Drop by on Tuesday to do
two or three songs (depending on the turnout). Sign-up starts
at 8 p.m., and we go late. We have a sound system and an upright
piano. You're welcome to bring along recordings and mention gigs.
Norm's open stages at the Tranzac ended on
June 26, 2001, with Norm as feature - FROM JULY 24, 2001 every
TUESDAY at THE SILVER DOLLAR ROOM!
Saturday is "Norm's Living
Room" - Norm invites musicians to play short sets and often to
join together in a joint song swap. And he plays more on Saturdays.
This series ended on June 2, 2001.
There is a scheduled feature
each evening, but many of our features are regulars and many of
our regulars are very good. Come to listen or come to play. We
also welcome spoken word.
The evenings are "no cover" and
the basket is passed for the feature. They are held in the Southern
Cross room, where smoking is permitted, but a ventilation fan
helps. Due to the Tranzac's decision to designate this room
as a bar under Toronto's new smoking by-law, as of June 1, 2001,
we can no longer include performers or audience under age 19.
_________________________
NORM'S FEATURED PERFORMERS
2001 (Tranzac Series)
(click on month for direct link)
February / March
/ April / May /
June
Sat Feb 3 - NORMAN LIOTA, a fine
songwriter and guitarist, returns. His CD is A Strange Voice.
He recently returned from a very successful tour in the US midwest,
and is planning another tour in the US. Check his website at http://www.unscenemusic.com
Tues Feb 6 - TREVOR STRONG, one
of the three Arrogant Worms, has been dropping in to try new material
on us - lucky us! He's had us all wearing out the laughing muscles
in his short open stage sets recently. For more on the Arrogant
Worms, check http://www.arrogant-worms.com/
Sat Feb 10 - STEVE PAUL SIMMS writes
songs of love, departing friends, kids, lotteries and other subjects
with a variety of acoustic guitar styles and frequent splashes
of humour. Wall of Illusion, his CD released in
2000, is terrific and he's performing songs destined for the next
one.
Tues Feb 13 - DAVE TAYLOR is a talented
acoustic guitarist who sings a variety of traditionally based
songs.
Sat Feb 17 - LARRY NUSBAUM - get
in the rootsy groove with his guitar and conga playing and original
songs, a favourite who brightens a lot of faces by walking in
the room. Be prepared to sing/groove/percuss along - great therapy
and lots of fun.
Tues Feb 20 - CHRIS STAIG is a local
singer-songwriter and former Taxi Chain guitarist. His April 2000
debut solo CD Deeper We'll Dream is getting airplay
on commercial and college radio. Writing good original songs that
work in both rock and folkier environments, Chris also has lovely
bluesy fingerpicking when he accompanies others. See http://www.chrisstaig.com
Sat Feb 24 - BOB SNIDER has long
been a Toronto folk scene favourite, but now the word is out in
other parts of the world. He has many recordings with lots of
songs you want to hear again and again for the unique point of
view, the humour, the philosophy. His CDs are Caterwaul
& Doggerel (1995) and Words and Pictures
(1997), with a tribute album Poetreason issued in
1996. One website with info is http://www.go.to/bobsnider
Tues Feb 27 - CAROLINE WILES of
Oakville (just west of Toronto) is a pop/folk songwriter with
a lovely velvety voice who was performing professionally as lead
singer/guitarist in a band at age 18. Listen to MP3 sound bytes
from her June 2000 self-titled debut CD (with ten original songs)
at http://www.carolinewiles.com
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MARCH
Sat Mar 3 - IAN NORTH, whom Norm
describes as a "songwriter's songwriter", has a CD that is very
close to being released and his short sets at Norm's evenings
indicate we're in for a treat.
Update: Ian's CD is emptiful with 12 songs, all
but one are original, with a website at www.iannorth.com
Tues Mar 6 - PETER SOLMES is working
on his fourth CD and will be playing solo keyboard. See March
17 for more info, he's bringing his band then.
