The Debaters Live on Tour Holiday Special in Ontario + Western Canada

THE DEBATERS LIVE ON TOUR HOLIDAY SPECIAL

FEATURING HOST STEVE PATTERSON

WITH COMIC ALL-STARS DEANNE SMITH
+ GRAHAM CHITTENDEN

Following in the footsteps of their highly successful theatre tours of the last two years, The Debaters Live are back and just in the St. Nick of time!

Here comes The Debaters Live on Tour Holiday Special to theatres throughout Ontario and Western Canada featuring the one and only Steve Patterson and two of his funniest comedian/debater friends: Canadian favourite Graham Chittenden and international phenomenon DeAnne Smith!

With cutting edge stand-up from the three seasoned comedians plus two brand new, never before heard debates about the season. This event is NOT PRODUCED FOR BROADCAST BY CBC, so you’ll have to come and experience the action live!

In this age of excessive screens, streams and outraged screams, we’re in danger of losing the most cherished holiday tradition of all - face to face yuletide tiffs with family. And that's where The Debaters Live on Tour Holiday Special comes in.

"Debate is as old as Christmas,” says veteran host and multiple award-winning comedian, Steve Patterson. “Even the three wise men debated about which gifts to get baby Jesus and in the end none proved very wise. What’s a baby going to do with gold, frankincense or myrrh? Given the surroundings, a blanket would have been a much wiser choice. Or a stuffed animal that didn’t smell quite as stable–like as the actual animals at the birth.”

Graham Chittenden comes to the debate from a do-it-yourself perspective, going so far as to debate inanimate objects when a worthy adversary isn’t available: “Who hasn’t argued with a string of Christmas lights in the middle of a snow storm, while dangling off a ladder? Beginning by threatening the tiny illuminants to ‘light up or else’ and eventually going through the three steps of begging, then prayers, then frozen tears.”

Meanwhile, international headliner DeAnne Smith, whose Netflix special ‘Gentleman Elf’ and online videos have captivated millions, ironically sees the danger of too much screen time: “With everyone on social media reacting to whatever outrage is circulating that day, we’re losing the opportunity to engage in debates the way they were meant to take place –at the family dinner table, while drowning out ‘It’s A Wonderful Life’.”

That’s why this is the perfect show to get the season rolling. Are there jokes? Of course. Relevant points and funny facts? Yes. More so than political leaders’ debates, in fact. But mostly it’s a festive free-for-all that will prepare even the most reticent revellers for a season of disagreements.

So before you get angry in arguments with your family members this holiday season, come and get some ideas on how you could make them laugh instead. The Debaters Live on Tour Holiday Special: the one thing this season everyone can agree on.

Tickets for The Debaters Live on Tour Holiday Special are on sale now at: debaterslive.com.

THE DEBATERS LIVE ON TOUR HOLIDAY SPECIAL
November 18th - Nanaimo, BC - The Port Theatre
November 19th - Victoria, BC - Royal Theatre
November 22nd - Abbotsford, BC - Abbotsford Arts Centre
November 23rd - Vernon, BC - Vernon & District Performing Arts Centre
November 25th - Edmonton, AB - Winspear Centre
November 27th - Kitchener, ON - Centre In The Square
November 29th - London, ON - Centennial Hall
November 30th - Hamilton, ON - FirstOntario Concert Hall
December 1st - Kingston, ON - Grand Theatre
December 7th - Ottawa, ON - National Arts Centre (2 shows)
December 13th - Mississauga, ON - Living Arts Centre - Hammerson Hall

FOLLOW THE DEBATERS LIVE:
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

MEDIA TOOLS:
WATCH/SHARE The Debaters Live on Tour Holiday Special promo video HERE
CLICK HERE to download high-res photos

ABOUT THE HOST:
Steve Patterson has been a professional headliner since 1997 and has taped numerous national television specials in the past decade, including four Just For Laughs galas. His performance in 2010 earned him a Gemini nomination and caused host Steve Martin afterwards to exclaim “If I’d have known he was going to be THAT good, I would have cancelled him.” Following that performance, Patterson was twice named Best Male Stand-up Comedian at the Canadian Comedy Awards and most recently has been nominated for the 2015 Canadian Screen Awards as Host on HGTV’s I Wrecked My House. Steve’s nationally toured and award nominated theatre show entitled This is Not Debatable is now available on iTunes and his Book of Letters I Didn’t Know Where to Send is available in book stores and on Audible. Visit stevepatterson.ca for more details.

