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SONGWRITERS UNITE!: AN OCFF STORY from Jason Romolo on Vimeo.

The film provides a glimpse into the performances and sense of community that you will experience while walking the halls at The Ontario Council of Folk Festivals annual conference. It is a story of artists of all ages coming together to play, sing, and collaborate in an environment of total acceptance.

www.ocff.ca
www.bigshave.com
www.rleonband.com

Michael Griffin

Michael Griffin
Sometimes too clever by half. Sometimes half clever. Michael's songs come from his deep Canadia...(more)


Saturday May the 28th

Graffiti's 170 Baldwin Street in the heart of Kensington Market in Toronto.
Each of our wonderfully talented songwriters will be performing four original songs on
Saturday May the 28th at 9pm. PWYC.
                                                
 This Month we will be featuring:
                                                
 SUE and DWIGHT
 ED WINACOTT
 D'ARCY WICKHAM with SUZANNE JARVIE   
 PATRICK PERKINS
 COLLETTE SAVARD with JOHN ZYTARUK
 MARIA KASSTAN                  
 PETER J SLACK
 with host RUSSELL LEON
                             
http://www.rleonband.com

Saturday April the 30th

The last Saturday of the Month is just around the corner and Songwriters Unite
is hosting another music extravaganza at Graffiti's 170 Baldwin Street in the
heart of Kensington Market in Toronto. Each of our wonderfully talented songwriters
will be performing four original songs on Saturday April the 30th at 9pm. PWYC.
Please come to this funky little bar with the tasty brew and join us.
                        
This Month we will be featuring:
                                        
ERIKA WERRY
                                
GUY STEFAN
                                                
STACY RICKER
                                        
LISA MARIE KRUCHACK
                                        
LENORE ELAINE
                                        
HANNAH O'REILLY
                                        
 with host RUSSELL LEON
http://www.rleonband.com
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

Saturday March 26, 2011

The last Saturday of the Month is this coming Saturday, that's when Songwriters Unite hosts another music extravaganza at Graffiti's 170 Baldwin Street in the heart of Kensington Market in Toronto. Each of our wonderfully talented songwriters will be performing four original songs on Saturday March 26th at 9pm. PWYC. Please come to our funky little bar with the tasty brew and join us. Graffiti's is located at 170 Baldwin Street, Toronto. This Month we will be featuring: SHOBHA ELLEN CAROL COLLEEN COSTELLO BRIAN GLADSTONE CHRISTOPHER MULLEN

Saturday February 26, 2011

The next Songwriters Unite monthly show will be on Saturday February the 26th at Graffiti's in the heart of Kensington Market in Toronto (170 Baldwin Street). The show starts around 9pm and features a number of amazing musicians each performing 4 original songs. pwyc, suggested $5 donation. This month will feature: Melanie Peterson Anne Walker Chris Stapley James Gadon Jeff Williams Rick Howland John Paul Allen with host RUSSELL LEON http://www.rleonband.com

Saturday January 29, 2011

at 9pm. PWYC. Graffiti's , 170 Baldwin Street, Toronto. pwyc,suggested $5 donation. This month will feature: Howard Gladstone Michael Lake Joanne Crabtree Lis Soderberg Shawna Caspi Ben Veneer Bruce Madole with host RUSSELL LEON http://www.rleonband.com /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

November 27, 2010

Graffiti's , 170 Baldwin Street, Toronto. The last Saturday of the Month is just around the corner and Songwriters Unite is hosting another music extravaganza at Graffiti's 170 Baldwin Street in the heart of Kensington Market in Toronto. Each of our wonderfully talented songwriters will be performing four original songs on Saturday November the 27th at 9pm. PWYC. Please come to this funky little bar with the tasty brew and join us, there will be no December showcase, we will resume in the new year. So you must come to the November show. This Month we will be featurin$ GLEN HORNBLAST http://www.myspace.com/glenhornblast JEFF WILLIAMS http://www.myspace.com/jeffreylwilliams JAMES BRAND http://www.jamesbrand.ca/ LOU PINTO GARTH DOUGLAS and TAIVI LOBU http://www.myspace.com/wyeriverband JEANINE NOYES http://www.jeaninenoyes.com/ JEN LANE http://www.jenlane.com/ with host RUSSELL LEON http://www.rleonband.com

October 30, 2010

Hello to all fine folks, On the last Saturday of the month Songwriters Unite hosts a talented bunch of songwriters showcasing at Graffiti's, 170 Baldwin Street in Kensington Market, Toronto. Saturday, October the 30th @ 9:00 pm we will feature: /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\ ROMAN TOME http://www.romantome.com/ HEATHER CHAPPELL with Vince Peets http://www.myspace.com/heatherchappellmusic D'ARCY WICKHAM http://www.darcywickham.com/ JAMES CLARK http://clarkinstitute.com/ MICHAEL GRIFFIN http://www.myspace.com/ojmichaelgriffin with host RUSSELL LEON http://www.rleonband.com/



OCFF Conference 2010

OCFF SHOWCASE Songwriters Unite! is pleased to announce this year's OCFF Conference Showcase lineup: Friday October 15th ------------------- Set One: 11:00pm . 12:00am JOANNE CRABTREE ED WINNACOTT ALFIE SMITH JAMES BRAND Set Two: 12:00am . 1:00am CAROL TEAL and DAVID JOYCE ANNE WALKER BRIAN GLADSTONE MARK WEINSTOCK Set Three: 1:00am . 2:00am PETER J SLACK MARY MILNE ARTHUR RENWICK Set Four: 2:00am . 3:00am LEAH MORISE LINDA McRAE KIRSTEN JONES Saturday October 16th --------------------- Set One: 11:00pm . 12:00am ANIA ZIEMIRSKA CHRISTOPHE ELIE JACK CONNOLLY ANDREW SMITH Set Two: 12:00am . 1:00am RUSSELL LEON TANNIS SLIMMON SCOTT COOK SUE AND DWIGHT Set Three: 1:00am . 2:00am DAVE CARMICHAEL ALISE MARLANE ASHLEY CONDON Set Four: 2:00am - 3:00am KATE REID SAMANTHA MARTIN EMMA COOK _________________________________ http://songwritersunite.com/ http://www.facebook.com/pages/Songwriters-Unite/20547550716 http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2314512633 http://www.myspace.com/songwritersunite http://twitter.com/songwritersu - 30 -

Saturday, August 7th,2010

                 Be the Artist
                       and
                Songwriters Unite!
                    presents:

o      o             o        o         o      ~
><(((('> ..  THE 2010 FRESH WATER JAMBOREE .. ><(((('>
    o      o              o              o
o                o
~~              o
WHERE: ><((((o>o
/\    Riverside Park Bandshell, 24
/\    Marilyn Dr., Guelph Ontario
/\    (or the 60 Woodlawn Rd E entrance)
~~             o
WHEN: ><(((('>*
/\    August 7th, 12:00 pm - 11:00 pm
~~                 o
HOW MUCH: ><(((('>o
/\    FREE ,bring your family for a picnic
~~
WHAT: ><(((('>
/\
A celebration of FRESH WATER !!!!

Rain or shine, the following artists are
participating to help raise awareness of the
state of our precious water resources:

  Nick and Jerry . Carmella . Taivi Lobu
  Sam Turton . Peter Boyer . Stella Rose
     Joanne Crabtree . Dennis Gaumond
    The Mike Sharp Band . Duane Rutter
       Lynn Harrison . Peter Verity
Peter J Slack . Michael Griffin . Jake Willis

    -- and more to be announced ---

for more information please contact:
Event Coordinators
Chris Williams or Paul Van Dyk -
freshwaterjamboree@gmail.com
___________________________________
http://betheartist.ca/fwj



- 30 -

Saturday May the 29th,2010


WOW! The last Saturday in May is quickly approaching,
this means the SONGWRITERS UNITE monthly showcase at
Graffiti's 170 Baldwin Street in Kensington Market
will be on Saturday May the 29th. The show starts around
9pm. PWYC.

This months featured artists are:

MONIQUE BARRY/MARC NADJIWAN
   http://www.myspace.com/moniquebarry

KIM KOREN
   http://www.myspace.com/kimkoren

ANIA SOUL
   http://www.myspace.com/aniasoul

TAMARA MILLER
   http://www.myspace.com/tamaramiller

PETER J SLACK
   http://wwww.myspace.com/peterjslack

PATRICK PERKINS
   http://www.myspace.com/patrickperkinsspace


with host RUSSELL LEON
__________________________________________

Songwriters Unite! Facebook Page
Songwriters Unite! Facebook Group
Songwriters Unite! on Myspace
Songwriters Unite! on Twitter


-30-


Saturday March the 27th,2010


Hello to all fine folks,

We are pleased to extend the warm glow of spring
to present our spring showcase, and that is the
Songwriters Unite monthly show at Graffiti's,
Saturday March the 27th 9pm (170 Baldwin Street in
Kensington Market, Toronto).PWYC suggested $5

This month Songwriters Unite presents....

REHAN DALAL
   http://www.myspace.com/rehandalal

GLENNA GARRAMONE
   http://www.myspace.com/glennathestar

DIANA ZITMANIS
   http://www.myspace.com/deezerchick

TRES DE LA COMTE
   http://myspace.com/tresdelacomte

MARK CASSIDY
   http://www.myspace.com/markcassidy

NOAH ZACHARIN
   http://www.myspace.com/noahzacharin

with host
RUSSELL LEON

Please come out and hear these great songwriters
in a cozy little bar in the market.

