Just got an email from my neighbour, Virgil Muir, to say that our old friend Tyler Messick will be visiting us from Montreal and would like to get a show together at The Carleton. We don't have much time to let everyone know it's happening but we're going for it anyway. It's not often Tyler's in town and even rarer for him to do a public show with Virgil.

So, they'll be on stage on Monday, June 21st at 9 PM. Tickets are only $10.

For those of you not in the proverbial know, Virgil is the front man for Halifax stalwarts, Heavy Meadows. Tyler is one of the best songwriters I don't get to hear much anymore. His debut CD, Grain Sales of 1840, is still one of my favourite records, and I love his Museum Pieces stuff too.

This will be a great show.

What better way to celebrate Father's Day than with two great songwriters (and dads) on the same stage? Thom Swift and Dave Gunning. Actually, if I have to tell you who these two fellows are, you maybe shouldn't be trolling around this website. However, if you're from another part of the world, suffice to say they are two award-winning artists, great friends and insanely nice guys.

Bring your dad, hell, bring your grandpa and the rest of the family for that matter. This is going to be a really fun show! Tickets are only $20 and available by calling 902-422-6335...

The last time the Bidiniband came to town - in December '09 - I wasn't sure what to expect. Hell, everybody knows the Rheostatics but, "what would Dave do?" What did they do? They kicked ass, that's what! We had a ball, and so did everyone who came out for the shows. Dave invited some local favourties (Mike O'Neill, Al Tuck, Ruth Minnikin) to join them and played some great music - including a surprising number of Rheo's hits.

I asked Dave to come back as soon as he was able and, voila! we've got them in for two nights again.

Dave's guitarist, Paul Linklater, is going to be one tired puppy though because his band - Colleen & Paul - will be opening the shows. Colleen is Colleen Hixenbaugh who some of you might recognize from her days in By Divine Right. They've made a very cool album and this will be the CD release tour.

This is a double bill that is not to be missed. A measly $15! That seems unpossible but all involved are committed to making sure there's no reason for anyone to stay at home. Get your ass off the couch, you'll be awfully happy you did. If you saw the Bidiniband last time out, email your friends - they'll thank you later...

Little Miss Higgins ain't so little any more - as in they're getting to be a big name band - but we've got 'em back at The Carleton Music Bar & Grill because they liked our place so much the last time through, they want to play here again!

Big fun was had the last time this Saskatchewan-based duo (Nokomis to be exact) came through Hal-town and it'll be just as much fun this time around. With more months traveling and playing all the major festivals in this country (as well as a few that aren't in this country) under their belts and a new album that's due this spring, there'll be plenty of "new" to excite fans of this killer act.

They'll roll into town on Sunday, June 13th for a show at 9 PM, then they'll do the same thing all over again on Monday, June 14th. Tickets are $20. Get yer sing-along voices in shape, it's gonna be a good time!

Here's some YouTube action to stoke the anticipation!

We are very happy and proud to announce that Jason Collett will be playing The Carleton Music Bar & Grill on Thursday, June 10th. Show time is 9 PM and tickets are $25 + taxes. Tickets are available by calling the club at 902.422.6335 with credit card in hand. Dinner reservations are recommended for preferred seating.

The Broken Social Scene guitarist's latest solo effort, Rat A Tat Tat - released in March - is bound to wind up on a lot of "Top Ten" lists from this year (including mine). This show will sell out quickly so get your tickets now.

We don't usually do ticketed shows on Thursdays but we couldn't pass up the chance to present this excellent artist in the intimate confines of our club. Hope you enjoy it as much as I know I'm going to!

LIsten to Music HERE.

Watch Video HERE.

I first met Sean McCann (believe it, or not) in a kitchen in St. John's, Newfoundland in the mid-eighties when I first started working for MuchMusic. Obviously that was a fortuitous place for a first meeting, given the career Sean and his friends have carved out over the years in Great Big Sea!

We've shared a lot of times over the years but I don't see him much anymore now that the band is such a big deal and his family man responsibilites keep him home a lot of the time. So, it was with great pleasure that I heard he was interested in playing The Carleton in support of a new solo album that's ready for public consumption.

Here's a clip from that show:

and another from The CArleton Channel

Musician, producer, artist - Sean Ashby will be playing The Carleton Music Bar & Grill on Tuesday, June 8th. Show time is 9 PM and tickets are a measly $10.

I used to be a big fan of his old band, Ginger and, come to think of it, I've been a fan of most of the other projects he's been involved in, too. Like Sarah McLachlan, Wild Strawberries and a raft of others, so that means it would stand to reason that I'd be a fan of Sean's as well - and I am.

Sean writes great tunes and if you check a few of them out on his MySpace I'm sure you'll agree he's got an ear for a melody and knows his way around a good lyric. Although he's probably best known as "Sarah McLachlan's guitar player," Sean is a major talent in his own right.

On this trip, Sean will be supported by up-and-coming New Brunswick singer/songwriter, Babette Hayward. We've been hearing a lot about Babette and are looking forward to finally getting a chance to see her.

Two cool acts for the price of one. Tickets are $10.