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| The Date: |
The Details:
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| March | |
| March 2 | I’m playing a private Birthday party at an undisclosed location. So unless you’re a private, I can’t disclose it. |
| March 16 | Myself and Aaron Solomon and his band are rocking out at Harpers Landing in Oakville. Well not really rocking out… although we do at times rock. It’s part of their St. Patty’s Day Celebration so I guess we’ll be Penny-whistling out? Mandolin-ing out? Fife-ing out? Whatever we’re doing it’ll be fun. Starting at 8:00 and going until 11:00PM. And we’re also gearing up for the marathon the following day. See below for that info: Here’s Harpers Landing’s site: http://harperslanding.ca |
| March 17 | It’s officially St. Patricks Day so to celebrate Aaron Solomon and his band (including me) are hitting a few gigs in the area. Like 3 in one day! At this point I know we’re doing Fionn MacCools in Heartland Mississauga (825 Britannia Road Mississauga), Fionn MacCools in Oakville (350 Dundas Street East0 and then somewhere else….? https://www.fionnmaccools.com/en/locations.html I’ll find out where and post it here before too long. C’mon out the the nearest gig and have some green beer or I’ll hit you with my shillelagh. Leprechaun not only allowed… they’re welcome. |
| March 21 | I’m back up in Newmarket at Colonel Mustards sitting in with the one and only Lou Moore. Lou and I got to cut it up last week in Stouffville and I always look forward to picking with him. Always a world class rhythm section too. (And the food there rocks!) Here’s the website: http://www.colmustards.ca |
| March 22 | Once more Johnny Sheard and myself embark on a musical journey that could end up anywhere. I bring some of my material, John brings his, we add in bassist Dennis Pendrith and a special guest and the result is always a surprise. Even to us. That’s what makes ‘Sheard Wendellful Music' so much fun. Anything can happen. And it does. Musical brilliance, lots of belly laughs and a warm entertaining show is what we promise. This show is entitled ‘Best of the West’ so I can only imagine we’ll be doing some country classics… but in our own style. It takes place at the Aurora Cultural Centre, 22 Church Street Aurora ON. L4G 1G4. Here’s their website: http://auroraculturalcentre.ca/events/john-sheard-presents-best-of-the-west/ |
| March 23 | Betty and the Bobs are starting their tour. Well it’s 2 gigs on consecutive weekends so it’s not really a tour. But when you play as infrequently as we do… we’re calling it a damn tour! We kick it off at the Almonte Old Town Hall (near Ottawa) as part of the Folkus Group’s concert series. They sponsor a monthly series and we’re the entertainment for March. Well, us and Beth Tufts from Elphin Ontario (home of multiple Juno winners… must be something in the water?) Tickets are $30 and available at https://folkusalmonte.com More info at: http://www.davidwoodhead.com/BettyandtheBobs.html |
| March 28 | I’m playing with Sue & Dwight, a folk duo and two of the nicest people you’ll likely ever meet. They do a mix of traditional folk numbers and their own originals from their CD’s. You can’t help smiling while Sue’s singing… her smile is infectious. The gig is an early one 6:00-8:00PM at the ‘120 Diner’ 120 Church Street, Toronto. There is a $10 cover but they’re totally worth it. Here’s the site: http://120diner.com |
| March 29 | It’s the Ed Smith Duo. Wait a minute! If we call it that… then my name won’t get mentioned… The Ed Smith Duo featuring WENDELL FERGUSON! There! That sounds better. Anyway we’re doing a little two piece at The Queens Legs (Their motto is ‘Always Open”) It’s located at: 286 Eglinton Ave. near Avenue Road. We start around 9:30. And they’re recently partnered with a Chinese restaurant called ‘Wok of Art’ So c’mon down for some ‘country' music and some different ‘country' cuisine. Here’s their site: http://www.lotusinn.ca |
