Songwriters'
Café

Thursday September 9^th- 3:00pm

Jessie Farrell (Host)

As the loyal fan base she has cultivated would attest to, Farrell makes the kind of imprint that keeps people interested and inspired. The flame-haired Vancouverite has wrapped-up her debut on the Canadian Country scene with three 2008 CCMAs, winning for Female Artist of the Year, Rising Star, and Top New Female Talent of the Year, not to mention scoring a 2009 Juno nomination for New Artist of the Year. The 2007 album Nothing Fancy has elevated Farrell into Canada's country A-list, yielding a top 10 single with "Let's Talk About Love", a top 5 video for "I Guess", and putting the rising artist on the road with Emerson Drive, Johnny Reid, Aaron Pritchett, Alan Jackson, Brooks & Dunn, Gord Bamford, and Toby Keith, among others. Her follow-up album, Good, Bad & Pretty Things is sure to maintain this momentum.

www.jessiefarrell.com

Jay Semko

As the founder of Canadian pop icons The Northern Pikes, having written such Canadian classics as "Girl With A Problem" and "Things I Do For Money" , and as composer for Canada's most successful international TV series "Due South", Jay Semko is known around the world for his songwriting and composing. He has recorded and written with many of music's finest talents in Canada and the USA, and has just released his new solo country album, simply entitled "Jay Semko", which is already garnering rave reviews from fans and critics alike. Jay's new single "Comeback Kid" is currently at Canadian Country radio.

www.jaysemko.com

Lori Kole

On the heels of her first release "Happy", this Manitoba-born country girl shows promise of our next Canadian Country Star. With a booked touring schedule, including opening for Gord Bamford and The Kentucky Headhunters, Lori Kole brings to you her 2nd release "CATCH ME". Within a few bars of her latest original offerings you feel a commanding presence and her sultry, smoky vocals draw you in for a closer look. Whether it's a small intimate crowd or a full blown sold out venue, she makes everyone feel important, leaving everything on the stage. Lori was born and raised in the town of St. Martin, Manitoba. She now calls Calgary, Alberta her home. Her strongest influences have been Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, Tanya Tucker, and Stevie Nicks. Her upcoming album Barefeet & Butterflies is due out in 2010 and was produced by Nashville's Steve Fox.

www.lorikole.com

David Leask

Originally from Edinburgh, Scotland, David is a powerful performing songwriter, who has built an artistic bridge between the influences of his birthplace and the fresh possibilities of his newfound Canadian home to produce three critically-acclaimed CD's, one Juno nomination and numerous international songwriting awards. Songwriters Magazine called David, "the most consistent Canadian songwriting competition winner."

Having played over 2000 gigs in the last 14 years, David is a very seasoned performer and a 2004 recipient of the Mississauga Established Performing Artist of the Year Award. He is busy finishing up his 4^th CD and happy to return to the Songwriters Café.

www.davidleask.com

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Thursday September 9^th 4:30pm

Ridley Bent

Ridley Bent is a Canadian singer/songwriter who began his recording career by blending his unique storytelling with various music genres to create a sound that was called "hick-hop" and grew to become one of the cornerstones of Vancouver's young alternative country movement.

Bent's first album, Blam, was released to considerable acclaim and independent airplay in Canada; Bent was able to tour steadily, both with a backing band and as a solo artist. His live performance enthralled his new fans, both for his on-stage charisma and his creative playfulness, as audiences chuckled at his jokes and innuendos while gleefully rocking out.

His sophomore album, Buckles and Boots, was released in 2007 to considerable acclaim and shows a giant progression for Bent. His voice is rich, masterful, his backing band superb; the songs are focused and intelligent, utilizing traditional Western swing arrangements to highlight his narrative style and lyrical cleverness. His new album Rabbit On My Wheel hit stores in June 15, 2010.

www.ridleybent.ca

Hey Romeo

Hey Romeo (Stacie Roper, Rob Shapiro and Darren Gusnowsky) has come a long way since the band formed in 2002. Their unique sound and remarkable passion allowed them to survive in the extremely competitive Alberta music scene and earn a CCMA Award in 2008 for Top New Talent of the Year - Group. Their newly released sophomore album, That's What I Am, produced by Nashville's Bryon Hill, showcases their collective and individual songwriting talents. Hey Romeo have received nominations for the 2010 Canadian Country Music Awards for Group Of The Year and Website Of The Year, with Darren Gusnowsky (guitar) and Rob Shapiro (keyboards) receiving nominations for the All Star Band Awards!

