Saturday, December 30, 2017

2017 was an amazing year of interesting and unexpected opportunities - thanks for coming along for the ride! Looking ahead at 2018 there's some new projects and celebrations as I turn the page into my forties..!
Happy to have accepted a position with the Windsor Classic Chorale as their General Manager!  I'll be helping to organise and promote concerts, seek sponsorship and more.  Have a look at what's coming up for their exciting season at www.windsorclassicchorale.org ...!

Ramping up for a February Birthday Week Tour including two tribute concerts to the great Willie P. Bennett.
Friday, February 2nd ~ Willie P. Bennett Tribute, Revival House, Stratford
Saturday, February 3rd ~ Musical Chairs! At The St. Regis Tavern, London
Tuesday, February 6th ~ The Local, Toronto with Will Gillespie
Thursday, February 8th *Allison's Birthday ~ special guesting at The Cameron House with Corin Raymond & The Sundowners
Friday, February 9th ~ The Cornerstone, Guelph with Northland Rail Service
Saturday, February 10th ~ Willie P. Bennett Tribute, Aeolian Hall, London
Sunday, February 11th - Private Party, Fingal
and later in February I'm back at Taloola...
Friday, February 23rd ~ Taloola Cafe, Windsor

I'm still looking for part-time work and adding more freelance projects to my schedule as winter rolls through... my biggest resolution is to do more HARMONY SINGING on stage and for session projects, so if you've got something on the go, give a shout!

Happy New Year!
Allison


Saturday, November 25, 2017

The last month of the year is fast approaching, and as the falling leaves turn into snowflakes I'm reminiscing about an interesting year of new adventures, making plans for 2018 and getting in the holiday spirit!

My annual "Border City Roots" Fireside Christmas Radio Hour is on Thursday, December 21st this year, I'm starting to chop my firewood to bring up to my snow-covered cabin in the woods to broadcast live by the fireside and share my Christmas favourites!  Tune in at 10:30am to Noon on CJAM 99.1fm in Windsor/Detroit or from anywhere in the world (including the North Pole) at www.cjam.ca!

And earlier in December I'll be joining up with Mouthpiece Storytelling for their final show of the year at Villains Beastro on December 8th as their musical guest!  The theme for the evening is "Childhood", 7:00pm, Free Admission!

Finally I've updated my email address- you can now email me at allison@allisonbrown.ca!
Be sure to sign up for my email newsletter on the right side of this page ---> or on the contact page

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Allison

Sunday, October 22, 2017

October is flying by and I'm back home from touring adventures with Carolyn Mark and her New Best Friends!  We had a fantastic tour through Eastern Ontario to Montreal; highlights included a surprise peek at the Sloan recording studio, playing at The Horseshoe and The Black Sheep, picking up an amazing fringe jacket in Toronto, hiking up the mountain in Montreal and connecting with so many friends along the way. 

I'm back at the Southern Ontario homestead for a long while, just in time for CJAM's annual PLEDGE DRIVE..! Super excited about being back live on Border City Roots after a long-ish tour/work hiatus.  This year, I'm offering a THEME CHALLENGE to listeners who pledge $50 or more to the show.  With your $50 pledge, I'll create a full episode featuring songs on YOUR THEME!  You can donate online here: https://grouprev.com/CJAMPledge-border-city-roots or you can call in during my special Pledge Drive show on Thursday, October 26th from 10:30am to 12:00 noon, CJAM 99.1fm in Windsor/Detroit or online at www.cjam.ca.

Coming up on November 11th, I'm back at Taloola in Windsor joining up with my Stratford pal String Bone for an hour of duets from our collected songbook - don't miss it! 8:00pm to 9:00pm, Pass The Hat!
Later on in November I'll be teaming up with Lauren Baillargeon and her musical family and friends for another fundraiser for Kids Curing Cancer, November 26th at St. Andrew's Church in Amherstburg.. stay tuned for more details!

Don't miss your chance to support community radio in Windsor/Detroit by making your pledge to CJAM's annual Pledge Drive! 
Allison 

Tuesday, September 19, 2017

Halfway through my adventures working at The Pelee Island Winery Pavilion out on Pelee Island this September..been beautiful on the Island, summer weather, swimming, biking and stunning sunsets every night... and of course, wine! Looking ahead to October which brings eight super shows with Carolyn Mark on our 'Middle Eastern' Tour that brings us to Hamilton, London, Toronto (twice!), Wolfe Island, Peterborough, Wakefield and Montreal!  We'll be joined by many guests along our way including Jenny Whiteley and many more 'New Best Friends"..! Uncle Dan is with us on the road too!

