News From Bernie Finkelstein
2 September 2008 - Bernie Finkelstein sent along some news on the upcoming solo-live recording.
This will be a double CD.
There will be a section at the end of the CD tentatively called "The
Soundcheck" which, as you can imagine was recorded during various
soundchecks and includes some chat, Bruce doing some jamming on his
twelve string and part of a old old song that Bruce has never released
in the past, as well as a great version of Kit Carson.
There is another new song on the CD called "City is Hungry".
Until the record is mastered I don't want to confirm all of the repertoire as it's still subject to change, however some of the
highlights at least for me are World Of Wonders,
Tibetan Side Of Town,
Soul Of A Man and Wait No More. But with over 18 songs on the CD everyone will have their own favourites.
There is no fixed release date yet for the CD but it could come out by
the end of this year but most likely early 2009.
The TV special and it's companion DVD will not come out until sometime
late next year (2009) but will take some time to finish. The TV world
is slower than the music world but the show is looking great but it's
moving along slowly but deliberately.
That's it for now. ~ from Bernie Finkelstein - www.finkelsteinmanagement.com
ARTISTS FOR BOB CONCERT
A concert featuring Canada’s best musicians and writers took place Saturday, 14 June 2008 at Sydenham Street United Church in Kingston. Bruce Cockburn, Susan Aglukark, David Francey, Jenny Whiteley, Joey Wright, Terry Tufts, Unity, and the Algonquin Drummers performed. The event will raise funds for Robert Lovelace, father, retired chief of the Ardoch Algonquin First Nation and Queen’s University professor, who has been imprisoned for his peaceful opposition to uranium mining in North Frontenac. All proceeds from the benefit concert will go to Bob Lovelace through a trust fund established for him by OPIRG Kingston. (Bob won his appeal and was released 2 weeks before this concert took place.)
Nancy Bouwma, frequent contributor to the CockburnProject, sent us the following report and scans of the concert program which are linked to full size pdf files.
14 June 2008 :: at Sydenham Street United Church
We were at the Artists for Bob show last night in Kingston, ON and I'm very pleased to say that Bob Lovelace was in attendance himself at the event. Bob was released on May 27th, his fines and his sentence were reduced and he was set free.
It was a very powerful and emotional evening that started with The Ardoch Algonquin Manomin Keezis singers and allies performing the Grandfaher drum. The scene was made complete with young adult dancers in ceremonial dress of the Ardoch Algonquin First Nations.
Each performer has a personal link to this whole uranium mine situation. The songs that were performed and the words that were shared left us feeling empowered and motivated to take action.
Bruce was introduced to the stage by Sarah Harmer. He stepped onto the stage and immediately broke into The Trouble with Normal. He followed with Indian Wars, Stolen Land and A Dream Like Mine. Each song was greeted with extended applause, especailly Stolen Land.
Sarah Harmer joined Bruce on A Dream Like Mine with amazing harmonies. I had never heard him tell the story associated with A Dream Like Mine before. He had been asked to write a song for a movie soundtrack based on a book that he had never read. He had a basic knowledge of the book and thought that A Dream Like Mine would be suitable. The producer did not share this line of thought and chose not to use the song, Bruce figured the deciding factor was because he had not bothered to read the book.
Bruce also shared a story about walking downtown in Kingston and running into an aquaintance. This person told Bruce that he thought maybe Bruce should rethink doing this anti-uranium mine fundraiser. The aquaintance stated that there is a world wide demand for uranium and perhaps we should consider exporting it in large quantities. Bruce reacted by saying that by exporting uranium we would be no better than the Taliban exporitng opium, they are both poison aren't they?
Each performer was limited to just a few songs so when Bruce was finished he exited the stage during the crowds standing ovation to make way for the next performer.
People may be interested to note that the event was being filmed by two different documentary film makers. CBC and CTV news were also supposed to be in attendance. ~submitted by Nancy Bouwma.
Related Links
(Artists for Bob Program in pdf format)
Artists for Bob Program
Artists for Bob Program
Artists for Bob Program
Interviews with Bruce and other online articles
Musical star-power unites for Algonquin cause
Musicians unite -
Ellen Hamilton organizes 19-song benefit disc
Released on June 14, 2008, this various artists benefit CD contains 19 tracks. Bruce contributed Stolen Land.
CDs can be ordered by contacting Ellen at Leopard Frog Studio.
The Recording Tour
16 June 2008 - Bruce was recently on the road doing several shows on the East coast which were recorded for a new Live CD and a new Bio DVD. This report comes from CockburnProject contributor, Doug, who happened to have been at 5 of these shows.
How I Spent My (Spring) Vacation
I have been a lover of music for as long as I can remember. My father, who worked at a radio station during my early childhood, had a deep appreciation for "Big Band" music, and the sounds of Sinatra and Benny Goodman and Glenn Miller filled my home. In addition to these more classic sounds, my family was also the beneficiary of the radio’s station excess "promo" records of "modern"(i.e., late 60's/early 70's) songs, and I quickly developed an appreciation for a broad range of eclectic music. This interest in music translated into a much beloved record collection of my own, as well as an early taste of the beauty of live music, which I would seek out whenever possible.
