Tales from the Gravel Road

Hey There Friends,

In the last episode Jenni and I were freezing our asses off in Toronto, the weather was wicked and the roads were not kind at all. We made our way across the border with no problems (which is usually a rarity for me) and headed south to Chicago. In Chi town we hooked with Jay and Tim Bennett from the Bastard Sons of Johnny Cash for a few shows, a couple in Chicago and one out in Des Moines, the weather got so nasty the national guard was actually called in to shut down the highway. Being a true Canadian I drove on so we could make the next show.

Chicago brought back a lot of memories for me. Back when I was nineteen I lived in Chicago for a year, that’s where I started working with the homeless and in the shelter, I was pretty green back then but value everything I was able to take in. I went looking around the old neighborhood for a day and things hadn’t really changed much, some new paint, same liquor stores, same churches and still ample amounts of homeless.

The time I got to spend with the Bennett brothers was great, we laid down some tracks in their studio and listened to father tell us stories growing up and playing with Howie Epstein. Howie was the bass player for Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers for years, Bob Bennett and Howie used to hang out and write together and record. Bob actually still had some of the old reels in his attic.

So off from Chicago to Nashville, definitely a switch. Nashville is….Nashville. It’s a strange town, more churches than you can shake a pitchfork at and more songwriters than corn in Nebraska. I did a few songwriters night, played with about seventy other players while I was out there and one thing I noticed is that every song was sounding the same, same formula, same structure. I was listening for originality but did not find too much of that. I did play a show at Douglas Corner Café with some good bands, Arlington Priest and the bass player from Shooter Jennings, Ted Russell Kamp, I have been hearing his stuff constantly on the radio down here in Texas.

I remember leaving the city on our way to Memphis and the billboard read WARNING: GOD IS COMING. Always comforting when they try to scare you into believing, I kept on driving.

Memphis! This is a cool town, walked down Beale street, saw the Sun studios, Stax Records and took some pics in front of Graceland, the king was great but wasn’t sure if I wanted to dish out the $30-$70 they were asking, so instead settled for some pics in front of the gate. Most importantly we went to the Civil Rights museum, the site is located at the Lorraine Motel where Dr. Martin Luther King was assassinated. If you’re heading through Memphis this is a must.

So finally to Texas and the the madness of Austin during SXSW. I could go on forever about that weekend, saw some amazing acts, Charlie Sexton, Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, Billy Joe Shaver and on and on… I probably walked a hundred miles that weekend and drank a river of Shiner Bock.

I did a showcase with Chip Taylor and Carrie Rodriguez which was a blast, Bill Kirchen was there along with Gurf Morlix and Sam Baker. One of the highlights of my trip so far. There was a ton of dj’s at the show as well, most had been spinning the hell out of my album and wanted to catch the show, Mike from France, Colin from Australia and the boys from KSYM in San Antonio and the guys from KNON in Dallas, all great people and really supportive.

After the weekend I did a show with fellow Canadians Romi Mayes and Scott Nolan at this little honky tonk called Sam’s Town Point, and then to another little honky tonk after for some whiskey.
Took a side trip to Louisiana, cooked up some crabs and shrimp on the side of the road, watched alligators roam free, experienced the French quarter and danced holes into the bottom of our boots. Drove through the flood damaged areas left over from Hurricane Katrina which was pretty disheartening but people were hard at it, rebuilding, neighbors helping neighbors, starting new. Some areas were like ghost towns, not a soul to be seen, and the houses were marked, the date, how many bodies found and who checked the house. It was surreal.

From there we made our way back to Texas for more shows, Houston, San Antonio, Kerrville….spent some time with Dave from KSYM in San Antonio, he took us to see a couple of shows in the area, Carolyn Wonderland (a reincarnation of Janis Joplin) and later that night Dale Watson in a little honky tonk called the Hanging Tree.

And now back in Austin. Wednesday we head north to Dallas for a couple of shows and some on air radio (KNON) and then west to California.

So that’s what’s been happening, where our travels and music have taken us. We are three months in on this tour and have a couple left to go.

