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I CAN RECALL THE EXACT MOMENT when I realized that giving up my day job and making singing my full-time career was the right decision. That moment came at 8:00 pm on October 5th, 1993 at the Rebecca Cohn Auditorium in Halifax as I walked on stage to a full house and a thunderous East Coast welcome.  It was my first concert with my own band, and I was received with such wild enthusiasm that the concert turned into a 4-hour marathon for me. I was hooked!

Now, after 20 years and 25+ albums, I’m more proud than ever of my international family of fans, my catalogue of songs and my Veterans’ causes, including the foundation of McDermott House Canada.

Whether I’m sharing the stage with a stellar group of musical friends or touring the world as part of the famed Three Irish Tenors, I still continue to meet and make new friends with my music. Though time and travel have introduced me to a wealth of new material, I still try to connect with my audience as I did during that first show, so many years ago.

For this 20th Anniversary Tour, the band and I will highlight a variety of songs – from my early recordings right through to my latest releases.

Check my concert listings for dates near you.

One of the highlights for me this past year was the Jim Cuddy / John McDermott Show in Hamilton Ontario. The show raised over $200,000 for McDermott House Canada and with that we were able to share $100,000 divided equally with four regional Hospices. We intend to continue this approach across the country as we raise money for MHC. We are working closely with the True Patriot Love Foundation and are grateful for the great support that they are giving us.

As we move towards our target of 3.6 million dollars for the renovation and expansion of the Palliative Care unit located in the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre Veterans Wing (K Wing) I am confident that 2013 will be stellar year for MHC and we will be able to start the three stage renovation process later this year.

Another great highlight for me was the Marine Corps Birthday luncheon in Boston. The Marine Corps Semper Fidelis Society awarded me with the Ted Williams Globe and Anchor Award. Several of my good friends from the Congressional medal of Honor Society were with me that day to share in the festivities: Tom Hudner, Barney Barnum and Tom Kelley who presented me with the award. We were joined by the Commandant of the Corps General James F. Amos

I am thrilled with the response to the new recordings we released this year. My Gentle Harp, A Traditional Christmas (with Virginia Hatfield and Shannon Mercer) and especially The Old House, a compilation of the favourite songs of mine and my long time musical director, Jason Fowler. Jason and I will be releasing another new recording later this spring and we are working on a number of recording projects for release in the Fall.

We have just completed recording the first “John McDermott Trio“ CD. The CD is collection of each other’s favourite songs – some original, some old treasures. “The John McDermott Trio “ of McD, Michael Peter Smith and Jason Fowler will be touring throughout the Summer and Fall of 2012 – watch for new dates on the tour schedule.

New Christmas CD

I will also have a new Christmas CD ready for the Fall of 2012. Recording of that project will be completed in late February 2012 and available in December.

Music in the Key of Giving

This concert series presents world class Canadian entertainers in an intimate and relaxing evening of music, telling their stories and sharing their talents. After a successful series of concerts in 2012, we’ll be announcing more concerts soon.

Sponsored by BMO Financial Group.

With Ron Sexsmith at Mariposa 2011

YouTube

I continue to enjoy my new channel on YouTube where you can go to view a collection of some of my favourite videos – take a look and let me know what you think! http://www.youtube.com/user/LoveIsAVoyage

Looking forward to seeing you all over the Summer. Visit our tour schedule and join us for a McDermott House Event or at any of the many shows we are doing throughout the Summer.

Have a wonderful, happy and safe Spring and Summer.
John, Jason, George, Gary, Mick and Jeremy.

John was featured in the July/August issue of Fifty-Five Plus.

You can read the article here.

We have just completed recording the first “John McDermott Trio“ CD. The CD is collection of each other’s favourite songs – some original, some old treasures. “The John McDermott Trio “ of McD, Michael Peter Smith and Jason Fowler will be touring throughout the Summer and Fall of 2012 – watch for new dates on the tour schedule.

New Christmas CD

I will also have a new Christmas CD ready for the Fall of 2012. Recording of that project will be completed in late February 2012 and available in September.

OnRoute

Journeys is now available at the gas bar at all OnRoute convenience outlets along Highway 401, Highway of Heroes and beyond. Proceeds from sales will go to McDermott House Canada. For station locations please visit www.onroute.ca

Music in the Key of Giving

I am very happy to announce the following fundraising concert on behalf of McDermott House Canada:

• Shauna Rolston and Erika Raum, October 26, 2012 Tickets

This concert will present world class Canadian entertainers in an intimate and relaxing evening of music, telling their stories and sharing their talents.

The evening is sponsored by BMO Financial Group.

For more information and tickets please visit the Glenn Gould Studio or Roy Thomson Hall websites.

With Ron Sexsmith at Mariposa 2011

YouTube

I continue to enjoy my new channel on YouTube where you can go to view a collection of some of my favourite videos – take a look and let me know what you think! http://www.youtube.com/user/LoveIsAVoyage

Looking forward to seeing you all over the Summer. Visit our tour schedule and join us for a McDermott House Event or at any of the many shows we are doing throughout the Summer.

