GrassRoots Regina

11/10/2024

TH-THA-THAT-THAT’S ALL, FOLKS!

GrassRoots Regina to dissolve, effective December 31, 2024

GrassRoots Regina launched in the fall of 2007 with the mission of “increasing opportunities for Regina audience to experience quality folk and roots music through the presentation of concerts.” And that’s exactly what we did: in 17 years we presented over 140 shows and fostered a lot of musical magic.

At the start, thanks to our members’ backgrounds in the local folk and blues scenes and in community radio, we knew of many worthy touring roots artists who needed help with booking and arranging their Regina gigs. We stepped up to fulfill that need. Over time, our reputation grew with agents, artists and audiences alike, and we were able to curate concert seasons with musical variety, featuring a balance of emerging performers and old folky favourites.

GrassRoots Regina also wanted to expand the audiences for local musicians, and so many of our weekend shows opened with “guest” sets by Regina talent. As well, we presented two “SaskRoots Nights,” to celebrate our province’s roots music community
Now, GrassRoots Regina has decided to dissolve the organization.

A lot has changed since we set out on this adventure. Some changes are for the worse: COVID-19 has meant that fewer musicians are touring as much as they used to, and their expenses have gone up. Some changes are for the better: more venues have opened up, and their bookers seem keen to present the acts that would have fit well into a GrassRoots Regina season. We feel that we are leaving Regina’s folk-and-roots-music lovers in very good hands.

We owe much gratitude to our concert-goers, whose appreciation for the shows made every ounce of effort absolutely worth it. And of course, big thanks go out to the many musicians who graced the GrassRoots stage. We salute those people behind the scenes—the agents, the sound technicians, the volunteers, the billeters, the ticket vendors—who all contributed to our success. In particular, we thank the management and staff of The Exchange, the venue where we held almost all our concerts, for their years of support.

We hope you will continue to support live music in Regina, and maybe we’ll see you out at a concert.

02/26/2024

Spotlight on Jez!

Singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and novelist, JEZ LOWE has delighted audiences since his first album release in 1980. He hails from Easington Colliery in County Durham (northeast England), and his work often deals with the daily lives and struggles of coal miners. But no matter the subject, he delivers his songs with a disarming, impish wit and lilting voice that bespeak his Irish roots.

Jez’s long and much-lauded career includes solo recordings, ten albums with his band, The Bad Pennies, three with the quartet The Pitmen Poets, and many other musical pairings. Jez also has a long-running role as a principal writer for the award-winning BBC series, The Radio Ballads.

Enjoy this video of “Time Rich, Cash Poor” from Jez’s 2020 release, Crazy Pagan (http://tinyurl.com/3ut4a6md) and then come out to The Exchange on Wednesday, February 28, to revel in the real deal as Jez shares the stage with James Keeleghan. See previous posts or visit www.grassrootsregina.com for all the details.

Written and performed by Jez Lowe, from the album CRAZY PAGAN - release date Nov 3rd 2020

02/24/2024

Picking up your advance tickets for JAMES KEELAGHAN and JEZ LOWE today as you're out and about? Keep in mind that our vendor, Traditions Handcraft Gallery on 13th Ave., is open today till 5:30 but closed Sunday and Monday. Our other vendor, Vintage Vinyl on 11th Ave., is open every day.

$25 cash only, please, at these vendors. Or use a credit card to buy online through Eventbrite for $27.96 (tinyurl.com/4nac84hv). Or pay $30 at the door the day of. See you there!

02/20/2024

Double bill with JAMES KEELAGHAN and JEZ LOWE coming up soon at The Exchange: Wednesday, February 28.

Spotlight on James!
Often acclaimed as the natural heir to Gordon Lightfoot and Stan Rogers, James has been revealing Canada's stories in song for nearly 40 years. The Boston Globe wrote "He displays a genius for finding his way deep inside big stories, building them outward from palpably intimate moments.”

He wraps his tales in memorable melodies and delivers them (interspersed with wickedly witty banter) in a lilting baritone.

