming in this week, and although I'm absolutely sure it isn't what he had in mind, I'm going to fill in for him. He normally does an hour of blues and then an hour of psychadelic/prog rock, and I'm going to do my best to suit the format (although Rheostatics are likely as psychadelic or prog as I get). Tune in to see what happens.

Tell The Band to Go Home

Sunday, August 3

12:00 pm to 4:00 pm central

www.tellthebandtogohome.com

on CJUM 101.5 UMFM in Winnipeg

Listen online live at www.umfm.com.

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Well, in case you hadn't heard, Fred's coming to town again. I wish I had a guest lined up so that I could enact The Fred Eaglesmith Clause in this space, but the usual dorky unsubscribe message will have to do. If that's what you want, you know what to do. But if I don't unsubscribe you or something goes wrong, blame Fred, will ya?

When I was younger, I thought that cancer was about the scariest thing in the world. I've seen far too many people afflicted with that horrible disease, and I never want anyone to have to live through that again. But the thing about cancer is that it is treatable, it is somewhat preventable in some cases, and usually, you can see it coming and deal with it somehow. Recently, I've been learning a lot about a disease that I think might be even more scary. It's called Multiple Sclerosis, and someone close to me is affected. Luckily, this person is for the most part as happy and healthy as you and I are, but that could change at any time, and in a number of different ways. MS is highly unpredictable, and it can strike at any time. The MS Society has this to say:

"Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system — the brain and spinal cord. In its most common form, MS has well defined attacks followed by complete or partial recovery. The severity of MS, progression and specific symptoms cannot be predicted at the time of diagnosis.

MS symptoms are unpredictable and vary greatly from person to person. Symptoms may include: vision disturbances such as double or blurred vision; extreme fatigue; loss of balance; problems with coordination; stiffness of muscles; speech problems; bladder and bowel problems; short-term memory problems, and even partial or complete paralysis. Please keep in mind, not all people with MS will experience all symptoms and often the symptoms will improve during periods of remission."

Basically, although there are things you can do to help your chances, and treatments you can undergo when the disease strikes, you really have very little control over how and when it strikes, or what happens after that. So basically you live knowing that someday, somehow, you will likely have to go through the fight of your life, and you don't know what the outcome will be. Although MS doesn't usually kill people, it does make life really, really difficult, and it's always really frightening.

Again this year I'll be participating in the MS Bike Tour where I and a bunch of other folks will (try to) cycle from Stonewall to Gimli on Saturday, August 23, and then back again on the next day. Last year I took part in this great event. The ride there was certainly a challenge, but I'll be honest, I didn't feel like I was really suffering for the cause too much. Sunday was another story. I suddenly felt for all of the people who have real struggles in life, because a crippling head-wind was making it almost impossible to keep my bike up straight. I've never worked so hard in all my life or been so frustrated and tired. I did what people with MS can't ever do, I said enough's enough and got a ride home in a comfortable car and didn't have to fight any more. This year, that wind isn't going to get me down. I'm going to make it all the way there and back (or so I plan...).

But in order to do that, I need your support. By making a pledge to the MS Bike Tour, you're helping me to support someone I love, and you're helping the almost 75,000 Canadians living with the disease, as well as their countless friends, family members, and supporters. I'm asking you to give whatever you can so that someday these people can live more peacefully, not having to worry about this devastating disease. If you think you're up for the challenge, join me on the ride. All of the cool kids are on a "team" and someday, I'd love to be a cool kid. Let me know if you want to ride along. Or, if you're not a rider and don't have a few bucks to spare, you can volunteer to help out. You can email: <candace.gower@mssociety.ca> if you'd like to help out.

Ok, that's my fancy way of saying that I'm too damn busy to update this page every frickin' week. I'm a busy guy. You got a problem with that? Update website yourself then! (I'm kidding, really, but if there is anyone who has a burning desire to get into the no-paid profession of TTBTGH.com website maintenance, you just let me know, mmmmkay?)

But seriously, you'll hear some great music, a lot of chatter, the occasional screw up, and maybe an interview or interesting comment or two. If that's not good enough, make a request or suggestion or come and host a show with me! Just drop me a line to inquire about any of those.

