The Week:

Tuesdays and Wednesdays in May, join us for our All You Can Eat Fajita Buffet! Heaps of grilled and seasoned beef and chicken, peppers, onions and our famous house-smoked portabello mushrooms, guacamole, cheese, beans, rice, salsa, sour cream & tortillas...heck, there's even salad and cornbread for only $14.99...it's every Tuesday and Wednesday, from 5-8pm. Yeah, buddy!

Tuesday, May 22, Steve Parisien, 7pm, no cover. talented local instrumental Jazz guitarist Steve stops in a couple of times every year to show off his chops and let us in to his secret world--piano tuner by day, Steve lives in a world of tone and pitch--when the guitar is out, he brings you along for the ride!

Wednesday, May 16, 23 and 30 Josef Mieto, 7pm, free! Every Wednesday in May, local folkal Josef Mieto will be playing and singing tunes of his own as well as folksy classics by the likes of Leonard Cohen and Bob Dylan. This residency concept is just a little something extra on us for your Wednesday night pleasure--Josef has mentioned that he'll probably bring around some of his talented friends and family to help him out throughout the month, (Amanda Giles, Joel and Bianca Mieto) but if you've heard him play, (as he did at our Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen birthday tributes from last year...) you'll already know that he's a pleasure to enjoy even just on his own.

Thursday, May 24, Levon Helm Birthday Tribute (The Band/Bob Dylan) 7pm, no cover. Well, it's technically Bob Dylan's birthday, but I put in a call to dear old Mr. Zimmerman, and he said that he would totally understand if we decided to celebrate Levon this year on his special day, given the circumstance; and anyway, Levon would have been 72 on May 26, which is really just a two day difference when you think about it...Bob just said no problem, man, as long you guys all sing I Shall Be Released as the big jam at the end. So,obviously, it's a go. Lots of local musicians have already signed up to celebrate, now it's your turn!

Friday, Saturday and Sunday, May 25, 26 & 27, Dandelion Festival, Riverside Park--Join us there! The Branch will be closed for regular service as we participate in this Kemptville's annual celebration of weed! Not that kind, silly, the one with the yellow flowers...The Dandelion Festival is the area's premiere arts, culture and sports event featuring three days of live music, food, dancing, a kid's zone, a dunking booth, a craft fair, the kickoff of the Farmers' Market and, what is apparently the only nationally sanctioned Grand Prix bicycle race in Ontario...I hope the cyclists aren't allergic to dandelion pollen! We'll be at Riverside park for all three days, doling out our famous barbecue and soaking up the rays--come on out and see us there. We'll be in the beer tent. Obviously. Here's a link for more info: click here.

Thursday, May 31, Songwriter's Triangle...hosted by Chef Bruce and featuring locals Lisa Poushinsky and Josef Mieto, 7pm, no cover. This month's edition of the regular singin' songwritin' event that falls on the last Thursday of every month is a locals only version featuring the torchy jazz influenced tunes of Lisa Poushinksy and the dulcet crooning of weekly Wednesday night folk show host Josef Mieto--and me, of course, each of us strutting our original material for your perusal. It's artsy, but not fartsy--it's barbecue friendly art--like a velvet Elvis--like a sunset over the Rideau--like a jackelope with a banjo--a faded sign--the night sky--it's...well...it's good, and we'd love for you to come.

Well, that wraps up May--we look forward to having you all out real soon...and, (some of you know what I'm talking about,) Thanks.

--Chef Bruce

This Week--Maple Hill! Folk! Jazz! Blues! DRY RIVER CARAVAN!

Tuesday, April 17th Pat Moore & Maple Hill Bluegrass Jam, 8pm, no cover: Next Tuesday, please come to this monthly event at which the lovely Pat Moore and the talented fellas from Maple Hill invite you to come on up and play along! That’s right, pickers are welcome, heck, even encouraged to jump in at this one of a kind monthly jam—I even got dragged into it last month (tough work, I’m sure) and had a ball singing old time and Country with this fine crew. This is the real bluegrass deal we’ve all been waiting for, so help spread the word and enjoy!

Wednesday, April 18, Josef Mieto, 7pm, free! Every Wednesday in April, local folkal Josef Mieto will be playing and singing tunes of his own as well as folksy classics by the likes of Leonard Cohen and Bob Dylan. This residency concept is just a little something extra on us for your Wednesday night pleasure--Josef has mentioned that he'll probably bring around some of his talented friends and family to help him out throughout the month, (Amanda Giles, Joel and Bianca Mieto) but if you've heard him play, (as he did at our Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen birthday tributes from last year...) you'll already know that he's a pleasure to enjoy even just on his own.

