THE GREAT WOODEN TRIO

WHAT A MONTH!

2010-08-14T15:45:00.000-07:00

The Great Wooden Trio sent storyteller Brad Woods on a fact finding mission this past July. The assignment was simple: "Go and See". The idea was to go and see if the ground was fertile, if the stage was set and if the United Kingdom was indeed ready to hear the tales the Great Wooden Trio tell! If the response was positive then maybe, just maybe we would find a way to get all four of us over there telling tales and singing our guts out. If not, surely Brad would come back with a good road tale or two. Either way Brad spun yarns in Castles, pubs, theatres, festivals, yurts, schools and churches, from London to the Scottish Highlands and back again. Here we have the pictures to prove it. We are currently holding meetings and forming sub committees in order to find the truth and move forward, stay tuned...

My first gig in the UK, telling stories at the Matlock Storytelling Cafe in Matlock (nothing to do with the TV show). Perhaps my best road story comes from this gig. You'll have to ask me out along the way some time.

While in the West Midlands I got invited to tell tales at the Derby Cycle Festival, an entire festival dedicated to sustainable transportation with a storytelling stage. Brilliant! I also rode a penny farthing while there.

Sharing jungle stories with the kids at the Olney Reception School as a favour to some of my favourite people in the world, Micheal and Lilly...and Sofia!

Storytelling in a Yurt for the good folk at the Village Storytelling Centre in Glasgow. I was supposed to tell up at the Castle but after a rain the hill was just too slippery so I got moved to the Yurt at the bottom. Not a bad compromise.

A Yurt for goodness sake!

Chatting with some new friends at the Lyth Arts Centre in the very north of Scotland. I have never experienced landscape or folks like this before.

Telling Canadian inspired stories in Northern Scotland at the Lyth Arts Centre. Check this place out on-line, it's what all Arts Centres should be like!

Outside the Sanctuary at Culduthel Christian Centre in Inverness. My stories were very well recieved here, can't wait to return. This was a hi-lite of our trip. What an honour and a blessing to be able to stay in the home of the Goudies by way of the Biers. Thank you, thank you, thank you all!

Warming up with tea and Welsh cakes before telling and talking story in Cardiff. In my wildest dreams I never thought storytelling would bring me to Wales.

I was invited to tell original Canadian stories at the grand opening of Calahonda Baptist Church in Southern Spain. I had the privilege of sharing the stage with our musical inspiration Kenn Oke, his beautiful wife Doreen and Brit-Pop sensation Yazz. Folk, jazz, gospel, poetry and stories...what a night, and again...WHAT A MONTH!!!

2009-09-17T19:00:00.001-07:00

One of the best things we have ever done, was to play the Mariposa Festival in Orillia this past July. We played four different times, sharing the stage with the likes of Ken Whiteley, The Good Lovelies, The Fugitives, Guy Davis, Enoch Kent, Fred Penner, Dave Wall, Ben Whiteley, Bucky Berger.... and the list goes on. We marvelled at performances by Daniel Lanois, Luc Doucet, The Skydiggers, The Proclaimers, Steven Page, Royal Wood, and more. Brad met the Reid brothers from The Proclaimers and we hung out backstage with Daniel Lanois. What could be cooler? We were treated extremely well, met fantastic people and enjoyed fabulous live music under a cooler than normal July sky. What better way to kick off the summer!!!

Thanks once again to Cher MacNeill for the great performance shots!!

2009-09-17T18:48:00.000-07:00

Wow!! I just got my hands on these photos. Jeff Woods (the oldest of the Woods boys) throws a street party every June in Riverdale - east end of downtown Toronto. The street is closed off to traffic, the bbq's come out, they open up the fire hydrant for the kids to run through, and most recently - the GWT stages a bit of a concert on Jeff's front lawn. Neighbours, locals and passersby hung out and enjoyed a cool one on one of the first warm days of the summer.

It's been said before but this time it's really true -

a good time was had by all!