__________________________________________

Songwriters Unite! Facebook Page
Songwriters Unite! Facebook Group
Songwriters Unite! on Myspace
Songwriters Unite! on Twitter


-30-


Saturday, February 27th, 9:00 pm

The Songwriters Unite monthly showcase (the last Saturday of very month) will be on Saturday February the 27th at Graffiti's. 170 Baldwin Street in Kensington Market, Toronto. The show starts at 9pm and features these wonderful singer songwriters: JAMES CLARK http://clarkinstitute.com/ CHRIS MACLEAN http://www.chrismaclean.com/ LIS SODERBERG http://www.lissoderberg.com/ KAVAN CLEARY http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kavan-Cleary/32496545656 JOEL MORELLI http://www.joelmorelli.com/ JENNIFER SCHAFFER http://www.jenschaffer.ca/ STACY RICKER http://www.myspace.com/stacyricker with host RUSSELL LEON Each performer will play four original songs. This event is paywhatucan. The suggested donation is $5. Please come down and support some great songwriters in a super funky bar in a cool part of town. Drinks and music galore! ___________________________________________________ Songwriters Unite! Facebook Page Songwriters Unite! Facebook Group Songwriters Unite! on Myspace Songwriters Unite! on Twitter

Saturday, February 13th, 1:00 pm

SONGWRITERS UNITE! is hosting a Winterfolk Festival showcase on 2nd floor of the Black Swan, Admission is free! This year we are pleased to present: Songwriters Unite! Winterfolk
2010 Showcase Set 1 JAKE WILLIS http://www.jakewillismusic.com/ STEPHANIE MARTIN http://stephaniemartin.ca/ KEITH SHINER http://www.keithshiner.com/ Set 2 MONIQUE BARRY http://www.moniquebarry.com/ BLAIR PACKHAM http://www.blairpackham.com/ LARRA SKYE http://larraskye.com/ Set 3 LAYAH JANE http://www.layahjane.com/ MATTY POWEL http://www.mattypowell.com/ KARYN ELLIS http://www.karynellis.com/ with host RUSSELL LEON Winterfolk will be featuring 100 Artists on 6 Stages Presenting 4 Days of Roots and Blues Music. Winterfolk is a Free Family Festival,all ages are welcomed. For more information: http://www.winterfolk.com/ Thank you and please come out to this wonderful festival. VIVA WINTERFOLK!!!!VIVA SONGWRITERS UNITE!!!!!

Saturday January 30th 2010, 9:00pm


WHERE:
 Graffiti's Bar and Grill
 170 Baldwin Street
 Toronto, ON N2J 2Y7

HOW MUCH:
 $5.00

Songwriters Unite! presents:

NICOLE CHRISTIAN

SEAN PEEVER

DONNA CREIGHTON

ED WINACOTT

WASHBOARD HANK

ANIA SOUL

ON A ROPE

With host Russell Leon


Sunday January 17th, 7:00pm

Happy New Year!!

We would like to extend best wishes to you all,
may you experience prosperity and good health in
the new year and beyond.  We are pleased to
announce the first Songwriters Unite! showcase
for 2010 and launch the continuing celebration of
songwriters into a new decade.

WHERE:
 Maxwell's Music House
 http://www.maxwellsmusichouse.ca
 220 King Street North
 Waterloo, ON N2J 2Y7
 (519) 498-5705

HOW MUCH:
 $7.00 (19+)

Songwriters Unite! presents:


Barry James Payne and Stringbone

Rich Burnett

Peter Judd

Collette Savard

John Zytaruk

Ken Brown

With host Peter J Slack


Saturday, November 28th

Dear Friends,

All of us at Songwriters Unite would like to
express our deep sadness regarding the loss of
Taylor Mitchell. She was a wonderful person and
gifted songwriter and will be dearly missed.
Taylor graced our showcase stages several times
over the last 2 years and we are grateful to have
had the opportunity to provide a welcoming stop
along her musical path.  November is turning out
to be a difficult month all around, what we have
to do is carry on, do things we like to do that
are fulfilling;  hang out with friends and family,
eat yummy food, drink, read good books,
listen/play music....

To continue our celebration of life and music
together, please come out to Graffiti's, 170
Baldwin Street in Kensington Market in Toronto on
Saturday November the 28th for the SONGWRITERS
UNITE monthly showcase. The show starts at 9pm.
PWYC, suggested donation $5.

Songwriters Unite! is pleased to present:

LINDSAY FERGUSON
        http://www.myspace.com/lindsaylive
TAIVI LOBU
        http://ca.myspace.com/wyeriverband
MATTY POWELL
        http://www.mattypowell.com/
ELLEN CAROL
        http://www.myspace.com/ellencarolsomeoftheparts
NOAH ZACHARIN
        http://www.myspace.com/noahzacharin
DUANE RUTTER
        http://www.myspace.com/duaneruttersolo
ANNE WALKER
        http://www.annewalker.ca/
JENNIFER SCHAFFER
        http://www.jenschaffer.ca/


with host RUSSELL LEON


Saturday October 31st, 9:00 pm


WHERE:

Graffiti's Bar and Grill
170 Baldwin St.
Toronto, ON

WHAT:

Russell Leon and his band are joined
by Michael Lake from Newfoundland and
Born, a unique band straight from the
streets of Paris, France.

Costumes are encouraged and will be
judged.... Come in disguise to win
exciting door prizes!


Saturday the October 24th, 9:00 pm


WHERE:  at the Cameron House, 408 Queen Street West in Toronto

COVER:  $5 cover.

WHAT:

We will feature 9 artists in total performing in
sets of 3 artists in the round each hour.

Set 1/
        Joanne Crabtree
        James Brand
        Allison Brown

Set 2/
        Larra Skye
        Ken Workman
        Ellie Avishai

Set 3/
        Cora Lojoie
        Electricutie
        Stacy Ricker

With Host:
        Russell Leon

Please come out and enjoy these wonderful artists
and the Cameron House where artists and art lovers
are welcomed.


Peace and Love,

Friday October 16th - Sunday October 18th

ROOM 1716
Crowne Plaza Hotel
101 Lyon Street North
Ottawa, ON K1R 5T9
(877) 270-1412

If you are in Ottawa between Oct 15th and 17th, consider
dropping by the Crowne Plaza Hotel for the 23rd annual
OCFF conference ( http://ocff.ca ) to check out whats
happening in the folk music scene. Be sure to drop by
ROOM 1716 for the Songwriters Unite! private showcase
where we will present:


Friday Oct 16th
11:30 PM set
CHOIR GIRLZ
ED WINACOTT
ANIA ZIEMIRSKA
ANNE WALKER

12:30 AM set
LAYAH JANE
ARLENE BISHOP
CHRISTOPHE ELIE
PETER J SLACK

1:30 AM set
BRIAN GLADSTONE
STACY BURKE
SCOTT COOK
EVALYN PARRY
2:30 AM set
BLUE VENUS
ALAN RHODY
SARAH CALVERT
KARLA ADOLPHE


Saturday Oct 17th

11:30 PM set
MARK WEINSTOCK
SUE AND DWIGHT
KEN WORKMAN
MELANIE PETERSON

12:30 AM set
JORY NASH
LINDSAY FERGUSON
RICH BURNETT
MONIQUE BARRY

1:30 AM set
GREG KLYMA
JENNIFER SCHAFFER
KARYN ELLIS
RUSSELL LEON


With your hosts RUSSELL LEON and PETER J SLACK

By the way, this is only one of 37 hotel rooms that will
be ransacked and hosting artists in private showcases.
This is an extreme music party and if you have a funny
bone for music, make sure you go to Ottawa for the weekend
and buy tickets for the conference.

http://ocff.ca/services/showcasing.html

Sunday October 4th

7pm at Maxwell's Music House, 220 King
Street North, Waterloo Ontario,

Songwriters Unite presents:

Jacob Moon

Noah Zacharin

Laura Fernandez

blueVenus

Jon Brooks

Jake Willis

with host Peter J Slack

Admission: $7.00


Saturday September 26th,2009

ARTWALK 2009

Wychwood Heights, Toronto, BIA Mainstage

Wychwood Barns Park surrounds a series of former
TTC streetcar repair barns transformed by
Artscape, a not-for-profit urban development
organization that revitalizes buildings,
neighbourhoods and cities through the arts. 
ARTWALK 2009 Wychwood Heights BIA Main Stage is
located on the grass in Wychwood Barns Park (2
blocks South of St. Clair/just East of Christie).