www.heyromeo.com

Melanie Morgan

Melanie's journey all began in 2006 when her dream of becoming a country recording artist flourished, heading down to Nashville Tennessee to record her debut album "Brand New Day". This debut album received national recognition at the East Coast Music Awards for "Country Recording of the Year" and at the Canadian Radio Music Awards for her hit single "My Man" which also received national Airplay on CMT and on Canadian Radio Coast to Coast. In the fall of 2008, Melanie recorded her second album. This new album showcases her songwriting abilities on songs co-written with Nashville hit makers such as George Teren, Wade Kirby, Rick Huckaby and Monty Criswell. Her new project was also co-produced by Criswell, and features several outside songs including "This Time of Year" written by Hillary Lindsey, Tim Mensy and Troy Verges.

www.melaniemorgan.me

Grant Davidson

Singer-songwriter Grant Davidson was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He spent time on the coffeehouse circuit before easing into a fuller four-piece set-up. His debut album, 2009's Tired Limbs For Ashes, a hard-luck roots record, delivers gut-wrenching heartache with a warmth and an intimacy that will have you feeling good about feeling sad. His songs are steeped in the textures and tones of the past but also an honesty and an immediacy that's firmly modern. Bearing traces of old-school country and Americana, images of city and prairie abound with distinctly Western Canadian references to warrant a more befitting label: Canadiana. Cycling from love to regret, birth to death, memory to melody, Davidson occupies a terrain that's both well-worn and rife with possibility.

He is currently working on a new album set for release in the fall of 2010.

www.myspace.com/grantdavidsonband

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Friday September 10^th- 3:30pm

Jamie Warren (Host)

Jamie Warren just recently released his 6th CD "Howl At The Moon" on Fontana North/Universal. He's often regarded as the most awarded Independent country artist in Canada (Junos, CCMA's and Ontario Country Awards) This 25 year veteran of the music industry lives in Kitchener, Ontario with his two kids Katy and Josh. He's been called iconic and cool..,which applies to both his music and sense of humour.

www.jamiewarren.com

Kathleen Higgins from the Higgins

Kathleen Higgins is part of one of Canada's most popular family groups, The Higgins. The youngest of the three, she's also the most prolific writer. Kat co-wrote two of the group's first three hit singles on Open Road Recordings- Flower Child, and Second Hand Car. On the groups new Dreamers Like Us CD, she's co-written all but one of the songs, including the singles Burn You Back and the title track. In between recording and touring, Kat has shuttled back and forth to Nashville, writing songs for both the Higgins next CD, and to shop to other artists. She has been fortunate at this still early stage of her career to have written with some of music cities best-including collaborations with Liz Rose (Taylor Swift) Pam Rose (Emmylou Harris), Deric Ruttan, and Byron Hill. She's recently collaborated with hot new Ole/Roots three writers Steven Lee Olsen, Kaci Bolls and Bruce Wallace.

www.higginsmusic.com

One More Girl

They're called One More Girl. Except, actually, they're two. Britt and Carly McKillip, collectively known as One More Girl - are nineteen and twenty respectively. They've been making music together since they were young girls and are already seasoned veterans of the entertainment business.

Music is the heartbeat of the McKillip home - both parents are songwriters, and Dad, Tom is an award-winning producer and musician. One More Girl call Vancouver, BC home and have accumulated an impressive list of credits in spite of their ages. The Calgary Stampede, the Merritt Mountain Music Festival and Canadian Country Music Week are among the many events they've performed at, opening for artists such as Dwight Yoakam, Darius Rucker (Hootie & The Blowfish), Lady Antebellum and Keith Urban.

