Aug 26, 2010:
Yahoo! We have set the date for our RED HOT CANDY HEART CD Release show! Saturday, October 16th at THE BARN! This will give us time to promote the CD and get our new merchandise ready. We're going to put out a big spread of nice home-style cooking - so it'll be great value for the ticket, and a nice barn-dance feel too. Tickets will soon be available to purchase, but meanwhile, do MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
Aug 11, 2010:
Working hard to plan out our CD release show in Calgary...sorry I don't have details yet, but I really have something wonderful I'm trying to line up! Anyway, we've had some fun shows post-Stampede, including a nice afternoon in Parkland's Park 96, a Rawlco-supported Ronald McDonald House Charity run (where the whole audience was running toward us, and then away from us at top speed - sorta freaky and fun at the same time!) as well as a wonderful private party last weekend (Thanks Sheldon and Deborah for taking such good care of us!). Next up is Taste of Calgary this Thursday (tomorrow) night 7 - 9 on the Main Stage. Great music, and great food samplings from all over Calgary!
July 21, 2010:
What a wonderful Stampede - started with a 5000 person event, and ended with an outdoor show turned into an intimate acoustic kitchen party! Now I have my first small shipment of albums, and am launching into promo mode for the new CD, and planning the CD release event. The bulk of them will be here in a few weeks. Stay tuned for details!
July 9, 2010: Yahooo!!! Stampede has finally kicked off - and we had a terrific show yesterday downtown at Stephen Avenue Mall for "First Flip!" - about 5000 people were in attendance. Now we have a very busy series of shows all week - almost all of which are not open to the public. That said, if you'd like to see Jacquie perform this Stampede, you can see one of two upcoming performances: 1) Jacquie playing solo for Club Paradiso's charity Stampede Breakfast on Tuesday, July 13th from 8 - 10:30 am, or 2) Jacquie Drew & the Crew for Club Paradiso's Stampede evening show 8:30 - 11:30pm. So, hopefully we're going to cover off both the early birds, and the night owls!
June 29, 2010: IMAGINE a warm summer evening with hopping live music at Club Paradiso THIS SATURDAY, JULY 3RD... CLICK HERE for details. We won't have new CD's in hand yet...but you can preview a few of the new tracks on this website in the player (top black bar of the site) - if you don't hear the new tracks playing already, try refreshing your browser, restarting your computer...or, perhaps turning on your sound??
June 10, 2010: OUR NEW CD, called "RED HOT CANDY HEART" IS COMPLETED and will be in print end of June!! YAHOOO! We're arranging details for a CD release tour very soon - likely a small show pre-Stampede, and then a series after Stampede. If you're on our email list, we'll send you the details. If you're not on the list - sign up on the CONTACT PAGE.You may have already noticed that we've posted a couple of the new tracks on this website in the player (top black bar of the site) - if you don't hear the new tracks playing already, try refreshing your browser, restarting your computer...or, perhaps turning on your sound??
May 17, 2010: We have finally posted our Stampede 2010 Schedule...well, all that we've been booked into so far! Details on the SHOWS PAGE. We're also continuing to make serious headway on the CD. All recording should be done this week, and then we're into mixing - aiming to have it mastered by month's end! In other news, we bought a couple of super-sized 1522z Mackie Main Speakers - meaning we've got all the high-powered gear we need for all of our big Stampede shows, and more! We're also posting new videos and photos from some of our recent shows.
May 1, 2010: THERE HAS BEEN A SHOW TIME CHANGE FOR MOTHER'S DAY: We were going to do it as a dinner show, and have since decided to have 3 shows around brunch... hopefully this to make the show more accessible to all ages, so bring your kids, and moms, grandmothers, and other special mother-figures that you want to honour and appreciate! Details on the SHOWS PAGE. We're also making serious headway on the CD this month...pushing hard to get it all recorded in the next 2 weeks, so it can be finished the end of the month - eeek!! Stay tuned for details on CD Release dates!
April 27, 2010: Papa B and I are heading in to Airwaves studio tomorrow to do some new tracking for the CD. Also, Thursday night, I'll be performing solo during Club Paradiso's "One Night in Vegas" Variety show (see everything from drag queens to a capella singers, to burlesque dancing!). I will also be performing a special MOTHER'S DAY SOLO SHOW on the evening of May 9th at Village Cantina (the restaurant below the Club) - songs for, by and about mothers! This is to make the show more accessible to all ages, so bring your kids, and moms, grandmothers, and all mother-figures that you want to honour and appreciate!
April 16, 2010: Yahoooo! It's been a great week! We had our first show at the Ranchman's club for their 2010 Stampede Kickoff Party, which was our first show with the return of Peter Boyce on lead guitar - and it was jolly old riot!! We also broke in a new drumming-alternate, Ben Jackson, at our Club Paradiso show last night. He played beautifully - nice touch, lots of style - he'll definitely be back. And, we booked 20 duo shows at the Frontier Pavilion at the Stampede Grounds - Papa B (on bass/guitar/vocals) will be performing that on with me. Check our shows page soon for details. I will also be performing a special MOTHER'S DAY SOLO SHOW on the evening of May 9th at Club Paradiso - songs for, by and about mothers - of which I have written many!
