Aug 5, 2010

Dungeon, Bonavista, Newfoundland, Canada. I sit with Amelia Curran staring out over the heartachingly rugged, serene scape. Gulls perched on jagged cliffs, foreground and background, whales spouting in distant pods. Free roaming sheep and horses, ocean til forever. Nothing to say. No dumbing this down. We are reminded why we spend our lives feeling and feeling thankful for that, though it's often misunderstood.

To be stirred in this way relieves me for a moment of my grueling inner grind, heavy heart and struggle to please the details. It inspires and shelters and saves and pleases and saddens and wells desires and wonders why anything and begs what matters. I'm rawly alive and completely alone. Small and insignificant, spilling over gratitude, almost like I wasn't supposed to witness this, a treasure never to be found; what happens regardless of anyone. There's no way to properly re-enact this.

I could be crazy, but by the vastness of this ocean I feel sheltered. No way to be reached though the most exposed I could ever be. One foot daring the edge, I feel safe, like everything I'm surrounded by understands my plight.

rose

(ps. to DL and JG: i love you. you have conquered a thousand oceans. congratulations.)

July 21, 2010

Being at home makes me appreciate the road. Likewise the road to home. This is the longest I've been home in 4 years.

I've bought groceries and cooked food. I've read books. I've played my piano and guitar for pleasure every day. I've slept in or gotten up early. I've seen the same people sometimes several days in a row. I even, for the first time, planted a small flower box on my back step. I'm savouring, trying not to waste time, but also, to waste a little time.

I long to be stirred. I crave being still. Somewhere between east and west, fleeting moments of balance occur. Permanently temporary.

I have come to understand there is no greener grass. We have to take care of our own. If we don't know how to grow grass we need to read about it (google it?). If it doesn't grow, we may need to dig up and start over, adjust our nurturing. Maybe we lend a hand to a struggling neighbour, but in the end, we can only be responsible for our own patch. It's challenging to see how green it is. Weeds are natural. If we're lucky, maybe we get to have a cottage patch someday.

Obviously, I've had some thinking time, but it's been a gift to be local for the summer. Enjoy yours, read something, eat ice cream, wear sunscreen, watch sunsets, make out with someone? Go see music.

Read and reading: Life of Pi - Yan Martel, Girls Like Us (story of Joni, Carly and Carole)- Sheila Weller, Total Money Makeover - Dave Ramsay

In my player: Frazey Ford - Obadiah, Amy Correia - You go your way, Sarah Harmer - Oh Little Fire (yay she's back)

April 8, 2010

Dearest Spring,

Oh how you relieve me. Though the winter deceived me, making it hard to believe you'd ever come, you return. I embrace your early warmth. It pulls us off couches, spins us around the Commons and welcomes back the smiles that have no explanation but for you and your reassurance of summer. You gather groups in the park and lift the heavy weather conversations up and out as we over turn snow-soaked earth, if we're lucky enough to have our own patch to grow something in.

Spring, you send me walking in sneakers, jacket at home. I take my 3-hole punch and stapler and make sense of the piles of paper that have accumulated since the New Year. I sweep, vacuum, de-clutter. Were I a season, I'd probably be you. Though, I'd long to be more a beautiful autumn. The spring of expectation vs the fall savour.

A vase of Easter tulips on my counter, I dream of June lilacs and the light lingering in the air as long as possibly can and of that light coming into my home and making everything just a little easier.


I'd like to be that light for you.

rose

Recently read and reading: A Wild Sheep Chase - Haruki Murakami, The Kruetzer Sonata - Tolstoy, A New Earth - Eckhart Tolle

In my player: Dance Movie - It's in the And, Joanna Newsom - Have One on Me, Laura Veirs - July Flame

Feb 10, 2010

It's early morning in Manchester and the earliest I've been up in a long while. It's nice to see the sunshine after being in Ireland and the UK for 10 days and not seeing much. I'm listening to Patty Griffin's Downtown Church. The dampness here creeps in under all layers. One would think I'd be used to it coming from a coastal town. This morning's sun, Patty's voice and a sleeping bag are providing me a cocoon right now.

I flew overnight to Belfast, landing with crossed eyes on Feb1st and slept the entire day. On the 2nd I met up with Maeve O'Boyle to start our little 6 date tour. After the first show in Belfast I was scooped up by Jenn Kimball staying in Culdaff, Donegal, a part of Ireland more north than Northern Ireland but considered the south because of the borders that exist. I saw the coast looking out into the Irish Sea, sheep, Malin Head, 2 rainbows, and the quaint town of Carndonagh. In the evening we went to a session at a small local pub The Persian, where the Henry Girls lead the way with fiddle, tin whistle, accordion and harp. I sat in, sang along and had a sip of Guinness.

The next morning Ry took me across the Greencastle Ferry to the Giant's Causeway before catching a bus back to Belfast where I again met up with Maeve and we drove to our show in Slane, IE. Royal Wood HAPPENED to be in town, having just played the same venue, so I roped him into singing!

Then it was off to Scotland via ferry and a lovely drive to Edinburgh. We played a venue called The Caves and it was literally just that, apparently a part of a buried underground network of spaces. That night I stayed outside Edinburgh with the talented Karine Polwart & family whom I'd met at Celtic Colours in 2008! The next day I met up with two more Canadians I went to university with and didn't know were there til they showed up at the show. After a quick walk up to the castle and along the Royal Mile I hopped a train to Glasgow to meet Maeve in at Oran Mor. I had fish and chips and "mushy peas".

Next morning was breakfast with another amazing Scottish artist Lori Watson whom I met at Celtic Colours as well and she got me onto my next train to York, England where I spent the night and next day. Tiny streets, short doors and windows along "the Shambles" made me think the people in the 1600's were extremely small. It's a wonder why they'd need such a huge Cathedral. I walked up the 275 narrow steps of the Minster to see York from above. I hopped another train to Manchester.

Gabriel Minnikin was waiting for me there and got me to my gig at the Blue Cat. This brings the story to yesterday when Gabe and I went to the studio and recorded some vocals on his new recording. Last night his roommate cooked English dinner of chicken, "veg" and two kinds of potatoes. Then tea and "biscuits". Then rummy - and I won!

I have one more stop on the trip and that's London where I'll get to by train today. Totally going to email the Queen and see if she's up for tea and scones in the next couple days. She doesn't seem to be answering my txts.

In my player: In my player: Paper Beat Scissors, Patty Griffin's Downtown Church, The Swell Season's Strict Joy

rose

Sept 29, 2009

Lastnight, Luke and I and David Travers-Smith spent the whole night in David's hamster-sized mixing studio on the west side of Toronto. At 8am luke and I parted, found 3 hours of sleep and met up again at the mastering suite on the east where we've been all day. Now as the final tiny adjustments are being made I'm realizing that we've done it and today is the day we set to have the record done and mastered and it is so. Crazy.

It's been an unbelievable ride. I arrived in Toronto exactly one month ago. We finished at 2am on the 24th of Sept. I took a fast trip home to NS to play the Deep Roots Festival in Wolfville. I played a rock and also an acoustic set with Joel P and the gang and a set of my own. Also took the seasonal opportunity to buy a fresh back of valley macintosh apples and stand in a field of pumpkins with my good friend Erin!

Luke, the amazing Luke. I can't tell you all what an incredible experience it has been to work with Luke Doucet. Building this project has been intense and gratifying and I can't imagine having created it with anyone else. I have so much respect for his positivity and kindness as a human and now good friend and a deep admiration for his endless talent. A consummate professional and a goof after my own heart - forever thank you Luke.

A million thanks go also to Daniel Ledwell who once again created a masterpiece for the cover of my album & to Margot Durling of fogo creative for taking Dan's painting and making the most beautifully themed cd artwork ever. Can't wait for you all to see it!


NOW WHAT? Well we check out the shows section cause I'm about to burn a hole through Canada (and a few spots in the US) with this new record!! Check it OUT. For those of you who pre-ordered the record...WE DID IT. Thank you so much for making it happen and watch your mail for your discs!

Now, I'm going to sleep for 988543985473 hours. Can't wait to see you all when I'm out on the road.

Currently reading: Cat's Eye - Margaret Atwood

In my player: my own friggen record....The Wooden Sky , Acres and Acres - All Nations , Amy Millan - Masters of the Burial,
Grass Market - Port City

rose

July 11, 2009

So tonight Sir Paul MacCartney played on the Halifax Common. The day was brilliant with sun and the sky completely clear so that when the sun finally went down you could see stars above the stage and Paul even pointed out the amazing moon..maybe 2/3 with a blurred right edge...amazing and low in the sky. I started the evening by joining Joel Plaskett on stage for an opening set right before Paul played...not without some panic as the generator supplying power to the entire operation went down right before we were supposed to sound check. Within 5 mins of our start time, the new generator kicked in and we were cooking. Joel really nailed it and all reports say that his set was killer. Definitely the biggest crowd I've ever played to and amazing to do so in my current hometown and with someone I'm such a huge fan of.

Before that and earlier in the day I took Rose Polenzani, Anne Heaton, Laura Cortese, Nicole and Ellen to Peggy's Cove. They are here FINALLY visiting me from Boston. We got sun trapped in our skin.

Before that, last night Rose, Anne, Laura and I played at the Company House to an amazing crowd. You've heard me rave about these women before but I was SO PROUD to show them off to my Halifax friends and fans and it was a show to be remembered. We even did a cover of "Say Say Say" for the living and the dead.

Before that I spent 3 days with the incredible Luke Doucet in Hamilton, ON. I couldn't be happier that he and I will be embarking on my new project in September. I am a huge fan of Luke and am honoured he has agreed to produce my new record. I feel like only goodness can come from this.

Before that I played in St John's Newfoundland for the first time. Joel took his show to there to complete his national tour, which of course, was before that for the entire month of May and a few other dates in June. We played Canada Day celebrations in NB and at Alderney Landing in Dartmouth. I finally got the best view for the fireworks and was super pumped to play for the home crowd. At that point we were still only talking about opening for Paul.
Before all that back in April I played a couple great shows with Catherine MacLellan in Windsor, NS and in Moncton, NB and they were great too. Nick Cobham and Kyle Cunjak and Kinley Dowling joined us...another sweet collaboration.

Before that I did my best to move slowly for a while and it went kinda of ok. I have realized that being on the road and taking care of business (and working overtime) has over the last couple of years changed my time allotted for writing but I'm getting it back now and am excited to share some new stuff with you.

Tonight though...I finally got to see a Beatle and a brilliant master of hooks and riffs. His band was amazing and at one point huge flames shot out of the front of the stage and fire works went off behind. He played any classic you could think of and he looks so fit and healthy and he played and played and I never saw him take a sip of water. I'm completely inspired and open mouthed. I'm humbled and I'm in awe. I want to bottle this night.

From here on in I'll be writing and tweaking and demo-ing and visiting people who are getting married and then going to their weddings, hopefully with new wedding songs to play and I'll going to go to PEI and swim and hang with my niece at the beach and eat shellfish and stare at the ocean and savour my slow time cause this fall will be a crazy new adventure with a brand new record and many shows to play.

