"Norm's Living Room" reflects the warm encouraging nature of the nights
that Toronto's critically acclaimed veteran songwriter Norm Hacking creates. He invites
talented musical friends (new and old) into his living room to play, along with some friends
to listen. But his own living room is too small (and Teapot, his cute cat, is just too
distracting), so the virtual furniture was moved to the Tranzac for more than a year and on
Tuesday July 24th arrived at the Silver Dollar, his new and larger musical home. In
fact, it was a homecoming, as the first in a series of open stages he's established over the
years was in that very room at the Silver Dollar a dozen years ago.
Setting up for that very first open stage inspired Norm to write "Spin Around",
included on his "best of" 1996 Skysongs album
(just reissued, remastered with lyrics). The song is also performed by Toronto-based band
Slowpoke on One Voice, A Tribute to Norm Hacking, Vol. 1.
Due to Norm's welcoming style and the caliber of songwriters coming to his nights, the
group at the Tranzac melded into a very real and loyal community, complete with friendships,
performing partnerships, celebrations (series anniversaries, Norm's 50th birthday party)
and memorial tribute concert (after the sudden death of long time friend, supporter and
award-winning musician Lloyd Landa). With the larger space at the Silver Dollar, the
community can now more easily accommodate new players and listeners, who are always welcomed.
COME JOIN US!
Norm has returned to the Silver Dollar Room with "Norm's Living
Room," an open stage for songwriters every THURSDAY. We
moved in on July 24, 2001. Norm and a different featured songwriter each week
perform during the evening. Songwriters
are invited to sign up to perform a couple of songs, maybe three. Sign-up begins
when doors open at 7 pm. Come at 7 pm (previously 8 pm) for a finger-picking guitar workshop/jam
lead by Brian Gladstone. Performers may sell their CDs and announce gigs. Sound is
supplied, bring a keyboard if that's your instrument. NO COVER - a basket is passed,
with proceeds to the feature.
The Silver Dollar, 486 Spadina Avenue (a couple of doors north of College Street on
the west side), is well known as Toronto's premiere blues club. The blues-oriented songwriters
will certainly know "The Dollar" for it's major blues acts and
Monday blues jams. So will bluegrass fans, as Crazy Strings
hosts a popular bluegrass picking jam every Wednesday. For more information on the
Silver Dollar Room, check www.silverdollarroom.com.
For a year and a half, Norm's popular high-quality Tuesday open stages and performances
by invitation
"Norm's Living Room" on Saturdays at the Tranzac attracted talented perfomers
and developed a real sense of community which was transported along with the virtual
furniture to his new and larger "Living Room" Tuesdays (now moved to
Thursdays) at the Silver Dollar. See
Norm at the Tranzac Page for a look at those series, including
feature artists there February through June 2001. Hint: some were regulars at Norm's
evenings, so look for them at the Silver Dollar.
FEATURES at "NORM'S LIVING ROOM" at the SILVER DOLLAR ROOM:
JULY 2001
July 24 - MARIANNE GIRARD has been a familiar face on the folk scene since the
seventies. Her musical journey has taken her full circle as a songwriter from folk
roots through the urban sounds of jazz, cabaret and rock right back to her roots: folk
music and the Ed Sullivan Show. She has remained in the arts behind the scenes for 10
years. Now, she is resurfacing, with a long awaited CD in the works. A favourite
feature at Norm's evenings, she does original songs, lovely versions of some of his songs
(two are included on the upcoming tribute album) and other covers.
July 31 - MICHAEL LADEROUTE has been a performing songwriter for almost 20 years,
and a definite favourite at Norm Hacking's evenings. His original songs are
folk/blues/rock/country flavoured - acoustic tales of the heart, automobiles, journeys
started and strange twists of fortune, stories not finished and the eternal struggle of
man against fish! He claims to have been inoculated with a phonograph needle at age 3
after an freak accident while listening to the Happy Wanderers music beaming into a huge
radio in Arnprior from an Ottawa station. A yearly "campfire sessions" regular
at the Sons Of Hermann hall in Dallas, Texas, he is finally considering recording a CD.
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AUGUST 2001
August 7 - KEVIN BELL is a musician's musician, equally adapt on acoustic and
electric guitars. His lovely fingerpicking style always puts the integrity of the songs
first. Having accompanied Norm Hacking for over 20 years now, their shows have given joy
to countless audiences. His lead guitar is prominent on Norm's acclaimed 1988
Stubborn Ghost album, which they co-produced. Kevin will feature a set of
his own fine material as well as accompanying Norm later in the evening.