| March 30 | Betty and the Bobs continue their tour. This time we’re in Orillia as part of the ‘Mariposa In Concert’ series. We love Orillia and we love playing for these folks. And think how tight we’ll be... as we just faked our way through the material the previous week. As Ronnie Hawkins used to say, “You guys are tighter than a frog's ass stretched over a boxcar. I couldn’t slip a cigarette paper between ya’s!’ The venue is Best Western Mariposa Inn 400 Memorial Drive, Orillia. For tickets and info go to this site: www.mariposafolk.com Scroll down and hit ‘Concerts’… maybe? |
| April | |
| April 9 | Lou Moore and me and a whole bunch of cool musicians are doing a secret corporate gig in downtown Toronto. It’s all hush-hush. But if you want to roadie for me… and lift my amp and equipment…..well I’m taking bids. |
| April 12 | I’m backing up a great female country singer, Amy Churm at Bobbies Bar & Grill in Mount Hope Ontario. It just up on the mountain close to Hamilton. Sean O’Grady on drums and Gene Falbo on bass should make it a fun night. Bobbies is located at 2965 Homestead Dr, Hamilton Ontario. We start at 8:00PM and go until midnight. I couldn’t find an official website, but here’s the Yelp page: https://www.tripadvisor.ca/ShowUserReviews-g499278-d7744990-r558309448-Bobbies_Bar_and_Grill-Mount_Hope_Hamilton_Ontario.html |
| April 13 | Wendell & Wheat are at it again. This time we’re totally honored to be playing again at Auer-House! That’s George and Monica’s Auerbach’s house concert series. They’ve been presenting fantastic acts for years now. This marks not only our 3rd time there… but they’re celebrating their 100th show! That’s pretty impressive. But don’t worry. We’ll live up to the honor. Better book tickets early as it’s a tight squeeze and everyone will want to be at the 100th show. Just think of the cake! It’s in Thornhill and here’s a link: http://toronto.eventful.com/venues/auer-house-concerts-/V0-001-003873390-6 |
| April 14 | I’m playing with Ed Smith and the Even Squares again. This time at ‘Corners' in Aurora. I had a fun solo gig there a few weeks ago and now I’m heading back with Ed and the band. Corners is located at 10593 Yonge Street in Aurora. In the Bowling Alley Plaza. It’s an afternoon gig 3:00-7:00PM. There’s a small cover to pay the band. No website that I could find? |
| April 17 | I’m back in Wasaga Beach sitting in with Virgil Scott and the Freakin’ Beacon Band. They’re a great band without me and they do the first set. Then I take over and it’s always fun. Fun for me that is, not for anyone else. We start at 7 and I go on around 8:00PM. The last set is a jam and there are a ton of fine musicians up in them parts. Again a small cover to pay the band. And the food is fantastic! http://www.thebeaconrestaurant.com |
| April 19 | It’s Easter and I’m back playing with Ed Smith and the Even Squares at the best kept little secret in Mississauga, Cavan’s Alley Bar. It’s like walking into an alley in a strip mall and as soon as the door opens… you’re in a magical little spot. Well… perhaps that's too over-the-top. But it’s a nice welcoming atmosphere and we love the vibe. Beer, food and people that like music. And as the night goes along they start to dance. We start at 9:00 and go until we drop. It’s gonna be a real Good Friday with another killer band too. No cover and the beer is reasonable. Cavan's Alley Bar 585 Lakeshore Road E. Mississauga. |
| April 20 | I’m guesting with the Niagara Rhythm Section as a solo performer this time. )I’ve done it several times without Ms. Wheatley and this is another one of those.) It means I get to play with Steve Grisbrook, one of my favorite guitarists. Along with Steve Goldberger and Dave Norris. Sometimes Penner comes in too. The Old Winery Restaurant on Stone Road in NOTL. Here’s the link: http://www.theoldwineryrestaurant.com |
