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In-depth experience. Independent outlook. Real entertainment.
At Paul Mercs Concerts, it's valued relationships that set us apart and quality that we deliver. We bring over 30 years of in-depth industry experience to all aspects of our business: artist management, large-scale event production, and wide experience in concert promotion. Whether in Canada, the United States, or around the world, we bring a personal touch to everything we do and a commitment to delivering real entertainment.
Latest
The Boom Booms & Maria in the Shower
The Boom Booms are back in town! Performing live with Maria in the Shower May 4th!
Tickets available here: http://bit.ly/TheBoomBoomsEastVanBand
The Boom Booms to Perform at SXSW 2013
The Boom Booms will be taking part in Beatroute Magazine’s SXSW 2013 Showcase performing at Maggie Mae’s March 15, 2013 at 10pm.
Get all the details here -> http://smarturl.it/BoomBoomsSXSW
The Boom Booms play music that moves you. It is honest and rootsy folk writing, the guts and tenderness of soul music, electrifying moments of rock bravado, the mellifluous joy of much african music, strong caribbean influence from the english and spanish speaking islands both, with a definite pop sensibility…..This is how I would describe the music. The performers themselves are spontaneous and interactive with the crowd and each other, dancing and laughing as they play. If the music is the drug, the show is the water that washes it down smooth, leaving revellers sweaty, smiling and wanting more.
Media Contact:
Teresa Trovato | Paul Mercs Concerts | 604.683.8762 | teresa@paulmercsconcerts.com
Co-opalooza!
Featuring The Boom Booms and Baba Brinkman
with special guest Liberal leadership candidate, Joyce Murray
March 5 at 8:00pm at Vancouver FanClub
Join the Boom Booms, Baba Brinkman and special guest Joyce Murray on Tuesday, March 5 at 8:00pm at Vancouver FanClub, located at 1050 Granville Street, for an evening of music, dancing, and sharing of ideas. A suggested donation of $20 is welcome at the door.
The Boom Booms are a Vancouver-based six-piece indie band whose music is a mash-up of pop, hip-hop, reggae, soul, and funk with an energetic live performance and incredible stage presence. A summer highlight for East Vancouver residents, the band’s “Boom Boom Block Party” raised over $12,000 for EYA (Environmental Youth Alliance), CLICK (Contributing to Lives of Inner City Youth), the Bavubuka hip-hop outreach for kids in Uganda, and Up With Hope – an organization dedicated to improving the living conditions in the slums of Nairobi.
Baba Brinkman lives and works as a rap artist and playwright in New York City. To date, Baba has written and co-written five hip-hop theatre shows, including The Canterbury Tales Remixed, The Rap Guide to Evolution, and The Rebel Cell. An award-winning artist, Baba Brinkman has entertained thousands of people with his performances at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Joyce Murray’s campaign for Leadership of the Liberal Party is bringing Canadians together under the banner of cooperation. Joyce is the only candidate advocating a one-time pact with the Green Party and NDP to remove Stephen Harper from power as a way towards electoral reform in Canada. Joyce Murray also stands for the legalization and taxation of cannabis, strong action on climate change, and higher representation of women in public appointments. It’s about time a politician came forward with bold proposals that Canadians can be proud of.
David Suzuki recently endorsed Murray for leader and sent the following message: “I urge everyone who is concerned about democracy, the environment, and social justice to take part in this (leadership) selection process.”
Media Contact:
Teresa Trovato | Paul Mercs Concerts | 604.683.8762 | teresa@paulmercsconcerts.com
THE BOOM BOOMS HOST HOMECOMING SHOW
DECEMBER 5 AT VENUE AT 9:00pm
November 20, 2012
The Boom Booms are wrapping up their first North American tour! With fifty shows over the span of two months, Aaron Ross, Geordie Hart, Sean Ross, Tom Van Deursen, Theo Vincent, and Richard Brinkman are finally coming home. To celebrate, the boys will host a homecoming show on Wednesday, December 5 at Venue.
Tickets are on sale now and available online at http://boommurderer.eventbrite.com or in person at Highlife Records, Zulu Records, and Red Cat Records.
Since forming in 2007, The Boom Booms have built a loyal fanbase that stretches across generations. They have performed in front of thousands of fans at the 2012 TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival and were invited to take part in Sarah McLachlan’s Voices in the Park in September 2012.
For more information on The Boom Booms, visit www.theboombooms.com and www.facebook.com/theboombooms.
Media Contact:
Teresa Trovato | Paul Mercs Concerts | 604.683.8762 | teresa@paulmercsconcerts.com
SIMON TOWNSHEND TO OPEN FOR HEART ON 2013 “FANATIC” TOUR
TICKETS ON SALE NOW
October 31, 2012
Vancouver, BC ~ Paul Mercs Concerts is pleased to present Simon Townshend as the support act on Heart’s 2013 “Fanatic” tour in Canada.
The son of England’s top big-band reed man and baby brother of The Who legend Pete Townshend, Simon has been recording and performing since the age of nine, when he was brought in to add vocals to The Who classic “Tommy.” He went on to successfully self-produce six well-received solo CDs, and on November 2, 2012, will release his seventh studio album titled Looking Out Looking In.
In addition to his own music, Simon has produced artists both in London and New York. He has performed with numerous established acts ranging from Jeff Beck to Pearl Jam, and including elder brother Pete Townshend, with notable song writing and vocal contributions to Iron Man andPsychoderelict. Other credits include 15 years as guitarist and vocalist in The Who, playing sold out tours of Europe, Asia and North America, and a monumental performance at the 2010 Super Bowl. He was referred to by one U.S. newspaper as The Who’s “secret weapon."
Simon Townshend’s own music is his priority and it has made a significant impact. As brother Pete told London’s Daily Mail, “he’s brilliant.”
March 9 Penticton, BC South Okanagan Events Centre
March 10 Calgary, AB Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
March 11 Edmonton, AB Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
March 13 Regina, SK Conexus Arts Centre
March 14 Saskatoon, SK TCU Place – Sid Buckwold Theatre
March 15 Brandon, MB Westman Place at the Keystone Centre
March 17 Winnipeg, MB Centennial Concert Hall
March 18 Thunder Bay, ON Thunder Bay Community Auditorium
March 20 London, ON The RBC Theatre at Budweiser Gardens
March 21 Toronto, ON Massey Hall (Canadian Music Fest)
March 22 Toronto, ON CMW
March 24 Ottawa, ON National Arts Centre
March 25 Montreal, QC Bell Centre
For more information on Simon Townshend, please visit www.simontownshend.com.
Media Contact:
Teresa Trovato | Paul Mercs Concerts | 604.683.8762 | teresa@paulmercsconcerts.com
THE CANADIAN TENORS TO JOIN THE COMMUNITY OF ST. JOHN’S, NEWFOUNDLAND
OCTOBER 27-29
October 25, 2012
Vancouver, BC ~ Multi-platinum vocal group The Tenors are pleased to be visiting St. John’s, NL on a promo tour of their new album, Lead With Your Heart, which is set for release on October 30, and a national tour that will make a stop at Mile One Centre in St. John’s on March 3, 2013. Tickets go on sale November 2 at 12:00pm and are available online at www.mileonecentre.com, by phone at 709.576.7657, or in person at the Mile One Centre Box Office.
While in St. John’s for their promo tour, The Tenors will be singing the national anthems at the AHL game at Mile One Centre on Saturday, October 27 as well as performing their title track, “Lead With Your Heart”, during the game’s second intermission. The vocal sensations are also scheduled to perform at Cochrane Street United Church’s 11am service on Sunday, October 28. Additional stops include an autograph session at Fred’s Records on October 28 from 3:30pm to 4:30pm and a tour of the Veiled Virgin at Presentation Convent, Cathedral Square on Monday, October 29.
Since their inception, The Tenors have been thrilling audiences around the world with their powerful voices and memorable melodies. Their blend of classical music and contemporary pop has garnered them international success. The music of Port McNeill’s Clifton Murray, Toronto’s Victor Micallef, Quebec’s Remigio Pereira, and Vancouver’s Fraser Walters is rich and soulful with powerful anthems and beautiful melodies. Both their debut and holiday albums have gone platinum in Canada and have been released around the world.