April 6, 2010:The Crew will be performing our first show at the Ranchman's for their 2010 Stampede Kick-off on April 14. Check our shows page soon for details. We will also be performing at Club Paradiso April 15. This will be one of your last chances to enter to win a trip for two to Las Vegas! The draw is happening during a variety night on April 29. I will also be performing a special Mother's Day show (May 9th) at Club Paradiso. Check in early with Club Paradiso for reservations. I posted a new video - a fun jam at Calgary's Ranchman's. Have a look on my video page or see it on our YouTube channel by following the link below. I also did an interview with "Online Examiner" - see it here. You can get my free ringtone - just follow me on Twitter and you'll get it soon!
March 23, 2010: The band has been working hard on the new album lately. Lots of Fun!! We booked a new show at Club Paradiso for April 15. This will be one of your last chances to enter to win a trip for two to Las Vegas! The draw is happening during a variety night on April 29. I will also be performing a special Mother's Day show (May 9th) at Club Paradiso. Check in early with Club Paradiso for reservations. I posted a new video - a fun jam at Calgary's Ranchman's. Have a look on my video page or see it on our YouTube channel by following the link below. You can get my free ringtone... just follow me on Twitter and you'll get it soon!
March 6, 2010: Lots going on this weekend: Playing with Allen Christie in Red Deer on Sunday, and recording more tracks for CD. Also figured out how to send out a music track via Twitter. If you want the free ringtone, follow me on Twitter and you'll get it soon!
February 22, 2010: Great progress on the new CD this week. Recorded a bunch of guitar and vocal tracks yesterday. Things are really beginning to take shape! Meanwhile, don't hearing some of our newest material at our next show - which is THURSDAY night at CLUB PARADISO, starting 8:00pm. 1413 - 9 Ave SouthEAST in Inglewood. Tix $10.
February 11, 2010: Okay, if you're a Facebook fan of ours, you already know this (to become a fan, click the link below) - but we're scheming up a special Valentine's show for tomorrow night - where you can make song dedications to your Valentine, or submit your outrageous "personal ads" to the stage, and we will try to match you up....show starts 8pm at Club Paradiso. 1413 - 9 Ave SouthEAST in Inglewood.
February 8, 2010: Still snow on the ground, and we've already got a bunch of Stampede offers lining up. We'll be posting gigs as they're confirmed, so if you'd like to book the band, do get in touch right away! Meanwhile, COME TO CLUB PARADISO THIS FRIDAY...going to be a fantastic show - the club has a special menu planned including Jumbo Lump Crab Cake Dinner ($24), a NY Strip Steak Dinner ($26) and a Lobster Tail stuffed with Crab and topped with Hollandaise Sauce ($35). That should make your date hot under the collar. And if you arrive before 7:00pm, I'll come to your table to play you a song (how romantic is that?).
January 30, 2010: Club Paradiso's Haiti Variety Show and Auction raised over $5000 for the Red Cross, and the show was fantastic! The Jacquie Drew & the Crew's next show there will be Friday February 12th, 8:30pm... right before Valentine's Day - so come on down with your hot date.
January 25, 2010: Fantastic show at the Early Stage Saloon in Stony Plain. Owners John and Carmen loved our stuff, and gave us an open invitation to return anytime we want to! Check out the pre-show interview article for the local paper...CLICK HERE. In other news, Jacquie (solo) is joining a bunch of Club Paradiso's other eclectic acts for a variety show to benefit Haiti this Thursday evening. Tix $50 each, with all proceeds going to the relief fund.
January 3, 2010: HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYBODY! In case you haven't heard, we're running a promo with Club Paradiso where our fans can win a trip for two to Las Vegas to be given away this spring. You can enter each and every time you come to one of our shows there - next one this Friday night.
December 17 2009: Vegas was ton of fun! The band played great and the NFR folks were really nice. Great dancers too! Tonight is the last show before Christmas, and will be a solo gig tonight at the Delta Hotel. Then I'm taking a good rest between Christmas and New Year's - maybe I can finally get rid of this cough/throat thing!
December 9 2009: LEAVING FOR VEGAS in the morning. I'll be tweeting and Facebooking my adventures on my fan page while I'm there, so follow me on the links below if you want to stay in touch!
December 6 2009: Crazy but wonderful last few nights after 4 shows in 3 days! Highlights were our first "Country Christmas" show at Club Paradiso, and the Rawclo Radio Christmas party at Ironwood. Great job to Dwight Thompson who joined us on lead guitar for the Club Paradiso Show. And I can't thank the Rawlco folks enough for their hospitality and support. I am definitely NOW in the Christmas spirit (even had egg nog tonight)! 4 DAYS TIL VEGAS!