I will be joining Rodney Decroo for a songwriter tour in May and June in Western Canada so check out the dates at my website or myspace.

Also, I had mentioned that the song ‘No stars in the City’ made its way to the finals in the International Songwriting competition, it place at #3. I’m not to big on competitions or awards but it was nice to see the recognition. Now if only I could get Alison Krauss to cover the song. Also, ‘Felt like a Sunday Night’ has moved up in the Freeform Americana Roots charts to #3 for February and has stayed at the #3 position for March as well .

I’d like thank all the dj’s for spinning the album out here in the states, the promoters and booking agents for having me in their clubs, the other musicians that have played with me, and all the new friends we’ve made, some have given us shelter, some have fed us and some have gotten us drunk. For that, THANKS.

FREE THINGS
One nice thing about Nashville was Opryland, don’t get me wrong. It wasn’t the overpriced food or rooms, it was the free pool, hot tub and showers. Thanks Opryland.

Off to California, talk to you soon.

Tales from the Gravel Road

Hey There Friends,

In the last episode Jenni and I were freezing our asses off in Toronto, the weather was wicked and the roads were not kind at all. We made our way across the border with no problems (which is usually a rarity for me) and headed south to Chicago. In Chi town we hooked with Jay and Tim Bennett from the Bastard Sons of Johnny Cash for a few shows, a couple in Chicago and one out in Des Moines, the weather got so nasty the national guard was actually called in to shut down the highway. Being a true Canadian I drove on so we could make the next show.

Chicago brought back a lot of memories for me. Back when I was nineteen I lived in Chicago for a year, that’s where I started working with the homeless and in the shelter, I was pretty green back then but value everything I was able to take in. I went looking around the old neighborhood for a day and things hadn’t really changed much, some new paint, same liquor stores, same churches and still ample amounts of homeless.

The time I got to spend with the Bennett brothers was great, we laid down some tracks in their studio and listened to father tell us stories growing up and playing with Howie Epstein. Howie was the bass player for Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers for years, Bob Bennett and Howie used to hang out and write together and record. Bob actually still had some of the old reels in his attic.

So off from Chicago to Nashville, definitely a switch. Nashville is….Nashville. It’s a strange town, more churches than you can shake a pitchfork at and more songwriters than corn in Nebraska. I did a few songwriters night, played with about seventy other players while I was out there and one thing I noticed is that every song was sounding the same, same formula, same structure. I was listening for originality but did not find too much of that. I did play a show at Douglas Corner Café with some good bands, Arlington Priest and the bass player from Shooter Jennings, Ted Russell Kamp, I have been hearing his stuff constantly on the radio down here in Texas.

I remember leaving the city on our way to Memphis and the billboard read WARNING: GOD IS COMING. Always comforting when they try to scare you into believing, I kept on driving.

Memphis! This is a cool town, walked down Beale street, saw the Sun studios, Stax Records and took some pics in front of Graceland, the king was great but wasn’t sure if I wanted to dish out the $30-$70 they were asking, so instead settled for some pics in front of the gate. Most importantly we went to the Civil Rights museum, the site is located at the Lorraine Motel where Dr. Martin Luther King was assassinated. If you’re heading through Memphis this is a must.

So finally to Texas and the the madness of Austin during SXSW. I could go on forever about that weekend, saw some amazing acts, Charlie Sexton, Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, Billy Joe Shaver and on and on… I probably walked a hundred miles that weekend and drank a river of Shiner Bock.

I did a showcase with Chip Taylor and Carrie Rodriguez which was a blast, Bill Kirchen was there along with Gurf Morlix and Sam Baker. One of the highlights of my trip so far. There was a ton of dj’s at the show as well, most had been spinning the hell out of my album and wanted to catch the show, Mike from France, Colin from Australia and the boys from KSYM in San Antonio and the guys from KNON in Dallas, all great people and really supportive.