Books I've just read: One More Day - Mitch Albom & Into Thin Air - Jon Krakauer

In my player: Ane Brun, Changing of Seasons, Sarah Siskind - Say it Louder, Matt Epp -Safe or Free, Alexi Murdoch - Time Without Consequences

rose

Mar 23, 2009

Today I celebrate not only the first birthday of my tiny niece but also gratitude for the passing of time. I am moving at a considerably slower pace now than I was this time last year and I'm so happy to be home and walking around outside. Also for the extra light that spills into my living room then through to my kitchen as morning moves to evening. I am busy writing and planning for the next album and I'm sensing a spring like surge of inspiration....

I'll be playing only a couple maritime shows this month and next and then at the end of April and til the end of May I'll be on the road with the fabulous Joel Plaskett as he unleashes his new album 'Three' ( which officially hits stores tomorrow)! It's a great project and I'm totally pumped to be a part of it and the entourage who will head out across Canada.   The band will be comprised of Joel & his dad, Bill, myself and songstress Ana Egge.   We'll be hitting all the major Canadian cities so check out the schedule and come out and see the show -it's gonna be WAY too much fun.

The Symphony is NOW ONLINE...click the photo below and take a listen.



In my player: Royal Wood - The Lost and Found EP, Jenn Grant (still), Gianna Lauren

rose

Feb 26, 2009

Today was sunny and I went for a walk in the woods with some friends in Chester. They are lucky to live in the country and because they are artists and work from home they partake in a morning "walk to work" by looping around their property, onto the road and back home. How smart is that? I love my dwelling but I do long for a home in the country in the years to come..where cell phones don't work as well and the things you see out the window aren't human.

I was honoured last weekend to play a show with Symphony Nova Scotia. Arrangements were done for four of my songs and it was a glorious feeling having the orchestra swell behind me and to share the show with Old Man Luedecke. This show will eventually be on CBC...I'll post when that happens.

I have one more trip next week into the states for a few shows and then I'm hunkering down to finish writing (hopefully in the country). Pre-orders are rolling in and I'm so very thankful to all of you who have joined and continued on the team! I'll be taking orders till the end of May and then I'll hopefully be heading into the studio in June so wish me luck and send me your best creative vibes!

In my player: Echoes by Jenn Grant & all of Bon Iver

rose

Jan 1, 2009

The year has started with a full day in pajamas and a huge blizzard outside. Some pals and I had breakfast at 2pm as we held our throbbing New Year's Eve heads and watched The Dark Knight under blankets. I love the days you can't really go anywhere. Good time to take note of the great year that has passed.

Here are my 2008 Highlights (in no real order).

1. seeing the Caribbean sea's unbelievable whites and blues and fish of every colour, snorkeling for the first time and standing on the deck of a cruise ship in the warm night wind with my best friend Edie Carey, recalling the amazing concert we had just seen
2. the birth of my niece and the perfect wonder and joy she continues to bring
3. becoming a home owner, buying a fridge and putting my magnets on it
4. finding Mary Margaret O'Hara's song " I Don't Care"
5. singing with Kate Campbell and Ellis Paul at Eddie's Attic
6. American Thanksgiving in Atlanta with Lucy-Blair
7. winning an East Coast Music Award
8. hiking with my brother & John Wort Hannam in Alberta
9. touring western Canada with Don Brownrigg
10. touring western USA with Edie
11. seeing real cacti along the road in Arizona
12. smelling orange blossoms in Ojai, California
13. writing songs with David Francey, James Keelaghan, Dave Gunning, Karine Polwart & Lori Watson
14. Sadie in the Kitchen
15. Edie's new song "Red Shoes"
16. listening to Kathleen Edwards sitting on the floor of the Sea Horse & meeting her after
17. singing "Tender Mercies" with Eliza Gilkyson
18. singing with Melissa Ferrick at Berkley Performance Center in Boston
19. playing on a huge stage at Telluride right after Chris Thile, Bela Fleck and Edgar Myer
20. celebrating my friend Dale Letcher's 40th birthday
21. videos with rose p
22. recording, singing and playing with Joel & Bill Plaskett and Ana Egge
23. singing on Jenn Grant's new album
24. singing with Olympic Symphonium
25. seeing Leonard Cohen live in PEI with mum
26. finally getting to Manitoba and Saskatchewan...old grain elevators and seeing for miles
27. the Black Sheep Inn
28. sleepin in my own bed and painting my own kitchen
29. Ana Egge's song "Farmer's Daughter"
30. everyone being home for xmas

In my player: Winter Song by Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson, Adrianne - Live at Eddie's Attic

rose

Sept 27, 2008

The end of the end of summer and what the Thanksgiving is about to happen? Just spun through the Maritimes with Meg Hutchinson in tow. St. Andrews NB to Antigonish, NS and back here to Halifax.

I want to tell you why I love Halifax, NS. Tonight across the street from my house was a Hoser themed show at Gus' Pub as a fundraiser for our local college radio station. "Hoser" is a very Canadian term used to describe those who wear wool caps and plaid at all times of the year, who tack on "eh" at the ends of phrases and who hang out in doughnut shops and talk hockey. This term was epitomized by two well known Canadian characters named Bob and Doug MacKenzie who were on SCTV many years ago.

Tonight the song choices were those of the 80's and early 90's and of Canadian Heritage like "the Log Driver's Waltz" sung on that cartoon the Canadian Film Board did about log driving. I remember that song going through my head as Don Brownrigg and I drove through Salmon Arm BC in June. Anyway, you got a dollar off admission if you dressed like a hoser and there were homemade deep fried doughnuts and a maple syrup drinking contest. The finale was a heartful version of 1985's "Tears are not Enough" and everyone sang along - something like this.

Across the street from Gus' Pub is FRED ( Salon, Café & Gallery), my fave coffee and internet haunt. Tonight FRED transformed into a Disco party palace. Disco balls..disco beats and both women and men dressed in shimmer and glitter and high high heels. The scene when the smokers of the two distinct groups came out on the sidewalk to partake in their common clutch, was perfectly bizare and awesome. I adore this city for this and so many more reasons.

I think if I were a tree I'd be one that turned a shade of red when fall came around. I'd also be a red apple from the valley.

I'll be travelin' and workin' hard throughout the fall going to places I haven't been before like Saskatchewan & Manitoba. I'll also be in Ontario for much of November and then scooting for a quick trip to the states before returning home for the winter to nestle in and create & record. Its been a truly wonderful couple of years touring If You Were For Me and I can't thank you enough for coming to the shows, buying the record, then buying the record for a friend or a Christmas present or dragging your friends out to shows. My work continues because of you so thank you so very much.

With that I announce that I'm launching my 2nd official PRE-CAMPAIGN for my next project which will begin in early 2009. I'll be recording such songs as Heart in the Game (Elvis), White Daisies, The Dancers, Send off and some others that are in the works! To those who generously pre-ordered my last cd, I THANK YOU for helping me bring that one to life. For those of you who are jumping on board this year, WELCOME TO THE TEAM and thank you in advance.

Click HERE to download and print the ORDER FORM !

In my player: NEW Olympic Symphonium & Meaghan Smith's Cricket's Quartet (& sweet lil videos)

rose

June 21 , 2008

(catch up blogs are coming soon from my many travels of 2008 so far..stay tuned!)

Happy Solstice everyone!...i'm typing from Telluride Colorado today....I mean the view here is foolish and we're at almost 11,000 ft above my home. the sea. I've got four more shows in the midwest of the USA and then i'm heading hom to Halifax/PEI for a few more and the some time off!! Stand by for more news and updates here in the coming month and stay in touch!

In my player: Christina Martin - Two Hearts, Tanya Davis - Gorgeous Morning ...the lovely local Halifax gals!

LIsten to a concert recorded live at the Harbourfront Jubilee Theatre
in PEI on May 17, 2008 at CBC Radio 2's Concerts on Demand online
click the photo!

Feb 10, 2008

ROSE WINS an EAST COAST MUSIC AWARD
FEMALE RECORDING OF THE YEAR!

Jan 10, 2008

John Gorka listed his faves of 2007 on his site (great idea) and I'm going to follow suit (cause I just think he's stellar). On that note here's my recap - hot damn:

2007 top great moments (in no particular order except for #1)

1. finding out my sister is pregnant
2. singing with John Gorka
3. visiting Graceland
4. going to the circus on my 30th birthday
5. touring with Edie Carey...just about everywhere
6. bringing Edie Carey to tour with me in Canada
7. meeting Shelagh Rogers
8. shaking Guy Clark's hand
9. seeing Georgia O'Keeffe original home in NM
10. performing on Mountain Stage
11. helping to raise over $150,000 for Maritime Food Banks by singing Christmas music
12. visiting the Civil Rights Museum in Memphis
13. buying my first pair of expensive dress shoes to wear on stage
14. winning my first awards for doing what I love
15. meeting Cheryl Wheeler
16. meeting Lori McKenna
17. making sweet videos with Rose Polenzani
18. singing with Jennifer Kimball
19. walking in Chaco Canyon
20. being nominated for a Canadian Folk Music Award
21. seeing Patty Griffin perform 6ft away from me
22. singing Session Americana
23. covering Mr. Mister's "Broken Wings"
24. singing at Jenn Grant's CD release
25. singing at Don Brownrigg's CD Release
26. buying my first mac
27. seeing the big floor piano at FAO Schwartz toy store in NYC
28. hanging with the wailin jennys
29. having Ray Bonneville play harmonica with me
30. singing with Karen Savoca
31. having Chris Whiteley play trumpet on 'The Dancers'
32. buying a mandola
33. playing guitar & singing with my brother Stuart
34. being nominated for two ECMA's
35. seeing my first lightening bugs
36. watching Lucinda Williams from side stage
37. singing on the Rebecca Cohn Auditorium Stage in Halifax
38. seeing Nanci Griffith live & up close
39. launching a new website
40. Once, the movie

In my player: Olympic Symphonium, Daniel Ledwell, Share

r

Dec 3, 2007 - ROSE WILL PERFORM LIVE on MOUNTAIN STAGE!!

I'm very excited to have been chosen from the this year's Mountain Stage Newsong Winners to perform live on Mountain Stage on December 12 in Charleston, WV on December 12th!!

I'll be sharing the stage with Little Big Town, Catherine Russell,
Larry Keel & Natural Bridge with Tony Rice and Davisson Brothers Band.

www.mountainstage.org

r

Nov 14, 2007
A NEW KIND OF LIGHT - Songs of Christmas CD available at LAWTONS across the Maritimes!
(this is the lovely project my friends CBC, Jill Barber & Meaghan Smith put together)

100% proceeds to Maritime Food Banks - $15 - GET YOUR COPY TODAY!

Nov 12, 2007 - Rose wins FOUR awards on the weekend!

