Lightning Strikes Twice!

"If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough." Meister Eckhart.

My video, "Lightning Strikes Twice" is currently being promoted down south in the USA and is attracting attention from all over the music video programming spectrum such as: The Cool TV, reaching 12 million homes and R n R TV, which reaches 1.1 million viewers and one regional outlet Video Hits, seen throughout upstate New York,  video on-demand (PCMusic), multi-market H2o Television & HomeGrown Video, together connecting with 4 million+ potential viewers, retail pool/content provider ScreenPlay, which services music video reels that go to over 25,000 prominent retailers, nightclubs and restaurants in the U.S. and Canada, including Macys & Ikea and internet (ArtistDirect.com, Zuus.com, Muzu.tv and more).  

   The video is also performing extremely well on the social media front! My current ranking locally on Reverbnation is #2, Nationally ranking #3, Globally at #6 and All Genres we are #172…Remarkable! So far we have accumulated 25,219 song plays, a phenomenal 7,456 video plays on reverbnation, and my total fans are at 9402 including Twitter followers at 4083 and Facebook ‘likes’ are at 2525 WOW!! Thank you so so very much for being part of my musical family!!

UPCOMING DATES:
SUNDAY August 31  3:00 pm Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre Nikkei Matsuri Festival - 3pm Nikkei Matsuri: Burnaby’s family-friendly Japanese festival in the heart of Metro Vancouver August 30 and 31  ALICE AND I ARE EXCITED TO PERFORM AS A DUO!

Saturday Sept 6  Earthwise Farm Tsawwassen Market 9-Noon

Sunday Sept 7 BCSPCA Paws for a Cause Benefit Register at 9:30am Crescent Beach Park Surrey Alice and I play a 45 minute set at 10:15 We adopted our sister cats from  the SPCA and gave them a forever home. Our cat before them was also a shelter cat. We adopted him at age 3 and he lived to 21 and brought us so much joy!  Please spay and neuter your pets and adopt a pet from your local shelter if you are thinking of expanding your famiy. These animals need your love and care! 

Wednesday Sept 17 2-4 pm Langley Community Market Kwantlen University Campus

Saturday Sept 20 Earthwise Farm Tsawwassen Market 9-Noon

Saturday  Sept. 27 VFM 9 -11:30 am Westend Comox and Thurlow

Saturday Oct.4 UBC Farm 9 - 11 am

Sunday Oct. 5 VFM Kits Community Centre 10-Noon

That is the latest I hope you had a wonderful summer and it continues into a magnificent autumn!

Much Love and gratitude,

Norine

www.norinebraun.com 

One of the many good things about Norine Braun’s Conventus The Eye Of The Heart is it’s heartfelt lyrics which you can hear on each track of the Canadian singer/songwriter’s latest album. An artist of much acclaim, Norine Braun gives us a good mix of blues, rock, and jazz on Conventus The Eye Of The Heart, which will absolutely be a hit with old and new school audiences alike. It’s opening track, the honky tonk inspired “Lightening Strikes Twice” immediately captures your attention, long enough to steer you to the funky, danceable “Dizzy.” The sharp guitar riffs on “No More Reprise” will have your fingers playing air guitar before continuing onto the reflective, powerful “Boy” where Norine’s lyrical prowess is at its best. This versatile artist, already a veteran of the stage and road, is bound for a big breakthrough with Conventus The Eye Of The Heart. - Rob Perez The Music Universe

Indiebeat Feature on Voice of the Shuswap

My feature with host Mae Wandinger will air this Friday, August 15th on 93.7 CKVS in Salmon Arm and will stream at http://stream.voiceoftheshuswap.ca/ . The program starts at 4 and my segment will be at 4:30 PST. The episode will also repeat Sunday, Aug 17th at 10 am and Tuesday, the19th at 9 pm PST. Tune in online! Here's a song we enjoyed playing at Salmon Arm's WOW.