Skip ahead to 1991, when I visited a local record/CD store with a listening station, anxious to sample the new releases of the day. Turning the dial to a CD entitled Nothing But a Burning Light, I heard, for the first time, the music of Bruce Cockburn. I was immediately struck by the depth of the lyrics; the wisdom and character of Cockburn’s vocals; the superb and diverse melodies and arrangements; and, last, but not least, the spiritual longing that seemed to touch every song on that record. I went to the checkout counter to make my purchase, and was immediately hooked.
In short order, I purchased the entire back catalogue of Bruce’s music. I discovered the outstanding (although now defunct) Cockburn news letter "Gavin’s Woodpile", and my appreciation for Bruce’s music and artistry increased exponentially. I finally was able to see Bruce in concert during the Dart to the Heart tour, and have since seen him in concert dozens of times, in places as diverse as Maryland; Washington, D.C.; Pennsylvania; New Hampshire; Washington (State); and California. I have never been disappointed by a Bruce Cockburn concert, and always walk away better for the experience.
I try to see Bruce in concert whenever I can, and track both the web version of Gavin’s Woodpile and the outstanding "Cockburn Project" on a regular basis to learn about Cockburn’s tour plans. I was delighted to discover a few months ago that Bruce would be touring the in the northeast area of the U.S., as close as Sellersville, Pennsylvania (2 hours driving) and nearby New England (a mere 1 hour plane ride). Checking my schedule, I realized that by combining work and travel, I could take in five (5) Bruce concerts over a nine (9) day period, and that is exactly what I did! This is my report.
May 14, 2008: The Iron Horse - Northampton, Mass.
First up was the opening night of Bruce’s northeast tour, at the Iron Horse in Northampton, Massachusetts. I arrived relatively early, but was greeted by a long line of fans who had arrived even earlier to get the best possible seats for this general admission show. (No harm in a later arrival, though, because the Iron Horse is a very intimate venue, and there is scarcely a bad seat in the house.)
There was a camera crew outside the event talking to fans about their interest in Bruce as part of a forth-coming documentary on Bruce to be aired in his native Canada. Everyone was eager to talk, and it was apparent that this was a crowd that was very familiar with Bruce and his music.
Although I am often disappointed by opening acts (they only delay my seeing the artist that I really came to see/hear), this opening set by Catherine Maclellan was a very pleasant exception to the rule. Catherine had a beautiful and captivating voice, and her sparse arrangements and seemingly simple songs revealed a gift for writing songs that seem almost timeless. I found myself looking forward to Catherine’s opening sets on each of the following evenings.
Finally, the moment arrived for the "main act", with Bruce looking pleased to be on stage, albeit with a slight (but nevertheless apparent) awkward awareness of the multiple video cameras pointed in his direction. He was dressed in black, and surrounded by his stunningly beautiful Manzers – three, including his gorgeous sunburst 12-string -- and his bright and shiny Dobro.
Bruce was chattier than usual, which was nice, as he is such a quick wit that I often enjoy his banter almost as much as his music. Here is the set list for the first night:
Going to the Country,
Lovers in a Dangerous Time,
Last Night of the World,
See You Tomorrow,
Night Train,
Life Short Call Now,
Beautiful Creatures (spellbinding/beautiful -- full of humanity),
Wait No More (on the Dobro -- the highlight of the night. Smoking,
smoking guitar work),
Tell the Universe,
Put it in Your Heart,
Wondering Where the Lions Are,
If a Tree Falls,
Mystery,
Encore:
King Kong Goes to Tallahassee,
How I Spent My Fall Vacation (with Bruce visibly delighted with the audience’s impromptu, robust singing of the chorus’ "de-de-de-de-de-de-da-da-da-da").
If I had a Rocket Launcher,
Child of the Wind (hauntingly beautiful)
This was a very appreciative crowd, although marred by a few that were so loud that they were drowning out Bruce’s performance. But for this unfortunate distraction, it was a great musical night. ("Bonus" of the night was meeting the very talented and exceptionally gracious Colin Linden, who was off to the side acting as producer for the upcoming live CD. I have been an admirer of Colin for years, and was very glad to have met him.)
May 15, 2008: The Iron Horse - Northampton, Mass.
Same venue as the previous night, with an equally large (but more respectful) crowd. The set list:
World of Wonders (I was almost relieved to hear this song. Bruce’s acoustic rework of the title track from a much older album is a masterpiece, and stands first in line as an absolute "must" for the upcoming CD.)
Last Night of the World, See You Tomorrow (Bruce prefaced this song by commenting that "some of you were here last night, so you will have to hear this story again. I know that you were here last night because I am psychic.")
Night Train (A brilliant performance. I'll bet money that this night's version will make the live CD. Perfection; the crowd knew it and Bruce knew it. He said maybe he should stop right there and quit while he was ahead!).