Saturday, September 26
 
Heather Chappell  11am - 12pm

Highland Brothers   12pm - 1pm

Andrew Boniwell Quartet with Richard Underhill on sax  1pm - 2pm

Songwriters Unite!  with Sara Kamin, Oliver Pigott
and Russell Leon 2pm - 3pm

Yiddish Swingtet  3pm - 4pm

Saturday Sept. 26th

9pm at Graffiti's, 170 Baldwin Street 9pm,
Songwriters Unite presents:

SARA KAMIN
LEAH MORISE
STACY BURKE
SCOTT COOK
GARTH DOUGLAS
LINDA M
LILY CHENG
PATRICK LAWTON

and host RUSSELL LEON
PWYC suggested donation $5

Saturday May 30th, 2009

Graffiti's monthly showcase, 170 Baldwin
Street in Kensington Market and will begin at 9 p.m.
SONGWRITERS UNITE! presents:
  • IAN REID
  • JACOB MOON
  • JAMES CLARK
  • STACY RICKER
  • MICHAEL LADEROUTE
  • ROBYN DELL'UNTO
with host RUSSELL LEON

Saturday April 25th, 2009

Graffiti's Bar and Grill
170 Baldwin Street, Toronto (in Kensington Market)

SONGWRITERS UNITE! presents:

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Two-Twenty-Two
http://www.myspace.com/twotwentytwotunes

Matthew Hailstone

Shawn Sage
http://www.myspace.com/shawnsage

Stacy Burke
http://httpwww.myspace.com/stacyb

Glen Hornblast
http://www.myspace.com/glenhornblast

Laura Fernandez
http://www.laurafernandezmusic.com

Dave Joseph
http://www.myspace.com/davejosephmusic

Michael Baird

with host Peter J. Slack

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

April 21,2009

Engineers Without Borders ( http://www.ewb.ca )  
responds to the needs of people in developing
communities to help gain access to technologies
that will improve their lives; technology that,
when appropriately incorporated into each
community's social, cultural, economic and
political context, can drive extraordinary change.

Come join us to ring in Earth Day , make a small
donation to EWB and enjoy some great music with
friends.

When
     April 21,2009 9:00pm 

Where
      THE CAMERON HOUSE
      408 Queen Street West
      Toronto, Ontario
      416-703-0811
      http://www.thecameron.com

How Much
   $10 minimum donation to EWB 

Featuring Performances from

       o 9:00pm - 9:10pm Penn Kemp (Spoken Word / Master of Ceremonies)
             + http://www.mytown.ca/pennletters
             + http://www.myspace.com/pennkemp
             + http://www.mytown.ca/pendas
             + http://mytown.ca/poemforpeace

       o 9:10 - 9:30 Prince Bamidele Bajowa with ODAU DE
             + http://www.bamidelebajowa.zoomshare.com
             + http://www.osooroproject.wordpress.com

       o 9:35 - 9:55 Rich Burnett
             + http://www.groundvinyl.com

       o 10:00 - 10:20 Layah Jane with Oliver Johnson
             + http://www.layahjane.com

       o 10:25 - 10:45 Evalyn Parry
             + http://www.evalynparry.com

       o 10:50 - 11:10 Noah Zacharin
             + http://www.noahsong.com

       o 11:15 - 11:35 Laura Fernandez
             + http://www.laurafernandezmusic.com

       o 11:40 - 12:05 Russell Leon
             + http://www.rleonband.com

       o 12:10 - 12:30 Peter J Slack with Jen Gillmor
             + http://www.pjslack.com
             + http://www.svdesign.ca

       o 12:30 - 1:00 Open Stage

      Our Kind Sponsors
          o The Cameron House
          o Songwiters Unite!
          o The Toronto Arts Council through The League of Canadian Poets
          o Sound and Vision Design
          o DigitalBird Studios

Website: http://www.lovecasting.net/

Saturday March 28th, 2009


Graffiti's Bar and Grill
170 Baldwin Street, Toronto (in Kensington Market) 

This is a paywhatyoucan gig...suggested $5

SONGWRITERS UNITE! presents:

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

KAT GOLDMAN
TRISH KERR
PETER BOYER
ELLIE AVISHAI
JENNIFER SCHAFFER
ALLISTER BRADLEY
FRANK PATRICK

with your host RUSSELL LEON

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

Saturday February 28th, 2009


Graffiti's Bar and Grill
170 Baldwin Street, Toronto (in Kensington Market) 

This is a paywhatyoucan gig...suggested $5

SONGWRITERS UNITE! presents:

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

Noah Zacharin
Blair Packham
D'Arcy Wickham
Heather Chappell
James Clark
Bri-Anne Swan
Ellie Avishai
Sarah Calvert

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

Sunday February 15th,2009

We are very honored and pleased to present a showcase as part of WINTERFOLK VII.
at the Black Swan, 154 Danforth Ave, Toronto, top floor. 
Admission is free to this festival.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/

          SONGWRITERS UNITE! Presents:

Scott B Sympathy    ( http://www.myspace.com/scottbsympathy )
Rob Szabo           ( http://www.robszabo.com/ )
Lindsay Ferguson    ( http://www.lindsayferguson.com/ )
Frank Prather
Collette Savard     ( http://www.collettesavard.com/ )
   with John Zytaruk 
Laura Bird          ( http://www.laurabird.com/ )
Trish Kerr          ( http://trishkerr.com/ )
Sam Turton          ( http://www.samturton.com/ )
Peter J Slack       ( http://www.pjslack.com )
  with Jen Gillmor 

          with host Russell Leon

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

Check out the WINTERFOLK VII lineup thus far:

http://www.abetterworld.ca/Pages/WFVIIArtists.htm

Saturday January 31st,2009

Our Graffiti's showcase keeps getting better and 
better, so much so that we are pleased to have 
moved to a Saturday night monthly spot at 
Graffiti's this year.  I'm very pleased to help 
celebrate kicking off the new year and announcing 
fabulous lineups of songwriters for January and 
February.

SONGWRITERS UNITE! presents: at GRAFFITI'S, 170 
Baldwin Street in Kensington Market. PWYC 
(suggested donation $5)
Saturday January 31st, 9pm 

The lineup includes:

   Gayle Ackroyd
Jill Jambor
   James Brand
Jay Linden
   Yawn Temiseva
Sara Kamin
   Tim Elms
Mathew Hailstone

Friday December 5th,2008


SONGWRITERS UNITE! presents the first Friday of
the month showcase.  December 5th :

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

Jude Haines
The Flyboys
Jaded
Annie Marleau
Neil Conway
Sam Turton
Ellie Avishai
Peter J Slack with Jen Gillmor

and, of course, your host Russell Leon with 
special guest Marcus Walker.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

Friday November 7th,2008


Yes it's that time again SONGWRITERS UNITE!  
presents the first Friday of the month showcase.  
Russell Leon will be there to host, entertain and
amaze you with:

Lily Cheng
Stacy Ricker
Shawna Caspi
Ed Winacott
Stacy Burke
Melanie Peterson
Jeff Oussoren
Terry Hart
And Special Guests

October 24th, 25th 2008


Last minute adjustments to the Songwriters Unite!
Private Showcase lineup:

SONGWRITERS UNITE PRESENTS:
SONGWRITERS UNITE GUERILLA SHOWCASE at the OCFF
in room #(to be announced on Friday at the Crown 
Plaza Hotel in Ottawa)

HOSTED BY RUSSELL LEON and PJ SLACK

-------Friday Oct. 24th

Set One: 11:30 - 12:30

DEBBIE FLEMING
JODIE ANKER
LINDSAY FERGUSON
DANIEL SKY

Set Two:  12:30  - 1:30

SHAWNA CASPI
SEAN PEEVER
DANNY BAKAN
JAY LINDEN

Set Three:  1:30 - 2:30

COURT LAJOIE
LAYAH JANE
IAN REID

Set Four:  2:30 - 3:30

TAYLOR MITCHELL
ANIA ZIEMISKA
CAREY WEST
JAKE WILLIS

3:30-4:30

FREE FOR ALL JAM        

-------Saturday Oct. 25th

Set One: 11:30 - 12:30

ED WINACOTT
DAVID HEIN
SUE AND DWIGHT
MARIANNE GIRARD

Set Two:  12:30 - 1:30

RUSSELL LEON
AMY CAMPBELL
COLETTE SAVARD
SAHRA FEATHERSTONE W Jason Fowler

Set Three:  1:30 - 2:30

MICHAEL LADEROUTE
PETER VERITY
MARY MILNE
PETER J SLACK

Set Four:  2:30 - 3:30

STACY RICKER
MARK WEINSTOCK
ELLIE AVISHAI

3:30-4:30

FREE FOR ALL JAM

October 3, 2008

SONGWRITERS UNITE! presents: the first Friday of
the month Graffiti's showcase this Friday, Oct.
the 3rd, 9pm at GRAFFITI'S, 170 Baldwin Street in
Kensington Market. PWYC (suggested donation $5)

The lineup includes:

Host Russell Leon (w/ special guest Marcus Walker) 
welcomes singer/songwriters

EDDY PLANT
KEITH MCDONALD
MARY MILNE
ROBERT DAVIS
MICHAEL ANGELO
and LENORE

October 4th, 2008


What better way to spend a Saturday night than to
hit a swingin' venue for some kickin' live music?!

THE RUSSELL LEON BAND 
ARTHUR RENWICK 
NEIL COTTON
and DAVE HUBERT.

October 4th
Mitzi's Sister, 1554 Queen ST W
Doors open at 9 pm
Cover is ONLY $6!

Thursday September 4th, 2008

SONGWRITERS UNITE! presents: songwriters' evening 
at the Cameron House Thursday Sept. 4th 408 Queen 
Street West Toronto.  The doors open at 8:30, $5 
suggested donation, back room.

Set 1
	NOAN ZACHARIN
	JAKE WILLIS w/ Ken Brown and Peter J Slack
	JAMES GORDON

Set 2
	JOANNE CRABTREE
	MARK WEINSTOCK
	BRI-ANNE SWAN

Set 3
	ANIA ZIEMIRSKA
	SCOTT MAYNARD
	MICHAEL LAKE

September 5th, 2008

SONGWRITERS UNITE! presents: the first Friday of
the month Graffiti's showcase this Friday, Sept.
the 5th, 9pm at GRAFFITI'S, 170 Baldwin Street in
Kensington Market.pwyc.

