TONIGHT! Doors open at 6:30pm. I’m delighted to once again be spending Christmas Eve with family, friends, the Rev. Anne Hines and the congregation of the Roncesvalles United Church (formerly the Howard Park United Church). Vocalists Amoy Levy & David Wall, bassist Ben Whiteley and I will join the Chancel & Gospel Choirs for their beautiful family oriented Carols by Candlelight service.The last ten years it has been standing room only, so arrive early to get a good seat. Suggested donation of $20 or pay what you can.
Give the gift of Music and more! My CFMA nominated CD, The Light of Christmas isnow available exclusively from my online Store. (Or you may also mail us your contact info along with a a cheque made payable to Pyramid Records.) From the socially conscious Daily Bread and the title track The Light Of Christmas to the compelling gospel of Hallelujah, A Child Is Born,these songs resonate with a rich, inclusive spirituality. 10% of all CD proceeds will go to support of The Daily Bread Food Bank in Toronto & the GTA. Click on the album cover to enjoy the title track of the CD.
My next Sunday’s Gospel Matinee at Hugh’s Room is on January 29, 2017. I’m super pleased to announce that Juno & CFMA nominated The Marigolds (Caitlin Hanford, Gwen Swick, Suzie Vinnick), Joe Jencks (of Brother Sun) and Ben Whiteley will be featured guests. Contact Hugh’s Room for tickets and lunch reservations. For more gospel show info visit Ken’s gospel music page.
NEW CD: “In Freedom Blues Canadianroots music icon Ken Whiteley has crafted a timeless set of songs that address both contemporary and historical struggles for the freedom endemic to a healthy, progressive society. Deftly drawing on a wide range of musical sources including blues, gospel and, for lack of a better word, folk, Freedom Blues is a landmark album in Whiteley’s career and Canadian roots music in general.” ~ Grammy Award winnning musicologist, Rob Bowman
I hope you enjoy the first two YouTube videos “Bring It All Right Down” and “Give Your Hands To Struggle” from the Freedom Blues CD release concert in Toronto. Thanks to Riddle Films and specifically Liam Romalis and Mako Funasakafor the video production and all the incredible musicians including Amoy Levy, Ciceal Levy, Bucky Berger, Ewan Divitt, Richard Underhill, Perry White, Alastair Whitehead and Denis Keldie. Tell your friends to check this out.