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May 26, 2007 I'm back from my travels in Europe and Western Canada, and the upcoming summer looks grande indeed, including many changes in my personal life and a new place to live! There are also tonnes of shows on the horizon, and I'm in the midst of organizing a cross-Canada tour. I'll post more details as I get them. Be sure to watch for updates! "Some Girl From Canada opening for Girl From Saskatoon..." Or so that's what the woman working the door told people when they asked who's playing at Oslo's Café Mir on Thursday, May 3.  Meet Norway's Girl From Saskatoon. (Please forgive the terrible photo.) Named after a Johnny Cash song dedicated to Joni Mitchell, the group consists of duo Jens C. Andreassen and Nathalie Bekkelund and their stellar cast of players/characters. They are one of Oslo's hottest contemporary folk bands. Being no stranger to Canadian musicians and the accordion (Geoff Berner appears as a guest on their 2006 release), they contacted me while I was in the UK for a last-minute opening slot at Café Mir in Oslo. The day of the gig, I showed up for sound check and was soon joined by their drummer, double bass player and guitarist. We clicked so well that they ended up sitting in with me for half my set. I was later called up to join them for their last song and a big finale, which made for a magical evening for all who were there to witness it! It's for night like these that I play live shows. The only disappointment is that the recording of the show was 'koksa.' Perhaps another time...   From
that experience, I now have double bass player. The bass was about the
last instrument I considered having in my backing band, but Arthur
Holøien, who also plays with Oddpop
and Hogen
Rormark, quickly changed my mind. (No, he does not play the
accordion, but he does own one of the most striking vintage instruments
I have ever seen!) He was kind enough to sit in with me at my second Oslo
show at Sound of MU on May 7, and will be flying to Canada to accompany
me for that cross-Canada tour at the end of July.
At a glance, here is a list of upcoming shows: Event:
I will be backing Glenn Nuotio Event:
Marie-Josée Houle plays a fundraiser for the Ottawa School of Art Event:
Marie-Josée Houle plays Ottawa WestFest!  Event:
Marie-Josée Houle accompanies the Chamber Theatre Company for their rendition
of Michel Trembley's Forever Yours, Marie-Lou Event:
I will be backing Glenn Nuotio who is opening for The Habit at their CD release party! Event:
Marie-Josée Houle plays an open-air unplugged show in Manotick, Ontario Event:
Marie-Josée Houle plays Noon Under the Bridge, an Ottawa
NCC series featuring live music downtown during the summer months Event:
Marie-Josée Houle opens for Amanda Mabro Enjoy your summer! And I hope to see you soon! Marie-Josée xx
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