Thanks to Ryan Barwell for the great photos!!

2009-05-26T12:38:00.000-07:00

We in the GWT have come off one of our busiest and most successful winters ever!! Before the festival season starts, let us fill y'all in on what we've been up to.

For those who don't know, Bersh has for several years been leading his high school Improv team to provincial and national competitions - that ever elusive victory still on the horizon. More recently Bersh has been taking his improv tricks on the road, having had the opportunity to lead workshops and training sessions for theatre groups, treatment centres and university programs.

Greg is spreading the percussion-love, recently recording with Ruth Cassie on her first solo release. Ruth spent part of last year touring Europe in Hawksley Workman's band. Greg is also involved in a live worship recording session with the incredible jazz pianist Mike Janzen. The recording will take place at Little Trinity Anglican Church in Toronto's east end on June 5th, 6th and 7th.

Kevin has recently accepted an offer to return for the second time to North Western Ontario this summer to tour the area doing what he does best, play guitar. Kevin will be playing at a summer camp, churches and cafe's in and around Kenora, Dryden and Wabigoon. Watch for him if you're in the area!

Brad is using all methods possible to bring attention back to traditional storytelling. He has been commisioned to write and record voice over for a Muskoka Woods promotional video. Muskoka Woods is a sports resort on Lake Rosseau. Brad continues to contribute storytelling broadcasts at CFRU 93.3 and has finally taken the plunge and mailed off a manuscript of his original stories to an undisclosed publisher. Couldn't resist adding that last bit in - let's hope something comes from it.

Over the next few months we will be appearing in various incarnations at Latitudes Storytelling Festival in Kitchener, Mariposa Folk Festival in Orillia, Hillside Music festival in Guelph and the the Blueberry festival in Sioux Lookout.

See you along the way!

2009-04-06T16:56:00.000-07:00

On Sunday March 29th, The Great Wooden Trio and African Griot, dancer, singer and storyteller Adwoa Badoe shared the stage at the 2009 TORONTO FESTIVAL OF STORYTELLING. This event was held at The Loop Centre for Lively Arts and Learning in Artscape Wychwood Barns. African rhythms, tasty harmonies and acoustic grooves blended into a vibrant evening of spoken word and music. The new Artscape space is amazing, and we're hoping to be invited back to perform there again as soon as possible! Thanks to Cher MacNeill for the cool snapshots!

2009-04-06T15:58:00.000-07:00

On Saturday March 7, we had the pleasure of performing at HOPE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH in Courtice Ontario. HOPE FELLOWSHIP was hosting a 10th Anniversary Community Dinner Party. Special thanks to Carl Feddema for arranging the evening and who took us out for cheap laffs and Ultimate Fighting later that evening.

Awesome photos by David G.

CD LAUNCH NUMBER 3

2008-07-23T08:52:00.000-07:00

On Sunday June 15, we held the final Great Wooden Trio CD Launch party at The Bread and Circus Theater and Bar in Kensington Market, downtown Toronto. Once again, there was a massive early summer thundershower that made getting down to Kensington somewhat of a challenge. Thanks to all who did brave the rain and lightning and made it out that night. Opening for us was the brilliant comedy of Peter Stevens - we're still quoting some of his genius lines. Joining us again was David White, mandolin player extraordinaire and a host of close Toronto friends who quite frankly, storm or no storm, filled the narrow little bar in Kensington. Here are some more Cher MacNeill pics from that evening - thanks Cher!! Thanks also to Scott "buzz-killer" Francisco for taking matters into his own hands. We could use a guy like you in our organization.

CD LAUNCH NUMBER 2

2008-07-23T08:38:00.000-07:00

On Thursday June 12, we held the second of three CD Launch events at Bryden's Pub in Milton. Jeremy Giesbrecht of the Gun Shy Rebels opened the evening with some quirky acoustic/pop tunes, accompanied by our very own Kevin Morse. We played to an enthusiastic Milton crowd. There was a positive vibe being felt at the bar that evening, evidenced by 'the dancer' who rushed the stage. I'm still waiting on photographs from the evening, so for now I'll include this link from the Milton Canadian Champion Arts and Entertainment page. Thanks again to Scott the Soundman and to Sherry for workin' the merch'. Oh, and thanks to Craig Roberts for showing up...... late.