August 14 - RON NIGRINI is the consummate professional songwriter and craftsman,
not to be missed. In 1969, he kindled the spark that started the bonfire of Norm's
songwriting career when they met at the University of Toronto. Recording fine original
songs such as "Rich Things" since the 70s, he also recorded the 1976 Canadian
hit version of Keith Carradine's "I'm Easy." In the summer of 2000 he performed
his epic "Montana Plain" about the Battle of the Little Big Horn in Big Horn
country. It's included on his latest recording of original songs Above the Noise
(1999), available through www.ronnigrini.com.
His website recounts some humorous incidences from a career that very early included
opening for the Mamas and the Papas at Maple Leaf Gardens (1965), meeting the late Tim Hardin and touring adventures. Ron covers one of Norm's tunes "Old Things in
Love" on a soon-to-be-released tribute album.
August 21 - LIKEWATER, a young songwriting duo of lead singer Jennifer Claveau
and guitarist Eric Newby, deliver a heartfelt mix of songs based on life experiences,
relationships and personal beliefs. They are known for their striking vocal
presence and tasteful guitar sensibility. Influenced by a wide range of
music from Fleetwood Mac to The Smiths, Likewater’s sound has developed into
guitar oriented, melody-based acoustic pop. Their style is comparable to
that of Blue Rodeo, Sarah McLachlan and Sarah Harmer. Have a look at their new website
at www.soundslikewater.com
August 28 - BRIAN GLADSTONE with TONY QUARRINGTON amaze with 20 fingers flying.
Brian simultaneously flatpicks and fingerpicks his original songs at a rapid pace and
Tony is an amazing musician (guitar and mandolin) and recording artist known in both jazz
and folk circles. This evening they are joined by Bonnie Gladstone (Brian's sister) for lovely back-up vocals. Brian will include songs from both his recent Back to the
Dirt CD and one nearing completion, Psychedelic Pholk Psongs. For
more on the "analogue guy trapped in a digital world," see
www.backtothedirt.com
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SEPTEMBER 2001
September 4 - MARY KELLY has a gorgeous clear expressive voice with Celtic
and other repertoire. You'll more often find her in area musical
theatre, and it's a special treat when she finds time to drop in.
September 11 - EDDIE BALTIMORE (of Slowpoke) has been rescheduled for
November 13
September 18 - TERRY TUFTS has been playing music since 1963, and professionally
since 1974. His fluid lyrical style is straightforward, honest and intelligent and his guitar playing is an effortless and cohesive blend of orchestration and melody. CBC Radio
has called Terry one of the finest finger-style guitarists in Canada. He is also a
fine writer - 1997 regional winner of Standard Radio’s National Songwriting Competition and the 1998 Ontario Council Of Folk Festival’s Songs From The Heart competition." He has
toured extensively in Holland, Austria, Finland, Sweden, Australia and Germany; and for five years he was guitarist/vocalist and band leader for Susan Aglukark. He has four
self-financed and self-produced independently released albums and his fifth Walk On, produced by Ian Tamblyn, was released in February of 2001 on the Borealis
record label. More info at www.TerryTufts.com
September 25 - JEREMY WOODLAND made a big impression the first time he played at
Norm's Living Room in the Tranzac days as part of the "Orangeville invasion"
and on his return visits. Only 21, Jeremy has been playing guitar half his life, absorbing
country blues, ragtime, bluegrass and classical styles. Already a veteran of Mariposa's
main festival, he is very busy teaching guitar. More info about Jeremy and his CD
What You Hear... Is What You Get - with just his guitar and vocals,
performing original songs and arrangements of trad material - at
www.mp3.com/jeremyjwoodland
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OCTOBER 2001
NOTE - Norm's Living Room is taking a three week break while the Silver Dollar Room
presents some major blues artists - join us again starting Tuesday October 23.
October 23 - LENORE is working hard recording a follow-up to her self-titled
CD with 13 original songs. She is an enthusiastic acoustic bluesy folk/pop performer who
captures wistful and humorous slices of life. See www.lenore.com
for varied quotes, wide-ranging musical influences and sound samples.
October 30 - MARIANNE GIRARD is a favourite performer who opened our Silver
Dollar series on July 24. She has been a familiar face on the folk scene since the
seventies. Her musical journey has taken her full circle as a songwriter from folk
roots through the urban sounds of jazz, cabaret and rock right back to her roots: folk
music and the Ed Sullivan Show. She has remained in the arts behind the scenes for 10
years. Now, she is resurfacing, with a long awaited CD in the works. Marianne does
original songs, lovely versions of some of Norm's songs (two are included on the
tribute album being released November 14) and other covers. UPDATE: Thanks to
Heather Katz of Orangeville for providing a fabulous feature set when Marianne
could not join us. Marianne will be part of the November 14 gala CD release.
