Old Habits Die Hard ~
If you've been following my blog, you will notice that I am not really good at starting the blog in the New Year. Especially now that each New Year brings bittersweet memories.
I hope that the holiday season was kind to you and that memories you have make you appreciate each moment you live.
Honouring Friends - Old and New, Here and Departed ~
2013 as you may remember started out with the loss of the band's Artist Agent and my friend, Barry Mell, at what was a turning point in the band's career. Barry passed away on January 18, 2013 - the eve of our show at the Toronto Blues Summit - 6. Then, February 3, 2013 marked the Tribute show in honour of Barry. The Mell Family was so kind to me at what must have been a most difficult time in their lives. They found it in their hearts to cheer me up and encouraged me to go on. But when all was said and done, I was at a complete loss as to what to do with the management of the band. We had started work on our 3rd album, but deep down inside, I was not so sure if I could go on. I had a heavy heart and lost confidence in my capabilities to run the business of being an artist, actress, musician and producer. But as you continue to read, you will see that I have found my strength and conviction to go on.
I am so grateful for the fans, friends and family members whose encouragements touched me to the core. Their belief in my work helped me find my footing. The guys in the band, who I lovingly call my "Stage Husbands", forged ahead with writing new tunes and I had no other choice but to follow and write up the lyrics. There are times when one has to fake it to make it. 2013 was such a heavy year. It was a year of reflection, re-adjustments, planning and now, I am so happy that it is nothing but a memory!
I welcome 2014 with open arms and curious excitement at what can and will happen!
A New Life ~ Carolyn Fe Productions Inc. / Les Productions Carolyn Fe Inc.
Whereas 2013 was a year of re-adjustments and planning, 2014 is a year of action! Putting into place what was put into a plan. So we start the year with the introduction of my new company, "Carolyn Fe Productions Inc.". Inspired by Barry Mell, this company will oversee the management and booking of shows for Carolyn Fe Blues Collective.
New Projects, New Sponsorships ~
Carolyn Fe Productions Inc. will eventually represent other artists as well, but for now it is exclusive to Carolyn Fe Blues Collective. I always told Barry that "We Will Represent!" and I intend to hold my promise. For that matter, I am happy to announce and introduce you to Ms. Colette Lachapelle, our new Artist's Representative. If you wish to book the band, you can reach her by email at: colette (at) carolyn-fe (dot) com
By the same token the new company will be a production house overseeing the production of Blues Shows such as "Jammin' the Blues" (last year we had two shows featuring King King and Angel Forrest - there will be more coming), Theatre Productions (Altera Vitae Productions), and the management of my projects as an Actress for TV, Film and Theatre. My acting agent will continue to do the bookings for me in film/TV/theatre.
Most recently, the House of Jazz has become an official sponsor for the band. The band was grateful when we were given residency and we always feel at home on the stage of the House of Jazz. Sennheiser is still rock solid behind us making sure we are heard. There are more sponsors coming to join the band but I will announce them as they come.
Other projects are now in the beginning stages for the new company! Stay tuned as these are exciting times! I will definitely keep you posted in due time.
The Album, The Launch!
Sometimes, one just has to go with the flow. The 3rd album has been postponed so many times that I was ready to throw in the towel and forget it. But my stubbornness didn't allow me to let go, so I hung in there. Besides, when there are 4 stage husbands to take care of, I cannot afford to let go because if I did, it would be like corralling hamsters running free in a 1000 sq ft space. Goodness knows, I am too old to run after men. They come to me instead.
So here it is. The news you have all been waiting for. The 3rd Album, which is still untitled, will be launched at the House of Jazz in May 2014. The album has two guest artists: Mr. Shun Kikuta who played guitar for the great Koko Taylor (RIP), and Mr. Guy Bélanger who is a staple in the Quebec Blues Scene as one heck of a classy Harmonica player. I am so honoured to have them on our next album! Stay tuned for the date and time of the launch.
In the meantime come see us play at the House of Jazz, the dates are here: Calendar