Current News
TICKETS
ACCOMMODATION
PERFORMERS
Sunday, September 5
2PM to 10PM
HOSTS
Michael & Louise Pickett
LOCATION
~ outdoor stage ~
~ our home ~
Crystal Beach, ON CANADA
north shore of Lake Erie
20 minutes from the Peace Bridge
View Larger Map
Specific directions will be available when you purchase your ticket(s).
This is a NOT FOR PROFIT event. A portion of the proceeds goes to Ecojustice.ca (formerly Sierra Legal Defence Fund), Canada's largest and foremost non-profit environmental law organization. This group has an influential voice in the courts enabling citizens to expose lawbreakers and to hold governments accountable while setting powerful precedents for clean water, natural spaces, healthy communities, and for global warming solutions.
~~~~~
"We came not knowing what to expect, and by the time we left we were totally blown away. It was definitely worth the drive from Waterloo. And it feels good to know there are still people who believe in world peace, and work to achieve it. There was amazing energy in your yard on Sunday. Ghandi and Martin Luther King would have been proud of you."
~Jim Illig~ (Waterloo, ON)
~~~~~
In October 2007 we moved to Crystal Beach. A magical environment with big old majestic trees and a rural feel. Breathing is somehow easier down here on the south coast of Canada. The Niagara region is a fertile environment that constantly reminds us of how precious and fragile our world is.
In September 2008 we had a housewarming - we wanted to share our love of this very special and unique community with family, friends, and fans. Live music was an obvious focus and soon the event evolved into a full-fledged 'concert' with five professional, eclectic, acoustic acts. We live a mere 20 minutes from the 'Peace Bridge' which spans the Niagara River from Fort Erie, ON to Buffalo, NY. It was a link to our passion for World Peace and so we named the event 'The Picketts' Housewarming / House Concert for Peace'.
To help raise ecological awareness, we requested a modest 'suggested donation' which, after expenses, was contributed to Ecojustice.ca.
We drew 115 attendees that year. It was a gathering of individuals, mostly strangers to each other but who had three things in common:
1. They knew us.
2. They shared our passion for World Peace.
3. They shared our concern for the Environment.
As folks arrived, they took in the lush setting, exhaled the tension in their bodies, and positioned their chairs in front of the outdoor stage. It wasn't long before they were captivated by the music and the atmosphere and the people with whom they were sharing the experience.
There was plenty of BBQ. Salads and desserts were generously contributed by many of our 'guests'.
The following day we donated most of the surplus food to the Community Outreach Programme Erie (COPE) / Fort Erie Food Bank.
We are also proud to report that 90% of the waste was recycled and/or composted which reduced the garbage outlay to two small bags.
The event exceeded our expectations and we were encouraged to do it again. Which we did.
'Concert for Peace 2009' grew to 135. People came from Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba, Florida, Tennessee, Massachussetts, and Pennsylvania. We were humbled by the popularity of this event and grateful that so many shared our global and community concerns.
If YOU would like to join us Sunday, September 5 for our 3rd annual CONCERT FOR PEACE, please contact us NOW. Tickets are selling!
***includes taxes, food, beverages, entertainment***
$35 SUGGESTED MINIMUM DONATION
children 12 & under are free
Tickets are still available but you MUST RSVP NOW!!!
Email
289.876.9202
PayPal / Credit Card IN ADVANCE
Cash or Cheque ONLY AT THE GATE
THE DEADLINE TO MAIL CHEQUES IS PASSED.
PAYPAL
CLICK HERE for a comprehensive list of MOTELS, B&Bs, AND CAMPGROUNDS within easy driving distance from our home.
click on the list image for full size
CARPOOLING
This is one small but significant way to diminish your carbon footprint.
Are you looking for someone with whom to share the ride and the gas?
Send us an email with your name and location and we will do our best to help you make a connection.
FOOD
~ featuring beef on the charcoal spit ~
[Butchershop BBQ Catering]
*vegetarian dish(es) will be available*
Guests are invited (but not obligated!)
to contribute a small salad/dessert of their choice.