ABOUT THE COMICS:
DeAnne Smith, the humble person writing this bio, is an international comedy sensation. Her video from the Winnipeg Comedy Festival “Straight Men Step Up Your Game” has been viewed over 47 million times, and her critically-acclaimed Netflix special, Gentleman Elf, is available as part of the Comedians of the World series. She's performed everywhere from Iceland to New Zealand and is a regular at both the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and Montreal's prestigious, invite-only Just for Laughs Comedy Festival. Time Out Melbourne says she "blends smart and silly subjects with expert conviction" and the UK Telegraph says she's "Very funny. Effortless charm lets her get away with murder." She's currently developing a show with CBC. She’s never actually murdered anyone. For more info: deannesmith.com.

Graham Chittenden is a familiar face at the Just for Laughs festival, as well as on Just for Laughs tours, coast to coast in Canada and as far away as Bermuda. He has shared the stage on the theatre tours of Howie Mandel, Gad Elmaleh, John Pinette, Brent Butt, Bob Saget and more. Graham has his own award-nominated special on CTV, has hosted talk shows on MTV, and The Comedy Network, and written for shows such as CBC’s Mr. D and Still Standing. You may also recognize his voice from CBC Radio’s acclaimed comedy show, The Debaters. Graham’s new one hour comedy special “Reluctant Adult” premiered on CraveTV in 2018. For more info, please visit: grahamchit.com.

DISCLAIMERS:
Due to the spontaneous nature of live performances, some language may be inappropriate for younger audience members.

This event will not be produced for broadcast by CBC.

Banff Trio The Wardens Take Their Music + Stories On Tour This Fall

"The quintessential mountain-culture concert experience."
- Kootenay Mountain Culture Magazine

"[Sleeping Buffalo]...gently awakens the beasts from their hundred-year sleep and welcomes them back to their home." - Penguin Eggs

What happens when you put three national park wardens together and add superb musicianship, haunting harmonies, and chilling tales from men who've spent their lives protecting and conserving the most rugged of places - the wilderness of Canada's mountain national parks? You get critically acclaimed Banff folk/roots trio The Wardens. And they're hitting the road for a string of tour dates throughout Alberta and BC this fall, see below for complete tour schedule.

With performances equal to the mastery of the ranger trade, The Wardens' mountain music – blending folk, roots and western styles – is a piece of Canadiana reflecting the pristine wilderness of the Rocky Mountains. The trio has released 2 full-length albums and 1 EP to-date with the most recent being their album Sleeping Buffalo, released in 2017. Sleeping Buffalo features 12 tales of mountain legends, tragedy, the regeneration of a species, and the landscape of love. Produced by Leeroy Stagger at Rebeltone Ranch Studio, the album boasts renowned musicians Calvin Vollrath (fiddle) and Gideon Freudmann (cello).

Since the release of Sleeping Buffalo, The Wardens have been touring and working on new songs and stories for their next album expected to be released in 2020.

"This fall we're excited to get on the road and perform some of the new material we've been working on for our new album," says vocalist/bassist Ray Schmidt. "We love the process of bringing songs to our audiences before we go into the studio so we can really get a feel for them. A song always sounds different outside of the rehearsal space and playing them live lets us know if we're on the right track. This fall we're also adding more video to our live show. For those that have seen our show in the past they know and love the stunning images we present alongside our music, and now we take the next step with the addition of some video material. "

The Wardens are known for their captivating live show and have performed as far away as Alaska and California, at Folk Alliance International, on the Canmore Folk Festival's main stage, and have headlined the San Diego Folk Club. They've shared the stage with Blue Rodeo, Pharis & Jason Romero, and Ian Tyson.

