Jonny Stevens, for a young guy, seems like he’s been around forever. His last band the New Breed did their thing from 1997 until 2005. When the New Breed called it a day, Jonny started a solo project and has been performing since with a backing backing band The Racket.
In the decade plus he has been pursing music he has experienced all the highs and lows of being in a band, losing a band, starting fresh and - well losing a band. All that experience made him ideal for his new/current position as education coordinator at Music Nova Scotia.
Not only is he a wealth of knowledge, he truly enjoys sharing what he knows (and thinks) - thus leading him to be a perfect addition to this blog.
For his latest video, Jonny took the idea of free music on his site into the real world, and cameras rolling, went looking for a few good homes for some of his albums.
In addition to the new video, scroll down some and you will find two new tracks as well , I don’t think Jonny will be upset if you share them and pass them around either.
Video: You Can’t Take Me
Back in September 07 I had an idea for a music video. I had been giving away free downloads of my record on my website and decided that I would try giving away free copies of my actual CD and video tape it. I was lucky enough to hook up with a great group of young film makers in Halifax and a wicked director named Jason Levangie.
We took to the streets with a couple cameras, 200 cds and an idea and shot this in one day.
I lost track of the footage and due to busy schedules (my new job etc) the video is now available for the first time and I hope you all enjoy it.
So I missed getting this up yesterday, so here is their recap from last night and an early reminder for next week!
Music Nova Scotia’s inaugural Open Mic Night at The Seahorse in Halifax opened its welcoming arms last night to a couple hundred musicians, industry folks and fans. Several Music Nova Scotia board members came to enjoy the music and meet the members and Music Nova Scotia staff members were on hand to offer information about the industry association. The night produced a palpable electricity of camaraderie and creativity.
“This makes so much sense…”
Three long pages of musicians signed up to play, starting at 7 p.m. The extensive talent ranged from the sweet sounds of Molly Rankin to the strong vocals of newcomer Emily Steeves. The MacGillivray Brothers offered fine harmonies and The Folklore Centre’s David Bradshaw showed he can do much more than sell stringed instruments.
Old school open mic player Dusty Keeler offered fine folk tunes and special guest Ryan MacGrath blew away the audience with his epic waltzes. Even the boys from Faded Blue and Kev Corbett jumped on stage to add backup percussion.
“Now, this is art.”
In the industry room, photographer and designer Chr!s Sm!th displayed his stylish music photos. Look out for up-and-comer photographer Scott Blackburn next Tuesday, March 11.
The whole event was given the media spotlight by Paul Brothers from MuchMusic’s Going Coastal and the boys from East Coast Countdown, who will feature MNS Open Mic Nights on a continuous basis online.
“…and then Shaun Majumder played bongos with MNS board member Bill Appleby.”
The night started early and was expected to end by midnight, but the audience demanded more, leading to Music Nova Scotia board member Bill Appleby of Cape Breton belting out some gravelly songs with surprise guest Shaun Majumder (22 Minutes, 24, Unhitched) offering backup on vocals and bongos.
Music Nova Scotia’s Open Mic Night will be held every Tuesday night at The Seahorse (1665 Argyle Street, Halifax). It’s an opportunity for members and interested musicians to perform short acoustic sets on a Music Nova Scotia stage. But it’s also an opportunity for industry folks to get together for a casual meet and greet. There are plans to expand the invitation to full bands, including jazz nights.
Music Nova Scotia staff will always be on hand to offer news and information about Music Nova Scotia.
The music begins EARLY at 8 p.m. You never know who will show up as a surprise guest! Admission is FREE!
If you’re interested in playing, show up after 7 p.m. on Tuesdays to sign up with Troy Arsenault. Musicians who didn’t get to play last Tuesday will be put at the top of the list for Tuesday, March 11 – so show up early!
For more information, contact Troy Arsenault or Laura Simpson at openmic@musicnovascotia.ca or call the Music Nova Scotia office at (902) 423-6271.