After the weekend I did a show with fellow Canadians Romi Mayes and Scott Nolan at this little honky tonk called Sam’s Town Point, and then to another little honky tonk after for some whiskey.
Took a side trip to Louisiana, cooked up some crabs and shrimp on the side of the road, watched alligators roam free, experienced the French quarter and danced holes into the bottom of our boots. Drove through the flood damaged areas left over from Hurricane Katrina which was pretty disheartening but people were hard at it, rebuilding, neighbors helping neighbors, starting new. Some areas were like ghost towns, not a soul to be seen, and the houses were marked, the date, how many bodies found and who checked the house. It was surreal.

From there we made our way back to Texas for more shows, Houston, San Antonio, Kerrville….spent some time with Dave from KSYM in San Antonio, he took us to see a couple of shows in the area, Carolyn Wonderland (a reincarnation of Janis Joplin) and later that night Dale Watson in a little honky tonk called the Hanging Tree.

And now back in Austin. Wednesday we head north to Dallas for a couple of shows and some on air radio (KNON) and then west to California.

So that’s what’s been happening, where our travels and music have taken us. We are three months in on this tour and have a couple left to go.

I will be joining Rodney Decroo for a songwriter tour in May and June in Western Canada so check out the dates at my website or myspace.

Also, I had mentioned that the song ‘No stars in the City’ made its way to the finals in the International Songwriting competition, it place at #3. I’m not to big on competitions or awards but it was nice to see the recognition. Now if only I could get Alison Krauss to cover the song. Also, ‘Felt like a Sunday Night’ has moved up in the Freeform Americana Roots charts to #3 for February and has stayed at the #3 position for March as well .

I’d like thank all the dj’s for spinning the album out here in the states, the promoters and booking agents for having me in their clubs, the other musicians that have played with me, and all the new friends we’ve made, some have given us shelter, some have fed us and some have gotten us drunk. For that, THANKS.

FREE THINGS
One nice thing about Nashville was Opryland, don’t get me wrong. It wasn’t the overpriced food or rooms, it was the free pool, hot tub and showers. Thanks Opryland.

Off to California, talk to you soon.

International Songwriting Competition 'No Stars in the City' in top 8

The song ‘No Stars in the City’ which is on the 'Felt like a Sunday Night' album was entered into the International Songwriting Competition and has made it to the finals. The results will be posted in early March. You can also go to their website http://www.songwritingcompetition.com/pvwelcome2006.htm. to vote for the song in the People’s Voice section, you can vote everyday if you want.

To listen ‘No Stars’ go to myspace.com/thegravelroad.

Life in a Van

Hello Folks

Wanted to let you know what Cam Penner has been up to. Well, I’m living in a van with my gal Jenni, fortunately not down by the river but on the highway. I am currently on a solo tour and have decided to call this one the ‘Lay Your Cards on the Table” Tour. The tour will take us across the Canadian prairies, through Ontario and Quebec, down into the mid west United States, straight south to Texas, up the California Coast, into B.C., Yukon and back to Calgary or wherever we choose to rest our bones. The miles are adding up but so are the experiences.

Currently, I am in Ontario playing shows, meeting people and writing new tunes. Also been hanging out at this great bar called the Dakota Tavern and playing with some great local musicians. Soon we’ll be heading in to the mid West to spend some time in Chicago with my good friends Jay & Tim Bennett from the Bastard Sons of Johnny Cash. We’ll play some shows together and also do some recording which should be a great experience. http://www.bsojc.com

This coming May Rodney Decroo and I will be touring across BC, Alberta and Saskatchewan. So keep checking my website for more info and upcoming dates, check out Rodney's while you're at it, http://www.myspace.com/wartornman

A couple other things, ‘Felt like a Sunday Night’ has been receiving radio play and has just debuted at #10 on the Freeform Americana Roots Charts. I am also featured as the cover stoy in the February issue of 3rd Coast Magazine.

You can now buy the new album through my website, you can also find Cam Penner & the Gravel Road t-shirts for sale as well.

So I thought I’d keep a list going of all the free things you can get on the road. Of course there’s the ketchup, creamers and condiments but I’m talking something better than that, so here’s my first list.

