Featured Artist - Cinnamon Tree

Cinnamon Tree combines the unique personalities of six individuals, resulting in songs that range from piano driven ballads to dark, ambient-noise drenched pieces and the odd pop punk anthem, written just for Jane Hung, the band's keyboardist/guitarist. The wide range of music written by Cinnamon Tree makes it difficult to label the band, or draw comparisons to others. The band's musical influences include Cat Power and Tom Waits.

What separates Cinnamon Tree from other bands is their vocal collages and rich harmonies. These are the threads that tie Cinnamon Tree together and are provided by vocalists Kristen Carter and Christina Gurton, who are as different as they are similar.

With a classical and musical theatre background and an interest in industrial/metal/ genres, Kristen epitomizes the range of the band's musical style.

Likewise, Christina follows no musical rules, happy to dance to both Lady Gaga and Ani Difranco. Christina credits Madonna and Sinead O'Connor for teaching her how to sing.

Guitarist Shane Oatman is the founder of Cinnamon Tree and one of the primary songwriters in the band. He enjoys coming up with the out-of-the-box song ideas and chord progressions that add to the musical range of Cinnamon Tree, much to the dismay of bassist Ivan Latendresse, whose punk-influenced playing adds an extra dimension to the band.

Rounding out the band are Zoltan and Liz Neff, Cinnamon Tree's drummer and violinist.

Cinnamon Tree has started playing shows in the tri-cities area and outside. Show-goers can expect to see a wide variety of music, with the occasional musical interlude. And as with any successful new recipe, the audience determines whether or not it works. In the case of Cinnamon Tree, it appears that the recipe has been successful in creating something unique which it is difficult to label.

For more about Cinnamon Tree and to preview their music, see their MySpace and Facebook pages.

Featured Artist - The Rest

The Rest have always used the band as an outlet for all sorts of creative explorations. Band-related side projects provide excellent excuses for pulling mountains of paint onto ping-pong table canvases, immersion in guilt-free, time-consuming, essential (possibly existential) distractions. Before long, these activities unknowingly morphed to form a factory; frenetic assembly line album construction sessions, t-shirt manufacturing frenzies, and night shift Alfred Hitchcock montage obsessions.

In the past year The Rest have seen their album Everyone All At Once garner a multitude of glowing, positive reviews. Everyone All At Once has found a home internationally with Something In Construction Records, and following the worldwide record release in March, the band is looking forward to the opportunities that will surely come with the additional exposure. However, for The Rest, creating music that they love is the ultimate goal.

The Rest's newest release is Cried Wolf, a combination book and EP project. Cried Wolf goes beyond the standard four song release to include a narrative account of the adult adventures of the boy who cried wolf, complete with surreal illustrations drawn by the band's good friend MLXNDRSC.



For more information about the Rest, check out their many links:

Website | MySpace | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Amie St | iTunes | Zunior.com | InSound

Featured Artist - Kirby

"3 things seem to sum me up quite well. If I can travel, play music and help or inspire or experience something, I feel at the very least I’m accomplishing something meaningful in my life. "

About Kirby
Sometimes you have to take a giant leap to do what you love. (John) Kirby is one of the few who realized this claim and knew it to be true. Throwing in the towel on his lucrative Nine to Fiver’ in 2008, KIRBY took on music as a full time pursuit and started paving the way to happiness as well as success. Almost immediately, Kirby was hitting the road for the first of 5 solo tours across Canada over the next year and a half, and now with his new band ‘Leominster’ and their upcoming release, KIRBY is poised and ready for the next step.

Playing and writing music since age 16, KIRBY fronted Burlington, Ontario prog-rock band ‘First Time Fallen’ for several years and released his first solo EP “Within These Walls” in 2007 before taking the figurative plunge with his next EP “The Good Fight”, in 2008. His sound displays his true passion, as he belts out emotional lyrics right from the bottom of his heart, coupled with the diversity of both a driving rock strum style and quiet thoughtful picking on the guitar, reminiscent of Nick Drake, John Mayer or Dallas Green. Though mostly acoustic in nature, KIRBY displays an obvious penchant for writing epic rock songs, soon to be realized through the full sound of his band Leominster.

In the short time that he has put the gears to the indie music scene, KIRBY has enjoyed many notable experiences such as appearing at ArtsWells Festival, the C&C Music Festival and the Burlington Sound of Music Festival, where he is currently in his 3rd year running “Acoustic Side” to raise funds for charities. He’s shared the stage with the likes of The Watchmen, Wax Mannequin, and Lindy of Major Maker, among others, and received regular rotation on C101 Mohawk Radio for “The Good Fight” EP. KIRBY also started C&B Records, which has released multiple compilations of independent artists under the ‘Mix Tape Series’. He co-wrote and produced the trailer for popular film fest flick “Sons of The Sunshine.

Joelle May
ModMay Promotions

For more about Kirby, see his website kirbysings.com and his myspace page myspace.com/kirbysound and his YouTube page youtube.com/kirbysings

Kirby will open our Music Stage at 10:15

Featured Artist - Twegen

Twegen ( Pronounced Twey-en); Old English for Two.

Musicians: Brad McEwen (citterns and vocals) and Gwen Potter (violin and viola d’amore).

Brad McEwen is also the founder and Artistic Director of the Mill Race Folk Society.

‘Twegen’s repertoire consists of mainly traditional English dance tunes and songs, but other things have been known to creep in from Ireland, France, Brittany, Belgium and even Canada!

The combination of cittern and violin or viola d’amore results in a lively and fresh sound to many traditional folk music settings. Brad’s wealth of historical knowledge brings the listener a delightful insight into the background of many of the ballads and songs Twegen play.

