Our archives are listed in reverse-chronological order, from most recent to going back in time.
2023
October 13, 2023 AX Music Series: Mike Biggar The AX Music Series is pleased to present acoustic blues and roots duo, award-winning singer-songwriter, Mike Biggar and longtime guitarist, blues slide master, Grant Heckman. Mike Biggar is a celebrated live performer with the undeniably soulful imprint of a history baptized in a gospel music upbringing. Biggar’s onstage style is a potent tonic of gutsy, joyful, and evocative. Soaring vocals steam down the line like a runaway roots-music freight train, fused with his award-winning songwriting and infectious melodies. His music is punctuated with a disarming humour and genuineness that is distinct, effective, and even a bit spiritual. His albums have received numerous East Coast Music Association (ECMA) and Music NB Awards, including ‘Blues Album of the Year’. MIKE BIGGAR (Quispamsis NB) is an award-winning Modern Roots/Blues Singer-Songwriter, and a celebrated live performer with the undeniably soulful imprint of a history baptized in a gospel music upbringing. Biggar’s onstage style is a potent tonic of gutsy, joyful, and evocative. Soaring vocals steam down the line like a runaway roots-music freight train, fused with his award-winning songwriting and infectious melodies. His music is punctuated with a disarming humour and genuineness that is distinct, effective, and even a bit spiritual. His albums have received numerous East Coast Music Association (ECMA) and Music NB Awards, including ‘Blues Album of the Year’. Biggar will perform this show with his acoustic blues and roots duo, joined by longtime guitarist, blues slide master Grant Heckman. This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada. Thank you to the New Brunswick Department of Tourism, Heritage and Culture for their support of this event.AX Music Series: Mike Biggar
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October 7, 2023 AX Music Series: Catherine Kennedy The AX Music Series is pleased to present soulful folk-blues singer-songwriter, Catherine Kennedy! Catherine invites you into music where each song tells someone’s story, and allows you to connect your own within it. Her music is a place where fact and fiction meet and nostalgia seeps in. Catherine has performed on stages around the east coast such as Area 506, Folly Fest, Paddlefest and Shivering Songs, and now at AX! She released her debut album in 2022 alongside her band. As well as being the winner of Breakthrough Artist of the Year (2022), she was also nominated for Recording of the Year and Song of the Year for the Music New Brunswick Awards. Soulful folk-blues singer-songwriter Catherine Kennedy invites you into music where each song tells someone’s story, and allows you to connect your own within it. Her music is a place where fact and fiction meet and nostalgia seeps in. Catherine released her solo EP Fifty-Fifty Chance in 2018, took some time to perform on stages around the east coast such as Area 506, Folly Fest, Paddlefest and Shivering Songs, and released her debut album in 2022 alongside her band. As well as being the winner of Breakthrough Artist of the Year (2022), she was also nominated for Recording of the Year and Song of the Year for the Music New Brunswick Awards. This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada. Thank you to the New Brunswick Department of Tourism, Heritage and Culture for their support of this event. AX Music Series: Catherine Kennedy
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May 19, 2023 Emerging Musicians' Night with Rockin' the Middle and Michelle Morrison May 19th, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. Location: AX Gallery Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The AX Music Series is pleased to present “Emerging Musicians’ Night”, featuring Michelle Morrison and Rockin’ the Middle. Come join us in celebrating these emerging musicians as they make strides in the world of music. Michelle Morrison is a soul-folk singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist based in Fredericton, New Brunswick. Originally from Sussex, Morrison established her roots by jamming around campfires, on the beach and in friends’ basements. Since her early teens performing with Sawmill Creek, Morrison has delved into her own musical endeavours performing original pieces which highlight her warm and powerful voice, while sharing stories of traveling, heartbreak, and political protest. She has performed around the world, leaving an impact with heartfelt music and emotionally charged voice on anyone who has encountered it. Rockin’ the Middle is a young group of musicians from the Sussex area. They have been together since January of 2022. They play a variety of rock standards including the music of the Beatles and CCR. Many of the group members are multi-instrumentalists and there are several strong singers in the group. They have performed at various talent shows and local events such as the New Brunswick Country Music Hall of Fame. If you enjoy classic rock and pop music, you will enjoy the sounds of Rockin’ the Middle. The group is made up of Jaden Armstrong, Alexa Arnold, Maddox Benson, Brianna Goddard, Gabe Jones, Sam Moffett and Van Rogers. The group is sponsored by Morris Music, under the leadership of Tammy and Gary Morris. This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada. / Ce projet est financé en partie par le gouvernement du Canada. AX Music Series: Emerging Musicians’ Night
Tickets available online, in person at AX, or by calling (506) 433-8351.