James won a Juno Award for his 1993 album "My Skies" and is delighted to be nominated yet again for his most recent, his 11th solo release, "Second-Hand."

Please enjoy this video of James singing his classic "Cold Missouri Waters," about the Mann Gulch Fire in Montana in 1949 (not all of James's songs are mined from Canadian history; there is little that doesn't intrigue him!). And then share widely! You can find all the deets, such as where to get your tickets, at grassrootsregina.com.

http://tinyurl.com/zwy5e7cz

James Keelaghan - guitar, vocals Hugh McMillan - bass https://keelaghan.comhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hugh_McMillan_(musician)Norderstedt, Music Star 29.8...

02/08/2024

*Important Info about Advance Ticket Sales for Maria Dunn/Joe Jencks Double Bill This Sunday*

If you usually get your advance concert tickets from Traditions Handcraft Gallery (2718 13th Avenue), please be aware that they are closed today due to unforeseen circumstances. They hope to be open tomorrow (10-5:30) but perhaps phone them first to confirm this (306) 569-0199). (They are always closed on Sunday.)

You can also get your tickets at Vintage Vinyl (2335 11th Avenue downtown) (open Monday-Saturday 10-6; Sunday 10-5). For either vendor, $25 CASH ONLY please!

OR, until noon on Sunday, you can buy your tickets online here for $27.96 (that includes the service fee): https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/maria-dunn-and-joe-jencks-in-concert-tickets-772465052767?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

OR you can pay $30 at the door the day of. Whichever way you choose, you are sure to enjoy a splendid evening of story in glorious song, by two of North America's most acclaimed musicians.

02/06/2024

Spotlight on JOE JENCKS!

We're over the moon to present Joe Jencks in his Regina debut, in this double bill with MARIA DUNN on February 11 at The Exchange.

Joe is an award-winning songwriter based in Chicago. He has enthralled audiences for 25 years with his unique merging of musical beauty, social consciousness, and spiritual exploration. And that voice! Joe sings in a lyric baritone with the richness of sea-salt caramel. He draws on his conservatory training, Irish roots, and working-class upbringing to deliver engaged musical narratives filled with heart, soul, groove and grit.

2022’s “The Coming of the Years” (Joe’s 17th release) centres on songs that Joe wrote while on tour in Ireland and stands firmly in the modern Celtic traditions. Check out our earlier post for a video of “When the Moon Rises Over Skibbereen.” For a grittier side of Joe, enjoy this video of “Everybody Sings the Blues” from 2017.
http://tinyurl.com/24csfe2s

Please share widely and check out www.grassrootsregina.com for ticket info and other details.

Joe Jencks performing "Everybody Sings The Blues" at the Isis Music Hall - February 5, 2017.Everybody Sings The Blues (c) Joe Jencks 2013 & 2017 Turtle Bear ...

02/01/2024

Spotlight on Maria! And a video to boot!

A true preserver of the spirit of folk music, 2022 Juno Award Winner MARIA DUNN is often compared to Woody Guthrie for her keen social awareness and unvarnished melodic songs about ordinary people. Her latest album, "Joyful Banner Blazing" (2021), celebrates resilience, grace, gratitude, solidarity, joy and the love that fires our actions to make the world a better place.

"Heart in Hand" tells the story of an average woman active in the struggle for better wages and working conditions during the 1986 Gainers Strike in Edmonton. This song is striking (pun intended) in its enduring relevance to today's labour movement. The video features the story behind the song as well as the lyrics.
http://tinyurl.com/y8mfrbz4

Please share our posts widely to overcome the algorithm overlords! See you February 11 at The Exchange!

Heart in Hand - from Maria Dunn's 2022 Juno-winning album “Joyful Banner Blazing” (2021). http://www.mariadunn.com Heart in Hand© Maria Dunn, 2015The 1986 Ga...

01/25/2024

As February 11 approaches, we're getting amped to present MARIA DUNN and JOE JENCKS in a very special double bill. Since we last hosted Maria, she's released three more gem-filled albums, winning a 2022 Juno Award for "Joyful Banner Blazing."