December 1 2009: Getting ready for our Christmas show this THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3rd at 8:00PM. The band is playing our COUNTRY CHRISTMAS AT CLUB PARADISO. If you haven't gotten in the Christmas spirit yet, this show will do it! You'll find it in Inglewood, at 1413 - 9 Ave SE, just over the Village Cantina. Tickets are $10 at the door. Come early for the Club's special egg nog, and dinner too.
November 29, 2009: Recovering from a very rowdy Grey Cup party at Delta last night!! Thanks to Allen Christie for getting me through that last set - even yodelling me through that last tune when my throat was spent - and to Dwight Thompson for being such a great sport by sitting in on base - amazing ears, Dwight! Coming this week: COUNTRY CHRISTMAS AT CLUB PARADISO. Thursday night. If you haven't gotten in the Christmas spirit yet, this show will do it!
November 22, 2009: CD #2 RECORDING KICKS OFF! Awesome first recording day in the studio at Sundae Sound! We got bed tracks for 7 songs down, despite my being very hoarse. Luckily, the bed tracks just needed clean bass and drums, and I only had to play and sing well enough to keep the tempo and feel going throughout. It's so nice to be working with my guys this time around, who know my tunes. Back at it tomorrow!
November 15, 2009:Got back from gig in Scapa (north of Hanna) today - it was a beautiful little community hall, and the people there were wonderful!! Great meal, great dancers, and the hosts made the band feel like a part of the family - even sending us home with extra food! Thank you Kim, Rick, Gus & June and family for all your kindness! We'll have gig photos up shortly. Lawrence and I strummed Christmas tunes all the way home in the back of the "bandwagon" - getting ready for Christmas in Inglewood at Club Paradiso this Thursday night. Also, I'd love your feedback on the new tunes - see the Videos page....should I put My Breast Friends on my new CD?
November 11, 2009:Howdy folks, and I hope you're all having a peaceful Remembrance Day. It's beautiful here in Calgary - sunny and bright. One of those days you feel grateful for all we have here in Canada! Here's an old favourite my mom used to sing...this version sung by the great John Denver: CLICK HERE. So beautiful!
November 3 2009: Diving into Social Media....I have finally jumped on board with Twitter, and created a Fanpage on Facebook! I already had a MySpace as well, but now I've linked it into this website off the homepage (see below). If you join these sites (either Twitter or Facebook is easiest), you'll be able to get our news as it happens straight to your email, or even to your cellphone if you're following on Twitter. I also wrote another song, a special one, for a friend of mine with breast cancer. It's a fun little swing number, I'm planning to make a little YouTube of it and get it out there - maybe this weekend. In recording news, we've booked the studio (Sundae Sound), and we'll be in there later this month. Meanwhile, I'm pounding away brushing up Christmas tunes for the season....if you'd like to book me and or the band, call soon - YES WE'LL DO HOUSE PARTIES, CHRISTMAS PARTIES, NEW YEAR'S PARTIES, ETC but call soon to get the best availability!
October 22 2009: Lotsa news! FIRST: What's that quirky new tune in the player? It's one of 7 different themes I wrote for the short film, Ellen's Shoes! Can't let you see the whole film online though, as it's still making the festival rounds, but if you want to see a trailer, which contains another one of the musical themes, CLICK HERE to watch it. In other news, the band played our first full-length show at Club Paradiso last night - and it was faaaabulouuuss! So they want us back for an extra two shows in November. We're getting down to work on our CD, and we are excited to announce we're producing it "in house" - that is, Lawrence Ball, who plays bass and guitar in the band, is going to be the head producer of the album! Also, I wrote a new song this week called "Cowgirl that I Am" which has yet to be performed on stage...so come out to the November 12 show at Club Paradiso and you'll get to hear it then!
October 8 2009: Thank you to all the folks who came out to the September 26th show and gave us feedback on the songs! We made dinner, had a great time, and got some wonderful and constructive ideas on how to approach this album. We have decided to re-work our original concept/plan substantially, to give us more flexibility around the number of tunes and the budget, so stay tuned for news coming soon. Also, the film premiere of Ellen's Shoes at the Calgary International Film Festival on October 3rd was amazing - finally got to see how the score I'd written tied in with the film in its final version - Wahoooo!! If the director decides to post it on the web (perhaps after his festival rounds have been completed), I'll include a link on this website.
September 18 2009: Whew! Back at it after a short hiatus - and am gearing up to start recording second CD in October. I've scheduled a PIVOTAL LIVE SHOW for Saturday, September 26th. This show is designed for my best fans - so if you're one of them, and you want a say in what I should put on my next album, and you want to hear all the songs I've written recently (which you may never get to hear in a regular show)...then get in touch with me ASAP to book a seat!