Lovers in a Dangerous Time, Life Short Call Now, Beautiful Creatures (Bruce talked about writing this song while living in Montreal. He said that he came to realize that although there was no life in the concrete that he saw everywhere, there was still life beneath all of the concrete.) Wait No More (The most dazzling of all of Bruce’s performances.) Let the Bad Air Out (Played in response to a "call out" from the crowd, and appears to have been impromptu . . . ). Put it in Your Heart (Bruce struggled with the lyrics on this one.)
Trouble with Normal (Great! Fun to watch producer Colin Linden get into this song, playing air guitar along with Bruce.)
Wondering Where the Lions Are, If a Tree Falls, Mystery (I love the guitar work on this).
Encore:
End of All Rivers, Pacing the Cage, How I Spent My Fall Vacation (This song was sung with Bernie "Bernie in his dream"
Finkelstein standing 10 feet away -- how cool is that?!?
Last night I had the privilege of meeting Colin Linden. Tonight it was the privilege of meeting the legendary (and gracious) Bernie Finkelstein. It was a great night.
May 16, 2008 - Somerville Theatre, Somerville, Mass
The next morning, I made the beautiful drive from western Massachusetts to the Boston area. The venue was a beautiful old movie theater, and the crowd was large (but not sold out). Another great night of Bruce music (with the video cameras still rolling)! Here is the set list:
Going to the Country ("Let’s start from the beginning"),
Lovers in a Dangerous Time, Last Night of the World, See You Tomorrow, Night Train, Life Short, Call Now,
Beautiful Creatures (Bruce prefaced with an elaborate telling of the "last time" he took LSD. I can’t do the story justice – perhaps he’ll include it on his live CD.)
Wait No More (stupendous, as always),
This is Baghdad, Put it in Your Heart, Wondering Where the Lions Are, If a Tree Falls,
Mystery.
Encore:
Stolen Land (Smoking!), Pacing the Cage, All the Diamonds (my favorite Bruce song - downright holy).
My impressions following the show: "Bruce's guitar playing and arrangements are absolutely symphonic.
Every song -- literally ~every~ song -- is a stand-alone musical masterpiece." I returned to Maryland completely edified by three (3) magical nights of outstanding artistry.
May 20, 2008 - Sellersville Theatre, Sellersville, PA
Five (5) days later, I took the relatively easy car ride to Sellersville Theatre, with Bruce performing without the video cameras rolling. He was quite relaxed, and offered another night of musical magic. The set list:
Rouler Sa Bosse, Going to the Country, Lovers in a Dangerous Time, World of Wonders (Bruce’s acoustic arrangement has transformed this from a good song to a masterpiece.) See You Tomorrow,
Jerusalem Poker, Life Short, Call Now, Wait No More, Kit Carson, Put it in Your Heart, Wondering Where the Lions Are, If a Tree Falls, Mystery.
Encore:
End of All Rivers, If I Had a Rocket Launcher,
Child of the Wind.
The guitar playing this night was exceptional, perhaps the best of all of the shows that I saw. Another great night!
May 23, 2008 - Tumbledown Farm, Wolfeboro, NH
Last, but not least, was Bruce’s final leg of this brief northeast tour, held in the pastoral setting of Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, in the beautiful Tumbledown Farm. It was a sold out show, with an appreciative crowd. The set list:
Going to the Country, Lovers in a Dangerous Time, World of Wonders, Last Night of the World,
See You Tomorrow, Night Train, Life Short, Call Now,
Beautiful Creatures, Wait No More, Kit Carson, Put it in Your Heart, Wondering Where the Lions Are, If a Tree Falls, Celestial Horses (This was, for me, perhaps the most spellbinding moment of the tour. The audience was absolutely riveted to Bruce’s account of the "Celestial Horses" – you could hear a pin drop between each stroke of the guitar and between each verse of a song that I now recognize to be a masterpiece. Here’s hoping that this performance makes it to the live CD – it was magical.)
Encore:
Pacing the Cage, This is Baghdad(in response to a request), How I Spent My Fall Vacation (with Bernie in the background looking on with approval . . .).
Summary :
Admittedly, five concerts in less than two (2) weeks may seem more than a bit self-indulgent. Indeed, my schedule is such that it is often difficult for me to find the time to see even one concert during an entire season. Fortunately for me, the stars were in the correct alignment, and I was able to make these two (2) magical weeks happen. In the final analysis, great art serves an important function for the human condition. It awakens our sense of humanity; rekindles our longing for the divine; and lifts our spirits in ways that little else can. Every night I was treated to what I believe to be musical masterpieces. Songs of such excellence and insight. Guitar playing that is beyond mesmerizing. Vocal performances that carry the songs to new heights. Whatever it is that art is supposed to do for the human soul was poured out in abundance each night, and I found myself full of appreciation for the gift of being alive. Thanks, Bruce. See you next time! ~Submitted by Doug.
Check out the 2008 Archives for more show reviews, setlists and photos.