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NOVEMBER 2001
November 6 - ON BREAK - "Norm's Living Room" takes a break as The
Silver Dollar Room presents a show that was to be at the El Mocambo, which is no longer
hosting live music. RUSSELL SCOTT is rescheduled to December 4.
November 13 - EDDIE BALTIMORE (of Slowpoke) is an outstanding slide guitarist who
relates strange but true stories. Tonight Eddie plays some of his favorite songwriters, and some
of his own material, on the very stage where Slowpoke started lo these many years ago...
"they ALWAYS return to the scene of the crime." For more on Slowpoke and Eddie
and their lastest album of original songs, Annie Mae's Wedding Album, check
here By the way, for the
tribute album of Norm's songs Slowpoke chose "Spin Around," a song inspired by
Norm's very first open stage at the Silver Dollar many years ago. (Rescheduled from
September 11)
8 pm WED November 14 at HUGH'S ROOM (2261 Dundas St. W., Toronto)
- GALA CONCERT LAUNCH of One Voice, A Tribute to Norm Hacking, Volume
1 featuring most of those performing 18 of Norm's songs on the
album. See Tribute Album page for details
of album and coming up for concert details.
The remastered reissue of Norm's Skysongs... A Writer's Collection
album, now with lyrics, will also be available for the first time.
November 20 - ON BREAK (Jim Layeux will feature in the new year).
November 27 - CLELA ERRINGTON has a velvety voice, lovely vocal interpretations
of original and cover songs, with unique harmonica and lovely guitar playing. Eddie
Baltimore recorded her new CD Lace Curtains and he and Jamie Snider
accompany her on it. Her second album is well under way.
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DECEMBER 2001
December 4 - RUSSELL SCOTT has a quirky sense of humour, deft lyrics and
outstanding guitar playing, rewarding him with a strong following at home and new fans
from earlier visits to "Norm's Living Room". His songs reflect northern Ontario
and many other subjects, represented in the 10 original songs on his debut CD The
Master Key. (Rescheduled from Nov 6)
December 11 - ON BREAK.
THURSDAY DECEMBER 27 (rescheduled from Dec. 18) - PETER SOLMES will have his
band CANADIAN HEART with him for our end of 2001 session. That's Paul Helleur on
fiddle, guitar and mandolin, and Ellen Helleur on piano. Usually Peter plays solo
keyboard and guitar to accompany his
musical versions of Canadian stories old and new, as on his album Home and
Away. His latest CD is Stories of Presqu'ile, an area he loves from
his family's 70 year tradition of summers spent there. He also has an album of
Christmas-related stories in song. For more, see www.ambrec.com/Homepages/peter/peter.htm
December 25 AND January 1 - SILVER DOLLAR CLOSED, ALSO FIRST TWO WEEKS IN JANUARY - HAVE A WONDERFUL HOLIDAY
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JANUARY 2002 (THURSDAYS)
January 17 - DON BRAY See
www3.sympatico.ca/donbray - it's been a
while since Don was our feature. He has a well-deserved reputation as a fine songwriter,
and is a winner of the OCFF (Ontario Council of Folk Festivals) Songs from the Heart
contest. Since he visited us, he has a second CD Waiting to Arrive that
followed his fine debut CD Decisions. In addition, he contributed a new
song "Burning in the Streets" to kick off the project that became the recently released
CD Tears of a Thousand Years with proceeds to those whose lives changed by
the tragic events of September 11. See
www.tearsofathousandyears.com about the project.
January 24 - NOAH ZACHARIN see
www.noahsong.com Noah has joined us several times
but not featured recently. He is a fabulous guitarist and songwriter (since age 13) with
a brand new CD (his 4th) Crow Dark Wind. Some of it was featured on Joel
Wortzman's Acoustic Routes radio show ( CKLN 88.1 7-8 pm Sundays) on January 6 and Rick
Fielding's Acoustic Workshop (CIUT 89.5 7-8pm Mondays) on the 14th - we're really in for
a treat of varied music.
January 31 - RON NIGRINI has been writing wonderful songs for literally decades. Norm credits Ron as the inspiration for him becoming a folk performer and songwriter when both were in university. Ron is still writing great songs of joy, sadness, humour, history, as those who've heard him or have his latest (1999) CD Above the Noise know. In 2000 he was invited to sing his "Montana Plain" about the Battle of Little Big Horn in a special commemoration of that event. He's had some interesting performing and touring experiences - for a humorous look at some of them, see his website at www.ronnigrini.com where you'll also find a few song samples. If you have the Norm tribute album "One Voice," you'll notice Ron's fine live version of Norm's "Old Things in Love." Come out and see why he is a favourite guest in Norm's Living Room. See also above on August 14
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FEBRUARY 2002 (THURSDAYS)
February 7 - HOLMES HOOKE - fabulous spoken word, ranging from gloriously silly to simply beautiful and thought-provoking. He has an incredible way with words and lovely delivery. He usually includes a few songs with unusual accompaniment. A real treat to bring in February.