Thursday, October 5th - Hamilton - The Casbah w/Jenny Whiteley, 8pm, $15.00
Saturday, October 7th - London - The Richmond Tavern w/Jenny Whiteley, 4pm, Pass The Hat
Sunday, October 8th - Toronto - The Horseshoe Hootenanny w/Jenny Whiteley, Li'l Andy, David Newberry, Tony Dekker, Lindy, Corin Raymond, Bobby Dove, Joey Wright, Kristine Schmitt, Gregory "Goose" Macdonald, Kenneth Paul Kelly and hopefully Sam Allison
Tuesday, October 10th - Toronto - The Local, 9pm, PWYC
Thursday, October 12th - Wolfe Island - TBA
Friday, October 13th - Peterborough - The Garnet w/Naomi Kavka, probably 9pm, around $10
Saturday, October 14th - Wakefield - The Black Sheep Inn - 8:30pm, $15
Monday, October 16th - Montreal - Brasserie Beaubien  w/  Lil Andy, Bobby Dove, $10 adv/$15 door

Looking forward to the tour of a lifetime with Carolyn and her New Best Friends!!!
Check it out - http://carolynmark.com/  
In the meantime, loving the unique natural beauty of Pelee Island - here's some photos!
Allison
Monarch Migration on Pelee Island

Walking to work snack at the Winery

Pelee Island's Historic Lighthouse

Striking Sunsets on the West Coast of Pelee Island

Sunday, August 27, 2017

August is trailing off and cool breezes are in the air - bringing along Uncle Dan to round out the summer with a mini-tour with my pal Ali McCormick, and the Shelter Valley Folk Festival!

We kick off the mini-tour with a stop in Guelph at The Cornerstone for a Wednesday night show on August 30th with our pal Max Marshall - don't miss this first time quartet appearance! PWYC, 9:00pm!  Ali, Dan and I go from there to a special house concert at Amherst Island's Topsy Farms on Thursday, August 31st - email for details allisoncbrown@yahoo.com.

Labour Day weekend brings us to the Shelter Valley Folk Festival near Cobourg where I'll be doing some stage hosting through the day and singing a few songs!  It's the finale of the 13 year festival history so be sure to be there!

Holiday Monday, September 4th brings us to The Old Church Theatre in Trenton/Quinte for an afternoon concert beginning at 2pm! Perfect way to wrap up your Shelter Valley weekend just 35 minutes on your way to Kingston from the festival site.  Tickets are $15 in advance/$20 at the door - don't take a chance, get your tickets in advance here:
http://oldchurch.ca/event/allison-brown-ali-mccormick-uncle-dan-henshall/

Taking a 'gig-break' for September where I'll be living on beautiful Pelee Island working for the whole month at the Pelee Island Winery.  I'll be off the radar for a while, working, writing, and enjoying all this magical southern Ontario island has to offer!

Then, in October I hit the road with the Queen Of Vancouver Island, Carolyn Mark! We'll be performing in Waterloo, Hamilton, London, Toronto, Peterborough, Wakefield and more - stay tuned to the concerts page for updates!

See you at Shelter Valley and along our road to the festival !
Allison

Wednesday, August 9, 2017

August is already rolling along and I'm just back on the radar after a magical weekend at Pelee Island Unplugged, fantastic music and still feeling the island vibes!  This weekend I'm on deck for some stage hosting throughout the Kingsville Folk Festival weekend August 11th to 13th at Lakeside Park in Kingsville - I'll be joining the always fashion-forward Magoo as a co-host for Friday night's mainstage!

On the flipside of the KFF weekend, I'll be headed right to Stratford to play a few songs from back in the Perth County Conspiracy days at the Black Swan Coffeehouse Revival Fundraiser on Monday, August 14th!

Later on in the month I'll be performing at Leamington's Sip And Savour Festival on Friday, August 18th for a solo set beginning at 8:00pm, and I head to Amherstburg the following weekend for a noon set in the craft tent at Fort Malden on Saturday, August 26th at Art By The River.  .. great gigs in my Southwestern Ontario stompin' grounds to round out August.