The Tenors are poised to release their second studio album, Lead With Your Heart on October 30. It is their first album in over two years, following the international release of their debut album and an extensive touring schedule. Over the past two years, The Tenors have performed worldwide and shared the stage with legendary artists such as Andrea Bocelli, Celine Dion (on the Oprah show) Sting, and Paul McCartney, to name a few. More recently, The Tenors were featured performers on two primetime international broadcasts: The Emmy Awards live from Los Angeles and The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations from Windsor Castle in the UK, where The Tenors performed for Her Majesty.
For more information on The Tenors, please visit www.tenorsmusic.com.
Media Contact:
Teresa Trovato | Paul Mercs Concerts | 604.683.8762 | teresa@paulmercsconcerts.com
THE TENORS
“LEAD WITH YOUR HEART TOUR”
CANADIAN TOUR DATES
TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2 AT 10:00am
Tickets for the Sydney show on sale at 11:00am
Tickets for the St. John’s show on sale at 12:00pm
Tickets for the Hamilton show on sale at 2:00pm
October 23, 2012 ~ Vancouver, BC: Since their inception only five years ago as the Canadian Tenors, they have been thrilling audiences around the world with their powerful voices and memorable melodies. Their blend of classical music and contemporary pop has garnered them international success. The music of Port McNeill’s Clifton Murray, Toronto’s Victor Micallef, Quebec’s Remigio Pereira, and Vancouver’s Fraser Walters is rich and soulful with powerful anthems and beautiful melodies. Both their debut and holiday albums have gone platinum in Canada and have been released in territories around the world.
The Tenors are poised to release their second studio album, Lead With Your Heart on October 30. It is their first album in over two years, following the international release of their debut album and an extensive touring schedule. Lead With Your Heart is a 12-track album that stretches the boundaries of classical crossover by combining classic songs, modern tunes and Spanish and French world music. From cover features such as Bob Dylan’s “Forever Young” and Elton John’s “Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word” to the inspirational anthem “Amazing Grace”, and one of the most recognizable and heroic Tenor arias, “Nessun Dorma”, the diverse track list features a mix of pop favourites and classical staples along with new compositions written and co-written by The Tenors.
Over the past two years, The Tenors have performed worldwide and shared the stage with legendary artists such as Andrea Bocelli, Celine Dion (on the Oprah show) Sting, and Paul McCartney, to name a few. More recently, The Tenors were featured performers on two primetime international broadcasts: The Emmy Awards live from Los Angeles and The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations from Windsor Castle in the UK, where The Tenors performed for Her Majesty.
Now they are set to come home to their favourite fans. Multi-platinum vocal group The Tenors are pleased to announce the following Canadian tour dates as part of a 70-city North American tour:
February 25 Barrie, ON Barrie Molson Centre
February 26 Kingston, ON K-Rock Centre
February 28 Moncton, NB The Centre at Casino New Brunswick
March 1 Sydney, NS Centre 200
March 3 St. John’s, NL Mile One Centre
March 5 Halifax, NS Halifax Metro Centre
April 2 Hamilton, ON Hamilton Place
April 4/5 Toronto, ON Roy Thomson Hall
April 6 Montreal, QC Place des Arts
April 11/12/13 Ottawa, ON National Arts Centre
(DATES IN BOLD PRESENTED BY PAUL MERCS CONCERTS)
Tickets for the Vancouver show are available online at www.ticketmaster.ca, by phone at 1.855.985.5000, or in person at all Ticketmaster outlets.
Tickets for the Kamloops show are available online at www.ticketmaster.ca, by phone at 1.855.985.5000, or in person at all Ticketmaster outlets and the ISC Box Office.
Tickets for the Victoria show are available online at www.selectyourtickets.com, by phone at 250.220.7777, or in person at Select Your Tickets Box Office outlets.
Tickets for the Edmonton show are available online at www.ticketmaster.ca, by phone at 1.855.985.5000, or in person at all Ticketmaster outlets.
Tickets for the Lethbridge show are available online at www.lethbridge.ca/tickets, by phone at 403.329.SEAT, or in person at the ENMAX Centre or Yates Memorial Theatres.
Tickets for the Calgary show are available online at www.ticketmaster.ca, by phone at 1.855.985.5000, or in person at all Ticketmaster outlets.
Tickets for the Regina show are available online at www.conexusartscentre.ca, by phone at 306.525.9999 or 1.800.667.8497, or in person at Conexus Arts Centre and all CBO locations.
Tickets for the Winnipeg show are available online at www.ticketmaster.ca, by phone at 1.855.985.5000, or in person at all Ticketmaster outlets.
Tickets for the Barrie show are available online at www.ticketpro.ca or by phone at 1.888.655.9090.
Tickets for the Kingston show are available online at www.k-rockcentre.com, by phone at 1.877.KLIVE99 (554-8399), or in person at the K-Rock Centre Box Office (Gate 4 – 1 Barrack Street)
Tickets for the Moncton show are available online at www.casinonb.ca, by phone at 1.866.943.8849, or in person at The Centre Gift Shop or Rewards Desk.
Tickets for the Sydney show are available online at www.tickets.capebreton.ca, by phone at 902.564.2200, or in person at the Centre 200 Box Office.
Tickets for the St. John’s show are available online at www.mileonecentre.com, by phone at 709.576.7657, or in person at the Mile One Centre Box Office.
Tickets for the Halifax show are available online at www.ticketatlantic.ca, by phone at 451-1221 or 1.877.451.1221, or in person at the Ticket Atlantic Box Office and at participating Atlantic Superstore locations.
Tickets for the Hamilton show are available online at www.ticketmaster.ca, by phone at 1.855.985.5000, or in person at all Ticketmaster outlets and the Copps Coliseum Box Office.
For more information on The Tenors, please visit www.tenorsmusic.comMedia Contact:
Teresa Trovato | Paul Mercs Concerts | 604.683.8762 | teresa@paulmercsconcerts.com
NATALIE MACMASTER ANNOUNCES ALBERTA TOUR DATES
TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26 AT 10:00am
Vancouver, BC ~ Paul Mercs Concerts is pleased to present the following Western Canadian tour dates for Natalie MacMaster:
April 12 Red Deer, AB Red Deer Memorial Centre
April 13 Lloydminster, AB Ulmer Chev Stage at the Vic Juba Community Theatre
Grammy and Juno Award-winning Natalie MacMaster is kicking off an extensive North American tour, which will make a stop in Red Deer, AB on April 12 at the Red Deer Memorial Centre and in Lloydminster, AB on April 13 at the Ulmer Chev Stage at the Vic Juba Community Theatre. The tour will feature her traditional Cape Breton fiddling style, classic foot-stomping jigs as well as new favourites from her latest album, Cape Breton Girl.
MacMaster, a true Canadian icon and ambassador for the Cape Breton way of life, was recognized for her achievements with the Order of Canada in 2006, the country’s highest civilian award. In February 2012, Natalie MacMaster was the inaugural recipient of the Queen’s Jubilee Medal, joining the ranks of fellow recipients Gordon Lightfoot, David Cronenburg and Peter Mansbridge. Her dedication and unparalleled talent has led to outstanding career accomplishments including a Grammy Award and two additional nominations, a Juno Award, eight Canadian Country Music Awards, multiple gold albums and ten East Coast Music Awards.
Tickets for the Red Deer show are available online at www.bkticketcentre.ca, by phone at 403.755.6626 or 1.800.661.8793, or in person at the Black Knight Inn Ticket Centre.
Tickets for the Lloydminster show are available online at www.vicjubatheatre.ca, by phone at 780.872.7400, or in person at the box office.
For more information on Natalie MacMaster, please visit www.nataliemacmaster.com.