Credits:
14 & 15 May IronHorse photos submitted by Victoria Bouffard
16 May Somerville photos submitted by Sandy in NH
~ bobbi wisby
LIVE CD and BIO DVD
Tour News from Finkelstein Management
14 May 2008 - Bernie Finkelstein, Bruce's long-time manager, sent along this very
exciting news this morning:
"Great news. We have a film crew with us on the road with an eye towards making two
projects:
1 - A "solo" concert film taken from the first five shows of this
current tour being shot in High Definition. Colin Linden is on
the road and is doing the sound for the "concert film" as well as the
"Live" CD. [editor: Colin Linden is a long-time associated of Bruce's
who's worked with him on many of his albums.]
2 - The beginning of Bruce Cockburn "bio" film that will use footage
shot during this current tour and lots of archival footage from all
periods of Bruce's career.
Just for clarity we will be shooting the shows in Northampton (both
shows), Boston, Ithaca, and Rochester as well as having the cameras on
the bus and backstage etc.
[for show info visit our Tour Dates section]
There is no release date at this point planned for either of the above
projects or the "Live CD". The shows will hopefully be aired on
TV stations around the world and of course on DVD."
from ~ Bernie Finkelstein, www.finkelsteinmanagement.com.
~bobbi wisby
Bruce Cockburn Supports the Ubuntu Project
28 April 2008 - On April 14th Bruce participated with a set, along with the Mighty Popo and Nicole Pageau, the Canadian co-founder of Ubuntu-Edmonton at a fund raiser in Ottawa. Ubuntu Edmonton is a "grass
roots" NGO in Kigali, Rwanda serving local widows, and orphans of Rwanda's Genocide. The evening was organized by me (Bruce's brother)
and was very low key with about 200 attending. It was held at the "Junior Ranks Mess" on Queen Elizabeth Dr. Unfortunately I was
unable to attend as I had to depart for Afghanistan on the 13th (I'm a doctor with the Canadian Forces). The evening was a big success we
raised ~ $9000.00. Bruce's set was reported as "great" by a number of reliable sources and the whole evening was very well
received. You can get more info about the Ubuntu Project if you wish by checking out their website at UbuntuEdmonton.Org.
~ All the best. John Cockburn.
Bruce Cockburn To Record His First Ever Live Solo Album
21 April 2008 -
Bruce Cockburn will be recording a live solo album on his spring tour of the Northeast US. As well there is one date in Quebec that is taking place during the Festivaldes Guitars Du Monde.
This will be Bruce's 30th recording in a career that stretches back to 1969 however it will be the first ever solo live recording in his fabled catalogue. In the past he's recorded two other live records Circles In The Stream 1977 and Live in 1990 as well as one live EP - You Pay Your Money and You Take Your Chance in 1998, however all of these recordings were done with a full band.
The CD will be produced by long time friend Colin Linden. The recordings are expected to be released by True North in fall of 2008.
Bruce has long been regarded as one of the world's finest solo performers. Performing alone is a format that allows his sparkling musicianship and amazing guitar prowess to shine through, as well as completely focusing the attention on his amazing catalogue of songs which have now received over 250 cover versions by such great artists as Jimmy Buffett, The Barenaked Ladies, kd Lang, Judy Collins, Jerry Garcia and Third World to name only a few.
All of the following shows will be recorded for the live record.
MAY 14 NORTHAMPTON MA THE IRON HORSE
MAY 15 NORTHAMPTON MA THE IRON HORSE
MAY 16 BOSTON MA SOMERVILLE THEATRE
MAY 17 ITHACA NY KULP AUDITORIUM
MAY 19 ROCHESTER NY GERMAN HOUSE THEATRE
MAY 20 SELLERSVILLE PA SELLERSVILLE THEATRE
MAY 21 LONDONDERRY NH TUPELO MUSIC HALL
MAY 22 PORTLAND ME FIRST PARRISH CHURCH
MAY 23 BROOKFIELD NH TUMBLEDOWN FARM BARN
MAY 25 ROUYEN-NORANDA PQ CONGRESS CENTRE
~from Bernie Finkelstein, Finkelstein Management.
For more info on the above Tour Dates.
~bobbi wisby
SOLDIER AND SINGER JOIN FORCES TO END THE USE OF CHILD SOLDIERS
Romeo Dallaire and Bruce Cockburn headline benefit concert
17 April 2008 - Singer/songwriter Bruce Cockburn and retired General Romeo Dallaire, both University of Victoria honorary degree recipients, will team up this fall at the university for Child Soldiers No More, an evening of song and spoken word in support of ending the use of child soldiers. An estimated 300,000 children in more than 30 countries serve as soldiers, human mine detectors, porters, spies, suicide messengers and sex slaves.
Proceeds from the October 4 concert will aid the Child Soldiers Initiative, developed by three UVic School of Child and Youth Care researchers. Sibylle Artz, Marie Hoskins, and Daniel Scott are working on a process to re-integrate war-affected children back into their communities. "Our research is aimed at developing effective methods of re-introducing these children to a stable life," says Artz.
Tickets for the concert are $75 each and go on sale April 26, 2008. For further information contact the University Ticket Centre at 721-8480 or visit www.auditorium.uvic.ca
Since witnessing the Rwandan genocide, which he documented in his award-winning book, Shake Hands with the Devil - The Failure of Humanity in Rwanda, Dallaire has devoted his life to helping war-affected children. Cockburn has long been a spokesperson for global peace. "It is a great honour to be working with General Dallaire and raising awareness about this initiative," he says.
