Canton, NY, Mar 08, 2013 — Bluesman Rick Bates (aka Tas Cru) and singer/songwriter Mary Ann Casale are hosting a series of concerts this spring that will benefit St. Lawrence County food pantries. The "RE-stock" series kicks off tonight with a house concert at Robin McCellan's home in Sandfordville.

Mary Ann and Rick joined us in the studio this morning, during The Eight O'clock Hour, to share their unique blend of folk/blues Americana born out of their shared experiences as young musicians when they met in Potsdam nearly 30 years ago.  Go to full article

Ottawa, ON, Jan 19, 2012 — The Canadian play, 2 Pianos, 4 Hands, has played on five continents and in more than 150 cities since it first opened 15 years ago. Its success worldwide is due to its universal themes of dreams and discipline.

The set consists of two grand pianos, and the cast is just two actors. It's a simple show, ostensibly about piano lessons, that's moving, profound and lots of fun. It was written and first performed by Ted Dykstra and Richard Greenblatt, both brilliant actors and pianists. They're back on stage at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa this month for the farewell tour.

2 Pianos, 4 Hands continues through Saturday, January 28th at the National Arts Centre's English Theatre. NCPR's resident theater critic Connie Meng and Todd Moe share a review of the show.  Go to full article

Canton, NY, Apr 15, 2011 — It's Friday morning, and the Canton/Potsdam band Crescent Street Jam was live in the studio for their brand of jazz and blues. Jim Akins, Martin Heintzelman, Stephen Bird, David Barnes, and Victor Caamano join Todd Moe during The Eight O'Clock Hour for some fresh takes on music from the '50s and '60s.  Go to full article

Brockville, ON, Sep 17, 2010 — It's Friday, and we celebrated with music and stories during the "8 o'clock Hour" this morning. Two members of the Thousand Islands Yarnspinners in Brockville, and the blues band Hard Pushin' Papa joined Todd Moe in the studio for a dose of tall tales and some great blues guitar-and-tuba style. All our guests will be featured at the Festival of Storytelling from September 24-25 at the Brockville Museum.  Go to full article

Canton, NY, Apr 30, 2010 — Local musicians Rick Bates, aka Tas Cru, and Chip Lamson bring their brand of blues to the studio for some live music and conversation. They've generated some serious blues world buzz -- and we'll hear music from their kids' cd that pays tribute to bugs. Why bugs? Cru has been performing these songs in kids' programs for years. He says the songs on Even Bugs Sing the Blues are inspired by children's author and illustrator, Eric Carle.  Go to full article

Ray Brook, NY, Dec 03, 2009 — Kim Simmonds is heading into four decades of playing the Blues. He founded legendary British Blues band, Savoy Brown, in 1965. He recently finished a solo cd, and has been quietly and passionately painting and drawing for the last ten years. Simmonds hosts an exhibit of his guitar paintings and a concert at Saranac Village at Will Rogers, Saturday at 7:00 pm. Todd Moe spoke with him about connections between making music and the visual arts.  Go to full article

Mallorytown, ON, Jun 26, 2009 — Just for fun, we've got some blues today. The trio Hard Pushin' Pappa, from Brockville, Ontario, joins us in the studio for their brand of funky, acoustic blues. Pat Johnson, Matthew Wilson and Glen Crotty host a Blues Cruise and CD Launch in the Thousand Islands tonight.  Go to full article

Apr 07, 2009 — This afternoon from 3 to 4:45, the Blue Note with Ellen Rocco travels deep into the High peaks, to the Recovery Lounge in Upper Jay, for some raw, no-nonsense blues with Russ Bailey and Crow Party. Joel Hurd profiles the band we'll hear live on the air.  Go to full article

Apr 03, 2009 — A North Country musician with quite a national following has just released his third CD, which was recorded at the North Country Public Radio studios in january and February. Joel Hurd tells us more about Tas Cru and his new record.  Go to full article

Jun 13, 2008 — Always interested in being a musician, Jim Tracy has been a member of several bands in and around his hometown of Big Moose. His daughter, Gwen, remembers waking up Saturday mornings to the sound of her father playing guitar, and her mother singing in the house. Gwen is the lead vocalist in Delia, a band that allows her strong blues voice to shine. Gwen and Jim will perform this Sunday evening (5 pm) as part of the Norwood Village Green Concert Series "In the Neighborhood Singer/Songwriter Festival." They spoke with Jill Breit after their UpNorth Music session in Old Forge last June.  Go to full article