TWO in PEI - Folk Recording and Female Vocalist of the Year

TWO in NOVA SCOTIA - Folk Recording of the Year and Galaxie Rising Star/New Artist of the Year

Thanks so much for your support and encouragement...it's been a great year! I was excited to share the title of Folk Recording of the Year at the NS Music Awards with my great friend David Myles! We had a great weekend in Liverpool, NS and even a snow storm couldn't stop the celebration! Congrats to all the winners in PEI and NS...we are lucky to be part of such a rich music community....hot damn

r

Oct 26, 2007 - In memory of Ericka Low

- silver and gold we are young we are old and time takes time takes time takes time -

Today, friends and family are gathered in Saint John, NB to say an unexpected goodbye to an incredibly talented young woman named Ericka Low. I met Ericka at the ECMAs in PEI in 2006 after my showcase when she came running after me to find out where to buy my CD. The Saint John String Quartet, of which she was a member, was nominated for an award that year. I remember when the ECMAs were over she emailed me saying how it was nice to meet me and I emailed back saying we should play together someday.

In the spring of 2007 I was heading to Saint John to play a couple of shows at Sessions and I couldn't find Ericka's email and then magically a friend of hers emailed me and put us in touch. I went to Ericka's house the day before the show and her and I and Chris Buckley (also of the quartet) practiced a couple songs all together. When we were done I told Ericka about this idea I had for a song called "One Love". It's kind of a sad lament and I wanted her to play the most devastating notes she could find on her viola. She worked with me for an hour and a half till we were giddy as children about what we'd put together.

She played beautifully at two shows, May 6th and 7th and she even stepped outside her classical training when I dragged her up on stage for a sing-a-long rendition of the traditional bluegrass tune "Pig in a Pen". I know those who were there at those shows remember this moment well.

I only just saw Ericka when she came to support me back at Sessions just last month. I was so excited to see her and we exchanged huge hugs and she sat right up front.

For those of us who experienced the spirit of Ericka in our lives and the sense of pure joy felt when around her, may we keep that alive. Generous, talented, kind and a ball of fire, Ericka Low, you are missed. Here's to you.

rose

Oct 17, 2007

ROSE RECEIVES CANADIAN FOLK MUSIC AWARD NOMINATION
FOR BEST SOLO ARTIST!!

Oct 15, 2007

ROSE NOMINATED FOR 4 PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND MUSIC AWARDS!!!

Female Vocalist of the Year
Songwriter of the Year
Album of the Year
Folk Recording of the Year

Sept 25, 2007

ROSE NOMINATED FOR 4 NOVA SCOTIA MUSIC AWARDS!!!

Female Recording Artist of the Year
SOCAN Songwriter of the Year
Galaxie New Artist/Recording of the Year
Folk/Roots Artist Recording of the Year

Sept 22, 2007

ROSE WINS IN MOUNTAIN STAGE NEWSONG CONTEST FINALS!!

Tonight I played at New York City's South Street Seaport as a part of the River to River Festival and the finals for Mountain stage Newsong Contest. Other winners include Ellery (Cinn, OH), Jason Spooner (Portland, ME) RJ Cowdery (Columbus, OH) and Sarah White (Charlottesville, VA).

I met up with lady liberty a couple times, once on land and once via waving from the Staten Island Ferry. Thanks to Gar Ragland from Newsong for making me feel so very well taken care of!

Sept 21, 2007

It's official - fall.   In Halifax the signs of this yearly transition are starting to show around the edges.   The city is a buzz with the Atlantic Film Festival and last night's warm evening packed the downtown with people holding on to their short sleeves.

It's been 4 years since the launch of my very first website and so I enlisted the expertise of Mat Dunlap to give it a refresh and with a few of my photos and a couple hand drawn stylings by Daniel Ledwell, this is my new space!   I'll be slamming lots of photos up over the next while so snoop around and lemme know what you think.

If You Were for Me is ONE YEAR OLD!   Um..wow...how exactly did that happen?. THANK YOU everyone for your AMAZING SUPPORT through coming to shows or buying the CD...sending me your thoughts or sharing the music with friends and spreading the good word!!

Jill Barber, David Myles, Old Man Luedecke and I traveled to the Strawberry Music Festival in Yosemite California over the Labour Day weekend, an incredible pocket of the world. Thousands of campers in tight quarters nestled under trees eight stories high. Once the main stage closed down, the campground came alive with jams that lasted through the night.   We played with some other great Canadian acts like The Bills, The Wailin Jenny's and Samantha Robichaud.   Lucinda Williams rocked it the 2 nd night we were there - wow.   On Monday we headed home with our shoes full of dirt and big smiles on our faces.

Ms. EDIE CAREY is coming to CANADA today!   We will complete our cultural exchange over the next week as she joins me for shows in the Maritimes (see shows).

I'm heading to New York today to hang out with my pals Ana Egge and Jason Spooner who I'll meet up with at the finals for the Mountain Stage Newsong contest. If you're in Manhattan tomorrow afternoon come down to the South Street Seaport!

In my player: Don Brownrigg, Great Lake Swimmers, Alison Krauss, Mike Evin

rose

July 23, 2007

ROSE COUSINS WINS CANADIAN REGIONAL FINAL for MOUNTAIN STAGE NEW SONG CONTEST!

Rose will represent the Canadian region in the finals in New York City on Sept 22nd along with the 6 other US regional finalists. Check out the rest of the finalists and find out about Mountain Stage at http://www.newsongfestival.com/

July 8, 2007 (pics to be added sooon)

I watched several pipe and drum marching bands parade down Spring Garden Road today in Halifax...the sign that I was home again. It's been a busy and amazing few weeks on the road with Edie Carey in the states. I'll give you a quick recap.

I headed to Minnesota on the 14th of June and we played at the Smooth Grind to a lovely Roseville crowd. The next night we were in Iowa City at the beautiful Englert Theatre sharing the stage with Ben Schmidt. On to Des Moines it was nice to play Ritual Café again then on to Oklahoma City to a neat outdoor backyard concert after a HUGE rainstorm. We landed in Omaha for a few days and started our stay with another outdoor concert and I saw lightning bugs for the first time. I know these are where I grew up but I have no memory of ever seeing one...a lil girl caught one for me in a jar.

After a few days rest in Omaha we headed south to Dallas, TX where we played Uncle Calvins Concert Series, Flipnotics in Austin and visited KPFT in Houston for a lil radio spot. We hoofed it back to Omaha and went to the Henry Doorly Zoo and played a final show together at Mick's on June 28th.

I headed back to NS where I jumped in my car and spent the weekend at Stanfest where my good friends Jill Barber, Catherine MacLellan and John Gorka were playing and I was excited to see Nanci Griffith live for the first time. Was a great way to celebrate Canada, surrounded by music. I shimmied over to Sherbrooke Village to attempt instructor-hood at the first Sherbrooke Village Songwriting Camp. Another great week!

Lastnight I played a wonderful hometown show at One World Café with Mr. Daniel Ledwell warming the stage and accompanying me as well. This week I'll be participating in a CBC TV live taping called East Coast Sessions with other wonderful local artists.

On the 23rd of July I'll be participating in the Mountain Stage NewSong Contest in Toronto at the NOW Lounge along with the other Canadian Regional Finalists. The winner will get the chance to perform at the finals in New York City in September and perhaps make it onto the infamous and actual Mountain Stage in West Virginia.

Hope the summer is going well for "all y'all"....always more to come

In my player: Feist's new one, Laura Veirs' new one..and a lil Luke Doucet

rose

April 30, 2007

A week ago, the crotch wore through in my favourite pair of cords....devastating. I knew it was getting close to happening but I wasn't prepared. I have no idea what to do now because I dislike shopping and finding pants I really like is tough. I have this habit of making outfits I love and wear the hell out of... & then having to start all over. Perhaps this is true for other things. Maybe feelings about one thing get worn out and need replacing or adjusting....other habits too.

I DID replace my wallet last week though, which I haven't done in over 6 years. I found one with a cassette tape on it. Maybe that's kinda like moving on but taking what is familiar with me. I made some pretty sweet mixed tapes back in the day.........I remember when high speed dubbing was brilliant.

Oooooh change. This particular April found me in such a way that I can now see what has taken place. I recognize what has served me and I'm more ready for the changes that have been waiting patiently for me to relinquish my defenses, so they could just simply take place.

I am currently obsessed with Anais Mitchell's "changer" song...."I know that love is a stranger, I know that changes come, I know that love is a changer.." ( Sante Fe Dream is also killing me...the whole record is amazing)

What a great couple of months. Highlights of March include two lovely Toronto shows with David Myles & a grand show in Boston with a fine crop of special guests including opening act Chris O'Brien & my fave singers Rose Polenzani, Jennifer Kimball, Meg Hutchinson, Austin Nevins on guitars, Miriam Krauss on viola, Alan deLespinasse on cello, Jack on stand up bass, and the one and only Fred Harris on drums ( passim by photos cindy howes). Ended the month at the Loyalist City Folk Festival in Saint John NB.

April was Easter in PEI with all the fixings (including a snow storm??). I played a lovely show at the Union St Café in Berwick NS then headed to meet up with Jess Clemons in Burlington, VT......landing back in Boston where I opened 3 shows for the incredible Cheryl Wheeler. I then became a back up singing MACHINE: first at an Elvis Costello Tribute, with Session Americana at Lizard Lounge, with Edie Carey at TOAD and with Joel Ninesling at his CD Release. With one day break I made it home in time to sing with Jenn Grant at the glorious show for her new CD Orchestra for the Moon! In between there I celebrated a special day with food, friends and the Big Apple Circus. (thanks pals!)

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaand scene.

The summer is shaping up and I'm looking forward to not only warm weather but lots of neat and scattered shows. Keep an eye on the calendar.

I may never stop getting attached to clothing items, so perfect I can't help but to wear them every day, but I am all for the evolution of the heart, the acquisition of wisdom and the getting lost every now and again. Maybe mum will patch my cords for me.

In my player: Anais Mitchell (The Brightness), Cheryl Wheeler (all), Jenn Grant (Orchestra for the Moon)

rose

Feb 28, 2007

I noticed today, around 5:45pm, that in fact....it was still light out. Today was an oddly warm day and the first thoughts of spring entered my life, as they always do when the sun once again produces heat with its light.

I am listening for the sweet rich tones in every note I hear. I'm listening to each word for a message. My tank is filling as I return home from Folk Alliance in Memphis and as I reflect on this short month, its every day was brimming.

I visited the site of Martin Luther King's last breath and learned about the Civil Rights Movement. I walked through Graceland, learning some of the story of a young man who plowed paths with music...ruffled feathers..broke hearts, including his own. I watched the march of the ducks at the Peabody Hotel...I shook Guy Clark's weathered and wise hand, listen to him reflect on his career & craft and then watched him perform a gracious and flawless set with his good friend Verlon Thompson. Everyone in the room was shouting the title of their favourite song in hopes that he would play it...imagine.