BEVERAGES
Soft drinks, water, coffee, tea.
SEATING
Festival style.
BRING YOUR OWN CHAIR!.
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
3PM
Michael Pickett
multiple JUNO nominee
4:15PM
Suzie Vinnick
JUNO nominee
5:30PMPM
Jordan John
6:45PM
Michael Jerome Browne
multiple JUNO nominee
8PM
Dominic Mancuso
2010 JUNO winner - World Music
CONTACT
Louise Pickett, Mgr.
Mother Earth Management
EMAIL
289.876.9202
CONCERT FOR PEACE 2009 ... TESTIMONIALS
September 6
A SUCCESS!
"We had an awesome time at the concert for peace - great music, great food and great folks so thank you for your hospitality!!"
~Lisa Scott~ (Burlington, ON)
"Just a note to say many thanks for a wonderful day at your place. We had the best time and loved Crystal Beach and the whole environment down there. You thought of everything and didn't miss a thing. Thank you!"
~John Saynor~ (Peterborough, ON)
"We came not knowing what to expect, and by the time we left we were totally blown away. It was definitely worth the drive from Waterloo. And it feels good to know there are still people who believe in world peace, and work to achieve it. There was amazing energy in your yard on Sunday. Ghandi and Martin Luther King would have been proud of you."
~Jim Illig~ (Waterloo, ON)
"We had an awesome time on Sunday. The music was (of course) amazing, the company couldn't be beat, the food was great, and we couldn't have asked for better weather. Thanks, and there are only 362 sleeps until the next Pickett for Peace."
~Jennifer & Lindsay Hollister~ (Stratford, ON)
"As the kids say... OMG... I can't remember enjoying a more magical musical/culinary event than my friend Gail and I had the pleasure of experiencing on Sunday. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!"
~Heather Heath~ (Stratford, ON)
"We really enjoyed your Party for Peace! The artists were top-notch; the site was terrific; the food delicious, plentiful and a widely varied selection, and the company was fabulous! Only the cool people showed up!"
~Janis Weaver~ (Niagara Falls, ON)
"Thank you so much for organizing such a wonderful day. It was a privilege to hear so many incredibly talented musicians and in such a magical setting."
~Sharman Wilson~ (Toronto, ON
"We had a fantastic day and left feeling like we couldn't wait for next year."
~Bryon Zammit~ (Hamilton, ON)
"We had a great time and are looking forward to next year!"
~Jim McGarrigle~ (Olean, NY)
"It was great to meet you folks, and thanks for your gracious hospitality, a great show, great BBQ, and an all around very cool day."
~Sam & Leann Orrico~ (Newcastle, PA)
"Thank you AGAIN...for such a WONDERFUL TIME and event. Dan's sister and brother had NEVER experienced anything like it. His brother-in-law didn't even LIKE MUSIC but LOVED IT...."
~Frankie Picasso~ (Brampton, ON)
"Both Susan and I would like to thank you both for a wonderful, enlightening experience this evening. Your guests, the food and most important the performances were nothing short of spectacular. Well done!"
~Gino and Susan Speziale~ (Hamilton, ON)
Rick Taylor
Michael Pickett
Jordan John
Prakash John
Elton Lammie
Harrison Kennedy
Ryan Foley
September, October, November 2008
NATIONAL STEEL BLUES TOUR
MICHAEL PICKETT AND DOC MACLEAN TAKE IT ACROSS CANADA!
Hard as nails, tough as steel, but with a warm silver glow stretching from coast to coast. Join Doc MacLean and Michael Pickett, two of Canada's most uncompromising, most travelled and most storied acoustic blues artists as they bring the real deal to your town. Feel the heat from two vintage National Steel guitars, up close and personal. Experience true blues on the edge and share the inspirations of these veteran artists, together only for this unique tour. The Ammo's in the Icebox, and there's a raw steak on a plate, cut like a valentine. So be ready.
