The E-street shuffle
The scene’s hopping with releases, performances

The streets are alive with the sound of music. Edmonton has a vibrant, happening entertainment scene, rife with talent. On this particular upcoming weekend, an abundance, a plethora, nay, a slew of exciting gigs are available to the punters. Support your local talent.

Lester Quitzau wowed the hometown crowd at the World at Winspear, and this Friday and Saturday he’s back at The Track with his Very Electric Trio – the mighty rhythm section of Lyle Molzan on drums and Greg Johnston on bass.

The Three Kings, the "triumvirate of terrific tunesmiths" debuted their new show, with what must have been a pair of jacks on drum and bass, to an enthusiastic audience at the Night of Artists in the Kaasa Theatre last Sunday.

This Friday the trio of Jimmy, Stewart Kirkwood, and Paul Fuellbrandt perform at The Sugarbowl. Kirkwood’s been one of this country’s finest pop songwriters for quite some time and has a fabulous new one all players should hear. It’s "this old 45," the story of a musician who spends more time on his career than his significant other. The tune explains how he "spent more on his stereo than the engagement ring."

Next up: CD releases, and there are two this Saturday. For roots fans: The McDades. For the rock crowd: Sugakane.

Touted as the next band to break from these parts, Sugakane were featured on The Bear’s Red, White and New last Sunday and they are debuting their new indie album Year Zero this Saturday at The Hellenic Center (10450-116 St.) Fade Blue Afterglow open the show.

The McDades have been called Alberta’s first family of Celtic music, but by the time this new album gets around they’ll be called Alberta’s first family of fusion music.

(Note: when they play with the family’s patriarch, harpist Terry McDade, then they’re called Terry McDade and the McDades. However, when the kids fly solo, it’s simply the McDades: Shannon Johnson on songwriting, singing and sweet violin playing, brother Solon McDade on bass and youngest sibling, Jeremiah McDade, a brilliant, gifted multi-instrumentalist.

But, Solon is quick to point out that the second-generation splinter group was not a conscious decision,

"It was really just that the three of us have been hired to do a lot of work with singer-songwriters, so while we were doing that we really got together and got a sound."

Brother Jeremiah agrees, "It’s great to have both bands..."

All concur that with the release of the new album, "The main focus for us now is The McDades.

"We are going to be touring the CD, we will use people from here in Alberta for the west, people from Montreal out east. We have a showcase in Nashville for the North American Folk Alliance, and the Celtic Connection in Scotland – that’s going to be confirmed."

These siblings are business savvy; Johnson’s been producing records while her brothers were getting music degrees at McGill in Montreal. As the saying goes, the fruit does not fall far from the tree and these particular pieces landed by some strong, deep roots.

Guests on the album who will be playing at the gig are: Dave Merriman on guitar, Amir Amiri on santour (which is like a Persian hammered dulcimer), Ojas Joshi on gatham (which is a clay pot), Jeff Bradshaw on pedal steel, John Towill on didgeridoo and of course, Terry McDade on harp.

The McDades release the new CD For Reel Saturday, Oct. 5 at Bonnie Doon Hall 9240 93 St, doors at 7:00, music at 8:00. Tickets are $12:00 in advance, $15.00 at the door and are available at: Alfie Myhres Music (8715 - 118 Ave, 477—1586), Blackbyrd Myoozik (10442 82 Ave, 439—1273) and Clea’s Bookshop (11217 - Jasper Ave, 453—2663).