StarShipSofa Stories: Volume 3 is all set to launch on November 11, 2011.

The cover artwork (above) by Skeet Scienski is gorgeous, not to mention the amazing stories and artwork within, from some of the best in the biz. Pop on over to http://www.starshipsofa.com/ for more details (you really should!).

While you’re at it, check out the latest sci-fi musical contribution by
yours truly – Magnetic Tape Blues.

By popular request (yes, dear), here are the lyrics – hope you enjoy:

Magnetic Tape Blues

This is going to be fun! I’m hittin’ the trail with the Key Frames for several shows on their first tour of Maritime Canada. We’ll be at The Mason Jar in Sussex August 27, Plan B in Moncton August 29, and Alibi’s in Charlottetown August 30; the ‘Frames have even managed to squeeze two Halifax shows Sunday, August 28 (Gus’ Pub and a special in-store appearance at Obsolete Records) into their schedule. I’ll be road-testing some new songs in my solo shows, and rounding up my band for a set at Gus’ Pub ( Chad Creaser, Drew Debay, Devin Small, and Paul Pottie, good fellows, all! ). Lots of good twangy music to keep the hurricane away, folks! Hope to see you there!

Perhaps I’m a little biased, but I can’t imagine more beautiful surroundings than western Newfoundland, in and around Corner Brook and Gros Morne National Park. A couple of weeks with family in Corner Brook and sight-seeing in Gros Morne was a perfect vacation. The hiking and sight-seeing was topped off by some fantastic music and theatre, courtesy of the Gros Morne Summer Music Festival . Indoor and outdoor venues in Woody Point, Norris Point, and Corner Brook feature a variety of unique live music, dance, and theatre every summer. I particularly enjoyed the night-time staging of “Borrowed Black” around, on and even in Glynmill Inn Pond. The multi-talented Daniel Payne in a solo show called “Daniel’s Ghosts” demonstrated that the tradional music of Newfoundland’s west coast is alive and in good hands. I can’t wait to go back for more; there’s just too much good stuff for only one visit, believe me!

There were quite a few creatures roaming about Lakewind Sound at Point Aconi, Nova Scotia back in November 2010, all under the able leadership of Carmel Mikol. My Gatcomb banjo and I were there for the fun; check out some of the results!

Off to Charlottetown I go for a quick, action-packed ECMA jaunt! I’ll be performing at the Discovery Stage (Murphy’s Community Centre – 200 Richmond Street) at 9:30pm, Wednesday April 13 2011, where I’ll be debuting a few new songs – new CD on the horizon…stay tuned, folks!
To make things even better, I’ll be joining the ever-delightful Carmel Mikol on the Members’ Lounge stage at the Delta Hotel (18 Queen Street) at 3:00pm April 14th 2011 for a selection of her fine hand-crafted songs. Then it’s back to Halifax, where I’ll be appearing at Dr. Sharp’s Roadhouse 7:00pm Saturday April 16th.