OLD NEWS
July 26, 2009
Wine, cheese, and summer breeze - it's all at Cafe Taste this Wednesday, along with me and Ania Ziemirska. Come on out!
And check out the new poster for Campfire at the Cameron in August. Pass it on!
July 5, 2009
I'm glad to hear that all the Toronto Farmers' Markets are back up and running, despite the city workers' strike. To celebrate, here's an extra-special live track from the Girls Girls Girls show at the Cameron House on June 6th:
Download I Will Bring You Home.
Special thanks to Michael Borlace for recording the show!
July 1, 2009
In the spirit of Canada Day, I'd like to say a special thanks to the fine folks in little towns who took me in over the past year, placing me on stages in their communities and welcoming me warmly. Whether I'm travelling near or far, every farmhouse roof, footbridge, highway sign, cow field, and coffee brew makes me fall in love with this country even more. I hope I can continue to explore the corners and curves.
Next week, I'm close to home at Slack's with some amazingly talented ladies. Stop by if you can!
June 18, 2009
It's been a busy few weeks. The Cameron House was a swell night - typical of the venue. It was certainly the brightest I've ever seen the room - literally. A camera crew and audio engineer were on hand documenting the event for multiple senses, so stay tuned for footage.
I quite enjoyed the drive over to Inverary, Ontario (although next time I may take the scenic route in daylight). The Playhouse was sweet and full of character and the music was fabulous. Photos to come.
May 25, 2009
June will be here before you know it! Help us promote the Girls! Girls! Girls! gig at the Cameron House by circulating the sharp poster.
April 20, 2009
I've been writing up a storm, surrounded by tunings and sentence fragments and the occasional diminished fifth. New shows are blooming in the Spring and Summer, so keep watching the gigs grow.
March 24, 2009
Check out a new interview on theMovementz.com! Musings about music and me.
March 3, 2009
I think I'm in love with The Moonshine Cafe. Thanks so much to all of you who came and packed the fine Oakville venue last week, listening with interest and respect. It was the perfect way to cap off my February gigs.
The next live show on the horizon is in Toronto on March 22nd as part of Songwriters Expo at the Cadillac Lounge.
February 22, 2009
Wow, it's been a crazy couple of weeks! Peterborough was a welcome retreat, from meeting a fellow David Francey fan on the Greyhound over, to trading gum surgery stories with the waitress at Black Honey. I loved it at The Spill - it had a homelike familiarity and Dave Tobey, the man who runs it all, felt like an old friend. Caylie and Kelly's sets were filled with solid songwriting and beautiful performances. Thanks to everyone who made it possible. I hope to be back soon.
The Ben Folds show was wild. Nothing like being on stage in front of a screaming rock crowd in a warehouse. And it's always an honour to sing with my old friends in WIBI. When I was a young concert-goer, we used to hide our disposable cameras in the bottoms of tampon boxes to get them past security. Now it's expected that anything anyone does anywhere will eventually make it to YouTube:
UNDERGROUND - soloist: Aaron Jensen
DON'T STOP BELIEVING - soloist: Suba Sankaran
Trivia: The sharp dresser singing the flygirl part with me in Underground is none other than Dylan Bell, the force behind my last record!
Oakville's next on February 25th - Women in Song at the Moonshine Cafe. Hope to see you there!
February 13, 2009
Exciting news! WIBI, the acappella group that took me in for three wonderful years, will be performing a set at the Toronto stop of Ben Folds' latest tour, this Tuesday, February 17th at Kool Haus. I'll be joining my old friends on stage for three songs, including this one that got us the gig:
January 26, 2009
Today is the one-year anniversary of my last record! What a year it's been...NXNE, Nathan Phillips Square, my first OCFF conference...thanks to everyone who made it possible.
As a special treat, have a look at how the CD cover graphics transformed from beginning to end.
January 5, 2009
New year news -> Indie Music Night at the Underground has been moved to February 10th due to the strike at York University. See you in February!
December 24, 2008
Happy holidays! At this very time last year, I was combing through my album liner notes, frantically trying to catch all the typos before sending the graphics off to the printer. Hope your holidays are much more relaxing, filled with brightness and merriment and joy.