"The active involvement of children in violent conflict is a concern for everyone working toward stability, peace and prosperity. Removing all children from combat is an essential step to end cycles of violence," says Dallaire.
Media Contacts:
To arrange advance media interviews with Bruce Cockburn please contact:
Bernie Finkelstein (Finkelstein Management) at 416-596-8696 ext. 222 or bernie@finkelsteinmanagement.com
Dr. Sibylle Artz (Child and Youth Care) at 250-721-6472 or sartz@uvic.ca
Dr. Marie Hoskins (Child and Youth Care) at 250-721-7982 or mhoskins@uvic.ca
Christine McLaren (Human and Social Development Communications) at 250-721-6467 or mclaren@uvic.ca.
~bobbi wisby
ARTISTS FOR BOB LOVELACE BENEFIT CONCERT
16 April 2008 - A concert featuring Canada’s best musicians and writers takes place Saturday, June 14th at the Sydenham St. United Church in Kingston. Bruce Cockburn, Susan Aglukark, David Francey, Jenny Whiteley, Joey Wright, Terry Tufts, Unity, and the Algonquin Drummers will perform at what will be an incredible night of music and community spirit. The event will raise funds for Robert Lovelace, father, retired chief of the Ardoch Algonquin First Nation and Queen’s University professor, who has been imprisoned for his peaceful opposition to uranium mining in North Frontenac. All proceeds from the benefit concert will go to Bob Lovelace through a trust fund established for him by OPIRG Kingston.
Bruce Cockburn, an officer of the Order of Canada, has earned 20 gold and platinum records in Canada, 11 Juno Awards and is inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. Inuit singer-songwriter, Susan Aglukark is also a member of the Order of Canada and a multiple Juno Award winner. Multiple Juno winners David Francey and Jenny Whiteley will also perform along with two of Canada’s best guitarists, Joey Wright and Terry Tufts. The Algonquin Drummers will open the show with a ceremonial Algonquin drum and Unity, an aboriginal women’s singing group will sing both traditional and original music.
Also breaking news regarding the show is that award winning author Michael Ondaatje (English Patient) will also be participating in the show.
For More Information Contact::
ARTISTS FOR BOB LOVELACE CONCERT: Paul Gervan gervan@sympatico.ca 613-387-3579
BRUCE COCKBURN: Bernie Finkelstein bernie@finkelsteinmanagement.com
SUSAN AGLUKARK: info@susanaglukark.com
ARDOCH ALGONQUIN FIRST NATION: Candy Bilow cmcglynnbilow@gmail.com
~bobbi wisby
Songwriting legend, educator and philanthropist, Bruce Cockburn
performing concert series across New England with special guest Catherine MacLellan
11 April 2008 -
Bruce Cockburn is the legendary songwriter whose work has influenced a whole
new generation of songwriters. Songs like Call it Democracy, If I had a
Rocket Launcher inspired by his research trips to third world, war torn
countries foretold the social and political landscape we witness today, a
dozen years after they were released. Looking back on a career that includes
26 albums, numerous international awards, including the Canadian Music Hall
of Fame and the Tenco Award for Lifetime Achievement in Italy, 20 gold and
platinum records in Canada, and his tireless philanthropic work, Bruce
Cockburn has made a profound positive impact on our society through his
music.
May 14-15 - The Iron House - Northhampton, MA
May 16 - Somerville Theatre - Boston, MA
May 17 - Kulp Auditorium - Ithica, NY
May 19 - German House Theatre - Rochester, NY
May 20 - Sellersville -Sellerville, PA
May 21 - Tupela Music Hall - Londonderry, NH
May 23 - Tumbledown Farn Barn - Brookfield, NH
(check Tour Dates for more information)
Bruce will be performing solo- acoustic, and all the shows will be recorded for release later this year of a solo-live album.
Catherine MacLellan is the critically acclaimed, young singer-songwriter from Prince Edward Island, whose craft has drawn comparisons to Gordon
Lightfoot and Joni Mitchell. Her new album CHURCH BELL BLUES, voted "Critics
Favorite New Discoveries" in folk scribe Penguin Eggs, will be released in
the US on May 13th to coincide with the tour with Bruce Cockburn. ~ from True North Records Newsletter
Related Links:
True North Records
Catherine MacLellan
~ bobbi wisby
Canadian icon Cockburn to perform at benefit concert for jailed Algonquin activist Bob Lovelace
6 April 2008 -
Canadian folk-rock icon Bruce Cockburn will perform at a June benefit
concert for jailed Algonquin activist Bob Lovelace.
Cockburn, who has a home in the area, will be the headline act at the
Artists for Bob concert June 14 at Sydenham Street United Church.
Co-organizer Ellen Hamilton, who runs Kingston's Leopard Frog music-
recording studio, said she and a handful of others in the local music
industry asked Cockburn to perform because they thought it was a cause he
might support.
"He has consistently spoken up for what's right and just and he seems quite
interested in social justice," she said. "We also know he lives in the
area."