Media Contact:
Teresa Trovato | Paul Mercs Concerts | 604.683.8762 | teresa@paulmercsconcerts.com
JULY TALK TO PERFORM AT THE MEDIA CLUB ON NOVEMBER 1st WITH SPECIAL GUESTS THIS IS THE SHOES
Vancouver, BC ~ Paul Mercs Concerts is pleased to partner with The Media Club in support of the upcoming tour date for Toronto’s July Talk with special guests this is THE SHOES on Thursday, November 1 at 8:00pm.
Despite their relatively young union, the primary pair behind July Talk – Peter Dreimanis and Leah Fay - has already established its own sonancy: a sound rooted in roots and Americana with the dual-voice charm of Johnny and June, the creepy quirkiness of Tom Waits, and the hooks of Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros. It’s a very unique blend that borrows from different decades and domains, though where those influences begin and end is cleverly disguised.
Most special about a July Talk experience, though, is the foiling of Dreimanis and Fay as personas; who they are inside or outside of the public eye and just what it is that exists between them. Lyrically, the pair plays with the juxtaposition of gender roles and perspectives, distorting social preconceptions. It’s often a war waged between clashing personalities in a frame that shares two perspectives of the same relationship – at times conflicted, at times chaotic, most times just downright bewildering.
July Talk is currently at work on their debut LP, eyeing a fall 2012 release on White Girl Records. Should it contain even a fraction of the passion and in-your-face frenzy of one of the band’s performances, there’s no question it’ll capture ears and propel them to new plateaus in new places.
As their audience continues to expand, so too does the likelihood that July Talk won’t remain a secret much longer. Don’t miss July Talk at The Media Club on Thursday, November 1 at 8:00pm.
Tickets are $10 in advance and available now online at http://julytalk.bpt.me/.
For more information, please visit www.themediaclub.ca and www.julytalk.com.
Media Contact:
Teresa Trovato | Paul Mercs Concerts | 604.683.8762 | teresa@paulmercsconcerts.com
HEART RETURNS TO CANADA FOR 2013 “FANATIC” TOUR
PLUS SPECIAL APPEARANCE AT CMW ON MARCH 22
TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12 at 10:00am
*Tickets for Thunder Bay on sale at 9:30am
Tickets for Penticton on sale at 1:00pm
TICKETS FOR MONTREAL ON SALE SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20 at 12:00pm
Vancouver, BC ~ Paul Mercs Concerts is honoured to present the following Canadian dates for Heart’s 2013 “Fanatic” tour:
*March 9 Penticton, BC South Okanagan Events Centre
March 10 Calgary, AB Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
March 11 Edmonton, AB Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
March 13 Regina, SK Conexus Arts Centre
March 14 Saskatoon, SK TCU Place – Sid Buckwold Theatre
March 15 Brandon, MB Westman Place at the Keystone Centre
March 17 Winnipeg, MB Centennial Concert Hall
*March 18 Thunder Bay, ON Thunder Bay Community Auditorium
March 20 London, ON The RBC Theatre at Budweiser Gardens
March 21 Toronto, ON Massey Hall (Canadian Music Fest)
March 22 Toronto, ON CMW
March 24 Ottawa, ON National Arts Centre
*March 25 Montreal, QC Bell Centre
In addition to the tour dates, Ann and Nancy Wilson will make an appearance at Canadian Music Week on March 22, 2013 for a special in-depth interview and intimate acoustic performance: “Heart, Soul and Rock & Roll: Celebrity Interview with Ann and Nancy Wilson”.
California born, Seattle bred sisters Nancy and Ann Wilson are behind some of rock’s most iconic hits from the wild call of “Barracuda” to the epic lilt of “Magic Man” to the deranged shriek of “Crazy On You.” Nancy’s guitar and Ann’s wail are practically part of the national archive, indelible elements of American pop culture. In their nearly fourty years as a band the Wilson sisters have been lauded as sex symbols, idealized as feminist icons, and worshiped by critics and fans alike, selling over 35 million albums worldwide and thrilling audiences with their raucous live show.
In 2010 the band returned to the Billboard Top 10 with the release of Red Velvet Car and a Top 5 DVD Night at Sky Church. The subsequent tour, which was incredibly successful in Canada, reinvigorated the sisters’ taste for live performance and life on the road, but as they looked forward to recording another record, something seemed to be in the way: their past.
For years, friends and colleagues had been asking the sisters to do a book about Heart and it just didn’t feel right. “They always came to us with a real lascivious tabloid-y type idea,” Ann says. “You know - think of the ugliness and the dirtiness – but that’s so one dimensional. We’ve had moments of failure and vulnerability and humiliation, sure, but ours is also the story of women who are being told there are rules to follow and just won’t do it.”
In the wake of the success of Red Velvet Car it felt like it was finally time to tell the true story of Heart’s past as a means of embracing Heart’s future. So the sisters decided to collaborate with veteran music journalist and Seattle rock scene expert Charles R. Cross, who also wrote the definitive Nirvana biography, Heavier Than Heaven as well as Roomful of Mirrors, a biography of Jimi Hendrix. “We figured if anyone can get the true rock and roll story of it all it’s going to be him,” Ann says. Heart’s first ever biography, Kicking and Dreaming: A Story of Heart, Soul and Rock and Roll, is in stores now. The Wilson sisters had fully exorcized the past and now it was time to think about the future.
October 2 will also mark the release of a brand new studio album for the sisters of rock, titled Fanatic.
“We did it every possible way,” Nancy remembers. “We had many nights together on the tour bus. Then, when I was in LA and Ann was in Seattle, we were each emailing each other lyrics ideas and (producer) Ben Mink groove ideas.”
The threesome eventually congregated in the sisters’ hometown outside of Seattle and had a series of what Nancy calls songwriting “pow wows.” When it came time to record, the band’s approach was organic, very much in keeping with their roots as a true performance-oriented rock band. “These days things are formulated digitally or layered or looped and assembled but this is live groove,” Nancy explains. “It was our mission to go in there and capture the energy as it magically happens without too much over-thinking or repetition, just letting it escape.”
Honouring your past while believing in the beauty and power of what’s to come has always been central to Heart’s ethos - it’s reflected in the brashness and defiant emotion of their signature sound. No one should be surprised that at this point in their career, the desire to make emotional, rebellious music has only intensified.
“When you’re at our experience level, you know what you want and you go for it,” Nancy says. “You’re not going to test it out for five or ten years, you’re going to get in the car and drive.”
Tickets for the Penticton show are available online at www.valleyfirsttix.com, by phone at 1.877.763.2849, or in person at the South Okanagan Events Centre Box Office and the Wine Country Visitor Centre.
Tickets for the Calgary show are available online at www.ticketmaster.ca, by phone at 1.855.985.5000, or in person at all Ticketmaster outlets.
Tickets for the Edmonton show are available online at www.ticketmaster.ca, by phone at 1.855.985.5000, or in person at all Ticketmaster outlets.
Tickets for the Regina show are available online at www.conexusartscentre.ca, by phone at 306.525.9999 or 1.800.667.8497, or in person at the Conexus Arts Centre Box Office.
Tickets for the Saskatoon show are available online at www.tcutickets.ca, by phone at 975-7799 or 1.888.639.7770, or in person at the TCU Place Box Office.
Tickets for the Brandon show are available online at www.tickets.keystonecentre.com, by phone at 204.726.3555, or in person at the Box Office.
Tickets for the Winnipeg show are available online at www.ticketmaster.ca, by phone at 1.855.985.5000, or in person at all Ticketmaster outlets.
Tickets for the Thunder Bay show are available online at www.tickets.tbca.com, by phone at 1.807.684.4444, or in person at the Box Office.
Tickets for the London show are available online at www.budweisergardens.com/events, by phone at 1.866.455.2849, or in person at the Box Office or Ticket Outlets.
Tickets for the Toronto show are available online at www.masseyhall.com, by phone at 416.872.4255, or in person at the Roy Thomson Hall Box Office (60 Simcoe Street).
Tickets for the Ottawa show are available online at www.ticketmaster.ca, by phone at 1.855.985.5000, or in person at all Ticketmaster outlets and the NAC Box Office.
Tickets for the Montreal show are available online at www.evenko.ca, by phone at 514.790.2525 or 1.877.668.8269, or in person at the Bell Centre Box Office.