Hey, did you hear the Fred Eaglesmith "Will He or Won't He" Show? Well, folks around the world did, and one of them, Rob, in the Netherlands, has been kind enough to post my interview with Fred on his great website.

Why is it that in Winnipeg we can go for weeks at a time with nothing much going on, and then all of a sudden it's non-stop action? Just when I'm back to school and actually have to be up in the morning and all of that, I've got two amazing shows, two days in a row that'll keep me up late. I'm not complaining, believe me.

Monday, September 20 at Times Change(d) High & Lonesome Club, I just have to go and see Geoff Berner, Carolyn Mark, and Ford Pier. That's an amazing lineup, don't you think? You've heard Geoff Berner on the show before, so I don't have to tell you how great he is. Recently, I saw Carolyn Mark in concert for the first time and was blown away. She's been called the most entertaining woman in Canada, and I will not argue. Onstage, she's wild, wacky, exciting, interesting, sexy, and smart. This week, we'll get to find out a bit more about her as Carolyn joins us live via the telephone. Once we've learned all there is to know about Carolyn, she'll pass the phone over to her pal Ford Pier. You might have seen Ford as part of Martin Tielli's backup band. He's an accomplished songwriter and performer in his own right, and he's got a great new album to introduce us to.

Tuesday, September 21 at the West End Cultural Centre, my old friend David Francey returns with Kieran Kane & Kevin Welch. I've been going on and on about this show for weeks, and for good reason. This is bound to be the most solid night of entertainment this year. With three amazing singer/songwriters being joined by virtuoso multi-instrumentalist Fats Kaplan, this is bound to be a stellar night of music. We'll catch up with David Francey via the telephone to talk about the new album and touring with those fine folks.

Music & conversation with Carolyn Mark, Ford Pier, and David Francey, this Sunday.

Crystal ball, crystal ball, what do you see? Tell me what next week's show will bring to me....

Damn. The crystal ball's broken, again, so I have no idea what will transpire on the next episode. YET. But check back closer to show time and we'll see if the crystal ball repair people can get this thing working again and tell us what's in store for the next TTBTGH.

Whenever there's an artist that I'm a fan of in Winnipeg on a Sunday, I do everything I can to get them live in the studio. And I must say, I've been pretty darn successful in the past. Past guests include Stephen Fearing, Eric Bogle, Luke Doucet, and a whole lot more. Of course, not everybody is in town on a Sunday and not everyone can make it down to the studio, so I often line up phone interviews as well.

But sometimes... artists, no matter how good my instructions and no matter how much they promise to be there, sometimes... well... sometimes they just don't call or show up. It's a part of life. Usually there's a good excuse. Sometimes, however, the artist just forgets, screws up the time, needs dental work, or just plain doesn't feel like talking to me. I can't blame 'em, really.

And nobody has been a no-show more times than Fred Eaglesmith. I don't know what it is, but Fred and I just can't seem to connect. In 2002, I went for weeks at a time trying to talk to Fred. WEEKS! Every week, his wonderful publicist would tell me "he'll be there this time." Every week I had numbers where I could contact Fred if he didn't call (I've heard his answering machine message many, many times. I've also spoken to band-members, ex-wives, children, publicists, etc...) but no matter what the situation, no Fred. (I should mention that I did FINALLY get to speak to Fred (briefly) on December 23, 2002, but he phoned almost two hours late, with only a few minutes left in my show, from a pay phone in Port Dover. It was Christmas, so I forgave him.)

If you've been a listener for a while, you may remember "The Fred Eaglesmith Clause," which I used to enact whenever I had an interview scheduled. It said that although I've gone to great lengths to ensure that the interview will happen, I will not be held responsible for musicians who fail to call or show up for whatever reason. It ain't my fault, folks.

