Music News Digest, July 25, 2018

By Kerry Doole

The Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) has announced the second round of performers for the CCMA Legends Show: A Tribute to Yesterday & Today, set for Sept. 7 in Hamilton, ON. The list comprises Chad Brownlee, Terri Clark, Aaron Goodvin, Charlie Major, Jason McCoy, JJ Shiplett, and 2018 Spotlight Performance Contest winner Cory Gallant, who join previously announced guests Patricia Conroy, Russell deCarle, Beverley Mahood (she also hosts), Jess Moskaluke, Murray McLauchlan and Michelle Wright. 

The show also hosts the induction of Dallas Harms’ “Paper Rosie” into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame. The song became a major hit in the US and Canada when recorded by Gene Watson in 1977. Hamilton is Harms' hometown.

– It may seem premature to think about Christmas concerts in the height of summer, but Canadian vocal stars The Tenors have just announced an upcoming holiday tour, “Home for the Holidays: Christmas Classics and the Hits!” The 16-city North American trek begins in Edmonton on Nov. 27, closing out in Ottawa, Dec. 23. Tix on sale Friday (July 27). Since 2008, The Tenors have sold over 1 million albums worldwide, performed more than 1,000 shows on five continents and made over 200 television appearances.

– BreakOut West has announced the lineup for its kick-off concert in Kelowna on Oct. 11. It comprises local rockers The Wild!, Vancouver's Little Destroyer and Nova Scotians Like A Motorcycle. Tix already on sale here. More BreakOut West artists TBA.

– Shawn Mendes has been confirmed to perform at the 2018 iHeartRadio MMVAs in Toronto on Aug. 26. He joins 5 Seconds of Summer, Alessia Cara, Halsey, Kris Wu, Marshmello ft. Anne-Marie, and Meghan Trainor. The event is simulcast on CTV, MTV, Much, and more, 9 p.m. ET.

– In the aftermath of Sunday night's shooting in Toronto's Greektown 'hood, a GoFundMe page called #DanforthStrong has been quickly established to help the victims of the mass shooting. In just a day, it raised $25K of an initial target of $50K. Two people (plus the shooter) died in the attack, with 13 others injured. Source: Samaritanmag

– Drake and Migos have pushed back the starting date for their upcoming North American tour for logistical reasons. The trek now starts in Kansas City on Aug. 10, not July 26 in Salt Lake City, as originally skedded. The three nights at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto are now moved to Aug. 20-22. Source: Pitchfork

– The Canadian roots music community is eagerly awaiting the arrival of the 31st Folk Alliance International conference in Montreal, Feb. 13-17, 2019. Showcase application fees increase as of Aug 1 and applications close entirely on Aug 15. Discounted registrations also increase in price at the end of the August, and discounted rooms at the host hotel are reportedly filling fast.

– It has been a while since we've heard from Toronto hardcore heroes Fucked Up, but the band has just announced Oct. 5 as the release date for a double LP, Dose Your Dreams (out via Arts & Crafts). A label press release terms it "a sprawling double-album in the style of 70s rock opera – a love story in the age of disillusionment.  It's the spiritual successor to David Comes To Life."

A star-studded list of guest vocalists includes Jennifer Castle, Miya Frolick, J. Mascis, Lido Pimienta, and Mary Margaret O’Hara. FU plays Rifflandia in Victoria on Sept. 14, then has North American dates from Nov. 3 (at Ottawa's 27 Club)  to Dec. 12 (Vancouver's Fox Cabaret). Here's the first single, “Raise Your Voice Joyce.”

– Much-touted Toronto hip-hop trio Prime Boys release their debut album, Koba World, on Friday (July 27) via Entertainment One Music. The album title honours the group’s late friend and assistant manager, Kosi, (affectionately known as Koba), who they describe as "the 'glue' that held the brotherhood of Prime Boys together. Kosi Modekwe and T.O. rapper Smoke Dawg were shot and killed in the city recently. Koba World was produced by producer, Murda Beatz (Drake, Migos, Travis Scott), and the title track is now out as a single.

– MusicOntario is hosting a private showcase room during the Folk Music Ontario conference in Mississauga, Sept. 27-30. A $15 application fee applies to non-members. Submission deadline is 5:00 pm on Aug. 12.  

– A striking photo Celine Dion uploaded to Instagram on Monday has quickly become an internet meme. It shows the singer posing in Bangkok, and the meme started when filmmaker Matthew Cherry retweeted it, along with the query  “What’s the name of this mixtape?” Source: ET Canada

– Two female singer/songwriters rocked out righteously at Toronto's Monarch Tavern last night, showcasing their new material. Jeen (O'Brien) releases a new record, Gift Shop, in September, and this was just the second gig for her new band. It featured guitar hero Ian Blurton, who returned to the stage for an equally impressive set by Kate Boothman, playing songs from her new album,  I Am An Animal. Joining Blurton and Boothman were A-list players Glenn Milchem (Blue Rodeo), Aaron Goldstein (City and Colour) and Anna Ruddick, who excelled on tunes ranging from full-blooded psych and stoner rock to rootsier fare. Plenty of local notables were on hand, including Brendan Canning (Broken Social Scene), Joel Wasson (The Discarded), and Paul Reddick. The gig was courtesy of legendary promoter Dan Burke (Silver Dollar), and it's good to see him using this room.

– Willie weed is heading north. Bloomberg reports that one of Colorado's largest recreational cannabis companies, LivWell Enlightened Health LLC,  is planning to bring Willie Nelson's marijuana brand, Willie's Reserve,  to Canada. Recreational pot becomes legal in Ontario, Oct. 17.

– The Cobblestone Live fest in Buffalo this weekend (July 27-28) is headlined by two Canadian bands, Broken Social Scene and The Sheepdogs (both play July 28). Other performers include Chicano Batman, Turkuaz, and Aqueous. Info here