For more information on Heart, please visit www.heart-music.com.
Media Contact:
Teresa Trovato | Paul Mercs Concerts | 604.683.8762 | teresa@paulmercsconcerts.com
– DIANA KRALL –
“GLAD RAG DOLL WORLD TOUR”
WESTERN CANADIAN DATES ANNOUNCED
TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5 AT 10:00am
*TICKETS FOR NANAIMO ON SALE FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5 AT 11:00am SOLD OUT
Vancouver, BC ~ Paul Mercs Concerts is pleased to present Western Canadian tour dates for Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter and pianist Diana Krall’s highly anticipated “Glad Rag Doll World Tour”.
October 2012 will mark the release of Diana Krall’s extraordinary new album, Glad Rag Doll. An exhilarating and adventurous exploration of new sounds, new instrumentation and new musicians, Glad Rag Doll stars a singer and piano player filled with mischief, humour and a renewed sense of tenderness and intimacy.
Working for the first time with renowned producer T Bone Burnett, Krall revels in a fresh sonic playground captured in the vivid grain and deep resonant focus of analog tape. A major departure for the gifted Canadian, Krall calls the album “a song and dance record”.
Diana Krall’s “Glad Rag Doll World Tour” will visit the following Western Canadian cities:
February 3 Nanaimo, BC Port Theatre SOLD OUT
February 5 Vancouver, BC Orpheum Theatre
February 12 Edmonton, AB Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
February 13 Calgary, AB Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
February 14 Regina, SK Conexus Arts Centre
February 16 Winnipeg, MB RBC Theatre at MTS Centre
Tickets for the Nanaimo show are available online at https://tickets.portheatre.com, by phone at 250.754.8550, or in person at The Port Theatre.
Tickets for the Vancouver show are available online at www.ticketmaster.ca, by phone at 1.855.985.5000, or in person at all Ticketmaster outlets.
Tickets for the Edmonton show are available online at www.ticketmaster.ca, by phone at 1.855.985.5000, or in person at all Ticketmaster outlets.
Tickets for the Calgary show are available online at www.ticketmaster.ca, by phone at 1.855.985.5000, or in person at all Ticketmaster outlets.
Tickets for the Regina show are available online at www.conexusartscentre.ca, by phone at 306.525.9999 or 1.800.667.8497, or in person at the Conexus Arts Centre Box Office.
Tickets for the Winnipeg show are available online at www.ticketmaster.ca, by phone at 1.855.985.5000, or in person at all Ticketmaster outlets.
For more information on Diana Krall, please visit www.dianakrall.com.
Media Contact:
Teresa Trovato | Paul Mercs Concerts | 604.683.8762 | teresa@paulmercsconcerts.com
7th ANNUAL GRAND CARIBOO OPRY CHRISTMAS
PRESENTED BY RICHARDSON GMP & POTLUCK CAFÉ SOCIETY
DECEMBER 8 AT THE VOGUE THEATRE
Vancouver, BC ~ Richardson GMP and Potluck Café Society, in association with Paul Mercs Concerts, are proud to present Barney Bentall & The Grand Cariboo Opry at The Vogue Theatre on Saturday, December 8. A treasured tradition among Vancouver’s local community, this fundraiser and one-of-a-kind variety show brings over 800 concertgoers together to support Potluck Café Society.
Formed in 2001, Potluck Café Society is a social enterprise that works to transform lives in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside by providing people in the community with stable employment and free, nutritious meals through its café and catering business. Over the past six years, the proceeds of Barney Bentall & The Grand Cariboo Opry have helped to create jobs and serve over 40,000 nutritious meals to people living in the Downtown Eastside.
The Grand Cariboo Opry Christmas is a highly entertaining show, hosted by Canadian music icon Barney Bentall, who blends humourous and sentimental monologues with a heartfelt set of roots and folk favourites. Bentall is joined by an exceptional roster of friends and guests including Ridley Bent, Dustin Bentall, Wendy Bird, Kendel Carson and Matt Masters to name a few.
Tickets are on sale now and available at https://tickets.voguetheatre.com/online/default.asp.
Don’t miss a night of entertainment and an opportunity to give back to the community.
For more information, please visit www.potluckcatering.org.
Media Contact:
Teresa Trovato | Paul Mercs Concerts | 604.683.8762 | teresa@paulmercsconcerts.com
PAPER LIONS ADD VANCOUVER DATE TO FALL TOUR
NOVEMBER 14 AT THE MEDIA CLUB
Vancouver, BC ~ Paul Mercs Concerts is pleased to partner with The Media Club in support of the upcoming tour date for Paper Lions on Wednesday, November 14.
Paper Lions are a pop-rock indie band from Prince Edward Island consisting of brothers John and Rob MacPhee (lead vocals and bass), Colin Buchanan (guitar) and David MacDonald (drums).
Their six-song EP, Trophies, was recorded by Producer/Engineer Dan Weston (Attack in Black/Classified) and released in 2010. Trophies possesses the unbridled energy of the band’s live show as well as their understanding of melody and pop arrangements.
“These cats have all the earmarks of a breakout sensation. Similar in style and sound to Tokyo Police Club, the band’s learned stage show was a sight to behold and they most certainly came through in the clutch in what will hopefully become a watershed moment in their young career.” – Chart Attack
Since the release of Trophies, Paper Lions have toured with the likes of CAKE, The Rheostatics, Joel Plaskett and Hey Rosetta! to name a few. They have been nominated for ten East Coast Music Awards and took home Pop Recording of the Year in 2006. Paper Lions also performed at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.
The band is currently touring across Canada in support of their most recent EP, At Long Creek. This six-song EP features four new tracks as well as reinterpretations of a pair of previously released Paper Lions songs. The band’s sophomore album has yet to be announced.
Don’t miss the return of Paper Lions to Vancouver at The Media Club on Wednesday, November 14 at 8:00pm. Tickets are $15 in advance and available now online at http://paperlions.bpt.me.
For more information, please visit www.themediaclub.ca and www.paperlions.com.
Media Contact:
Teresa Trovato | Paul Mercs Concerts | 604.683.8762 | teresa@paulmercsconcerts.com
THE BOOM BOOMS’ NORTH AMERICAN TOUR KICKS OFF IN VANCOUVER AT CLUB 560 SEPTEMBER 13 AT 8:00pm
TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY, AUGUST 31 AT 12:00pm
Vancouver, BC – The Boom Booms are set to kick off their North American tour with a show in Vancouver at Club 560 on Thursday, September 13 at 8:00pm. Tickets go on sale Friday, August 31 at 12:00pm and will be available online at http://theboombooms.eventbrite.com and in person at Zulu Records, Red Cat Records, and Highlife Records.
Since the Vancouver sextet scored a second place win in the Peak Performance Project, picking up a $75,000 cash prize, The Boom Booms have been busy building a fanbase that stretches across generations. They’ve performed to thousands of fans at the 2012 TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival, Shambhala Music Festival and the Salmon Arm Roots & Blues Festival. They also hosted their fifth annual “Boom Boom Block Party”.
A summer highlight for East Vancouver residents, the “Boom Boom Block Party” raised over $12,000 for EYA (Environmental Youth Alliance), CLICK (Contributing to Lives of Inner City Youth), the Bavubuka hip-hop outreach for kids in Uganda and Up With Hope - an organization dedicated to improving the living conditions in the slums of Nairobi.
The Boom Booms have also travelled to Brazil to experience the country’s vibrant culture and beautiful music. While in Brazil, the band created a series of videos to raise awareness for the Belo Monte Dam in the Amazon Rainforest that is destroying and displacing a huge number of locals and causing an ecological disaster. The footage from this experience was captured by Point Blank Creative and will be released in September as an online documentary called Boom Boom Brazil.
Before they hit the road, The Boom Booms will take part in the “Save The Salish Sea Festival”. The festival, which is co-organized by the Tsleil Waututh Nation, Squamish Nation, Wilderness Committee and Tanker Free BC, will take place on September 2 at Waterfront Park in North Vancouver. In addition, The Boom Booms have been invited to open for Sarah McLachlan and Bryan Adams at “Voices in the Park” on September 15.