About Michelle Morrison
About Rockin’ the MiddleAcknowledgements
May 12, 2023 Robert Thomas and the sessionmen The AX Music Series is pleased to present 2023 ECMA Entertainer of the Year nominee, Robert Thomas and the sessionmen to the AX Gallery. Robert Thomas is a renowned song-writer whose credits include, but are not limited to Kenny Rogers, Joe Cocker, and Bonnie Rait. Now, after a wonderful career writing for major artists, Robert is touring the original, as written, versions of his songs with his stellar band of favourite co-writers – the sessionmen. Tickets available online, in person at AX, or by calling (506) 433-8351. 2023 ECMA Entertainer of the Year nominee and Showcasing artist Robert Thomas has been a published songwriter for 45 years. His writing credits include, Kenny Rogers, Joe Cocker, Bonnie Raitt and the (Dixie) Chicks, among others. Now, after a career writing for major artists, Thomas is touring the original versions of his songs, and new compositions, with a stellar band of his favourite co-writers – the sessionmen – (Ray Legere – fiddle/mandolin, Jon Arsenault – guitar/percussion/backing vocals, and Maxime Forbes – keyboards/backing vocals). The sessionmen are a musical force in their own right, having supported Alison Krauss, Tony Rice, Doc Watson, Rita MacNeil, the Rankins, and the Chieftains. In 2022, Robert Thomas and the sessionmen performed 25 shows to 25 standing ovations in Atlantic Canada, The United States, Germany and Austria. Robert Thomas is master songwriter and entertainer at the peak of his craft, backed by a smoking band…..“an act not to be missed.” This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada. / Ce projet est financé en partie par le gouvernement du Canada. AX Music Series: Robert Thomas and the sessionmen
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April 16, 2023 Collegium Musicum April 16, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. Location: AX Gallery Doors open at 1:30 p.m. Harpsichordist Tim Blackmore and baroque violinist Katherine Moller present a program of 18th century baroque and classical works for violin and harpsichord by Handel, Telemann, Haydn, J.C. Bach and C.F. Abel. Come join us for a lovely musical afternoon. Harpsichordist, pianist and recorder player Tim Blackmore is the founder and Artistic Director of the Saint John Early Music Festival and the Early Music Studio of Saint John. A graduate of the Montreal Conservatoire, the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, and the Guildhall School of Music in London, his performances and recordings have received accolades from critics and audiences in major centres such as New York, Paris, London, Montreal and Toronto. He performs on an Italian-style harpsichord which was designed and built for him by Andrew Graham of Saint John in 2017. Katherine Moller is a graduate of McGill University. She is well-known as one of the most versatile musicians in New Brunswick: her recordings of traditional and celtic fiddle music have received numerous nominations for ECMA awards and have won several Music NB awards. She is a regular performer with the Saint John Early Music Festival’s Collegium Musicum and Ensemble 18c. as well as with Symphony New Brunswick and Camerata NB. Katherine performs on a violin built by an anonymous 18th-century German maker. This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada. / Ce projet est financé en partie par le gouvernement du Canada. Tickets available online, in person at AX, or by calling (506) 433-8351.
About Tim Blackmore
About Katherine Moller
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February 11, 2023 Cathy Hutch AX Music Series: Cathy Hutch February 11, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. Location: AX Gallery Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The AX Music Series is pleased to present our next concert, featuring award-winning singer-songwriter Cathy Hutch. Cathy is a multi-talented performer who writes and sings from the core of her very being. Her music has been referred to as blues-country-pop, and her engaging performance style offers a true genre-crossing, good time. Cathy is an award-winning singer/songwriter from New Brunswick who has released two critically acclaimed albums and is currently working on her third. She has performed three times at the ECMA’s, and completed her third coast to coast, Canada-wide solo tour this past fall. Her setlist contains an eclectic blend of classic rock, blues, folk and country originals and covers, delivered with passion and finesse. “Cathy Hutch is everything that is good about live music. She is charming, witty, multi-talented and has a smile that would light the way out of a bar during a power failure. With or without accompaniment, Cathy is every bit a professional entertainer. As a songwriter, Cathy exhibits insights into the human condition that show her to have a heart as big as her voice. And man can she liven up a crowd! She rocks, she rolls, and, above all, she entertains.” Richard Blaquiere This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada. / Ce projet est financé en partie par le gouvernement du Canada. 