Music News Digest, May 10, 2019

By Kerry Doole

Yesterday was a big day for Canadian music legend Robbie Robertson. He was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award in the Canadian Music Industry Hall of Fame, and a new Crave original documentary about his life and career was announced: Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and The Band. The Crave original doc is executive produced by Martin Scorsese, Brian Grazer, and Ron Howard, and will be available on Crave early next year following a theatrical run in the fall.

Looking for a musical treat on Mother's Day? For those in Toronto, an appealing option is The Tiki Collective's Mother's Day Brunch concert at Hugh's Room Live, at 2 pm. The ensemble performs a blend of jazz styles, exotica, pop and surf, and the singers for this matinee include Denielle Bassels, Jocelyn Barth, Lily Frost and Heather Luckhart, backed by an A-list band. The TC is the brainchild of Jaymz Bee. Tix here 

Blurred Vision has released a new single, Magdalena, today, produced by their longtime collaborator, Canadian hitmaker Terry Brown. Check it out here

– On Sept. 14, Visit Kingston presents Rockin' The Big House, the first-ever public concert to be held on the grounds of the oldest prison in Canada, Kingston Penitentiary. The show is in support of United Way of Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington, and the jailhouse rock is provided by Headstones, The Trews, The Pursuit Of Happiness, and Kasador, with special guests Tom Cochrane and The Tragically Hip's Paul Langlois, Gord Sinclair and Rob Baker. Tix on sale May 11 here

– The first ever official documentary film about Led Zeppelin has been announced, to celebrate the band’s 50th anniversary. Bassist John Paul Jones said: “The time was right for us to tell our own story for the first time in our own words, and I think that this film will bring that story to life.” The as yet untitled film, directed by British film-maker Bernard MacMahon, is currently in post-production. The director made his debut in 2017 with American Epic, a four-part documentary exploring roots music across the US.

The Guardian reports that the film will focus on their development and rise to fame, as the three members each left session work and existing bands to come together in 1968, along with late drummer John Bonham. The film will chart their career until 1970, as the second album, released the previous year, with its hit track Whole Lotta Love, cements them as the dominant rock band of the era.

– The Hamilton Music Archives has launched at the city's central library downtown. On the third floor of the downtown library, people can now learn more about the city's history of music spanning over the past century, with collections from various genres ranging from opera, to rock, to classical, to country. Materials include meeting minutes, programs, posters, audiovisuals, photos, awards, and memorabilia.  The launch last week featured a concert from the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra Horn Duo. Source: CBC News

– WTFEST in Brantford, ON, offers a strong Cancon lineup for the bargain price of $28. Held at Lions Park on July 27, it features The Sheepdogs, USS, The Beaches, Ascot Royals, and more, with guest host Ed the Sock. Details here. Bands wishing to play the event can still apply here

– Alberta-based country band Renegade Station recently won Single of the Year at the Alberta Country Music Association Awards for their hit track Whose Gonna Love Me Tonight. A new single, Along For The Ride (the title track from last year's album), has just come out, along with a video. The band heads to the East Coast for a radio promo tour in mid-May.

– On May 15, Music PEI presents a workshop on Booking and Managing a Tour in the UK & Europe, led by Mathias Kom, leader of PEI-based indie folk The Burning Hell. The workshop is free for members & $10 at the door for non-members. Register in advance HERE 

– Guitarist/songwriter/producer James Bryan is a versatile cat. He found platinum Canadian fame in Philosopher Kings and Prozzak and has just released an album of solo acoustic guitar music Hush. Check out the title cut here.

– Toronto’s Festival of Beer delivers a formidable hip-hop lineup on July 26, comprising Raekwon & Ghostface Killah, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Smif-N-Wessun, Black Moon and Rock of Boot Camp Clik; and Michie Mee. It takes place at Bandshell Park, Exhibition Place.

– Alberta Music's next Download Session is a Studio & Artist Networking Night, a chance to meet and mingle with producers, engineers, studio owners, session musicians, and recording artists. It is held in Edmonton on May 15, at River City Revival House, and in Calgary, May 15, at Last Best Brewing & Distilling. Info here.