I wonder what our revolution is. I suppose at this stage & state of the world we are at the cusp of a greatly needed environmental revolution. Will we march? History is spattered with brave people who took the risk needed to make a change or at least get the party started. Brave people teach us that it is possible to be brave.

Before Memphis was the whirl of the East Coast Music Awards...I got a taste of many stages and my first national appearance on CBC TV (photo by Colleen Bovaird). I celebrate the success of our local musicians and especially my good friends and multiple award winners In -Flight Safety and Jill Barber...soooo proud. Other highlights were meeting the incredible Jully Black and the infamous Shelagh Rogers of CBC's Sounds Like Canada!

Even before the whirl I had a great time sharing a few maritime stages with the most certainly talented Royal Wood from Toronto (backed by IFS) ...(photo by Marc LeBlanc) a musical genius and kind gentleman.

Even EVEN before that (wow)..was a great show in Wakefield Quebec where I warmed the stage for Mr. Justin Rutledge (Toronto) and I borrowed his guitar and fantastic band for a new rendition of 'good enough'. (photos by Thom Fountain)

Soon Toronto, Boston, Saint John....keep in touch

In my player: Jully Black, Patty Griffin (NEW), Chris Smither (NEW),
Guy Clark (NEW), Quebe Sisters

rose

ROSE RECEIVES TWO EAST COAST MUSIC AWARD NOMINATIONS:
SOCAN Songwriter of the Year & CBC Galaxie Rising Star Recording of the Year
ECMA's are Feb 15-18th in Halifax, Nova Scotia

Jan 25, 2007

The newest year yet...time and I have had a funny relationship as of late..we pass each other by, constantly.

Winter has finally kicked in. Though he loses his steam every now and again, I'm committed to taking my down coat and super boots on my travels today to northern Ontario...safety first! In talking with a Florida native who grew up in the warm arms of the Gulf of Mexico, I realize how thankful I am for the change of seasons and how they move in and out of our Canadian lives and us along through a year...climbing out from under and diving down into layers. I worry they are in jeopardy.

I will use this space to honour a dear friend, mentor, teacher, and the strongest woman I have ever met - Gramma Ellen Louise Cousins. This Christmas we sent her off to the most peaceful rest ...91 years young. A teacher of 39 years, hundreds of people came to help us celebrate her life. Stories from students, co-workers, friends and family filled the rooms we gathered in. So many people have been lucky enough to be in the company of my Gramma Cousins in some way, shape or form and I am nothing but blessed and filled up by all of the years she gave us....me. In the same way we enter, we leave and it is an incredible thing to witness...perhaps the most natural and the hardest to explain...

I set into this newest year in a bit of a scramble and as I look to the next month or so I'm realizing that things are well under way. A nice bunch of shows followed by the East Coast Music Awards in Feb will be a great time and I'm honoured to be among my many nominated friends and colleagues!

Stay tuned closely as you can to myspace and here as new shows are being added all the time.....yes time...maybe we'll both slow down one of these days.

In my player: Royal Wood on repeat.....

rose

Nov 21, 2006 (nestle in...)

I'm trying to remember the longest time I've ever been away from home ...away from my own bed and accoutrements. I think when I was a Girl Guide..in my early teens, I went to a camp for two weeks in Newfoundland. I'm sitting in Brooklyn, NY where I've been for 2 weeks and thinking about the fact that I've been away from "home" now for a month and 7 days solid. Every day has been new for me...

New York is like a video game. You need master the right set of moves for each level (or borough I suppose). Dodging, deeking, navigating underground tunnels, managing tight quarters, losing coins, finding secret gardens and all the while maintaining a protective layer of thick skin. In downtown Manhattan the buildings are so tall it almost feels like indoors ....while walking down the street. It takes a great many tries to master each level and years to get high score.

I'm excited and honoured to celebrate American Thanksgiving this Thursday and will offer my pie making skills to new friends in town. Now a recap of October's tour....

I met Edie Carey in Saint Paul, MN and we traveled for two weeks. Here's where we went: Saint Paul, hosted by Ann Marsden and Ann Prim to whom I aspire and am completely inspired by along with their sweet dog Lily. On to Duluth, MN where we shared the stage with Rachel Kilgour & did a stint at KUMD Radio. We played in Des Moines Iowa, then with a talented Rick Bruner inTopeka Kansas, in Tulsa OK, & Nashville TN. Here are some bits of Nashville..where dreams come true. Along the road we saw a bridge of Madison County, & lots of other neat & random stuff.

We drove from Nashville to Atlanta, GA where we had a couple days off, one of which I played at Eddie's Attic Open Mic Competition managed to win (victory burger at late night diner). I took in some local attractions with my two new friends & hostesses with the mostess', Joy & Julie. We took in the Coco Cola Museum, a chocolate malt at Johnny Rockets, some flying biscuits, and grits. Edie and I played our own show at Eddie's Attic later that week and had a blast! Thank you EDDIE!

After Atlanta we hit Birmingham, AL & what we thought was the real Whistlestop cafe from Fried Green Tomatoes, had a snack and met some locals. Next stop Savannah, GA a neat touristy area and the last official night of our tour. We played an outdoor house concert for a friendly crowd in a lovely backyard. Here's what i've learned about the south: biscuits, grits, waffle house.

We stopped for a night in Washington DC where we met up with Catie Curtis (accompanied by John Jennings) and Lucy Kaplansky at the Birchmere. Catie invited Edie and I to sing with her on a couple songs - a true honour.

On to Boston where I released my CD at my fave Club Passim to an unbelievable audience (THANK YOU) and with a smokin band including Richard Gates on bass (Richard's Heart), Austin Nevins on electric guitar, new friend Jimmy Ryan on mando, as well as a special string arrangements by Fred Harris (Home). Edie joined me as well as Rose Polenzani and Meg Hutchinson on vocals and since Catie Curtis was back in town she joined us on stage for our grand finale! And always the follow up foolishness at the Border Café - cheers!

...forty dollars for breakfast, five for milk, twenty just to step out the front door - cheap taxis & never enough time. Someone famous playing in every club, every night of the week, the richest of rich and the poorest of poor, all shapes, all sizes, all horns in chorus - deep breath. "only in New York".

Oct 15 , 2006...(i promise to load in all about my Sept tour full of pictures ..watch for a blog to be added after this one.....for now..just some thoughts)

You know ..those rare moments..when you meet someone and really hit it off..and you can't stop talking or watching the other person's eyes and mouth..and it lasts longer than the short while you'd spent together...and then longer into days where that person didn't usually show up...so much so that it compels you to send them a pkg in the mail..containing something really special to you..and you don't know why you're sending it other than the fact that you want them to have it..you just do...cause you want them...maybe in a small way ..to know you....or to at least know, that you think..that they are special.....I hope you know what I mean.

I am reading through a beautifully tattered and aged edition of Whitman's Leaves of Grass. I cannot say with any strength that I am familiar with his work other than him being referenced as a great poet and finding inspirational quotes of his in my searching for inspirational quotes. I am happy to be learning of Walt...and I think that now that I am spending time doing what I love..that I can figure out what else I might love..by reading about other people...and about history to find out how the hell we got here.

I am at the Chicago airport. It's chillier here than in Montreal and chillier still that Halifax whom I left yesterday on what could have been the last day of an Indian summer. Two or three Octobers ago my father and brother swam in the Gulf of St Lawrence, our ocean. This Thanksgiving I napped with two blankets and a toque on the deck. I made friends with Katherine...she's 3. I took her to the beach and soaked in her simple joy as she climbed the dunes..striving each time to go higher and and then pummel down, sometimes to a tumble but never a tear Then we ate a huge supper, and of course, pie. Memories give us a place and time..a snapshot of a heart twinge or a moment of change worth keeping...I exercise my memory as much as I can.

I am meeting Edie Carey in St Paul, Minnesota in a couple of hours and will be with her for the next 2 weeks to proudly open her CD Release tour. I am excited to play with her and even more excited about her latest disc "Another Kind of Fire". It's an incredible project and I was lucky enough to sing back up vocals all over it. GET YOUR COPY...www.cdbaby.com is the place (mine also avail there - wink).

Stay in touch, listen to CBC Radio, bring your heart rate up, travel somewhere...enjoy it.

In my player: Jill Barber's new (my photography is featured), Shawn Colvin's new

rose

Sept 15 , 2006

Um.....i'd like to introduce you to ....my new album....that's what it looks like...and the creative genius behind it's pretty face was brought about by one, Mr Daniel Ledwell. I want to make it known to the world that without this young, talented, incredible treasure of a man, this project would be so very incomplete. Dan is a brilliant artist (he painted the pony), designer (yup), musician (currently plays keys for In-Flight Safety) and I am proud and lucky to say....the greatest friend. Thank you Dan....thank you.

Head to myspace to check out some of the new tunes and if you haven't gotten your copy yet..you can find it on CD BABY or in Halifax you can pick it up at Sam the Record Man on Barrington Street. I'm working to get it in a few new places so hang tight and i'll let you know!

I'm currently on tour in Ontario, for the record and I'll be back very soon to give you notes from the road and a run down of my amazing release in Halifax....

In my player: secret copy of Jill Barber's new record (OMG)...Edie Carey's new one..(wow)

rose

July 17 , 2006 (ooh it's been a long time but i'm back!)

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO PRE-ORDERED THE NEW RECORD
'IF YOU WERE FOR ME' if off to print!!

YOU HAVE HELPED me raise money enough to print this lil musical hamster and I can't wait to send it to you in early August. I wish I could express to you how much your support means to me. I am truly humbled by your generousity. HIGH FIVES!

Now, I'm sitting in the middle of my living room floor, surrounded by many small piles of paper waiting to be logged or filed or recycled. Many small tasks had been haulted in the final weeks leading up to the album artwork being done (dan ledwell you are a star). Catch up time!

MAY...Recording was a great ride and here are a few of the last days in the studio: master Pat Martin at work, order it up, team confers - (Karl, Glen, Pat)

My trip to PEI with Jill Barber was great and we played two sweet shows at the Trailside Café. The second night a few friends stayed after and we had a lil jam. After the shows we headed to the farm for a traditional up-to-your-elbows-in-lobster dinner, Jill's first, followed by b-day cake for Dad, Trent and Gramma (91 yrs). Splendid.

JUNE... I made friends with a musical young lady named Mary. Only 7 yrs old, she joined me for a rendition of Alison Krauss' "when you say nothing at all" at her Gramma's birthday party and she blew us all away.

JULY... was the Stan Rogers Folk Festival where, believe it or not, it barely rained. Canso, NS, infamous for it's soggy-ness remained pleasant and only slightly damp. Peeps you should all check out include: the D Rangers and Lindsay Jane, both from Winnipeg, Luke Doucet from Toronto, Karen Savoca from NY, Poor Angus from Hamilton ON, Karen & Helene and Zar from Denmark.

Highlights from Stanfest: Kim Barlow hanging in the green room, Cathy Porter and Cheryl Weir (from Ember Swift band) learn a percussion part for the main stage set, newlyweds Luke Doucet & Melissa McLelland, Trevor Mills & Andrew Bryan (of Poor Angus) learn my song & then back me up on the main stage Sunday night.

