Everyone has a story to tell. Sometimes, all a musician needs to tell that story, is a six string and an attentive audience. Songwriter circles have been gaining popularity, especially in the country music genre, because of how natural it is to share songs and stories.
Dave Woods from In The Country With Dave Woods has been hosting Stories, Songs and Six Strings at The Moonshine Cafe in Oakville, ON, including the show that I attended on Wednesday evening featuring Danielle Bourjeaurd, Patrick James Clark, Amanda Rheaume, Aaron Allen, Kansas Stone and Mackenzie Leigh Meyer. This event has really taken flight since its inception over a year ago.
“I started this songwriters series in early 2018. Looking back, it’s amazing how it’s grown and the buzz there seems to be about it. I aim to get an interesting mix of artists to perform. And it’s cool to see artists connect who didn’t know each other before the night”, Woods describes about the show.
Woods is no stranger to country music in Ontario. As a twice nominated CMAOntario Industry Person of the Year (2017, 2019), he is a dedicated supporter to up-and-coming talent in Ontario by hosting interviews with them on his very popular podcast In The Country.
“I’ve been a country music fan – and a passionate one – since I was a kid. It’s always drawn me in. Doing the podcast In The Country for 10 years has been a joy and it’s just as much fun to do as ever. I love the artists and the country music community we have in Canada”.
Sitting in The Moonshine Cafe on Wednesday it was evident to me that Woods has created a true gem for country music fans and its certainly not a secret any longer! Booking reservations in advance is highly recommended as these shows have gained popularity and the small, intimate environment fills up very quickly. What you are guaranteed at one of these events is a place to sit back and really take in a quality performance without fear of background chatter. It is a room where everyone is there to see and hear the artists perform their songs and tell their stories, which is rather refreshing!
Woods breaks the group of musicians into two groups. Each group starts with a mini interview, Dave Woods style! After a few questions, when the audience is acquainted with the musicians, they take turns swapping songs and stories. There is always a cover song to be played in each round as well. So, it makes for a wonderful variety of music. At the end of each round, fans are offered the chance to chat with the artists, pose for pictures and purchase merchandise.
“My future plans are to keep building on the momentum, pack the Moonshine regularly and give artists who are new to songwriting rounds a chance to have that experience and make some new fans. And, of course, to bring in some of the bigger artists we all know and love. We truly are bringing a piece of Nashville to Oakville in the gem of a place that is The Moonshine Cafe”, Woods describes. “I’m planning a big songwriting showcase in Toronto on the evening of November 12th. Right now, the venue and artists are being kept confidential. Stay tuned for an announcement very soon!”
Danielle Bourjeaurd’s latest single “Country Sorta Way” is out now on all platforms. You can check her out at Gussapolooza if you are in the Holland Landing, ON area on Saturday September 14th at 8pm.
Patrick James Clark will be at Parkjam on Friday, September 6th in London, ON. His on-stage banter is incredible and not to be missed!
We fell in love with Amanda Rheaume’s stunning voice and emotional performance. Her latest album, The Skin I’m In is out now and we highly recommend you get yourself a copy today!
Aaron Allen – this man is about to explode onto the music scene in a HUGE way. His latest single, “Good Tattoo” got rave reviews in the audience at the show on Wednesday. As he and his wife both are tattoo artists, it only made sense he write a song about just that!
Fan favourites, Kansas Stone made an appearance and did not disappoint! We were even lucky enough to hear a sneak peek of their soon-to-be released single “Cash’n Out”. It is always a party when these boys come to perform.
Mackenzie Leigh Meyer has been my person favourite discovery of the summer! I first saw her perform at Boots and Hearts and I was thrilled to see her perform again in this intimate setting. I instantly get chills listening to her perform “Make Me Feel Something”, with accompaniment by Jeff Brown.
For more photos from the show, visit our Facebook page.
Connect with Dave Woods:
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Connect with Danielle Bourjeaurd:
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Connect with Patrick James Clark:
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Connect with Amanda Rheaume:
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Connect with Mackenzie Leigh Meyer:
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Connect with Kansas Stone:
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Connect with Aaron Allen:
Website
Facebook
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Twitter