I haven't been able to update the blog on the website cause of all the things that have been happening.  We've had some changes in the band and some surprises too!  Things are going too fast and furious and it's all good!

I am so happy and grateful for all the good stuff that's been happening!

Winners are decided by the public and that means YOU. Here's the website to vote, just click: Le Net Blues.  Voting is done by email, the how-to instructions are on the page.  So please vote, deadline is April 15th. Winners will be announced at a gala on April 22nd at Theatre Plaza, 6505 rue St-Hubert, Montreal.  Tickets 20$ at the door or if you drop by Bistro a Jojo during the day, you can pick up some pre-sale tickets for 10$ each.

Changes! We have a new guitarist!  Rami Cassab has joined the fold and has already put a tasty touch to our repertoire.  Rami is well known in the local blues circuit and we are honoured that he's now part of the Carolyn Fe Blues Collective.  As we work on our third album - yep, you read right - OUR 3rd ALBUM, Rami is adding a nice twist to our new songs.

APRIL GIGS: April 27 at 8:30pm, we play Upstairs Jazz Bar & Grill.  It's a full band gig, all 5 of us.  We'll be doing our repertoire with a blues/jazz twist. Address:  1254 Mackay, Montreal, H3G 2H4, Tickets: 16.50, at the door

IN THE NEWS:  An exposé from Your Local Journal (West Island Edition, page 14) and a reportage by Tatie Blues about our debut show in Quebec City's La Casbah where we had a really great time!  Standing ovations, encores and lots of love! We will definitely be back to Quebec City!

There's more news bits but between radio and print interviews, rehearsals, writing (and starting a new business venture), I can't keep up. I promise to keep you posted as soon as I can.

Other shows are noted on the SHOWS / GIGS page of this site. By the way, have you purchased your copy of "Original Sin" yet? ;-)

Wishing you all the best for the new year!

I know, I know...I hadn't updated the blog in awhile. To be honest, by the end of September 2011 I was exhausted...bone dead tired but I needed to keep on. Every ounce of energy I had I was saving for a show or an event or just for me. I wish I could say that I was running on adrenaline but I don't think I had much adrenaline left in me to push. It was more like auto-pilot in a somewhat zombie state.

By the time November came, I needed a vacation. December brought me to the warmth of Mexico for 2 restful weeks where I ended up forgetting the stress, the fight, the push and the pull. FINALLY - I was able to let go and it was good. Really good. It took me 2 days to wind down on the beach, once the pace of my steps slowed down, it was time for the visiting to begin. Valladolid, Chitchen Itza, Puerto Morelos – each stop their own charm, each view a marvel to look at. I will be going back.

2011 was an exciting year with the CD launch, acting projects and changes. The CD made it to the list of Blues 411's Best International Release! We got rave reviews from Cashbox Canada Magazine, Zicazic, Le Net Blues, Bman's Blues Report and more. I was able to work a new song with my bassist, Oisin, it was more like auto-pilot in a somewhat zombie state. The band jammed on it, recorded a scratch version to be perfected when we (or rather, I) will be ready to go into the battlefields again. There were ups and downs through the year that eventually wore me down. But hey, I won't dwell on the downs...but I have certainly learned.

So now, some good news! The band now has an agent and has booked for a couple of festival gigs in Edmunston, NB and Carleton-Sur-Mer, Qc. As well, we will be opening new territories...Ottawa. Check out the schedule. I am so grateful to be represented by Artiste Solutions Quebec, and who'd have thought that Barry (my agent) is the brother of my high school friend! Small world isn't it?! With Barry being right by my side, it certainly takes a load off my back. Oh, don't get me wrong, I still do some gig hunting but it just makes it easier knowing that I am not alone doing what has to be done.

On the acting side, I will be in an indie film. Shooting for 3 days – outdoor shoots at that. The weather has been averaging in the -14 Celsius. Thank goodness for lots of layers and a really good winter coat!

What is up for me in 2012? I will just keep it simple, trust my instincts (it has never failed me), keep on bulldozing on trying to make my wishes come true. I make no resolutions but I will continue to live through situations one day at a time, and when things get too much to handle, I'll live through them one minute at a time. I'll keep minding my own business just as I have done in the past and be there for those who call on me.

“Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration.” - Edison ... I can certainly confirm that I've been sweating away!