The lineup includes:

	TAMARA MILLER 
	COLLETTE SAVARD 
	ERIKA WERRY 
	ISABEL FRYZBERG w/ SCOTT ROGERS 
	LAURA RANIERI 
	DAVID HEIN 
	SEAN PEEVER 
	SCOTT COOK  
	RUSSELL LEON w/ MARCUS WALKER 

August 1st, 2008


SONGWRITERS UNITE! presents the first Friday of 
the month Graffiti's showcase this Friday, August 
the 1st, 9pm at GRAFFITI'S, 170 Baldwin Street in 
Kensington Market.pwyc.
 
The lineup includes:

LINDA M

     IAN REID

               LISA MARIE KRUCHAK
SARA KAMIN

           LIS SODERBERG

                         KIM AND FRANK


with host RUSSELL LEON

July 4th, 2008


SONGWRITERS UNITE! presents the first Friday of 
the month Graffiti's showcase this Friday, July 
the 4th, 9pm at GRAFFITI'S, 170 Baldwin Street in 
Kensington Market.pwyc.

 The lineup includes:

 JUDE HAINES
 HEATHER CHAPPELL
 MARNI LEVITT 
 MARION PARSONS
 DAVID MACKENZIE
 STACY RICKER
 JOE HASH
 
 with host RUSSELL LEON

June 6th, 2008

SONGWRITERS UNITE! presents the first Friday of 
the month Graffiti's showcase next Friday, June 
the 6th, 9pm at GRAFFITI'S, 170 Baldwin Street in 
Kensington Market.pwyc.

The lineup includes:

DAVE BORINS
JODY ANKER
GREG CAIRNS
MAKEDA TAYLOR
SIMPLE JOY
MARDI YAYDE
MICHAEL LADEROUTE
BRIAN GLADSTONE

with host RUSSELL LEON

May 31st , 2008

Come out to Graffiti's this Saturday May 31st at 
9pm...$6. and check out fellow SONGWRITERS UNITE! 
artists 
BLUE VENUS 
ARTHUR RENWICK 
RUSSELL LEON TRIO featuring ANSGAR SCHROER and MARCUS WALKER.

May 2nd, 2008


On Friday May 2nd Songwriters Unite! presents:

Jess Graham
Domenico deLuca
Adlai Waxman
Douglas Cameron
Sean McDonald
Donna Creighton
and Shawna Caspi
Hosted by:
Russell Leon

April 22, 2008


I am writing to you today, first, to let you know
about a special annual music event taking place
April 22 (Earth Day) at the Gladstone Ballroom in
Toronto to support Engineers Without Borders.  
Secondly, I am asking for your support to help
promote this event by spreading the word within
your own networks to help make this a success for
this amazing organization.  The event listing
follows.

 Come join us to celebrate earth day and help raise
 funds for Engineers Without Borders. This evening
 featuring the music of: The Sultans of String, Jon
 Brooks, Noah Zacharin, Russell Leon, Peter J Slack
 with Jen Gillmor, and Stacy Ricker. Don't miss
 this special music event!
 
 Date: April 22, 2008
 
 Time Start/End: 8:00 pm / 1:00 am
 
 Venue: The Gladstone Ballroom
  
     http://www.gladstonehotel.com/
     1214 Queen Street West
     Toronto, ON M6J 1J6
     (416) 531-4635
 
 Cover:$20 Advanced / $22 Door
     (Tickets can be purchased online)
 
  Website: http://www.lovecasting.net/
 
 Contact Info:
 
   Peter J Slack
   1-519-217-4935
   pslack@pjslack.com
 
 Engineers Without Borders
 ( http://www.ewb.ca ) responds to the needs of
 people in developing communities to help gain
 access to technologies that will improve their
 lives; technology that, when appropriately
 incorporated into each community's social,
 cultural, economic and political context, can
 drive extraordinary change.
 
 Don't miss out, this LOVECASTING happens only once 
 a year on Earth Day and this year, Songwriters 
 Unite and Lovecasting.net have assembled an 
 amazing line up of artists to help celebrate 
 including:  
 
 The Sultans of String 
   http://www.sultansofstring.com/
 Jon Brooks 
   http://www.jonbrooks.ca/
 Noah Zacharin 
   http://www.noahsong.com/
 Russel Leon 
   http://rleonband.com/
 Peter J Slack with Jen Gillmor 
   http://www.pjslack.com/
   http://www.svdesign.ca/
 Stacy Ricker 
   http://www.myspace.com/stacyricker
 
 With host: Laura Fernandez
   http://www.laurafernandezmusic.com/

 Thanks to our kind Sponsors for supporting this 
 event. Please visit our website for further 
 information and to purchase your tickets.
 
 http://www.lovecasting.net/
  

There is a facebook event posted here:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=12798109198

Friday April 4th, 2008


Songwriters Unite! Graffiti's monthly showcase, 
170 Baldwin Street in Kensington Market, 
Toronto Ontario, 
9 pm, pwyc. 

This month featuring original songs from:

LINDSAY FERGUSON
      ROMAN TOME
          ASHLEY CONDON
               TAYLOR MITCHELL
                   ROLO
      MICHAEL LAKE

hosted by Russell Leon 

Saturday March 29th, 2008

Songwriters Unite! is excited to present its first
ever ensemble line-up at one of Toronto's most
venerable music establishments the Cameron House.  
It takes place Saturday March 29th and the doors
open at 9 p.m.  The Cameron House is at 408 Queen
Street west (just west of Spadina on the north
side of the street).

We'll start the night with Collette Savard
accompanied by multi-instrumentalist John Zytaruk.
Between the two of them they strum guitar, banjo,
mandolin, ukulele and lap steel. Collette has just
finished a new recording; if you'd like more
information, check out her website at
http://www.collettesavard.com/.

Next up, The Sam Turton Band with Sam on lead
vocals and slide guitars accompanied by Jessie
Turton on bass as well as Jane Lewis and Heather
MacRae on harmony vocals. You can check out music
and more from Sam and his cohorts at one of these
sites:

http://www.myspace.com/samturtonmusic
http://www.sonicbids.com/SamTurton
http://www.samturton.com

The final ensemble for the night is the Trish Kerr
Band (http://www.myspace.com/trishkerr) with Trish
on piano, acoustic guitar and vocals joined by
Gord Fox on bass, Trevor Bond on electric guitar,
and Byran Dennis on drums.

The event will be hosted, Russell Leon
http://rleonband.com

The cover is ONLY FIVE DOLLARS!!!  So come on out for some great music...

Friday March 7th, 2008


Songwriters Unite! Graffiti's monthly showcase, 
170 Baldwin Street in Kensington Market, 
Toronto Ontario, 
9 pm, pwyc. 

This month featuring original songs from:

Shawn Sage, 
Brandon Jones, 
Stacy Ricker, 
Monique Barry, 
Sam Turton, 
Liz Soderberg, 
Andy Carey, 
Ed Winacott 

FEBRUARY 9th, 2008


part of the WINTERFOLK FESTIVAL @ the Willow 2-4 pm

Songwriters Unite! Showcase featuring:

Jess Graham,
Tanya Philopovitch,
Lucas Spagg,
Adlai Waxman,
Peter J. Slack and Jen Gillmor,
Sara Kamin,

hosted by Russell Leon
http://www.songwritersunite.com/

http://www.thewillow.ca
193 Danforth Avenue
Toronto, ON, Canada
(416) 469-5315

For details and ticket information:
http://www.abetterworld.ca/WinterfolkV.htm

Friday February 1st, 2008

Songwriters Unite!  
Graffiti's monthly showcase, 170 Baldwin Street in
Kensington Market, 9 pm, pwyc. Get there early to 
avoid standing room only.
 
This month featuring:

SAM TURTON, 

    ASHLEY CONDON, 

       ED WINACOTT, 

      NANCY DUTRA, 

  STACY RICKER, 

    LAUGHING CHAD, 

       DAVID FERARD 
 
hosted by Russell Leon
 
http://www.songwritersunite.com/
http://www.myspace.com/songwritersunite

On Facebook look for the group Songwriters Unite 
and request membership ...

Friday January 4th, 2008


Songwriters Unite! Graffiti's 
monthly showcase, 170 Baldwin Street in Kensington 
Market, 9 pm, pwyc. 

Our inaugural 2008 show Featuring:

Sara Kamin
           Jason Cliche
                        Howard Gladstone
Justin McDonald
                Ellen Carol
                            Colleen Costello
Douglas John Cameron 

hosted by Russell Leon

November 17th, 2007


WHERE:    Holy Trinity Anglican Church
          10 Trinity Square, Toronto
          (between the Eaton Center and City Hall)

WHEN:     TONIGHT, November 17th, 2007 6:00 pm

HOW MUCH: Donation of 10$ to Artscan Circle

WHAT:

Lovecasting Celebration for the benefit of 
THE ARTSCAN CIRCLE
http://www.artscancircle.ca/

PROGRAMME  8:00 pm opening Ceremonies

TRACEE SMITH - MASTER OF CEREMONIES
http://www.traceesmith.com/

Tracee is a member of Missanabie Cree First Nation 
in Northern Ontario. She was recently named one of 
Canada's 50 celebrated artists by the Canada 
Council for the Arts 50th Anniversary, and was the 
first dancer to ever perform at Rideau Hall for 
the Governor General.

