New Concert Promoter Bringing Great Musicians to Miramichi
A new concert promoter is bringing in some fantastic talent to the Miramichi region. PEI’s Indie Rock Band, Paper Lions are performing this weekend at a local bar. And Eastern Canada’s premier rock band, Joel Plaskett Emergency, with special guest Mo Kenney are performing in April at a school theatre.
Octopus House is a concert promotion enterprise launched by Ken MacIntosh and Sandra Cooper last November.
“We enjoy live music from a broad range of genres, and particularly favour east coast music. If you hear it on CBC radio 2, we probably like it,” Ken says. “We feel that the Miramichi area could benefit from hosting more concerts featuring industry recognized, professional musicians performing original music.”
In the past months, Octopus House hosted the Masters of the Fiddle Tour (featuring Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy), Cape Breton fiddler Wendy MacIsaac, Newfoundland’s Sherman Downey and the Ambiguous Case, rising stars the Fortunate Ones, and JUNO nominated country-folk singer Del Barber.
This Sunday March 29th, ECMA nominated pop-rock band Paper Lions will appear at Mike’s Bar and Grill, 484 King George Hwy in Newcastle. The show starts at 8 pm. A $10 cover will be charged.
“April 28th will be our biggest show to date,” Ken says. “The ECMA’s most decorated performer, Joel Plaskett, will rock the Carrefour along with long-time band mates, The Emergency. As if that isn’t reason to get excited, the opening act for the show will be Mo Kenney, who has already gained industry recognition for superior song-writing and performance skills. Comparisons have been made to Ani DiFranco, Stevie Nicks, Joni Mitchell, and Niko Case, among others. Mo is already an ECMA award winner, and is currently nominated in three categories for pop recording of the year, song of the year, and people’s choice entertainer of the year.”
This concert happens Tuesday April 28th at Carrefour Beausoleil, 300 Beaverbrook Road, beginning at 7:30 pm. Tickets cost $35 and are available locally at Millbank Music, Brookdale Flower Shop, and City Limits Convenience or can be ordered online at the Octopus House website.
In July, Octopus House is offering something completely different. Prince Edward Island’s Whitney Rose will appear at the Vogue Theatre in Chatham, backed up by a solid band, to bring a traditional country music sound.
“Whitney was raised on classic country music, and you will recognize the influence of those roots in her music,” Ken says.
Whitney Rose is touring in release of her new album, Heartbreaker of the Year.
Ken says what happens next depends on the success of these three concerts. Octopus House has had some bad luck with weather and problems finding an audience big enough to support expensive theatre productions. The costs of venue rental, production, printing, advertising, and artist fees can be substantial.
“We continue to experiment with venues and themes, and hope to find a combination that resonates with Miramichi fans who have an interest in 21st century music,” Ken says.
Music fans can keep up to date about performances, ticket sales, and more by checking the website at octopushouse.ca, and by liking their Facebook Page.
“We encourage public participation; show your interest or appreciation by commenting on Facebook posts, email us with suggestions for shows or venues. We look forward to connecting with others who like live music and share our musical tastes.”
Giv’er Miramichi is about “What’s up, what’s new, what’s happening”. We are focused on building people up, supporting one another and celebrating our successes.