Here are some links to the CD reviews of "Original Sin", enjoy!

Bman's Blues Report: http://www.bmansbluesreport.com/2012/01/new-release-original-sin-carolyn-fe.html#links

Zicazic: http://www.zicazic.com/zicazine/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=8675

Le Net Blues: http://lenetblues.com/Carolyn-Fe-Album2011.html

Cashbox Canada Magazine:  http://cashboxcanada.ca/2226/compact-discovery%E2%80%A8%E2%80%A8

I am thankful that there is a rest period this month before another run at gigging.  October is looking like a busy month!

Bitter-sweet news on the acting end  of my stuff.  I have had to resign from my role as "Joss" in Zeitgeist Theatre Collective's production of  "Unfit for Bears", written and directed by Julia Ainsworth.  I resigned with a heavy heart but the reality is that Montreal does not have many roles for the "older Asian" woman type.  So when I was offered a role in a project (more details to come), I couldn't refuse it.  As much as I love the theatre - and Julia's project would have been my return to the theatre's stage, it was a most difficult decision I've had to make.  The project was really close to my heart.  As a matter of fact, I wanted to produce her play via Altera Vitae Productions when she first asked me to read for it. So once again, my theatre activities have been put on hold for a longer period of time. 

Since the launch of the CD and the wonderful month of August with all the gigs and the Farnham Blues Fest (where we opened for Paul Deslauriers), I've been receiving requests for the band to perform.  I am now booking for February 2012!! Oh - by the way, photos from the August gigs are up on Facebook and will soon be posted here.  There's just been too much happening and not enough time to post on the website. The tunes are now playing across Canada.  Some stations in Europe are playing them too!  It seems that to date the favourites are "Original Sin", "Broken String", "You and Me and the Blues", "Manual Overdrive", "Some More" and "Baby Bye Bye".  WOW!  That is half the album!  What can I say?!!

Le Net Blues did a wonderful article on us about our CD Launch!  it just feels so good to receive such positive comments.  Thank you Le Net Blues!  

Here's an article about the CD from a French Webzine. For some reason the hyperlink wouldn't work but here's the URL link: http://www.zicazic.com/zicazine/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=8675 Thank you Zicazic!  The band is virtually global! Who would have thought that only after 2 years someone across the ocean could be appreciating our music!  Woohooo!!!!

Although the band will only start the gigging way at the end of the month, it doesn't mean that we've stopped all activities, on the contrary, we continue to rehearse & sharpen our chops in preparation for a Blues competition.  Organised by the Montreal Blues Society & the International Blues Challenge, we've made it to the regional semi-finals of the Montreal to Memphis Blues Competition in October!  There are 2 sessions in the semi-finals.  The first session was non other than Mr. Paul Deslauriers!  Small world isn't it? If you don't know Paul Deslauriers, google his name and you'll see that he is touted as one of the best guitarists out there.  He also plays with Montreal's Blues Queen, Dawn Tyler Watson!  What an honor it is to be a co-challenger to Paul.  Stay tuned as the upcoming months will prove to be quite exciting!  Aside for the Blues Challenge - George and I will be giving a duo performance at another festival, October Blues in Joliette, Qc.  Woohoooo!! I am grateful that we are finally attracting the "eyes & ears" of the festival folks.  We will continue to work at giving our fans and audiences a good show with good 'ol Blues, whether it's our original material or the classics. 

So there it is...for now. Thanks for supporting Carolyn Fe Blues Collective by coming out to our shows and spreading the word about us and the new CD "Original Sin".  Please request the tunes at your local radio stations and if they don't have the album, let them know where to get it...If you don't have your copy, you can purchase it online at itunes.com, amazon.com, cduniverse.com, zik.ca or on CD Baby (see the store widget on the right hand side of the page)...or send me an email with your postal address.

See you real soon!

In a blink of an eye -  !! BANG !!    It's August and the fun begins! 

My birthday month started off with Randy Renaud of CHOM FM premiering the title track of the new CD "Original Sin" on his show, The Black Cat Alley.  It was followed by a slew of emails asking where can the album or song be bought (or downloaded) so I've added a CD Baby thingy here on my website.  The album was released on August 12 when we did our launch at the Bisto a Jojo, we had CDs on hand at the launch party, now you can order online right here on my website or Google "Carolyn Fe Blues Connection" and you can see all the online stores where the CD is sold. I also want to thank you all for the numerous birthday wishes.  I am grateful, happy and so surprised that all you folks out there took the time to send me your good (and naughty) wishes... Tee Hee...

