Four Chords and the Truth, the Dakota Confessions are series of songwriter showcases held quarterly in Toronto at the Dakota Tavern, featuring a blend of top notch songwriters and songs in an intimate environment presented by Jack Daniel’s.
Each show is hosted by award-winning songwriter Andrea England (or, occasionally, a special guest host) and features several nationally and/or internationally acclaimed songwriters (and maybe a surprise guest or two). The songs are performed “in the round,” a style made famous by Nashville’s Bluebird Café, in which all four songwriters share the stage at once, each introducing and performing one song acoustically per round for a series of 3 rounds. The show is presented by Jack Daniel’s and promotes the good work of the Unison Benevolent Fund.
Location: The Dakota Tavern
Tickets are available here!
Featured Songwriters:
Kevin Kane
Kevin Kane has worn many musical hats over the years: solo artist, record producer, session musician, educator, guitar builder, and is a founding member of 80s/90s Canadian chart-toppers The Grapes Of Wrath, known for hits such as “Peace Of Mind”, “All The Things I Wasn’t”, and “I Am Here” and still performing today. Since 2017, Kane has also been a member of The Northern Pikes(known for hits such as “She Aint Pretty”, “Teenland”, and “The Things I Do For Money”), whose 2019 album, “Forest Of Love” features 3 of his compositions. As well, Kane is in the band FAUXKNOW and has produced, recorded and/or performed live with acts such as Kane & Potvin, Neko Case, Holly McNarland, Leeroy Stagger, Stellar Band Of Neighbours, Wyckam Porteous, Great Lake Swimmers, Northern Pikes, Zumpano, Brendan Canning, Faust, and Wayne Lavallee. Originally from Kelowna and a long-time resident of Vancouver, Kane now resides in Toronto.
Sheila Carabine
Sheila Carabine is a Juno-nominated singer songwriter and performer. She has spent the last 18 years touring throughout North America as one half of Canadian folk duo Dala. Sheila has shared the stage with the likes of Tom Cochrane, Chantal Kreviazuk, Richie Havens, Arlo Guthrie, Jann Arden and Stuart McLean of the CBC’s Vinyl Cafe. In 2010, Dala were the proud recipients of the Canadian Folk Music Award for “Vocal Group of the Year”. More recently, Sheila has begun collaborating with much-beloved instrumentalist and singer-songwriter Brian MacMillan, together known as “Kennedy Road”. Look for the release of their debut album in early 2020.
Dave Carroll
Dave Carroll is a Halifax singer-songwriter and storyteller best known for his viral music video United Breaks Guitars, which drew international attention towards the story of his damaged instrument and an airline. His innovative use of YouTube in the early days of social media lead to new opportunities writing songs for others, and as a published author and professional speaker. Music, however remains Dave’s main passion as he continues adding new songs and stories to a fulfilling 30 year career as a solo artist and with his brother Don in their band Sons of Maxwell.
Marshall Dane
Marshall Dane, the 5-time nominated, Country Music Association of Ontario Male Artist of The Year; was raised to be a minister. His father, (who was a preacher), and his mother had 8 children. It’s this background that has given Marshall a strong sense of what family is all about… family at home and family at work. “I love to write songs and I love recording them, but when I step out on a stage in front of a packed house, that’s where the fire starts for me.” says Marshall.
Andrea England (Host)
Nova Scotia-born Toronto-based Andrea England has a unique ability to work successfully in two different music worlds, recording and performing as a solo roots/country artist while placing songs with pop stars and emerging country artists. Having been awarded by the John Lennon International, NSAI, USA, and International Songwriting Competitions, England’s songs have appeared on numerous TV series, in feature films, and have been recorded by numerous artists, including former Pussycat Doll, Nicole Scherzinger (whose recording of co-write “Casualty” on Killer Love earned Andrea her first UK Gold record), 2015 CCMA nominee Twin Kennedy (cowrites “Get Back Up” and “I Never Will” book-end their new album, It’s A Love Thing), risings star Meghan Patrick (“Nothing but a Song” on Grace & Grit), Tara Macri, and Kolton Stewart, among others. Andrea’s own most recent release, Hope & Other Sins – which was produced by Colin Linden and features guest musicians Carolyn Dawn Johnson, Damhnait Doyle, Liz Rodrigues and Gordie Sampson, among others – garnered rave reviews and diverse radio play, reaching #1 on Galaxy’s FolkRoots chart & spending 14 weeks on CashBox Magazine’s Top 50 Folk Chart. Of it, David Kidney (Critics at Large) wrote: “The songs are autobiographical, personal, honest and universal. The performances are potent as you might expect; England’s vocals are delicate yet strong…”
Recent Comments