The 23rd Annual Banjo Special at The Tranzac

The Banjo Special brings together 4 of Canada’s top players to celebrate this wonderful instrument. Come and join Chris Coole, Arnie Naiman, Brian Taheny, and Chris Quinn, and our special guests, as we present an evening of songs and tunes with banjos at the heart of it all. There may be; breakdowns and marches, picks and bare fingers, songs new and old, tenors, Tubaphones, gourds, flatheads, Vegas and Gibsons. And, it will all be handled with flair, fun, and big style. Meet the banjo pickers. Arnie Naiman is a unique banjo player for his claw-hammer and fingerpicking styles. He was influenced by folk music of the 60’s and 70’s as well as by the music of pre-war artists such as Uncle Dave Macon, Charlie Poole, and The Carter Family to name only a few: Arnie is a very fine interpreter of these old songs and tunes. Arnie’s own banjo compositions are various; some joyous and celebratory, others haunting and dark. Arnie performs solo and with Hannah Shira Naiman, Ragged But Right, and also in the Virginia based old-time String Band, Albemarle Ramblers. Arnie's recent solo banjo CD, is entitled My Lucky Stars. https://arnienaiman.com/ String Guru Brian Taheny hails from the Irish music mecca of Sligo, Ireland.Brian plays Fiddle, Tenor Banjo, Guitar, Irish Bouzouki, Cittern, Mandolin, Mandola, Mandocello, Dobro and Bass guitar, and is also known for his innovative arrangements of traditional tunes. Brian has built a solid reputation for himself as an extremely accomplished Celtic musician with strong and uniquely distinctive style. He has performed with many of the greats in traditional music all over Europe, Canada, America, and Asia. He has performed on well over 100 albums, has received two Juno nominations and is currently part of the well respected trio "North Atlantic Drift" based out of Toronto https://m.facebook.com/northatlanticdrifttoronto/ , http://www.northatlanticdrift.org Across Canada and the United States, Chris Coole has become as much of a household name on the claw-hammer banjo as one can become. As a teacher, composer, and performer; he has plied his trade professionally for more than 30 years. Apart from his own albums, Chris can be heard as a sideman and/or producer on over 150 recordings by artists such as Sylvia Tyson, Jim Cuddy, Natalie MacMaster, Cara Luft, John Reishman, April Verch, Justin Rutledge, The Slocan Ramblers, and David Francey. Chris Currently plays with The Lonesome Ace Stringband. https://chriscoole.com/ Chris Quinn began his Scruggs style bluegrass odyssey in 1979. Having performed on over 100 CDs as a sideman or featured artist, Quinn is a central figure on the bluegrass scene in Canada and abroad. Chris has become renowned for his solid timing, his sense of taste and tone, and his creative back-up playing. A sought after teacher, Chris has taught hundreds of people at camps and workshops; from Quebec to Tennessee, from BC to Asia. As younger players have come along to join the professional scene, Chris has been a mentor to many of them. Today, some of Chris’ former students have gone on to professional careers in music too. Chris Quinn https://chris-quinn.ca/ and https://www.facebook.com/banjoquinn