I'll be heading out on a mini-tour with the 'Lioness of Lanark County', Ali McCormick at the end of the month, up in Guelph at the Cornerstone on August 30th with our pal Max Marshall... 


and then to Amherst Island for a special house concert at The Wool Shed at Topsy Farms on August 31st before heading to the Shelter Valley Folk Festival near Cobourg where I'll be doing some stage hosting and workshops!

Labour Day brings us to Trenton for an afternoon concert Monday, September 4th at the Old Church Theatre!  Tickets are available online - so get yours in advance here:


  
Here's a few photos from my recent summer rambles; see you at home and on the road!

On Stage At The So-Ho Bar & Grill in London!
Pelee Islander is #1 - a wavy ride to Island Unplugged!


Thursday, July 13, 2017

Exeter's Elusive White Squirrel
July is flying by and I've been having a blast here in Exeter, Ontario working with The Bach Music Festival of Canada..! It's been two amazing Bach-to-Bach weekends of music, and I did see one of Exeter's famously elusive White Squirrels! Lots on the horizon as July rolls into August - Sunday, July 23rd I'll be joining up with Lonesome Lefty for a concert at the Two Creeks Conservation Area in Wheatley, 6:30pm, PWYC. C'mon out to Wheatley for an evening of your favourite country music and some surprises!

I'm back in London on Thursday, August 3rd for my first performance at the new So-Ho Bar And Grill (466 South Street) along with my pal String Bone! 9:00pm PWYC!

Super excited to be part of the line-up for this year's Pelee Island Unplugged! An amazing two days of music on Canada's southernmost Island destination!  Including Elliott Brood, The Ron Leary Sextet, Samantha Martin & The Delta Sugar and more of your favourites.  I take the stage with Uncle Dan around 5:30pm 'Island Time' on Sunday, August 6th.
Later in August I'll be doing some Stage Hosting for the Kingsville Folk Music Festival coming up August 11th through 13th at Lakeside Park in Kingsville!  Another stellar lineup including Sylvia Tyson, Cowboy Junkies and more! 
More on the list for August: 
Friday, August 18th ~ Leamington Sip & Savour, 8:00pm
Saturday, August 26th ~ Art By The River, Amherstburg, Noon
and even more coming up as September rolls in - check the In Concert section for more!

See you out at so many fantastic festivals this summer!
Allison

Monday, May 29, 2017

June is upon us and summer in Southwestern Ontario will soon be in full bloom!  Got a few shows coming up in June and July that keep me down here in the stompin' grounds and up to the big smoke for a rare Toronto show!

This weekend I team up with the one and only Lonesome Lefty for a night of songs at the Bridge House in Kingsville from 9:00pm to 1:00am on Saturday, June 3rd! Holy Smokes! 19 Main Street E., Kingsville.  No cover!

Saturday, June 10th brings me up to the city for a rare Toronto show as part of the Distillery District music series where I'll be joined by a surprise special guest!  2pm to 4pm!

Later on in June I join up with Lauren Baillargeon and her band of family and friends for a special fundraiser in Amherstburg for Kids Curing Cancer on Sunday, June 25th! 2:00pm at St. Andrew's Church, donations all towards helping these super kids fight cancer!

Thrilled to be working for a few weeks through July in Exeter as a Production Assistant for The Bach Music Festival of Canada, where I'll be helping with setting up and helping organize this fabulous festival of concerts celebrating the music of Bach!

Friday, July 7th brings me back to Pelee Island Winery for an afternoon of music with Karen Morand from 4pm to 8pm... and later in August I'll be back on Pelee to play as part of the Pelee Unplugged Festival!

See you out in the summer sun!
Allison

Friday, May 12, 2017

Spring is springing in Southern Ontario and it's time to plant seeds and ideas for another great summer of adventures...

Just added some new videos to my Youtube Channel from two shows at The Duncan Showroom, one solo, and one with Sweet Potato Brown... here's one for "Your Enemy":
Two Gillian Welch covers along with Shelley Brown and Paul Morelli (Sweet Potato Brown), here's Miss Ohio: https://youtu.be/qKY_XTbIIKQ

I'm spending most of May and June here at the homestead hideout devising schemes, searching for work, doing some freelance projects and planning out some adventures... June 25th at is my next performance, part of a Kids Curing Cancer Fundraiser in Amherstburg featuring Lauren Baillargeon and her band of family and friends! St. Andrew's Church, 2pm! On July 1st I'll be celebrating Canada's 150th Birthday in Utopia for a concert along with String Bone at the Utopia Hall..!