Tickets, which will cost $30, will begin selling Monday through the Grand
Theatre, Brian's Record Option, Novel Idea and other retailers.
Also playing Artists for Bob will be three-time Juno Award-winning
Aboriginal recording artist Susan Aglukark, legendary Sharbot Lake-area
guitarist Joey Wright, and Unity and the Algonquin Drummers.
"We're also close to getting two other famous artists in Canada, but can't
release [names] yet because we're still negotiating with them," Hamilton
said.
The organizers came together after Lovelace was imprisoned Feb. 15 for six
months for refusing to obey a judge's order to stop blocking uranium
exploration north of Sharbot Lake.
Lovelace, a father of two adopted young children and a Queen's University
lecturer, was also fined $25,000.
Like many others, Hamilton said she was watching the story about the uranium
protest from the sidelines until Lovelace was jailed for protesting
peacefully.
"This sentencing of Bob Lovelace, it was a wake-up call for some of us," she
said.
~ from The Whig, Posted By Frank Armstrong.
Related Links:
www.indiancountry.com
photos on Flickr
http://sumoud.tao.ca
~ bobbi wisby
Bruce Cockburn visits Truro for Seedy Saturday event
10 March 2008 - TRURO - Amongst the stream of people coming and going from St. Andrew's United Church this weekend in support of Seedy Saturday, one man stood out with his long black leather jacket and small round glasses.
Canadian folk/rock icon Bruce Cockburn quietly strolled around the crowded room, stopping every few minutes to checkout a particular displays or chat with a vendor about their product and how it affects the environment.
Cockburn was there to represent the Unitarian Service Committee of Canada, an organization he's been supporting since he got the first paycheck from his first album in 1970. "All of the sudden I had this big royalty check. It wasn't a large amount of money by modern standards but it was more than I had ever seen in one place. And I thought oh my God I can't just spend this, it was too much money," said Cockburn.
He's been a "mouth piece" for the organization ever since. Travelling all over the world in support of small farmers and the environment for 30 years.
~ from Truro Daily News. Photo by Colin MacLean.
Bruce Cockburn in Truro and Halifax
Cockburn here to promote food safety
6 March 2008 - Bruce Cockburn is in Truro and Halifax this weekend.(David Smith / CP)
TRURO — Canadian musician Bruce Cockburn comes to Truro on Friday to help
kick off the four-day Real Food, Farming and Flowers weekend focused on food
security and related issues, both locally and globally.
Mr. Cockburn, who recently returned from a USC Canada trip to Nepal, will
also be in Halifax on Saturday night for the Food Sovereignty and
Biodiversity event at the Garrison Brewery on Marginal Road.
"There’s a lot of talk about buying locally, growing your own food and
supporting farmers’ markets," Mark Austin, co-organizer of the Truro and
Halifax events, said by phone Wednesday from his home near Truro.
"I believe, as many do right now, we have to find a way to reconnect with
where our food comes from. Along with that, we need to produce food in a
sustainable way. In other words, I’m not a great believer in industrial
farming and processed foods."
Mr. Cockburn will discuss farming in Nepal and West Africa when he speaks on
Friday during a community gathering from 7 to 9 p.m. at St. Andrew’s United
Church on King Street in Truro.
A farmers’ market, cafe, small film festival of food and farm-related
documentaries, and children’s entertainment will be held at the church
Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will also be displays focused on local
food and healthy landscapes and a workshop on saving seeds.
"It’s kind of like a meet-a-farmer event and a chance to find out about
farm-gate opportunities in the area," Mr. Austin said.
"I want to be informed when I go to the supermarket or the farmers’ market
about what my choices are. But I’m also very aware that there are people
around the world who don’t have choices."
Mr. Cockburn, along with USC Canada executive director Susan Walsh and
others will be at the Garrison Brewery in Halifax Saturday from 8 to 10 p.m.
for discussions, food and music focused on real food and farming around the
world. USC is a non-profit international development organization. Tickets
are available from Mr. Austin at 896-0184 or at the Wooden Monkey restaurant
on Argyle Street.
Events conclude Monday with a seminar entitled Challenges of Organic
Integrity in a World of GMOs and Nanotechnology. Pat Mooney, an agricultural
biodiversity activist, is featured and the talk begins at noon in Room C24
of the Cox Institute at the Nova Scotia Agricultural College.
~from The Chronicle Herald, by Cathy Von Kintzel, Truro Bureau.
Possibilites for 2008
A Conversation with Bernie Finkelstein
8 February 2008 - CockburnProject editor Suzanne Myers had an email talk with Bernie Finkelstein concerning what Bruce was up to in the coming year. This is what he said, although none of it is 'carved in stone' at this time.
"2008 is basically an "off year" from full touring. With that being said, Bruce is doing some shows.
We are thinking about recording all of the shows with an eye to releasing a solo live CD this fall which is something we've never done.
I'll keep you informed as plans move along, of course it might not happen."
Asked if perhaps Bruce would be touring any where else, California maybe?, Bernie responded:
"It's still possible that we might be in California and other places this year, but at this time there are no plans until 2009.