2022 September 10, 2022 Ross Neilsen Ax Music Series: Ross Neilsen Saturday, September 10, at 7:00 p.m. The AX Music Series is pleased to announce our next concert, featuring renowned blues musician Ross Neilsen. An award-winning guitarist, Ross will treat the audience to an evening of story and song, performing original music that is equal parts delta blues and singer-songwriter. The concert will take place in the AX Gallery on Saturday, September 10, at 7:00 p.m. Tickets, are $25 each, and are available online, in-person at 12 Maple Avenue, Sussex, or by phone at (506) 433-8351. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. With nearly two decades in the music industry, the road has led Ross Neilsen to stages from Montreal to Mexico, accompanied by a long list of industry accolades. Ross shines when he settles in behind a mic to deliver his signature finger-style guitar playing, powerful vocals and deep soul songwriting. The confidence of a million miles and thousands of performances have Ross feeling right at home wherever he plugs in, whether it’s a family jam session at home in Saskatoon or on any stage across the country. Nielsen has a website at www.rossneilsen.com. This event is supported by the Government of Canada. August 7, 2022 The Davis Duo The AX Music Series is pleased to welcome classical guitarists and mandolinists Mark and Beverly Davis to the AX Gallery for a performance on Sunday, August 7. Mark and Beverly will perform music influenced by literary sources such as early English broadside ballads and the Cold Mountain poems of the 12th century Zen monk, Han Shan. They will lead the audience on a journey through stories and poetry, and the music they inspired. Since 2001, the classical duo has performed around their native New England as well as in many international festivals, including Eurofestival Zupfmusik (Germany), Mandolines de Lunel (France), Ciudad de Cristal (Spain), FAME (Australia) and the Festival Internacional de Plectro La Rioja (Spain). With their two classical guitars and the occasional mandolin, the duo performs an original blend of music informed by early folk traditions, baroque, classical, romantic, and contemporary idioms. Mark and Beverly Davis choose their pieces based on the qualities of musical interest and emotional depth; their overall focus is on the beauty of sound and the expressive capabilities of plucked strings. Their first CD “Ayres and Dances for Two Guitars’ was a Motif Magazine nominee for ‘Best Local CD of the Year.’ The duo also performs with the Hampton Trio and the Providence Mandolin Orchestra. They are known for their North Meadow House Concerts, which have featured many rising stars of the classical guitar and mandolin world. The duo has a website at http://markmdavis.com/mark_and_beverly_davis. You can sample their CD at https://markandbeverlydavis.bandcamp.com/releases. Mark Davis is recognized as a leader in the field of plucked string music, known equally for his work as a guitarist, mandolinist, conductor, and educator. In the 70s and 80s he helped to establish the mandolin-guitar duo as a concert ensemble, with many recordings and tours. Works written for him include Guido Santorsola’s “Sonata a Duo No. 6”, Stephen Funk Pearson’s “Mountain Moor” and Ernst Krenek’s “Suite for mandolin and guitarre, Op. 242”. He is the director of the New American Mandolin Ensemble, has conducted the Providence Mandolin Orchestra since 1989, and performs on mandolin with The Hampton Trio. Beverly Davis studied classical guitar with Reed Desrosier at Keene State and was a member of the Keene State Guitar Orchestra before joining the Providence Mandolin Orchestra. As President of the PMO, she arranged several international tours and cultural exchanges as well as directing the 2001 Providence International Mandolin Festival. In addition to her duo work, Beverly performs on classical guitar with the PMO, the Hampton Trio and the New American Mandolin Ensemble. This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada. May 6, 2022 Fingal's Rant Location: AX Gallery We are pleased to announce the next performer in our AX music series: Fingal’s Rant – a melodious mix of Maritime music with contemporary arrangements of Celtic favourites, plus a generous dollop of foot-stomping fiddling! Fingal’s Rant is just what we all need – a fun, celebratory event. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online, in person at AX, or by calling (506) 433-8351. Fingal’s Rant is formed of Will Toner (guitar and vocals), ECMA nominee Katherine Moller (fiddle), Don LeBlanc (bass and vocals), and Karl Gans (drums). Katherine Moller is one of New Brunswick’s most versatile musicians. Whether she is setting her bow afire playing fiddle tunes in a crowded pub, or the music of Bach on a concert stage, her love and respect for the instrument and its wide-spread appeal have brought her considerable acclaim as one of the province’s true fiddle ambassadors. Katherine’s music brings together the highlands of Scotland, the lush greens of Ireland and the majesty of the St. John River Valley. A multiple Music NB Award winner and ECMA nominee, she has six CDs to her credit. With ever-rising popularity, Katherine shows without a doubt, she truly is the master of four strings and a bow. Will Toner Will is a long-time performer of various types of music, including Celtic
folk and soft rock. He is a founding member, and still performs with local folk group HATband. While appearing solo at the Lougheed Pub in Harvey, he heard a large voice in the corner adding harmony to every song. The fellow had been dragged there by his wife, a local fiddler, who had played with Bill previously and thought the two would sound good together. Before the last jar had hit the bar, “Different Folk” was born. The spirit of that beginning can still be heard in every song. Both solo and with the band, Bill and his guitar are always an audience favourite. He can