Super excited to be part of this year's Pelee Unplugged on Pelee Island where I'll be bringing along Uncle Dan for a Sunday afternoon set.  Mark August 5th and 6th on your calendar and get your tickets, camping and ferry reservation for what promises to be Southern Ontario's best weekend ever!

Later on the horizon in August I'm booking a few shows with the 'Lioness Of Lanark County', Ali McCormick around the Kingston area, we have two on the books - we'll be playing double shows on Amherst Island and at the Old Church Theatre in Trenton. Sandwiched between, on Labour Day weekend I'll be doing some stage hosting at the Shelter Valley Folk Festival!

Summer hasn't started yet and I'm already looking at an exciting fall tour with the one and only Queen of Vancouver Island, Carolyn Mark in October in venues around Ontario - if you'd like us gals to stop in your town for a house concert or party, give a shout!

Keep tuning in Thursday mornings from 10:30 to Noon on CJAM 99.1fm, www.cjam.ca, for "Border City Roots".. lots of interviews and festival previews coming up including Ian Foster, Richard Garvey and more!

Happy gardening !!
Allison


Wednesday, April 26, 2017

Regret to report that this weekend's concert presented by The Tilbury Arts Centre/Council has been CANCELLED due to low ticket pre-sales.  Everyone who purchased tickets will be refunded in person at the Tilbury Arts Centre at 5 Queen Street, or you can call (519) 607-0494 for more information. Apologies to everyone who was planning to attend.

Happy to report that this year's Summer adventures will bring me and Uncle Dan to Pelee Island for the 2017 edition of Pelee Unplugged on August 5th & 6th! Be sure to get your ticket and ferry reservations for Canada's most Southern Island Festival!  https://theislandunplugged.org/

Spring is springing and money doesn't grow on trees; but sometimes Allison Brown T-Shirts and Tank Tops do..!
T-Shirts And Tanks In Their Natural Habitat
I'm having a SUPER SPRING SALE of my remaining stock of T's and Tanks for the low price of $7.00 (add $3.00 for shipping)!  This year new T-Shirts will only be available through CUSTOM order, so if you'd like one made just for you email me at allisoncbrown@yahoo.com.  Custom shirts are still regular price - $20.00.
Ladies Small Tank, Mens Medium, Ladies Small w.White Trim
 I'm also having a sale on Limited Edition Art Posters from October's concerts at The Bank and Kordazone Theatres.. hand printed with Letterpress, Linocut and Silkscreen! Only $5.00 (add $2 for shipping)!

Poster Sale - Five Bucks!
Limited Edition Re-Print $10
The original pressings of "Stitches And Incisions" have SOLD OUT and I've done a Limited Edition Re-Print of CD Copies which include 3 bonus tracks not appearing on the original pressing.  Only $10 (add $2 for shipping)! You can order anything by getting in touch at allisoncbrown@yahoo.com.

And... happy to be back on the CJAM Airwaves soon as Border City Roots returns from hiatus on Thursday, May 4th at 10:30am on 99.1fm in Windsor/Detroit or www.cjam.ca streaming live!  Tune in for road and train stories, great music from at home and great tracks brought back from my journey west!

As there's not too many shows on the books for the next while, I'm ramping up my work/project search!  So be sure to check out my pages about Musician Services and Voice/Radio skills, and if there's any jobs available anywhere that you think I'd be perfect for, please let me know!


Happy Spring and stay tuned for more summer adventures!
Allison

Monday, April 10, 2017

Wrapping up my Vancouver Island Ramble on my last week on the Island, resting up before boarding The Canadian train back east and home to Ontario.  It's been a fantastic bunch of weeks here out west, reflecting in nature, making music, playing some fun shows and reconnecting with old friends and making new ones.  Check out a few photos below!

