Three great songwriters, one excellent bill: Asif Illyas, Charlie A’Court and Jim Henman join forces for a night of songs and stories at The Carleton on Saturday, November 16th. Show time is 7 PM and tickets are $35 + HST.
Asif Illyas is an award-winning guitarist and multi-instrumentalist from Nova Scotia, Canada. He is a 30 year veteran of the music and film industry, as a key member of acts like MIR(Canada/Germany), a performing member of Cutting Crew( Nick Van Eede, (UK)), Lennie Gallant (Canada), and appearing on stage with the likes of Colin Hay( Men At Work), Paula Cole(USA) and working behind the scenes for A-list artist concerts by David Foster. His extensive work as a film composer includes creating musical scores for films that have gone on to win at TIFF, Cannes, and Berlin Film Fest as well as working with Juno and Grammy winning artists, receiving several music and film festival awards for his efforts. Asif is currently reviving his vast catalogue by re-imagining several works for acoustic fingerstyle percussive guitar. His main hub for creativity are his YouTube and Patreon channels called “Shaking The Tree”: www.youtube.com/@asifshakingthetree. It is here where you will see the most recent creative works from Asif Illyas as well as educational insights from his extensive career in music and media creation. Asif Illyas is a Greenfield Guitars and D’Addario Artist. Asif’s thoughts on his instruments: “Playing a Greenfield guitar is an astronomically magical experience. I have never felt more inspiration from a musical instrument. They are the perfect blend of science, art and beauty,” ” D’Addario XS Coated strings are an incredible technology, providing gorgeous tone, perfect playability and extremely impressive longevity. Coupled with my Greenfield Guitars acoustics and my Fender Stratocaster, Telecaster and Telecaster Bass,, the combination of D’Addario XS and these instruments is the best I’ve ever experienced in my 33 years performing and recording music.”
Planted at the crossroads of roots and soul, Charlie A’Court possesses a mighty voice, fierce guitar work and contemporary songwriting that is loved by fans across Canada and beyond. Charlie has always been recognized for exploring his musical horizons. As a six-time East Coast Music Award winner and eight-time Nova Scotia Music Award winner, Charlie has earned awards for Blues, Pop, and R&B/Soul Recordings of the Year, and on multiple occasions been recognized as Entertainer of the Year. This fall (2024), Charlie will be releasing his new album. “San Palarino” is an Americana-driven deep dive into growing older, emotional well-being, and the collective weight bearing down on humanity. Much of the album features co-writes with some of Canada’s top singer/ songwriters including Matt Andersen, Terra Spencer, and Colin MacDonald (The Trews). The music is drawing directly from his influences like Martin Sexton, Melissa Etheridge, Hot House Flowers, and Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit.
Co-founder April Wine, Jim Henman co-wrote the music for the play ”Death the Musical” which played at Neptune Theatre. Released 2 solo cds ”Same Old Feeling,” and “House Plants”. Performed with Myles Goodwyn Trio/Quartet from 2017 until Dec 2024 until Myles’s passing. Co-wrote with Myles Goodwyn and released nationally two songs “Some Of These Children” and a Christmas tune “Ring The Bells” nationally to radio. Co-wrote songs with Laura Smith, Terry Kelly, Dee Dee Austin , Tom Bedell, Lisa Richard, Joel Plaskett, Myles Goodwyn and more. Jim performs solo and with Steve Gaetz and Bruce Dixon, who along with Jim were the members of the Myles Goodwyn Quartet, as well as in a Songwriters Trio with Lisa Richard and Dave Carroll. 2009 Induction into the Canadian Music Industry Hall of Fame, 2010 the Canadian Juno Hall Of Fame, September 2023 Induction into the Canadian Walk Of Fame. His “NEW” show covers his 55 years as a song writer with songs and stories accompanied by a visual perspective of these 55 years.