Vancouver Fanclub 1st Annual International Blues Music Day

"Happiness is a gift and the trick is not to expect it, but to delight in it when it comes.”
–Charles Dickens

Hi  

I had to let you know about a short notice gig I am playing this weekend if you are in the city. Saturday, August 2nd, 2014 Vancouver Fanclub 1st Annual International Blues Music Day - 1050 Granville Street A blues music fundraiser for the Nighthawk Arts Festival, taking place in Vancouver August 28-31, 2014.
I'll be having a full band for this show and we will be blues rocking the night away! Pat Darcus joins on bass and Sandy Bone on drums with Huggybear Leonard on blues harp and the lovely Alice Fraser on keys.
TWO SHOWS!
Early Show
Doors 7pm - Music 7:30
Jerry Doucette
Kathy Frank
James Buddy Rogers
Christine Best

Late Show
Doors 11:00 Music 11:30
Dalannah Gail Bowen
Norine Braun
Honeyboy Wilson
Gerald Charlie & The Blackowl Blues Band

Tickets $12.00 in advance available at northerntickets.com
$15.00 at the door

Celebrated in many cities around the world, International Blues Music Day was created to acknowledge "the people's music" and the contribution and influence that it has made in the world of music as well as to the many musicians that pioneered and paved the way with their ground-breaking style.

Join us for this celebration!

 

UPCOMING DATES:

Aug 10^th Music in the Park Concert Duo at Pacific Spirit Park 3 -4:30 Family All Ages Free event. Walk the west coast trails as Vancouver musicians are featured alongside the path to serenade you.

August 31 DUO 3:30 pm Nikkei National Museum & Cultural CentreNikkei Matsuri Festival - 3pm Nikkei Matsuri: Burnaby’s family-friendly Japanese festival in the heart of Metro Vancouver August 30 and 31

 Keep having a wonderful summer!

Love,

Norine

www.norinebraun.com 

"Many can learn from Braun’s story. Her vocals are pierced with the passion of a new union, the freedom of glaring death in its ugly black eye, to new beginnings and to disabling grief. In a time when many are afraid to speak of the white elephant in the room, Norine Braun’s gritty lyrics and loving vocals convey hope and inspiration while helping the listener discover the light even if they had not realized they had sought it." Word Krapht - Raven Elenah

STREAMING LINKS

http://norinebraun.bandcamp.com/
https://soundcloud.com/norinebraun   

Recipient Canada Council for the Arts!

"Dreaming is believing in yourself" Hi there Ecstatic and grateful would be an understatement to describe my feelings about receiving a prestigious Canada Council for the Arts grant to compose my next album. For the first time in my life I will have an opportunity to completely and totally focus soley on my songwriting to create what I hope will be my best work yet. This is no small undertaking I have been thinking about this project for almost 20 years now and believe I am finally ready to begin the work of composing this vision. I am truly honoured and humbled that the Canada Council agrees and believes in my past work and my new ideas and so the journey begins. I wanted you to be the first to know of this tremendous news! UPCOMING DATES:  July 30th Music on the Wharf Concert Series 7-9 pm Free ALL Ages TRIO with Alice Fraser and Huggybear Leonard Salmon Arm BC  Marine Gazebo. Indie beat with Mae Wandinger on Voice of the Shuswap CKVS FM 93.7 is interviewing me in Salmon Arm and I will post on my site when you can tune in. They have been playing my music all month getting ready for our show! July 31 Gallery Vertigo Vernon BC 7 to 9pm $10 - 20 suggested donation TRIO with Alice Fraser and Huggybear Leonard. Limited seating get there early! Conventus the Eye of the Heart has charted again on Outvoice this month coming in #19 on the TOP 20.Thanks for making it happen!  http://www.outvoice.net/votechart.htm   Well my dear I must get started writing that new album, stay tuned. I hope you are having an amazing summer! Love, Norine www.norinebraun.com  "Many can learn from Braun’s story. Her vocals are pierced with the passion of a new union, the freedom of glaring death in its ugly black eye, to new beginnings and to disabling grief. In a time when many are afraid to speak of the white elephant in the room, Norine Braun’s gritty lyrics and loving vocals convey hope and inspiration while helping the listener discover the light even if they had not realized they had sought it." Word Krapht - Raven Elenah STREAMING LINKS http://norinebraun.bandcamp.com/ https://soundcloud.com/norinebraun