And more pics: workshop with Valdy, Luke Doucet backs me up, yup,workshop in Queensport stage insta-band, Q2,Mainstage Sunday night, Main2,

In my player: Lindsay Jane, Karen Savoca, Melissa McLelland, Darrell Scott
In my thoughts - my far off friends Alysa, Anthony & baby Sam
rose

May 16, 2006 (happy birthday dad & trent)

Moving right along in the studio HOLY!!..things are sounding full and new and I can't wait to share it with all y'all! Here's some more inside views: greg the intern gets tips from karl on day 5, john spurns lays some sweet cello on day 7, guitar overdubs on day 8, aaaaand listen, Danny Maillet visits from NB to put finishing touches on several tunes with dobro, pedal steel and electric guitar on day 10. (insert weekend here). Day 11 was a late night with Dave Burton returning to add incredible piano to a few songs, a few small adjustments, aaaaaaand cheers... Day 12,today, was the home stretch with me working on a solo tune. Back in the studio next week!

On Saturday past I went to the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia to see the Christopher Pratt Exhibit on its second last day. When my friend and I arrived they told us that Christopher himself would be giving a tour 5 mins later. Unbelievable. Listening to him speak gave me a great sense of what it might be like years from now when I will look back at my (cross fingers) body of work and reflect with a keen sense of understanding; reflecting on the journey and recalling moments in which I will have learned something about myself.

Pratt says, " we say that ghosts are spirits from the past; therefore, we haunt the future while we are alive: I want to be present in my images seeing but unseen, a silent host". Indeed.

I want to share one more Pratt quote with you which says a little something about the greatest works of art- song or otherwise - " I have always had a sense that there is an immense presence in ordinariness; the dignity of things that have nothing going for them beyond the fact of their existence." The greatest songs are about our every day, our every heartbeat.

In my player: David Francey, all the songs from my new album!!!

rose


May 3, 2006
Studio fly-on-the-wall.... Day ONE get the gig, wear the t-shirt
holdin it down - Jamie Gatti on bass.... Dave Burton dropping some beats
so in tune, Ray Legere on mando ....producer takes position, Glen Meisner
engineer/producer, Karl Falkenham at the controls ...sweet guitar layers by Ryan Roberts ..Day TWO...a few small changes...rockstar rosepose... the team ...
Day THREE ...the versatile Ray L lays some fiddle down..yessss

April 30, 2006

"you might like the gypsy life
judge your progress by the phases of the moon
get your compass and your sharpest knife
cause people love you when they know you're leaving soon."
- J. Gorka-

I'm sure I'm still glowing. Two opening sets for an unknowing mentor of mine, John Gorka. I aspire. So kind and welcoming, he invited me to sing on a few of my favourite of his songs including: Ballad of Jamie B, Houses in the Fields, Thorny Patch, Branching Out and yes, (sigh) Gyspy Life. This night I will remember as the best birthday present ever (thank you matt s.-xo & to rose p. & edie for singing w me). I have turned my last twenty.

While in Boston I had the privilege of singing some back up vocals on one Ms. Edie Carey's new record currently in the works. She's so incredible and I am absolutely honoured to be a part of the project.

Thanks to all who came out to the shows in Toronto this past week and to my pal Ruta who baked far too many sugary bits of evil, all which fell into my mouth at the house concert.

Thanks to everyone who has been pre-ordering cds. Please SPREAD THE GOOD WORD as I am still on a mission to raise funds enough to print my new album!! Recording starts in one sleep and I'm really excited to see what magic happens in the studio. I'll keep you all in the loop.

Spring. Indeed.
birthday good times: cake, alumni face, too much fun

In my player: Stephen Fretwell, Catherine MacLellan, Tanya Davis

rose

March 21, 2006

Ok team ... behold the launch of my very first PRE-SALE campaign to raise funds to manufacture my very first FULL LENGTH CD - aaaaaalllllll aboard!

Many of you have been asking me when I'll be recording my newest songs and I'm proud to announce that I'll be in the studio in May with hopes to have the disc in hands of the "pre-buyer" by July. The official release will be in Sept.

You'll find the information you need to pre-order the new disc which will include Dance if you want to, Pale Love, Good Enough, Home, Lost in the Valley, Edmonton and more.

You can help make this record happen by purchasing a copy (or more) in advance! Check out 4 giving options on the contact page.

thanks thanks thanks

In my player: The American Analog Set, Merle Haggard, Old Man Luedecke

rose

March 3, 2006

Beanz café in Charlottetown PEI is providing a nice little office for me today. The mercury has dropped....no more pussyfooting around.

I'm here now, in this brain space I have been anticipating since December. It's official. I have 2 months to finish writing and ready-ing a full length album before CBC's Studio H commits it to memory...then disc...then cradle..then out to the world on wings.....

So I'm mulling and digging and listening and grasping for silence enough to have my thoughts feel safe enough to crawl out, get on paper and into the strings of my guitar. I think I'll spend some time with my piano cause it's where I started and it'd be nice to have a little ivory flavouring....serious business and lots of work to do...stay with me.

The East Coast Music Awards was a blur of late nights and amazing music. I played on a huge stage all by my lonesome to a full house and my family right in the centre. Catherine MacLellan was amazing and I'm really looking forward to her new record.

I got a new writing book today and it's been broken in over breakfast...hoping to give it a run for its pages over the next while.

Send me your thoughts anytime. Watch for correspondence about pre-ordering this new disc in the next month. Be inspired. Read. Find new songs that tear your heart out. Stay tuned.......

In my player: Tyler Messick & the Museum Pieces, Geoffrey Pye

rose
ps. here's to the khyber...and thanks Meg H for comin to see the other side

Feb 18, 2006

I think I'm starting to recognize Toronto airport staff.....

Tuesday my Valentine was one Ms. Edie Carey. She and I made our feet sore but rested our voices (minus a lot of laughing) from a full weekend of singing singing singing - my first Folk Alliance conference. It was warm at 6:30pm in Austin.

My life is more complete after meeting one of my singer/songwriting mentors, John Gorka. I will be opening two shows for him in Boston in April. I met Darrel Scott, amazing player, songwriter and incredible singer. Both of these gentlemen have memories of coming to Halifax many years ago!

I'm tired all (y'all) the way through, up and down, but fully satisfied, motivated, and in love with this little city. Bought myself a cowboy hat, a guitar shaped magnet and I've eaten brisket at Stubbs (happy bday matt s.), had Mexican breakfast at Las Manitas, a pancake the size of my head at Magnolia Café. I think we may have just missed the bat colony hoedown but maybe I'll catch that next time. Star sighting report: Lily Tomlin.

These are some of the amazing people I met/played with this weekend: Kyler England (Los Angeles), Po' Girl (Vancouver), Ana Egge (Austin,TX),Ellis (Minneapolis),Trina Hamlin (Minnesota),Meg Hutchinson (Boston), Melissa Ferrick (Newburyport MA), Jan Krist, Rachael Davis (Boston), Sam Shaber (Los Angeles). Peeps I saw from a distance and loved Eliza Gilkyson (Austin TX), Red Stick Ramblers, Duhks (Winnipeg MB).
My mostest favouritest = Edie Carey....muah.

There is a sweetness in the feeling of having learned so much in only a few days. It is hard when your job is all about you and you have to find ways to sing when you're really tired and write when there is so much noise and know that it is ok when you need to escape from the world for a while. I'm hoping for patience and love from those I love.

This weekend will be equally as great with the first In The Dead of Winter Festival happening at the Khyber Club in Halifax.

pics: Ana Egge, Po' Girl, Davy Crockett, Jess Willoughby who has perfect pitch
In my player: Kyler England, Jan Krist

rose

Feb 1 , 2006

I did it............www.myspace.com/rosecousins

Gah I can't stop sneezing...the bug has found me and we are nestled into our yearly visit...I hope he doesn't stay long, the pest...he's all up in my nostrils.

Who is in control of the weather around here? It's been more like spring than winter. The news talks about gusts of cold cold air that are hanging out in Russia, having missed us completely. I have no lack of faith in our Canadian winter...

I'm hiding in my little apartment getting to some tasks that are months old. Just got back from a wicked trip to Boston. Highlights include a smokin' Tim O'Brien show at Passim, Jennifer Kimball's CD release at Lizard Lounge with guests Rose Polenzani and Kris Delmhorst followed by the Resophonics and great company. Also 3 great house concerts with songstress Edie Carey..yess.

A new Halifax music fest called "In the Dead of Winter" is birthing this month. Not unlike Passim's Campfire, it will be a bunch of great local artists (Jenn Grant, Amelia Curran, Joel Plaskett) and some peeps "from away" including Boston's Meg Hutchinson.

At the end of the month is the East Coast Music Awards in my lil Prince Edward Island ....check out the shows page to see where I'll be playing...

In my player: Jennifer Kimball, Tim O'Brien, Anais Mitchell

rose

Dec 7, 2005.............. (Vote in the Coast's Best of Music Poll....)

Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

It's official...I'm currently sporting my full length parka with fake fur trimmed hood and I don't want to take it off. This wearable sleeping bag is a faithful companion in this season that hauls on the mercury....double it up...brrrrrr.

On Saturday the malls had their first midnight-madness-no-tax-day.....people cramming into malls attempting to blast through their gift finding...kids with a fair excuse to be hanging around late.....what is this season even about anyway?

I desire very little this year...consumable gifts are best...time with friends...sharing a meal...going to a movie. This ancient ritual of gift giving loses its love when the thought is left out....I urge us all to think of something extra special to say to someone this year.....could be worth a lot more than a new pair of slippers (though sometimes its nice to get things you really NEED...like a tire gauge..or a good soup pot...ahem).

I wrote a Christmas song. I found myself complaining about the old tired ones we sing every year and wanted to figure out a new way to sing about the season. It's called "A new kind of light".

I want to proclaim that I am happy with my life. I've been hanging out in new places - places I've been to but now I hang out for hours, meet people at random times and drink good coffee. I am busy with little bits of neat work cause I can say yes when I want to. I have yet to be bored or restless. Prettydangcool. I carry my laptop with me and set up shop wherever I land. Perhaps its selfish but I feel very productive and have no shortage of things to accomplish...all on my own terms. I encourage you all to follow your heart cause you CAN be happy and do the things that make you happy....somewhere there is balance.

Past the cusp of this cold, I wish you time with your family, big lingering hugs, a ceasefire, wide teethy smiles, belly laughs, some tradition, some newness, a sense of purpose, long sleeps + intermittent naps, reflection and the knowledge that you are loved.