Paint by Numbers was recently reviewed in the Dutch online roots magazine, rootstime. If your Dutch is a little rusty or you wish to read a whole collection of press clips, snowshoe your way over here for an English translation and more kind words from kind folks.
December 19, 2008
Due to the continuing labour strike at York University, it's looking like the January 13th gig at the Underground will be postponed until February. Keep checking back for more details once the date is confirmed.
December 16, 2008
Check out the new gigs - in and out of town.
December 14, 2008
Hey Toronto! Have you been to Musideum yet? It's a beautiful music store filled with delightful instruments from all over the world, scores by the likes of John Cage, and great CDs by independent artists. There's also a big studio in the basement and live music performances popping up in and around the store. It's all happening at 401 Richmond in Toronto.
Go on and visit. While you're there, you can pick up a copy of my CD, now available at Musideum!
November 27, 2008
New photos posted from the OCFF conference - thanks PJ Slack!
November 11, 2008
Nice to see some of the Toronto crowd warming up Graffiti's on Friday night! Always fun to meet a big pile of other songwriters and sing a round of tunes.
If you're not on the e-mail list yet, sign up now and you'll get access to an exclusive video clip just for list members!
October 29, 2008
Whew! Took me a couple of days to recover, but I'm back from the OCFF conference, glowing with new knowledge and full of all the joyful musicmaking I got to experience. A heartfelt thanks to all who made it happen.
Keep the music going and come out to Graffiti's next Friday, November 7th for Songwriters Unite!. It's a talent-packed bill.
Also, I now have Facebook. See if you can pick me out of the sea of faces! Do say hello.
October 24, 2008
Conference update! I've been having a blast, meeting new people, running into old friends, and learning some very valuable info at the panels I've attended so far.
Note that some updates have been made to the guerrilla showcase schedule:
SATURDAY NIGHT: My set is now from 12:00am - 12:30am in the Dark and Stormy room, which is room #1822 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.
[trust me, you want to come find out why it's the Dark and Stormy room...you will be rewarded in liquid-form]
Tonight's showcase with Songwriters Unite! is still at 12:30am. No room number confirmed yet, so please check for posters once you arrive - see you there!
October 20, 2008
I'm rediscovering Ottawa as I take a couple of "vacation" days to rest up for this coming weekend's OCFF conference. I'm playing in two late-night guerrilla showcases, so if you're browsing the posters at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, keep your eyes out for details.
Showcase schedules and a couple of new shows posted on the GIGS page.
September 19, 2008
Exciting news! I've been nominated in the 2008 Ontario Independent Music Awards in the "Best Folk" category. I'm in good company with Emma Cook, Same Latitude as Rome, The Wilkins, and Amy Campbell. The awards show is on October 16th at the Phoenix in Toronto - it's open to all, so come on out and celebrate!
September 13, 2008
If you're in Toronto, I'll be playing at the Free Times Cafe at the end of the month.
I'm also registered for this year's OCFF Conference in Ottawa. If you're planning to attend, drop me a line! I'd love to say hello in person.
August 13, 2008
New photos are up from Fresh Wednesdays! Go have a look in the "LIVE" photos section.
August 7, 2008
Fresh Wednesdays was lots of fun! Great weather, nice crowds...an all around sucess! Photos from the event will be posted soon.
CBC Radio even picked up on the excitement and gave my record a couple of spins in the last week! Thanks to Fresh Air and Metro Morning for the airplay.
July 28, 2008
To update the news below regarding my beloved Rasputin's Folk Cafe, after much thought and assessment, Dean Verger has decided to take this opportunity to retire. I wish him all the best. Rasputin's was very dear to me, truly a place to come home to. I am glad I was able to hold my Ottawa CD release at the cafe back in February. I have many fond memories of the many shows I played there over the years. Thank you Dean, for giving us all a stage to stand on.
Fresh Wednesdays is coming up next week! Hope to see you down at Nathan Phillips Square on August 6th!