She has trained in all forms of dance including 
tap, jazz, ballet, and modern, but concentrates on 
performing hip hop/urban dance. She has also 
recently graduated with an Honours BA in Dance, 
and now pursuing an MBA in First Nations Community 
Economic Development. She recently performed at 
the 2007 National Aboriginal Achievement Awards in 
Edmonton, and has been commissioned as 
choreographer with Christine O'Leary-Friday of the 
2008 15th Annual National Aboriginal Achievement 
Awards at the Sony Centre. She has danced 
professionally in NYC, Toronto and LA, working 
with the top choreographers in the world of 
concerts and music videos. 

While in NYC she performed at the Best of Broadway 
Dance Center, and enrolled at the William Esper 
Studio for Acting. She has choreographed for up 
and coming recording artists, and has taught hip 
hop workshops in U.S., Canada and Europe. Ms. 
Smith is the recipient of numerous scholarships 
including the National Aboriginal Achievement 
Foundation, Canada Council for the Arts, Ontario 
Arts Council, The Foundation for the Advancement 
of Aboriginal Youth, and The Dream Catcher Fund. 
When not acting as the National Manager of 
Aboriginal Affairs for T.E. Investment Counsel, 
she spends her free time offering dance workshops 
to First Nations reserves across the country, and 
travels to NYC and LA to train and perform.

8:05 - 8:15  PETER J SLACK ACCOMPANIED BY JEN GILLMOR
http://www.pjslack.com/
http://www.svdesign.ca/

Peter is an independent Canadian
singer-songwriter, musician, aspiring music
producer, mechanical engineer, philosopher,
philanthropist, and entrepreneur. Peter formed a
music production and recording company, Digital
Bird Studios in 1998. Peter produced several
albums for young independent artists and continues
to experiment with his own recording and writing
styles. Peter has recently released his first
official CD called "The Cat Continuum"

Jen has toured nationally and internationally with
numerous projects, recorded around a dozen albums,
appeared in nationally broadcast music videos and
on various local and national television shows.
Jen has either recorded, performed and/or toured
with: Roach Motel, Amer Diab, Evalyn Parry, The
Wetspots, Tucker Finn, duo with Lyndell
Montgomery, Dropdeadbeats, The Matriphiles, Random
Order, Women Ah Run Tings, Tamara Williamson, The
Kitchen Sink Project, Meryn Cadell, Snowdogs, The
Nancy Sinatras.

8:20 - 8:40  MICHAEL GRIFFIN
http://www.myspace.com/ojmichaelgriffin  

Michael's songs come from his deep Canadian Irish
roots and blend his love of truth with his love of
a well turned phrase. Michael has been writing and
performing songs for more than 30 years. Michael's
song Maria was featured by the Pomelo's in their
successful tour of Ontario last spring.  
Michael's song "Pax Americana"  featured on the
anti-war compilation CD Afghanistan On Guard for
Thee along with songs contributed by many other
talented artists and songwriters.

8:45 - 9:05  SAHRA FEATHERSTONE
http://www.sahrafeatherstone.com/

Sahra is a talented multi-instrumentalist,
performer, recording artist, studio-musician,
teacher and visual artist. She performs on
traditional harp, violin, flute, and whistles.  
Sahra has performed across Canada and throughout
Ontario at venues such as the Molson Amphitheatre
and Glenn Gould Studio in Toronto, the North York
Performing Arts Centre, and the National Arts
Centre in Ottawa. She has also performed in
Chicago and Nashville. Her debut album receives
airplay on CBC radio and other stations. She has
shared the stage with numerous artists and bands
including Don Ross, David Essig, Fig for a Kiss,
Lori Cullen, Aengus Finnan, Tim Harrison to name a
few

10 minutes ARTSCAN SLIDE PRESENTATION
Magoo and Carol Teal Presenting
http://www.artscancirle.ca/

9:15 -9:35  RUSSELL SCOTT
http://www.truesourceseminars.com/

With a vocal style similar to Gordon Lightfoot and
excellent finger style guitar drawn from the
influence of Bruce Cockburn, Russell is a
performer of a very special sort.  It is as if he
is in each moment singing and playing from
somewhere deep within the words and the tunes of
the songs he so generously shares. And the
resonances thus created flow out and equally
enliven those who have joined with him as an
audience. He.s no folk singer; he.s someone who
lives deep within his spirit . deep within life .  
his songs are poignant, they will touch you
deeply, you can.t help but be moved.

9:40 -10:00  RUSSELL LEON
http://www.rleonband.com/

Russel is this years recipient of the Coleen 
Peterson, Songs from the heart award, for best
children's song for his song "Troubadour"  
Russell Leon is a unique songwriter and
captivating performer who has been building a
reputation on the Toronto music scene. After
releasing his first acoustic CD, Russell expanded
on his folk roots and cranked up his electric
guitar to form the Russell Leon Band in 2001.  
Russell is the fearless leader of Songwriters
Unite! and has recently released an album called
"if Red were Green."

10:05 - 10:25  DAVID GILLIS
http://www.davidgillis.com/

David is an award winning guitar finger stylist
and recipient of the Coleen Peterson songs from
the heart award.  Originally from Hamilton Ontario
David comes from a rich historical lineage of
musicians.  His mother is an award-winning
vocalist and his crippled uncle was a champion
fiddler.  David is also a graphic designer, father
of three, David has his hands full yet still
manages to live up to his reputation as a virtuoso
guitarist and stellar singer/songwriter.

10:30 - 11:30
THE HOUSEPLANTS
http://www.myspace.com/thehouseplantsca

The Houseplants, a singer/songwriter vocal duo
with roots in pop, folk and jazz Featuring Perry
Joseph on vocals and acoustic guitar and Gordon
Shawcross on vocals and piano.  Perry and Gordon
have recently released the debut album
"Living room". Tonight's line-up will feature
Michael Herring on upright bass, Nichol S.
Robertson on banjo and guitar, Meredith Grant on
accordion and producer/engineer James Paul, of the
rogue studio, mixing the sound. 

Warm thanks to our sponsors and supporters

Russell Scott, The Ecology Retreat Center
Amy Fritz,     Belmont Music Supervision Services
Jen Gillmor,   Sound and Vision Design
John Slack,    AMP Inc. 
Peter Slack,   Digital Bird Studios
               Now Magazine
Russell Leon,  Songrwriters Unite!

October 13, 14, 2007


Songwriters Unite is a proud partner with the Jai
Dee Children's Fund to announce The 2nd Annual
Toronto Songwriters' Festival on October 13 - 14 
at the Hugh's Room.

Last year, Songwriters Unite! collaborated with
the Jai Dee Children's Fund and managed to raise
almost $6000; enough money to build a kindergarten
classroom in Laos Cambodia.  This year we look
forward to another successful event with your
support!

Come on out to Toronto's two-day annual acoustic
festival, where you get to groove to the original
compositions of some of our top homegrown talent.
The best part? All proceeds go toward helping to
educate poor children in Laos and India--proving
that you can have fun and make a difference at the
same time! CityTV did a segment on our show last
year and the local paper also wrote about us. The
quality of the music is phenomenal and it's great
to know you are making a difference in the lives
of poor children. You can even shop at our silent
auction for exotic things like handwoven silk
scarves from Laos. Door prizes too! Please join
us!

Sat Oct 13 is for adult music lovers, featuring:
Joshua Bartholomew, Kat Goldman, MEA Stars, Andy
Carey, Tucker Finn and Peter Verity.

Sun Oct 14 (11-3) is for young music aficionados
and their family and friends (you'll be amazed at
the talent of these young songwriters!).

For more info drop by our festival website: 
http://www.torontosongwritersfestival.com
http://www.songwritersunite.com

Ticket Information:

Saturday October 13th, 8pm to 12am: $25.00 advance, $27.00 at the door.
Sunday October 14th, 11am to 3pm: $10.00 advance, $12.00 at the door.

Contact Hugh's Room for tickets and dinner
reservations. Phone: (416) 531-6604 or Fax: (416)531-9545

Saturday, September 15th, 2007


When:     Saturday, September 15th, 9:00 pm
Where:    The Cameron House, 408 Queen St. West
How Much: $5.00
What:

Four songwriters from the Songwriters Unite!
collective along with the Russell Leon Band will
be performing. 

Featured artists:

Michael Laderoute http://www.myspace.com/laderoute
Sara Kamin        http://www.myspace.com/sarakamin
Jeff Straker      http://www.jeffstraker.com/
Frank Prather

Then the Russell Leon Band will perform with a
seven piece band...a great night of talent! 

http://www.rleonband.com/

Friday September 7,2007


WHEN:   Friday September 7,2007 ,9:00 pm
WHERE:  Graffiti's Bar and Grill
        170 Baldwin Street
        (in Kensington Market)
        Toronto
COST:   $PayWhatYouCan

SONGWRITERS UNITE! September showcase at
Graffiti's will feature...

