Tomorrow, July 29th is a big day... the CD that Whiskey Jack recorded with Stompin' Tom in 1993 is being re-released by Universal Music Canada. We'll be hosting a big party to celebrate this event at Lula Lounge on October 19th...details to follow. I just rec'd a copy of the cover.
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Attention - Stompin' Tom fans in New Liskeard
Attention all you Stompin' Tom fans in New Liskeard and surrounding communities... Whiskey Jack Presents Stories & Songs of Stompin' Tom is coming to your area this weekend, July 22, 23 and 24, 2016. This will no doubt be a spirited gathering of Northern Ontario country music fans. The event is the 18th annual Sutton Bay Country Fest.
On Friday and Saturday we'll be telling tall tales of life on the road with Tom and performing all the hits....Bud the Spud, The Hockey Song, Sudbury Saturday Night, Margo's…Read more
On Friday and Saturday we'll be telling tall tales of life on the road with Tom and performing all the hits....Bud the Spud, The Hockey Song, Sudbury Saturday Night, Margo's…Read more
Accolades From A Happy Fan
Somehow I missed reading an email that I received in April, shortly after Whiskey Jack returned from our northern tour of Elliot Lake, Manitoulin Island and Sudbury. I discovered it this morning.
Thank you to Elliot Lake vocalist and dobro player, Gloria Jean Hansen from Elliot Lake who wrote:
"My head will ring for days with the sounds, the beautiful joyful noise you made on the stage of our Civic Center tonight."
Gloria Jean plays with country band Val Spencer & Northern Cross (see photo). She even…Read more
Thank you to Elliot Lake vocalist and dobro player, Gloria Jean Hansen from Elliot Lake who wrote:
"My head will ring for days with the sounds, the beautiful joyful noise you made on the stage of our Civic Center tonight."
Gloria Jean plays with country band Val Spencer & Northern Cross (see photo). She even…Read more
The Real Poet Laureate
Shawn Micallef from The Toronto Star published an article on May 28th where he stated that "Downie is the Poet Laureate of Canada, in spirit if not yet by official appointment". He continues "his lyrics conjure Canadian sports mythology, historical figures, long struggles, regional sensibilities, and geography itself".
With all due respect to Gord Downie, a fine Canadian I'm sure (never met him), Stompin' Tom did all of this long before most Hip fans were even born. I'm pretty sureTom was never given…Read more
With all due respect to Gord Downie, a fine Canadian I'm sure (never met him), Stompin' Tom did all of this long before most Hip fans were even born. I'm pretty sureTom was never given…Read more
Downie and Connors
I'm sorry to say, I don't know if Gord Downie ever got to meet Stompin' Tom. From what I heard on the radio this morning, they should have. My guess is, they would have hit if off.
'm also sorry to say, I know very little about Downie's band, The Tragically Hip. After listening to a short phone-in segment on my local CBC affiliate this morning, I know a little bit more. It was announced today that Gord Downie, the lead singer for this band, has been diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. Their fans are…Read more
'm also sorry to say, I know very little about Downie's band, The Tragically Hip. After listening to a short phone-in segment on my local CBC affiliate this morning, I know a little bit more. It was announced today that Gord Downie, the lead singer for this band, has been diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. Their fans are…Read more
Whiskey Jack and Universal Canada
It was announced recently that a Stompin' Tom album recorded with Whiskey Jack in 1993 will be re-released this summer. It's called Dr. Stompin' Tom... Eh? It was a "first" for Tom. He had never before collaborated in the studio or on a tour with an established band. As a result, this CD has a consistently distinct Whiskey Jack flavour supporting each song.
This announcement is great news for Whiskey Jack and fans of our show, Stories & Songs of Stompin' Tom. After a long telephone conversation…Read more
This announcement is great news for Whiskey Jack and fans of our show, Stories & Songs of Stompin' Tom. After a long telephone conversation…Read more
Stompin' Tom Ltd. Working Together With Whiskey Jack
Every couple of months, I take a leisurely country drive to Erin Ontario and spend a few hours with Tom Jr, Lena at the family compound. We talk hockey, the good old days on the road but mostly, we talk about the future....the future of the Stompin' Tom brand.
The passion we all share is the desire to keep the legacy of Stompin' Tom Connors relevant in 2016 and beyond. To that end, we forged a new relationship during my visit yesterday.
Later in 2016, Universal Records will be re-releasing the 1993…Read more
The passion we all share is the desire to keep the legacy of Stompin' Tom Connors relevant in 2016 and beyond. To that end, we forged a new relationship during my visit yesterday.
Later in 2016, Universal Records will be re-releasing the 1993…Read more
Anatomy of a Stompin' Tom Fan
We had just finished our second song at our show in Hepworth Ontario last Sunday when I looked out and noticed 10 empty chairs in the front row. On each chair was a hastily written "Reserved for VIP's" sign. My first thought was, "what would Tom do about this?". I knew exactly what he would do!