Their debut CD, titled "Big Sky" was produced by Dad, Tom McKillip and the result is a collection of powerfully engaging country-tunes that spike emotions, and resonate in the heart. From the Stones infused "Misery Loves Company," to the defiant first single, "I Can Love Anyone," to the bittersweet lilt of "Hold On To Me", there's something truly compelling about the One More Girl sound…it's alive…melodic…unique.

www.onemoregirlmusic.com

Jay Allan

Born and raised in Southwestern Ontario, Singer/Songwriter Jay Allan composes songs filled with grit and passion. His second album 'The Wrong Direction', produced by Murray Pulver, is full of what great albums are made of, songwriting at its finest; a collection of 10 classic storytelling songs all penned by this Canadian tunesmith. Following the release of his single 'Rumourville' to country radio across Canada, He released another feel good anthem, She's a Tease, an upbeat number full of lyrical & instrumental hooks.Jay Allan possesses a charismatic personality that captivates his audiences. Performing at musical events and festivals alongside Julian Austin, Doc Walker, Johnny Reid, Terri Clark, George Canyon and songwriter's showcases with the legendary Terry Sumsion, Jay Allan's ability to weave images of real life into songs is clearly evident. From Rural Routes to Big Stages Jay Allan is sure to entertain you!

www.jayallan.ca

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Friday September 10^th - 5:00pm

Crystal Shawanda

Although she bases herself in Nashville, TN, singer, songwriter, and guitarist Crystal Shawanda was born full-blooded Ojibwe on the Wikwemikong reserve on Manitoulin Island in Ontario, Canada, and her fascinating journey to becoming a promising young country star is the stuff movies are made of. Shawanda started writing and performing when she was very young, and by the time she was 11 years old she was already playing gigs wherever she could. Her talent and passionate drive soon got her noticed, and she signed with RCA Records Nashville in 2007, quickly releasing the impressive single "You Can Let Go." That would have made for a pretty good story right there, but Shawanda's rise to "instant" fame was actually fully documented in the six-part CMT series Crystal: Living the Dream, which aired at the very start of 2008. Biography sourced from Steve Leggett, All Music Guide

www.crystalshawandaonline.com

Brad Rempel from High Valley

Music and family have always been at the core of the Rempel brothers' lives. The Canadian trio has opened shows for Brad Paisley, Keith Urban, LeAnn Rimes and Reba McEntire, earning a solid reputation as a must-see live act. High Valley's last album, "Broken Borders," was named Album of the Year at the 2007 GMA Canada Covenant Awards in the country category while their hit "Back to You" was honored as Country Song of the Year. The Canadian-born siblings grew up in Alberta on a farm in the rural community of La Crete; life on their farm was dominated by faith, family, hard work and lots of country music. It didn't take long for the brothers' own musical aspirations to develop and they knew very early on what they wanted to name the band. The brothers performed at church camps then graduated to opening dates for major country acts. With their new album starting to generate buzz on both sides of the border, the brothers are looking forward to expanding their audience.

www.highvalleymusic.com

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Saturday September 11^th - 2:00pm

Sean Hogan (Host)

Sean Hogan was born alongside Lake Huron in the blue-collar border city of Sarnia, Ontario. His 1996 debut album caught the attention of country radio programmers and listeners across Canada and earned him the first-ever Canadian Country Music Association's (CCMA) Independent male artist of the year award. The albums Hijacked (1999) and Late Last Nite (2001) won two consecutive West Coast Music Awards in 2001 and 2002, each for best country album. In 2003, he won the CCMA's Roots Artist of the Year, the first Independent artist to capture the prize and the only nominee without label support. Hogan currently resides in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

www.seanhogan.net

John Landry

John Landry's unmistakable voice combined with his intelligent songwriting abilities creates one memorable hit after another. Landry's sensational debut into the Canadian country music scene began in 2000 with his first single "There You Were", which became the most played song on radio winning the prestigious SOCAN Award. The album "Forever Took Too Long" continued to become a phenomenal success garnering multiple Juno Award nominations and capturing "Best Independent Male" at the CCMA's. Since his last release John has taken a short break from music and started a family he also fulfilled another life long dream and joined the Canadian Armed Forces and is currently training to be a pilot. John Landry is geared up to introduce fans and industry alike to his newest recording entitled "Changing Man", which will be released in fall 2010.

www.jlandry.com

A.J. Woodworth

Vancouver's AJ Woodworth was the winner of last year's Canadian Country Music Associations New Artist Showcase Award, and was nominated for Female Vocalist of the Year at the BCCMAs. Her vocal and writing style confidently straddles the line between contemporary country and roots/pop, with a dash of soul. AJ has co-writes on both her Independent CD, and forthcoming nationally distributed project. She contributed a track to the first Jaydee Bixby CD, and previously wrote two nationally charted hits with the pop group New School.

www.ajcountry.com and www.Myspace.com/ajwcountry

Aaron Jake Goodvin

Aaron Jake Goodvin is feeling lucky having had so much success already; with five singles on the Canadian Charts and having penned songs for ten other recording artists, he is grateful to be "living the dream".