Michael Laderoute http://www.myspace.com/laderoute   
Nancy Dutra       http://www.myspace.com/nancydutramusic  
Sara Kamin        http://www.myspace.com/sarakamin  
Peter J Slack     http://www.myspace.com/peterjslack  
Stacy Ricker      http://www.myspace.com/racysticker   

Friday June 1, 2007


WHEN:   Friday June 1 ,9:00 pm  
WHERE:  Graffiti's Bar and Grill 
        170 Baldwin Street
        (in Kensington Market)
        Toronto 
COST:   $PayWhatYouCan

SONGWRITERS UNITE! June showcase at
Graffiti's will feature... 
---------->
                ----------------->

    ADLAI WAXMAN     
                 http://www.myspace.com/adlaiwaxman  
    JEFF STRAKER
                 http://www.myspace.com/jeffstraker     
    CHAD NUTTALL
                 http://www.myspace.com/chadlaughing  
    JESSICA GRAHAM 
                 http://www.myspace.com/jessgrahamsings  
    ROSEMARY PHELAN 
                 http://www.myspace.com/rosemaryphelan  

                 <----------------
<------------

and RUSSELL LEON will host. 

May 4, 2007


WHEN:    May 4, 2007 : 9:00 pm
WHERE:
         Graffiti's bar and grill
         170 Baldwin Street in Kensington Market
         Toronto, Ontario
         http://www.graffitisbarandgrill.com/

$$:      $p.w.c.
WHAT:

SONGWRITERS UNITE! PRESENTS:

GAYLE ACKROYD        http://www.gayleackroyd.com/

MARION ARTHUR 

GRANT TILLY          http://www.granttilly.com/

THE FUTZ             http://www.myspace.com/th3futz  

TANYA PHILOPOVITCH   http://www.tanyarock.com

TERRY GOLLETZ        http://www.myspace.com/terrygolletz  

and 

Hosted by RUSSELL LEON

Sun Apr 22, 2007


A LOVECASTING FOR ENGINEERS WITHOUT BORDERS

When:       Sun Apr 22, 2007  
Time:       8pm  
Where:      Gladstone Ballroom  
Cover:      $20/$25 door  
Website:    http://lovecasting.net/  

For the 800 million people who go hungry each day
and the one billion who lack access to clean
water, poverty is an absence of opportunity.  
Engineers Without Borders responds to this need,
helping people in developing communities gain
access to technologies that will improve their
lives. Simple technology, when appropriately
incorporated into each community's social,
cultural, economic and political context, drives
extraordinary change.

To show our support and solidarity for this 
organization and its benevolent mission, we have 
put together a music festival to raise money and 
awareness for Engineers Without Borders. We have 
assembled a sample of the best songwriters and 
performers that Toronto has to offer including a 
feature performance by the LARRA SKYE QUINTET, 
simply the most sizzling jazz act that is taking 
the North American jazz scene by storm from coast 
to coast. Also, there will be two songwriters 
sets featuring the most intense and entertaining 
songwriters and performers in the world including: 
NOAH ZACHARIN, EVALYN PARRY, KARYN ELLIS, PETER J 
SLACK, JEN GILLMOR, and RUSSELL LEON.

For more information visit the festival website: 

http://lovecasting.net 

Get your tickets before they are gone!!!!

Many thanks to our kind sponsors: Songwriters 
Unite!, Now Magazine, Penguin Eggs Magazine, The 
Gladstone Hotel, Sound and Vision Design, 
DigitalBird Studios, Agricultural Mineral 
Prospectors 

With warmest regards to all mapleposters,

Peter J Slack, P.Eng.
http://www.myspace.com/peterjslack
------------------------------------- 

PS)What is Lovecasting?  It's far more effective
than broadcasting,as ubiquitous worldwide as
Podcasting, Come and find out for yourself what it 
is.

April 6, 2007

The first Friday of every month is the SONGWRITERS 
UNITE! showcase series at Graffiti's in the heart 
of Kensington market.

WHEN:    April 6, 2007 : 9:00 pm
WHERE:
         Graffiti's bar and grill
         170 Baldwin Street in Kensington Market
         Toronto, Ontario
         http://www.graffitisbarandgrill.com/

         $p.w.c.
WHAT:

SONGWRITERS UNITE! PRESENTS:
 
NICOLE DUECK         http://www.myspace.com/nicoledueckband
HOWARD GLADSTONE     http://www.myspace.com/howardgladstonemusic 
HEATHER MORGAN       http://www.myspace.com/heathermorganandthecompanyofmen
LENORE               http://www.myspace.com/lenorecanada  
PETER BOYD
MATT HUMPHREYS       http://www.myspace.com/matthumphreys
JAMIE LUBNER 

AND RUSSELL LEON will host the evening. 

Friday March the 2nd,2007


WHEN:   Friday March the 2nd at 9pm
WHERE:  Graffiti's, 170 Baldwin Street, Toronto
$$:     PWC
WHAT:

Songwriters Unite! presents the monthly showcase
series, the first friday of every month at
Graffiti's with host RUSSELL LEON.  This month
featuring:

          NEEMA  http://www.neema.ca

               COLLEEN COSTELLO     

   GAYLE ACKROYD    http://www.gayleackroyd.com

                VANESSA MARSHAK

February 10, 2007


WHERE:          The Black Swan, Second Floor
                154 Danforth Ave, Toronto
                416 469-0537
WHEN:           February 10, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
HOW MUCH:       FREE!!!
WHAT:           SONGWRITERS UNITE! @ WINTERFOLK
                http://www.myspace.com/songwritersunite   
       ------------------------------
*WINTERFOLK* is pleased to present the Songwriters
Unite! set hosted by Russell Leon:

Amy Campbell    http://www.myspace.com/amycampbellsongs

Blue Venus      http://www.myspace.com/bluevenusmusic

Clare O' Mahony http://www.myspace.com/clareomahony  

Kat Goldman     http://www.myspace.com/katgoldman 
 
Peter J Slack   http://www.myspace.com/peterjslack

Ronley Teper    http://www.myspace.com/ronleyteper

Russell Leon    http://www.myspace.com/rleonband  

Tanya Philipovich http://www.tanyarock.com/
       ------------------------------

For the official Winterfolk schedule go here:
http://www.abetterworld.ca/Schedule.htm

Friday, February 2nd, 2007


 WHEN:     Friday, February 2nd, 2007 at 9pm
 WHERE:    Graffiti's, 170 Baldwin Street, Toronto
 HOW MUCH: PWC
 WHAT:     SONGWRITERS UNITE! 
               PRESENTS:
 
 MICHAEL GRIFFIN     http://www.myspace.com/ojmichaelgriffin 
 DOUG ALCOCK         http://www.dougalcock.com/
 TREVOR BURT 
 STEVIE G 
 RICK HOWLAND 
 JERZY SMOKEY DYMNY
 
 with hosts:
 
 RUSSELL LEON        http://www.myspace.com/rleonband 

Friday January the 5th, 2007


Here's a little gig for the songwriters to get 
together and share their musical stories and 
bounce musical notions off one another:

SONGWRITERS UNITE PRESENTS:
 
Sara Kamin    --  http://www.myspace.com/sarakamin
Erika Werry   --  http://www.myspace.com/erikawerry
Peter J Slack --  http://www.myspace.com/peterjslack
Grant Tilly   --  http://www.granttilly.com/
Ellen Carol   --  http://www.ellencarol.ca/
Jeff Williams --  http://www.songwritersunite.com/view.php?pid=499
Clare O'Mahony http://www.clareomahony.com/

With Host RUSSELL LEON

 It all happens this Friday January the 5th at 9pm 
 at Graffiti's 170 Baldwin Street in the heart of 
 Kensington Market. PWYC.

Monday November 20th. 2006


1ST ANNUAL EMANCIPATION MUSIC FESTIVAL AND CD RELEASE
PRESENTED AND PRODUCED BY: 

-THE INTERNATIONAL EMANCIPATION CHILDREN'S FUND 
-DIGITAL BIRD STUDIOS 
-SONGWRITER'S UNITE 

WHEN: Monday November 20th. 2006, 6:00 pm doors open 
WHERE: THE HUGH'S ROOM 
WHY: All procedes to raise 
money for The International Emancipation 
Children's Fund directly benefiting the children 
of South Africa 
HOW MUCH: 27$ Advanced / $ 30 at 
the door SEATING IS LIMITED

DETAILS: http://www.pjslack.com/festival.html

We are very excited and pleased to bring together 
musical communities who foster a deep respect for 
one another's beliefs and differences and whose 
language of music is the cement in the foundation 
that brings and holds everyone's spirits together. 
It is this deep respect for one another that can 
be considered the primary catalyst of 
emancipation, and on November 20th, we come 
together at the Hugh's room to continue the 
celebration of freedom through artistic 
expression. 

The CD release of "The Cat Continuum" is a musical 
document of Peter J Slack's journey that was 
inspired by the many influences and opportunities 
presented by Russell Leon of Songwriter's Unite 
(www.songwritersunite.com), and the Emancipation 
Picnic organizers Dennis and Lisa Scott 
(www.emancipation.ca). The theme of the CD is 
about healing and giving through music and, with 
respect to this theme, both the proceeds and 
primary purpose of this event are to benefit the 
children of South Africa through the International 
Emancipation Children's Fund. We are also pleased 
to release the 2005 emancipation picnic CD.

JOINING US IN THIS CAUSE ARE A MIX OF SOME OF THE 
BEST SINGER-SONGWRITERS ALONGSIDE INTERNATIONALLY 
RENOWN WORLD ARTISTS: 
 
   BLACKBURN

Four Brothers (Robert, Brooke, Duane and Cory) and 
close friend Mark Ayee, renowned in the Toronto 
area performing at such venues as the old BAMBOO, 
Canadian Blues Festival, and currently at Jo Mama, 
Nawlin's and other Toronto venues; Artic Record 
recording artists producing 2 CD's "Soul 
Searching" and Livin'; producers of the video 
"Africa" (#6 on E ENERGY108/MuchMusic National 
Video). Promoters of family, roots and culture 
"Messages of Positivity".  