I announced the availability of 10 VIP seats in the front row and encouraged those in the back to make their way through the crowd to take over these seats.
A few minutes later, as we were finishing up Margo's…Read more
I announced the availability of 10 VIP seats in the front row and encouraged those in the back to make their way through the crowd to take over these seats.
A few minutes later, as we were finishing up Margo's…Read more
Stompin' Tom's 80th with Gordon Lightfoot, Adrienne Clarkson and Lena Connors
On February 10, Whiskey Jack was basking in the glow of what by all counts was the best Stompin' Tom birthday celebration to date. Planning has begun for next year - count on something special. Imagine celebrating Canada's 150th birthday with the songs and tales of Stompin' Tom, the troubadour who so eloquently wrote and sang about this great land.
But first, we thank the capacity crowd at Hugh's Room who roared and cheered and clapped for every song, every story and every guest. Their exuberance was…Read more
But first, we thank the capacity crowd at Hugh's Room who roared and cheered and clapped for every song, every story and every guest. Their exuberance was…Read more
Gordon Lightfoot Salutes Stompin' Tom at Whiskey Jack Show
Dave Ferri and Adam Ferri and the Orchard TV crew filmed our Feb. 9th, 2016 Stompin' Tom 80th birthday celebration at Hugh's Room. The video editing is underway. We'll be releasing some video highlights over the next few weeks.
Here's Gordon Lightfoot's performance as he tells us about his visit to Tom's "private bar" in 2005. He then sings a song "Tom might like"... I'll Tag Along. Introduction by the great J.P. Cormier.
Stompin' Tom's 80th with Gordon Lightfoot, Adrienne Clarkson and Lena Connors
Today, Whiskey Jack basks in the glow of what by all counts was the best Stompin' Tom birthday celebration to date. Planning has begun for next year - count on something special. Imagine celebrating Canada's 150th birthday with the songs and tales of Stompin' Tom, the troubadour who so eloquently wrote and sang about this great land.
But first, we thank the capacity crowd at Hugh's Room who roared and cheered and clapped for every song, every story and every guest. Their exuberance was contagious.
The…Read more
But first, we thank the capacity crowd at Hugh's Room who roared and cheered and clapped for every song, every story and every guest. Their exuberance was contagious.
The…Read more
How To Promote This Show
I spoke yesterday with Samira Rehman, the Marketing and PR Coordinator at the Living Arts Centre in Mississauga. We were discussing a plan to sell out our show on January 9th, 2016. I must say, I was mightily impressed with their thoroughness and hands-on approach to marketing. This campaign will produce results, I have no doubt of that.
Their online presence, with a focus on Facebook, is excellent. They bought ads and have reached 18,000 people in their region. They have a budget that has allowed…Read more
Their online presence, with a focus on Facebook, is excellent. They bought ads and have reached 18,000 people in their region. They have a budget that has allowed…Read more
Laurie Ann Agency Books Stompin' Tom
I reconnected today with one of the most important personalities in Canadian Country music that you've never heard of. His name is Ron Sparling and he owns and operates a booking agency in Ottawa, Laurie Ann Entertainment. Ron's been a cog in the Canadian country music wheel since the early 1970's, booking most major fairs and festivals in his prime. Most of those headlining events have been reduced to beer gardens so Ron isn't as busy these days as he once was.
Whiskey Jack first met Ron, an enigmatic…Read more
Whiskey Jack first met Ron, an enigmatic…Read more
Endorsement from Tom Connors Jr
We just received and email from Tom Connors Jr. I sent him a copy of our new CD awhile ago. His mom Lena plays it in her car and Tom? Well, this is what he said:
"Whiskey Jack not only nails the music, but you can tell they are having fun doing it as well." One of the best Stompin' Tom Tribute CDs I've ever heard. Keep up the good work."
Tom Connors JR
"Whiskey Jack not only nails the music, but you can tell they are having fun doing it as well." One of the best Stompin' Tom Tribute CDs I've ever heard. Keep up the good work."
Tom Connors JR
Tom Knew His Audience!
Each time we prepare for one of our Stories & Songs of Stompin' Tom shows, I can't help but reminisce about our many nights on stage as we watched Tom, the old pro, embrace his audience with his antics and his songs. He was a master at making his fans feel like they were his special guest and the performance was just like a good old fashion kitchen party in his home. Those times on stage with him provide the fuel and energy that keeps it at a high level. All who played with him felt this bond. It…Read more
Video Channel Visited Often
We have a lot of videos, some new, some old, that are available on our Youtube channel. https://www.youtube.com/playlist…
I was checking out the number of visits on some of the more recent uploads and noticed that our fiddle medley featuring our champion fiddler Randy Morrison has 2566 hits...in a very short period of time. That's a big number. Congratulations Randy...the whole world is watching!