The National Steel Blues Tour, September 4 - November 9, 2008, is to include up to 60 shows across Canada. Although many of the prime nights have been sold for theatre and festival presentations, the Tour looks forward to performing in a variety of venues both humble and grand.
"This tour is going to feature some very, very deep blues. I'm totally thrilled imagining what Michael and I will do over this many shows. The National Steel Blues Tour is going to be an amazing journey." - Doc MacLean
***************************************************************************
Michael Pickett's past achievements as a bandleader, singer and harmonica player are legendary. With his bands Whiskey Howl, Wooden Teeth, and the Michael Pickett Band he received numerous awards and nominations and inspired a new generation of harmonica players. Forged in the rough little clubs of Toronto's Spadina Ave., Pickett's bands leaped beyond these humble beginnings to perform on national television and at important concerts such as John Lennon's famous "Live Peace" at Varsity Stadium. Emerging more recently as a solo, acoustic blues performer, Michael Pickett has achieved international acclaim with his intense, riveting performances and compositions. Armed with a road worn National and rack mounted harps, he frequently tours the United States, Canada, the UK and Europe - often in larger halls with artists like Buddy Guy, Lee Oskar, James Cotton, and Hubert Sumlin.
Goes for the throat, standing ovations everywhere.
"Pickett continues to amaze everyone," - Blues Revue
"He's got it!" - Sing Out!
"A truly gifted artist," - Real Blues
Doc MacLean is a bit of a vagabond Delta songster, as likely to be playing the streets of Memphis or Atlanta as opening a show for BB King. In 1972 he formed a duo with Colin Linden and became a popular opener for Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee and Muddy Waters. Mentored by Son House, Doc toured with Peg Leg Sam the Medicine Show Man, Blind John Davis, Sam Chatmon, and many others. Bare fingers, dead strings and broken glass on an old National. His emotional remapping of Delta rooted music has won him a fan club that includes a who's who of the blues world.
Sell out shows across Canada.
"Like an audio version of the movie Sin City," - Blues Revue, May 2007.
Doc had great success with his previous cross-Canada roots tours and is working hard to bring yet another one to life... this time with Michael Pickett! If YOU want to see this duo come to your town (or neighbourhood if you care to consider hosting a house concert - which is a brilliant idea), well then, contact Doc. If anyone can make it work, he can.
Check out the NATIONAL STEEL BLUES TOUR BLOG for Doc's running commentary on the tour's progress as well as tour dates.
March 29 to April 13, 2008
LEE OSKAR HARMONICAS 25TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR
To commemorate the 25th anniversary of Lee Oskar Harmonicas, LEEOSKAR toured and led a band of national and international players in Ontario and Quebec. This was an eclectic collaboration with touring artists MICHAELPICKETT, DAVID ROTUNDO, and European based guitarist ENRICO CRIVELLARO.
A WORLD CLASS SUCCESS STORY
LEE OSKAR arrives in Haight-Ashbury in 1966 with a harmonica and 15 cents in his pocket! 42 years later Lee Oskar Harmonicas are world renowned:
LEE OSKAR took the once simple and understated harmonica to unchartered and limitless heights and is regarded as one of the most innovative and prolific players of our time. 'Instrumental Artist of the Year' for 1976 in not one but three major industry mags: Billboard, Cashbox and Record World. Driven by his unique style and demand for quality, Lee set out to make a better instrument and decided to partner with Tombo of Japan, one of the oldest and most respected harmonica manufacturers in the world. With Lee's pioneering ideas and Tombo's uncompromising manufacturing process, the Lee Oskar Harmonica was born in 1983.
Born in Copenhagen, Denmark in 1948, Lee Oskar landed in the States in the mid 60s and is most popularly known as one of the founding members of the seminal Soul/Rock/Funk band WAR which, in addition to multiple major hits of its own, supported and recorded with The Animals' front man, Eric Burdon. Today, the musical legacy of WAR continues as Lee and original members of the band collaborate as "THE LOWRIDER BAND" which performs internationally, jamming the classic hits they composed and promoting the new name.