The Banjo Special is a yearly event that has become an institution in the roots music community of Toronto, Ontario. This year, as we mark the 21st anniversary, we go online and invite the whole banjo world to join in on the fun. Tune in on youtube Thursday March 11 at 7:30 p.m. EST when this video link becomes public: https://youtu.be/91pdQRGhr88 If you can't tune in at that time, don't worry. It's not livestreamed but a recorded video you can watch anytime after it goes public. We request an admission donation or tip $15.00 is suggested or whatever you can afford. Donation admission tip to https://paypal.me/ArnieNaiman?locale.x=en_US and we thank you very much! We have been doing concerts at The Tranzac Club in Toronto the past few years and it's a venue worthy of support for providing performance spaces for many independent musicians. A portion of the donations will go towards supporting the venue. The Banjo Special brings together 4 of Canada’s top players to celebrate this wonderful instrument. Come and join Chris Coole, Arnie Naiman, Brian Taheny, and Chris Quinn, and our special guests, as we present an evening of songs and tunes with banjos at the heart of it all. There may be; breakdowns and marches, picks and bare fingers, songs new and old, tenors, Tubaphones, gourds, flatheads, Vegas and Gibsons. And, it will all be handled with flair, fun, and big style. Meet the banjo pickers. Arnie Naiman is a unique banjo player for his claw-hammer and fingerpicking styles. He was influenced by folk music of the 60’s and 70’s as well as by the music of pre-war artists such as Uncle Dave Macon, Charlie Poole, and The Carter Family to name only a few: Arnie is a very fine interpreter of these old songs and tunes. Arnie’s own banjo compositions are various; some joyous and celebratory, others haunting and dark. Arnie performs solo and with Hannah Shira Naiman, Ragged But Right, and also in the Virginia based old-time String Band, Albemarle Ramblers. Arnie's recent solo banjo CD, is entitled My Lucky Stars. https://arnienaiman.com/ String Guru Brian Taheny hails from the Irish music mecca of Sligo, Ireland.Brian plays Fiddle, Tenor Banjo, Guitar, Irish Bouzouki, Cittern, Mandolin, Mandola, Mandocello, Dobro and Bass guitar, and is also known for his innovative arrangements of traditional tunes. Brian has built a solid reputation for himself as an extremely accomplished Celtic musician with strong and uniquely distinctive style. He has performed with many of the greats in traditional music all over Europe, Canada, America, and Asia. He has performed on well over 100 albums, has received two Juno nominations and is currently part of the well respected trio "North Atlantic Drift" based out of Toronto https://m.facebook.com/northatlanticdrifttoronto/ , http://www.northatlanticdrift.org Across Canada and the United States, Chris Coole has become as much of a household name on the claw-hammer banjo as one can become. As a teacher, composer, and performer; he has plied his trade professionally for more than 30 years. Apart from his own albums, Chris can be heard as a sideman and/or producer on over 150 recordings by artists such as Sylvia Tyson, Jim Cuddy, Natalie MacMaster, Cara Luft, John Reishman, April Verch, Justin Rutledge, The Slocan Ramblers, and David Francey. Chris Currently plays with The Lonesome Ace Stringband. https://chriscoole.com/ Chris Quinn began his Scruggs style bluegrass odyssey in 1979. Having performed on over 100 CDs as a sideman or featured artist, Quinn is a central figure on the bluegrass scene in Canada and abroad. Chris has become renowned for his solid timing, his sense of taste and tone, and his creative back-up playing. A sought after teacher, Chris has taught hundreds of people at camps and workshops; from Quebec to Tennessee, from BC to Asia. As younger players have come along to join the professional scene, Chris has been a mentor to many of them. Today, some of Chris’ former students have gone on to professional careers in music too. Chris Quinn https://chris-quinn.ca/ and https://www.facebook.com/banjoquinn

A rare opportunity to see and hear Arnie Naiman & Chris Coole together as a duo in an intimate house concert type setting. Clawhammer and old time style banjo and guitar - traditional and original songs and tunes.

Midwest Banjo Camp XVI takes place on June 4-7, 2020 at the Olivet College Campus in Olivet, Michigan. Come study old-time or bluegrass banjo with some of today's best players and teachers in both styles. Our program features hands-on classes, demonstrations, two faculty concerts, and still leaves lots of time for jamming with your fellow banjo enthusiasts. http://midwestbanjocamp.com/

Named “Traditional Singer of the Year” (2017) by the CFMAs, Hannah Shira Naiman’s banjo- grounded songs dance the listener into the Appalachian mountains and eras back in time. This performance comes nearly three years after Hannah’s move to North Bay, Ontario from Toronto. Interspersed with old favourites, Hannah and special guests will perform new songs reflecting on themes of motherhood, isolation, hope and loss. This show marks the end of a period of intensive songwriting, and the beginnings of a new album.

Hannah is thrilled to have Arnie Naiman, Nathan Smith and Abigail Lapell join her in this homecoming concert.

Tickets: $12ADV/$15 DOOR https://www.burdockbrewery.com/burdock-music-hall/hannah-shira-naiman-guests

Square Dancing

Swing your partner like swinging' on a gate, Come on over and don't be late! Throughout the evening dances will be taught first without music, then they will be prompted along with live music. Dancers will dance with a partner of their choosing, and this partner can change from dance to dance. With their partners, dancers will form groups (typically four couples to make a square, but sometimes we'll make circles or rectangles too). The music will be live! You'll dance to fiddle, banjo and guitar throughout the night. No special attire is necessary- but we do recommend bringing a pair of dry shoes, and if you wish to wear something special, you are more than welcome to! These dances are meant to be accessible to all levels and ages. No experience is required. It's the second Family Hoedown!! The first was a hoot and a half and we can't wait to see you all again!