Adding to his list of talents of singer/songwriter/performer/musician, Aaron's made television appearances on two National Television series which aired on CMT in recent years, " Road to Nashville Star" and "Plucked". Aaron's live performances are considered to be some of the most entertaining out there. He delights audiences of 10 to 10,000, from here to Tennessee, with energy and talent that electrifies audiences young and old alike....and he's just getting started....

www.classista.com/aaron-goodvin

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Saturday September 11^th - 3:00pm

Greg Hanna

Greg Hanna was born and raised in a small farming town of 400 people in Eastern Ontario, Canada and considers himself a "Northern Hillbilly". Brought up on Country morals, Hanna is proud to live by the "Work Hard, Party Hard" ethic instilled in him by Rural Ontario, and portrays that in his music! Other self-penned radio Hits include; Song In My Head, Love You For Life, and the Summer Anthem; Singin' To The Radio. Greg also garnered a Top#20 radio Hit in the USA last year with "Ms. What's Her Name" by new Country group; SingleTree. "Ms. What's Her Name" was originally recorded by Country Music great; Sammy Kershaw, on his I Want My Money Back CD.

Hanna had many stars line up in his favour in 2009 with the signing of his new record deal, having a top#30 record in the US with "It's A Man's Job", taking part at CMA Music Fest, walking the Red Carpet at the 43rd CMA Awards, releasing his debut CD in both the USA and Canada, and releasing his hit single; "It's A Man's Job" back home to Canadian Country radio where it sat on the Top#10 lists of many stations. His new single "What Kind of Love Are You On?" hit radio airwaves earlier this summer.

www.greghanna.com

Gil Grand

For his debut album, Famous First Words, Gil Grand received three CCMA nominations including Male Vocalist of the Year, Album of the Year and Wrangler Rising Star; with the release of his second album entitled "Burnin", Gil earned 5 CCMA nominations in 2003 including Single Of The Year, SOCAN Song Of The Year, Video Of The Year, and Album Designer of the Year, with Gil taking home the award for Independent Male Artist of the Year. In 2006, Gil also received the prestigious CCMA Award for "Producers Of The Year".

Whether sharing his songs and stories in an acoustic setting, or performing at one of his energetic full-band concerts, Gil Grand continues to wow audiences with his pure traditional voice and his ability to entertain and connect with the fans. Gil Grand is now the President of Grand & Gee Music Group in Nashville. This new music publishing company and recording studio is something Gil has always dreamed about.

www.gilgrand.com

Jaida Dreyer

A native of Thunder Bay, Ontario, Jaida Dreyer has lived in 7 different states, from one coast to the other. The nomadic, fast paced lifestyle of growing up on the road, inspired Jaida to write about her own adventures at an early age. After working on a few acting projects, including a major motion picture, a series for ABC and various music videos, she turned to her love of music and writing songs. Jaida now resides in Nashville, Tennessee. She quickly garnered the overwhelming respect and interest within the industry and has become one of the most sought after, young songwriters in the business. Jaida is currently a staff writer with Red Vinyl Music (formerly SongGarden) a prestigious, boutique company headed by veteran, Grammy Award winning producer, Byron Gallimore. Her songs have been recorded by major label artists, most recently including Carolyn Dawn Johnson and Sunny Sweeney. Like a breath of fresh air her edgy lyrics, yet neo traditional sound, crosses genres and makes her one of the most promising, must see, artist/writers on the music scene today. Jaida is currently in the studio with producer Byron Gallimore, working on her debut record release.

www.myspace.com/jaidadreyer

Tim Hus

Tim Hus has a voice sweeter than a Husqvarna chainsaw, a wit that is sharper than rusty barbed wire, and a list of songs longer than a Saskatchewan fence line! Hus is hot off the concert trail from a six week tour with Canadian icon Stompin' Tom Connors where he was heralded as "The best opening act Tom has had in his 45+ year career!" He just released his highly anticipated fifth CD (his second for Stony Plain Records) joining Corb Lund and the legendary Ian Tyson on the label. Hus comes at his audience like a runaway rig, while firing off image-laden lyrics with the intensity of a western gunslinger.

www.timhus.ca