July 7, 2008
It's been a sad week for folk music. On Thursday, the incomparable Oliver Schroer passed away after battling leukemia. His music was truly unique and hearing him play the fiddle was an all-encompassing emotional experience. His wit and sense of humour never failed. We'll miss you, Oliver.
Please consider donating to the Oliver Schroer Scholarship Trust Fund. Nobody plays like Oliver, but his beautiful music will live on in future generations.
On Saturday, a fire damaged Ottawa's finest folk venue, Rasputin's. I have spent many, many hours listening, playing, and working at Rasputin's and am devastated to hear the news. The damage is still being assessed and future plans are still being determined. Stay tuned. In the meantime, Dean is looking to rebook upcoming acts, so if you live in Ottawa and you're fond of house concerts, do speak up! Sending strong thoughts your way, Dean!
July 1, 2008
I've been soaking in the summer sun, checking out the local festivals, local produce, and local musicians.
Mark down August 6th on your calendar - I'll be playing at Fresh Wednesdays at Nathan Phillips Square!
June 17, 2008
NXNE was pretty wild...musicians dragging instruments all over the city, extreme heat, unpredictable thunderstorms. Thanks to everyone who helped make it happen, particularly the valiant volunteers.
If you're still recovering, come relax at Slack's this Thursday at 9pm.
June 7, 2008
The weather today is clear, so it looks like the NXNE park show this afternoon at Bellevue Square Park is a GO! It's going to be HOT though, so bring the sunscreen and plenty of water.
June 3, 2008
I'll be playing a set at "NXNE in the Park" this Saturday at 2pm. This performance is weather permitting so check back here on the day of the show to make sure it's still a go!
For more details about my official NXNE showcase and a new gig at Slacks with Elana Harte, go here.
May 6, 2008
I'll be playing at North by Northeast this June! Keep an eye on the gigs section for updates and details.
May 4, 2008
Very sweet night at Graffiti's on Friday, sharing songs and hearing new voices and stories.
If you were snoozing through my live appearance on Take 5 on Thursday morning, you can listen to my scratchy, sleepy voice in this archived podcast. Thanks to Andy, Ian, and Rachel for the warm welcome, and to Elizabeth for setting it all up.
April 23, 2008
I'll be playing three songs on CIUT's Take 5 bright and early on May 1st! Tune in while your coffee's brewing.
April 17, 2008
New gig in May with the Songwriters Unite! folks! Spring in Kensington Market and a whole lot of great songs. You'll love it.
April 7, 2008
Wow. What a show on Saturday. Twenty years of WIBI, all in one room, showing off all our best stuff. Thanks to the fantastic audience, who sold out the theatre, and to my dear friends in my extended acappella family. It was an honour to make music with you again.
If you need a blast from the past, here's a video from a few years ago - a performance of my arrangement of Bic Runga's Sway. That killer soloist is Gianna Antonacci. Footage from the 20th Anniversary show will be up on the YouTube site soon. Until then:
April 1, 2008
I'll be playing at the kickoff of the Toronto Independent Music Awards "Best Live" showcases at Jeff Healey's Roadhouse on April 9th. The TIMAs are committed to supporting independent music so come support THEM. I need your cheering voices too - these shows determine the nominees for "Best Live Performer" and part of the score comes from wild crowd response. Can we convince them that furious fingerpicking trumps rockstar power-leaps?
March 17, 2008
New photos are up in the live section of the gallery. Check out these shots from the Ottawa CD release.
March 15, 2008
My old friends in acappella are getting back together for a huge reunion show on April 5th to celebrate WIBI's 20th anniversary. It's going to be a blast - I can't wait to sing with them again!
February 29, 2008
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but I just got word that the Girls Girls Girls show on Saturday has been postponed. Apologies. Please check back for future dates.
February 28, 2008
Toronto fans: I'm playing at the Cameron House this Saturday with Girls, Girls, Girls!. Come on out - Amanda Bentley, Elana Harte, and Kat Goldman will be there too.
Now you too can pick up a copy of my CD from a real, 3-dimensional store in Toronto.