Have a wonderful, happy and safe Spring and Summer.
John, Jason, George, Gary, Mick and Jeremy.

Thomas Moore Tribute

I have finished the Thomas Moore Tribute and it will be released very soon on my site and on iTunes. This recording is one of the most satisfying projects I have ever done. I have gone back to the simplicity of the original music and used only harp, cello and piano. My long time friend and arranger/composer Eric Robertson has done an amazing job with the charts and I know you will thrilled with the outcome. Celtic music and poet historian James W. Flannery of Emory University wrote the liner notes and background on each song and Thomas Moore. I look forward to you reading and listening to this wonderful piece of history.

John McDermott Trio

We have just completed recording the first “John McDermott Trio“ CD. The CD is collection of each other’s favourite songs – some original, some old treasures. “The John McDermott Trio “ of McD, Michael Peter Smith and Jason Fowler will be touring throughout the Summer and Fall of 2012 – watch for new dates on the tour schedule and we’ll alert you here when the CD becomes available.

Jason and I will be doing a show at Hugh’s Room on May 30 , performing songs from the new CD. Hope to have a title for you soon!

New Christmas CD

I will also have a new Christmas CD ready for the Fall of 2012. Recording of that project will be completed in late February 2012 and available in September.

OnRoute

Journeys is now available at the gas bar at all OnRoute convenience outlets along Highway 401, Highway of Heroes and beyond. Proceeds from sales will go to McDermott House Canada. For station locations please visit www.onroute.ca

Music in the Key of Giving

I am very happy to announce the following fundraising concert series on behalf of McDermott House Canada:

• Pavlo, May 12, 2012 Tickets

• Shauna Rolston and Erika Raum, October 26, 2012 Tickets

These concerts will present world class Canadian entertainers in an intimate and relaxing evening of music, telling their stories and sharing their talents.

“My soul and my guitar are connected”, Pavlo has said of his distinct and hypnotic Mediterranean sound. Legions of his passionate fans agree: this pure, instrumental music speaks for itself. Don’t miss Pavlo, his band and John May 12th at the Glenn Gould.

The evening is sponsored by BMO Financial Group.

For more information and tickets please visit the Glenn Gould Studio or Roy Thomson Hall websites.

With Ron Sexsmith at Mariposa 2011

YouTube

I continue to enjoy my new channel on YouTube where you can go to view a collection of some of my favourite videos – take a look and let me know what you think! http://www.youtube.com/user/LoveIsAVoyage

Well another tour and another year has passed – it all seems to fly by so fast! You will notice on the tour schedule we are quickly filling in the dates for next fall and I believe this may be our busiest year yet. Stay tuned for more details being posted in the next month.

Thomas Moore Tribute

I have finished the Thomas Moore Tribute and it will be released very soon on my site and on iTunes. This recording is one of the most satisfying projects I have ever done. I have gone back to the simplicity of the original music and used only harp, cello and piano. My long time friend and arranger/composer Eric Robertson has done an amazing job with the charts and I know you will thrilled with the outcome. Celtic music and poet historian James W. Flannery of Emory University wrote the liner notes and background on each song and Thomas Moore. I look forward to you reading and listening to this wonderful piece of history.

John McDermott Trio

We have just completed recording the first “John McDermott Trio“ CD. The CD is collection of each other’s favourite songs – some original, some old treasures. “The John McDermott Trio “ of McD, Michael Peter Smith and Jason Fowler will be touring throughout the Summer and Fall of 2012 – watch for new dates on the tour schedule and we’ll alert you here when the CD becomes available.

Jason and I will be doing a show at Hugh’s Room on May 30 , performing songs from the new CD. Hope to have a title for you soon!

New Christmas CD

I will also have a new Christmas CD ready for the fall. Recording of that project will be completed in late February 2012 and available in September.

OnRoute

Journeys is now available at the gas bar at all OnRoute convenience outlets along Highway 401, Highway of Heroes and beyond. Proceeds from sales will go to McDermott House Canada. For station locations please visit www.onroute.ca

Music in the Key of Giving

I am very happy to announce the following fundraising concert series on behalf of McDermott House Canada:

• Pavlo, May 12, 2012 Tickets

• Shauna Rolston and Erika Raum, October 26, 2012 Tickets

These concerts will present world class Canadian entertainers in an intimate and relaxing evening of music, telling their stories and sharing their talents.

“My soul and my guitar are connected”, Pavlo has said of his distinct and hypnotic Mediterranean sound. Legions of his passionate fans agree: this pure, instrumental music speaks for itself. Don’t miss Pavlo, his band and John May 12th at the Glenn Gould.

The evening is sponsored by BMO Financial Group.

For more information and tickets please visit the Glenn Gould Studio or Roy Thomson Hall websites.

Golf Tournaments

The first annual Ippolito Foundation Golf Tournament was a great success, everyone had a great time, and the weather was superb. Proceeds raised will benefit McDermott House Canada and local charities and community groups. When we have settled on a date for next year it will posted here and on www.mcdermotthousecanada.org.