Featuring - Chris Quinn, Arnie Naiman, Brian Taheny, Chris Coole (plus guests) "A grand night of Irish, Bluegrass, and Old-Time banjo styles" The Banjo Special, once again and for the 20th year, brings together 4 of Canada’s top players to celebrate this wonderful instrument. Come and join Chris Coole, Arnie Naiman, Brian Taheny, and Chris Quinn, and our special guests, as we present an evening of songs and tunes with banjos at the heart of it all. There will be; breakdowns and marches, picks and bare fingers, songs new and old, tubaphones and flatheads, Vegas and Gibsons. And, it will all be handled with flair, fun, and big style.

20 years ago, it was rare to see anyone playing the banjo in Toronto, now the city has thriving roots, old-time, bluegrass, and Irish music scenes. It's hard to go anywhere without bumping into a banjo picker. In light of this fact, this year's concert will also feature a few of the younger bright lights who have come along in the Toronto banjo scene such as Frank Evans, Shane Mulcrone, and Hannah Shira-Naiman.

Meet the banjo pickers.

Across Canada and the United States, Chris Coole has become as much of a household name on the claw-hammer banjo as one can become. As a teacher, composer, and performer; he has plied his trade professionally for more than 30 years. Apart from his own albums, Chris can be heard as a sideman and/or producer on over 150 recordings by artists such as Sylvia Tyson, Jim Cuddy, Natalie MacMaster, Cara Luft, John Reishman, April Verch, Justin Rutledge, The Slocan Ramblers, and David Francey. Chris Currently plays with The Lonesome Ace Stringband. www,chriscoole.com

Arnie Naiman is a unique banjo player for his claw-hammer and fingerpicking styles. He was influenced by folk music of the 60’s and 70’s as well as by the music of pre-war artists such as Uncle Dave Macon, Charlie Poole, and The Carter Family to name only a few: Arnie is a very fine interpreter of these old songs and tunes. Arnie’s own banjo compositions are various; some joyous and celebratory, others haunting and dark. Arnie currently performs with Hannah Shira Naiman, Ragged But Right, and also in the Virginia based old-time String Band, Albemarle Ramblers. Arnie has recently released his solo CD, My Lucky Stars. http://arnienaiman.com/home

String Guru Brian Taheny hails from the Irish music mecca of Sligo, Ireland.Brian plays Fiddle, Tenor Banjo, Guitar, Irish Bouzouki, Cittern, Mandolin, Mandola, Mandocello, Dobro and Bass guitar, and is also known for his innovative arrangements of traditional tunes. Brian has built a solid reputation for himself as an extremely accomplished Celtic musician with strong and uniquely distinctive style. He has performed with many of the greats in traditional music all over Europe, Canada, America, and Asia. He has performed on well over 100 albums, has received two Juno nominations and is currently part of the well respected trio "North Atlantic Drift" based out of Toronto. http://www.merriweather.ca/ brian-taheny.html

Chris Quinn began his Scruggs style bluegrass odyssey in 1979. Having performed on over 100 CDs as a sideman or featured artist, Quinn is a central figure on the bluegrass scene in Canada and abroad. Chris has become renowned for his solid timing, his sense of taste and tone, and his creative back-up playing. A sought after teacher, Chris has taught hundreds of people at camps and workshops; from Quebec to Tennessee, from BC to Asia. As younger players have come along to join the professional scene, Chris has been a mentor to many of them. Today, some of Chris’ former students have gone on to professional careers in music too. Chris Quinn https://chris-quinn.ca/ Friday, February 28 (8pm) The Tranzac Club (292 Bruswick Ave) Tickets $20 Ticket link - https://chriscoole.com/event/2886823/511184271/the-20th-annual-banjo-special

Listen to the album - https://bandzoogle.com/albums/201306/3739224001/365370.html?fbclid=IwAR3-uY6R2k3arwrOruJWPRWgDC5C8glH8jAsxGKWqG-79r3_dUQgT7Urn