often be found playing in local pubs and coffee shops and wherever a heart-wrenching ballad or a
rollicking tune is welcome. Don LeBlanc Don was introduced to music as a young kid playing the pump organ with his father. Like many children, he decided to learn the guitar with the sole purpose of playing in a band. Getting his first taste for live performance at the age of 17 with bands The Road Siders and Country Rhythm, he has never looked back. While jamming with friends, he was encouraged to pick up the bass. Since then, he has performed on guitar, bass and vocals (lead and harmony) in various bands including Midnight Special, Jump Start and Vocal Five. He can be found hosting open mic’s at venues around Saint John such as 69 Branch Legion and AJs. Answering their call for an energetic bass player, Don joined Different Folk, and was reintroduced to the world of Celtic music. Karl Gans Karl Gans is a Fredericton, New Brunswick based drummer who has been active in recording and performing music, as well as teaching drumset technique and its application in music for over forty years. He began playing in 1978 and honed his skills playing rock and pop music before becoming enamoured of the progressive rock and jazz fusion styles. He started performing original music and soon after shifted into playing covers upon the realization that food and shelter had both become undeniable obsessions. After the great collapse of the Maritimes’ top 40 club scene in the late 1980’s, he began playing, recording, and performing original music again, and continues to do so into the present. Some notable, some notorious, and some “award nominated and/or winning” musical adventures he has undertaken are: the Ross Neilsen Band, Ross Neilsen & the Sufferin’ Bastards, Big Alice, Sameboat, AKA, the Exploding Meet, 3 people, and the Adshade Band. This event is supported by the Government of Canada. March 25, 2022 Water Surrounds Us – Ventus Machina Ax Music Series: Water Surrounds Us – Ventus Machina with special guest Hubert Francis March 25, 2022 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $25 Location: AX Gallery Doors open at 7:00 p.m., concert starts 7:30 p.m. Water Surrounds Us is a brand new program created by woodwind quintet Ventus Machina. Along with guest Hubert Francis, the group will be premiering a composition by Jean-François Mallet, How the Petitcodiac River became Muddy, in the original Mi’kmaq language with English and French subtitles and beautiful, projected illustrations. The 65-minute program promises to be family-friendly and fascinating. About Ventus Machina On the cusp of celebrating ten years as an ensemble, Ventus Machina has become an institution on the New Brunswick music scene and has established a strong digital presence with both national and international audiences. While staying true to their classical roots, Ventus Machina continues to challenge traditional genre boundaries through joyful excursions into jazz, Latin, pop, rock, and even bluegrass. Frequent collaborations with local artists and personalities – musical and non-musical – have led to excellent relationships within both the Anglophone and Francophone communities in the region. The group has truly honed their unique artistic voice, both through the frequent commissioning of new works for traditional or extended instrumentation and through the performance of stunning original arrangements/re-compositions by the group’s clarinetist, James Kalyn. The members of Ventus Machina are: About Hubert Francis Hubert Francis is from the Elsipogtog First Nation in New Brunswick. He is an international recording artist with his aboriginal rock band Eagle Feather, whose last CD recording “Message From A Drum” received two JUNO Award nominations, an East Coast Music Award nomination, and a Native American Music Award nomination. Hubert is a cast member of, ‘DRUM!”, a Brookes Diamond Production based out of Halifax, Nova Scotia, and is also a member of Alan Syliboy’s group, “Thundermakers”. He was born and raised in Elsipogtog. Hubert is sometimes described as a Goodwill Ambassador and has been educating and informing the general public about his culture through his aboriginal rock style music, fusing native chants with contemporary rock sounds! Hubert was recently awarded the 2019 Dr. Helen Creighton Lifetime Achievement Award by the ECMAs. This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada. / Ce projet est financé en partie par le gouvernement du Canada. Thank you to the New Brunswick Department of Tourism, Heritage and Culture for their support of this show. 2021 October 2, 2021 Morgan Davis AX Music Series Featuring – Morgan Davis Saturday, October 2, 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $20 each Location: AX Gallery Join us at AX on Saturday, October 2, at 7:30 p.m. as we welcome the return of Canadian blues singer, guitarist, and songwriter Morgan Davis. About Morgan Davis Morgan Davis has been on the road playing the blues for 48 years. Growing up in Detroit in the 1950’s, blues, R & B, and rock and roll was in the air, along with the new “Motown” sound. Davis came to Canada in 1968, settling in Toronto, which was a stop along the blues club circuit for all the travelling Chicago musicians – and