Having recently signed a management deal with Paul Mercs of Paul Mercs Concerts, The Boom Booms are ecstatic about what lies ahead. With their energetic live performance, positive message and upcoming fifty-date Canadian and U.S. tour, The Boom Booms are poised to propel themselves to an international level. Some of the major cities in which The Boom Booms will be performing include Toronto, Montreal, New York, Austin, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and Boston.
For more information on The Boom Booms and a complete list of tour dates, please visit www.theboombooms.com and www.facebook.com/theboombooms.
Media Contact:
Teresa Trovato | Paul Mercs Concerts | 604.683.8762 | teresa@paulmercsconcerts.com
Introducing RNDM:
New Musical Group Featuring Pearl Jam Bassist Jeff Ament,
Singer-Songwriter Joseph Arthur and Drummer Richard Stuverud
Debut Album, Acts, in stores October 30th
OTTAWA TICKETS ON SALE NOW at ticketweb.ca, by phone at 1 888 222 6608 or at The Algonquin Theatre box office.
VANCOUVER TICKETS ON SALE NOW at ticketweb.ca, by phone at 1 888 222 6608, or at Zulu Records, Red Cat Records, & Biltmore Cabaret
Vancouver, BC ~ RNDM (pronounced "random") is a new musical group featuring Pearl Jam bassist Jeff Ament, singer-songwriter Joseph Arthur and drummer Richard Stuverud. The band will release their debut album, Acts, on Tuesday, October 30th in CD, vinyl LP and digital formats via Monkeywrench Records/RED in the U.S. and Canada, and Monkeywrench/One Little Indian Records for the rest of the world.
In support of Acts, RNDM will embark on a 16-date North American tour, which kicks off November 2nd in Brooklyn, NY and will make a stop in Vancouver on Monday, November 26th at the Biltmore Cabaret at 8:30pm. Tickets go on sale Friday, September 7th at 10:00am and will be available through www.ticketweb.ca.
ACTS:
In April of this year, Joseph Arthur joined Jeff Ament and drummer Richard Stuverud in Montana for a jam session, which would give birth to RNDM Acts. After four days with longtime Pearl Jam engineer Brett Eliason behind the boards, the group had nearly twenty finished tracks, which have been whittled down to twelve for the album.
"It felt like those first bands you're in, where the first few weeks you ate and slept and breathed the music that you were working on," Ament says. "All you did was hum those songs until you got to the next practice. I was completely open to whatever was going to happen, and I know Joseph was too."
RNDM:
As the project's name suggests, Jeff Ament and Joseph Arthur met randomly in June of 1999, when Arthur opened a show at the late New York club Wetlands on a bill headlined by Ament and Stuverud's side project, Three Fish.
The pair stayed in touch over the years and reconnected in 2010 after Arthur played a KEXP-sponsored lunchtime gig in Seattle. Ament extended Arthur an invitation to come to his Montana home to jam, but before they could make plans, a song emerged unexpectedly.
While Ament was working on his solo album, he kept hearing Joseph's voice instead of his own on one particular track, "When the Fire Comes." He sent Arthur an email to gauge his interest in collaborating and two days later, got the finished song back. From there, the two knew there was a creative connection.
Ament and Arthur performed this song together live at Pearl Jam's 20th anniversary weekend last summer at Alpine Valley in Wisconsin. A studio version of the song was released as a CD single to commemorate the special event and also appears on Ament's latest solo album, While My Heart Beats.
ACTS TRACKLIST:
1. Modern Times
2. Darkness
3. The Disappearing Ones
4. What You Can't Control
5. Hollow Girl
6. Walking Through New York
7. Look Out!
8. New Tracks
9. Throw You to the Pack
10. Williamsburg
11. Letting Go of Will
12. Cherries in the Snow
RNDM NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES:
Date City Venue
Nov 2 Brooklyn, NY Music Hall of Williamsburg
Nov 3 Washington, DC The Black Cat
Nov 4 Philadelphia, PA Union Transfer
Nov 7 Boston, MA Paradise Rock Club
Nov 8 New York, NY The Bowery Ballroom
Nov 9 Montreal, QC Théâtre Corona
Nov 10 Ottawa, ON Algonquin Theatre
Nov 11 Toronto, ON Lee's Palace
Nov 13 Chicago, IL Lincoln Hall
Nov 14 Milwaukee, WI Turner Hall Ballroom
Nov 15 Minneapolis, MN First Avenue
Nov 16 Lawrence, KS The Bottleneck
Nov 18 Boulder, CO The Fox Theatre
Nov 21 Los Angeles, CA Troubador
Nov 23 San Francisco, CA Great American Music Hall
Nov 25 Portland, OR Doug Fir Lounge
Nov 26 Vancouver, BC Biltmore Cabaret
Nov 27 Seattle, WA Showbox at the Market
For more information, please visit RNDMBAND.COM.
To listen to “Modern Times”, click on the following link: http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/song-premiere-rndm-modern-times-20120828
National Media Contact:
Teresa Trovato | Paul Mercs Concerts | 604.683.8762 | teresa@paulmercsconcerts.com
CHEAP GIRLS AT THE MEDIA CLUB ON SEPTEMBER 9
Vancouver, BC ~ Paul Mercs Concerts is pleased to partner with The Media Club in Vancouver in support of the upcoming tour date for Cheap Girls on Sunday, September 9.
Formed in 2007, Cheap Girls are Ian Graham on vocals and bass guitar, Adam Aymor on guitar and Ben Graham on drums. Their third full-length album, Giant Orange, was released on Rise Records in February of 2012.
Since forming, the Michigan-based rock band has a had a steady stream of shows with several U.S. tours, two Canadian tours and a European tour. They’ve shared the stage with such bands as Candlebox, Bush, Drowning Men and Front Bottoms.
Cheap Girls will make an appearance in Vancouver at The Media Club on Sunday, September 9.
Tickets are $10 and available online at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/264395.
For more information on Cheap Girls, please visit http://cheapgirls.net
National Media Contact:
Teresa Trovato | Paul Mercs Concerts | 604.683.8762 | teresa@paulmercsconcerts.com
JESSE COOK BREAKS NEW MUSICAL GROUND ON HIS 8th STUDIO ALBUM, THE BLUE GUITAR SESSIONS
AVAILABLE IN STORES AND ONLINE
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18
Vancouver, BC ~ Jesse Cook’s latest body of work signals a dramatic new direction. Spending the summer of 2011 cottage hopping with his family, the JUNO Award winner set about writing material for The Blue Guitar Sessions, which is set for release on September 18 in Canada (September 25 in the U.S.).
“I was feeling kind of guilty about leaving work to go on vacation,” he recalls. “I thought ‘if I write a song every day I can do whatever I want.’ It became effortless. It was never a struggle probably because I wanted to do this record for so long. I finally uncorked the genie and, poof, out it came.”
For the 47-year-old Toronto resident, who was born in Paris to John Cook, a film director and his wife Heather, a former CBC television producer, this record is quite different from the rumba flamenco for which he is best known. Among his many accolades, in 2008 he won the silver medal in Acoustic Guitar magazine’s prestigious Players’ Choice Awards behind the legendary Paco de Lucia. In addition, he has sold one million albums globally, with two Platinum and five Gold albums in Canada.
Cook has steered clear of anything resembling rumba flamenco on this record, producing a sound that allows listeners to appreciate each musician’s contribution. To do so he also battled his natural instinct to fill in space.
“It’s a big departure from the work I have done in the past,” he admits, “and there’s a fear that if you do something drastically different, will there still be someone there to listen to it if you change?”
“But I feel the role of an artist is to change, to constantly push forward and try and come up with something new. I don't want to spend the rest of my life repeating my first few records so I decided I was going to do it.”
The result is a captivating 14-track album recorded on a pair of vintage microphones, which he had exhaustively searched for to replicate the mood of recordings from the Miles Davis era. Sound is of the utmost importance to him as a musician, producer and engineer.