Again, anything could happen, but the most likely scenario is that Bruce will record a new studio album in late 2008 or early 2009 and then head out on the road for a full schedule of touring in 2009.
In 2009 we would be planning on going just about everywhere we can fit inincluding Australia, Italy etc. Also we definitely want to get back to
the southern US, as we do to many places."
"We might have a few benefit shows coming in the fall. Bruce continues to work with several organizations and
as you know he just finished his trip to Nepal on behalf of the USC. They are now finishing a film about about the trip. When plans are set for
the release of the film (most likely on TV and DVD) I'll make sure you know about them in detail."
~Suzanne Myers and bobbi wisby
True North Records founder Finkelstein turns over the reins
Linus acquired all of True North's publishing except that of Bruce Cockburn
18 December 2007 - Pioneering Canadian indie music champion Bernard Finkelstein is stepping back from the day-to-day leadership of his landmark label, True North Records.
Finkelstein announced Tuesday that he has made a deal with Linus Entertainment, whose head, Geoff Kulawick will now be CEO of both companies.
However, Finkelstein will remain chairman of, and a long-term consultant for True North.
Bernie Finkelstein
photo courtesy: http://www.cmw.net/
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"It's been a long, interesting and fulfilling road starting and building Truth North these past 38 years, but all things must change," Finkelstein, a member of the Canadian Music Industry Hall of Fame, said in a statement.
"It's time for True North to have new direction and energy."
The deal does not include Finkelstein Management — as a top talent manager, his roster has included artists such as Bruce Cockburn, Murray McLauchlan and Dan Hill — or the publishing interests of Cockburn, who was the first artist Finkelstein signed to True North and who remains one of the label's best known artists. Both will continue to be run by Finkelstein.
The Toronto-born music executive began his career in the late 1960s as a talent manager of groups such as Kensington Market.
In 1969, he founded True North Records as a platform to promote Canadian recording artists, whom U.S. companies were not as willing to sign to record deals.
The company, which has since released music by the likes of Randy Bachman, 54-40, Rough Trade, the Rheostatics and Blackie & the Rodeo Kings, is now Canada's oldest independent record label.
Last year, the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences awarded Finkelstein its Walt Grealis Special Achievement Award, which honours "individuals who have contributed to the growth and development of the Canadian music industry."
In February, Governor General Michaëlle Jean invested Finkelstein as a member of the Order of Canada.
~ from CBC News
Related Links:
True North Records announces ...
Linus Acquires True North Records
Founder sells iconic record label
Driving Away
Co-written with Annabelle Chvostek
13 December 2007 - Bruce has co-written a song with Annabelle Chvostek, formerly of the Wailin' Jennys. The Cockburn Project contacted Annabelle for information and she responded.
"Bruce and I met at the Winnipeg Folk Festival summer 2006, and I performed with him as a Wailin' Jenny at Edmonton Folk Fest 2 weeks
later. I've since left that band to persue my solo work. We stayed in contact and decided to collaborate on a song together, which
mostly took place here in Montreal. I think he's started trying it out in front of audiences, and our collaboration will appear on my
upcoming album tentatively titled "Resilience", due out in spring 2008. Bruce and I sing it and play it as a duet with vocals and
acoustic guitar. He does a fantastic solo. The song is called Driving Away, a bit of a meditation on the crazy world and some of
the more challenging human impulses that happen within it. It was a delightful collaboration. Quite magical, the way it flowed."
Driving Away
The dichotomy of being a sentient being
Driving away, driving away
Angel in the heart, lost out this time
driving away, driving away
The Calamity of seeing
And fleeing the sight
Driving away, blue as the night
Driving away
Blue as the night
Mustang, lizard, mud and light
Blood and diamond, fight or flight
Right?
The picture of the world
That’s coming clear
Driving away, driving away
The things you never though your ears would hear
Driving away, driving away
The ashes of a heart
Drift past the lights
Driving away, blue as the night
Driving away
Blue as the night
Mustang, lizard, mud and light
Blood and diamond, flight or flight
Right?
© Bruce Cockburn and Annabelle Chvostek, 2007.
Related Links:
Annabelle Chvostek
Bruce Cockburn - 2006 - Winnepeg Folk Festival
Wailin' Jennys - 2006- Winnipeg Folk Festival
Bruce - 2006 - Edmonton Folk Festival
Annabelle - 2006 - Edmonton Folk Festival
~bobbi wisby
USC's new Gifts that Grow Catalogue
more on Bruce Cockburn returns to Nepal after 20 years
27 November 2007 - This in from USC Canada:
Hello Friends of USC Canada and friends of Bruce Cockburn,
As you know, Bruce has returned to visit Nepal, the country he calls
"hands down the most beautiful place on earth that I've seen."
Cockburn returns twenty years after his first visit in 1987 with the
same travel companion - Susan Walsh, USC Canada's Executive Director.
Cockburn and Walsh will journey on foot, staying in the villages of
Humla district, located in the northwest corner of the country
Many of Bruce's fans have been avidly following Bruce's journey back
to Nepal, on his Path to Nepal www.kensingtontv.com/nepal/.