| April 24 | I’m doing a civilized gig. No... the musicians I’m playing with aren’t civilized. And I’m certainly not civilized. But the hours are civilized. 6:00-9:00PM. I’ll be back home in time for bed by 10:30. Plus it’s a gig with two fantastic musicians. Lou Moore and Roly Platt. They have a house gig in Barrie at Wranglers Barn and Grill. 201 Hurst Dr. The wings are pretty awesome and I’ll be playing bass... mostly. (A function I love.) Lou and I might swap instruments now and then for fun. C’mon down and have some wings and catch some good playing (along with some questionable bass playing.) |
| May | |
| May 2 | I’m doing a private fundraiser for a great Hamilton hospice, The Bob Kemp Hospice. It’s called ‘Paint The Town Red’ and that’s about all I know….? |
| May 3 | I’m heading to Kingston for another concert with a trio of lovely singing ladies, Debbie. Kim and Roxy...the 'Daughters of the King’. I’ve worked with them before and we always put together a killer band. This time featuring Andrew Affleck on bass, Frank Woodcock on drums, Shawn Kellet on fiddle, Andy Schick on steel guitar and me on electric//acoustic guitar.this time we’re appearing at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church on 130 Clergy Street, East, Kingston Ontario. For more info and ticket prices go to: http://www.standrewskingston.org |
| May 4 | Cadillac Lounge with Ed Smith and the Even Squares. This is just a great traditional country band that plays Lefty, Merle, Hank, Patsy, Willie, Johnny…etc. The soloists are exemplary and Ed’s singing is spot on and passionate. If real country music is your thing, c’mon down to a great venue and catch a great band. 9:00PM start. Likely a cover charge. |
| May 8 | I’m subbing for Mike McCurlie at the Coach and Lantern at 384 Wilson St. East in Ancaster Ontario. This is a fun night where the audience is the entertainment. Judy Marsales kicks it off with a few songs and then the crowd takes over. It’s like a live karaoke experience. And since Mike’s away for a month, I’m just gonna cut and paste this same notice in every Wednesday of May. Here’s the Coach website: http://www.coachandlantern.ca |
| May 15 | I’m subbing for Mike McCurlie at the Coach and Lantern at 384 Wilson St. East in Ancaster Ontario. This is a fun night where the audience is the entertainment. Judy Marsales kicks it off with a few songs and then the crowd takes over. It’s like a live karaoke experience. And since Mike’s away for a month, I’m just gonna cut and paste this same notice in every Wednesday of May. Here’s the Coach website: http://www.coachandlantern.ca |
| May 18 | It’s Ed smith and the Even Squares at the Newmarket Legion. We’ve played several legions in the last few months and they really seem to enjoy it. Some have booked us back for the summer months and bar-b-q’s. This one should be a blast. If you like to dance and listen to traditional country music, this is for you. Contact the Royal Canadian Legion 707 Srigley Street Newmarket at: http://www.legionnewmarket.ca/upcoming-events It’s not on their site yet as they only list to the end of April, but it will likely go up soon. |
| May 22 | I’m subbing for Mike McCurlie at the Coach and Lantern at 384 Wilson St. East in Ancaster Ontario. This is a fun night where the audience is the entertainment. Judy Marsales kicks it off with a few songs and then the crowd takes over. It’s like a live karaoke experience. And since Mike’s away for a month, I’m just gonna cut and paste this same notice in every Wednesday of May. Here’s the Coach website: http://www.coachandlantern.ca |
| May 25 | I’m taking part in the Nashville Songwriter’s Association International’s annual Tin Pan North festival of songwriters. It was to be at Hugh’s Room but I just heard they’re changing venues. At this point I’m not sure where it will be but check their website and they should have all the info there once it’s decided. https://www.nashvillesongwriters.com/nsai-ontario-toronto-canada-chapter |