“Broken Moon” features his extraordinary guitar accompanied by cellist Amy Laing while Tom Szczesniak adds accordion to “Witching Hour” a melodic composition hinting at Cook’s Parisian roots. Toronto vocalist Emma-Lee makes an appearance on “I Put a Spell on You”, a cover of the song written by Screamin’ Jay Hawkins and popularised by Nina Simone and Jeff Beck. Long time collaborator violinist Chris Church makes several appearances in just the right spots.
Audiences will soon discover how well The Blue Guitar Sessions translates to live performances. Cook is set to embark on a worldwide tour this September, beginning with European dates. A major 21-date Canadian tour will follow before he ventures south for a five-month U.S. tour, starting in January of 2013.
The live shows will include songs from his more familiar work as well as material from the new album. Joining Cook on stage are the musicians that have become as familiar to fans as Cook himself: Chris Church, Rosendo “Chendy” Leon, Nicholas Hernandez and Dennis Mohammed.
“What I found is that the longer the five of us played together, we really gelled and had a sense of what our domains were. Each member grew within their domain to make it something really big. We all learned to fill our space.”
For more information on Jesse Cook and a complete list of tour dates, please visit www.jessecook.com and www.facebook.com/JesseCookHQ.
National Media Contact:
Teresa Trovato | Paul Mercs Concerts | 604.683.8762 | teresa@paulmercsconcerts.com
JESSE COOK LANDS PUBLIC TELEVISION SPECIAL
"JESSE COOK - LIVE IN CONCERT" DEBUTS ON AUGUST 12
Vancouver, BC ~ Jesse Cook has a full plate with his eighth studio album, The Blue Guitar Sessions, to be released on September 18 in Canada (September 25 in the U.S.); a European tour; a twenty-date national Canadian tour to take place in November/December; and a sixty-date U.S. tour to take place in the new year. In addition, August will see the airing of a new television special on select Public Television stations in the U.S.
A project that will expose Cook’s extraordinary musicianship to a wider audience, “Jesse Cook – Live in Concert” debuts on Sunday, August 12 on WMHT in Albany, NY at 9:00pm. Jesse Cook will also make a special appearance on WMHT for an in-studio interview. Other Public Television stations that will feature in-studio interviews with Jesse Cook include:
Aug 12 at 9:00PM WMHT in Albany, NY
Aug 14 at 7:00PM WLVT in Allentown, PA
Aug 14 at 10:00PM CPTV in Hartford, CT
Aug 15 at 8:00PM WQED/WQEX in Pittsburgh, PA
Aug 15 at 8:00PM WEDH, WEDN in Hartford, CT
Aug 15 at 8:30PM KAMU in College Station, TX
Aug 16 at 7:00PM KBDI in Denver, CO
Aug 16 at 10:00PM KBDI in Denver, CO
Aug 16 at 9:00PM KAMU in College Station, TX
Aug 16 at 12:30AM WQED in Pittsburgh, PA
Aug 16 at 2:30PM WQED in Pittsburgh, PA
The sixty-minute concert footage was shot at the Rose Theatre in Brampton, Ontario in May, introduced at a PBS convention in Denver a few weeks later and rapidly gained momentum amongst programmers at the network stations. More than thirty Public Television stations have signed on to broadcast the production that begins airing on August 12, 2012 and will continue through to December 2012.
“Jesse Cook - Live in Concert” will air in the following cities in the upcoming months: WPBA in Atlanta, MD PTV in Maryland, SC Net in South Carolina, KAWE and KAWB in Minneapolis, WGBY in Springfield, KNME in Albuquerque, KBDI in Denver, KAET in Phoenix, KUAT in Tucson, KNPB in Reno, WXEL in West Palm Beach and Miami, KOCE in Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, KVCR in Palm Springs, WLVT in Allentown and Philadelphia, WTTW in Chicago, K32EO in Colorado, WTVS in Detroit, KBTC and KCKA in Seattle and Tacoma, WNPT in Nashville, CT PTV in Connecticut, WQED and WQEX in Pittsburgh, KLRN in San Antonio, KAMU in Waco, WMHT in Albany, and Oregon Net in Oregon.
For additional information and a list of Canadian tour dates, please visit http://www.jessecook.com/.
For a sneak peek of “Jesse Cook – Live in Concert”, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcNvRWNzBKY.
National Media Contact:
Teresa Trovato | Paul Mercs Concerts | 604.683.8762 | teresa@paulmercsconcerts.com
BEN SIGSTON WITH LIAM TITCOMB AT THE MEDIA CLUB
SEPTEMBER 1st at 8:00pm
Vancouver, BC ~ Paul Mercs Concerts is pleased to partner with The Media Club in Vancouver in support of the upcoming tour date for Ben Sigston and Liam Titcomb on Saturday, September 1st.
An ex-Canadian National Team cyclist, Vancouver’s Ben Sigston turned to music after a university athletic scholarship went awry. The abrupt life change wasn’t as random as it appears, as Sigston had been heavily influenced by music his entire life. He studied piano at the age of five, followed by the the drums. Music and athleticism have always been intertwined for Sigston. When his focus shifted to music, lyrics and sound became his outlet. Instead of training away his frustrations and emotions, he began to write about them.
Over the past seven years, Ben Sigston has been relentlessly pursuing and refining his writing process. His music is filled with juxtapositions that compare and contrast thoughts, feelings, reflections and actions. He has an uncanny ability to convey himself through the melody of song. Sigston’s music cuts through the noise of modern existence and extracts simple, universal truths: hope, love, redemption and the search for meaning.
Ben Sigston continues to strike a chord with both the public and with the industry, landing showcases for major labels and a recent development deal.
Liam Titcomb has been living in Nashville and the UK over the past few years and honing his craft. An exceptional songwriter, Liam draws on his own life experiences. His songs are heartfelt, personal and hypnotic. His new album, Cicada, is a testament to Liam’s growth as a songwriter.
Don’t miss an opportunity to see Ben Sigston and Liam Titcomb in an intimate setting on Saturday, September 1st at The Media Club at 8:00pm.
Tickets are $10 and available online at http://bensigston.brownpapertickets.com.
For more information on Ben Sigston, visit www.bensigston.com.
For more information on Liam Titcomb, visit www.liamtitcomb.com.
Media Contact: Teresa Trovato | 604.683.8762 | teresa@paulmercsconcerts.com
SUZIE MCNEIL TO PERFORM SONGS FROM HER NEW ALBUM DEAR LOVE AT THE MEDIA CLUB ON AUGUST 24
Vancouver, BC ~ Paul Mercs Concerts is pleased to partner with The Media Club in Vancouver in support of the upcoming tour date for JUNO-nominated Suzie McNeil on Friday, August 24.
A native of Toronto, ON, McNeil has compiled an impressive record of musical accomplishments over the years. From commercial jingles to studio sessions with the likes of Steven Tyler, Buckcherry, and Matt Nathanson, to performing to crowds of up to 200,000 people, Suzie McNeil can do it all.
She was the last woman standing on CBS TV’s reality series Rockstar:INXS, was featured on Clay Aiken’s A Thousand Different Ways, sang back-up vocals for P!nk on her North American tour, entertained the troops in Afghanistan on an armed forces tour, performed at the 2010 Winter Olympics Closing Ceremonies, and starred in the Toronto debut of Queen’s “We Will Rock You” musical.
Next up for McNeil is a new album, Dear Love, to be released on August 7. The first single off the album, “Drama Queen”, is a national top 20 hit and has been featured in the A&E movie “The Pregnancy Project”. In addition to her musical career, Suzie McNeil is working with humanitarian organization World Vision to promote the sponsorship of children in underprivileged nations such as Africa, which she personally visited in 2008.
Don’t miss one of Canada’s favourite pop artists at The Media Club on Friday, August 24.
Tickets are $15 and available online at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/264607 on Thursday, August 2 at 10:00am.
For more information, visit www.suziemcneil.ca or www.themediaclub.ca.
