by Sheldon Birnie
It’s no secret here on the Hillbilly Highway that Corb Lund is one of our favourite acts out there today… Continue reading “Hillbilly Highway – Corb Lund is coming to town”
Hillbilly Highway – Vagabond Jeffery Michael Straker hits Winnipeg
by Sheldon Birnie
Jefferery Michael Straker is a hard-working singer-songwriter, a classically trained pianist, and a downright friendly guy. His latest album, Vagabond, was released October XX. Produced by Danny Michel, Vagabond continues Straker’s cabaret influenced, piano based pop songwriting style, but adds the experience of Michel to the mix, bringing the tunes a decidedly folk tinge. On the road over 100 days of the year, Saskatchewan born and raised Straker divides his limited downtime between Toronto and Regina. Stylus caught up with him in the Queen City, shortly before his Winnipeg engagement at the West End Cultural Centre. Continue reading “Hillbilly Highway – Vagabond Jeffery Michael Straker hits Winnipeg”
Hillbilly Highway – Carly Dow rolling solo
by Sheldon Birnie
Winnipeg folk fanatics undoubtedly know Carly Dow from her prior performances around Winnipeg with a variety of acts over the years, most notably Bog River. But after a couple solid years with the boys in Bog River, releasing a full-length and touring out west and back, the band recently called it a day. Now Carly Dow is stepping out onto the stage on her own again, with a big gig at the Folk Exchange on October 20th. Continue reading “Hillbilly Highway – Carly Dow rolling solo”
Hillbilly Highway – Dylan rumbles through Boomerville
by Sheldon Birnie
I hit the Bob Dylan show at the MTS Centre last week when he cruised into town on the Hillbilly Highway, and I’m sure glad I did. It’s the third time I’ve seen ol’ Bob, and it was possibly the best performance I’ve seen him churn out in the nine years that span those three dates, and certainly more enjoyable than Dylan’s last Winnipeg date, back around 2009. Continue reading “Hillbilly Highway – Dylan rumbles through Boomerville”
Hillbilly Highway – Those Darlins new Winnipeg inspired track
by Sheldon Birnie
It’s no secret I’m a big fan of Nashville based rockers Those Darlins. Since seeing them open for King Khan & BBQ Show at the Albert a few years back, I’ve been head over heels for the smokin’ babes & hot dude that make up Those Darlins, and the sweet, sweet country tinged rock n roll they pump out. Continue reading “Hillbilly Highway – Those Darlins new Winnipeg inspired track”
Lindi Ortega – Cigarettes & Truckstops
From the first tune through the final cut of Cigarettes & Truckstops, Lindi Ortega’s voice cuts through Colin Linden’s thoughtful and bucolic production like a shot of 151. Continue reading “Lindi Ortega – Cigarettes & Truckstops”
Hillbilly Highway – Sumner Brothers hit town Sunday
by Sheldon Birnie
The Sumner Brothers are a Vancouver based indie-roots act made up of, you guessed it, the brothers Bob and Brian Sumner. Effortlessly blending traditional themes and sounds with a fully contemporary language and feel, the Sumner Brothers craft contemporary roots music at home both within rural honky-tonks and urban dive bars where the bourbon flows free. Releasing their debut In the Garage in 2006, the Sumner Brothers have been at the vanguard of a resurgence of folk music in Vancouver. With the release of their fourth disc, I’ll Be There Tomorrow, the boys hit the road running last week, and are pulling through Winnipeg on the Hillbilly Highway this weekend with two shows lined up. After discussing their influences (large fans of Bruce Springsteen, Townes Van Zandt, and Johnny Cash), Stylus jumped into the following discussion with Brian Sumner, as the boys enjoyed a rare day off in Edmonton. Continue reading “Hillbilly Highway – Sumner Brothers hit town Sunday”
Hillbilly Highway – Summer’s over, folks
by Sheldon Birnie
Well, friends, the Harvest Moon Festival wrapped up this past weekend under Sunday’s grey skies. The weekend was a beauty for an outdoor festival, and about as far removed from last year’s chilly, drizzle soaked romp as could be. The sun was shining Friday as I drove into the sunset, and Saturday hovered around 30 degrees. People walked around the community barefoot, bare chested, and smiling ear to ear, soaking up the last of the season’s rays. Continue reading “Hillbilly Highway – Summer’s over, folks”
Hillbilly Highway – Harvest Moon Festival closes out the season
by Sheldon Birnie
Well, friends, summer’s officially over, or will be once this weekend’s Harvest Moon Festival comes to a close on Sunday afternoon. The last outdoor festival of the year here in Manitoba — where we’re lucky to experience an abundance each summer, from the Winnipeg and Brandon Folk Festivals, to smaller community events like Rainbow Trout, Harvest Sun and Harvest Moon — this fest out in Clearwater, MB is a special one. Continue reading “Hillbilly Highway – Harvest Moon Festival closes out the season”
Corb Lund – Cabin Fever
Corb Lund’s sixth solo release is his strongest since 2007’s Horse Soldier! Horse Soldier! and likely his most accessible to date. Continue reading “Corb Lund – Cabin Fever”