This Week:

Tuesday, February 21; Pat Moore and Maple Hill, 8pm, free: Pat Moore is a pal and a heckuva singer-songwriter, but before she stood out front with that guitar, she was plucking the upright bass with this crew: Maple Hill, playing bluegrass, traditional and old time. On Tuesday the 21st we’re hoping for a gang to come out so we can make this a regular event and, if it goes well, a new Branch tradition. Pat has asked me to let you know that bluegrass pickers are welcome to come and join in and hopes that this will become a fun evening for folks who want to share in a good old fashioned jam session... We at the Branch are also hoping you’ll come out for another reason… since we were working this past Saturday and weren't be able to make it out to the Benefit for Terry Render; Terry is a local bluegrass legend, owner of Wood and Wire; he was recently stricken with a nerve disorder called Guillain-Barre syndrome, and although he is expected to make a full recovery, in the meantime, he is unable to support himself by his usual methods of teaching students and doing instrument repairs. We would like to take this event as an opportunity to pitch in: one half of all our food sales for the evening will be donated to Terry’s cause, helping him out during this rough patch. Hang in there, Terry!

Wednesday, February 22, The Exes, 8pm, $5: This week, join us on Wednesday (actually, every Wednesday…) for live Hot Country and East Coast covers with our very own fun loving Kim James and her band: The Exes. Beau’s All Natural Brewing Company is the sponsor for this ‘college night’ as we’ve been calling it; but perhaps, based on the all ages appeal we’ve seen so far, ‘pub night’ would be a more appropriate title: What does that mean? Well, a pitcher of Beau’s Lug Tread Beer comes with a free order of nachos (this month, limit one free nacho per table of four) and there are some door prizes (in case you’ve seen a few of those sweet new Beau’s toques around…) The music is swinging and fun, the atmosphere is casual (a good stop for fans of the Rubber Boots Sundays…) and dancing is encouraged!

Thursday, February 23; Songwriter Circle, hosted by Bruce Enloe and featuring John Carroll and Andy McGaw; 7pm, free: No, this is not ‘…a bunch of people sittin’ around writing songs…’ as one person suggested, although I might enjoy that; I’d understand if it didn’t sound like an entertaining way to spend an evening out: What it actually is is a chance to hear songs written by the folks involved, in a format that allows you to take in a broad selection of each songwriter’s style and songs, to hear some stories and maybe even to enjoy a little impromptu collaboration if the mood fits. Andy McGaw is a legend; he is a powerful folk songwriter whose clear delivery, fearless approach to tough topics and wit puts him in a small, elite group that includes some very familiar names, you know, names like Bob Dylan and John Prine. And no, I don’t consider that hyperbole. John Carroll is another local legend who is at the top of his game, his most recent album ‘Everybody Smokes in Hell’ is easily his best work and has brought him a great deal of well-deserved attention in recent days. I’m your host, and although I’ll be sitting between two masters of the form, I’ll be at least trying to keep up with tunes out of my broad (if not well known) catalogue and pitching in on harmonies where I can. I can’t promise perfection, but with John, Andy and me on stage together, I can promise fun—excellent quality and a good time, and really, isn’t that more than enough?

Friday(s), February 10 (17 &24); The Frank and Birdie Show, 7pm, free: Frank Western, as you may or may not know, is a pseudonym; and his real name? Elvis Aaron freakin’ Presley. You wanted to know, well THIS is where he is, PLEASE, don’t hate him for wanting his privacy. And Birdie Whyte? Norma Jean Baker, or, as you may have known her, that’s right; Marilyn Monroe. Yep. Not dead, neither one of them, just hiding out in Kemptville. Who knew that these two were timeless lovers? I mean, it makes sense, when you think about it. Well, I’m sure that you understand, but for the sake of their privacy, the world can never know. So don’t tell anyone. Really. And don’t come see for yourself either. Whatever you do, don’t come see Elvis and Marilyn at the Branch Restaurant every Friday. Please. Don’t. Really.

Saturday, February 25; George Harrison Birthday Tribute: All things must pass? Says who? Oh, yeah, THAT guy! George Harrison; Beatle, filmmaker, race car sponsor, Wilbury… It is time again to start planning for this year’s celebration of all things George, so get ready to Wah-Wah, Oh my Lord, Here Comes the Sun, Something and Old Brown Shoe your way through another awesome night of tunes, stories, and generally swell times...Basically, let’s get 'not so quiet' in honour of 'the Quiet One...' Performers who have signed up to participate so far include myself, Greg Kelly, David Shanahan, Katherine Amanda Giles and members of the Heroic Mad Peasants; Ben and Heather Mullin may make it out (if Ginny allows), as will Brian Simms, Lisa Poushinsky and David Bosschaart. More names could appear...there is a bit of a house band in place, and either way, we’ll spend an evening celebrating the legacy of a Beatle...how bad could that be? Answer: not very; it could, in fact, be really …Something.

Sunday, February 26; Open Stage, 3-6pm; Rubber Boots Buffet, 2-8.