In my player: Joyce Saunders, Dave Carmichael, Patsy Cline, Clumsy

ps. I met Tom Jackson....AND (i'll be on the CBC radio this Sat 90.5 in HFX @ 5pm!)

rose

Nov 2 , 2005

THANKS TO EVERYONE who came out to the shows during our tour - please stay in touch! If you haven't checked out the blog from the rode scroll down and enjoy some silly pics!

rose

Oct 30, 2005

Though the first show seemed like a long time ago we were both sad that tonight would be the last of this great lil adventure. We relaxed on Sunday after providing the anthem (dance if you want to ) in church. After a community brunch in New London, I took Jill on a lil tour of the farm and then dad took us to see the harvest up close. Of course a quick trip to the shore. The show was at my home town church in Kensington and mum made lil biscuits and cider for intermission. It was great to play to the people who watched me grow up and to sing for my family.

Oct 29, 2005

A dry sky over us, we drove onward to PEI, luckily the car waited to start to crap out till we got to the bridge and after a quick vehicle change we were off in traffic to the Trailside Cafe in Mount Stewart. A nice meal saved us as we set up and some tea and a lil rest were welcome. We played to a lovely audience and were well taken care of by Doug who generously donated post gig snackage. Only one more show left...

Oct 27/28, 2005

We headed to Moncton to hang out for a day and had the pleasure and hospitality of the Mullane family, here's me with Bill ( he put us to work around the place!). We had a lovely interview with Matt Rainnie from CBC in PEI on the phone and listened to it later in my car. Friday we headed to Rothesay , NB and arrived at lovely Sessions Cafe. Jim and Toni took great care of our bellies and big thanks to Jeff Liberty (his wife Cindy makes great jewelry which she sells in cafe - check it out).
backstage, libation , on stage , smellin halloween

After the show we headed to the Barnwood, local tavern and place where my good friend Steve Zaat was playing some rock N roll. There were some dancers, I gave them a slow tune on Steve's electric and then Jill and I helped out with a little back up "ride sally ride". Thanks to Colleen & Lisa, music enthusiasts,for hanging out! Also thanks to Carole Linda & friends Bruin & Tunses for a place to stay.


Oct 26, 2005

Off to Sackville NB for the 2nd leg of the tour the highway was appealing and though it was a little wet that evening we had a lovely crowd at the Struts Gallery. Sackville is a pretty little town and Joey's Pizza is good, even cold. And by the way..if you need to make a connection stronger when your cables are loose, tinfoil work.
jill struts her stuff
rose struts too

Oct 23, 2005

In the pouring rain we headed off to St. Margaret's Bay via Lunenburg. The perfect day for a lovely house concert at the home of Paula and Michael Fredericks, we enjoyed ourselves immensely. Their home suited the occasion just fine and we were pleased to meet many new people. A big thanks to Paula and Michael for their hospitality, cheesy biscuits and twisty breads.
songs
pose
duet
end of day 5

Oct 22, 2005

In a reliable rental "allure" we headed to Liverpool..and the Cricket's Harp Inn, home of the world's largest to scale ukelele, and where the locals were easy to get to know. Thanks to our gracious front row. After the show we visited with new local, Andrew White who graced us with a tune or two and some dessert (this visit didn't last long). Andrew's hat made the rounds before the night was through. Thanks to Michael for your kind hospitality, great food and company!
jill croons
rose rocks out
team

Oct 21, 2005

After some car trouble...we joined a lovely community group in Mahone Bay for a potluck dinner and they joined us afterwards for a bit of purely acoustic music. We played at the Mahone Bay Centre, an old school house and magnificent building. We ate supper in the Home Economics classroom. Thanks to Carol for hosting us at the Centre and for everyone who lent us their ears...and to the kids for inserting refreshing youth and a good ol game of hide & seek! Some pics for you..
live & acoustic
lil hamsters
cool down at Mug & Anchor

Oct 20, 2005
Wolfville... what a great crowd - thanks everyone for coming out and to Bob for being such a great host to us. Also thanks to Adam B for feeding us after everything closed in town!! Here are a few pics ..
sound booth view
jill starts the show
sweet harmonies
take a bow

Oct 19, 2005
Here we go... a tour update from the road...

Our show in Moncton was at a lovely little theatre called the Empress and we met a gaggle of new folks, some who ended up just seeing our poster and taking a chance - thanks for that! Here are a couple of pictures from that show..
name in lights
jill sings
stage set

Oct 12, 2005

So much to be thankful for this year at Thanksgiving...

1. Good Decisions - being an entrepreneur....self -employed and on my own. This is a very satisfying feeling with slight pangs of unsuredness which then turn again into excitement at the thought of filling time with what I choose.

2. Food - seems that nothing can beat the fun chaos of a large number of people around an almost big enough table with a pile of food, lots of cross chatter, full bellies topped with tea.

3. Pumpkin Pie - deserving of its own category, I was pleased to take on the mission to make this year's feed using my mother's recipe for filling and gramma's for the pastry = success!

4. Family and Friends - heck yes! It's so great to have my sister nearer home and to see the way my parents spend time with each other in this big house we all grew up in. Thankful still for Gramma who has an incredible knack for remembering everyone's maiden name and every single student she taught in her 30 years of teaching. She learned to paint and swim after she retired from teaching.....she has never ceased to amaze me.

I'm thankful for opportunities that present themselves when I am finally ready to take them. I'm thankful for anticipation and always working on having something to look forward to. For finding neat things when you stop to look a little deeper.

Thanks to you for reading this, for your support and encouragement along the way or for finding me if this is your first visit. I'm thankful for there being a time of year we set aside for being thankful but that most of all....that there's a chance to feel this everyday.

Here's to gratitude as I look forward to a wicked weekend in Beantown and a Maritime Tour with my amazing friend Jill Barber...check out the "shows" section!

In my player: Andrew White, Sherry Ryan

rose

Sept 16, 2005

Happy Birthday Lyndon - hope you made it ok and I miss you already, dang it.

There's something to be said for honesty and patience. Sometimes the excitement of something new can elevate the hormones to a euphoric level that one can't maintain on their own. Without rushing it, and if you allow time to take you a bit further, this high level of excitement can turn into understanding....the nutrients of a home cooked meal as opposed to the rush and crash of sugar (don't have to cut out sugar completely).

Lots of us make this mistake in the genesis of love, well intentioned but over zealous. BUT...I've heard stories where it was instant and others where time lent a hand. Both very inspiring. I've also just met someone who can complete a rubix cube in less than a minute.

The best kinds of love take on the shapes of the hearts of the people involved. It belongs to only them. I get to meet so many amazing people in my life whether at home or in my singing travels. Music is a vessel for love so we can talk about all of the amazing things about it - the parts that drive us nuts and the parts that make us sad as hell.

I've made a large decision. At the end of this month I will leave the security of a salary to pursue my hearts contentment in music. I've never been good at risk but this feels like the rightest right for me and I'm feeling strong and excited. September for students is the start of a new year and so, like them, I'm entering a new year of learning or perhaps mine is a permanent work placement into life. May the learning never end.

Congratulations to my beautiful friends Dale & Sarah on all that their love will bring to their new marriage.

Thanks to Matt S, Rose P, Edie C, F&B, Brian, Jake, Cindy & Austin for a wicked Labour Day weekend in B-town....

In my player: Lynn Miles new disc "Love Sweet Love" (check the shows..I get to open for her on the 20th!)

rose

Aug 21, 2005

A couple of nights ago I had a dream that I was living in a small house with my family..I'm not sure where...but I watched a powerful cannon drop from a great height that caused the earth to shake, a huge wave and our house to collapse in places. I found myself concerned with what I would do if I lost everything I owned. What value do belongings have?

I'm moving again and assessing what's really important to me I guess. Change happens even without our help though sometimes we struggle to keep things the safe and the same. I'm learning that change is worth the stir it causes, keeping our brains always searching, decoding and adjusting. Gramma Cousins always says, "if you stop moving, you stop moving". I've always looked up to her vigorous approach to life.

Each time I pack, I'm able to let go of things I've been lugging for years, having fully exercised the memory associated. It is a necessary cleanse that I advise all to take part in. Ya can't save everything so we just have to stop in the moments and tell ourselves to remember. There is so much more for us in every day.

This summer has been busy both in my brain and my body. My sister is now married to a handsome Island farmer. I just had a great little house concert with Jill Barber. I organized my 10 year high school reunion. I've got a tan..yesssssssssssss. I made friends with an adorable kitten. I swam with my bro & his wife.

Can't wait to play the two rounds I'm in for Campfire on Labour Day weekend! If you're in the Boston area please come check out the musical weekend at Passim...

In my player: old old Ricky Skaggs & Josh Ritter

rose
ps. as promised, a song for you

July 9, 2005

Sunny, warm and friendly was my trip to Boston last week. I stayed to experience the 4th of July. In fact, where I was in Davis Square, it was calm as many took the chance to get outta dodge - nice. Like here in Halifax, you can walk the streets down the centre at night. I really like that.

Thanks to Rose, Cindy & Austin for keepin me buckled in laughter. Thanks to all of you who came to the shows at Passim and to F & B for hosting a great concert in your abode.

I can hardly believe it's July. This was one of those months I savoured as a young child when school ended and you knew the summer had started = beach, eating on the picnic table, swimming for hours, campground friends and hotdogs. In my teens it meant summer jobs started and those other things happened when you could make the time. Now it means precious warm days, the scheduling of vacations, weddings, and this year my 10yr high school reunion. During my time in PEI I still wish every moment to slow to half its pace so I can remember it all.

My summer faves are campfire roasted marshmallows, a full un-interrupted sky of stars, quiet cottage morning tea with mum, Cousins' shore, swimming with dad and my brothers, taking my gramma to the beach, taking pictures of my gramma at the beach, anything cooked on a BBQ, browner skin, corn on the cob, shucking peas, picking & hulling strawberries, mom's raspberry pie, hosing the sand off my feet, frisbee and every moment the air is warm enough that it allows me to be jacketless.

Let's clink our camping mugs and have a cheer to making the most of our summer!

clink

In my player: Ron Sexsmith, Emm Gryner, Coldplay, Ellis Paul

rose
ps. i'll post a live song next entry...stay tuned!

May 22, 2005

This one's going to be about traveling.

I tend to do that a lot, travel around from city to city, stopping to see friends in each place and spending a lot of time in the air above this great country. A friend recently said to me that the greatest clarity can be found at 37,000 ft.

Traveling makes me more awake to the "what else". It eases my eye muscles that get focused and twisted around the details, letting them wander and land on things I've never seen before. On the west coast all is in bloom, green and lush. On the east buds are contemplative... testing the air like I would the Gulf of St Lawrence to see if I will wade in or if I have to run in screaming.

Traveling removes the restrictions of settling down yet exercises the part of me that likes to feel like I've got a home to get to after I've run around for a bit. Somewhere in there lies a balance that makes me long for both all at the same time. Freedom and solid ground. I think perhaps that reflects my desires..that I be able to apply this to all that I do.

Traveling connects me with the people who hold pieces of my heart across the country and even though I only get small bits of time with them, I leave all full up. Likewise when I travel the few hours home to pei for a feed of mussels and hamburgers like only my mother can make and my dad can cook.