August 15 2009: IMPORTANT NOTICE: I decided to discontinue my weekly lunch shows at Ironwood on Fridays for various reasons. The timing is good though, because I need a holiday - and I'll soon be recording my next CD. The band is considering a "vote your favourite song" onto the next CD show - and we'll soon be back to you with a date/location for that! We've got about 20 new songs to choose from to put on the next CD, so I'm going to need the fan feedback to decide which ones to go with.
July 31, 2009: BIG NEWS: The short film for which I composed the score, "Ellen's Shoes" has made it into the Calgary International Film Festival, and received a nomination for "Best Alberta Short Film" - Yahooo! In other news, I wandered in to meet the people at Smithbilt Hats in Inglewood - and came out with a beautiful real-fur new cowboy hat in chocolate brown - gorgeous (they thought my big black one, which I've worn for years, wasn't worth saving...uh, I guess I didn't know much about hats!). Check the "photos/videos" page for new shots of this hat...the recent Sun & Salsa Festival, and the COPA (Canadian pilots' convention) show.
July 16, 2009: Whewwww! Made it through Stampede with a VOICE at the end - small miracle after 13 shows (about half of them solo gigs)! Thanks in large part to the support of "The Crew" - who are all great singers with whom I shared the load...and to Gary on sound/lighting, for his meticulous attention to the sound/monitors so I could actually hear myself without pushing too hard! Gary was actually pulling quadruple duty this Stampede (sound/lighting/equipment/photography), so check out the photos page for those...he'll soon have some new videos posted too. Also got some WONDERFUL news: I landed a $10K grant from Rawlco to help finance my next CD! Yippeeee! ALSO DON'T FORGET TO ATTEND THE SUN & SALSA FESTIVAL THIS SUNDAY IN KENSINGTON. WE'RE ON THE MAIN STAGE 2, NEAR SAFEWAY, FROM 1:10pm to 1:50pm.
June 23, 2009: Our stampede schedule is shaping up beautifully, and the band was just invited to perform at Kensington's Sun and Salsa festival July 19th, on the Main Stage 2 (near Safeway). The festival is Kensington's biggest one of the year, and it's going to be an amazing show!! Mark your calendars, and come down to load up on tons of salsa and guacamole (I think I could almost live off guacamole, I love it so much!).
June 12, 2009: Wahoooo!!! I finished the tracks for the movie...and it's done in time to make the film festival competition deadlines. What a fantastic learning experience it was writing songs and backgrounds for film sequences - one of those things I always wondered if I could do, because when you watch a movie it looks so perfectly timed, but yet the music doesn't feel forced. I am amazed with how the tracks turned out (thanks also to Kit Johnson for helping me produce/record/perform them), and also for the creative inspiration it gave me - I did a whole bunch of non-lyrical writing and instrumental stuff - which was really new to me....some of them I am going to turn into new songs with lyrics, so stay tuned.
June 7, 2009: Serendipitous breakthrough!! We've found a new, permanent lead guitar player: Peter Boyce! Funny story: I met him about a month ago at Ironwood at my lunch show, and we got our wires crossed re: who was supposed to call whom...and he assumed I filled the spot, and I assumed he found something else. So then, since he lives in Okotoks, he happened to drop by our show at the George on Friday night, and came over and said hello. We chatted and realized our error - and then I set up an audition for him for the next day, Saturday afternoon, before the show! He was amazing - there was nothing he couldn't play beautifully right out of the gate - all by just listening (no charts)... and he can sing, and harmonize beautifully. So I invited him to the Saturday night George show to see how he clicked with the guys. The guys were absolutely thrilled with him - just an excellent fit. Anton (my smiling drummer) was so happy he said "Can I hug this guy?" - and we had a fabulous show! The owners of the George loved the show too, and even bought a bunch of my CD's to hand out to the crowd. This is like the last piece of my "puzzle" - one I've really been holding out for. I am so proud to have Peter on the team...now it's LOOK OUT...wait'll you hear THIS band!
May 31, 2009: A good friend of mine, Han Siu (who also created this website, and shot my photos for my CD) has written and directed a short film, and asked if I might be able to write the musical score for it! The film is really cool, and it's really got my creativity flowing - lots of mood-altering new melodies are popping into my head. On another note, I've been asked last-minute to guest in at the Chicks with Licks songwriter showcase with Susan Wheatley and Berna-Dean Holland...should be some great fun, meeting a couple other female singer/songwriters I've never met before!
May 23, 2009: Whew, did the 320km Golden Triangle bicycle tour last weekend, then had 4 gigs in the last 2 days, and the throat held up well (thank God!). Last night's show at the Dog & Duck was a blast...we performed a bunch of new tunes that we'd been rehearsing over the past few weeks, including 6 - 7 new ones that Lawrence worked up - and he rocked! Also, I finished writing a groovy new tune this morning....so now I'm going out ot enjoy the sunshine!
