Music

Images of the moon cycle and herbs frame the words ‘Dream Rituals’.

Magic School expands to include adults

February 7, 2024 by Loni Taylor

Magic School began as kid’s camp in the summer of 2023, but the offerings became so popular, facilitator Rue MacDonald has expanded the curriculum to include adults this winter.

“Dream Rituals” is three-part series offered through the Women’s Centre.

“We’re gonna be weaving botanical art, music, movement, storytelling, folk herbalism and then learning about dream practice,” MacDonald says.

The timing of the series aligns with Imbolc, a Celtic time of year that means “in the belly.”

“It’s a very liminal time and a time when a lot of dreams come,” Rue explains.

The classes begin Feb. 9, from 12-2 p.m., and run every Friday through Feb. 23. To learn more, contact corteswomenscentre@gmail.com

The front window of a performance space with the wording "Espace Diffusion" and "Soif de Musique."

Espace Diffusion launches project to make culture more accessible

February 7, 2024 by Taylor McClure

Espace Diffusion has launched a new project entitled Connexion Culture with the goal of making cultural experiences more accessible to citizens in Brome-Missisquoi.

Espace Diffusion is a concert venue space in Cowansville that produces concerts, stand-up comedy shows, and more.

Recognizing that not everyone has the ability to attend live shows, the Espace Diffusion team wants citizens to “have an opportunity to thrive through different cultural experiences, not taking into account their age, gender, social or economic status,” noted Candice De Souza, the person responsible for communications at Espace Diffusion.

Providing more details on Connexion Culture, De Souza said that $1 of every ticket purchased through Espace Diffusion or Soif de Musique (an annual music festival), will go towards Connexion Culture. Those funds will then used to provide free tickets to shows at Espace Diffusion or to bring smaller entertainment to schools, retirement homes, and community organizations.

A women stands behind the payment bar, side hugging to other men that were working behind the bar

The Vault Cafe celebrates 10 years

January 26, 2024 by Lauryn Mackenzie

The Vault Cafe is a hub for coffee, concerts and community in the downtown Nanaimo area. After countless ups and downs, The Vault Cafe is celebrating its 10th anniversary.

CHLY speaks with Amanda Scott, owner of The Vault Cafe, who says she bought the cafe on a whim and has not looked back since. She talks about how through everything it is the community that the cafe brings in that keeps her going.

CHLY also speaks with Chris Thompson, a local performer who performs regularly at The Vault. He talks about the scene at the cafe and some shenanigans he and his band have gotten up to performing there.

A woman with light brown hair and wearing a black sweatshirt holds up a CD case.

Local musician Leeny Jones drops debut EP ‘Burn Out’

January 24, 2024 by Caleb Nickerson

A musician with Pontiac roots released her debut project earlier this month, and is excited to share it with the world.

Colleen “Leeny” Jones, who hails originally from L’Isle-aux-Allumettes, dropped her first EP Burn Out with a sold-out show at Irene’s Pub in Ottawa on January 12.

She said that the project has been in the works for over a year and two of the four songs, “Rotten Potatoes” and “Burn Out”, were released as singles in March and October 2023 respectively. She said mid-way through recording “Burn Out”, she knew it was going to be the title track for the EP.

Jones said that while she doesn’t have any concrete plans for her next release, she is busy writing music and excited to get in the studio with her bandmates soon.

You can listen to Burn Out on CHIP 101.9, as well as Bandcamp and online streaming services.

A group of people in winter attire stand before a light at a crossroads in a winter scene with an orange flag.

‘Music is a full immersive journey’: local Indigenous artist releases debut single

December 14, 2023 by Riley Gillespie-Wilson

A local Indigenous artist has gone from water protector and TIFF filmmaker, to songwriter, releasing her debut track White Pine.

From Brantford along the Grand River as a youth to a recent expedition to British Columbia, it’s been a long winding path towards a release date for Layla Staats, who is Mohawk, Turtle Clan, Six Nations of the Grand River.

CICW sat down with Staats, to discuss among other things, her journey towards dropping the track, that she says often “deeply moves” listeners.

Women standing in black fitted chest plate hold hand out, looking at camera. trees soround her background.

Canadian artist Jayli Wolf releases new EP

October 10, 2023 by Olivea Loo

Indigenous (Anishinaabe/Cree) artist Jayli Wolf recently released six new songs of alternative music. Alongside the new EP release, Wolf debuted the music video for “Welcome Child” which she describes as “the life cycle of our own universe.”

As a by-product of the Sixties Scoop, Wolf says she uses her music to bring awareness to Indigenous issues such as generational trauma.

“While I was writing this EP, I just kept feeling like there was more I needed to be tapping into,” Wolf stated.