Outlaw Country

Country-hip-hop star Shaboozey shines in Toronto debut — and it’s not just because he had the hit of the summer

Of course, the rising star brought out “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” but one came away with the notion that we were witnessing an artist demonstrating a rare finesse that offers unlimited potential, writes Nick Krewen. by Nick Krewen Special to the Star Shaboozey 4 stars (out of 4) Danforth Music Hall, Toronto, Friday, Sept. 13, 2024 Well, Shaboozey — that was a doozy! If there was any sort of debate…

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‘I just write, you know?’ Steve Earle has songwriting down pat. Next, a TV pilot, two books and a Broadway musical

The outspoken troubadour responsible for some of music’s most enduring Americana songs has a Massey Hall show Aug. 25. By Nick Krewen Special to the Star Steve Earle, the outspoken troubadour responsible for some of music’s most enduring and sublime Americana songs, has a new goal in mind as he creeps toward the age of 70: a Broadway musical. “I’m writing a musical of Tender Mercies with Daisy Foote, whose…


U2, Dylan, Hip Producer Talks Melanoma, Breakthrough Immunotherapy, and A-List Benefit

Aug 17, 2018 Nick Krewen Mark Howard, the Grammy-winning and Juno-nominated producer and engineer who has worked with everyone from Bob Dylan and U2 to The Tragically Hip and Willie Nelson, has organized a benefit concert featuring Sarah McLachlan, Randy Bachman, Sass Jordan, Sam Roberts and Ian Thornley, and more,  to be held at Toronto’s Roy Thomson Hall on Oct. 6. The Mark Howard & Princess Margaret Cancer Centre Grand…


Willie Nelson charms Massey Hall crowd

It usually takes country music icon Willie Nelson and his backing band, The Family, a few numbers to get into that special groove of theirs. That was the case Thursday night in Toronto. Willie Nelson and The Family performing for a Toronto crowd at Massey Hall on June 20, 2013. Nick Krewen Music Published on Fri Jun 21 2013   Willie Nelson Massey Hall, 178 Victoria St., Toronto, June 20…


The persistence of Indie Lindi Ortega

Entertainment / Music Her old label decided she’s no Lady Gaga, as one listen to Ortega’s lonely, affecting tunes should have told them.    Singer/songwriter Lindi Ortega Nick Krewen Special to the Star Published on Mon Nov 29 2010 When The Killers’ Brandon Flowers visits The Sound Academy Saturday to support his new album Flamingo, he’ll have a local hired hand singing backup that everyone should keep an eye on. Though raven-haired and…