FREE STUFF ON THE ROAD

Wireless internet from almost any hotel, park in the lot and you can be downloading Cam Penner songs into your itunes in seconds

Continental breakfast served up between 7am and 11am in any decent hotel, The key here is to dress up like your going to a job interview and be confident, keep the head up and they’ll never doubt you. This also pertains to showers, pools and hot tubs at hotels.

Thanks again for all the support,
Be Kind

October 14th Show

Big show coming up with the Gravel Road band, with special guests Beautiful Joe and Scott Macleod. This is guaranteed to be the best dance party this year, so go get a ticket, come down and shake your boots.
There will be new songs, some guest musicians and a load of drinkin and dancin.
Don't mess around, tickets will be going fast. Go to megatunes today.

Euro Americana Charts/Freeform Americana Roots Charts

Thanks to all the Euro DJ's who have been spinning my album, "Felt like a Sunday Night" is currently sitting at #6 on the charts. Time to head back i guess.

The album is also charting at #16 on the Freeform Americana Roots Charts.

Summer Wraps Up

What a busy summer it was, from touring Western Canada, festivals in North Alberta, Manitoba and B.C. to playing with Richard Thompson. I want to thank all those in attendance and all the promoters and venues.
I also met a lot of great and interesting people, Ray at the Burner, Andrew up in Fort Mac, and the soundman at the Cavern in Winnipeg (thanks for non stop sarcasm!). Some highlights were the Brandon Folk Fest, great to play my hometown and see hundreds of people kickin' up dust and and dancin to the music. Also thanks Carol for having us at the North Country Fair, a great fest with great people and music.

The plans now are to take some time off for September to focus on finishing some new songs and work on getting down to the States in the winter.

Take Care
Cam Penner

Cam Penner Opening for Richard Thompson

Cam Penner will be opening for Richard Thompson in both Calgary at Edmonton.

July 6th, Calgary, Knox United Church. Tickets go on sale to the general public on June 2nd and you can purchase them by calling (403) 777-0000 or by going on line at www.ticketmaster.ca.

July 7th, Edmonton, the Maclab Theatre in the Citadel Theatre complex. This is a beautiful, intimate venue. Tickets go on sale on June 5th and you can purchase them by contacting the Citadel Theatre Box Office: (780) 425-1820 or by going online at www.citadeltheatre.com. The box office address is 9828-101A Avenue, Edmonton.

Go to www.keystonemusic.ca for more info

California Tour Update

From San Diego up along the Pacific Coast past the redwoods and inching along on grid locked freeways we made our way through California. Up through the Santa Cruz hills, over the Golden Gate Bridge, taking in the vine yards as we winded our way through the Sanoma Napa Valley. From there south down into the San Joaquin Valley with both the Sierra Madres and Sierra Nevada mountains looking down from both east and west. From the scorching heat of Bakersfield to the wild terrain of the Yucca Valley we made our last stop in the lunar landscape of the Joshua Tree desert.

The marine layer would burn off in the afternoon and the California sun would shine down until the late evening. There was never a dull moment. I met so many amazing people and saw some beautiful scenery which everyday rolled out before me. There were some memorable moments as well, having Buck Owens band come out for the show in Bakersfield and not only meeting Victoria Williams but seeing her play at the famous honky tonk, Pappy & Harriets just before I went on stage.

I was amazed at all the music loving fans that would come out each night, Mark Stuart and the Bastard Sons have some great fans who know how to shake it down and enjoy an evening of music. I would like to thank them for their love of real music and their genuineness. It was a great tour to be a part of and I felt accepted by the fans all over. A big thanks for all the cd’s and t-shirts bought at the shows.

I want to thank all the promoters, press and radio, especially Bill Bowker at KRSH and Susan Klein at KVMR for the interview and having me play a couple of songs on the air. I also want to thank Gary Shiebler for taking us deep sea fishing off the Baja Coast. Gary is a musician and is releasing a new cd called ‘Drinkin’ Town Fishin’ Problem’ visit his website at www.wgfb.com.