| May 29 | I’m subbing for Mike McCurlie at the Coach and Lantern at 384 Wilson St. East in Ancaster Ontario. This is a fun night where the audience is the entertainment. Judy Marsales kicks it off with a few songs and then the crowd takes over. It’s like a live karaoke experience. And since Mike’s away for a month, and tonight’s my last night subbing.. Here’s the Coach website: http://www.coachandlantern.ca |
| May 31 | Old Winery Every 4 months or so Katherine Wheatley and I (known professionally as ‘Wendell & Wheat’) do a gig with a masterful band, The Niagara Rhythm Section at the Old Winery Restaurant in Niagara-on-the-Lake. These guys make us sound better than we normally do, and we normally sound pretty good. We start around 9:00PM and the food is top notch. So is the Scotch, so if you live down there offer me a bed. No, I'm just kidding, I don’t drink and drive. Well... only if I’m golfing. Here’s the link: http://www.theoldwineryrestaurant.com |
| June | |
| June 1 | Every few years I do a marvelous house concert up in Innisfil Beach. It’s a real nice room, holds about 60-80 comfortably and I get an amazing dinner with my hosts Peter and Marlene. Now Peter has his own invite list and generally fills the place. This is my 3rd time back so he must like me for some unknown reason? Here’s the link: https://musicupclose.com/3/events.htm |
| June 7, 8, 9 | I may be heading up to the near north for some shows in Huntsville, Parry Sound and South River. Check back soon and it will be confirmed…or not? |
| June 14-16 | I’m heading up to our nations capital (Ottawa! In case you were home-schooled) for the annual Country Music Association of Ontario Awards weekend. This year we’ll be at the NAC (National Arts Centre, or Fort Culture as we call it). I’m not sure what my duties will be, but it’s always fun. Generally I lead the back up band at the awards show on Sunday night (a killer band comprised of me and the Western Swing Authority) and usually there’s some sort of showcasing or other events they utilize me for. For all the info on the whole weekend check out their website. https://cmaontario.ca/2019-awards/ And book your rooms early, as they host hotel always sells out. |
| June 22 | I’m doing another private house concert in the Meaford region. If you live up that-a-way and want to see me, better let me know and I’ll see if I can get you access? It might be private? |
| June 27 | Once again I’m heading to northern Manitoba for Dauphin’s Countryfest. It’s the largest festival in Manitoba. Everyone raves about the Winnipeg Folk Festival, but this place gets 40,000 people through the gates. It’s wall to wall people. And tons of entertainment. In every walk of music. Lots of country, but also classic rock, Alt. country, R & B, folk, acoustic, blues. They got it all in Dauphin. I generally host the Songwriters Circle Saturday afternoon on the main stage as well as nightly hosting the VIP tent. They work me hard and put me away wet. But it’s a fun weekend. https://countryfest.ca |
| July | |
| July 27 | Cavan’s Alley Bar again. Ed Smith and the Even Squares (can have a ball… and we do) We start at 9 and go until around 1:00-ish. No cover, cheap beer, good tunes. Cavan's Alley Bar 585 Lakeshore Road E. Mississauga. |
| August | |
| August 10 | I’m finally doing my own thing. Which is hot electric guitar playing, stupidly funny songs, dumb jokes and some wild instrumentals… plus a few covers for the dancing crowd. It’s like a concert but with dancing. This is all taking place at Spot One int Brampton Ontario. Spot One is located at 289 Rutherford Road. There’s a $10 cover and we go on promptly at 9:30PM. |
| August 17 | The cottagers up at White Lake in the Kawartha’s must’ve liked what I did (or they were so drunk, they don’t remember what I did?) because they asked me back again. Go figure. Seriously nice folks and a great time . |
| August 31 | Cavan’s Alley Bar! The best kept secret in Mr. and Mrs Saugga. Ed Smith and the Even Squares swerve up old, vintage country music the way they used to do it. No cover. We start at 9:00. https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Pub/Cavens-Alley-352169684931188/ |
E-mail: wendell@wendellferguson.com