Davis had a chance to see them all, and learn directly from legends like Muddy Waters. He sought out players like Sunnyland Slim and Johnny Shines, both of whom played with Robert Johnson, one of Morgan’s biggest influences. Over the years, Davis has won 8 Maple Blues Awards, 2 Jazz Report Awards, and the JUNO in 2003 for Blues Album of the Year. His latest release, “Home Away from Home,” is on Downbeat magazine’s Top 50 albums of 2018 list. Davis performs solo, playing traditional and original blues on electric guitars and 3 string cigar-box guitar. Here’s a sample of Davis’ music. Doors open at 7:00 p.m., music starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20, available at AX, 12 Maple Ave, or by calling (506) 433-8351. This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada. / Ce projet est financé en partie par le gouvernement du Canada. August 28, 2021 Catherine MacLellan Cost: 30$ Join us for our first live AX Music Series event of the year with Catherine MacLellan, beloved Juno Award and Canadian Folk Music Award winning singer/songwriter. The number of tickets sold will be limited so we can respect physical distancing for this outdoor concert at the amphitheatre. We’re so pleased at the thought of gathering as a community once again, with clearly-defined seating areas to respect physical distance while enjoying one of Canadian folk music’s true gems. About Catherine MacLellan Catherine MacLellan, one of Canadian folk music’s true gems, is coming to Sussex later this August! Catherine MacLellan is a musician’s musician, respected by her peers since releasing Dark Dream Midnight, her first solo album, in 2004. As with many performers, Catherine feels most at home on stage. That moment of connection is what matters most. Though the acclaim for Catherine’s own work was already significant, it reached new levels when she took home a Juno Award in 2015 for her standout album, The Raven’s Sun. This was an intimate look into her musical work with long-time collaborator, Chris Gauthier. Catherine has also been recognized with multiple East Coast Music Awards, Canadian Folk Music Awards, and Music PEI Awards. Get your tickets to the show by August 14 to be entered in a draw for an AX prize package worth $185. The prize includes: two free tickets to the show (which you can use to invite friends to join you, or be reimbursed on your already-purchased tickets), an AX Family Membership, and three pieces of artwork generously donated by local ceramics artist and potter Matt Cripps. You can also buy tickets for a 50/50 draw as well as an original painting donated by local artist Bonny Hill at the same time! Don’t forget: Bring a chair or blanket, and your mask. Also, bring some cash to the show for prize draws and refreshments. Purchase your tickets here, or call (506) 433-8351 to buy them over the phone – leave your name and number if you’d like us to call you back. Cash, cheque, and credit cards accepted! Catherine’s concert takes place at the Sussex Rotary Amphitheatre, 8 Leonard Drive, and the show starts at 2:00 p.m., with “doors” opening at 1:00 p.m. This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada. / Ce projet est financé en partie par le gouvernement du Canada. Thank you to the town of Sussex for their contribution towards this event.
March 13, 2021 Frantically Atlantic Cost: FREE AX is pleased to announce our next virtual concert, March 13 at 7:00 p.m., featuring the traditional Irish stylings of New Brunswick folk duo Frantically Atlantic. This concert will be pre-recorded and available to watch on the AX Facebook page, via Facebook Premiere. Frantically Atlantic will also be present in the chat during the performance. If you don’t have a Facebook account, not to worry – just click on this link and it will take you directly to the Facebook Premiere. Frantically Atlantic Bio Don Rigley and Michelle Daigle, of Frantically Atlantic are a New Brunswick based duo with a broad repertoire of Celtic / East Coast / Folk / and Acadian tunes and songs – original and traditional. Their instruments include fiddle, vocals, hammered dulcimer, Irish bouzouki, bodhran, whistles, guitar, concertina, banjo, ukulele, and spoons. In their combined history they have performed in Atlantic Canada, Quebec, Ontario, New England and Ireland. Frantically Atlantic were nominees for the Music NB Awards in the category of Traditional / Roots Artist of the year. The pre-recorded video will remain available on the AX Facebook page and will also be uploaded to our AX YouTube channel afterwards. And if you’d like to see Frantically Atlantic in person, they’re performing live on March 17, 7:30 p.m. at the Fredericton Playhouse. Please visit Frantically Atlantic’s website to learn more about the duo, purchase their music, and hear more about their upcoming shows. AX is pleased to offer our recent virtual concerts free of charge, but it’s important to note that we are paying these New Brunswick performers thanks to a grant from the Government of Canada’s Emergency Community Support Fund and Community Foundations of Canada. Thanks, in particular, to the Sussex Area Community Foundation for supporting our funding application. February 20, 2021 Mike Biggar and Grant Heckman AX is pleased to offer you this concert free of charge, but it’s important to note that we are paying these New Brunswick performers thanks to a grant from the Government of Canada’s Emergency Community Support Fund and Community