CD LAUNCH NUMBER 1

2008-07-23T08:00:00.000-07:00

On Sunday June 8, we held the first of three CD Launch events at the legendary Albion Hotel in Guelph. We lit'rilly had an all star cast of musicians with us that night. Opening the show for us with her hypnotic vocal loops and jazz ballads was the fantastically fantastic Ambre McLean. Joining the GWT on keyboards was Tim Alberts, who recorded, mixed, mastered and performed on our CD. Jesse Turton, a local heavyweight played some awesome upright bass - an instrument we've never used live before. David 'Pool Boy' White played mandolin and to end the evening off, local musical heroes Tannis Slimmon and Jude Vadala joined us on backing vocals. We had a great big crowd out, despite the muggy, unbearably hot thunderstorm evening (a storm of some kind always occurs when we play in Guelph - according to Bersch) and CD sales were well beyond expectations. Thanks to everyone for showing up and a very special thanks to Sherry Morse for working the merch table, to Cher MacNeill for the great photos (below), and to Scott the sound man for working his miracles yet again.

GWT CD RELEASE DATES!!!

2008-06-05T05:07:00.000-07:00

APRIL 25, 2008 - We have final confirmation on all of our CD Release dates!!! It's going to be a three city release party, and the fun won't stop until all the CD's are sold. So bring your good humor, your love for music, your thirst and your wallet so you can bring home some of that good ol' GWT magic. (that's the corniest thing I've ever written) Click on CD release poster below for the big version so you can read the details.

GWT BACK AT THE MEETING HOUSE

2008-06-02T20:55:00.000-07:00

APRIL 18, 2008 - And we're back once again, to perform on the massive stage and be shot by twelve video cameras while our spotty and disheveled mugs were displayed larger than life on the double jumbo-tron above our heads. No wait - that was the Christmas Eve show. I'm mixed up. Anyway, watch the video clip -- you'll know what I mean.
David White on mandolin - turning our trio into a quintet.

IMPACT AFRICA BENEFIT CONCERT

2008-06-02T20:42:00.001-07:00

APRIL 12, 2008 - For the second year in a row, GWT played the Impact Africa Benefit Concert at the WEST SIDE THEATER in downtown Hamilton. Impact Africa is an evening concert and silent art auction created to benefit persons living with HIV/AIDS in Africa. The funds raised from the concert and silent art auction goes to the Mennonite Central Committee's GENERATIONS AT RISK program, which sends desperately needed medical supplies and money to HIV/AIDS projects in Africa. It was quite an evening and we were fortunate to yet again share the stage with the amazing JACOB MOON. Here's two video clips from that evening.

GWT CD FINALLY FINISHED

2008-06-02T20:36:00.000-07:00

APRIL 11, 2008 - The CD's are finally here!! We started this project in October, 2006 and a year and a half later, it's finished.... finally finished..... good lord i'm glad it's finished. I personally had an absolute riot working on this disc. Good fun resulting in good art!! Stay tuned for upcoming CD Release Party dates!!

SUE RICHARDS FUNDRAISER

2008-06-02T19:38:00.000-07:00

APRIL 5, 2008 - We had the most distinguished honor of performing at the SUE RICHARDS BENEFIT CONCERT at the Eden Mills Community Hall. Sue Richards is a very well known artist in Guelph, and is the driving force behind the BREAST OF CANADA CALENDAR. We shared the stage with Jude Vadala And Friends and The Exceptions. It was an amazing night to support a wonderful human being and we were exposed to a whole new music loving Guelph and Eden Mills based audience. I stole these pictures from Blog Guelph - thanks Downtown Lynn!

