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.
Category: Uncategorized
Christmas 2012 Update
Now Available!
Warm up your Christmas with John McDermott and sopranos Virginia Hatfield and Shannon Mercer as they sing holiday favourites to beautiful new arrangements! Purchase now on CD or from iTunes in our online store.
New Releases!
Our first McDermott House Canada Golf Tourney at Old Corkscrew Golf Club in Estero Florida was a great success! We are pleased to announce the date for the 2nd annual tourney at Old Corkscrew on February 21st, 2013 – to register click here.
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.
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.
Fifty-Five Plus article
John was featured in the July/August issue of Fifty-Five Plus.
You can read the article here.
Late Spring 2012 Update
New Releases!
Our first McDermott House Golf Tourney in Estero Florida at Old Corkscrew was a great success, so we are now in the planning stages for the next tournament. Preliminary details are February 2013 at Old Corkscrew and Pelican Marsh. When the details are confirmed we will post them here on the site.
Our second annual Canadian Tourney is also confirmed and we are returning again to Copetown Woods on June 16th, 2012. Book your spot by filling out a registration from by clicking here. I hope you will be able to join us for a great day of golf, food and entertainment. The event is graciously sponsored again by the Ippolito Foundation which assists not only McDermott House Canada but also local charities.
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.
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.
Spring 2012 Update
It appears Spring has arrived early (or has Summer!?). We are into the warm weather already and the Bay is open and free of ice, time to get the kayaks in the water and the fishing rods out of storage.
Golf
Our first McDermott House Golf Tourney in Estero Florida at Old Corkscrew was a great success, so we are now in the planning stages for the next tournament. Preliminary details are February 2013 at Old Corkscrew and Pelican Marsh. When the details are confirmed we will post them here on the site.
Our second annual Canadian Tourney is also confirmed and we are returning again to Copetown Woods on June 16th, 2012. Book your spot by filling out a registration from by clicking here. I hope you will be able to join us for a great day of golf, food and entertainment. The event is graciously sponsored again by the Ippolito Foundation which assists not only McDermott House Canada but also local charities.
Songs in the Key of Giving
Join John, Jim Cuddy and Friends for an evening of songs and fine dining in support of McDermott House Canada and four other hospices. Click here for details.
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:
• 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
Winter 2012 Update
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:
• 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.
Fall 2011 Update
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.
Summer 2011 Update
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
Spring 2011 Update
Golfers – plan to participate
2011 Inaugural Charity Golf Event in Support of The Ippolito Foundation, Copetown Ontario Proceeds raised will benefit local charities and community groups including McDermott House Canada. Saturday, June 25, 2011. Visit their website for more information or download entry form here.
Well Spring is here and the Summer is just around the corner, it has been one of those winters that won’t go away. The ice is still thick on the bay but I can hear the cracks and the moaning of the ice as it gives way to the waters of summer.
We are very excited about the coming year and for the first time in my career I will be performing at a FOLK FESTIVAL. Yes, a folk festival, and at the best one you can think of – the Mariposa Folk Festival, July 8th and 9th. Our spot is on the 9th, late evening, main stage and my musical director Jason Fowler, along with Brian MacMillan and Ray Legere, will be doing workshops on July 9th and 10th. I will also be doing workshops with my players on the 9th during the day and will post details on the site as they become available.
The Fall tour is just about confirmed with a few open dates yet to be confirmed and it is as always a very busy schedule. We will once again have some special guests and I think this is the best year yet for guests. I will post the names as we confirm dates and I know you will all be thrilled with the line up.
We are working a couple of new CDs – one is a Christmas CD and the other a tribute to the great Irish poet Thomas Moore. Both discs will be released in time for the Fall tour.
So as we head into Summer we will keep you apprised of the Fall tour and events relating to McDermott House Canada.
Enjoy the Spring, Happy Easter, and may you have a safe and sun-filled Summer.
John, Jason, Brian, George, Gary, Ray and Mick.
Winter 2010 Update
Feb 5, 2011 update: Zoomer Radio interviewed John about McDermott House Canada.
January 19, 2011 update: CBC video coverage of the funeral of Sgt. Ryan Russell, for which we were honoured to perform.
As we come to end of another year, a wonderful year, we look back at the fond memories of the Spring, Summer, Winter, and Fall. Of the sheer joy we had on tour and now the reality of McDermott House Canada Foundation.
I am so proud of the wonderful board of directors for MHC, my partner Trudy Eagan, and the incredible team at Sunnybrook working together to allow McDermott House Canada to accomplish the amazing transformation of the palliative care unit in K1E Veterans wing at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre.
Over the next 3 years we will endeavour to raise the funds required to complete our mission and with your help and support it will become a reality. I am asking that you share our dream with your family, friends and colleagues – every little bit helps and every donation will be acknowledged and appreciated.
The CD Journeys will continue to be available in stores with the proceeds going to MHC.
Our touring schedule for 2011 is well underway and many of the dates are now posted on the website with many more to come. Thank you for your support throughout 2010 and we look forward to sharing our music with you in 2011.
Best wishes to all of you for a very happy, safe and joyful holiday Season and a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.
John, Jason, Brian, George, Ray, Gary…and of course, Rosie