For publicity images, click on the following links:
Media Contact: Teresa Trovato | 604.683.8762 | teresa@paulmercsconcerts.com
RAFFI ANNOUNCES “#BELUGAGRADS – FAMILY CONCERT”
TICKETS ON SALE NOWVancouver, BC ~ Paul Mercs Concerts is pleased to present the following West Coast tour dates for Raffi’s “#belugagrads – Family Concert”:
October 20 Victoria, BC McPherson Playhouse
October 21 Vancouver, BC The Centre in Vancouver for Performing Arts
October 27 Seattle, WA The Moore Theatre
Raffi is known for his work as a children’s entertainer whose string of gold and platinum-selling recordings in North America includes his classic song, “Baby Beluga”. Once called “the most popular children’s singer in the English-speaking world” (Washington Post) and “Canada’s all time children’s champion” (Toronto Star), Raffi is also a recipient of the Order of Canada and the United Nations’ Earth Achievement Award. His commitment to honouring his young fans changed society’s outlook on music made for children.
“I’m delighted to be singing songs for children and their families again”, says Raffi.
In 2010, Raffi founded The Centre for Child Honouring on Salt Spring Island, BC. The Centre advocates for social change that keeps children at its heart. Its positive vision stresses the importance of the early years as the basis of all decisions that affect both our own and future generations.
Ticket prices for “#belugagrads – Family Concert” are $25.00, $32.50, and $55.00 (plus applicable fees and service charges). The $55.00 tickets will include an opportunity to meet Raffi in person after the show. Proceeds will benefit The Centre for Child Honouring.
For more information, please visit www.raffinews.com or www.childhonouring.org.
Tickets for the Victoria show are available by phone at 250.386.6121 or 1.888.717.6121, online at www.rmts.bc.ca, or in person at the McPherson Box Office.
Tickets for the Vancouver show are available online at www.ticketmaster.ca, by phone at 1.855.985.5000, or in person at all Ticketmaster outlets.
Tickets for the Seattle show are available online at www.stgpresents.org, by phone at 1.877.784.4849, or in person at the Paramount Box Office and 24-hour kiosks outside the Paramount and Moore Theatres.
Media Contact: Teresa Trovato | 604.683.8762 | teresa@paulmercsconcerts.com
TAJ WEEKES & ADOWA AT THE MEDIA CLUB ON AUGUST 22
Vancouver, BC ~ Paul Mercs Concerts is pleased to partner with The Media Club in Vancouver in support of the upcoming tour date for musician, humanitarian and poet, Taj Weekes on Wednesday, August 22.
“I write from the heart and I speak about issues that move me. I believe that’s what really matters”, says Weekes.
Born and raised on the island of St. Lucia, Taj Weekes is an enigma. Driven to inspire conscious thought and provoke discussion through his poignant poetry and lyrics, Weekes is a humble man with an intense passion about his worldviews.
Named a Goodwill Ambassador by the International Consortium of Caribbean Professionals and recognized by a division of the United Nations, Weekes addresses issues such as global warming, casualties of war, domestic and youth violence, diabetes and health, poverty and the welfare of children through both his music and charity.
His charity, They Often Cry Outreach (TOCO), was founded in 2007 and helps to improve the lives of underprivileged children in the Caribbean through sports, health and enrichment programs.
Weekes and his band Adowa unite a true social consciousness with an unforgettable reggae groove. Blending in elements of acoustic roots rock and afro-folk simplicity, the band’s vibrant sound defies genre and has garnered critical acclaim as well as a wide audience across the globe.
The group’s first two full-length albums are Hope and Doubt and Deidem, which won “Best Reggae Album” at the Just Plain Folks Music Awards and was shortlisted for a Grammy Award. Taj Weekes and Adowa released their much-anticipated third album, A Waterlogged Soul Kitchen, in October 2010. AWSK presents a set of fresh reggae songs laced with acoustic strings, guitar, violin and cello, and splashes of soulful harmonica. It is an album that challenges listeners to redefine common perceptions of reggae and where it is heading as a genre.
Tickets are $10.00 in advance and $15.00 at the door. Advance tickets are available online at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/263395.
For more information, visit www.tajweekes.com or www.themediaclub.ca.
Media Contact: Teresa Trovato | 604.683.8762 | teresa@paulmercsconcerts.com
TOMMY CASTRO & THE PAINKILLERS TO PERFORM AT THE MEDIA CLUB ON AUGUST 20
Vancouver, BC ~ Paul Mercs Concerts is pleased to partner with The Media Club in support of the upcoming tour date for Tommy Castro & The Painkillers on Monday, August 20.
Blues and roots artist Tommy Castro & The Painkillers will be performing songs from Castro's award-winning debut, Hard Believer. A recipient of four Blues Music Awards, including the coveted B.B. King Entertainer of the Year Award, and Band of the Year Award, Castro took home first place in the blues category of the 2012 International Songwriting Competition for his original composition.
With his newly formed band, The Painkillers, Tommy Castro returns to a more stripped-down lineup featuring original bassist Randy McDonald along with new members Byron Cage on drums and keyboardist James Pace.
“Tommy Castro can do no wrong with his soulful, heartfelt vocals and exquisite, stellar guitar work. A seamless blend of blues, gospel-flavoured R&B, soul and roadhouse rock.” – Blues Revue
Don’t miss Tommy Castro & The Painkillers at The Media Club on Monday, August 20.
Tickets are $22.00 and available online at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/262974.
For a digital press kit, click on the following link: www.airplaydirect.com/music/TommyCastro.
For more information on Tommy Castro & The Painkillers, visit http://tommycastro.com/tommy-castro-and-the-painkillers/ or http://themediaclub.ca.
Media Contact: Teresa Trovato | 604.683.8762 | teresa@paulmercsconcerts.com
Y LA BAMBA TO RETURN TO VANCOUVER TOUR DATE SCHEDULED FOR OCTOBER 26 AT THE MEDIA CLUB
Vancouver, BC ~ Paul Mercs Concerts is pleased to partner with The Media Club in support of the upcoming tour date for Y La Bamba on Friday, October 26.
Having just opened for The Avett Brothers at the Orpheum, Portland’s Y La Bamba is Luz Elena Mendoza (guitar, vocals); Ben Meyercord (bass); Mike Kitson (percussion); Eric Schrepel (accordian); Paul Cameron (guitar); and Scott Magee (percussion). Together they return with their sophomore release and indie pop masterpiece, Court The Storm, a haunting collection of delicately crafted art folk, inspired by Mendoza’s Mexican heritage.
Y La Bamba caught the ear of Grammy Award-winning producer and Los Lobos member, Steve Berlin, who offered to produce the band’s album. Berlin’s production style completed Y La Bamba’s vision of mariachi-inspired indie folk. With four of the eleven songs in Spanish, Mendoza embraced her heritage and personal experiences during the writing of Court The Storm. The outcome is lush vocal harmonies and compelling musical arrangements.
Y La Bamba has toured with the likes of Horse Feathers, Typhoon, The Avett Brothers and Neko Case, who lent her voice to a track on Court The Storm.
Don’t miss Y La Bamba in Vancouver at The Media Club on Friday, October 26 at 8:00pm. Tickets on sale now and are available online at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/257870 for $13.
For more information, please visit www.themediaclub.ca and www.ylabamba.com.
Alexz Johnson in Vancouver at The Media Club, August 14th.
Vancouver, BC ~ Paul Mercs Concerts is pleased to partner with The Media Club in Vancouver in support of the upcoming tour date for Alexz Johnson on Tuesday, August 14.
“We are pleased to have the opportunity to work with Gwyn Roberts and the team at The Media Club”, says Paul Mercs. “We look forward to bringing great new talent to Vancouver and are especially pleased that Alexz Johnson is the first performer in this exciting venture.”
Canadian-born Alexz Johnson is a singer-songwriter, record producer and actress. An entertainment industry veteran of fifteen years and the recipient of a Gemini Award, Johnson’s lead role on the hit Canadian TV show Instant Star provided a platform for her music.
Her debut album, Voodoo, was released independently in 2010, followed by two demos that ended up being shelved by both Capitol and Epic. Now based in Brooklyn, NY, Johnson is ready to relaunch and redefine herself as an artist.