Foundations of Canada. Our thanks, in particular, to the Sussex Area Community Foundation for supporting our funding application. New Brunswick artist Mike Biggar is a natural live performer. With a musical history that stretches back to a gospel music childhood, Biggar’s rollicking, high energy vocals steam down the line like a soulful, roots-inspired freight train, perfectly paired with the infectious melodies of his acclaimed songwriting and his warm, disarming banter. Biggar has been honoured with numerous East Coast Music Association and Music New Brunswick awards and has been a featured performer on major East Coast festival stages such as the Stan Rogers Folk Festival and the Cavendish Beach Music Festival. To learn more about Mike Biggar and to purchase his music and other merchandise, visit mikebiggar.com. 2020 September 12, 2020 Different Folk Different Folk combines a melodious mix of Maritime music, folk-rock, and contemporary arrangements of Celtic favorites with a blend of beautiful vocals and lively fiddling. Tight harmonies combined with a knack for having fun are part and parcel with this group. Tickets are $15, and to ensure physical distancing, the Amphitheatre lawn is painted with large “bubbles”. Concert-goers are asked to purchase tickets in advance. If you’d like help with this online form, contact admin@axartscentre.ca and we’ll be happy to guide you through it. Don’t forget to bring a chair or a blanket for folks in your bubble, and water bottles in case you get thirsty! Masks aren’t mandatory during the concert, but you’ll need one to check in when you arrive and if you wish to purchase merchandise from the band, so we encourage everyone to bring a mask. If the weather looks bad for the concert time, please check the AX website or Facebook Page for updates. If you develop COVID-19 related symptoms leading up to the day of the concert, we are prepared to offer a full refund. About Different Folk Different Folk is Will Toner (vocals and guitar), ECMA nominee Katherine Moller (vocals and fiddle), and Don LeBlanc (bass). Have a listen! August 29, 2020 Brent Mason We’re pleased to announce our first music concert in many months, this time outdoors! Brent Mason was scheduled to perform at AX in April, but due to COVID-19, his concert had to be rescheduled. Join us at the Sussex Rotary Amphitheatre on Saturday, August 29 at 2:00 p.m. (rain date August 30 at 2:00 p.m.) to welcome Brent Mason to Sussex for a live show! Please note that we have reduced the ticket price from $20 to $15 to reflect the change in venue and would appreciate any donations to help cover additional costs. Brent is a Saint John-based songwriter and acoustic guitar player who has been performing for 25 years, and he’s an AX favourite. He has just released his 11th album, Fireflies, and has been nominated for, and/or won ECMA and Music NB awards, including MNB folk/roots recording of the year in 2012. You can purchase your tickets within a “bubble” on the lawn in front of the amphitheatre by filling out this form. We will only be taking payments online so we can be sure everyone is registered in compliance with the Town’s COVID-19 operational plan. However, if you would like help filling out this online form, you can call us at (506) 433-8351 and we will guide you through it. Don’t forget to bring a chair or a blanket for folks in your bubble to sit on, and water bottles in case you get thirsty! Masks are not mandatory during the concert, but you will need one to check in when you arrive and if you wish to purchase merchandise from Brent, so we encourage everyone to bring a mask. If you develop COVID-19 related symptoms leading up to the day of the concert, we are prepared to offer a full refund. Please email us at admin@axartscentre.ca or call us at (506) 433-8351. 2019
September 14, 2019 Mike Biggar and Grant Heckman Join us at AX on Saturday, September 14 at 7:30 p.m. for a performance by award winning contemporary roots and blues artist, Mike Biggar, accompanied by acoustic guitarist Grant Heckman. With a musical history that stretches back to a gospel music childhood, Biggar is the picture of a lifetime spent in performance. In his near ten year career, Biggar has been honoured with numerous East Coast Music Association and Music New Brunswick awards. Following the 2017 release of his third album GO ALL IN (Busted Flat Records) and a banner year of touring and publicity, Biggar’s latest offering received the 2017 Music New Brunswick Award for ‘Blues Artist of the Year’ and the 2018 East Coast Music Award for ‘Blues Recording of the Year’ in May 2018. These are added to his twice previous Music NB Award wins (2014, 2011), an East Coast Music Award (2012) and numerous other nominations and acclaim. GO ALL IN has received glowing reviews and radio play across Canada, Europe and Australia, with features in publications such as the UK’s Blues Matters and FATEA magazines. Biggar has been a featured performer on major Canadian East Coast festival stages such as the Stan Rogers Folk Festival, Cavendish Beach Music Festival, Kempt Shore Acoustic Festival. Tickets cost $20 each and you can purchase them at AX, 12 Maple Ave, or by calling (506) 433-8351. June 19, 2019 Harpsichordist Tim Blackmore and Luthier Andrew Graham AX is pleased to present harpsichordist Tim Blackmore and luthier Andrew Graham for a combined event of music and education. Tim Blackmore will offer a performance on the harpsichord, and