Invincible Summer Solstice

"In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer. ~Albert Camus" Summer is upon us, I hope summer brings you great joy and relaxation whatever you have planned. The longest day of the year is Saturday summer solstice and National Aboriginal Day. Come celebrate it with us as we play. Saturday June 21 Aboriginal Day Celebration Trout Lake Vancouver Noon to 5 Free All Ages Norine’s stage time 12:45 for 30 minute set.  Trio with Alice Fraser and Huggybear Leonard  CONFIRMED SUMMER DATES: June 30 Café Koi Calgary  8 pm to 10 pm No cover, Trio with Alice Fraser and Huggybear Leonard WOO HOO!! July 6 Kits Farmers Market Vancouver 10 am to Noon  DUO with Alice Fraser   JULY 6 SURREY PRIDE Holland Park Noon to 5  Duo with Alice Fraser on the mainstage, we play at 2:30 pm for a 45 minute set. July 16 Langley Community Market Kwantlen Polytechnic University Campus 4-6 Duo with Alice July 17 Thursday Royal City Farmers Market New West 3-7 Duo with Alice Fraser  July 19th West End Farmers Market 9 -11:30 am Duo with Alice Fraser July 20th Music in the Park Concert 1-3pm Free sponsored by MetroVancouver Parks Cleveland Dam North Vancouver DUO with Alice Fraser on keys. The most beautiful setting wow is right beside us. Bring a picnic, sit back, listen to the tunes and enjoy the gorgeous mountains!  July 30th Music on the Wharf Concert Series 7-9 pm Free ALL Ages TRIO with Alice Fraser and Huggybear Leonard Salmon Arm BC  Marine Gazebo Can't wait!! July 31 Gallery Vertigo Vernon BC 7 to 9pm $10 TRIO with Alice Fraser and Huggybear Leonard. Limited seating get there early! August 10 Kits Farmers Market 10 to Noon DUO August 16 Trout Lake Farmers Market Vancouver 9-11:30 DUO  August 23 West End Farmers Market Vancouver 9-11:30 DUO  August 30 UBC Farm 8:45 am to 10:45 am DUO   August 31 Nikkei Japanese Festival Burnaby stage time 3 pm half hour performance Duo with Alice Fraser on keys. MORE DATES TO COME! SORRY to say the Revelstoke gig on June 26 was cancelled, the venue lost their liquor license. But...the Vancouver Island Tour was a great experience and we met so many beautiful people, thanks to everyone who came out!  STOKED that Conventus the Eye of the Heart has charted on Outvoice this month coming in #20 on the TOP 20 just by a whisker.Thanks for making it happen!  Vote athttp://www.outvoice.net/votechart.htm  Love, Norine www.norinebraun.com   "Her signature funky folk-blues sound simply cannot be matched. Best listened to as loud as your neighbours will tolerate."  Scott Alexander Abort Magazine STREAMING LINKS http://norinebraun.bandcamp.com/ https://soundcloud.com/norinebraun    Norine Braun Schedules Calgary, Salmon Arm and Vernon Appearances       Award-winning bluesy artist with a siren’s voice, Norine Braun has scheduled June and  July shows in Calgary and the Okanagan/Shuswap with her trio to introduce Braun’s newly acclaimed album “Conventus the Eye of the Heart”.  On Monday, June 30, Norine will appear at Cafe Koi, , 8 p.m. All Ages,  No cover.  Touring as a trio, with the dark and silky vocals of Norine who also plays guitar, joined by Queen of the Trills Alice Fraser on keys, and the electrifying Huggybear Leonard on ukulele, penny whistle and blues harp. Cafe Koi is a blend of passionate people pooling their skills to provide urban Calgary with a forward-thinking environment, serving delicious and nutritious food, creating unique communities, and supporting local art, music, and culture.    On Wednesday, July 30, Norine will appear at Salmon Arm's Music on the Wharf Weekly Concert Series at the Marine Gazebo,  6:45 p.m. All Ages Free Event and on July 31 Gallery Vertigo the North Okanagan Arts Incubator in Vernon Doors 6:30 Showtime 7-9 $10.       Norine Braun’s awards include the Los Angeles Music Awards and Artists for Literacy. She has appeared at many clubs and festivals and the new full-length CD “Conventus the Eye of the Heart” is her ninth album. It follows Norine’s songwriting journey through life-threatening illness, a death in the family, new beginnings and the celebration of life. The songs are as honest and lyrically strong as roots and blues-rock gets. “Norine Braun’s signature funky folk-blues sound simply cannot be matched. Best played loud as your neighbor's will tolerate.“ Abort Magazine     Information on Norine Braun and her work is available at www.norinebraun.com with more about her music  on www.reverbnation.com/norinebraun.

Home sweet home

Home sweet home from our beautiful little island tour, Alice Fraser andHuggybear Leonard rocked it, the trio is really flowing now, the music stellar , great sounding venues, made lovely new friends and fans and sold those cds  Definitely still recovering from the bug but thankful my energy and vox held out and we managed to even take in a few sites. Heartbreakingly though I got word on the road that a dear old friend lost her battle with cancer Friday. On Sat. night we played for our angel Linda, who I know was there in that beautiful old church listening in. 