Thanks to Jim, Cowboy Steve, Adrian, Gordon, Jen and Amy for the day well spent out at the ranch. It was a great day of playing music on the porch, drinking beer and shooting cans with a pellet gun. I felt like I was sixteen again.

Mark Stuart of the Bastard Sons was so kind to bring me another tour with him and show around California, for that I thank him. Thanks to Jay Bennett for sitting in on the resonator and the lap steel with me, Tim Bennett, Vance and Jack Reynolds. Visit the Bastard Sons at www.bsojc.com

Again, I cannot say enough about the tour and look forward to getting back out real soon!!

Take Care,

Cam Penner

California's Calling

Just found out that I will be touring with the Bastard Sons of Johnny Cash for a two week tour across California. The tour went so well in the UK and Ireland that they decided to drag me across their sunny state. A big thanks to Mark Stuart of the Bastard Sons for the support. The shows will be up soon on the website.

The Tour Ends

The tours has been over now for a few days, I think I have finally caught up on my sleep and the bags under my eyes are slowly receding. The last time I sent out an update was just before the borderline show. The night was great, over 130 people at the show that night, Jeff and vida opened the night with their blend of acoustic American roots, a great combination of vocals and pickin’, if these two are near you go and see them and take a look at their website www.jeffandvida.com. Agin it was a pleasure to have Jeff Drummond playing with me again that night, I always feel a little more relaxed when Jeff is on stage with me, that nights set included, Rye Whiskey, October, be Kind, Taste of Nicotine, Montana Sky, Gravel Truck, No Stars in the City, and a new one I have been playing during this tour called Peace of Mind. Our set was good and once again there was a good connection with the audience, it was also nice to see some London fans there that night that had seen me during my stay in London. Also say an old friend of mine Stephen Ferguson. Stephen runs a music club called The Whats Cookin’ Club in London. I have played their many times, and have seen and played with some great performers at his club, www.whatscookinclub.co.uk . The Bastards took to the stage straight after our set and blasted through over an hour of great country rock. Their set is a sure bet to get people off their feet.

Friday night at The Talking Heads in SouthAmpton, packed house, people dancing and new fans lining up for swag, another great night. Saturday we were back in Bedford, they had loved the show a week and a half prior so much they asked us to return for another night. Sunday was a day off so went back to London for the day, money was spent on music, cheap suits, western wear and pints.
Monday came quick and we were off to WolerHampton for a show at the Robin 2, what a great venue, huge room, great sound and the fans were die hard, that night the people danced, drank, took pictures, merch flew off the table and the band played hard. A Monday night on the road and you never know what will happen, it was a great surprise. After the show we searched for two hours looking for a hotel, finally finding a place in Birmingham to call it a night.
The next day we took our time and checked out the markets and the mall of the future, I think I lasted about thirty seconds, mall of the future, mall of the past its all the same bullshit to me. It’s like stepping into a television ad, no thanks. A pint at the local seemed like a better option. That night we searched for our venue in Bristol, the club was called the Bonaventure but the address was an old church at the top of the hill, confused we drove around but always ended up in the same spot, eventually an anxious club owner waved us down and showed us the way to an adjoining hall/music room. The entrance was lined with black and white photos of previous performers, Mary Gautier, Josh Rouse, Hayden, Calexico, Iron & Wine, and many more greats. That night 154 people jammed into this small room and listened to some good music. Jay Bennett from the Bastards joined me that night on lapsteel for two songs, Fall with me tonight and Bootlegger, his lap moaned and set the background while I told the tale of my bootlegging grandpa. It was an honour to share my songs with Jay. Again there was a good connection between the audience and myself that night. The Bastards put on another rocking show that night, the crowd was eating every word that Mark sang out and every note that the band had to offer. Drinks were raised, boots were shaking, and new fans and friends were made, a memorable night in Bristol.
The last night of the tour, twelve shows behind and one to go. We arrived in Brighton in the late afternoon. Brighton is a beautiful beachside town, a cosy atmosphere, markets, cafes and laid back vibes. Our venue, The Komedia felt the same. We were told that the show was a sell out and over 220 tickets had been sold. After sound check we were informed that Albert Lee was upstairs sounding checking for his show as well. Albert Lee is amazing guitarist, he has played with many great names and on many different albums, he has played with Eric Clapton’s band, Joe Cocker, the Everly Brothers, Bill Wyman and Peter Frampton. He also played on Emmy Lou Harris’ grammy winning album Blue Ketucky Girl. For a while we watched him and his band soundcheck and got to meet him.
That night in front of a packed audience I had a blast running through both old and new tunes, Jay Bennett again shared the stage with me and for a finale Jay, his brother Tim (Drums) along with Jack Reynolds (Bass) joined me for a rocking version of Gravel Truck. The crowds loved it and it got them off their feet.
The Bastards owned the night, tearing through over two hours of music, the crowd wild tore up the joint and stomped for more. A great end to a great tour.
Once again I want to thank Mark Stuart, Jay Bennett, Tim Bennett, Jack Reynolds and Bart Bull (Road Manager) for all their support on this tour. They are not only an amazing band but a great bunch of guys. I want to thank the club owners, promoters, friends and fans. I will be back again this year.