Andrew Graham will talk about the skills necessary to create the harpsichord and what goes into the instrument’s fabrication. This event is a perfect fit with our current art exhibition, PROCESS: New Brunswick Artists Working with Wood. There will be a freewill offering at this event May 4, 2019 Morgan Davis Morgan Davis has been on the road playing the blues for 48 years. Growing up in Detroit in the 1950’s, blues, R & B, and rock and roll was in the air, along with the new “Motown” sound. Davis came to Canada in 1968, settling in Toronto, which was a stop along the blues club circuit for all the travelling Chicago musicians – and Davis had a chance to see them all, and learn directly from legends like Muddy Waters. He sought out players like Sunnyland Slim and Johnny Shines, both of whom played with Robert Johnson, one of Morgan’s biggest influences. Over the years, Davis has won 8 Maple Blues Awards, 2 Jazz Report Awards, and the JUNO in 2003 for Blues Album of the Year. His latest release, “Home Away from Home,” is on Downbeat magazine’s Top 50 albums of 2018 list. Davis performs solo, playing traditional and original blues on electric guitars and 3 string cigar-box guitar. Here’s a sample of Davis’ music. Doors open at 7:00 p.m., music starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20, available at AX, 12 Maple Ave, or by calling (506) 433-8351. March 3, 2019 Irish Music Session Traditional Irish Music Session – FREE Sunday, March 3, 2-4pm Get into the St. Patrick’s Day spirit of things early by joining us on Sunday, March 3 at 2pm for a peek into the world of Irish music sessions! Comhaltas (pronounced COAL-tas) is an international organization that promotes and preserves traditional Irish music and culture. They will be bringing a traditional Irish music session to AX that afternoon, free of charge. They also encourage other Celtic music performers who are familiar with Celtic music to join them with traditional Irish acoustic instruments. Knocks Café will be open to serve refreshments (no meals) during the afternoon. Whether you’re performing or just listening, all are welcome to attend this free outreach event at AX. February 23, 2019 Ian Janes Join us at AX on February 23 as we welcome singer-songwriter Ian Janes. Originally from Dartmouth, Ian Janes is a singer, songwriter, musician and producer. His songs mix pop, soul and roots music. His 4th record, Yes Man, is available now; through every track you can clearly hear the confidence and individuality that comes from experience, combined with the fire and vitality of an artist at the top of his game. Check out the link below to hear a sample: Doors open at 7:00 p.m., music starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20, available at AX, 12 Maple Ave, or by calling (506) 433-8351. January 19, 2019 Ethan Ash On Saturday, January 19, the AX Music Series is pleased to present British singer songwriter Ethan Ash, a fine guitarist, vocalist and live performer. Here’s a sample of Ethan’s music. Doors open at 7:00 p.m., concert starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets $20 at AX, 12 Maple Ave, Sussex NB or call (506) 433-8351 to reserve over the phone. 2018 September 29, 2018 Different Folk Different Folk combines a melodious mix of Maritime music, folk-rock, and contemporary arrangements of Celtic favorites with a blend of beautiful vocals and lively fiddling. Tight vocal harmonies combined with a knack for having fun are part and parcel with this group. So come, join in, and sing along! Tickets are only $20 and seating is limited in the gallery. You can purchase tickets in person at AX, or over the phone 433-8351. About Different Folk Different Folk is Kim Moller (vocals and bodhran), Will Toner (vocals and guitar), ECMA nominee Katherine Moller (vocals and fiddle) and Don LeBlanc (bass). Have a listen! Tickets are only $20 and seating is limited in the gallery. You can purchase tickets in person at AX, 12 Maple Avenue, Sussex NB, or over the phone, (506) 433-8351. August 30, 2018 My Father's Son My Father’s Son, an indie folk group with roots in London, ON and Montreal, QC, melds together intricate lyrics with the richness of simplified, acoustic sound. Singer/songwriter Mark Kulmala will be joined by Paul Meadows (Uisca Beatha, The Beauties) on the recording of their first full length album ‘Heart of Wood’. An air of storytelling colors their music with sentimental and wholly relatable verses that immerse the audience in the beauty of shared experiences. From festivals, to large halls, to living rooms, My Father’s Son has shared the stage with some of Canada’s best artists. Have a listen! Tickets are only $20 and seating is limited in the gallery. You can purchase tickets in person at AX, 12 Maple Avenue, Sussex NB, or over the phone, (506) 433-8351. June 16, 2018 Dana Sipos Dana Sipos’ captivatingly nuanced songs are infused with a wild wind and a haunting, slightly hypnotic surrealism, akin to the mysteries of the north where she lived for many years. Sipos’ album, Roll Up the Night Sky, was nominated for a Canadian Folk Music Award celebrating innovation in creating new folk sounds. She will be joined by Devarrow, an ECMA-nominated, singer-songwriter living in Halifax. Here’s a sample of Dana’s music. Tickets are only $20, and we’re hosting this event in the AXGallery, which has limited seating, so don’t delay. Please purchase your ticket by visiting the centre at 12 Maple Ave., or