In Remembrance of BJ Garrison

The Manitoba music community lost another great friend and musician with the passing of BJ Garrison on January 24th 2012.

BJ had long been a staple in the Winnipeg music community, playing with such acts as the Big Roll Band Louisiana Hot Sauce.

Manitoba country-pop duo Keith and Renée to tour with Jann Arden
Nine dates across western Canada

(January 23, 2012 - Winnipeg, Manitoba) – Winnipeg country/pop duo Keith and Renée is thrilled to get the opportunity to tour western Canada in February with pop-rock superstar, Jann Arden.

February 19 - Victoria (McPherson Playhouse)
February 20 - Victoria (McPherson Playhouse)
February 21 – Vancouver (Orpheum)
February 23 – Calgary (Southern Alberta Jubilee)
February 24 – Red Deer (Red Deer Memorial)
February 25 – Medicine Hat (Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre)
February 27 – Edmonton (Northern Alberta Jubilee)
February 28 – Saskatoon (TCU Place)
February 29 – Winnipeg (Pantages Playhouse)

Keith Macpherson and Renée Lamoureux have known Jann Arden for a number of years – most recently being featured on her CBC Radio program, Being Jann. “We’re such huge Jann Arden fans,” exclaims Renée Lamoureux. “We’re so honoured to be a part of her tour. It is an incredible opportunity.” The opportunity for Keith and Renée could not have come at a better time. The dynamic duo has a new album, Best Day, with a just-released single, “Wildflower,” that is getting airplay on radio stations across the country.


Keith and Renée is a perfect fit for Jann Arden’s tour. The talented tandem is energetic, passionate and experienced live performers, having played on numerous national tours, at major music industry showcases and on opening slots for Canadian country stars including, Doc Walker, Blue Rodeo and Emerson Drive. On Jann Arden’s tour, Keith and Renée will no doubt capture the hearts and imaginations of new fans appreciative of outstanding musicianship and compelling songwriting.


For more information on Keith and Renée online: www.keithandrenee.com

Bluebird North Concert Features Manitoba’s Best!
Doc Walker’s Murray Pulver, and Ridley Bent headline February 2 event

(Winnipeg, January 11, 2012) The Songwriters Association of Canada, Manitoba Music and the Manitoba Country Music Association have lined up an incredible night of talent for the next Bluebird North event at The Park Theatre on Thursday February 2, 2012.

What: Bluebird North Concert featuring Doc Walker’s Murray Pulver, Ridley Bent, MacKenzie Porter and Marc-Alan Barnette
When: Thursday February 2, 2012 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: The Park Theatre (698 Osborne Street), Winnipeg, Manitoba
Tickets: $15 at the door, $12 for Manitoba Music, Songwriters Association of Canada and MCMA members

New for the Bluebird North concert series in 2012 is the addition of a Young Artists Showcase. Five young musicians: Brenton Thorvaldson, Brennan Wall, Karl Shewchuk, Kim Erickson and Shannon Patterson will get the chance to play a short set at 7:30 p.m. before the main stage acts come on.

Bluebird North: Where Writers Sing and Tell is a musical showcase presented by the Songwriters Association of Canada (S.A.C.). Every show features a different line-up of talented Canadian songwriters who take turns sharing songs and stories in an informal, acoustic atmosphere.

The event was originally inspired the legendary Bluebird Cafe in Nashville where writers were given a dedicated stage and a listening audience.

In Winnipeg, Bluebird North is produced by Chris Burke-Gaffney for the S.A.C. This event also takes place in Vancouver, Edmonton, Toronto, Ottawa and St. John’s. Bluebird North is sanctioned by the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, Tennessee.

Winnipeg television personality Jenna Khan (Citytv’s Breakfast Television) will emcee the event.

For more information on the S.A.C.’s mandate, activities and membership programs, please visit www.songwriters.ca. Media inquiries can be directed to Bluebird North publicist Lisa Saunders at 204.799.4641 or lisa@soundstrategy.ca.


ABOUT THE PERFORMERS:

Marc-Alan Barnette is a Birmingham, Alabama born, Nashville-based singer/songwriter/teacher and music business consultant. In 2010, he was inducted into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame. He has had songs recorded by Grammy Award winner Shelby Lynne, and country stars David Ball and John Berry. Barnette has been teaching songwriting and the practical application of the music business for 12 years. He works with writers and artists worldwide, in Nashville and all over the US and Canada, through his workshops, seminars, and musically educated tours of Nashville. www.marcalanbarnette.com

Like Ridley Bent's past records, Rabbit On My Wheel reads like a collection of short stories, showcasing the Western Canada based Country artist's keen fascination for characters whose life on the straight and narrow rarely lasts past the nearest exit to a short, crooked road. On Rabbit On My Wheel, the 2009 CCMA nominee and seven-time BCCMA winner's storytelling and songwriting chops are sharper than ever. Although the tales are still as tall as they come, and the characters as large as life or larger, the cast of hard-drinking, fast-driving characters Ridley unleashes on Rabbit On My Wheel tend to be a shade less hell-bent on self-destruction than they are with keeping their lives between the lines and out of the ditch. www.ridleybent.ca