This concert is (as far as we know) the Regina debut of Chicago-based and internationally acclaimed Joe Jencks. Here's a video to acquaint you better, perhaps make you an instant fan. "When the Moon Rises Over Skibbereen" (from Joe's 17th album, 2022'a "The Coming of The Years") tells the tragic story of the Irish famine and the shadow it casts even today. Enjoy! and then visit www.grassrootsregina.com for quick links to more info and tickets.
http://tinyurl.com/5fsknjhv

When The Moon Rises Over Skibbereen - Written & Performed by Joe Jencks Copyright 2019 ~ Joe Jencks, Turtle Bear Music, ASCAPVideography by Jeremy SimonMixed...

06/08/2023

You can still scoop up your advance tickets for award-winning roots artist T. BUCKLEY this afternoon ($20 cash) at Vintage Vinyl (2335 11th Ave. downtown) or Traditions Handcraft Gallery (2718 13th Ave. in Cathedral). Online sales through Eventbrite have now closed. Or pay $25 at the door of The Exchange (2431 8th Ave.) this evening...still a great deal for an amazing evening of music. Doors at 7:30; show at 8. All ages, licensed.

06/07/2023

Acclaimed Americana artist T. Buckley graces the stage of The Exchange (2431 8th Ave.) tomorrow evening, June 8. He'll be joined by Janaya of the fabulous Saskatchewan sister act, Jay & Jo.

Of the title track from his 2021 release, Tim says: “‘Frame By Frame’ is one I hold close. It’s very reflective, and came out of thinking about my grandfather. I feel like I really captured his essence on the tune and I feel like the song is universal with its message that it’s the little things and moments that matter, the time we’re able to spend with one another.” Enjoy the lyric video: https://tinyurl.com/3hzy764n

'Frame by Frame' earned the rootsy singer-songwriter well-deserved nominations: Canadian Folk Music Award and Western Canadian Music Award nods, both for Songwriter of the Year. His hometown honoured him with the Calgary Music Award for Folk Recording of the Year. That's on top of accolades for his break-out solo album, 2018's 'Miles We Put Behind.'

Advance tickets ($20, cash please) still available at Vintage Vinyl (11th Ave. downtown), Traditions Handcraft Gallery (13th Ave. in Cathedral) and online ($21.51) at https://tinyurl.com/yfpnbk6c. $25 at the door, which opens at 7:30. The all-ages show starts at 8 pm and is licensed. Full details at www.grassrootsregina.com.

“Frame by Frame” - Lyric Video (c) 2021, T. BuckleyListen HERE: https://smarturl.it/frame-by-frameNEW full-length record: November 2021Follow me on Spotify: ...

06/05/2023

We just can't get enough of how T. Buckley wraps his lovely voice around a melody, in sometimes unexpected but delightful ways. Here's a duet with his little sister Mariel, a cover of The Hip's Bobcaygeon. Enjoy! Then enjoy him live at The Exchange (2431 8th Ave.) this Thursday. Doors at 7:30, show at 8:00. https://tinyurl.com/3uyej22a

Our ticket vendor Traditions Handcraft Gallery is closed just for today, but you can still pick them up at Vintage Vinyl ($20, cash please) or online at tinyurl.com/yfpnbk6c for $21.51. Find out more at www.grassrootsregina.com.

Provided to YouTube by The Orchard EnterprisesBobcaygeon · Mariel Buckley · T. Buckley · Robert Gordon Sinclair · Joseph Paul Langlois · Gordon Downie · John...

06/03/2023

Coming to The Exchange this Thursday! Grab your tickets today for Americana artist T. Buckley. Swing by Traditions Handcraft Gallery (2718 13th Ave. in Cathedral) or Vintage Vinyl (2335 11th Ave. downtown) -- $20 each (cash only, please). OR buy online at https://tinyurl.com/yfpnbk6c ($21.51).