Soundscapes at 572 College Street has Paint by Numbers in stock now.
February 18, 2008
I'm back from Ottawa. The CD release at Rasputin's was perfect - a wonderful homecoming. Thanks to Dean and Ruth for having me back and to everyone for coming out and packing the place!
If you live in the Ottawa area and still don't have the CD, you can buy it now instore at the Ottawa Folklore Centre.
February 12, 2008
Buy Paint by Numbers online NOW!
February 8, 2008
Online ordering is coming really soon, through CD Baby, so keep checking back. Of course, you're always welcome to buy the new disc the classic way - just send an email to info@shawnacaspi.com and we'll work something out.
February 2, 2008
I'm getting excited about the Rasputin's show! Download the new posters on the gig page!
January 27, 2008
Thanks for coming to the CD release in Toronto last night - what fun!
If you're coming to the CD release in Ottawa, please make reservations now by calling or emailing Rasputin's.
January 22, 2008
The CDs are here! Come and get 'em this Saturday night at the Cameron House in Toronto!
Online ordering available soon - keep watching.
January 4, 2008
New gig and it's tomorrow night!
December 29, 2007
The manufacturing process has begun, thanks to the good people at Silverbirch. CDs should be ready soon and I'm gearing up for the Toronto CD release on January 26th.
I've channelled my inner webcoder and completely revamped the music page. All the lyrics from the new record are up there and you can even download a few tracks!
December 6, 2007
We're in the final stages of mastering...just a few more weeks and the record will be done and ready for you! To celebrate, I have updated the music page. Go have a look.
November 22, 2007
Wow! Thanks to everyone who listened intently at the Underground at York on Tuesday night. Sorry there were no CDs I could give you, but thanks for signing the mailing list and leaving lovely comments. The record is getting close...we're at the tail-end of mixing, I swear.
And what a treat to hear Craig Cardiff sing those beautiful songs of his. See you all at the Cameron on December 12th for City Roots Presents.
November 9, 2007
TORONTO CD RELEASE announced!
November 6, 2007
New gig with Craig Cardiff on November 20th!
November 5, 2007
OTTAWA CD RELEASE announced!
October 21, 2007
New gig with Songwriters Unite! in November!
October 10, 2007
New photos, courtesy of the multi-talented Brian Crosby, and a new gig booked in Shawville, Quebec.
Still recording...
September 14, 2007
Exciting new gig with City Roots Presents. It's not until December, but it's never too early to mark your calendars!
Got the photos back from another photo shoot - keep your eyes open for new pictures to be posted soon.
September 9, 2007
Many sessions in the studio, working, playing, and listening. We've got cello and drums! Thanks to the talents of Alex McMaster and Bryan Humphreys, respectively. The songs are filling up quite nicely.
August 24, 2007
Last weekend was filled with the shutters and clicks of TWO photoshoots, the results of which will be posted very soon.
Back in the studio this weekend, arranging away, as the temperature rises...
August 1, 2007
Somehow, I keep picking the hottest summer days to head into the studio... But while I'm sizzling and sweltering, the new record is slowly but surely taking shape. It's pretty wild to experiment with new arrangements of songs that I've brought to so many stages, armed only with my little guitar. And now all these other instruments are piling up, track after track. Very exciting. Stay tuned.
July 13, 2007
Newly announced gig at the Rivoli this coming Wednesday!
July 1, 2007
Happy Canada Day!
I hope you'll come out to Healey's this Wednesday, July 4th for the Toronto Independent Music Awards showcase!
I played one of these showcases last year and had a great time. The folks at the TIMAs are good people and are well worth supporting. For more info and a list of performers, check out the gigs.
June 25, 2007
A big thank you to everyone who came out to the breast cancer benefit last night. The other performers were a real treat to watch. And the event raised over five hundred dollars for the Princess Margaret hospital.
If you couldn't make it to the show but would like to contribute, please pledge my friend Maheen, who will be walking in the Weekend to End Breast Cancer. Donate here.
