Tuesday, July 23rd at Cedar Tree Café you can experience the beautiful harmonies of Madison Violet for yourself!

Juno nominated roots duo Madison Violet (Brenley MacEarchern and Lisa MacIsaac) recently released new album ‘The Good in Goodbye” which was born from their growth, together and apart.

Their distinct take on iconic Americana-inspired up-tempo melodies beautifully contrasts with their breathtakingly sweeping and personal lyrics.

The release of their debut album in 2009 won them the Canadian Folk Music Award for Vocal Group of the Year and a 2010 Juno Award for Roots & Traditional Album of the Year (Group).

I had the pleasure of attending the sold out Picaroons’ Brewer’s Bash yesterday in beautiful downtown Fredericton. 60 Brewers from across Canada provided 300 different beers for us to try! The weather was perfect and the patrons were out to fully enjoy the day. Socially, I enjoyed the opportunity to meet up with great friends and appreciated their recommendations on what to try next.

The aficionados came well prepared!

Don’t let the small size of this mug fool you – it was appropriate considering how many times I refilled it!

This one got my vote for best of the day. I liked the hint of cayenne, cinnamon and chocolate! A very yummy stout.

From the land of the midnight sun this one got #3 on my personal list.

This one got my vote for #2 – tasty and refreshing!

So that was the beer tasting portion of my day and I was more than pleased with the experience!

And the live music aspect was even better, for me that is! It was my first exposure to Deep Dark Woods and I will definitely be looking into more of their music. Check out this video so you get the idea. Thank you to Kim & Geoff for suggesting I look up this song in particular.

Deep Dark Woods (photo by Rob Clements)

The Skydiggers had a great set and the crowd was very responsive.

Skydiggers (photo by Rob Clements)

Yes friends! It is that time again! The time for all of us to gather at the Delta Hotel to enjoy the sights and sounds of the 13th Annual River Jam! 21 bands performing on 4 stages throughout the hotel and the fun kicks off at 4:45 pm sharp! So make your plans now because this is a night of music that everyone will be talking about all summer!

Check out the post on the Fredericton Tourism – Town Square Social Hub blog by clicking here (or on the picture below) for more details and a full schedule.

”Fredericton and the St. John River region is home to a long standing tradition of music and performing arts and River Jam celebrates this home grown talent with a full roster of local bands”, said Pete Stafford, chairperson of River Jam. We’re very happy to be able to support special musical projects and community groups, all while celebrating the amazing talent in the region with this event.”

With River Jam’s Band Connection program, bar owners and event and festival planners are invited  to attend so they can connect with performers and scout talent for their venues and events.  “It’s been very successful” said Stafford. “Bands that play at River Jam are getting booked around town.  This is what we want to see, especially where all of the bands play for free for River Jam- they deserve the chance to share their talents at other venues throughout the year”.

They still have a few reserved tables available for the ballroom. Tables are $200 for 10 tickets and include some munchies being served. If interested in reserving a table contact Rick Hutchins: hutchr@nbnet.nb.ca.

Remember that this is a volunteer based organization, the bands volunteer their time and all funds raised go toward music-related community projects. Tickets are on sale at Tony’s Music Box, Harvest Central and at the Delta Fredericton, and are $18 in advance and $20 at the door.

Here is Mad Mary belted it out at a previous River Jam – just one of the 21 great local bands performing this Friday night!