Thursday, April 19th, Smoky Undertones (Jazz), 8pm, $6: Next Thursday Linda Girard and her smoky, undertoney crew are back for the first time in a while to deliver the tones, the tunes, the vibes, the riffs and the hazy 3 martini glow that only a torchy night at the jazz lounge can provide...We’ll provide the olives and the gin, you bring the swank—Linda and the boys will take care of the rest!

Friday, April 20th, George Buys, 7pm, no cover: George Buys is back next Friday with the rhythm, the blues, the smile and the tunes to enhance your Friday dining experience as part of what is turning into a local performers showcase every Friday night this month—There is no such thing as a bad George Buys show, only varying degrees of good and better—from his original bluesy tunes to his broad selection of classic covers, George is a gentleman and a scholar—he always leaves us smiling, why not let him do the same for you!

Saturday, April 21, Dry River Caravan, 9pm, $10: Now here’s a show I can’t let you pass up—In fact, I must insist that you find your way to the Branch next Saturday for the local debut from this Ottawa Based alt-folk-gypsy-klezmerish-indie-pop-old time collective: Dry River Caravan sold me on first listen , and, I must admit, is one of the few acts that I have made an extra special effort to bring out for your listening pleasure—Take a minute and follow the link below to watch a video or listen to a tune or two; these folks are nearly perfect Branch music and I’d hate for you to miss out, so don’t—Plan now, reserve soon and tell your friends to come along—Ladies and Gents, we have ourselves a winner!

"At the core Dry River Caravan is a folk project. But one listen to their music and you can tell they go way beyond easily classifiable genre distinctions. In order for anything to not only survive but thrive, there must be variation, and there is no music tradition too foreign or unreachable for this group. They blend traditions from the Balkans and Eastern Europe, to Africa, India, and East Asia, just to name a few, and combine those with familiar Western popular music elements to create something exciting and new.

Dry River Caravan's live show is known far and wide as a raucous party and a great time. But now with the release of their debut album "Wake Up", taking home Dry River Caravan will be a completely different story. Their songs go beyond upbeat dance music, and take you across cinematic landscapes both stark and beautiful. They create a world that is difficult to place in time or geography, a world that simply is, Dry River Caravan."

(bio lifted from the internet...)





Sunday, April 22, Open Stage hosted by John and Terry Brewer, celebrating 10 years of open Stages Sundays at the Branch and Amanda’s Slip! That’s right, even though they are down to just having time for a couple of hosting gigs a year, John and Terry Brewer, the originators of the Open Stage concept in this room have actually been at at for a solid decade! I have a feeling this may get a little wild...might I recommend a pair of dancing rubber boots for this one? Open Stage and the Buffet start at 2!

The Week!

Tuesdays and Wednesdays, don't forget our All You Can Eat Fajita Buffet! Heaps of grilled and seasoned beef and chicken, peppers, onions and our famous housesmoked portabello mushrooms, guacamole, cheese, beans, rice, salsa, sour cream & tortillas...heck, there's even salad and cornbread for only $14.99...it's every Tuesday and Wednesday, from 5-8pm. Yeah, buddy!

Wednesday, April 11, Josef Mieto, 7pm, free! Every Wednesday in April, local folkal Josef Mieto will be playing and singing tunes of his own as well as folksy classics by the likes of Leonard Cohen and Bob Dylan. This residency concept is just a little something extra on us for your Wednesday night pleasure--Josef has mentioned that he'll probably bring around some of his talented friends and family to help him out throughout the month, (Amanda Giles, Joel and Bianca Mieto) but if you've heard him play, (as he did at our Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen birthday tributes from last year...) you'll already know that he's a pleasure to enjoy just on his own.



Thursday, April 12, Signe Miranda, 9pm, $5; Toronto indie-alt/folk: Toronto-based singer/songwriter Signe Miranda just released her sophomore album, “September Night” recorded with her band, 'Signe Miranda's Veranda' and embarked on a cross-Canada tour. The title track received "Honorable Mention" in the Song of The Year competition. The group is led by Signe Miranda and includes a revolving cast of talented musicians who blend together a sound that seamlessly brings you on a journey from post-break-up, alt-pop-punk title track, “September Night” to warm, spacious, alt-country gem, “Like It Was Yesterday”.