Something Special In The Air
The Stompin' Tom shows we've done this year have gone swimmingly! I think it's safe to say all seven of us in the band feel caught up in a musical joy ride and we're having the time of our life. Every show on our recent tour of Georgian Bay and Northern Ontario ended with a standing ovation. It's not surprising that we float out of the theatre each night with these happy images in our heads.
We like to think the music and the stories that we share each night do justice to the memories we have of Tom and…Read more
We like to think the music and the stories that we share each night do justice to the memories we have of Tom and…Read more
Is It Wrong To Simply Want To Be Entertained?
I notice two of my favourite singers and song writers are coming to Massey Hall soon. Emmy Lou Harris and Rodney Crowell are touring together and odds are, it should be a good show.
I've seen each of them perform on their own and I've been less than impressed. The songs are good. The singing is great but I left each show feeling let down. I never found them to be even slightly entertaining. I won't be buying tickets to their Massey Hall show. I'll stay home and listen to their CD's.
Lyle Lovett is an…Read more
I've seen each of them perform on their own and I've been less than impressed. The songs are good. The singing is great but I left each show feeling let down. I never found them to be even slightly entertaining. I won't be buying tickets to their Massey Hall show. I'll stay home and listen to their CD's.
Lyle Lovett is an…Read more
Immersing Ourselves In Sudbury Saturday Night
This musical journey, Stories & Songs of Stompin' Tom, has been quite the ride. Besides the fact we've been able to perform the Tom songs we learned when we toured with him, we've been trying to add more and more of these great songs to our repertoire. This has been a bit of a challenge in terms of learning lyrics. I'm not making excuses but it isn't as second nature as it was 20 years ago.
I spend weeks going over the words to my songs before I'm ready to sing them in the show. I'm going to debut Moon…Read more
I spend weeks going over the words to my songs before I'm ready to sing them in the show. I'm going to debut Moon…Read more
Next Up..Midland Show on September 11th
On Friday, September 11th, the Huronia Museum is hosting our show, Whiskey Jack Presents Stories & Songs of Stompin' Tom as a fundraiser for their spectacular facility.
Midland native, Douglas John Cameron will join us for this show.
Tickets are available online. Click here.
Midland native, Douglas John Cameron will join us for this show.
Tickets are available online. Click here.
Good Show, Good Promotion, Good Crowd!
Each time we perform our show, Stories & Songs of Stompin' Tom, our enthusiasm grows. It grows not just because we love playing/singing this music, but because the crowds get bigger and bigger and the media response gets more enthusiastic.
First, leading up to our show at the Stockey Centre in Parry Sound, there was this terrific article in the Beacon Star by Paige Phillips.
Then, it was followed nicely by a huge article by Soo reporter Brian Kelly in the Sault Star in anticipation of our show at…Read more
First, leading up to our show at the Stockey Centre in Parry Sound, there was this terrific article in the Beacon Star by Paige Phillips.
Then, it was followed nicely by a huge article by Soo reporter Brian Kelly in the Sault Star in anticipation of our show at…Read more
Buy Our New CD on iTunes
It's offiicical. Our new CD, Stories & Songs of Stompin' Tom is now for sale on iTunes.
Buy Stories & Songs of Stompin' Tom
Buy Stories & Songs of Stompin' Tom
Promoting A Show Is A Team Effort
Once we sign a contract to perform our show, we immediately connect with the public relations department at the theatre or venue. Tickets don't sell themselves. We've learned that if we make this a team effort between Whiskey Jack and the host, success is more likely.
Greg Hancock at the Stockey Centre has been a big help as we've worked to sell tickets to our August 27th show in Parry Sound. Greg and I have postered the city, we've contacted local radio outlets and he recently arranged for an interview…Read more
Greg Hancock at the Stockey Centre has been a big help as we've worked to sell tickets to our August 27th show in Parry Sound. Greg and I have postered the city, we've contacted local radio outlets and he recently arranged for an interview…Read more
Stockey Centre Show in Parry Sound - August 27, 2015
Tickets are now on sale for our August 27th show at the beautiful Stockey Centre in Parry Sound, hometown of Whiskey Jack's harmonica wizard, Howard Willett.
Stompin' Tom hitchhiked the area many times over the years...slept in a lot of ditches with his guitar by his side! It was one of these trips that inspired his song, "Around The Bay and Back Again". We'll be singing that song on the 27th, you can bet on it! You can always see some of the show on our video channel. Or click here to watch Howard Willett…Read more
Stompin' Tom hitchhiked the area many times over the years...slept in a lot of ditches with his guitar by his side! It was one of these trips that inspired his song, "Around The Bay and Back Again". We'll be singing that song on the 27th, you can bet on it! You can always see some of the show on our video channel. Or click here to watch Howard Willett…Read more