Take Care
Cam Penner

UK/ IRELAND TOUR

Well, i am six shows deep into my tour with the bastard sons of johnny cash and am having a blast.

The tour started in Bedford just north of London, headed up to Edinburgh (Club Voltaire), over to Glasgow (The ABC), this was a great show, Jeff Drummond my guitar player joined me for our opening set, made lots of new friends and fans, one floor up 3 Doors Down were playing their set which rumbled its way through our set, guess you could say they were backing me for the show. The next we played a show in Newcastle at the Cluney, joining us that night were Jeff & Vida Jeff, they are one of New Orleans best known acoustic roots acts. They perform original material spanning from Appalachian bluegrass to Rockabilly country. A great act. Again Jeff joined me for this show as well, it was a packed house and the show went off, well received again. The bastard sons really lit it up for this show and got the place shakin'.

Monday came early and we were off for Dublin, a quick side note, i have been travelling with the bastard sons in their tour van, they have been so kind to let me travel with them and share their rooms, i am very grateful.

Anyways, we were making good time rolling down the M15 at 120 km when suddenly the van starts shakin' and swerving. I'm thinking flat tire no worries but the van is fishtailing and fighting, Bart the tour manager did a great job and eventually got the van to the side of the freeway. Found out the entire wheel had come off the tire and grinded everything else down to a nub, made me think of Matt Masters song 'Its risky business this whiskey business'. Long story short we sat on the side of the road for about four hours made our way into Liverpool and crashed their for the night. Missing the Dublin show was a sad one for us all, but we had our lives. We Drank!

That night we switched vans and upgraded, renting Nick Cave's tour van, real nice. Sleep deprived and still a bit shaky we headed off to Belfast where we played at the Errigle Inn. Again the crowd was great, one thing i love about the audiences is that they listen and want to hear the songs, they are very attentive. That night was a solid set for me, i felt that there was a connection with the audience. The cds went fast, met a lot of great people and raised a few glasses of Guiness (and Jameson).

A beautiful drive across Ireland, the vast sky and green fields rolled by and i faded away for a couple of hours. Yesterday we were out in Cork at the Old Oak, Jay Bennet the guitar player joined me for my set on his resonator as well as his twin brother Tim on the drums. Great shows and memories in Ireland

Today were in London at the Borderline show, everyones pretty stoked about the show, their is a good vibe happening on this tour, not just with the audiences but also between me and the band. Its been a good fit so far and we've all enjoyed it. Its feels great to play songs to new faces and in different places.

Thats about it for now, i will send out another update at the end of the tour.

Also wanted to thank Maverick Magazine for the big write up in the new April issue (Drive By Trucker Issue), write next to Don Williams, my parents will be proud.

