Influenced by the aesthetic of home recordings, Thom Coombes began recording his own songs in a basement with a boom box and a built-in mic. For the past 20 years, Thom’s recording process remains much the same, traversing bedrooms, basements, and bathrooms with a Tascam 4-track cassette recorder, capturing a unique, lo-fi sound ranging from country and folk, to stripped down keyboard-based sour-pop songs.
Thom’s sound is gentle and earnest. With mesmerizing guitar and lyrics that echo everyday life, Thom turns the mundane into heartfelt stories with a touch of comedy, and a whole lot of honesty.
The Ennis Sisters are a JUNO award-winning trio hailing from St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador. They have been captivating audiences worldwide for over 25 years with their seamless harmonies and compelling songwriting. Flavoured by Celtic and traditional Newfoundland influences, their music offers a broad mix of original songs as well as uniquely interpreted tunes and ballads.
In 1997, Maureen, Karen and Teresa Ennis took their first steps into the limelight with the release of their debut album, Red is the Rose. This recording not only marked the beginning of their musical career, but also showcased their innate talent and deep-rooted connection to the folk traditions of their homeland. They have since released 14 full length studio albums and have earned numerous accolades along the way, including a prestigious Juno Award, a SOCAN award and multiple ECMAs and MusicNL awards.
Throughout their career they have embarked on extensive tours taking them to stages across the globe, thrilling audiences with their powerful performances and leaving an indelible mark on the international music landscape. Their songs often reflect the resilience and warmth of the Newfoundland spirit, creating a meaningful connection with their listeners.
As proud cultural ambassadors, The Ennis Sisters continue to enchant audiences with their timeless music, proving that the melodies of Newfoundland & Labrador can resonate and echo across the world. Their musical journey remains an enduring testament to the power of family, tradition and the universal language of music.
We like to kick off each month with a few tunes around the table for a casual evening of music. Each evening has a designated host and all tune players are welcome to join regardless of skill level so feel free to sit in and learn a few if you like.
Artwork: “The Session” by Caroline Clarke – https://carolineclarke.ca/
William Prince approaches the big questions with humility and curiosity, and his songwriting is a masterclass in skilful simplicity. Since his JUNO Award win in 2017, Prince’s momentum has continued to build, with each new album adding depth and dimension to an exceptional body of work that has received international acclaim. From national network television appearances, top tier media coverage and performances at major international festivals, William Prince has become one of the country’s most respected and celebrated songwriters.
The Verdin Brothers is a collaborative project between multi-instrumentalists Peter (St. John’s,
NL) and Mark Verdin (Minneapolis, MN). Building from a foundation of steel-string guitar and
upright bass they play deranged instrumental folk music that blends elements of American
Primitive guitar, traditional string band, and musique concrète. With a fascination for the occult
and a keen ear for melody and unique instrumentation, their music is an alembic in which the
traditional is transmuted into the experimental, where in pursuit of the celestial monochord they
track the crooked byroads of folk and linger in its dark pockets and eerie configurations. Their last
two studio endeavors “Field Guide to the Seven Spheres” and “Arcana” have received critical
attention and praise from outlets such as The Guardian and Minnesota Public Radio for their
ethereal compositions and psychedelic soundscapes.
Mark Cormier et Ryan Perrier sont les membres de la formation franco-terre-neuvienne, Ti-Jardin.
Mark Cormier est un auteur-compositeur-interprète de musique traditionnelle franco-terre-neuvienne depuis plus de quatre décennies. Également conteur, il s’engage à partager son amour de la musique et des contes afin de léguer ces arts traditionnels aux futures générations. Il est le membre fondateur de la formation Ti-Jardin qui a réalisé quatre albums consistant de gigues et de chansons traditionnelles françaises ou des chansons qui racontent les Franco-Terre-Neuviens. Mark a présenté sa musique et ses contes sur les scènes locales, nationales et internationales. Il est un enseignant à la retraite qui habite à Cap Saint-Georges, T.-N.-L., sa ville natale.
Ryan Perrier a commencé à jouer l’accordéon à l’âge de 16 ans avec l’aide de son mentor qu’il a choisi lui-même, Jack Cormier. En très peu de temps, il était évident qu’il avait une passion et un talent pour la musique. Depuis, il a joué son accordéon avec les frères, Mark et Jack Cormier dans plusieurs festivals. La relation entre les trois a éclairé la voie pour la réalisation la plus récente de Ti-Jardin qui met en vedette les talents de Perrier sur toutes les pistes. Ryan Perrier est originaire de St. Georges, T.-N.-L.
Mark Cormier and Ryan Perrier are both members of the Franco-Newfoundlander band, Ti-Jardin.
Mark Cormier is an author, composer and interpreter of Franco-Newfoundland music for more than four decades. Also a storyteller, he shares his love of traditional music and folk tales to pass on to future generations. He is a founding member of the band Ti-Jardin that has produced four albums consisting mainly of jigs, and French traditional songs and songs that celebrate Franco-Newfoundlanders. Mark has performed his music and folk tales on the local, national and international scenes. He is a retired teacher who resides in Cap Saint-Georges, NL, his home town.
Ryan Perrier started playing the accordion at the age of 15 with the help of his chosen mentor, Jack Cormier. Very quickly, it became apparent that he had a passion and a talent for music. He has performed at numerous festivals solo and with brothers, Mark and Jack Cormier. The relationship between the trio paved the way for Ti-Jardin’s most recent album that features Perrier’s talents on all tracks. Ryan Perrier resides in St. Georges, NL.
Upside Clown featuring Beni Malone and Susan Jarvis takes kids of all ages on a tour of the magical world of clowning. This show especially designed for young people to welcome them to the topsy turvy, exciting, eye-opening exploits of Kosmo and Skylarker, two clowns designed to amaze and enchant young audiences.
Created by Beni Malone, Upside Clown follows the transformation of Malone from his civilian self as he puts on his make-up and becomes the lovable, bumbling Kosmo the Clown. Throughout the course of the show, Malone transforms again to the colourful, whirlwind circus clown, Skylarker, who brings the show to its exciting conclusion. During the performance, children are introduced to the delights of circus skills including juggling, unicycling, acrobatics, plate spinning hula hooping and circus antics. Malone will be joined by Wonderbolt veteran, hoop spinner, Susan Jarvis. The show is a tried-and-true performance ideal for special events.
Bio
Beni Malone has almost single-handedly introduced and developed professional clown theatre in Newfoundland and Labrador. He is a graduate of both Ringling Brothers, Barnum and Bailey Clown College, Sarasota, Florida; Three Schools of Art, Toronto; and L’ecole Nationale Du Cirque in Paris, France. His innovative style and thrilling, energetic performances have entertained thousands of children and adults throughout Newfoundland, the Maritimes, and various other parts of Canada.