May 10, 2009: Hello folks! I've had a sore throat lately, and decided I needed a little break...so I've decided to sidestep my Monday lunch commitments at Ironwood. Tim Leacock will be taking this spot over, and I'm still keeping the Friday lunches at Ironwood. I've found that after performing on the weekend, it really helps to have a few days of non-singing! Also, I encourage you to go and see Tim perform - he rocks!
May 6, 2009: The Ironwood Show on Monday night was fantastic - Anton Danielsen, our new drummer, ACED it - and it was great to meet his wife, mother, brother, and all his buddies - who are now officially all part of the "band family"! It was also really fun to see people like Joe Ceci, and the Inglewood merchants up and dancing together; I'll never forget George Brookman singing as he glided a two-step across the floor! No wonder he made such a great ambassador for the Stampede!
April 25, 2009: On Monday, I had the pleasure of meeting with Fuze Entertainment, one of Calgary's top entertainment agencies, and since then they've already pitched me 3 shows (as soon as these are confirmed, I will be posting them on my shows page). Wahoo! In other news, I got my rough demos done of three of my songs for grant applications (fingers are crossed) to help me fund my next CD, planned for this fall (Oct-Dec recording schedule).
April 19, 2009: It's been a very busy couple of weeks. I've written a couple of new songs, and been working to line up the band's dance card for Stampede Week. I also found an awesome new drummer, Anton Danielsen...who has over 20 years playing experience and has an excellent feel for my material. Like me, he also owns a business that gives him a lot of flexibility during the day, which is fantastic!
April 2, 2009: Had a great little Monday night show with Ian Sherwood and Kevin Ryan. Felt pretty much like a cozy maritime kitchen party where we were all collaborating on each other's songs! Also recorded the new version of I Found Love with Kit Johnson for the Nashville Song Plugger who requested it...what a wonderful job Kit did arranging and performing on harmony vocals, guitar and bass! In other news, Ironwood has filled in all their regular lunch slots now, so you can come down any weekday from noon to one, and enjoy live music with your lunch at no additional charge. They're also launching their new lunch menu this week!
Mar 22, 2009: "Springlewood" was a hoot...and is sure to become an annual event in Inglewood given the feedback from the store merchants - many of whom said it was their best day in months, if not ever! Also, a fellow East-Coast musician, the multi-talented Ian Sherwood, is coming to town to play a couple shows with me on Monday, March 30th. I think he'll be joining in on my lunch show, and then we'll also do an evening show the same day. Ian may also enlist the help of a few of his other Calgary musician buddies - anyway, it'll be an east-coast songwriter reunion on March 30th at Ironwood Stage - so don't miss it!
Mar 19, 2009: "Springlewood" in Inglewood is all planned, and this Saturday is going to be a hoot! We've got all sorts of neat tastings, in-store demos, and cool contests happening, so make sure you come on down and check it out! I'll be playing at From the Ground Up (lower level of the Garry Theatre - right under START Marketing's offices) with a 4 piece band. For a schedule of events, CLICK HERE.
Mar 8, 2009:Just had some fun working all night online, and adding more new photos and videos. There's an especially neat video of my pitching a song to Sherrill Blackman, the Nashville song plugger, during the ECMA's. I had no idea Gary had been listening and videotaping outside the window while I was sitting in that tiny room singing song after song... you can barely hear what I'm singing (But I've Found Love) but it's neat to see such an up-close personal performance. It was so neat playing for him - he sat with his eyes closed, and listened to every word, stopping me if he couldn't understand a lyric...and you can see by my expression at the end of the song that this was one of the songs he liked! He really gave me exceptionally astute feedback on my songwriting, which helped me a ton! I'll soon be sending him a new recording of that song (with no 3rd verse, as per his request) which he thought would be great as a blues-style production, instead of country. Fascinating! There's also a new video of me jamming with Flo Sampson (Gordie's mother) and award-winning legend, Ron Hynes.
Mar 5, 2009: Well, I think I burnt my candle at both ends, and in the middle, during ECMA's, because I needed a whole 2 sick days upon return! But I wouldn't change a thing! We have a ton of wonderful contacts, and some hilarious (if not incriminating) pictures. We'll put the good ones up on this site shortly...if you wanna see the crazy stuff, come to the Ironwood gig this Friday at noon, and ask Gary to show you! And don't forget to come and see band at Dog & Duck this Friday night...starting at 9pm.
Mar 1, 2009: Wahooo! The ECMA's are absolutely incredible - I ended up with 3 hours on Discovery Stage (only one of which was planned) and then have been playing impromptu at every turn I get. Sherrill Blackman (a Nashville song plugger) kindly, and spontaneously gave me an hour of his time to listen to my songs (because I couldn't get a scheduled 5 minute session with him, as everyone else had booked them)! I also met many amazing musicians like Lennie Gallant, Bruce Guthro, Chris LeBlanc, and Ian Sherwood. Last night I met Flo Sampson (Gordie Sampson's mother) - and wow, what a piano player! We jammed until 4:30 am in the hotel! What a howl! Tonight is the awards, and we are planning another late night jam session after that. Pictures and videos coming soon!