Take Care
Cam Penner

The Bastard Sons of Johnny Cash Tour

Looks like I'll be heading back across the Atlantic for a solo tour opening up for The Bastard Sons of Johnny Cash. The tour starts on March 29th and ends April 12. Check out the shows page for tour dates and the links page to check out the Bastards website.

Cam Back in Calgary....but not for long

Hey everyone just wanted to clear up the confusion, I know the FFWD says the band & I will be at the Shamrock Feb 3 & 4 but that won't be happening, sorry about the confusion.

BUT!! We will be playing at the Palimino Smokehouse & Social Club on Saturday, Feb 25 (see shows for more info). This will be our only show for a few months in Calgary so come on down for a great party!

So long London

Well my time in London is coming to a close, been a great time out here, met loads of great people, heard some good music and played some great shows.
Tomorrow night will be my last show and I will be playing it with my London pick up band, the Bootleggers (Chris and Phil from Alan Tyler's The Lost Sons). I have to give them big props for stepping in and providing some beats and bass.
Got a chance to see Corb play at the What's Cookin last week, nice solo show, lots of Canadians in the crowd, also saw a great show by Ray Lamontagne a little while ago, an amazing voice on that one.
A few people I'd like to thank... Alan Tyler from Come Down and Meet the Folks, Steve and Ali from the What's Cookin' Club, Helen Keen from Maverick Magazine, Harry Farmer, Gerry Ranson for the interviews and review, Leeroy Stagger, Raz and Scott from the Apple Tree, Gianluca, Lloyd, Tina, and many more whom I fail to remember at the moment. Oh yeah and the London night buses for getting my drunk ass home at five in the morning on too many occassions, yeah I know what you're thinking, should of waited until 5:30 and caught the underground, well I didn't so back off.
Cam

London, London, London

Just a quick update as to whats happening out here in London. Last Saturday was my first show, played at Alan Tyler's Come Down & Meet the Folks which is presented at the Apple Tree Pub. Greg Trooper was the main attraction, he put on a fantastic show and showed what a great songwriter he was, I did the opening slot to a great audience, they sure appreciate the roots music over here. A packed house, the music ended late and the bar I think never shuts down.
Last night I opened for Bex Marshall at the Green Note, a fairly new venue with room for about 100, a good show, great staff and good crowd.
Tomorrow I am playing for a UK online magazine showcase called Mule Freedom (see links) with Catweezel (A CERTIFIED HIGH OCTANE TRANSCENDENTAL BOOGIE MACHINE) and Richard Booth. Looks to be a good night, the venue is the What's Cookin club hosted by a fellow named Stephen. He runs the show and brings through great acts, check out the links and check out his website.
Also, saw Fred Eaglesmith at the Borderline last Wednesday, Fred always impresses, he was there with Willie and Kori, his drummer. Always a good time. Small crowd but he always wins them over and never fails to add fans to his loyal following.
More shows coming up and some interviews, one with Mule Freedom and another UK mag called Bucketfull of Brains, should be coming out soon.
Thats it for now, would love to have the Gravel Road Band out here with me, hopefully next time.
Take Care
Cam

BIG THANKS TO...

Just wanted to say thanks for all the friends, family and fans for making it to the release shows in Calgary, Edmonton, and Saskatoon. The band and I had a great time playing the shows and the new material from the new album. The Calgary show was a blast and it was nice to see so many people out and shaking their asses, it proves that the local roots rock scene is still thriving and the bands can put on a great show. Big thanks to those who bought the new cd that night, the promoters informed me that our cd outsold (by double) any of the bands they have had booked there in the past including Los Lobos, David GoGo and the Downchild Blues band.
Thanks to the Joe Defendants, and Ralph Boyd Johnson for a great night of music.
Big thanks to Bryan Taylor and Keystone Music for a well organized night, great sound, and a terrific crew of volunteers and sound people.

So now I am out in London, England now, I will be playing shows and promoting the new album everywhere I can. I will be back in Calgary in late January and will see whats gonna happen next.