Sat Mar 10 - JIM BEARDEN is a professional
actor and published writer who has written a couple of musical
stage plays. One was broadcast in its entirety on CBC radio's
Morningside, winning recognition from a branch of ACTRA as best
variety radio script. Jim sings (with guitar) from his huge repetoire
of original and cover songs.
Update: This evening became the release concert of Jim's debut
CD of original songs, Greatest Hits
Tues Mar 13 - ERNEST LAIDLAW is
an interesting songwriter who came to our open stage and charmed
the audience with his songs and guitar playing - one of Norm's
new favourites.
Sat Mar 17 - PETER SOLMES AND CANADIAN
HEART. Peter is working on his fourth CD, Stories of Presqu'ile;
his latest is Home and Away. Often playing solo
keyboard to accompany his musical versions of Canadian stories
old and new at Norm's evenings, he is bringing his band for this
feature and will include some Irish themes in honour of the day.
For more, see http://www.ambrec.com/Homepages/peter/peter.htm
Tues Mar 20 - MICHAEL KATZ had a
successful touring band a number of years ago until he tired of
life on the road, and now this is the place to hear his bluesy
guitar, harmonica and vocals.
Sat Mar 24 - CLELA ERRINGTON impressed
everyone with her gorgeous voice, lovely vocal interpretations
and harmonica and guitar playing when she came the January evening
Eddie Baltimore was our feature. Eddie recorded her new CD Lace
Curtains and he and Jamie Snider accompany her on it.
Sun Mar 25 - 7-8 pm EST, listen
to CKLN-FM 88.1 in Toronto for Tuesday's feature Steve Schellenberg
as guest on Joel Wortzman's show "Acoustic Routes", also live
on the net at http://ckln.sac.ryerson.ca/
Tues Mar 27 - STEVE SCHELLENBERG
of Winnipeg dropped in in October, leaving us wanting to hear
more and he enjoyed the sense of community, so we're very fortunate
to welcome him back as feature. "Deeply personal songs from the
heart: songs of romantic love, songs of spiritual journey, and
gently ironic social commentary.." More info, including details
of his recent CD Here Goes at http://members.home.com/steveschellenberg
Sat March 31 - MUNDY - TURNER, Cath
Mundy and Jay Turner are a songwriting duo from Brisbane Australia
who are ending their first Canadian tour at Norm's Living Room
and then are off to U.K. for an extended tour. Both impressive
vocalists, Cath plays lyrical violin and piano and Jay is a versatile
acoustic guitarist. See http://www.mundy-turner.com
for rave reviews and info on several recordings.
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APRIL
Tues April 3 - MICHAEL DENT pleases
with his bluesy vocals and guitar.
Sat April 7 - LENORE has a self-titled
CD with 13 original songs and is currently recording her second
one. She is an enthusiastic acoustic bluesy folk/pop performer
who captures wistful and humorous slices of life. See http://www.lenore.com
for varied quotes, wide-ranging musical influences and sound samples.
Tues April 10 - BRIAN GLADSTONE
amazes with his flying fingers flatpicking and fingerpicking at
the same time. "An analogue guy trapped in a digital world," his
1999 CD Back to the Dirt showcases his songwriting
ranging from a humorous look at traffic jams on the Don Valley
Parkway to socio/political messages. See http://www.backtothedirt.com
Sat April 14 - MARIANNE GIRARD,
a favourite at Norm's evenings with her lovely vocals including
gorgeous versions of several of Norm's songs, returns after a
too-long absence.