February 14 - MICHAEL LADEROUTE - a regular, much in demand for his beautiful bluesy guitar with the gorgeous finger picking breaks as accompaniment for Norm and anyone who can talk him into it - and it doesn't usually take too much arm twisting. And his own songs reveal a strong writer who paints characterizations in words and music. Michael regularly treks to Dallas for the "campfire sessions" at the Sons of Herman Hall. No CD yet - you'll have to come out to hear him. Celebrate Valentine's Day with us - expect to hear both sides of the subject, as Norm does more performing than he usually gets a chance to do.
February 21 - KIRK ELLIOTT is a wonderful multi-instrumentalist and multi-styled performer and writer of songs and instrumentals. His CDs are variously celtic (Celtic Moon), world-music-influenced (Moving Cloud) and kid-oriented. In demand as a studio musician on fiddle and other instruments, he has been known to bring a dozen instruments to a gig and amaze with virtuoso performances on them all. Coming soon: a brand new CD from Norm and Kirk, Orange Cats (make the very best friends).
February 28 - ON BREAK FOR CANADIAN MUSIC WEEK
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MARCH 2002 (THURSDAYS)
March 7 - ROGER JAMES of Kingston is just TOO funny, but don't let that stop you from a fine musical evening. Find out more at www.RogerJames.com However, he bypassed Norm's humorous songs to perform "Thunder and Lightning" on the tribute. An interesting Norm Hacking story - Roger James and Nancy White met when both performed at the 1999 Norm Hacking tribute concert (recorded as part of the CD) and teamed up for a Flying Cloud Folk Club concert at the Tranzac last fall - toooo much humour for one night!
March 14 - BRENDA LEWIS with TONY QUARRINGTON and guest IAN MOLESWORTH are a triple treat. You'll notice Brenda's lovely jazzy vocals and Tony's gorgeous guitar on Norm's "Funny Boy" on the tribute album. They perform in southwestern Ontario as a vintage jazz standards duo. Brenda and Ian, both songwriters based in Guelph, have a fine CD Heart So Black that showcases songs by both. Hear Brenda on "Peel Me a Grape" at www.cwilsonmusic.com (click on "ensembles", then "vocal trio"). Ian has a brand-new instrumental CD Strangetown. Tony is well known for his outstanding acoustic folk and jazz guitar work. He's been a guest at "Norm's Living Room" a number of times to accompany features Brian Gladstone and Mary Kelly; he's also a writer with a really funny song about being a songwriter. Learn more about his playing, writing and recordings at Tony's website
March 21 - GLEN HORNBLAST is a Toronto singer/songwriter influenced by writers such as Tom Paxton and Townes van Zandt. His music leans towards beautiful, intricate folk-like medodies with a strong element of social consciousness. For example, "Mary" is a beautiful and sensitive song about a real person who lived on the street in his neighborhood. Glen is currently working on a CD and has a successful tape "Isla Mujeres" ("Island of Women", the title track refers to an island near Cancun, Mexico). He is a long-time supporter and host of open stages (at the Free Times Cafe) - we're always happy to have him share his thoughtful, thought-provoking and melodic songs. He does a fine rendition of Norm's "Love at the Free Times Cafe" on Norm's tribute CD.
March 28 - MADD SCIENTISTS is a new duo featuring two fine songwriters and long-time friends Jim Layeux and Melwood Cutlery. They are enjoying the vocal harmonies of the duo format and will be perfoming together at the Stan Rogers Folk Festival this summer. Jim's latest CD Red Dust is getting deserved widespread airplay. Have a listen for some earthly and far-ranging journeys - three of the songs are set on Mars! Melwood is a prolific songwriter whose most recent CD is If It Rains
March 28 is OUR LAST NORM'S LIVING ROOM at the Silver Dollar. Bookmark this website for future developments on our schedule OR subscribe to our email newsletter (see below).
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FOR MORE INFORMATION...
Join Norm's email list to get updates on Norm's gigs and other
news, including any future "Norm's Living Room" open stage,
usually with some news of interest to songwriters. Although Norm is
not currently on line himself, this address is also the place to ask
a question or just to say "hello":