Take Care
Cam

FELT LIKE A SUNDAY NIGHT ON THE WAVES

Were about a week and a half away from the big show down at the Bowness Community Hall in Calgary on Saturday October 1 and Thursday October 6 in Edmonton at the Sidetrack Cafe. There will be some great music and dancing that night in Calgary, come early and check out the Joe Defendants w/special guest Billy Cowsill and Ralph Boyd Johnson. In Edmonton we have openers Trevor Tchir and Jeff Stuart. The Gravel Road band for both of these nights will feature Jeff Drummond on guitar, Mike Little on Hammond B3, Adam Esposito on drums and Ross Watson on the bass.

Its also nice to hear the radio playing the new tunes and promoting the show, big thanks to CKUA and CJSW.

Below is a list of Request lines for CJSW, CJSR (in Edmonton), CKUA (Edmonton & Calgary) and CFCW 790AM (Edmonton).

If you got the time give them a call and ask for a new tune off the Felt like a Sunday Night album.

CKUA (Edmonton) 94.9FM
Request line: (800) 494-2582

CKUA (Calgary) 93.7FM
Request Line: (403) 266-5566

CJSW-90.9FM
University of Calgary
Request line: (403) 220-3991
Katharsis/Mondays 10pm-11pm
Red Squares/Tuesday 12pm-1pm
Tombstone After Dark/Tuesday 7:30pm-9pm
Folkcetera/Thursday 6:30pm-8:30pm
Two and a Half Hour Coffee Break/Friday 9am-11:30am
Who Shakes/Friday 11:30am-12pm

CJSR 88.5FM
University of Alberta
Request line: (780) 492-CJSR #234
Before The Deluge/Sunday 2pm-3pm
Dusty Trails/Sunday 3-4pm
Dime Store Cowboy/Monday 9am-10:30am
Eclectic Roots/Wednesday 9am-10:30am
Folkways/Wednesday 9pm-10pm
The Chris Martin Hours/ Thursdays 9am-10:30am
Prairie Pickin'/Thursday 7pm-8pm
Magpie Music/Friday 9am-10:30am

790AM CFCW
Edmonton Country Radio
Studio 1-800-424-1344

Also, in Calgary check out the September 29th issue of FFWD, the October issue of BeatRoute, the September 30th issue of Calgary Herald's Swerve Magazine and the Friday, September 30th issue of the Calgary Sun for interviews. Check out the live on air radio interviews in the SHOWS page as well.

Thanks A lot and make sure you drag your friends and family to the show on October 1 in Calgary and the 6th in Edmonton for a big ol' community stomp.

Cam

"Felt like a Sunday Night" CD Release Show

Its finally ready!! After one year of officially starting work on our second full length album "Felt like a Sunday Night" it is now complete. We will be releasing the CD on Saturday, October 1 at the Bowness Community Hall. The night will be filled with great music from Ralph Boyd Johnson who will be releasing his own E.P. that night as well. We also have the Joe Defendants with special guest Billy Cowsill rockin' the house.
So come on out for one hell of a good time. Tickets can be purchased at Megatunes, Urban Sound Exchange or Ticketmaster.

In the Studio

Been getting lots of emails wondering whats happening with Cam Penner, is he still playing?, when is he coming out east or west? Where is he?!
Well the gravel road and I have been in and out of the studio for the last six months. The new album "felt like a sunday night" has been growing these past months into quite a project, we've had some great guests play and sing on the album and now were in the final mixing and editing stage. Soon it will be sent off to be mastered and I am looking to release the album this summer, probably August.
I am real excited about this album as there is a lot of self reflections on relationships, my personal journey of the streets and the friends I have made there, there is still the connection with the prairies and the wide open sky and definitely an element of sadness, break-ups and life.
Jeff Drummond has been working mad hours creating this album. He is the one behind the board working as recording engineer and producer. Not only an amazing guitarist but a creative person with great ideas.
So thats kinda whats happening right now, I will be playing at the new Palimino Club for the duration of Stampede (check shows), am at the Ness Creek Music festival on the 15th of July, and hopefully will be heading out east and west in August and September. Stay tuned.....

Cam Penner