Lots on the go once I return home starting with THREE SHOWS in Ontario; back to back weekends April 21st & 22nd where The Assembly Line hits Hamilton and Stratford, then our big concert in Tilbury as part of the Tilbury Arts Council Series on April 29th.  Get your tickets for the Tilbury show here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/allison-brown-and-the-assembly-line-in-tilbury-tickets-31307833573



Hope to see you at these three April shows with the full Assembly Line band in Ontario!
Here's some photos from my adventures out west....
With Sweet Potato Brown & Longevity John at The Duncan Showroom

Jams with Dan Belgue at the Vinyl Envy Anniversary Party in Victoria

Through The Rockies Aboard The Canadian

Winter In The Fraser Canyon

Mount Tzouhalem Duncan BC


Great Night at Wheelies In Victoria with Carolyn Mark & J McLaughlin

Goldstream Park

Fulford Harbour - Salt Spring Island

Friday, March 10, 2017

Can't wait to hop aboard VIA Rail in just a few short days to play for folks on "The Canadian" across to the west - a great way to celebrate Canada's 150! More shows have been added to my Vancouver Island Ramble:
Sunday, March 19th * VANCOUVER * House Concert * 7:00pm * email mhuron@yahoo.com for reservations and information * $10 suggested

Thursday, March 23rd * DUNCAN * Duncan Garage Showroom
with Sweet Potato Brown * 7:30 PM* Downstairs 131 Station Street * $12 Adv/$15 Door * https://showroomproductions.ca/ * http://www.sweetpotatobrown.ca/

Wednesday, March 29th * SOINTULA * Upper Crust Bakery * 7:30pm * $10.00 * with special guest David Essig

Thursday, March 30th * GABRIOLA * Hive Emporium with Sean Patton -$10.00, 7:30pm * www.hiveemporium.ca

Friday, March 31st * VICTORIA * Wheelies Motorcycle Cafe *
w/ Carolyn Mark & Jacqueline McLaughlin * 8:00pm * $10.00 * 2620 Rock Bay Ave * http://www.wheeliesmotorcycles.ca/cafe * http://www.carolynmark.com/

Saturday, April 1st * VICTORIA * Vinyl Envy Anniversary Party * 2:00pm * FREE! * 1719 Quadra St * www.facebook.com/pg/vinylenvycom

Wednesday, April 5th * DUNCAN * Duncan Garage Showroom * 7:30 PM* Downstairs 131 Station Street * $12 Adv/$15 Door * https://showroomproductions.ca/ *

Saturday, April 8th * SALT SPRING ISLAND * House Concert w/Bel (Dan Belgue) * http://danbelgue.ca/ * email allisoncbrown@yahoo.com for details

Also - looking ahead to April I'll be back in Hamilton at The Artword Artbar on April 21st, and at Monforte on April 22nd for a back to back weekend of shows with The Assembly Line!  We round out April with a special concert in Tilbury as part of the Tilbury Arts Council Concert Series!  Get your tickets in advance here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/allison-brown-and-the-assembly-line-in-tilbury-tickets-31307833573

Just added a new video as part of the Kordazone Theatre series filmed by Lauren Hedges!  Check out "People Get Ready"! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEHX6tI77qo

See you all out west and back again in Southern Ontario this spring!
Allison

Monday, February 27, 2017

Lots going on as we head into a busy spring!  This week I released the first in a series of videos filmed live at the full band concert with The Assembly Line at the Kordazone Theatre back in October!
Filmed and edited by Lauren Hedges, you get a unique glimpse into how the concert came together and captured a truly magical night of music at The Kordazone Theatrehttps://youtu.be/5XV66ODp82Y More to come, every Friday I'll be posting a new video on my Youtube Channel for the next few weeks.


Getting ready to head out again in March on VIA Rail's "Canadian" as part of the on-board musician program, all the way out to the west coast for a short stop in Vancouver and some extended time on Vancouver Island.  I'm still adding dates - so if you know of anywhere I should play or do a house concert on Vancouver Island, get in touch allisoncbrown@yahoo.com!  A great way to celebrate Canada's 150th by crossing the continent overland by rail!  More dates will be added check the In Concert section for fully updated details.   www.facebook.com/events/1642362966070376/

And - when I get back I'll be taking out The Assembly Line for back-to-back weekends in Mid-South Ontario with Friday, April 21st in Hamilton, Saturday, April 22nd in Stratford and a show with the Tilbury Arts Council Saturday, April 29th at Moffat Hall.  You can get your tickets in advance for that one at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/allison-brown-and-the-assembly-line-in-tilbury-tickets-31307833573.  Don't take a chance, get your tickets in advance!

Looking forward to another great train trip and to spending some time out on beautiful Vancouver Island this March & April ! Stay tuned!
Allison