GWT LIVE @ THE MEETING HOUSE CHRISTMAS EVE

2008-05-28T13:56:00.000-07:00

DECEMBER 24, 2007 - We had the good fortune to play three services, each completely packed, at The Meeting House in Oakville. Here's a couple of great video clips from that evening that should say it all.

GWT LIGHT THE CHRISTMAS TREE IN GUELPH

2008-05-28T11:46:00.000-07:00

DECEMBER 1, 2007 - Alright, so we didn’t have many gigs in the fall - so what? We did however get a chance to play at the GUELPH CIVIC LIGHTING OF THE CHRISTMAS TREE downtown Guelph. We shared the stage with THE FUNKY MAMMAS, JUDE VADALA and TANNIS SLIMMON. Nearly froze our patooties off, too.

GWT LIVE ON CIUT

2008-05-28T11:36:00.000-07:00

OCTOBER 2, 2007 - GWT is broadcast live on CIUT, the UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO radio station. There is always a first!! We told stories, sang songs and were interviewed by Andy Frank. Never before have we done a radio broadcast.

THE BRAD WOODS STORYTELLER CD RELEASE TOUR '07

2008-05-28T11:10:00.000-07:00

Sept. 9, 2007 - MILTON. Brad hosted his first of three CD release events at Milton Bible Church. Guest appearances by Jeremy G, Kevin Morse and yours truly.

SEPT. 12, 2007 - GUELPH. Brad hosted his second event at some old museum in Guelph. Guest appearances by Ambre Maclean & the Sisters Of Mercy, and Glen Soderholm.

SEPT. 20, 2007 -TORONTO.Brad hosted his third event at NOT MY DOG on Queen St. West. We had an excellent turnout, pulling pedestrians in off the street. Guest appearances by Pianist Mike Janzen and again, some short hairy drummer dude.

GWT @ HILLSIDE FESTIVAL

2008-05-28T10:59:00.001-07:00

Saturday July 28, 2007 - Our third year playing The Hillside Festival, this time we did it without Brad and it wasn't nearly as good. I mean Bersch is a good storyteller and all, but it just wasn't the same.

I only have this picture to prove we were there, and as you can see it proves nothing.

Where's our staff photographer when you need her?

GWT @ TORONTO ROOTS FESTIVAL

2008-05-28T09:20:00.000-07:00

On Saturday June 23, 2007 we headed down to the Historic Distillery District in Toronto's East end to play at The Toronto Roots Festival. Good time had by all, and our second year in a row of wowing the crowd at Toronto Roots!

GWT @ HAL'S BALLROOM TORONTO

2008-05-28T09:01:00.000-07:00

On Friday May 25th, Hal's Burger Emporium and Ballroom in downtown Toronto played host to the GWT and Ambre Maclean. We had a whole pile of friends come out for this show. Sorry, but no pictures of Ambre.

IMPACT AFRICA BENEFIT CONCERT

2008-05-21T19:38:00.000-07:00

On Friday April 13th, we had the most distinct honor of performing at the IMPACT AFRICA BENEFIT CONCERT at the Westside Theater in downtown Hamilton. Impact Africa is an evening concert and silent art auction created to benefit persons living with HIV/AIDS in Africa. It is the second IMPACT AFRICA fundraiser - the first one held last year raised more than six thousand dollars (enough to provide support to over 600 AIDS orphans for a year). All money raised from the concert and silent art auction goes to the Mennonite Central Committee’s'GENERATIONS AT RISK' program, which sends desperately needed medical supplies and money to HIV/AIDS projects in Africa. It was quite an evening and we were fortunate to share the bill with the amazing Jacob Moon, a fantastic rock band HEWIT, and a very cool guitar duo Us2. Various presenters from the MCC, as well as others gave short informational and motivational presentations. In the lobby of the theater, there was a tasteful selection of art, all available in silent auction for purchase. We had an amazing time, met some fantastic people who are involved in a most desperate and neccesary cause.