Blackburn has volunteered their musicianship to 
the Emancipation Celebration Picnic for as long as 
can be remembered.  Not only are they descendants 
of slaves who traveled the Underground Railroad to 
its most Northerly terminus, Owen Sound, their 
music reflects community, roots, culture and 
family through soulful heartfelt lyrics and 
pulsing rhythms.    

  JOAQUIN NUNEZ HIDALGO
  http://www.myspace.com/joaquinrumberos

world-renowned Afro Cuban percussionist, musical 
director and instructor, participant in the 
Barbados Jazz Festival, the International Montreal 
Jazz Festival and the Distillery Jazz Festival 
among leading the Afro-Cuban percussion ensemble 
"Havana Rumba" and the traditional Cuban music 
trio "Cubanos".  


  ERICA THOMAS

Erica Thomas' prose resonates with her personal 
identity, 'black' identity and self-recognitions 
and confidence building.  Her spoken word and CD, 
"Poetry of Emotions", emanates hope, life's 
complexities, love, rhythm and harmony and speaks 
to our souls.   

  LARRA SKYE

In December 2005, Larra released her debut album 
'The World Disappears' at the famed Montreal 
Bistro in Toronto to a sold-out crowd. Since then, 
her original compositions have been receiving 
airplay from national campus stations, jazz 
stations and the CBC (including Jurgen Gothe's 
DiscDrive). In June, HMV took 'The World 
Disappears' nationwide and within a month, it was 
on their bestseller charts for jazz. The album is 
also being sold through Indigo and Chapters stores 
across the country. At 23, Larra has performed 
with some of the best in Toronto's jazz music 
scene - including Dave Restivo, Jim Vivian, Perry 
White, Anthony Michelli, Barry Romberg and Rich 
Brown. She continues to write music and is 
currently studying privately with Lisa Martinelli.  

  DAVID GILLIS

"Makes you think of Jackson Brown, the way he 
sings. But of course it's David Gillis with his 
own perspective on depth, and an award-winning 
guitar style. He comes of his reputation honestly, 
with a strong musical tradition in his family. The 
quality of performance of his supporting musicians 
is a further testament to the level of respect 
David receives from his peers. He is known as a 
.musician.s musician.. His recent cd, When You.ve 
Got A Dream accentuates his profound talent".

--Mariposa Folk Festival

  
  RUSSELL LEON

Russell Leon is a unique songwriter and 
captivating performer who has been building an 
impressive reputation on the Toronto music scene. 
With an acoustic CD under his belt, Leon expanded 
on his folk roots and cranked up his electric 
guitar to form the Russell Leon Band in 2001. 
Propelled by the dynamic drumming of Larry Kline 
and a stellar cast of supporting musicians, the 
band began to create music as diverse as the city 
it calls home. Regular performances around Toronto 
found them playing to a growing number of 
enthusiastic fans in settings ranging from wild 
rock concerts to intimate acoustic shows. In 2005, 
the Russell Leon Band completed a full-length CD 
and welcomed Marcus Walker aboard on bass (photos 
to be updated soon). The band plays many of the 
city's top live music venues, including the 
Cameron House, the Rivoli, the Reverb, Rancho 
Relaxo, Clinton's, Holy Joe's, and Graffiti's. 
Recent RLB gigs of note include Canadian Music 
Week, North by Northeast, and opening slots for 
music legends Ike Turner and Leon Russell(!). All 
of the members of the Russell Leon Band are 
experienced players with a flair for shifting 
stylistic gears. These world travellers are all 
over the musical map, making it difficult to 
define their overall sound. But the music is 
grounded in Russell Leon's compelling lyrics and 
spirited vocal performances. His eclectic 
storytelling and social commentary go straight to 
the heart, while the band's irrepressible energy 
brings people to their feet. Raising consciousness 
and raising the roof, the Russell Leon Band 
demands to be heard. Now it's time for everyone to 
discover a true jewel of the independent music 
world.  

  PETER J SLACK

Peter J. Slack is an independent Canadian 
singer-songwriter, musician, aspiring music 
producer, mechanical engineer, and entrepreneur. 
Although Peter loves all musical styles, he is 
most comfortable exploring the folk, jazz, blues 
and ambient/improvisational genres. Peter has had 
a lifetime of musical training and involvement. In 
his teens, Peter studied jazz guitar at Eli 
Kasner's guitar academy for 5 years under the 
guidance of Bruce Jones with whom he has recently 
finished a second Brazilian jazz album playing 
lead guitar. Peter turned momentarily from the 
musical path in 1984 and spent the next decade 
first obtaining an Engineering degree at the 
University of Western, and then practicing 
engineering, raising a family, and running a 
family owned mining business and organic farming 
venture. It wasn't until 1996 that the music bug 
took hold again and Peter branched out to begin 
producing music forming a music production and 
recording company, Digital Bird Studios. It was 
then he began exploring the realm of independent, 
desktop computer based music publishing, and he 
produced several albums for young independent 
artists including Jennalyn Flesch and Dave Misener 
(Convertible Robots, Sir Jerry). Peter has since 
continued to produce music on the ever-increasing 
capabilities of the computer desktop and home 
studio as well as experimenting and blazing trail 
using the Internet as a free and open musical 
distribution mechanism. 
In 2004, Peter was inducted into the Toronto area 
collective of songwriters currently known as 
Songwriter's Unite!. After several years writing 
songs and gaining inspirations through 
performances with and among other amazing artists 
in this collective, Peter has launched a folk 
musical style and has just released his first 
official CD: "The Cat Continuum", a folk-pop 
album. Peter is also working on the production of 
the 2006 Emancipation Picnic Festival blues and 
soul recordings.  

Friday Oct 6th,2006


===WHAT: 
On the first Friday of every month, SONGWRITERS
UNITE! ( http://www.songwritersunite.com/ )  
presents a great lineup of singer/songwriters 
performing original songs.

===WHO:
THIS MONTH SONGWRITERS UNITE! features artists:
ED ROMAN, ARTHUR RENWICK, SCOTT REYNOLDS, 
PETER J SLACK, NICK SPENCE, CINDY ARCHER, 
LOVELY ROSINA  and the host of SONGWRITERS UNITE! 
RUSSELL LEON.

===WHEN: 
This Friday Oct 6th. 9pm  

===WHERE: 
Graffiti's in Kensington Market. 
170 Baldwin Street, Toronto
( http://www.graffitisbarandgrill.com/ )

===$$$
pwyc.

September 24th, 2006


Announcing the first annual Toronto Songwriter's 
Festival brought to you by Songwriter's Unite and 
the Jai Dee (Good Heart) Children's Fund.

http://www.jaideechildrensfund.org/featureActs2006-09-24.html

Date: September 24th
Time: 6:30
Location: The Hugh's Room 
(http://www.hughsroom.com)
Tickets: 40$

Jai Dee (Good Heart) Children's Fund, a new 
Toronto charity, has teamed up with Songwriters' 
Unite! to launch this festival to support local 
talent and to raise money for a kindergarten 
school in Laos. CityTV's Jojo Chintoh will 
cut the ribbon. The evening features award-
winning blues singer Suzie Vinnick, and 
other notable performers, Royal Wood, Noah 
Zacharin, Kat Goldman, Layah Jane, 
blueVenus, Peter J Slack, The Undesirables 
and the Russell Leon Band. Comedian 
Alex Nussbaum will make a spot appearance. 
There will be a silent auction, door prizes 
and plenty of finger food. Proceeds will 
help improve a kindergarten school in 
Laos, which needs everything from 
outhouses to books and crayons. 
www.jaideechildrensfund.org. 


Alex Nussbaum
was nominated for the 2004 Canadian Comedy Award 
for Best Male Stand Up.  His absurdist, 
observational and visual comedy is sure to get you 
laughing.

blueVenus
Devrim Eldelekli and Andrea de Boer are blueVenus. 
The music of blueVenus is artful rock that 
incorporate elements of jazz, blues, latin and pop 
music. 

Kat Goldman has performed at NXNE, Taste of the 
Danforth and Canadian Music Week. She has also 
opened for The Waifs, Blue Rodeo's Bob Egan, Sarah 
Slean, Dar Williams and Martin Sexton. Kat is an 
eloquent storyteller with a powerful on stage 
persona. 

 Layah Jane
Twenty-three year old singer-songwriter Layah Jane 
is a hearty young musician with a mission. With 
soulful vocals and a poetic, articulate tongue, 
Layah's sound recalls Joni Mitchell, Ricki Lee 
Jones and Ani Difranco, with a resonance all her 
own.  

 Noah Zacharin
Noah Zacharin was born, weaned, and raised in 
Montreal. Inspired to ask for a guitar by a camp 
counselor who played ukulele; grateful he didn't 
ask for one of those. Learned to play at the feet 
of his parents' hi-fi speakers, listening to, 
among others, Mississippi John Hurt, Dave Van 
Ronk, Reverend Gary Davis, David Bromberg, Bob 
Dylan, and Patrick Sky.  

 Peter J. Slack
Peter J. Slack is a Canadian Independent 
Singer-Songwriter, a mechanical engineer, computer 
geek, and entreprenuer.  