Norine Braun schedules May 14, 15 and 17 Vancouver Island appearances

Norine Braun schedules May 14, 15 and 17Vancouver Island appearances   
      Award-winning bluesy artist with a siren’s voice, Norine Braun has scheduled three May appearances with her trio on Vancouver Island to introduce Braun’s newly acclaimed album “Conventus the Eye of the Heart”.
  

 On Wednesday May 14 at the Copper Owl, $10 @ 9 pm a historic bar located in downtown Victoria, sharing the double bill with blues rocker and 2014 Vancouver Island Music Award winner, Dave Cormier.
   

On Thursday May 15 the Norine Braun Trio plays the well loved and newly resurrected Duncan Showroom, in Duncan 133 Station Street Doors 7 Show 8pm  $12 advance $15 at the door
   

On Saturday, May 17, Norine will appear at Char’s Landing, Port Alberni, 8 p.m., $12 cover, this 100-year old church has been converted into a popular showcase for the arts. Touring as a trio, with the dark and silky vocals of Norine who also plays guitar, joined by Queen of the Trills Alice Fraser on keys, and the electrifying Huggybear Leonard on ukulele, penny whistle and blues harp.
     

Norine Braun’s awards include the Los Angeles Music Awards and Artists for Literacy. She has appeared at many clubs and festivals and the new full-length CD “Conventus the Eye of the Heart” is her ninth album. It follows Norine’s songwriting journey through life-threatening illness, a death in the family, new beginnings and the celebration of life. The songs are as honest and lyrically strong as roots and blues-rock gets. “Norine Braun’s signature funky folk-blues sound simply cannot be matched. “ Abort Magazine
    Information on Norine Braun and her work is available at www.norinebraun.com with more about her music  on www.reverbnation.com/norinebraun.
      

Her May 14 appearance is at the Copper Owl, 1900 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC, 778-265-1774, 9:00 p.m.  $10 at door and May 15 Duncan Showroom 133 Station Street, Showtime  8 pm advance tickets $12 and $15 at the door. See Norine Braun on May 17 at Char’s Landing, 4815 Argyle Street, Port Alberni, BC, phone 250-730-1636, 8 p.m. $12 door

Voices To Hear: Spotlight: Norine Braun, Jim Byrnes Music

Webpage: http://www.norinebraun.com Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada Description: Roots Rock meets Blues Pop Her voice has the viscosity of a jazz crooner, the elegance of a gospel singer, and the heart of a folk or blues artist. Biography: Vancouver based singer-songwriter Norine Braun’s eclectic music experiments with forms from roots rock to ambient pop to jazz, folk and blues in 8 independent albums of original music. Tuneful and savvy her music zings to the heart of any listener. Winner of the Songs Inspired By Literature Artists For Literacy International Songwriting Competition and Winner Female Singer-Songwriter of the Year - Jazz at Los Angeles International Independent Music Awards. Norine’s Album Evolution of the Blood Star was voted #1 on Outvoice for 2008. Performances of note include: Triad Theatre in NYC, Shibuya Home in Tokyo and the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics. No.8 released in 2011 brings Juno nominated producer, Adam Popowitz onboard and is garnering rave reviews including: "Over the course of her eight albums local songwriter Braun has developed exceptionally sharp lyricism, fluid vocals and a way with a driving melody. Case in point, the single "Drift Away" from her new CD." - Stuart Derdeyn The Province "No. 8" receives my highest rating of 5*****. Highly Recommended and Thoroughly Enjoyed. Another Treasure of an Album from a Truly Canadian Treasure..." - John Vermilyea (Blues Underground Network) "Very eclectic sound! Powerful vocals set the tone for a blend of genres in this album." - Matt Nightingale CHSR Music Director "Overall, Norine is a singer/songwriter with a sense of humour... There is enough tongue-in-cheek and embracing of silliness to bring a smile to a hardened reviewer’s face. You can just tell that Norine Braun had a ball recording this album." -Ana Bedard Beatroute Magazine Past summer shows 2011 included: Vancouver Pride, Richmond Maritime Festival, Out in the Woods Festival Greenwich NY, Edgewater Casino WAVS Benefit Vancouver, Jlounge and SHE BOOM CFRO benefit concert. Press Release: Norine Braun's No. 8 Waits For The World To Catch Up Norine Braun Adds Roots Rock, Blues And Americana On Her New No.8 Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PRLog (Press Release)
Vancouver BC 2011 According to reviewer Vinny Bond Marini, “Norine Braun is an enigma. Is she a jazz chanteuse? A blues singer? A pop singer? A rocker? On No. 8, she almost dares you to decide for yourself. “ Braun recruited a killer collection of roots rock, soul and blues session players including renowned producer and Juno nominated, Adam Popowitz (Pacifika, Mollies Revenge, Leela Gilday) who produced and performed on all 10 of the songs with bass and lead guitar. Drummer Elliot Polsky, (Jim Byrnes, Zubot and Dawson, Good Noise Vancouver Gospel Choir) gives the groove and heartbeat to No. 8. Blues meister Andrew "HuggyBear" Huggard (Ollie Bollen Trio, Leonard and the Lab Rats) shakes things up with his soulful blues harmonica. International touring freelance keyboard/pianist Mary Ancheta (Bjork,John Mayer, Nickleback) shines with her astounding keys on feature tracks too. The album is a mix of new originals by Norine Braun with blues, roots rock and soul at the centre. Norine Braun is an adult alternative/folk-rock/roots rock/blues type of artist. “Whether playing with the Mood Swings or alone, Norine Braun is never dull. With sensibilities grounded in the slam and performance art genres, some of her songs make it seem that Braun has been waiting for the world to catch up with her sound.” - Cindy Filipenko For interview or for review www..norinebraun.com  
FROM http://jim-byrnes.musicnewshq.com/news/voices-to-hear-spotlight-norine-braun