MacKenzie Porter was raised on a cattle and bison ranch in Southern Alberta. At the young age of four, she began studying piano, violin, and voice. As a classically trained violinist, MacKenzie performed for many years as a soloist and a chamber musician. In addition, MacKenzie toured for a number of years with a family band including her brother Kalan Porter (2004 winner of Canadian Idol). She is currently writing and recording her upcoming debut album. In July, 2011, Mackenzie won the Nashville North Star competition and subsequently opened for Kenny Chesney and Doc Walker. She has also opened for Terri Clarke, Trooper and the Canadian Tenors. www.mackenzieporter.ca

Murray Pulver is the “go to” guitar player who splits his time between Nashville and Winnipeg. His talents have led him to a variety of experiences including recording and touring with The Crash Test Dummies and Doc Walker. His credits include WCMA Musician of the Year, CCMA Producer of the Year and two nominations for Producer of the Year at the Western Canadian Music. Songwriting is the newest accomplishment for Murray, winning Songwriter of the Year for Doc Walker's Beautiful Life at the 2008 Canadian Country Music Awards. He has co-written songs for numerous artists as well as several top 10 songs for Doc Walker. Murray also writes for various TV shows that air on OLN, A&E, CTV, CBC and Global. He is currently published by Roots Three/Ole Music Publishing. www.docwalker.ca

Young Artists Showcase: Brenton Thorvaldson, Brennan Wall, Karl Shewchuk, Kim Erickson and Shannon Patterson. After seeing Marc-Alan Barnette's "New Crew" perform on a recent trip to Nashville, these five young singer/songwriter/musicians decided to join together to bring a unique form of a “writer’s round” to Winnipeg and the surrounding area.


The S.A.C. gratefully acknowledges the support of The SOCAN Foundation and the Government of Canada through the Creators' Assistance Component of the Canada Music Fund.

Tribute to Craig Fotheringham

A night of celebration and music with Ray Martin (Foster Martin), Chris Bigford, Shandra Levreault, Curtis Newton and many, many more.

Sunday January 15th, 2012
7 p.m. to 12 a.m.

Highway 75 Blues and Sports Bar at the Pembina Hotel
1011 Pembina Hwy
Winnipeg, Manitoba

In Remembrance of Craig Fotheringham



The Manitoba music community lost a great friend and amazing musician with the passing of Craig Fotheringham on January 8th 2012.

As owner of Craig Fotheringham Studios Craig worked with many Manitoba artists as producer, engineer, and musician. As a member of the Foster Martin Band Craig traveled the world playing keyboards with one of Manitoba's biggest country groups. Craig also served on the MCMA board of directors and held the position of MCMA President.

The Keats - Halifax-based twin sisters Jolene & Sharlene cut three songs penned by Winnipeg songwriter Bart Dupas on their new release ‘Free At Last’.

Preview That’s How I Want to Be Loved, Half a Million Ways, and Livin’ Out Loud from The Keats newest release available on itunes: http://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/free-at-last/id459570397

The Manitoba Country Music Association welcomes our newly elected Directors, Owen Price and Rick Roschuk.

We would also like to announce the election of Chris Ising as President and Miles Trach as Vice President of the MCMA.

The Manitoba Country Music Association welcomes our newly elected Directors, Owen Price and Rick Roschuk.

We would also like to announce the election of Chris Ising as President and Miles Trach as Vice President of the MCMA.

After many years serving the MCMA as a member of the Board of Directors, Cindi Cain has resigned from her position.

Please join us in wishing Cindi continued success in all her on going endeavors. Cindi will be missed.

Photos courtesy of the BCCMA

Tuesday November 15, 2011
Keith and Renee To Perform On BCCMA Awards Show

Manitoba Country Act, Keith and Renee continue to have the Best Year of their lives with a new highlight being their special guest performance spot on 35th Annual British Columbia Country Music Association (BCCMA) Awards Show on November 19 & 20, 2011. This is Keith and Renee’s debut awards show appearance and the duo is set to perform their current single, Best Day that has been charting on Nielsen BDS. The annual awards show and conference weekend runs November 19th & 20th in Coquitlam, BC.

When asked about the upcoming awards show performance Keith commented, “it is such an honor to represent Manitoba and The Manitoba Country Music Association at this event. Both Renee and I are very excited to visit BC and make contact with the music community over there”.

All the events are open to the public and take place at The Red Robinson Show Theatre (2080 United Boulevard) in Coquitlam, BC.

Earlier on this year, Keith and Renee’s first single from the new album was listed in the top 10 DMDS Charts for two weeks straight. The duo has also recently opened for popular Country Acts Doc Walker and Blue Rodeo.

For more information on the 2011 BCCMA Award Show and Conference Weekend visit www.bccountry.com.

For interview and press inquiries, please contact

Kevin Walters
info@keithandrenee.com
204-299-5622

For more info on Keith and Renee visit:

www.keithandrenee.com