Feb 22, 2009: I wrote a couple new songs in the past two weeks called "Moonlight's Calling" and "High Horse"...and am really loving them. Have only performed them a couple times so far - I tried one on Friday at lunch, and then both of them on the Friday night at Dog & Duck, despite the band never having heard them before! Thanks to Lawrence Ball and Ron Lukiv for being great sports, and stepping to the plate. It was a great show Friday - and the staff and patrons had an enthusiastic response. Turns out the patrons there do like to get up and dance, so I'm returning next time with a drummer to punch that up a notch. I loved playing that room, and we'll certainly be back - I have the next show booked for Friday, March 6th.
Feb 7, 2009: Lunches at Ironwood are going wonderfully! I've been performing on Mondays and Fridays from noon to one, and building up a good group of "repeat offenders" - i.e. good fans who keep coming back to see me. It's also given me the chance to test out lots of new songs (both originals and covers.) Last Friday, I also tried something new: a "song request" card - wherein I'll play your song if I know it...or you can just tell me your particular mood (or something that's happened in your day) and I'll sing you a song to "give ya what you need"!
Jan 12, 2009: I recently received news that I was selected to perform at the East Coast Music Awards' Discovery Stage! This means I'll be travelling to Corner Brook, Newfoundland at the end of February - and may have the chance to meet some pretty serious musicians. There are also many other cool venues to play down there, so I hope they don't mind a New Brunswick-born Calgarian donning a cowboy hat. Say, maybe it'll help me stand out! Or will they all just ask me if I'm Terry Clark? Details regarding venues and times are TBA.
Jan 11, 2009: What a fantastic show on Saturday night! The Ironwood was sold out well before the show started, the dance floor was full, and the band went strong right through all three sets. It was one of the best shows I've had to date! I really enjoyed wandering the room with my guitar before and between sets to play songs at the tables....the people really seemed to love it, and it gave me a chance to meet them. I had also learned a couple new songs for people who had booked big tables, and that was a real blast. (Didn't know I could sing the Eels...3 Speed is a cool song!) People also gave me lots of ideas of tunes I can add to my repertoire - which I'm already working on. Also, I test drove a brand new song I just wrote, called Primrose Flower...which went beautifully! Thanks for coming everybody!
Jan 7, 2009: A REALLLLY SPECIAL OFFER FOR IRONWOOD'S SATURDAY NIGHT SHOW: Okay folks, since it's the dead of winter, and I really want you all to come out to my show this Saturday night at Ironwood...I'm throwing in some big bonuses. If you book your seats in advance, and get there by 8:00, I will come to your table personally and sing you a song (any song I know that you may request). If you book 10 or more seats, and let me know right away, I will LEARN ANY SONG YOU LIKE by Saturday night's show. And if you book 30 or more seats (i.e. pay for 30, even if you don't fill quite all of them), I WILL WRITE YOU A COMPLETELY ORIGINAL SONG - just tell me who/what you'd like it to be about. So there's the offer on the table. Just drop me a line to jdrew@startmarketing.com and let me know you're booked in, and I'll be ready for you. Show details are on the shows page. ALSO: My review in PERFORMING SONGWRITER MAGAZINE is out and it's AWESOME! ...you can CLICK HERE to read it.
Jan 5, 2009: Happy New Year!! Well, I just finished my first show of 2009, with a cozy and wonderful little solo acoustic performance held at Ironwood Stage and Grill over the lunch hour today! Also, I got some incredible news today - Performing Songwriter Magazine (based in Nashville) has selected my debut CD, Rolling Wind, for its Top 12 DIY picks to be reviewed in their January/February issue. You can pick up the magazine at Chapters, Indigo, or wherever magazines are sold. Wahooooo!
Dec 15, 2008: It was a wonderful Christmas party at Brian Purdy's Saturday night. Brian's friends were a very attentive group, all cozied up around the fireplace, and all enjoying the completely acoustic performance. It was a great, informal way to do a show because we could all just sit and talk - play a few songs, tell stories and jokes, play a few more songs, etc., and we all had a ball! Several said it was one of the best parties they'd ever attended. And as a bonus to me, everyone there bought at least one of my CD's, which was a really pleasant surprise. Anyway, I'd love to do more gigs like this, so if you're planning a private party at your home (or elsewhere) do give me a call!
Dec 10, 2008: Excellent news...I dropped into Ironwood today to bring posters for my January 10 show there, and chatted with Pat, the owner. We cooked up a plan for me to do regular shows on Monday and Friday lunch hours starting January 5th. Solo, acoustic, and no cover charge! This could very well be the best lunch deal in town...considering Ironwood's delicious comfort-food menu with those addictive home-made potato chips and dip (drool)!