AlgomaTrad is excited to announce the Second Annual AlgomaTrad Fall Heritage Arts Festival, a celebration of Heritage Arts, Traditional Music and Dance, and Local Food featuring Concerts, Workshops, a gourmet Farm to Table Supper, and Community Dances. From 2:30pm Friday, October 4 to 4:00pm Sunday, October 6, workshops will take place at the AlgomaTrad Centre, 1249 F&G Line, St. Joseph Island in Blacksmithing, Weaving, Fiber Arts, Green Wood Carving (Sloyd), Wool Skirting and Needle Felting, Bookbinding, Basketmaking, Tin Whistle, Ukulele, Dance Calling, Clawhammer Banjo, Knitting, and more. A festival brochure can be downloaded HERE. The 2019 AlgomaTrad Fall Heritage Arts Festival, funded by the Government of Canada through a Building Communities through Arts and Heritage grant from Canadian Heritage, will kick off Thursday evening, October 3, 7:30pm, at the Richards Landing Old Town Hall, with the opening ceremony and a Kitchen Party Fiddle Fest, featuring local fiddlers Benoît Schryer Lefebvre, 2018 and 2019 winner of the Open Class Fiddle contest at Pembroke Fiddle and Stepdance Competition; Áine Schryer O’Gorman, winner of the 2019 18 & Under contest at Pembroke; Sault Ste. Marie bluegrass fiddler Ron Schryer, Sault fiddler Sheldon Jaaskelainen of the Wild Turkeys, and other special guests TBA.

Hannah Shira Naiman A Gala Concert on Friday, October 4 will feature Canadian Folk Music Award-winning songwriter, Hannah Shira Naiman with legendary banjo player Arnie Naiman; multi-award-winning family group The O’Schraves (Benoit Schryer-Lefebvre, Zach Schryer-Lefebvre, Aine Schryer-O’Gorman, Julie Schryer, Pat O’Gorman); and local songwriting duo the Crossroad Magdalenes (Greg MacLachlan and Christina Foster). Saturday, October 5, and Sunday, October 6, will be full days of heritage arts and music workshops, including children’s interactive concerts with one of Canada’s foremost children’s performers Kathy Reid-Naiman.

2018 Farm to Table Dinner A gourmet Farm to Table Dinner (by reservation only) will take place at 6pm at the Hilton Beach Community Hall, followed by an AlgomaTrad Community Dance. Workshop and concert programming will continue at the AlgomaTrad Centre on Sunday October 6th, ending with a Family Dance in the afternoon. AlgomaTrad Centre will be open to the Public at no charge on Sunday, from 3pm to 5pm, to check out results of the workshops and join in the closing ceremonies. Schedule, workshop information, and instructor bios will be available soon. Please call 705 257 6106 for info. All-inclusive Pass, including all workshops, events, two lunches and, Farm to Table Dinner, is $150 Adults/ $100 Students and is available HERE. Weekend Workshop Pass, which includes up to 4 workshops from Friday to Sunday plus two lunches is $110 Adult /$75 Student (click HERE to purchase on-line – Farm to Table Dinner not included); Friday Concert tickets are $20 Adult/$10 student (click HERE to purchase on-line); Saturday evening Local Farm to Table Dinner tickets are $40 Adult/$25 Student/$12 Children 10 & Under (click HERE to purchase on-line); Individual Heritage Arts Workshop fees are $30 Adult/$20 Student/$10 10 & Under (click HERE to purchase on line), and Individual Music/Dance/Art Workshop fees are $25 Adult/$15 Student/ $10 10 & Under and Saturday and Sunday children/family concerts are $25/family (click HERE to purchase on line) . Thursday evening Opening Ceremony and Fiddle Fest, Saturday evening Community Dance (without Dinner), and Sunday afternoon Open House & Family Dance are by donation. All-Inclusive Pass, Weekend Workshop Pass, Farm to Table Dinner, and Friday Concert tickets can be purchased online HERE. Concert tickets will also be available at the door unless sold out. Ticket info updates will be posted on the website and on Facebook “AlgomaTrad”. Registration information for workshops or booking any event or workshop is also available by calling 705 257 6106 or 705 782 4311 or by email at music@algomatrad.ca. Unless otherwise stated, materials for workshops will be provided. Please contact us if you are interested in a volunteer opportunity with the Festival. The 2nd Annual AlgomaTrad Fall Heritage Festival occurs on the same weekend as the annual St. Joseph Island Country Road Open House, which features many local artists, demos, farms and village shops. Registrants and artists will be taking in the Country Road Tour Lunch on Sunday at the Richards Landing Old Town Hall, served up by the 4-H club. https://algomatrad.ca/2019/09/heritageartsfest/?fbclid=IwAR3hsl354QhS4evYCAffmsQ9m-xDydD62z_RSQNnBW4dRs1U4qRRmaAK5EI

Playing with Hannah Shira-Naiman , main stage and family stage

Performance and school performance/activity http://www.fullcirclefestival.ca/

For those who are interested in Appalachian old-time music and just plain good songs and tunes, Arnie Naiman is something of a legend in the scene, and his daughter Hannah doesn't fall far from the tree. These two fantastic musicians are visiting the Maritimes from Ontario, and we've snagged them for a house concert at Ron Doleman's in Kingsport. Fiddle, banjo, beautiful songs and Appalachian tunes in a lovely intimate setting near the beach. Tickets are $15. Please RSVP Ron at fiddleradram@gmail.com

The Banjo Special. A presentation of the banjo in all its’ glory.