The Lee Oskar Harmonicas 25th Anniversary Tour is a platform for a powerful synthesis of eclectic and dynamic world class musicians who serve up some of the most exciting and entertaining music of today as well as showcasing the versatility of the instrument that has become synonymous with Lee's name.
TOUR DATES:
3/28..... INNISFIL, ON.....SOLD OUT!!!
Lions Hall
Peter's Players
3/29..... BELLEVILLE, ON
Loyalist College
*Harmonica Workshop: Club 213 (on campus) 5-7pm
*Concert: Shark Tank Pub (on campus) 9-11:30pm
LoyalBlues.ca
4/1..... TORONTO, ON.....SOLD OUT!!!
Hugh's Room
4/2..... TORONTO, ON.....SHOW ADDED!!!
Hugh's Room
4/3..... ST-HYACINTHE, QC....SOLD OUT!!!
Le Zaricot
4/4..... OTTAWA, ON
The Rainbow Room
Special Guest: Steve Marriner
4/5..... OTTAWA, ON
New Bayou
Ottawa Folklore Centre
*Harmonica Workshop
Also featuring Steve Marriner
4/5..... KINGSTON, ON....SOLD OUT!!!
Portuguese Cultural Hall
Kingston Blues Society
Also featuring Steve Marriner
4/8..... NORTH BAY, ON
Music City
*Harmonica Workshop
4/9..... NORTH BAY, ON....SOLD OUT!!!
100 Georges
4/10..... SUDBURY, ON
Records On Wheels
*Harmonica Workshop: 2-4pm
Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel
*Concert: 9pm
4/11..... PETERBOROUGH, ON....SOLD OUT!!!
Dobro Restaurant & Bar
4/12..... TORONTO, ON
*TBS Harmonica Workshop
LEE OSKAR, MICHAEL PICKETT, DAVID ROTUNDO, STEVE MARRINER
Silver Dollar Room
Toronto Blues Society
4/12..... STRATFORD, ON.....SOLD OUT!!!
The Festival Inn
4/13..... PORT CREDIT, ON....SOLD OUT!!!
Roc 'N Docs
January 31 to March 18, 2008
SOUTHERN US TOUR
There were some pretty amazing highlights, most notably the Amphitheater in Islamorada, FL in the Keys, the Bamboo Room in Lake Worth, FL, and the famously prestigious Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, TN. Michael performed at the Bluebird with well-known Nashville songwriters Gary Nicholson, Colin Linden, and Tommy Malone as part of a Songwriters In The Round event. Incredible. I shot some footage throughout the trip. One of the Nashville tunes is already up and running... 'Wicked Grin'... a nasty tune that Michael co-wrote with Gary. Go the Home Page and check it out or go straight to
YouTube
December 15, 2007
HOUSE CONCERT REVIEW
Paul McGrath - noted music reviewer/author
What an honour it was to have so intimate a performance from so talented a man as we had last Saturday night in Wasaga. I was stunned by the precision of your playing, your timing, the subtle things you did with your voice, the ever-deepening revelation of fine detail, the pinpoint intonation, the number of different textures you get out of every instrument, the way you stuck your finger parallel to the harp at the back and made it beg for air and mercy. Man, that was great.
I was a little worried that maybe a lot of people didnŐt know about you, but I see your website is full of killer reviews, people saying the kinds of things any musician would die to have said about them, and so it Is clear that people get the picture, many of them the first time they hear you.
October 26, 2007
THE LIVE MUSIC REPORT
by Laila Boulos
photo by Mike Colyer
Trane Studio
Toronto, ON Canada
THE AFRIKAN MILLENNIUM and CULTURAL ARTS 'FEASTIVAL
Michael Pickett ~ The One Man Band
Many years ago, I was walking down Yonge Street, late at night, on my way home, when I heard an amazing harmonica solo whooshing out of the open window of a bar. I stood there mesmerized while the band performed their (ugh!) last song of the evening. That was the first time I heard Michael Pickett. Over the years, I have been making sure my timing is better when attending his gigs.