Dec 9, 2008: Chatted with CKUA today, and they said they largely base their top 30 CD charts on direct requests to hear specific artists...and that these can easily be sent by email to announcers. Anyway, if you'd like to email a CKUA deejay to request one of my songs, I would really appreciate it - and you can CC me in if you like! Just go to CKUA's web site to the Contact page, scroll down, and find all the announcers' email addresses. If you can, request a song that you think will fit the announcer's show...some of my songs are more folk, some country, some blues...and sound bites from my album are on this website. You can also listen to CKUA online from anywhere in the world!
Nov 28, 2008: Jacqueline's Bistro has been booked for a private Christmas party, so I will not be performing there this month. Also, due to an email problem (through my address on this website) I was unable to confirm my participation in their charity event this Saturday - which worked out okay for them, because they actually had another performer booked as well, then a bunch more activities going on (they decided to hire an auctioneer also). That said, if you've been trying to email me via jd@jacquiedrew.com and haven't gotten a response, my apologies - but it appears the problem was occurring for a few months before anyone caught it! Luckily it has been fixed!
Nov 15, 2008: Rolling Wind was reviewed in Fast Forward this week by Mary-Lynn Wardle. CLICK HERE to read it. Thanks to Mary-Lynn, Peter Hemminger and the crew at Fast Forward for the great ink! Also, the Christmas in Inglewood Show at "From the Ground Up" was fantastic...thanks to Gale LeBlanc and her staff for having me play - it was a honour to light up the old Garry Theatre stage once again!
Nov 12, 2008: Good news! Rolling Wind has been selected as a finalist for a "DIY" review category for Performing Songwriter Magazine, a leading industry publication based in Nashville. DIY is their "do it yourself" category for songwriters who finance their own independent projects - Wahoo!.
Nov 10, 2008: Okay, the Stop wasn't a sell-out, but every artist has gotta start somewhere! Thanks to Kate and Carl for having me at their gorgeous venue, to Melanie and Jody at Sun Country 99.7, and Mike and Russ at Am 1140. And especially to the friends and fans who made the trip to Black Diamond down to see the show - your support won't soon be forgotten!
Nov 3, 2008: Still recovering from Halloween - whew, what a late night after the drive back into town! The show was a wild one for sure - with plenty of young students present and in rowdy form. Despite adding a whole lot more fun country tunes prepping for this gig...(I draw the line at "Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy"), it was a great night with lots of dancing. In other news, my web designer, Han Siu, came by last week and showed me how to upload new photos and videos all by myself...so I'll hopefully be keeping a few more of the photo sections updated!
Oct 28, 2008: Just confirmed that Tim Leacock will be performing with me and Stefano at the Christmas in Inglewood show on Thursday November 13th. Tim is an excellent singer and performer - technically I should really be backing him up! And I also have booked Danny Patton to join us on keyboard for the Halloween show in Water Valley...Danny is an excellent musician, and usually plays bass - so he says that for Halloween he's "going as a keyboard player!"
Oct 16, 2008: Just finished booking two more shows in October - in particular one for the whole band at the Water Valley Saloon for Halloween! The place has some history in my family - which I'll tell you about if you come on down to the show. Also a mystery: what the heck am I going to wear to perform in on Halloween??? (any suggestions, or costumes, drop me a note!)
Oct 4, 2008: Just finished up two wonderful solo shows this week, one at the Delta Bow Valley Hotel Lounge, and another at a cozy music room/restaurant called Jacqueline's Bistro. In other news, I am thrilled to let you all know that my former accordion instructor, Penny Sanborn, has released her debut solo accordion CD, called "Serenade". The CD is absolutely, completely unbelievable, and gorgeously performed...(and after having had accordion lessons, I think I can fully appreciate the skill it took.) Listening to it transports you immediately to the streets of France and Italy! Visit PENNY'S WEB SITE to have a listen.
Sept 4, 2008: Heading out to Saskatchewan for a family event, I stopped in to Sun Country 100 (100.7 FM in southern Saskatchewan) and taped a live interview with deejay Jim Strom. The station will be airing a feature on my music on Sunday, September 21 at 8:30 am and 8:30 pm in the Regina/Moosejaw area, and in Weyburn on Saturday, September 20, 7:05am.
Aug 29, 2008: THANK YOU to all my friends, fans, and family who packed the Ironwood and Mikey's Juke Joint for my CD Release Shows! The musicians were fantastic, and CD sales fantastic. Check out the photo page for new images from the shows. "Rolling Wind" is off to a Rolling start!
Aug 16, 2008: TONIGHT IS THE BIG IRONWOOD CD RELEASE SHOW! WAHOOO! And in today's Calgary Herald there is a feature story written by the gracious and talented Mary-Lynn Wardle that details the bizarre and hilarious journey I took getting here! Pick up today's Herald, and/or CLICK HERE to read the story.