Tues April 17 - LORI CULLEN is a
very talented and captivating Toronto songwriter whose poetic
CD Garden Path was released to rave reviews last
year. Check the artist pages at http://www.indievoice.com
or http://www.newmusiccanada.com
Sat April 21 - NOAH ZACHARIN is
a Toronto-based songwriter whose third CD aLIVE
was released last June at the Tranzac. Recorded live at the Free
Times Cafe, it captures "a typical Noah Zacharin performance with
a wide range of material from Blues to Gospel to Jazz, tender
to raunchy" and showcases his fine fingerstyle guitar work. Song
samples and other information at http://www.noahsong.com
Tues April 24 - IN BLUE RIVER has
become a favourite duo - Devon's fingerstyle bluegrass/jazz guitar
and Cristina's emotionally charged classically trained vocals
in a continuous fusion of sounds and styles. With hand percussionist
Curtis and a cellist this time around, they'll be a real treat
indeed. They're finalizing their debut CD - visit http://www.mp3.com/inblueriver
for some songs, lyrics and info.
Sat April 28 - TIM READMAN of Vancouver,
known as the leader of Fear of Drinking, is touring to support
his wonderful solo debut CD Into the Red. See http://www.timreadman.com
for more details on Tim and an interview about each of the 11
original songs on the CD.
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MAY
Tues May 1 - RUSSELL SCOTT was part
of "the Orangeville invasion" of the Tranzac to help us celebrate
the first anniversary of Norm's Living Room in January. His quirky
sense of humour, deft lyrics and outstanding guitar playing have
given him a strong following at home and new fans at the Tranzac.
His songs reflect northern Ontario and many other subjects. Update:
Russell was able to bring copies of his debut CD the Master
Key with 10 original songs.
Sat May 5 - GLEN HORNBLAST and DON
BRAY are two fine songwriters. GLEN is a "folk singer on the social
justice scene" with 10 strong original songs on his 1997 tape
Isla Mujeres and newer songs in performance. DON
is an award-winning Barrie-based writer with an excellent well-named
debut CD Decisions. His blues-tinged acoustic/folk
performances are filled with humour, energy and an incredible
range of emotion. Soon he is completing his second CD. See http://www3.sympatico.ca/donbray/
Tues May 8 - RODNEY BROWN is a Thunder
Bay-based musician who has been playing professionally for more
than 25 years, written more than 100 songs and issued 6 albums.
Gigs at major festivals turned to education and children's entertainment
while his family was young, and he is touring southern Ontario.
His 1977 album Freedom in Me was re-issued on CD
and his 1999 Christmas album proved popular. Watch for another
reissue and a new recording.
Sat May 12 - JEREMY WOODLAND made
a big impression as part of Norm's Living Room first anniversary
"Orangeville invasion". 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 http://www.mp3.com/jeremyjwoodland
(Mary Kelly, previously scheduled, is in Calgary in Sound of Music)
Tues May 15 - RICK GREGUS is a veteran
blues writer/vocalist/guitarist who will be playing solo old time
blues from the Delta with a bit of bluegrass thrown in. His current
band is the Hokum Blues Express, a good times or nonsense blues
band which harks back to the early days of the blues (hokum: blend
of hokus pocus and bunkum). Last year the band released their
Good Feelin' Blues CD, highlighted on their website
at http://www.hokumbluesexpress.com.
Sat May 19 - PETER SOLMES is working
on his fourth CD; his latest is Home and Away. As
a solo performer, Peter plays solo keyboard or guitar to accompany
his musical versions of Canadian stories old and new. For more,
see http://www.ambrec.com/Homepages/peter/peter.htm
Tues May 22 - TREVOR STRONG, one
of the three Arrogant Worms, drops in to try new material on us
- lucky us! The Worms are well-known for their zany topics and
lyrics, so be prepared for a good time. Trevor also has his serious
songs too. For more on the Arrogant Worms, check http://www.arrogant-worms.com/
Sat May 26 - LORRAINE McDONALD is
a fine songwriter and performer who keeps her audiences entertained
with her beautiful singing, quirky wit and utter charm. Songs
from her second and brand new CD No Money No Makeup
are getting airplay on several CBC programs. Her website
Tues May 29 - JESSICA GRAHAM is a
young songwriter whose strong writing skills are getting her gigs
around town. She is working on a self-titled demo and in the meantime
has a track "Autumn Fire" on a promotional compilation
CD, Unsaturated Market, featuring female artists
from Southern Ontario.