With Ron Sexsmith at Mariposa 2011

YouTube

I continue to enjoy my new channel on YouTube where you can go to view a collection of some of my favourite videos – take a look and let me know what you think! http://www.youtube.com/user/LoveIsAVoyage

Thank all of you for your continued support, wishing each and every one of you a very happy new year and the best year of your lives in 2012, we look forward to seeing you on the road.

John, Jason, Brian, George, Gary, Ray, Mick and Jeremy.

I must say that was one of the best Summers ever, now the leaves are changing and we are being lulled into another Autumn with an amazing display of colours courtesy of mother nature. No doubt the snow is not far behind and before we know it the shovels will come out and we will be digging out.

OnRoute

Journeys is now available at the gas bar at all OnRoute convenience outlets along Highway 401, Highway of Heroes and beyond. Proceeds from sales will go to McDermott House Canada. For station locations please visit www.onroute.ca

Fall Tour

We are readying for the Fall tour and have some wonderful guests joining us for a number of shows, you can find the information on the tour schedule, among our special guests this year will be Adrian Anantawan, Ariana Gillis, Matt Dusk and Alison Girvan, and we are looking forward to a wonderful tour once again.

Music in the Key of Giving

I am very happy to announce the following fundraising concert series on behalf of McDermott House Canada:

• Stewart Goodyear and Matt Dusk, February 15, 2012 Tickets
• Robi Botos Trio, March 23, 2012 Tickets
• Shauna Rolston and Erika Raum, October 26, 2012 Tickets TBA

These concerts will present world class Canadian entertainers in an intimate and relaxing evening of music, telling their stories and sharing their talents. Just Announced: For Stewart Goodyear’s concert he has proposed a very special concert format:

“For my first Valentine’s Day concert ever, I will perform a program devoted entirely to love songs chosen by the audience. Please email your requests to stewart@johnmcdermott.com — the 10 songs with the most votes will be transcribed by yours truly, and included on my program. This will be my Valentine’s Day present to the audience!”

For more information and tickets please visit the Glenn Gould Studio or Roy Thomson Hall websites.

Golf Tournaments

The first annual Ippolito Foundation Golf Tournament was great success, everyone had a great time, and the weather was superb. Proceeds raised will benefit McDermott House Canada and local charities and community groups. When we have settled on a date for next year it will posted here and on www.mcdermotthousecanada.org.

The first annual McDermott House Canada Golf Tourney in the United States in now finalized. It will be held on March 6th, 2012 at Old Corkscrew in Estero, Florida. Click here for registration details.

Mariposa 2011

New Recording Projects

I am in the final stages of the new recording of Thomas Moore songs and I hope to have it ready by mid-November. Jason, Brian and I are working together to create a new recording of our favourite pieces. It will be a great mix of both original and cover songs that we hope you will enjoy.

I am also in the early stages of planning and recording a new Christmas CD and a Children’s CD – more details on these as we finalise the content and begin recording.

YouTube

I continue to enjoy my new channel on YouTube where you can go to view a collection of some of my favourite videos – take a look and let me know what you think! http://www.youtube.com/user/LoveIsAVoyage

Have a wonderful fall, and a safe winter and we will see you on the road,

John, Jason, George, Brian, Ray and Gary.

Well this must be Summer – hot, relaxing and it will be over before you know it – so enjoy it while you can!

Golf Tournaments

The first annual Ippolito Foundation Golf Tournament was great success, everyone had a great time, and the weather was superb. Proceeds raised will benefit McDermott House Canada and local charities and community groups. When we have settled on a date for next year it will posted here and on www.mcdermotthousecanada.org.

We are in the early planning stages of our first annual McDermott House Canada Golf Tourney in the United States. It will be held on March 6th, 2012 at Old Corkscrew in Estero, Florida. Details of the event will be posted when we have everything set to go.

Mariposa

Well my first Canadian folk festival was at Mariposa and we had a terrific time, hung out with Emmy Lou Harris and spent some time with Ron Sexsmith. Ron delivered a stellar performance, I don’t think he’s ever sounded better. Jason, Brian and I worked several workshops – one dedicated to cover tunes in which we did a few John Prine songs – and the other dedicated to the songs of Gordon Lightfoot songs, not a tough choice there, anything by Gordon was well received. Our main stage appearance was a lot of fun and we hope for an invite back next year.

New Project

I am working on my tribute CD to Thomas Moore and hope to have it ready by the fall. The tour for November/December is now complete with the possibility of some really great special guests turning up for a few of the shows – we’ll keep you posted.

We are considering shows in Florida in February/March of 2012 and we are in the early stages of planning a north American tour in 2012 with the sensational Mark O’Connor. We worked with Mark a couple of years ago and the chemistry was bang on, so we are very excited about this opportunity to tour with him.

YouTube

I have a new channel on YouTube now that you can go to view a collection of some of my favourite videos – take a look! http://www.youtube.com/user/LoveIsAVoyage

I hope you enjoy the rest of this glorious Summer and I will back to update the site again in early September.

John