Aug 9, 2008: Thank you to Aaron and the wonderful staff at San Carlos Caffee, as well as all the fans (including Aaron's sweet baby - who spent about a half hour calming my nerves before the show), who made last night's show a beautiful, wonderful evening all around. Great food, great atmosphere, and a very responsive audience!
August 7, 2008: Thanks to Tamara Neely and the Western Wheel newspaper who were kind enough to publish an wonderful writeup about me this week...CLICK HERE to read it.
July 26, 2008: It was a wonderful maritime holiday, which included a fantastic show at Sessions Cafe for all my NB friends and family, and a rockin' family wedding which turned into a serious jam session! Tasha and Jordan Zboya, my new "cousins in law" have generously offered to open for my Ironwood CD release show on fiddle and guitar....so it'll be a real collaboration of family talent. Also, CBC aired my "Takin' Back this Life" today on "Key of A" with Tim Tamashiro. Thank you CBC!
July 10, 2008: An amazing week! Played the Nanton shows with Gord Bregg, Ron Lukiv, and Kenton MacDonald - and they were fantastic! Also, at least three of my songs have already aired on CKUA....Hooooray for CKUA! I've also booked Steve Zaat, a New Brunswick guitar player/ singer to join me at the show on July 17th. I am so looking so forward to playing for my maritime family and friends. Also, we now have online ordering for the CD up and running.
June 29, 2008: The debut show at Carlson's in High River Friday night was an incredible, wonderful experience! The room was filled with an attentive, exhuberant audience (thanks to many friends, fans, and family who made the trip down to High River) and the owners of the venue, Brenda and Don Carlson, even bought me a beautiful bouquet of roses! Check back soon for a video clips of the evening.
June 18, 2008: Wahoooo! The CD's are complete, in hand, and sound wonderful!!! We have already placed a few initial copies at Megatunes in Calgary (932 - 17 Ave SW). In addition, we'll soon have online ordering channels in place. Check back soon for further CD purchasing options.
May 28, 2008: The CD is now mastered, the graphics complete, and before you know it, hitting the street! We should have them by about June 22 - so they'll be ready for the High River Show. We've also just booked two new shows in Nanton, July 4th and 5th. Those are the first couple nights of Stampede, so if you want some great music while avoiding the rush in Calgary, mosey down to Nanton to take it in!
May 18, 2008: Check out the clips from the new CD, Rolling Wind, now posted in the music section of this website! And do drop me a line to let me know what you think!
May 14, 2008:Two nights ago we finally finished the studio work on the CD! I am now bouncing off the walls - it is so incredibly surreal, and sounds just magically beautiful in my ears - what a terrific collaboration of talents! Clips will be on this website in a day or so. Now it's on to the mastering, pressing and printing!
May 8, 2008: Allen Baekeland was in the studio this weekend - putting down harmony vocals. Now here's a fellow who makes singing multiple harmonies look really easy... "Smooth like Buttah!" Thanks Al!
April 30, 2008: I was in the studio all weekend, laying down final vocal tracks. Feels good to notch it up another level!
April 25, 2008: Steve Pineo was in the studio today, laying down acoustic and electric guitar parts for 6 tracks of the CD. I'm a big fan of Steve's - "Too Bad for Me" was a big hit for Prairie Oyster last year. And let's not forget "Canadian Man" recorded by Paul Brandt. Love the melodic, musical way he plays guitar!
April 22, 2008: Launch: of website and more... Here we go! Thanks to all the friends, family, fans, and mentors who are pushing me ahead on this! Design of the website, including photography for my artistic portraits, was by handled by incredibly talented Calgary designer, Han Siu.
April 18, 2008: The great Charlie Villieux (my dear friend and former band-mate from the Men of Constant Sorrow) came to the studio this afternoon and laid down pedal steel on two tracks for the CD... gorgeous work, Charlie! Thank you!!
April 11, 2008: Peter Marley was in-studio, laying down guitar tracks today. Magic on the strings! (Peter has been giving me guitar lessons since December) You can hear a rough cut of Peter playing guitar with me on the "Long Way Down" track currently on the web site (he's doing the fancy stuff!). Not sure if we'll keep the accordion track I played on there... send me your opinions if you like!
April 6, 2008: Just had the first day in the studio with my rhythm section, including Thom Moon on drums, Danny Patton on bass, and Ron Casat on the keys the songs are already taking shape... some great ideas from the guys too!
March 5, 2008: I'm a songwriting maniac... where is it coming from? Lyrics are constantly dancing in my brain. Charge ahead... I can do this.
February 8, 2008: Told Tom Phillips the boys I'm leaving... Can you say Constant Sorrow? Now it's regroup, write, regroup, write. Feels like I just jumped off a cliff.
February 2, 2008: Last gig at The Stop with Toms band. The final CD Release Show... the most incredible crowd ever. I couldnt get over the noise as I played Warren Zevons Carmelita and Justin Tubbs Imagine That for the last time with the band... Yahoo, what a memory!