Look for The Wardens on tour across Alberta and BC this fall. Sleeping Buffalo is available now on Spotify, Apple Music/iTunes, and other digital retailers and streaming services. For more information and the most up-to-date tour listings, please visit: thewardensmusic.com

THE WARDENS >> UPCOMING TOUR DATES
September 28 - Cochrane, AB - St Andy's Rhythm & Roots
October 26 - Turner Valley, AB - Sheep River Library
November 1 - Errington, BC - Errington War Memorial Hall
November 2 - Sidney, BC - Mary Winspear Centre
November 3 - Ucluelet, BC - Pacific Rim Arts Society
November 5 - Roberts Creek, BC - Gumboot Cafe
November 6 - Bowen Island, BC - Tir-na nOg Theatre
November 8 - Sayward, BC - Sayward Heritage Hall
November 9 - Port Alberni, BC - Char's Landing
November 10 - Duncan, BC - Duncan Showroom
November 11 - Victoria, BC - House Concert
November 14 - Port MacNeil, BC - Gate House Theatre
November 15 - Powell River, BC - Max Cameron Theatre
November 16 - Quadra Island, BC - Heriot Bay Inn

THE WARDENS ARE:
Scott Ward (vocals, fingerstyle guitar), Bradley Bischoff (vocals, lead + rhythm guitar)
+ Ray Schmidt (vocals, upright bass, mandolin)

MEDIA TOOLS
WATCH/POST The Wardens' 'Sleeping Buffalo' live video HERE
CLICK HERE for high-res photos

Vancouver Garage Rockers The Vicious Cycles Premiere New Video + Announce Tour Dates

WATCH/SHARE 'High Noon Scramble'
Premiere on Exclaim!

"'Motorcycho' is one of the most enjoyable records released so far this year and I haven’t been able to take it off my turntable in a week." - The Ton

"‘Motorcycho’ is basically exactly what would happen if any number of budget-rock bands decided to crawl out of the muck and focus on some real production values and try to
get a little FM radio play." - Neon Waste

Longtime Vancouver garage punk rock favourites, The Vicious Cycles, are hitting the road for a string of U.S. West Coast tour dates in October and will kick things off in true Vicious Cycles style - at the Ship and Anchor in Calgary, AB! And premiering today at Exclaim.ca is the video for ‘High Noon Scramble’, the 2nd single from The Vicious Cycles' latest album Motorcycho. Watch video here and see below for complete tour schedule.

Since the summer of 2007, The Vicious Cycles have been rumbling through venues across Western Canada, the USA and beyond. This surly mob of rockers have built a rep for their motorbike-obsessed rock ‘n roll and a wild fear-inducing live show. The Vicious Cycles already have three 7-inches and two full-length records under their belts, and they recently released their 3rd full-length album Motorcycho through Pirate Press Records in June 2019.

Produced by Jesse Gander (White Lung, Japandroids), Motorcycho stays true to The Vicious Cycles' classic 70’s punk/garage rock sound and is chock full of the raw gritty anthems that the band is known for. The video for the album’s 1st single ‘Hot Dogs In The City’ (released in May 2019) features the guys riding their bikes in search of hot dogs (of course), and includes cameos from Nardwuar the Human Serviette and Isaac Rother (Isaac Rother & the Phantoms).

With the video for their 2nd single, The Vicious Cycles wanted to pay homage to the annual ‘High Noon Scramble’ event, organized by local dirt bike fiends Filth Mode Motorcycle Friends. The 'High Noon Scramble' video was filmed at this year's event and features a rowdy group of misfit dirt bikers, their friends, and community.

“This crew has been getting high on a 2-stroke engine exhaust and adrenaline for over 10 years now, meeting at a *cough* undisclosed location to race dirt bikes and have a laugh,” says bassist/vocalist Beardo. “Wild costumes, questionably ‘engineered’ ramps to jump off of, and motorcycles racing in every direction make the High Noon Scramble a giant party on two wheels.”

Keyboardist Norman McFuzzybutt adds, “There’s good times, bad people, chaos, fire, beer, and maybe the cops… actually that sounds like a Vicious Cycles show! All of this action inspired us to dedicate a song and video to the ‘High Noon Scramble.’”