pay with credit card over the phone, (506) 433-8351. May 12, 2018 Brent Mason Brent is a Saint John-based songwriter and acoustic guitar player who has been performing for 25 years. He has just released his 10th album (High Water Mark) and has been nominated for, and/or won ECMA and Music NB awards, including MNB folk/roots recording of the year in 2012. Brent has toured the UK four imes, and played across Canada and in the US. He’s a storyteller and a prolific writer who values words immensely and crafts vivid images of our human experience in his songs. Brent has played many major festivals in the region including Harvest Jazz and Blues. He heads up a very talented band, and since 1992, Brent has hosted a legendary open stage in Saint John. He also facilitates song workshops in high schools in southern NB. Brent is considered the “Godfather of folk music in Saint John”. Here’s a sample of Brent’s music. Tickets are only $20, and we’re hosting this event in the AX Gallery, which has limited seating, so don’t delay. Please purchase your ticket by visiting the centre at 12 Maple Ave., or pay with credit card over the phone, (506) 433-8351. April 21, 2018 Thom Swift Thom has toured and shared the stage with noted performers such as Rosanne Cash, John Hiatt, Bill Frisell, John Mayall, and Pinetop Perkins, and he is co-founder of award-winning folk-blues-jazz group, Hot Toddy Trio, who have released nine albums and performed at prestigious music festivals worldwide. No stranger to Sussex, Thom is excited about the April 21 gig. “It’s always a pleasure to see old friends in Sussex and I am proud to be the first performer at the new AX Centre,” said Swift. Tickets are only $20, and we’re hosting this event in the AX Gallery, which has limited seating, so don’t delay. Tickets are on sale March 22 for AX members, and March 23 for the general public. Please purchase your ticket by visiting the centre at 12 Maple Ave., or pay with credit card over the phone, 433-8351. 2017 August 6, 2017 An Evening of Classical Guitar and Mandolin with Mark and Beverly Davis We’re thrilled to announce this intimate benefit concert at AX on Sunday, August 6, 7:30 p.m., with proceeds going to the centre. 
Tickets available online, in person at AX, or by calling (506) 433-8351.
For a sample of Cathy’s sound, check out her live performance of “Working Man”
About Cathy Hutch
Acknowledgements
Location: AX Gallery
Tickets: $25, available online, by phone, or in-person
Purchase tickets online.About Ross Neilsen
Acknowledgements
Sunday, August 7 at 3:00 p.m.
Location: AX Gallery
Tickets: $25 each, available online or in-person
Although Knock’s Café is closed on Sunday, AX will have a bartender on hand to serve refreshments.About the Davis Duo
Acknowledgements
AX Music Series: Fingal’s Rant
May 6 at 7:30 p.m.
About Fingal’s Rant
Purchase tickets online or in person at AX.
August 28 at 2:00 p.m.
March 13 at 7:00 p.m.
Live-streamed concert with Mike Biggar and Grant Heckman
February 20 at 7:00p.m.
AX is pleased to announce our first-ever live stream concert, February 20, 7:00 p.m., with award-winning contemporary roots and blues artist Mike Biggar and guitarist Grant Heckman. The concert will be streamed for free via Facebook Live, but you don’t need a Facebook account to view the concert. Simply click on this link and you’ll be taken to the Facebook Live event, where you can watch the concert without a Facebook account.
About Mike Biggar
AX Music Series presents Different Folk
Different Folk returns to Sussex as part of our ongoing AX Music Series – this time, outdoors! This concert is sponsored by Ascend LLP Chartered Professional Accountants.
AX Music Series presents Brent Mason
AX Music Series presents Mike Biggar
AX Music Series presents Tim Blackmore and Andrew Graham
Join us at AX on May 4 as we welcome blues performer Morgan Davis.
http://www.ianjanes.com/site/
Ethan’s music style, strong song writing, increasing reputation on the live circuit and many festival appearances has seen his popularity and fan base grow in both the UK and Canada.
The AX Centre is pleased to welcome Different Folk as part of our ongoing AX
Music Series.
The AX Centre is pleased to welcome My Father’s Son as part of our ongoing AX Music Series.
The AX Centre is pleased to welcome Dana Sipos as part of our ongoing AX Music Series.
The AX Centre is pleased to welcome Brent Mason as part of our ongoing AX Music
Series.
The AX Centre is pleased to kick off our AX Music Series with “An Evening with Thom
Swift” on April 21, 2018. The New Brunswick born/Halifax based performer brings with him almost 30 years of proven experience as a singer/songwriter and guitarist. The multi award winner has released four solo albums including his latest titled “The Legend of Roy Black.”
Mark and Beverly have performed together since 2001 as a classical guitar duo and have added new repertoire for mandolin and guitar. Both musicians have played with the New American Mandolin Ensemble, of which Mark is the founder and artistic director, since 2014.
International concert tours have taken Mark and Beverly to the Festival Mandolines de Lunel (France), Eurofestival Zupfmusik (Germany), Festival Ciudad de Cristal (Spain), the Sydney and Perth FAME Festivals (Australia) and the Festival Internacional de Plectro La Rioja (Spain).
Tickets are $25 and are on sale at AX now. These tickets are moving quickly, so come in to get yours ASAP to be sure not to miss this concert.