Well, this Sunday, Fred will be in Winnipeg. For weeks, I've been working on getting him in the studio, and I thought I had it all lined up. All of the Ts were dotted and the Is were crossed (or something like that), or so I thought. Well, I have reason to doubt that old Fred isn't going to make it. But there's always hope, brothers and sisters. So, with that hope (but a strong sense of reality) in mind, I proudly present:

We'll hear classic Fred. New Fred. Fred tributes. Fred covers. Fred co-writes. Past Fred interviews.

And maybe, just maybe, if we're really good Fredheads, we'll hear from the man himself.

But the fun doesn't stop there. For years now, I've been dying to see Willie P Bennett perform live. We see him all the time as part of Fred's band, but I've never heard him sing one of his own amazing songs live. Well, with him in Winnipeg, I just HAD to try and get him in the studio, also, so I could finally see him perform. I'm doing everything I can to make that happen. Tune in...

I can't make any promises about Fred, but it looks like we do have one very exciting special guest all lined up. Opening for Sarah Harmer on Sunday at Pantages Playhouse Theatre will be American singer/songwriter Josh Ritter. This guy is a pretty big deal in The States and Europe, but is just starting to get noticed in Canada.

His new album Hello Starling should go a long way toward introducing this talented musician in our country. It's a wonderful collection of beautiful story songs. I can't wait to hear more from this guy after hearing this album. And it looks like I'll get my chance.

Now that all of the Juno shenanigans are over, it's back to celebrating great Canadian music every week, not just celebrating mediocrity once a year. And this week, Tell the Band to Go Home returns from the Juno break with an action packed spectacular, showcasing some amazing Canadian talent that is award winning, in our eyes. And once again, we'll prove that there are very different types of singer/songwriters.

On Monday night at the newly saved Dregs Cafe, a wonderfully talented songwriter named Anne Louise Genest pays us a visit. Anne Louise is from the Yukon and has an insight into the human condition that is rare and special. Her songs are wonderfully vivid snippets of life that continue to astonish me. A true folk singer who writes about true folk, Anne Louise is one for fans of heartfelt songs. On her way to town, Anne Louise will give us a ring and let us know how she comes up with those wonderful songs.

Yeah, we like the folk music just fine on this show, but everyone knows I've got a love of a great pop song, and we'll hear from one of Canada's finest up and coming pop/rock songwriters, Andy Stochansky. Andy's been perfecting his craft over the course of his previous three full length discs and a couple of EPs, not to mention his work as Ani Difranco's drummer for a number of years (back when she was cool and great), but his latest CD threatens to turn him into a star. With marvellous melodies and thoughtful lyrics, not to mention a dynamic stage presence (and the ladies think he's dreamy, too), 100 is the kind of album that I love, and I know you will too. Andy plays at the West End on April 13. I know I'll be there, and after hearing him on the show, I hope you will too.

But the big headliner of this show is big indeed. Everyone knows that I'm a passionate music nerd, and that is largely thanks to the very special guests that are scheduled to stop by after 3:00. Everyone knows that the greatest Canadian band of all time is the Rheostatics. When I first heard them, my life changed forever. Well, actually it took a while for me to "get" that band and come over to the bright side. But as I was warming up to them, I was introduced to a band that was much more accessible and seemed to sing songs that were tailor made for me as I came of age. The Lowest of the Low are one of the greatest Canadian bands of all time, and I'll believe that until the day I die. Largely thanks to the insightful and intelligent lyrics of Ron Hawkins, The Lowest of the Low have made some of the most important albums in Canadian history. If you don't believe me or haven't been won over yet, tune in this week for a very, very special live, in-studio appearance by The Lowest of the Low, who bring their awesome live show to the Pyramid that same night. And if you weren't going to tune in just to hear this great band, tune in to hear how badly I embarass myself when confronted by some of my idols in the flesh.

There's something so powerful about the way different voices can blend into one sweet sound. And today, TTBTGH presents some of the sweetest harmonies around.

First up, a visit by my good friends, the internationally renowned, Juno award winning Wailin' Jennys. They've come a long way in a short time, and I've been along for the ride every step of the way. I've had the pleasure of having the girls in a number of times, but this was the first time with the new Jenny, Annabelle. We chatted about the Juno, the past, the future, and even Disco Grover. It's always a bit silly when the girls stop by, and this was certainly no exception, but it was also very interesting and enlightening also.