This follow-up to Signe's solo “Love Wins” EP, a five-song disc that explores themes of love lost and won in a sincere alt-folk-pop style. A bedroom recording, the album is built mostly upon acoustic guitar and vocals,‘Love Wins’ is charting on college radio stations across Canada and is being played on CBC Radio and on radio stations in the United States, Germany, Belarus, Macedonia, Colombia, Australia and New Zealand.

Originally from Belleville, Ontario, Signe began playing music at an early age and by fifteen was playing guitar and writing songs. Signe has performed for audiences in Canada, the UK and Norway.

“We really love your engaging style, it is emotive, minimalist, evocative and very subtle. The choice of material backed up with guitar is marvellous and gels together in a hauntingly beautiful sound that has you wanting more and our audiences most certainly will love your heartfelt songs…” Peter Merrett (Music Manager, PBS FM 106-7, Melbourne, Australia)

Friday, April 13, Doug Hendry (and friends...), 7pm, no cover: The Scottish ambassador to Kemptville will host this Friday's dinner music showcase playing his original songs, folk favourites, 12 string tunes and perhaps even a taste of Supertramp. Doug, the fearless leader of Kemptville's 'Maplewood Celeidh Band' as well as a contributing pitchfork and torch wielder in his other project,'The Heroic Mad Peasants' is sure to be joined by fellow folksy types on this Friday's musical adventure, so be prepared for anything except, perhaps, Bob Dylan.

Saturday, April 14, Al Wood and the Woodsmen, 9pm, $5: Blues! CD Release Show! Al Wood is a multi-talented performer and songwriter with a deep reverence for the blues and traditionally-based roots music. Born in Sault Ste. Marie (the Soo), Ontario, Al’s father first taught him how to pick out old country tunes on the harmonica. Now a virtuoso harmonica player, talented guitar stylist, and golden-throated singer, Al lives in Ottawa and Highway 17 is more than a song; it’s a road well-traveled.

On the new CD, Al Wood’s heart-on-the-sleeve vocals, harmonica-playing and guitar work create a powerful potion on stage and in the studio. Backed by the talented Woodsmen, the new and original Mood Swingin’ Blues is an emotional Ferris wheel ride where everything goes, everything grooves and even the “hurtin’ songs” make you feel good.

Thirteen full-band songs, all penned by Al Wood, span the highest and the lowest ranges of human emotion, weaving together diverse forms of blues and related styles with a unique originality that defies cliché and elevates the soul the way only music can. Also lyrically rich and full of imagery, Wood’s songs take us down shiny neon-lit streets, into a hot crowded jazz club, or on an enchanted jaunt through a fairytale countryside.



Sunday, April 15, BRUNCH! in support of the North Grenville Cooperative Pre-school and Learning Center from 10-2pm, Our regular Rubber Boots Buffet from 2-8pm and our ever popular Open Stage, hosted by Chef Bruce from 3-6pm. Let's get eggy with it!

The Week!

PLEASE NOTE: The Branch is Closed on Sunday, April 7 to celebrate the opening day of Egg Hunting Season. Have a wonderful Easter! (We apologize for any inconvenience...)


Tuesdays and Wednesdays, don't forget our All You Can Eat Fajita Buffet! Heaps of grilled and seasoned beef and chicken, peppers, onions and our famous housesmoked portabello mushrooms, guacamole, cheese, beans, rice, salsa, sour cream & tortillas...heck, there's even salad and cornbread for only $14.99...it's every Tuesday and Wednesday, from 5-8pm. Yeah, buddy!

Wednesday, April 4, Josef Mieto, 7pm, free! Every Wednesday in April, local folkal Josef Mieto will be playing and singing tunes of his own as well as folksy classics by the likes of Leonard Cohen and Bob Dylan. This residency concept is just a little something extra on us for your Wednesday night pleasure--Josef has mentioned that he'll probably bring around some of his talented friends and family to help him out throughout the month, (Amanda Giles, Joel and Bianca Mieto) but if you've heard him play, (as he did at our Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen birthday tributes from last year...) you'll already know that he's a pleasure to enjoy just on his own.



Thursday, April 5, The Avenues, 9pm, $6: Peterborough has sent a couple of interesting acts our way over the years, The County Boys, a young bluegrass inspired trio with a fantastic energy being one, Sean Conway, an exquisite and authentic old school country picker, who debuted at the Branch this year alongside our ever returning and popular troubadour Petunia being another; Well, this Thursday, be prepared for what can only be described as a Peterborough experience squared! The Avenues are a supergroup of sorts, apparently, featuring Sean Conway and members of the County Boys! That's right, 2 for one! Or more, even, or something!