The band is getting ready for this hectic month and warming up for the CD Launch Party with radio, newspaper & online interviews. So far, here's what is on the schedule!  I will update this page and the calendar as more events add up.  In the meantime, check out the "Making Of Original Sin"

If you cannot make it to any of the events - the CD is now available at CD Baby!

August 4, 2011: CKUT.ca  - 90.3FM :: UPSTAGE :: 6:00pm to 7:00pm

Carolyn Fe gets interviewed on Upstage.  Talking about crossing over from the theatre world to the music scene.

August 6, 2011 - A VERY VERY BUSY DAY! TWO Radio interviews and TWO Concerts! Tune in or come out and see us!

* Radiocentreville.com - 102.3FM :: ARTS NOTEBOOK:: 11:30 am

Stan Asher and Carolyn Fe talk about art, theatre, music and the production processes.

* CJAD.com - 800 AM :: SHOWTIME WITH SHARMAN YARNELL :: 12:00 noon to 1:00pm

Sharman and Carolyn Fe talk about the new CD, the launch, the blues and much much more!

* CONCERT: Art VS Cancer; Another Round Against Cancer (Hawkesbury, Ont) :: 5:00pm to 6:00pm

Cancer has no time and place. This event is to raise funds for the Cancer Foundation. Bands will be playing for your generous donations.  We will be on stage from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm. 351 Main Street (Place des Pionniers), Hawkesbury, Ont. - if it rains, we will be playing at the Complexe Sportif Robert Hartley: 425 Cartier Boulevard (the big arena)

* CONCERT: Carolyn Fe's Birthday Bash :: 9:00pm

A lady never gives out her age but rest assured she's just like wine, the older she gets the better she is.  Come out and celebrate the occasion with the Carolyn Fe Blues Band. There's good food, good friends and a lighter shade of the Blues! You can't beat Pete's Smoke Meat and there might even be cake!  FREE ADMISSION. Smoke Meat Pete's: 283, 1st avenue, Ile Perrot, Qc J7V 5A1

August 8, 2011: CJLO.com -  1690 AM Radio :: Edge of the City :: 12:00 noon to 2:00pm

In preparation of the CD LAUNCH, the band gets interviewed & plays LIVE on air at EDGE OF THE CITY - your one stop away from all that is happening just around corner and half a block down the street. EDGE OF THE CITY, broadcasts LIVE every Monday and throughout the rest of the world online at www.cjlo.com, or through iTunes. Have an iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad (or all!)? Download the CJLO App: http://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/cjlo/id391459247?mt=8

August 12 and 13, 2011: Bistro A Jojo ::OFFICIAL CD LAUNCH OF "ORIGINAL SIN" :: 9:45 pm

BISTRO A JOJO - Montreal's Blues institution since 1975!  Come out on Friday or Saturday or BOTH NIGHTS !  The band performs songs from the latest CD as you wash the Summer's heat away with a pint of beer and the Blues. At the show CD (20$ea), T-shirts (15$ ea) BISTRO A JOJO: 1627 rue St-Denis (in front of Théâtre St-Denis) - $8.00 cover charge.  The album is now available at CD Baby.  Soon after the launch, the album will be available at iTunes,  Archambault Musique as well as some fine retail outlets. 

August 19, 2011: Le Festival Blues de Farnham :: 7:00 pm

A popular event in the Eastern Townships of Quebec celebrating the Blues, set on the magnificent site beside the Yamaska Rive.  Address: Parc Conrad-Blain. Autoroute 10 East, exit 48 towards Farnham, turn right on the 233 towards 104, left on 104 until Farnham and you'll end up on rue Principale.

August 20, 2011: CJAD.ca - 800 AM :: Saturday in Montreal with Anne Lagace-Dowson :: 1:00pm to 4:00pm

Multi-Award winning Journalist and Radio personality interviews Carolyn Fe about the music, the theatre and much much more!

August 26, 2011: Friday Night Blues :: 9:45pm

Inspecteur Epingle:  4051 St. Hubert (corner Duluth). FREE ADMISSION