After an extremely successful Kickstarter campaign, Alexz Johnson raised enough funds in just one day to support an entire tour. Over 900 fans made a pledge and over $67,000.00 was raised for a debut tour in support of her upcoming release.
Skipping Stone, is a five-song EP that showcases the new material she has been writing and recording in LA and Nashville with singer-songwriter Jimmy Robbins. Skipping Stone mirrors Johnson’s new direction – stripped down and airy, leaving room for her crystal clean, operatic voice to roam in styles that range from Johnny Cash-era country to 40’s style ballads to seductive, smoky world-beats.
Don’t miss Alexz Johnson in Vancouver at The Media Club on Tuesday, August 14 at 9:00pm. General admission tickets are $15 and VIP meet and greet tickets are $30. Tickets go on sale Friday, June 22 at 10:00am and are available online at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/256826.
For more information on Alexz Johnson, please visit
Jesse Cook Announces Release Of New Studio Album And “The Blue Guitar Tour”
Vancouver, BC ~ Award-winning guitar phenomenon Jesse Cook is set to release his eighth studio album. Yet to be titled, the album will be released in Canada on September 18 and in the U.S. on September 25.
“I wanted to make a record that was more personal”, says Cook. “Something intimate with more space to it than my previous work, the kind of music that I would want to listen to after midnight. I guess you could call it my grown-up album.”
Based in Toronto, Jesse Cook has been recording and performing music internationally for over seventeen years. He is a JUNO Award-winning artist and three-time recipient of the Canadian Smooth Jazz Award for “Guitarist of the Year”. His previous release, The Rumba Foundation, debuted at #1 on iTunes Canada and the DVD for the release premiered on PBS.
The past two years have seen Cook tour extensively to sold-out crowds throughout the world, performing at both the Singapore and Dubai Jazz Festivals, the Cumbre Tajín Festival in Mexico, and electrifying audiences from the U.S. to Italy to Lebanon. With over one million album sales worldwide, Jesse Cook has spawned a truly global fan base.
Following the release of his new studio album, Jesse Cook will launch a twenty-date national tour.
For the full press release, tour dates and cites, click here.
Connect with Jesse Cook on:
Jazz Vocalist Denzal Sinclaire Announced As Support Act For Diana Krall In Portland, OR
Paul Mercs Concerts is pleased to announce Denzal Sinclaire as the support act for Grammy® Award-winning jazz singer and pianist Diana Krall at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall in Portland, OR on Friday, August 31, 2012.
Vocalist, pianist and percussionist Denzal Sinclaire is a multiple JUNO Award nominee, recipient of the 2004 National Jazz Award for “Best Album”, and four-time recipient of the Jazz Report Magazine Award for Male Jazz Vocalist. He has graced the stages of numerous concert halls and festivals around the world and has appeared on Late Night with Conan O’Brien, Jimmy Kimmel Live, Bravo TV and Canada AM.
From his early days as a canny interpreter of Nat King Cole’s crooning, Denzal Sinclaire has grown into one of the most distinctive and individualistic singers anywhere.
Don’t miss Diana Krall with special guest Denzal Sinclaire at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall in Portland, OR on Friday, August 31, 2012 at 8:00pm.
Connect with Denzal Sinclaire on his Official site
Video Games Live Returns With A New Show - CANADIAN DATES ANNOUNCED
Paul Mercs Concerts is pleased to present Canadian tour dates for Video Games Live. Created and produced by industry veteran and world-famous video game composer Tommy Tallarico, Video Games Live is an immersive concert event featuring music from the greatest video games of all time.
Video Games Live bridges a gap for entertainment by exposing new generations of music lovers and fans to the symphonic orchestral experience while also providing a completely new and unique experience for families and non-gamers. With performances in front of hundreds of thousands of people on five continents, the show is heralded and enjoyed by the entire family. Video Games Live is the largest and most successful video game concert in the world.
In October 2012, Video Games Live will return to Canada with a new show. All new segments will include music from Final Fantasy, Zelda, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, Pokemon, Warcraft, Diablo III, Earthworm Jim, Mass Effect and more.
Click here for our full press release, tour dates and cities.
Connect with Video Games Live:
- Official site
- Video Games Live and Video Games Live Canada Facebook
MUSIC’S WORLD CITIZEN YANNI ANNOUNCES WESTERN CANADIAN TOUR DATES
Vancouver, BC ~ Paul Mercs Concerts is proud to present Western Canadian tour dates for music’s most popular composer and true world citizen, Yanni.
August 5 Vancouver, BC Queen Elizabeth Theatre
August 7 Edmonton, AB Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
August 8 Calgary, AB Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
August 10 Saskatoon, SK TCU Place
August 11 Regina, SK Conexus Arts Centre
August 12 Winnipeg, MB Centennial Concert Hall
2011 saw Yanni, one of the music industry’s most beloved artists, sell out major concert venues around the world including Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Asia. With his world-class orchestra, he performed music from his latest album Truth of Touch, now platinum in the Middle East, as well as classic concert favourites.
Click here for our press release.
Ticket information coming soon.
Connect with Yanni on:
B.B. KING SECOND SHOW ADDED IN MONTREAL WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 2012 AT PLACE DES ARTS
Vancouver, BC ~ Due to overwhelming ticket demand and a sold out first show, Paul Mercs Concerts is pleased to present an extra performance in Montreal by the legendary B.B. King.
Fifteen-time Grammy Award winner, Member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Member of the Blues Hall of Fame, B.B. King is inarguably the most imitated of living blues guitarists. His influence on music around the world is incalculable.
- For our full press release.
- Connect with BB King on Facebook and at his official site.
Legendary Songwriter & American Treasure John Prine Announces Western Canadian Tour Dates
(Vancouver, BC) ~ Paul Mercs Concerts is pleased to present the following Western Canadian tour dates for John Prine:
May 3 Victoria, BC Alix Goolden Performance Hall
May 5 Vancouver, BC The Centre in Vancouver for Performing Arts
May 12 Winnipeg, MB Burton Cummings Theatre
With his trademark guitar finger-picking and unmistakable songwriting voice, John Prine continues to mesmerize diverse audiences with his humble poetry, describing often-overlooked crannies of everyday life. With immeasurable accolades, including two Grammys and the distinction of being one of the few songwriters honored by the Library of Congress and US Poet Laureate, Prine is more than a musician - he is an American treasure.
- For our full press release.
- Connect with John Prine at his official site.
DIANA KRALL ONE NIGHT ONLY IN PORTLAND, OR
August 31, 2012 At Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall Tickets On Sale Friday, February 17 At 10:00am
Paul Mercs Concerts is pleased to present Grammy® Award-winning jazz singer and pianist Diana Krall at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall in Portland, OR on Friday, August 31, 2012.
Krall kicks off Grammy® week with a string of special performances. On February 9, she joined Paul McCartney to commemorate the release of his new album, Kisses on the Bottom, with a once-in-a-lifetime live streaming performance that took place at the famed Capitol Studios, where much of the new album was created.
On February 10, Diana Krall performs three songs at one of the most prestigious events held during Grammy® week, the MusiCares® Person of the Year tribute, which will celebrate McCartney’s artistic achievements and philanthropic work.
Krall caps off the week with a performance at the 54th Annual Grammy® Awards, which will take place on Sunday, February 12 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles and will be broadcast live on CBS Television from 8:00pm-11:30pm EST/PST.
Since the release of her 2009 Grammy Award-winning album Quiet Nights, Diana Krall has been travelling the globe, touring in Canada, Europe, UK, USA, Russia, Australia, South America and the Middle East. In addition to her touring and appearance schedule, the acclaimed artist took a short break to produce her first record for another artist – Barbra Streisand’s Love Is the Answer – which debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart upon its release.
Don’t miss Diana Krall at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall in Portland, OR on Friday, August 31, 2012 at 8:00pm.
Tickets are available online at www.ticketmaster.com, by phone at 1.800.982.2787, in person at the PCPA Box Office located at 1111 SW Broadway and at all Ticketmaster outlets.
- Connect with Diana Krall on Facebook or at her official site.