Look for The Vicious Cycles on tour starting on October 3rd. Motorcycho is available now on Spotify, Apple Music/iTunes, and other digital retailers and streaming services. For more information and the most up-to-date tour listings, please visit their Facebook page.

THE VICIOUS CYCLES >> UPCOMING TOUR DATES
Oct 3 - Calgary, AB - Ship and Anchor Pub
Oct 17 - Eugene, OR - Sam Bond's Garage
Oct 19 - Oakland, CA - Rock The Ship Festival, Eli's Mile High Club
Oct 20 - Oakland, CA - Shop Show
Oct 21 - Pasadena, CA - Old Towne Pub
Oct 22 - Las Vegas, NV - Evel Pie
Oct 24 - Reno, NV - Shea's
Oct 25 - Portland, OR - TBD
Oct 26 - Seattle, WA - Cretin’s Clubhouse
Nov 10 - Vancouver, BC - The Cambie

THE VICIOUS CYCLES IS:
Billy Bones (guitar, lead vocals), Norman McFuzzybutt (theremin, keys),
Beardo (bass, vocals), Nick the Knife (guitar, vocals) + Bad Ben (drums)

FOLLOW THE VICIOUS CYCLES:
Spotify | Apple Music | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

MEDIA TOOLS:
WATCH/SHARE The Vicious Cycles - 'High Noon Scramble' video HERE
WATCH/SHARE The Vicious Cycles - 'Hot Dogs In The City' video HERE
DOWNLOAD high-res press photos + album art HERE

John Wort Hannam Kicks Off GO WEST TOUR + Announces Eastern Canadian Dates!

"John Wort Hannam is one of Alberta’s finest singer-songwriters — a man who consistently captures what it’s like to live and breathe on the prairies." - The YYScene

"One of Alberta’s most admired folksingers for the way he relates stories in song..." - Edmonton Journal

One of the hardest working musicians out there, Alberta-based singer-songwriter John Wort Hannam, is heading out across Canada once again starting with a Western Canadian Tour (The Go West Tour) which begins tonight in Twin Butte, AB. John will also be doing a string of dates in Ontario and Quebec in October, see below for full tour listing.

Recently nominated for a 2019 Western Canadian Music Award (Roots Solo Artist of the Year) for his album Acres of Elbow Room, John Wort Hannam has been gradually building buzz and critical acclaim for his 7th album since it came out in September 2018.

On Acres Of Elbow Room, John has truly found his voice through his well-honed lyrical style and has landed squarely on his niche in the folk/roots world. He's spent years learning the craft of songwriting and used those tools to write some of his most personal songs. And soon he's going to put those skills to use again when he begins work on his 8th studio album, set for release next year.

"I’ve written a baker’s dozen of new fictional tales and autobiographical musings - about things I wish I had told people while I had the chance, about a photo of my Grandfather, about losing it all at the track and about the quintessentially Canadian Legion Meat Draw," says John. "Can’t wait to bring them to life in the studio.”

Acres of Elbow Room is available now on Spotify, Apple Music/iTunes, and other digital retailers and streaming services. For more information and the most up to date tour listings, please visit: johnworthannam.com

JOHN WORT HANNAM >> UPCOMING TOUR DATES
Sept 6 - Twin Butte, AB - Twin Butte General Store
Sept 7 - High River, AB - Carlson’s on Macleod
Sept 8 - Calgary, AB - Ironwood Stage & Grill (Matinee Show)
Sept 9 - Canmore, AB - Artsplace
Sept 10 - Golden, BC - House Concert
Sept 11- Cranbrook, BC - Soul Cafe
Sept 12 - Rossland, BC - Alpine Grind
Sept 13 - Penticton, BC - Dream Cafe
Sept 14 - Vernon, BC - Lantern Folk Club
Sept 15 - Kelowna, BC - Kelowna Folk Club
Sept 26 - Fort Macleod, AB - Empress Theatre (Songs For Ken /ALS Fundraiser)
Sept 27 - Calgary, AB - Southwood United Church (Songs For Ken /ALS Fundraiser)
Oct 1 - Calgary, AB - U of C (Amnesty International Event)
Oct 5 - Lethbridge, AB - The Slice (Inclusion Lethbridge Fundraiser)
Oct 23 - Toronto, ON - Hugh’s Room
Oct 25 - Sarnia, ON - Private Concert
Oct 26 - Belfountain, ON - Higher Ground
Oct 27 - Sudbury, ON - St. Andrew’s Place
Oct 29 - Erin, ON - Private Barn Concert
Oct 30 - Oakville, ON - Moonshine Cafe
Oct 31 - Cobourg, ON - The Loft
Nov 1 - Montreal, QC - Casa Del Popolo
Nov 2 - Ottawa, ON - National Arts Centre