Emerging from the sleepy river town of Peterborough, Ontario, The Avenues make real country music; not country music that requires the pre-fix "alt" or "new," but the pure, honest, and unadorned kind.

Forming in the winter of 2009, The Avenues sound the way Nashville might have without the glitz and glamour, as their banjo pickin' and guitar strummin' - augmented by the addition of bass and drums - echo the honky tonks and the heartaches of old country music.

On their self-titled first album, Chris Culgin (guitar and vocals) Benj Rowland (banjo, bass pedals and vocals), Sean Conway (electric guitar), and Josh Fewings (drums), tell stories from the frontiers of country music, wandering that liminal space just past what musicologists call tradition...strikingly familiar yet undoubtedly new, like hearing a new story from an old friend.

With stunning vocal harmonies and a high-spirited live show, The Avenues are one of Canada's best-kept secrets.

Well now, that sounds like a good time, doesn't it? Come on out! Friday is a day off anyway, this is where you'll want to be!

Friday, April 6, David Shanahan, 7pm, free! You had fun singing along with this local patriarch of the true Irish tradition on St. Patricks Day, didn't you? Well then come on out for a Good Friday evening with Dr. Shanahan, Historian, Scholar, entertainer, and our good friend...it starts at 7 and it's free!

Saturday, April 7, Terry McLeish, 9pm, $5: Stompin Tom fans, take note, Terry Mcleish is as close as we get these days to having a songwriter that has the wit, charm and ability to spin a yarn like old Tom is able to do...And I'm not even calling him second best, Terry is a fun, entertaining and engaging songwriter in his own right, and will keep you both guessing and chuckling with his country tinged story-songs this Saturday night. Ask anyone who was at the recent Songwriter's Circle last week here at the Branch where Terry was a guest, his memorable tunes may very well have stolen the show!

Singer-Songwriter Terry McLeish has been described as:
“a Canadian songwriter whose songs and music poignantly capture the lives of cowboys, loggers, misfits and as well, the trials, humor and pathos of everyday life.”
Raised in a military family, Terry has worked as a grocery boy, farm hand, golf course greens man, forest fire fighter, tree planter, clerk and forest technician.
Major influences in McLeish’s music and writing have been Steve Goodman, Ian Tyson, John Prine, Bob Dylan and Steve Earle. Bluegrass has also been a strong influence which can be heard in many of the songs on his self titled, début album, “Terry McLeish”. His music career has taken him from folk, rock and blues bands to folk/roots singer-songwriter and performer and his songs have been heard on CJOH television, CBC, CHCR radio, CHIP and Valley Heritage radio, CKCU radio, other artist’s albums and projects, compilation cd’s and a musical tour of the Upper Ottawa Valley’s Opeongo Line. Over the years, Terry has shared the stage with Colleen Peterson, Valdy, Long John Baldry, Reverend Ken and the Lost Followers, Jack De Keizer, Sneezy Waters, Ian Tamblyn, David Essig, Donnie Walsh of Downchild Blues Band, Paul Brandt, Ronnie Hawkins, Prairie Oyster, Leahy and many more. He has performed at festivals, clubs, kitchen parties, fairs and events of all kinds.
Recently, Terry was invited to act and perform in The Stone Fence Theatre’s current production of “The Opeongo Opera” which ran throughout the summer and into the fall of 2011. Three of his songs were chosen to be featured in this acclaimed two-act musical as well. In early 2012 McLeish hosted The Terry McLeish Show; an eight week live stage show featuring some of Canada’s best folk/roots, singer-songwriters.
McLeish has recently completed his self titled début studio album, produced by James Stephens, of fourteen original songs which was released in August of 2011. He went on to win runner up in the International Acoustic Music Awards and was a finalist in The Great American Song Contest and the 2011 International Song Writing Competition. He is performing on stages throughout eastern Ontario and western Quebec either as a solo act or with well known Ottawa bass player and long time friend and band mate, Grant Tomkinson. Terry currently lives on the Ottawa River in the Upper Ottawa Valley.

The Branch is Closed on Sunday, April 7 to celebrate the opening day of Egg Hunting Season. Have a wonderful Easter!

Today, April 1, 2012

The Branch is closed today for a private function, we apologize for any inconvenience.