 Royal Wood
Royal started playing piano at age four. He has 
toured with Sarah Harmer, played at many music 
festivals including Canadian Music Week, and had 
his music featured on several TV and movie 
soundtracks. To the delight of his many fans, 
he'll soon be releasing his latest CD, A Good 
Enough Day (nationally distributed through 
Universal Music).  

 Suzie Vinnick
Suzie Vinnick is an award-winning singer, 
songwriter and musician. She recently won 1st 
place in the Blues Category of the International 
Songwriting Contest. She was awarded the 2003 
Canadian Maple Blues Female Vocalist of the Year, 
and was nominated again as the 2004 Canadian Maple 
Blues Female Vocalist of the Year.  

 The Russell Leon Band
All of the members of the Russell Leon Band are 
experienced players with a flair for shifting 
stylistic gears. These world travellers are all 
over the musical map, making it difficult to 
define their overall sound. But the music is 
grounded in Russell Leon's compelling lyrics and 
spirited vocal performances.  

 The Undesirables
The Undesirables are a refreshing and infectious 
songwriting duo who kick out heat like an old 
woodstove. Guitarist/harmonist Sean Cotton and 
lyricist/singer Corin Raymond deliver a brand new 
vibe with roots clout.  
 

April 19, 2006


HUGH'S ROOM
Heroes and Villains  	

Timothy Cameron
Laura Fernandez
Bernie German
Layah Jane
Andrew Lang
Alise Marlane
Michael Reinhart
Ronley Tepper
Noah Zacharin

March 22,2006


HUGH'S ROOM
Out in the Country 	

Brian Gladstone
Ellen Carol
Bill Colgate
Keith Thompson
Rich Burnett
Pat Kelly
Co-presented by the National Campus Radio Association

February 15, 2006


HUGH'S ROOM
My Favourite Book. 	

Su Alexanian Clancy
David Leask
Harry Lewis
Bruce Madole
Evalyn Parry
Marion Parsons
Carol Teal
Noah Vachon

Thanks to The CBC for their support on this show!

January 18, 2006


HUGH'S ROOM
Globalization 	

Dorothy Cooley
Joshua Engel
Howard Gladstone
Eve Goldberg
Harry Lewis
Alise Marlane
Asetha Power
Russell Scott
Peter J. Slack

November 23,2005


HUGH'S ROOM
Colours 	

Laura Bird
Herb Dale
Brian Gladstone
Greg Klyma
Harry Lewis
David Newland
Steven Rauchman
Peter J. Slack
Noah Zacharin

October 19,2005


HUGH'S ROOM
Sex!! 	

Ronley Teper
Gregg Lawless
Peter Boyd
Peter J Slack
Dennis O'Toole
Matt Masters
Lynn Harrison
Neil Conway
Trevor Mills

With the following amazing players in the house band: Brian Katz (piano & guitar), Scott Maynard (bass) 
and Ilios Steryannis (drums)

September 21,2005


HUGH'S ROOM
Toronto 	

Mike Freedman
Terry Golletz
Greg Hobbs
Gregg Lawless
Alise Marlane
Tanya Philipovich
Peter Verity
Ed Winacott
Terry Young

With the AMAZING House band The Magic Stuff (Robbie Grunwald leads the band on keys. These guys are the 
regular pit band for the Sunday Night Live Improv Show at the Poor Alex Theatre)

May 18th, 2004


HUGH'S ROOM

(35 performers, one magical night of music and community)

7:00 - 8:00 	First Timers
Ellie Avishai playing Rick Keating
randaLL J. Fox playing Kat Goldman
Natalie Hughes playing Lisa Winn
Nana Jokura playing Reid Jamieson
City Folk playing Michael Daley
Sara Kamin playing Arlene Bishop
Kirsten Sandwich playing Trevor Mills
Markus playing Royal Wood
Jeff Oussoren playing Lori Cullen
Linda Saslove playing Ian North

8:00 - 8:15 	Speech!!
(read it) 	Producer Trevor Mills will speak about what's ahead for Songwriters Unite! and plans for 
taking it to the next level. He'll also introduce the new producer of the show who will take the reins 
next year after he moves to Winnipeg.

8:15 - 9:00 	Cover Swaps
(I'll show you yours if you show me mine!) 	
Lynn Harrison and Karen Leslie Hall
David Newland and Aengus Finnan
Norman Liota and Sam Turton

9:00 - 11:00 	Special Guests & Past Favourites
(Folks who travelled from afar and some favourites from Songwriters Unite! Shows past) 	Ben Sures (from 
Alberta)
ChoirGirlz playing Gregg Lawless
Eve Goldberg playing Evalyn Parry
Jory Nash playing Brian MacMillan
Kim Beggs playing Anne Louise Genest
Anne Louise Genest playing Kim Beggs
Laura Fernandez playing Noah Zacharin
Michelle Rumball playing Justin Rutledge
Rich Burnett playing Karyn Ellis

11:00 - 12:00 	Acoustic Song Circles
(Off stage, off mic, one by the bar, one by the stage. Two acoustic song circles. Stand by, sit in, sing 
along and enjoy) 	Circle #1 (by the stage)
Corin Raymond playing Evalyn Parry
Treasa Levasseur playing Corin Raymond
Mary Anne Epp playing Nonie Crete
Brenda McMorrow playing Ian Gifford
Allison Brown playing Jennifer Noxon

Circle #2 (by the bar)
Bill Candy playing Wendell Ferguson
David Gillis playing Wendell Ferguson
Evalyn Parry playing Tucker Doherty
Nancy Dutra playing Justin Rutledge
Alfie Smith playing Allison Brown
12:00 -
??? 	After Party
(Stay, hang out, sing more songs, pine for the past, dream for the future, raise toasts, etc...) 	
Everyone and everyone!

April 20, 2004

HUGH'S ROOM

Jingles
(Songwriters are invited to write a 'jingle' for The Monthly Show or Hugh's Room or anything else to do 
with the music industry) 

Dan D'Agostino
Danny Bakan
Clancy
Bill Colgate
Reverend Ken
Vanessa Marshak
Sarah Metzner
Ian Sherwood
Sam Turton

House Band:
The Magic Stuff*
 - Robbie Grunwald (organ)
 - Adam Balsam (drums)
 - Steve Perzow (bass)

* - The Magic Stuff are the pit band for the popular sketch comedy show Sunday Night Live, every Sunday 
at The Poor Alex Theatre

March 16, 2004


HUGH'S ROOM

The CBC 	
César Alvarez
Choirgirlz
Heather Dale
Tom Howell
Claire Jenkins
Gregg Lawless
George Meanwell
Dennis O'Toole
Guy Stefan

House Band:
Galitcha
(a very cool East Indian/Jazz/World music group from Ottawa, ON. The show is going to have a GREAT 
flavour!!)

February 16, 2004

HUGH'S ROOM
Animals
(In anticipation of The Furry Folk Festival on March 25 at Hugh's Room supporting the Ontario SPCA) 	

Laura Bird
Eliana Cuevas
Robert Davis
Tucker Doherty
John Dorsey
Matt Masters
Evalyn Parry
Trevor Strong
Mark Weinstock

House Band:
  - Jason Fowler
  - Tom Leighton
  - David Woodhead

January 20, 2004

HUGH'S ROOM

Peter Boyd
Allison Brown
Nicole Dueck
Nancy Dutra
Wendell Ferguson
Laura Fernandez
Rob Lutes
Tony Turner
Caroline Wiles

House Band:
Suzie Vinnick (bass)
Troy McLaggan (guitar)
Dave Pontello (drums)

December 16, 2003

HUGH'S ROOM
'W' Words 

Rich Burnett
Bill Candy
Pat Kelly
Norman Liota
Alise Marlane
Brenda McMorrow
Kevin Quain
Corin Raymond
Michelle Rumball

House Band:
Dan Whiteley (mandolin, electric guitar)
Burke Carroll (dobro, pedal steel)
(Again, the house band includes some stellar players. Dan can be heard on Wednesdays at the Silver 
Dollar playing bluegrass with Crazy Strings and Burke is simply one of the most respected session 
players around!)

November 18, 2003

HUGH'S ROOM

Read a Review 	Forecast 	
Songwriters:
Karyn Ellis
Ian Gifford
David Gillis
Karen Leslie Hall
Carrie Horachek
Molly McClure
David Newland
The Undesirables
D'Arcy Wickham

House Band:
Maury Lafoy (bass)
Dave Matheson (piano)
Mark Mariash (drums & percussion)
(These are simply some of the finest players from around town whose playing credits include The Supers, 
Ron Sexsmith, Sarah Harmer, Moxy FrĂĽvous, Sarah Slean & Kurt Swinghammer)

October 21, 2003

HUGH'S ROOM

Read a Review 	Blackout 	Songwriters:
Beth Cahill
Layah Jane
rob lamothe
Manitoba Hal
Trevor Mills
Justin Rutledge
Trevor Strong
Royal Wood
Terry Young

House Band:
The Anne Lindsay Band
  - Anne Lindsay
  - David Woodhead
  - Jason Fowler

September 23, 2003

HUGH'S ROOM

With a Twist 	Songwriters:

Joanne Crabtree
Neil Cotton
Tucker Doherty
Terry Golletz
Darren Kraemer
Gregg Lawless
Andrew Masse
Carol Teal
Peter Wildman

House Band:
Sahra Featherstone
Joe Phillips
Curly Boy Stubbs