Pieces of my travel: Toronto, Carnarvon, Alberta, Vancouver, Victoria, PEI

Happy Birthday Gramma ..may I also get to 90 with such grace.
In my player: Feist, Sting, many old mixes from many old friends
rose

April 12, 2005

Who the heck knows anything about love? The only book of love I think makes any sense is the one that the Magnetic Fields sing about... "no one can lift the damn thing...".

But this weekend I learned that my brother knows a thing or two about love. He made love look like smiles and engulfing hugs as he exchanged rings with his new bride; my new little sister-in-law. And so, they were married.

My parents know something about love. How it seems like, in the worst moments, nothing but hard work, but, also how when you need someone, you got someone - no questions. My sister knows something about love. Like when you're away from the one you love, your best friend, that it can be tough but that the strength of that love catches you and you are always ok.

They all taught me that the one you love, you can fall into a million pieces in front of and they will love you just the same. I think to myself that these things are pretty great things about love.

I watched old couples dance. I watched kids buzzing on sugar run in circles. I was surrounded by love. Though I still can't explain it, I know it was where I was.

Thank you to my brother, his bride, my family, my new family-in-law and to everyone who believes and lives love....

In my player: Joel Plaskett, Matt Mays, Amos Lee

rose

March 16, 2005

Marching on....somewhere under the ground Spring is waiting to challenge Winter to an arm wrestle...I anticipate a stiff match up but Spring to prevail....

I find myself well into April already for lots of reasons including travel and weddings and another year passing. Lots of my good friends have made large moves and I find myself once again checking my foot position and shifting my weight....what will be my own next move and will anyone see it but me?

Easter is early and it's all about the Cadbury Crème Eggs really. I remember our Easter mornings in PEI. On Sunday we would come downstairs to the dining room and find our baskets filled with chocolate and a gift from the Easter Bunny. Some of the gifts I remember are a sun hat, a pinafore made by my mother, a watch, a sun dress - all brightly coloured for springtime. And most often a chocolate egg hunt. Once we'd done it for so many years we could anticipate their hiding places but the EB was pretty smart and later on that Sunday we might find chocolate in lamp shades we'd missed in the morning.

Small holidays like that make me smile and long to be with the clan on the island which is where I will probably be come Good Friday. I need to catch up with Ellen Louise.

In my player: Iron&Wine, Ron Sexsmith mix, Abbey Lincoln, Bonnie Prince Billy

rose

Feb 11, 2005

Mother Nature is such a tease with this week of mild weather...temps hangin out above zero..people hangin out less 3 layers of clothes...snow banks slumping under the sun. I know better.
January was a tough ol haul but on Sunday, I had a party...and with that it was over. Levels of gratitude are up with predictions of great things for the future and this weekend is Boston again to see my American friends, sing and celebrate birthdays and the like.

My friend who is an art gallery tech found a Polaroid camera in a drawer, so, we bought some film and did some tester shots sans flash. Aaah the primitive digital. The instant (with some patience) gratification. Polaroids remind me of my mum and early birthday parties. Every camera is a chance to see and capture things differently. I suppose the same is true applied to just about anything.

To Amy C.- be careful in the big city. Work hard, you are the best example. Get settled and I'll see you in April.

In my player: Ani D's newest

rose

Jan 16, 2005

Ah January. The month of my sister's birth, my good friend Jennifer's, and also my reliable webmaster Mike, Happy Birthday to all y'all....I celebrate you!
In January I am pensive. Maybe it's the coming down off of the holidays and taking a good look at where I am in life, love, music and the dreaded finance....I want to travel less, watch more movies, read, & think. If you haven't seen Napoleon Dynamite...it's flippin great.

I was told that the earthquake in Southeast Asia shifted the earth's axis by a bazillionth of a millimeter causing the whole earth to shift...and so we all shift. A tsumani shifts thinking, people's hearts. Even here in Halifax special concerts come out of nowhere, donating proceeds to help those who are hurting.....it truly amazes me how people can, in such a short amount of time, rally in support and make such a huge difference. When you don't feel like there's anything you can do to help...you just do what you know.

Four weddings on my 2005 horizon so far...and it's early yet.

In my player: Diana Krall, Nina Simone, Muddy Waters......sing it out ..

rose

Dec 22, 2004

I'm proud to say that these few days before Christmas I am indeed prepared. This Christmas Eve I'll not be wrapping any of my gifts, just the ones that Dad needs done. This is a staple role for me...what would we do if it weren't for the last few hours before bed on Dec 24.
The Cousins crew will be feasting on a 25lb turkey and enough baked goods to feed a small town. Friends of big families can't buy something for each member so we always receive numerous boxes of chocolates. Any attempt to finish one before opening another fails as I madly dig through with the map, dodging ones with nuts and hoarding the chewy caramels. Luckily my co-health minded brother and I will get a few runs in around the countryside.

2004 has been so good to me and I need to send out some shout-outs to all of you who've listened to me perform, who've purchased my music, who've asked me to be involved in events and who've welcomed me into their towns and cities. Thanks to you who've passed my music to your friends and encouraged them to come to shows. Thank you to Matt Smith and Club Passim and to all of the new musical friends I've made this year that inspire me to keep working at it. Thanks to you for coming up to me after shows or on the street or over email and sharing with me your thoughts and stories. Thank you for your hearts and ears.

Wherever you are and however you celebrate I wish for you the following things: calm, reflection, relaxation, love, open hearts, inspiration, warmth, hugs, appreciation and a happy new year.

In my player: Oen Kennedy, Alison Krauss, Elliot Smith and John Gorka

love to all and to all a good night,

rose

Nov 1, 2004

There was a gaggle of costumed children on the streets of Halifax lastnight..little firefighters, little ghosts and witches. I was swapping Halloween stories with some friends and I remember the houses of my small community who gave extra special treats like fudge or bottles of pop and the real sized bags of chips..not the mini ones. There was always the odd apple which never got eaten. My siblings and I would come back to the family room floor to dump and sort our bags of candy. In the trading, I had to negotiate for things without peanuts and what we didn't like was offered to mum and dad. We went to sleep with sugar filled blood and excitement to have the rare opportunity for candy in our lunches the next few days.
As if we are on the countdown to Christmas - it's hardly possible. The temperature tells me otherwise and I believe there is no turning back now.

November and December bring shows in NS, NB, Ontario and once more to Boston before the new year so check to see if I'm coming to you as I'd love to see you.

Highlights of October include meeting Juno winner, David Francey and having the honour of opening his Halifax show. Highlight #2 was a spot on CBC's Maritime Noon with Costas Halavrezos where I had a short interview and sang "Dance if you want to". My mom was listening from PEI and my brother from Alberta - pretty neat.

strength to Americans

In my player: David Francey

rose

Oct 8, 2004

Cousins' Thanksgiving...for my family this includes no less than 12 people around the table, definitely chicken or turkey...sometimes ham and a roast as well with all the fixin's. Just when you think you've hit your limit, the pumpkin, raspberry and pecan pies hit the table and SOMEhow you find an extra space in your already stretched stomach to place a taste of each....a la mode. Then tea and post dinner narcolepsy.

I'm thankful for the year's lessons as I remember being in a different place this time last year. I was just getting my power and phone back after the hurricane and I watched truck loads of broken trees go by on their way to new resting places. The Tree Song was born. I'm resting in new places too.

A frost warning for tonight solidifies in me the onset of fall and the leaves on building vines are vibrant. Cold turns our breath into clouds (the weepies) and it is dark at early morning rise. I lament the summer but am able to accept as my last trip to Boston at the end of Sept was warm and allowed me another day in shorts....closure.

I'm full of new music and am reflecting on inspiring conversations, of which some have turned into songs. I'm excited about plans to record and think this will be a good winter activity to be ready for the re-birth in spring.

Happy Thanksgiving to all you Canadians this weekend!

In my player: Ana Egge, Everybodyfields, Naomi Sommers, The Weepies

rose

ps. to richard gates - here's to you and every time you wake, to music and to life....thank you for sharing your story with me.

Aug 26, 2004

On the other side of a terrible sunburn I'm going to say, "all things in moderation"; carbs, alcohol and SUN. Woowee thank you for every sunny day we've had and also for the rain (props to the farmers and grass cutters). Summer found us and I'm just hoping it lasts into September like last year, minus the hurricane thank you very much.

Transition...always and forever will the world be changing. I've uprooted to a new pad myself and both embracing and lamenting the move. I'm feeling that some sense of portability is a good thing, though a place to call home is for balance.

September will kick off and end in Boston with some stuff in the inards. It was one year ago I went there to play for the first time! Check out the sched...www.clubpassim.org

A friend shared one of those power point presentation attachment forwarded email thingy's with me last week about choices and that we have the choice of how to look at any situation. We choose our attitude. I like that. Being able to choose how to approach a day and how to present myself to the world. It's very empowering...and comforting to know that even when I choose to have sad days they are very purposeful.

There's a compilation album I'm on entitled "Don't Mind Me" which is in support of The Carey Risman Memorial Fund for a Better Understanding Of Mental Illness and compiled by Shael Risman of RISMIX LIVE- Totally Folked-Up Radio (www.rismixlive.com featured on Live 365). There are some great artists on this disc including : Joel Plaskett, Brooke Miller, Amy Campbell & Edie Carey, which makes for a great mixer - check it out!

In my player: Meg Hutchinson's The Crossing & Ruth Minnikin's Marooned and Blue

rose

July 21, 2004

I sang at a wedding last weekend in this glorious sanctuary that took my voice right up to the ceiling. It was warm and sunny - right on.

I've made my first batch of strawberry jam for the short season with success. The only problem now is making it last as I tend to like to open the jar and evenly split it between two pieces of toast. Slighty problematic, so I've taken to giving it as gifts.

I've been nurturing a few new songs in the past month and I hope at least a couple of them will find a place on my new recording still in the works. Timelines adjust as times goes by but the goal is the same. Patience is a virtue.

Boston continues to be kind to me and my show with Meg Hutchinson was lovely and meeting her was equally so. She's such a talent and a kind soul. My MOST exciting news is that I've been given the opening slot for a few WEEPIES shows at Passim at the end of September!!! I swear I nearly peed my pants when I found out - good things.

I'll be playing a few shows in the next couple of months and I'm in the planning stages for the fall. It's nice to take some time off to re-group and figure out what's next. I'm crossing fingers and toes that we'll get at least a bit of summer before too long. My dad always says a little bit of a tan makes you look healthy.

In my player: Brooke Miller, Meg Hutchinson, Caledonia, misc mixed cds

rose

MP3 treat - 'if you were for me'

June 18, 2004

Just waiting for summer to let loose...it's been crotchety but I have faith.

Campfire was incredible and Boston continues to inspire me...not only the city but maybe more the people these days. Rose Polenzani, Meg Hutchinson, and so many more songwriters that I got to hear over that weekend. It seems to be a third home to me now - back there next week!