The Banjo Special, once again and for the 19th year, brings together 4 of Canada’s top players to celebrate this wonderful instrument. Come and join Chris Coole, Arnie Naiman, Brian Taheny, and Chris Quinn, and our special guests, as we present an evening of songs and tunes with banjos at the heart of it all. There will be; breakdowns and marches, picks and bare fingers, songs new and old, tubaphones and flatheads, Vegas and Gibsons. And, it will all be handled with flair, fun, and big style.

Join us as we and our special guests bring fiddles, guitars, ukuleles, mandolins, basses and voices to rally ‘round the banjo; raising it up for all to hear.

Meet the banjo pickers.

Across Canada and the United States, Chris Coole has become as much of a household name on the claw-hammer banjo as one can become. As a teacher, composer, and performer; he has plied his trade professionally for more than 30 years. Today, Chris is one of the most respected names in the business. He has recorded on more than 100 CDs as a sideman or featured artist. His compositions are performed by other pros. With his vast experience and great musical sense, Chris is often sought to produce studio recordings for others. http://www.chriscoole.com/home

Arnie Naiman is a unique banjo player for his claw-hammer and fingerpicking styles. He was influenced by folk music of the 60’s and 70’s as well as by the music of pre-war artists such as Uncle Dave Macon, Charlie Poole, and The Carter Family to name only a few: Arnie is a very fine interpreter of these old songs and tunes. Arnie’s own banjo compositions are various; some joyous and celebratory, others haunting and dark. Arnie currently performs with Hannah Shira Naiman, Ragged But Right, and also in the Virginia based old-time String Band, Albemarle Ramblers. Arnie has recently released his solo CD, My Lucky Stars. http://arnienaiman.com/home From Sligo, Ireland Brian Taheny covers the jigs and reels on the tenor banjo. Brian was originally inspired to take up the banjo through the recordings of The Dubliners with the late Barney McKenna on the banjo. Brian is a wonderful multi-instrumentalist who is often called upon to play mandolin, guitar, bass, fiddle, and banjo. Brian brings this overarching musicality to his approach to the banjo. Brian has recorded extensively and is a fixture on the traditional Celtic scene in Canada and Ireland. http://www.merriweather.ca/brian-taheny.html

Chris Quinn began his Scruggs style bluegrass odyssey in 1979. Having performed on over 100 CDs as a sideman or featured artist, Quinn is a central figure on the bluegrass scene in Canada and abroad. Chris has become renowned for his solid timing, his sense of taste and tone, and his creative back-up playing. A sought after teacher, Chris has taught hundreds of people at camps and workshops; from Quebec to Tennessee, from BC to Asia. As younger players have come along to join the professional scene, Chris has been a mentor to many of them. Today, some of Chris’ former students have gone on to professional careers in music too. www.chris-quinn.ca

Your right foot up and left foot down Hurry up there, or you'll never get around.

HOGTOWN HOEDOWN Friday, December 21 8 pm - 11 pm The December dance is almost here, goin’ to be the best of the year! Peg Evans, one of our all time favourites, is calling and the fabulous Old Drake from Galax Virginia (with special Toronto guests) will drive the beat with some happy dance tunes.

Bring all your friends and celebrate the holiday season!

Caller: Peg Evans Band: Old Drake (Erynn Marshall and Carl Jones) with Toronto’s Chris Coole, Arnie Naiman and Peter Fleming

No experience necessary, no need to bring a partner. Beginner instruction at 8, followed by the dance at 8:15, each dance is taught before it starts.

Why not celebrate your birthday at the Hogtown Hoedown? You can invite as many people as you like, there’s a cash bar and you won’t have to clean up afterwards! Perfect!

Cash Bar!!! $15 Admission $10 students and underemployed $7 kids

Dovercourt House 805 Dovercourt Road, Main Floor West of the Ossington Subway stop 1 block North of Bloor Street

For more information contact: hogtownhoedown@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100007232176193

Concert with Hannah Shira Naiman