So, upon hearing that Mr. Pickett would be performing during the The Afrikan Millennium and Cultural Arts Feastival (presented by the Caliban Arts Theatre and The Trane Studio) I was elated. The Trane Studio is a wonderful intimate cozy venue with great sight lines, a tasty Caribbean-inspired menu and easy-going, accommodating staff. Owner Frank Francis has consistently put together eclectic mixes of entertainment attracting a diverse crowd to this popular venue for their many concerts and exhibits. As usual, during this 'Feastival', which runs until December 31, 2007, the lineup is impressive.
Although I was originally introduced to Pickett in his harmonica player guise, that was only the tip of the iceberg. This performer is multifaceted. For this evening's gig at the Trane, he did play a screeching (Lee Oskar rack) harmonica. He also played a Gibson 6-string. He played his National Steel-bodied Duolian. He also sang. And when his hands were free he was thunderously clapping. As an aside, his foot stomping and hand clapping were so skillfully evocative of an erupting volcano that they could be relegated to a separate percussion section!
Over the years, Pickett has received many awards such as: Blues With a Feeling 1999 and Harmonica Player of the Year 1999, 2000 and 2002 (both Maple Blues Awards); Album of the Year 2001 for Conversation With the Blues (Canadian Indie Music Awards); and, Blues Album of the Year 1999 for Blues Money (Jazz Report Awards). He has also been nominated for, and won, countless other awards from Junos to Real Blues Awards. He has been in a number of bands including Whiskey Howl, Wooden Teeth and the Michael Pickett Band. And yes, he did actually have other people playing with him in these bands, in case you were wondering!
Although he is all about the music, Michael Pickett has a great sense of humour and his easy banter with the crowd that evening was only upstaged by his amazing musical performance. At one point he joked that this was his first road gig in Toronto. He recently moved from Toronto to Crystal Beach, Ontario and voiced his tongue-in-cheek disappointment that the crowd did not applaud his decision. This was greeted with laughter. During his performance of "Blues is a Friend of Mine", when he changed a line to sing about the Trane Studio he, once again, had the crowd laughing.
Pickett wowed his audience on this evening with many of his own compositions. Definitely not a typical blues crowd, it was a testament to Pickett's expertise that he kept them listening. Throughout the evening, images of trains barreling through sleepy towns and rolling hills covered with autumn sunshine kept flitting through one's mind, compliments of the vibe created by Pickett's own pieces and the covers he chose.
Watching Pickett play is akin to watching a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde performance. His full-steam-ahead playing is awe-inspiring. Visibly, his whole body is thrown into his craft. He gives his all when performing. Yet, taking the stage, he had a relaxed sitting-in-a-comfy-chair-in-the-rec.-room persona, which was more deeply etched as he eased his body more comfortably into that chair for the second set. Although the first song was a jolt to the senses resulting from the juxtaposition of the unassuming musician who just took the stage with the 'who opened the fire hydrant?' power of his actual performance, it was definitely a nice surprise.
"Linin' Track", a work song, was powerfully and hauntingly sung by Pickett with only his thunderous clapping as stark accompaniment. And, Woody Guthrie's "Deportee" was a beautiful version in Pickett's competent hands. On many pieces, the howling of the harmonica contrasted hypnotically with his soulful strumming on the Duolian. On others, his plaintive, raw voice shone above the cradle-rock rhythms of his acoustic guitar. Pickett expertly traveled through many different styles during this concert. From pieces evocative of everyone from John Lee Hooker to Colin James, this talented musician provided many impressive guitar riffs and harmonica solos during the evening. Yet, along the way, he effectively created a gentle ebb and flow that was easy on the audience with nothing too irritating to the senses. He introduced himself and his dizzying musicianship to a number of unsuspecting fans on this evening.