As Patty G says "I don't know nothing except change will come...." I'm giving a big ol 'testify' to that one. There are times I fear change and others I seek it which I suppose provides some sort of balance when I can recognize it.

Things I'm looking forward to this summer: strawberries and all things associated, raspberry pie, peaches, running outside, pei, bbq, doors and windows open wide, browner skin, sand, warm nights, patios, bare toes and new music.

In my player: Rose Polenzani, Old School Freight Train, Po' Girl, Tim O'Brien, & Buddy Miller

treats for you...stand by as I will be posting a new MP3 next week...

rose

May 19,2004

My Gramma Cousins just turned 89 three days ago. I played a show that night in PEI and Brooke Miller and I, along with the rest of the room, sang her happy birthday - she couldn't believe I'd told everyone her age.....more of an accomplishment than many of us could imagine. This woman is an incredible soul and I can only hope that I'm as strong as she is.

Can we talk about Patty Griffin for one sec?... wow.....there's not much else that could sum this gal's power of voice and word...she's a great mentor and a true spirit and it was neat to be in the same room with her for two nights in a row...in New York City nonetheless!.....NYC is a place you can't understand unless you go and feel it for yourself.....again, wow. Took in RENT and hit a lot of the hot spots - was neat to walk Bleeker Street.

I'll be heading to Boston at the end of the month and can't wait to hook up with some people from last campfire as well as meet tonnes of new folk and new tunes. Check out the schedule here: http://www.clubpassim.org/campfire

In my player: endless Patty Griffin

rose

May 3, 2004

One year older am I & one year smarter...I hope.

When I was young I used to have the traditional sleepover-with-friends-b-day-party with the jump rope on the back deck and the running through the woods to be followed up by an angel food dolly cake made special by mum. Then on the Sunday we'd have a "family" b-day with another meal of my choice and even another cake. I'm still into the dual celebrations and when I can I make a point to head home to PEI for my meal with the fam. Geez I love it when dad & the gang sing "Happy Birthday" to me.

These are the incredible gifts that will always and forever outweigh any material thing you could find (though my mom is making me a beautiful quilt!). Time is the currency I treasure most these days and any that I have to splurge on my family is well spent. These precious people are hilarious, beautiful and home to me no matter where we are in the world. Thanks to you my Cousins' clan - MUAH! Now is always the best time.

Ok nostalgic moment complete.

I'm going to see PATTY GRIFFIN in NEW YORK CITY ! This is good news my friends and of course you must secure a copy of her new cd Impossible Dream. This woman is simply incredible and I'll be so pleased to have finally seen her....full report pending.

In May I'll be playing a show in PEI with my friend Brooke Miller and I'll be heading back to Boston for the Campfire Festival at Club Passim. Also working for a couple shows in Ontario in early June and heading back to Boston again at the end of June to open for Meg Hutchinson's CD release - dying to hear her new record.

I know I said it last time but I want to say it again so I'll stick with it....full length album is a must for this summer...at least by the end of 2004.

So much to do!!

In my player: Brooke Miller, Tyler Messick, Patty Griffin, In Flight Safety, Patty Griffin


rose

Mar 20, 2004

Ok, I'm ready for it, spring needs to focus and move on in! I think I'm ready to come out of hibernation.

I've been filling my ears with buckets of great new music which is always inspiring. Transition times of the year like spring get the creative juices flowing in anticipation of change, warm air and short sleeves.

I'd like to encourage everyone to look into my new great friend Brooke Miller, one of my current sources of inspiration - a true talent and a fellow islander which has quickly made us kindred.

Check out the calendar for upcoming dates! I'm also in the planning stages for a new, full length album hopefully to be recorded this summer (cross fingers). I'm feeling it.

hang tight..

In my player: Mindy Smith, Matthew Barber, Damien Rice


rose

Feb 23, 2004

Did someone say snow? It's going waist deep & real cheap here in Halifax...

I'm recovering from a nasty fall after I discovered a freshly plowed patch of pavement wasn't so much a salvation from huge snow drifts but rather an icy trap of pain. Landed hard on my left butt cheek and hand...nothing a little ice and time can't fix - ouch!

Earlier this month my shows with Edie Carey in Boston were amazing..thanks so much to those who came out to see Edie and whom I had the lucky pleasure to play for as well - hope to see you again in the near future. (Special thanks to Matt and Lisa at Passim who saved me when the airline decided that my guitar wasn't an important piece of luggage to keep on the plane from Halifax).

Working now, whilst it continues to snow, on a plan for the spring/summer when travel is more appealing. If you've got a living room that needs a concert then you should be in touch. I've found over the last year that some of the neatest shows happen in the smaller, more intimate environments where everyone is there cause they heard about it or because someone told them they needed to be there. Send any suggestions for venues you have wherever you are!

All for now

In my player: Edie Carey, Jann Arden, eastmountainsouth


rose

Jan 20, 2004

Cold is a hungry beast, punching me in the sinuses and nibbling at any exposed skin - bienvenue a l'hiver! The holidays filled me up with gratitude and every possible thing you could think of to eat - good times. The fast snow shuffle I'm doing to prevent falls will surely burn the Christmas calories in no time.

Ani's new CD Educated Guess is out today - GET IT...I had the opportunity to listen early..if you're a fan I think you'll enjoy muchly.

Some shows coming up in Feb so check em out. Heading back to Boston's Club Passim which is right on - opening for Edie Carey and then heading back to Ontario to hit some university crowds.

A Canadian internet radio station called Rismixlive has been spinning my tunes lately. You can get to it right from their site or it's listed on Live 365, another great place to find folk radio stations. Also thanks to Lee at UMass Radio WMUA 91.1 FM for his support in playing the tunes on his Acoustic Café.

In my player: Ani D, The Weepies (Deb Talan and Steve Tannen)


rose

December 20, 2003

Christmas means even more as I get older, knowing that it's the most for sure way the whole family will be together - hold em close & squeeze em like the dickens! I'm hoping to catch "Meet Me in St. Louis" on CBC and jam some shortbread cookies and gramma's raisin sticky rolls in my mouth.

2003 has been very good to me and I'm thankful for the support I've received in all the places I've played. Sincerest thanks to all I've met, who've helped out with shows and all who continue to listen.

In the New Year I'll be heading back to Ontario and Boston to play so keep a watch on the site and on your email for when I might be near you.

In my player: John Gorka's new album "Old Future's Gone" & Harley Allen "Live at the Bluebird".

Happy Holidays!


rose

November 18, 2003

I dare say we've been having a marvelous fall in Halifax. Today was 8 degrees..maybe warmer, sunny and lovely. I feel thankful.

The release of the new joint disc 'gingers on barrington st' that I put together with Craig Cardiff happened 2 Fridays ago at Ginger's Tavern and the place as PACKED. Cool show and great to have Craig for a visit. The night before in Wolfville was a great success as well - thanks to all who came out. Check out Maple Music for your copy or I've got a few left. Also check with Craig.

Adults are as much Christmas pushers as the kids are really, eagerly anticipating a break from the grind, food, lights and old familiar tunes. I look forward to the tax-free midnight shopping and to having everyone home - shortbread cookies and those funny hats that come in the crackers!

I've got some local Halifax shows coming up in December so check them out. I'm also looking ahead to the New Year to travel so if you've seen a show somewhere this fall and would like to see another, please be in touch with me and maybe we can make that happen - where ever you are.

In my player - Matt Barber, Amy Campbell & Brooke Miller

yours,
rose

October 21, 2003

Well rock me like a hurricane we made it to October! It's been a warm and windy fall and I've been glad of the heat, though today is brisk and begs for an extra layer and some socks.

I've been around the bend and back in a short while. You'll find some new pictures throughout the gallery from my travels including some shots from Boston. My shows in Harvard Square were lovely and everyone there is so friendly. Since then a few of my songs have been played on UMass radio WMUA 91.1 FM - Acoustic Café.

Earlier this month I played a great show with Emm Gryner & Amy Campbell here in Halifax and then headed to ON/QC for a round of shows with my good friend Craig Cardiff. This trip proved fruitful as I was able to distribute several copies of my new disc "Miles to Go". Check that out in the music section.

Mr. Cardiff and I will be finally releasing the joint disc he and I recorded in March of 2003 and he's planning a trip here to Halifax in early November. Keep an eye on the show listings for more details.

In my player - Jim Bryson, Meg Hutchinson, John Gorka and John Mayer ......

Aug 27, 2003

I'm off to Boston at the end of this week and I'll be sure to report back, post some pics from the festival at Club Passim. Check out the website to see the schedule and if you're near a computer when the shows come on you may be able to catch me strumming online www.clubpassim.org/campfire

I'm packing up and moving out of a place I've lived in for 5 years, woooweee. I'm finding some "lost items", bought my first microwave & kettle = real person, tea for everyone!

Thanks to all who came to the show at the Danube on Friday. A great crowd and the perfect warm up for my adventure. Looks like the fall may bring some shows in Ontario but not before I play a show here with Emm Gryner & Amy Campell - so stay tuned.

rose

Aug 1, 2003

Check out the GALLERY! It's up and moving so please peruse through.

I'm heading to my lovely Island for a rest from my travels thus far. I'll be back later this month to play a show in Halifax, then I'm heading to Boston on Labour Day weekend to be a performer at the "Cutting Edge of the Campfire" at Club Passim in Harvard Square. I've been fortunate enough to be invited to play as a Canadian guest at the Campfire which is a long weekend filled with great Boston area musicians playing in the round.

Club Passim is a legendary folk club where the likes of Joan Baez, Shawn Colvin, Bob Dylan, Nanci Griffith and Suzanne Vega "cut their musical teeth before playing larger venues". I visited for my first time last summer and played an open mic night. It's a really small and very welcoming place - so if you're in Boston around that time……

www.clubpassim.org

rose

ps. Dale Letcher's new CD "Vacation" is out and available at his shows or at Sam the Record Man in Halifax (I sing on a couple of tracks- wink)

pps. You may have heard me talk about Deb Talan before. Well her new CD "A Bird Flies Out" was recently released. I'd suggest getting any and all of her stuff - it's on repeat in my player right now

July 10, 2003

Summer's heating up isn't it?

My trip to the Telluride Bluegrass Festival was AMAZING. I feel so lucky to have been in the mountains with some of the world's best players and singers including Alison Krauss & Union Station, Tim O'Brien, Martin Sexton, Shawn Colvin and so many more.

A NEW CD!!
The live show that I played with Craig Cardiff in March 2003 in almost ready for release to you on disc. The includes 5 new songs of mine and 6 of his so stand by on the release date for that.

Gallery is in the works...stay tuned for live pics, telluride pics & more!

June 11, 2003

here I am
floating on the interconnector - thanks for dropping by

my summer plans kick off with a trip to Ontario for some shows and then to the Colorado mountains to take in a festival of amazingness - Telluride Bluegrass. gunna be working hard to have a new disc to you in fall 2003 so ......
in the mean time take a look around and let me know what you think.

thumbs up,
rose
(props to amy, mike, audra & danny)