They have also begun contacting USC Canada to see how they can
contribute to USC projects in the communities of Humla, Nepal. If you
could please circulate this email, it will help us get the message out
on how others can support the people of Humla.
You can give through USC's new Gifts that Grow Catalogue.
The following gifts are destined for Humla*:
The Seedlings - $25
Drinking Water - $50
Vegetable Gardens -$500
*See below for more information on Humla, Nepal and the Gifts that Grow options for Humla.
Or, you can simply make a gift to USC Canada at: http://usc-canada.org/?page_id=4 and be sure to indicate in the notes section that your gift is to be directed to Humla Nepal.
If you have any other questions, or if i can help you out in any other
way, please don't hesitate to call me at 613-234-6827, or email directly at bmcfarlane@usc-canada.org.
*GIFTS THAT GROW - GIFTS FOR THE PEOPLE OF HUMLA
Seedlings $25, Humla, Nepal
We are looking to raise $625 for seedlings in Nepal, a total of 25 gifts of $25. It costs one cent for one seedling of `Atis' (Aconitum
heterophylum) - a medicinal herb that's used in both the traditional and modern medical practices in Humla. Each seedling, produced by a
group of local farmers in a nursery, will be given to a farmer, to be transplanted on farmers' local fields.
Goal = 25 batches of 2000 seedlings.
Drinking Water $50, Humla, Nepal
$50 will provide two households with potable drinking water. USC's goal is to raise $3,000, which is a total of 60 gifts to provide a
Drinking Water System that will serve 132 households or 800 people.
Vegetable Gardens $500, Humla Nepal
Our goal of receiving two gifts of $500, for a total of $1,000 will assist women in six villages to plant and maintain healthy vegetable
gardens that improve the nutrition of their families and generate income through the sale of surplus produce. The gift includes the cost
of tools and training on food processing. The cost per 3 villages is $500.
~from USC Canada.Brian McFarlane, Director, Fundraising and Financial Vibrancy.
USC Canada
56 Sparks Street, Suite 705
Ottawa ON K1P 5B1
613-234-6827 ext. 249
bmcfarlane@usc-canada.org
www.usc-canada.org
Witnessing "the Most Beautiful Place on Earth"
Bruce Cockburn returns to Nepal after 20 years
Toronto, 5 November 2007 - Twenty years after his first visit to
Nepal, Canadian singer/songwriter Bruce Cockburn is going back to the
country he calls "hands down the most beautiful place on earth that
I've seen."
Cockburn returns to Nepal with the same travel companion as on his
first trip in 1987 -- Susan Walsh, USC Canada's Executive Director.
They will journey on foot, staying in the villages of Humla district,
located in the northwest corner of the country. This remote
Himalayan region, close to the Tibet border, gained importance through
history as a passage for salt caravans between China and India.
Nepal's long and tragic civil conflict has had a serious impact on
development programs in many parts of the country – including Humla.
Cockburn, whose humanitarian work has won him much praise around the
world, hopes to witness how the people of Humla have been living
despite their many challenges -- isolation, little access to any
development resources, and the political conflict, which is finally
subsiding.
"One of the things that characterizes people living in difficult
conditions is a very well-developed sense of how dependent we humans
are on each other," says Cockburn. "There's a sense of community that
is beyond anything that one encounters in the developed world."
"This is what allows people to survive their difficult circumstances
and to support each other physically and emotionally, given the hard
work and pain that they live with," he says. "It will also be
interesting to see what the impact of the war has been on that sense
of community because that often has a part to play, and that means
things could go either way."
Susan Walsh points out that despite the many challenges, the
communities supported by USC Canada have managed to continue their
work. "The people of Humla own this work, and it's succeeding
because of their resilience and determination. They have put all
their efforts, their heart and their ingenuity into it", she says.
Village committees in Humla are actively running small-scale
irrigation, organic agriculture, community health and education
programs with minimal outside support.
Cockburn's Humla journey takes place November 11- 23, and will be
captured by film-maker Robert Lang of Kensington Communications.
Visit Bruce's Nepal blog at www.kensingtontv.com/nepal
to see journal entries, video clips and images from Humla.
For more information:
Faris Ahmed, USC Canada (613) 234-6827 ext. 223;
e-mail: fahmed@usc-canada.org
USC Canada was founded in 1945 by Lotta Hitschmanova as the Unitarian Service Committee of Canada.
USC promotes vibrant family farms, strong rural communities and
healthy ecosystems around the world. With engaged Canadians and
partners in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, we support programs,
training, and policies that strengthen biodiversity, food sovereignty,
and the rights of those at the heart of resilient food systems --
women, indigenous peoples, and small-scale farmers.
For more information visit www.usc-canada.org
Or contact:
Ron Cross, Communications Officer, USC Canada
Tel: (613) 234-6827 ext. 240;
e-mail: rcross@usc-canada.org
~from True North Records
Related Links:
An Interview with Robert Lang
Understanding Nothing
~bobbi wisby
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Cockburn's recording and distribution company.