Visit the IMPACT AFRICA myspace site for more info at:
http://www.myspace.com/impact_africa

GWT RECORDING AT TRUE MUSIC

2008-05-21T18:22:00.000-07:00

The Great Wooden Trio are very pleased to announce that we have begun work on a new CD, scheduled for release late summer 2007. We consider ourselves extremely fortunate to be working with TIM ALBERTS of TRUE MUSIC PRODUCTIONS in LIMEHOUSE ONTARIO. Tim is a very gifted Producer/Engineer/Musician and has been a real asset to our recording -a fifth member to our trio. So far we have recorded thirteen bed tracks on mostly brand new songs, and a few that we've been performing for a while but hadn't committed to tape (vinyl? cd?) until now. We're about to begin the laborious (yet really fun) stage of recording vocals, guitar and percussion overdubs - as well as bring in a host of guest musicians to play on various tracks - more on that later.

Back in Febuary, Tim and Brad facilitated a live audience in house at True Music Studios for an intimate evening of friends, vino and story telling. It was quite an evening and should add a real charm to the CD. We are all very excited about what has been captured thus far - safe to say that this is going to be the best recording project any of us have been involved in. It's been way too much fun!! More info to follow as we progress.

GREAT WOODEN TRIO IN THUNDER BAY

2008-05-21T18:06:00.000-07:00

On March 24th, Brad, Kevin and Greg flew up to Thunder Bay to begin the “ONE CITY, TWO DAYS, THREE GUYS, FOUR SHOWS TOUR”. (T-shirts available soon) James Collie, a local promoter, entrepreneur and all around cool dude had seen The Great Wooden Trio perform last December in Milton and wasted no time in convincing us to fly up to the Lake Head for a Saturday night performance at THE HOPE CHURCH. The tour started with a visit to HULL BOOKSTORE, downtown Thunder Bay. We performed a short acoustic set to try and draw a crowd for the evenings performance. The turnout was a little disappointing, but we did have one couple pop into the store, inquire who we were and turned up at the HOPE concert that evening, so all was not lost.

Show number two was at HOPE CHURCH, a newly renovated wing in an 80 + year old school house. The acoustics in the sanctuary were outstanding and roughly 120 people turned up to see what the fuss was all about. James had done an amazing job promoting the concert around the city. The show went off without a hitch, and climaxed in a STANDING ‘O’!!! (click on any of these photos to view the large version)

We were asked to perform a mini set at the HOPE CHURCH Sunday morning service - show number three - which went extremely well and turned out to be a really nice way to talk to some of the folks that we missed meeting the night before. Lots of great compliments from all ages - and sold a few more cd's to boot!

Then we were off to our final gig at Chapters. It started out slow, but interest grew throughout our set and by the end we had a crowd of 15 to 20 people checking us out. It’s so funny to witness first reactions to our performances. At first people are usually outright puzzled and unsure about us. Then, after committing some listening time, they almost always end up digging in and enjoying themselves. It’s all about devoting some time to listening - then BAM!! we’ve hooked ya! James and his wife Inez were absolutely amazing hosts and so much fun to hang with. We spent the weekend at their getaway in the woods and were treated to Thunder Bays finest restaurant “THE HOITO” Best Finnish breakfast to be found this side of ..... well ..... Finland. We were also introduced to the local delicacy - The Persian. It’s a one of a kind, only found in Thunder Bay (check the link).

Big thanks go out to James and Inez Collie for all the running around, accommodations and unabashed friendliness they openly offered us for two solid days. You guys are AWESOME!!!!!!!
Thanks also to Dave and Heather Lammers for the taxi service and the venicen dogs. Thanks to Kaleb Lammers for teaching Greg the finer points of Mine Sweeper. Thanks to Jenn and Darren Foulds for the leftover shower cake. Thanks to Ken Paulusma for doing a wonderful mixing job at HOPE and finally thanks to Dave White and Glen Soderholm for recommending us to James.
We had a fantastic weekend. Let's do it again soon!!