Don't miss Twegen perform on our Literary Stage in the early afternoon.

The Ascot Royals Need Your Help

We have been invited back to The Edge studios as part of the Edge of the Edge Smrinoff Concert Series, BUT there is a catch. Here is where you come in.

WE NEED YOUR VOTES!

That’s right, not only will we be playing a free concert at The Edge @ 9.30 tonight, but we will also be giving each and every one of you the opportunity to put democracy into action and exercise your right choose whoever you like (as long as it’s us that is).

Simply go to http://www.edge.ca/Music/IndieOnline/Home.aspx

If you're not already an Edge member you will have to become one, but it just takes a minute.
Voting for OUR LIVE VIDEO will START Monday morning and END the following Sunday night and each member can only vote once a day!

Please spread the word and tell your friends, your support is what makes us love what we do!

Love,
The Ascot Royals

Featured Artist - In Ambush

IN AMBUSH is a Canadian rock band from Ayr, Ontario, formed in 2006 by Jeffrey Copoc and Adam Pett, further including Barry Pett and Leigh Redfearn. Often typed as “modern rock warriors”, In Ambush prides themselves on their ability to create music inspired by 90’s rock.

Their music can most often be heard throughout Southern Ontario, on both local radio stations and at live various pubs and bars. Formally named Grindstone, In Ambush successfully released their first album, Seeds of Paranoia, independently in 2009. The album goes deep into the mind of Copoc with personal experiences and strong feelings. The album ranges emotions from depression, happiness and even love. The album includes three singles, self titled Seeds of Paranoia, Pulse and Overcome. Following the success of Seeds of Paranoia, a new album, Against the Evening Sky, is currently in the works.

“The new album is in my mind a step above Seeds of Paranoia. We are maturing and growing as a band and as individuals and I really feel that it shows in this album... I tried something new with this album, while still sticking to our musical roots of the In Ambush sound” says Copoc, principle songwriter.

Further plans have been made for an In Ambush unplugged in the next couple of months. The unplugged DVD will be titled Beyond Beauty Wonderland and will be comprised of the greatest hits from Seeds of Paranoia, Against the Evening Sky and classic covers.

Band Members Jeff Copoc - Vocals/Guitar Barry Pett - Guitar Adam Pett - Drums Leigh Redfearn - Bass

INAMBUSH - Overcome Music Video from DinTek Design on Vimeo.

For more information about In Ambush, please see their Myspace page and their Facebook page and follow them on Twitter @INAMBUSH

Featured Artist - Kori Pop

Kori Pop's debut album is not for those who prefer their music black and white ~ "From the Outskirts" is technicolour. Song after song, the listener is pulled into sonic and lyrical landscapes as varied as their creators influences. This girl is not your regular singer/songwriter ~ she is a storyteller.

For more information about Kori Pop, see her website koripop.com

Click Here to view 'A Night At the Barn' A Mini Documentary
(featuring Kori Pop, The Steve Strongman Band & Sandman Viper Command)

Featured Artist - Two Crown King

Two Crown King is a band—a six piece collective fusing elements of Soul and Funk, while maintaining a focus on the fundamental story telling techniques of early Hip Hop.

Taking inspiration from a variety of musical genres, Two Crown King cultivate a sound that is saturated with insightful lyrics, melodic hooks and solid grooves. They combine style and swagger to deliver their own brand of organic Neo-Soul. With a high degree of energy and dynamic interaction, Two Crown King continue to expand their fan base.

The diverse musical backgrounds and showmanship of each band member contributes to their distinct sound and their infectious live shows. Two Crown King is currently working on a full length debut album, produced by Dan Weston (Attack In Black, Classified and Ten Second Epic), set for release later this year.

For more about Two Crown King, see their websites twocrownking.com or myspace.com/twocrownking

Featured Artist - Ian Reid

pic by Warren Muzak Ian Reid creates music people can relate to. Not overpowering, just honest and pure. Since the release of his sophomore album 'Tiger School' in 2008, Ian Reid has played over 200 shows, received songwriting awards, and has earned much respect from music fans and fellow songwriters. Ian hopes to release his third album later this year.

Hey music fans, I'll be opening tonight (Wednesday, May 5th) for Lee Harvey Osmond (Tom Wilson's latest project) at the Dakota Tavern at 9:30 pm. Harlan Pepper will also be on the bill. I've heard them perform in Hamilton and I was blown away. Should be a very fun event! 249 Ossington Avenue, Toronto. This weekend I'll be accompanying a very talented group of kids in Hamilton. Come and see "Communiqation: Take Two", written and directed by Martha Christianson. - a series of short sketches, some backed by my music. Call 905-730-1155 for tickets Sat. May 8th; 2 pm & 8 pm /Sun. May 9th 8 pm at The Staircase Cafe Theatre - 27 Dundurn Street North, Hamilton. Next Wednesday, May 12th, I'll be joining singer-songwriter Martin Rouleau for an evening at the Moonshine Cafe, located at 137 Kerr Street in Oakville 8:30-10:30 pm. Lately, I've had a lot of people asking about a new album. I have more than enough material written (perhaps enough for a double) and am making a great effort to have it recorded soon. This will be my first

production that hasn't been funded from savings as a teacher in Korea, so progress will no doubt be a lot slower. Have faith in me, friends- it will be.
Thanks for reading and your support. Times are lean but it's all coming together.
Have a great Mothers' Day. Give a mom you love a large hug.

Regards from Rockwood,
Ian
myspace.com/ianreidsongs
www.cdbaby.com/cd/ianreid3