In hour 2, a look back at one of my favourite in-studio interviews of all time. Last December Michael Johnston and Reid Jamieson came in and totally wowed me. I was already a big fan of them individually, so there was no reason to expect anything to improve upon my already high opinion of them, but hearing the way their voices blended was pure magic. In my eyes, this is a combo that deserves to be recorded and heard by all, and even if they don't make it onto CD in the near future, at least I have a recording of their great live visit where they sang and played and talked for almost a full hour, and in honour of Reid's upcoming visit to Winnipeg, we took a listen back to this magical appearance.

The huge staff (well, they're not all huge since we started on The Atkins Diet) in the Tell the Band to Go Home head office are busy working 19 hour days putting this week's show together. They're way too busy to update the website yet, but we'll crack the whips and get some info up here for you ASAP. Don't forget to tune in this Sunday to find out what they come up with.

This is the time that I wait all year for. The Winnipeg Folk Festival is very soon upon us, and it is my favourite weekend of the year. When I first discovered the Folk Festival, it changed my life forever. I had no idea what amazing music there was out there, because I hadn't been hearing most of it anywhere else. And that's why I got interested in doing a radio show like TTBTGH, because other than the festival, you just don't hear great artists like the ones we've got on the show today. And with all of the artists and excitement, you won't get to know many of the festival performers as well as you'd like or as well as you should, so we'll have a look at the lineup this week on TTBTGH and introduce you to some folks I know you're going to love, and somehow, we're going to help each other decide what to see at the festival. It's not going to be easy.

First up, a dear friend who's been on the show before, but that I haven't seen or heard from in quite some time. I first met her when she came on UMFM with two other friends, Ruth Moody and Nicky Mehta, in 2002, to talk about two shows that they were planning together. I knew it was going to be something special, but the girls had no idea that within a couple of short years, they'd be touring the world and winning a Juno. But before then, Cara "Lovely" Luft was a solo artist with a promising future. The call of that freedom and independence was strong, so in 2004, she decided to focus on her solo career once more. SInce then, she's been hard at work on new material, and has done some touring on her own. She'll reconnect with many friends and fans in Winnipeg at The Folk Fest this year, but first, she'll drop by to sing, chat, and catch up with us this Sunday.

Absolutely the best thing about the Folk Festival is getting to discover amazing new performers that you weren't familiar with before. I like to think that I've got a pretty good sense of what's going to hit and what's going to miss at the festival, and this week, I've scheduled chats with a couple of the performers that I know are going to be huge hits at this year's festival.

Whatever happened to country music? When Hank invented country music, he intended it to be something powerful, personal, and genuine. Since then, we've seen the sad state of country on radio and TV, but Wayne "The Train" Hancock proves that some folks are making country music as it was intended. Hancock is clearly a disciple of Hank's tradition, and he displays it well. His brand of country/honky tonk/swing, although schooled in old-tyme tradition, is so refreshing and exciting that I just know Winnipeg Folk Fest attendees are going to eat it up. It will only take one song for you to see what I mean. Tune in this week to hear a little taste of what you're in for when this amazing performer steps on stage at the festival.

I suspect maybe you've heard of a little singer/songwriter named Tom Waits? Yeah, thought so. He's one of the most unique and influential singer/songwriters of our time, so when he talks, people tend to listen. So when he called our final guest, Jesse DeNatale "a unique and original American voice," I knew that I had to find out more. When I first heard, DeNatale's disc, Shangri-La West, it became an instant favourite. His voice is gritty and powerful (it owes much to Waits), his melodies are memorable and inviting, and his lyrics are vivid and powerful. Again, it won't take long for the whole festival site to be buzzing about this guy, so get the early jump on all of those other folks by hearing his music and stories this Sunday.

We're surely in for one of the most amazing Winnipeg Folk Festivals in a long, long time, so tune in to this week's Tell the Band to Go Home for a preview and some help finding your way around the busy schedule.

	Tell the Band to Go Home Sunday, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. central time on UMFM 101.5