Promotional video for "Speaking Out, Speaking In" series

I think this is the first time I have appeared in a promotional video.  Have a look:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T70SEVxlYPE&feature=plcphttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T70SEVxlYPE&feature=plcp

(I've inserted the link instead of embedding the video directly, because the search function that Blogger uses to embed videos can't seem to "find" this video on Youtube, even when I search using the URL.  Guess this means I may not get famous this way after all...)

Anyhow, hope you enjoy the video.  Studio clips of storytelling are fun, but the real pleasure comes in hearing stories live.  See my previous post for details about the December 13th performance.

"Swindles, Scams and Snake Oil" December 13, 2012

Looking for something a bit different for the Christmas season?  “Swindles, Scams and Snake Oil” is a light-hearted storytelling performance in the “Speaking Out, Speaking In” series at the 4th Stage of the National Arts Centre in Ottawa (See http://www.ottawastorytellers.ca/4th-stage-at-the-nac/.).

This December 13th show features true and fictional tales of con artists, swindles, and offers that are (literally) too good to be true.  The show includes two of my own stories as well as a couple of original songs composed by me.

For this show I share the stage with two talented storytellers, Mary Wiggin and Kathryn Hunt, both veterans of the 4th Stage series.

Tickets are available at the NAC Box Office for $20.  Students can get a discount through the Live Rush program (if seats are available) and seniors can get discounts on a package of four shows in the series.  If you don’t mind paying a processing fee of $5.50 per ticket, you can also buy tickets online at http://www.ticketmaster.ca/artist/991709?lang=en-ca&brand=nachttp://www.ticketmaster.ca/artist/991709?lang=en-ca&brand=nac

Whether I see you there or not, I hope you have a very happy Christmas and a fulfilling New Year, rich in songs and stories!

Swindles, Scams, and Snake Oil
December 13,  7:30 pm at the NAC Fourth Stage.
Kathryn Hunt, Tom Lips, and Mary Wiggin

10th Annual Christmas Goose Concert, Dec 1, 2012

I had the honour and great pleasure to be one of the singer-songwriters tagged to perform a the 10th Annual Christmas Goose Concert this year.  Held at the NAC 4th Stage in Ottawa on December 1st, it was completely sold out, and that was not a complete surprise: after ten years, a lot of people are in on the secret of what a great evening this is.  I have been lucky enough to participate in at least half of the concerts so far, and each time I come away impressed with the range and quality of original songs presented, and the warm spirit of the event. If you didn't get a ticket, you can still buy the new CD, The Christmas Pudding, which includes one track of mine, "Gold Rush"; as with the concert, it benefits the Ottawa Food Bank. I'm pretty sure it will be available from the Ottawa Folklore Centre.

The above photo was taken by Kate Morgan, and shows yours truly at the microphone, premiering a new silly song, "Santa's Skinny Sibling." I'm flanked by folk veteran Chris White and blues man Al G. Wood

Here is a description lifted from Otttawa Blues This Week:
"10th Annual Christmas GOOSE Concert doubles as a CD Release! Local Songwriters support the Ottawa Food Bank!
This isn't a house concert but it has the intimacy and magic of a house concert. It's a fabulous evening ...which is why it’s returned for 10 years!
Follow the GOOSE to the NAC Fourth Stage for the 10th annual Christmas GOOSE Concert, December 1st 2012. The GOOSE is back to delight audiences with another cast of local singer songwriters to perform original and favourite Christmas and seasonal songs in support of the Ottawa Food Bank. This is our 10th Annual! Come on out and discover why the Christmas GOOSE concert has become a tradition for many. We’re pleased to announce this year’s line-up, which includes Al Wood, Arthur McGregor, Chris White, Finest Kind, John Hanson, Mary Moore & Marlylise Chauvette, Pat Moore, Terry Gillespie, and Tom Lips.

And ... to celebrate the 10th  anniversary, we have collaborated with CKCU to produce a 3rd Christmas Goose CD, which will be released at the concert, Dec 1, 2012.Pre-show entertainment will be provided by the Ottawa Homeschool Choir. This is truly a community event not to be missed!

Background:
What started as a ‘one off Christmas songwriting project by a number of local singer/songwriters turned into a Christmas tradition for many! First it was a way to inspire songwriting, then it was a CD, with a CD release concert where proceeds went to the Ottawa Food Bank. Members of the songwriting community wanted to give back. Now into its 10th year, and 3 CDs later, we are proud to bring once again, a stellar cast to the NAC Fourth Stage."