From Calgary, Tim is a fabulous songwriter, marrying melody and meaning with a smooth and supple voice, at times gentle, at times gritty. He'll be joined by Janaya of the Saskatchewan-bred sister duo, Jay & Jo. With any luck, they'll duet on this beautiful tune, Song Unbroken, performed here with Chloe Albert. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JF8DKV-vYuk&t=225s&ab_channel=TBuckley

For all the details and links, please visit www.grassrootsregina.com.
On Thursday, doors open at 7:30, and the all-ages, licensed show starts at 8 ($25 at the door).

The first single off of T. Buckley's upcoming album - Miles We Put Behind. Full album launch October 2018. Stream or download the recorded version of Song U...

05/28/2023

Musical friends, please share! T. BUCKLEY is an acclaimed Americana artist from Calgary, and we're stoked to present this rising star in concert Thursday, June 8, at The Exchange (2431 8th Ave.). His knack for telling riveting stories in song prompts comparisons with Guy Clark and Steve Earle, and he can rock out too! Janaya of the glorious Sask-bred duo Jay & Jo will open the show.

Advance tickets available at Vintage Vinyl downtown and Traditions Handcraft Gallery in Cathedral ($20, cash only) or online at https://tinyurl.com/yfpnbk6c ($21.51). Tix at the door $25.

Doors at 7:30, show at 8:00. All-ages, licensed show. Find all the deets and links at www.grassrootsregina.com and in the meantime, enjoy the gorgeous "Holding My Place" from T. Buckley's latest, Frame By Frame. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGs7hWS-9qY&ab_channel=TBuckley

“Holding My Place” - Video (c) 2021, T. BuckleyNEW full-length album: November 5, 2021Pre-Order "Frame by Frame" on CD and Vinyl: http://www.tbuckley.ca/mer...

05/11/2023

9 days till James Keelaghan! Have you got your ticket yet? Visit www.grassrootsregina.com for deets and links! Have I mentioned that James's latest, Second-Hand, was named best album of 2022 by the esteemed Penguin Eggs Critics' Poll? Here's why those tough- but fair-minded influencers chose it! https://tinyurl.com/2kntnba9

Canada's beloved glossy folk music magazine, Penguin Eggs, ceased publishing in 2021, but an annual tradition continues here at Roots Music Canada. Every year for 20 years, Penguin Eggs invited music journalists, radio hosts, folk club and folk festival artistic directors and other “taste makers.....

05/08/2023

12 days till James Keelaghan at The Exchange, on Saturday, May 20! Here's a review of Second-Hand by Doug Gallant of Saltwire, that tells of how the album came to be and the evolution it represented in James's songwriting:

Second Hand features both solo efforts and writing collaborations

04/29/2023

We're thrilled to present JAMES KEELAGHAN at The Exchange (2431 8th Avenue) on Saturday, May 20! Accompanied by David Woodhead, James will unveil his latest album, Second-Hand. This collection was named 2022 Album of the Year by the influential Penguin Eggs Critics' Poll.

Explore the info and links at www.grassrootsregina.com. Advance tickets $25 (cash only) now available at Vintage Vinyl on 11th Ave. downtown or Traditions Handcraft Gallery on 13th Ave. in Cathedral. Or for a small fee, buy online at https://tinyurl.com/y3xd2nx4.

This is sure to be a gooder. Please share widely! Your friends will thank you!

04/27/2023

The Exchange doors open at 7:30. James Gordon is finally here. See you soon!

04/21/2023

NEW: Eventbrite link. Hey folks! Perhaps you weren't around for James Gordon's original concert date, but your calendar is all clear for his re-scheduled concert on Wednesday, April 26 at The Exchange. You can still pick up advance tickets at Vintage Vinyl downtown or Traditions Handcraft in Cathedral ($20, cash only). If you'd like to buy your tix online ($21.51), here's the new link: https://tinyurl.com/yckvbx4k. For full info and lots of links, visit www.grassrootsregina.com.

GrassRoots Regina is pleased to present veteran Canadian singer-songwriter James Gordon in concert.