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JUNE
Sat June 2 - JOHN JACKSON is a strong
songwriter and an amazing guitarist, a master of styles ranging
from flamenco to slide and including jazz, folk and rock. His
last CD is Takin' My Own Sweet Time and he is in
final stages of production of a new CD due for completion mid-summer.
He wrote the theme to the Great Canadian Parks TV series. Mark
your calendar for debut of Sacred Spaces TV program
to be aired on Discovery Channel 8-10 pm on Canada Day. UPDATE:
The TV program aired 9-11 pm on July 2.
This Norm's Living Room ended the Saturday series at the Tranzac.
Tues June 5 - RICHARD MOULAISON &
CO. - fine acoustic music with a good vibe and a nice twist. Chances
are you don't recognize the name, but especially if you're a regular
who stays late, you'll recognize the face. Usually just playing
as "Rich" on the 12-string guitar on the late shift, Rich quickly
set up a quartet at the end of the evening on June 2 (including
congas and bass) that got into a lovely groove.
Tues June 12 - MICHAEL LADEROUTE
- this is a name regulars definitely know, unless very new to
Norm's evenings. Michael has developed a real fan club at Norm's
- and many requests to finally start recording a CD! He has a
beaten path to Dallas Texas where he performs fairly regularly.
From his original songs ("There's a River I Know" with the gospel
feel one of his most requested) to covers to the fabulous fingerpicking
back-up to everyone who can persuade him to accompany them - here
is a feature you don't want to miss. Take a hint from Dean Cavill's
song about Norm's open stage - get there early if you're not feeling
too sure so you don't have to follow Mr. Michael Laderoute!
Tues June 19 - WAYNE MARSHALL is
a Brantford-based singer/songwriter, producer and engineer whose
country/folk songs have been recorded by a number of Canadian
and U.S. artists such as the Good Brothers, The Stoker Brothers,
George Hamilton IV and Ronnie Prophet. His songs range from true
life tales to humorous ditties like "The A & R Man." Wayne has
also done tremendous work behind the scenes organizing the huge
June 1999 tribute to Norm Hacking concert that filled Tranzac's
Main Hall with an awesome gathering of musicians performing Norm's
songs. Many of the songs, along with studio tracks recorded by
Wayne and others will appear on the upcoming tribute CD he produced,
One Voice, the Songs of Norm Hacking, Volume 1.
FRIDAY JUNE 22 12:30 pm - Norm
Hacking performs NOT at the Tranzac, but at a lunchtime outdoor
concert (if it doesn't look like rain) at the Metropolitan
United Church at Queen and Church Streets in Toronto. Other dates
are July 13 and 27 and August 17. UPDATE: June 22 concert
was cancelled due to rain not clearing quickly enouth, so August
3 has been added to Norm's list. For more details call the
church's concert info line at 416 363-0331 x22 or see "coming
up" link.
Tuesday JUNE 26 - THE LAST OPEN
STAGE at the TRANZAC, featuring NORM HACKING. It's appropriate
to go out with a party and let Norm take the stage for longer
than our open stage list usually allows. Come celebrate the fine
high-quality open stage series we've enjoyed since October 1999
- and as always Norm's fabulous songwriting.
Series ended at the Tranzac - Click here
for open stages TUESDAYS JULY 24, 2001 ONWARD at the SILVER DOLLAR
ROOM
THANK YOU!
A huge thank you to all the players,
listeners and features who have made Norm's evenings so special.
We never anticipated having features from Australia, Yukon, BC,
Alberta, Manitoba, Northern Ontario and a huge contingent from
Orangeville (an hour from the Tranzac) with regulars coming in
from the suburbs (Oshawa to Mississauga) - all with a solid core
of amazing local talent and loyal listeners. Norm's community
moved to the new series!
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For more info or to subscribe to a Norm Hacking
email newsletter, send an email to info@normhacking.com
Last updated July 15, 2001