In other news, I'm trying out a new mailing list provider. If you're already on the list, you can sign in to your personal account and update your info with your location and other details to receive geographically specific email notices. If you're not on the list yet, you should join!
May 30, 2007
This may have been my last year singing with WIBI, but that doesn't mean I can't remember the good old days! Rockstar songwriter supreme, Danny Michel just released his brand new live DVD. If you pick one up (and you should - it's jam-packed with content and includes a bonus 20-song acoustic CD!), check out the "extra features" section. Our performance of Danny's song Two Hearts, recorded at the Mod Club last summer, is on the disc! We're quite honoured - thanks Danny!
May 18, 2007
Stir up those strawberry smoothies - more summer shows have been announced!
May 1, 2007
Another year, another gig lined up on my birthday!
In fact, it's an entire day full of fantastic music at the TRANZAC, all supporting a great cause. Find out more about the Sammy Sugar Day Festival.
April 6, 2007
Whew! What a show on Wednesday! It may have been cold and dreary outside, but it was hot and sweaty inside Clinton's! Thanks to everyone who piled into Clinton's for the final WIBI show of the year. We had so much fun. Since this is my last year with the group, that was my last show with them as well. It's been an amazing three years and I'll really miss singing in the group. But I am looking forward to devoting all my time to the solo thing now, and I'll be watching future WIBI shows, beaming with pride, from the audience.
February 18, 2007
Thanks to everyone who snuggled into the Cameron House's back room with us last weekend. It was fantastic. Those girls are the real thing - no egos, working hard, and supporting each other.
For more tunes, drop into the The Art Bar next Monday!
February 9, 2007
Sudden change to tomorrow's lineup at the Cameron House! Sadly, Annie Marleau has come down with strep throat and won't be able to make it. But Linda M has stepped in at the last minute! We look forward to seeing you all tomorrow!
December 24, 2006
Merry everyone!
Yet another poster for you to enjoy, print-out, distribute to your neighbours. This one is for the show at the Renaissance Cafe on January 6th.
Also, if you check out my MySpace page, you just might get a little surprise...
December 16, 2006
Check out the poster for the GIRLS GIRLS GIRLS show at the Cameron House in February! Talented Toronto singer-songwriters, hot venue, sneaky surprises, and cool giveaways from Fender Guitars! Hope to see you out there.
December 7, 2006
Celebrate the new year by coming out to the Renaissance Cafe on January 6th! Check out the gigs for more details.
December 5, 2006
Check out Matt Wojas' review of Indie Week Toronto in Toonage Magazine. Thanks for the kind words, Matt!
December 3, 2006
Thanks for coming out to all the November shows! Keep watching for news and shows in the new year!
October 25, 2006
I loved opening for Andrea Florian on Sunday! Intimate afternoon shows are where it's at. They remind me of rainy autumn days when I used to snake through the hills of Quebec on my way to the Black Sheep Inn.
A couple of new photos have been posted. See if you can guess which ones are new! More to come...
October 15, 2006
Back and weary-eyed from Indie Week Toronto. Good times at the Rivoli on Friday night! Thanks to Darryl and all the volunteers for your commitment to the DIY revolution.
Hope to see everyone back at the Rivoli on October 22nd!
August 29, 2006
Picture the Cure was a blast! The night of fabulous photography and live entertainment at the Gladstone Hotel raised almost 5000 dollars for the Canadian Cancer Society. Photos are still being auctioned off through the Picture the Cure website so go check it out!
August 14, 2006
Toronto's busiest cellist and master of haunting bowstrokes and eerie intervallic leaps, KEVIN FOX is confirmed for the Picture the Cure benefit. Get your tickets now!
July 16, 2006
I'll admit I've been performing somewhat of a disappearing act lately [instead of my regular folk music act]. The truth is...I'm moving! I'm in that dimension between packing and unpacking, moving out and moving in, here and there. Soon I'll be stationary, I swear.
In the meantime, check out Mark Collins' Live365 radio show, Women of the 90s.
Die Laughing is featured in "Fresh Pics"!
Mark is stationed in one of my favourite cities, Halifax. Cheers to you out on the East coast!