Jerry Leger & Guests - Tuesday, July 20th - New Aritst Night - 10 PM - Donation Requested
My Toronto friend Cam Carpenter (who signed Sloan and The Headstones, by the way) called me awhile back about finding a date at our place for Jerry Leger, an artist he highly recommended. After having the usual discussion about whether enough people knew who he was to warrant a crowd, Cam suggested that Jerry was (a) keen enough and (b) more importantly, GOOD enough and was willing to take his chances with an audience to the point where he wouldn't even insist on a cover charge but would rather pass the hat at the end of the night.
I certainly can't argue with an artist who's game for that sort of approach. To that end, Jerry will play the room on Tuesday, July 20th. The show will start at 10 PM. This is something we're going to try on for size over the summer. We'll take the usual dinner part out of the equation and hope folks will show up later for some quality entertainment. We're calling it a New Music Night.
And Jerry IS quality. Here's some information and quotes from trusted sources to help you make your mind up!
Jerry Leger is a Toronto based folk/roots songwriter. In the few years he's been on the scene he has self released 3 acclaimed albums and toured Canada and the US. Leger is heard regularly on campus radio and CBC shows, "Q", "Drive", "Mainstreet" and "R3-30". He has opened for such acts as Fred Eaglesmith, Jill Barber, Ron Sexsmith, Skydiggers, Jesse Winchester, Justin Townes Earle, Deer Tick, Dawes, Peter Elkas, Kenny Roby, former Beatle Pete Best and Dave Bidini's Bidiniband.
"One of the best songwriters I've heard in quite some time." -Ron Sexsmith
"Leger is another Canadian songwriting legend in the making" - Jason Schneider, The Record, author of "Whispering Pines"
"Leger has one of those open hearted and unaffected voices that you instantly trust. Songs rich with poetic imagery and character-drivenstories, clearly he is an artist to watch." - Kerry Doole, Exclaim!
"WSM has been known for 85 years as being one of America 's premier radio stages for new and emerging artists as well as the home of live shows that have brought the world the best talent around. It was a pleasure to welcome Jerry Leger to a live WSM show as part of our Americana series. His genuine talent and songwriting is an example of what has been a part of the WSM playlist for many years." - Joe Limardi, operations manager and radio host, WSM Radio, Nashville
"Stylish album( You Me and The Horse) which hums to the tune of possible Legendary status. At 23, I cannot wait to see what the future has in store for Leger." - R.H., Maverick Magazine(UK)
"Eventually it all comes down to the story you tell, not the phrase you turn, and for such a young man, it's amazing that Leger already has the confidence and charisma to stand behind his tales. His songs are not the type of songs you play for a room full of people, hoping one sticks. His nasally draw and unfiltered admissions are more suited for a more personal listening experience; a rewarding one at that." -Bryan Acker, Herohill
"Strongly grasping the fundamentals of what has made the likes of John Lennon, Hank Williams and Bob Dylan so important to music. Though carefully and creatively forging his own path, not committing forgery." - William Self, Spill Magazine
"Strong songwriting and a compelling voice" - Jian Ghomeshi, writer, producer, radio host of CBC's Q
"5 out of 5" - Alt. Country
"tapped deftly into this quintessentially Canuck quality with an impressive take on roots and country." - Pras Rajagopalan, Chartattack
Check out some video HERE and HERE...
This is going to be a really good night of music. Do yourself a favour and come out to see some of it. And PLEASE try to keep a fiver or two in your pocket to give to Jerry for his hard work!