MEDIA TOOLS
WATCH/POST John Wort Hannam's 'Acres of Elbow Room' video HERE
CLICK HERE for high-res photos, tour graphics + album art (photo credit: David Guenther)

West My Friend Announce Release Of New Album On September 20th

Photo Credit: Moss Photography // Download High-Res — Photo Credit: Moss Photography // **Download High-Res**

FIRST SINGLE 'BUILD A BED' OUT NOW!
LISTEN/SHARE HERE

Victoria-based chamber folk trio, West My Friend, are excited to announce the release of their fourth album In Constellation on September 20th. The melodious first single 'Build a Bed' is out now after premiering on Aesthetic Magazine last week, and is an excellent teaser of what's to come. West My Friend will be on the road in support of In Constellation starting on August 22nd, and the tour includes a hometown Album Release Show on September 20th at Alix Goolden Hall. See below for complete tour listings.

In Constellation is an exciting departure from West My Friend’s usual folk trio sound. Accompanied by a full 53-player orchestra, this symphonic album pushes the boundaries of what folk music can be — a crossover between roots music and classical music, exploring fresh sonic territory and showcasing the band’s genre-bending songwriting. And the lead single 'Build a Bed’ is the first actual happy love song that vocalist/guitarist Eden Oliver has written in four albums!

"'Build a Bed' is a love song about staying in love, and I began writing it while assembling a bed for me and my partner," says Eden. "It is full of metaphors about putting in the effort and staying through thick and thin. The vibrant and Aaron Copland-esque orchestration lifts the song to a grandiose level by taking the rhythmic drive from our band's three instruments and handing much of it over to the symphony."

Mingling grassroots guitar, mandolin, accordion, orchestral instruments, and interweaving harmonies, In Constellation (produced by Joby Baker, co-produced and arranged by Adrian Dolan) features longtime members Eden Oliver, Alex Rempel, and Jeff Poynter conceiving a new box, then thinking outside of it. Punctuated by musings on anxiety and belonging, song structures vary and dynamics change from moment to moment, painting powerful lyrical portraits over backgrounds of violins and trumpets that swell, collapse, and tumble between bold harmonies.

With over 650 performances and several tours under their collective belt, West My Friend is bringing forth a new sound you’ve never known you’ve wanted and new meaning to the things you’ve never known you needed.

In Constellation will be available on Spotify, Apple Music/iTunes and other digital retailers and streaming services on September 20th. For more information, please visit: westmyfriend.com

WEST MY FRIEND | UPCOMING TOUR DATES
August 22 - Portland, OR - House Concert
August 23 - Salem, OR - The Hayloft
September 20 - Victoria, BC - Alix Goolden Hall
October 18 + 19 - Saskatoon, SK - OSAC
October 20 - Langley, BC - Rose Gellert Hall @ Langley Community Music School
November 5 - Ashland, OR - Casa Campbell
November 6 - Portland, OR - OMSI - Music Under the Dome
November 8 - Seattle, WA - Stone Way Cafe
November 10 - Coquitlam, BC - Evergreen Cultural Centre

WEST MY FRIEND - IN CONSTELLATION
RELEASE DATE: SEPTEMBER 20th, 2019 (Independent)
01. Fall Knows
02. Salt Water
03. Build a Bed
04. Old Song
05. Shape of a Home
06. All These Things
07. An Education
Download High-Res Album Art

MEDIA TOOLS:
STREAM/SHARE West My Friend's 'Build a Bed' HERE
DOWNLOAD bio, high-res press photos + album art HERE (Photo Credit: Moss Photography)