Lillies of the Field

"Consider the lilies of the field. They toil not, neither do they spin"

Hi there

Happy Easter to you! Lillies of the field reminds me of the song, Don't Worry Be Happy. 

Thankful for the many plays and support of Conventus The Eye of the Heart on iTunes, and happy to announce some upcoming dates with more to come.
Norine Braun TrioTOUR DATES FOR MAY

SAT.April 19 7pm to 1 am  We play at 8pm with 5 bands and cocktails making it a night to remember!

BBB Charity Benefit for the Autistic  Self-Advocacy Network

Eaglequest Golfcourse Surrey TICKETS $30

Wed. May 7 Billy Miner Pub 6-10 pm NO COVER

22355 River Road Maple Ridge BC We so loved playing at the wharf concert last summer across the street from Billy Miner, and look forward to playing all night long! Maple Ridge folks know how to have fun!
 

Wed. May 14 Copper Owl Victoria BC 9pm  $10 cover

with blues rock artist Dave Cormier who just won 2 Vancouver Island Music Awards can't wait to hear Dave live! Our first time ever to play Victoria!
Thurs. May 15 Duncan TBA still a possibility the gig we had hoped to play has changed venues and is renovating.

SAT. May 17 Char's Landing Port Alberni 6:45 pm $12 cover

Char is the official host of the arts district, we play 2 sets in her converted 100 year old church. Can't wait to play our first time ever in Port Alberni, its gonna be a spiritual experience :)!

  

Thanks so much for your support in the CBC Searchlight competition, it was OH so Close but no cigar. As gratitude for your help you can download a free mp3 of No More Reprise to download go to http://www.reverbnation.com/norinebraun where we are currently #2 on the Blues charts for Vancouver and #17 for Canada!

This month a terrific review in Indie-Music Magazine for Conventus The Eye of the Heart by Jamie Anderson.

Hoping any worries hop away for you at Easter and always. 

Love,

Norine

www.norinebraun.com 

 "Her signature funky folk-blues sound simply cannot be matched Best

listened to as loud as your neighbours will tolerate." 

Scott Alexander Abort Magazine

 “Conventus The Eye of the Heart” is certainly a treat for the ears and soul.

 A combination of raunchy, electric blues with some acoustic numbers and Norine’s clear 

and articulate vocals that generate soul and passion into her heartfelt lyrics." 

Martys Blues Music Blog 

"Robust, fresh, and chill all at once. A mellow musical companion to an evening of

 drinking whiskey, moving your feet, and laughing insanely loudly with old friends. 

From bluesy tunes suitable for wading at the shore, to gruff guitar riffs that’d make 

the perfect backpacking soundtrack, her writing is clearly inspired by life on the best coast." 

AJ Dent The Drainage Magazine

STREAMING LINKS

http://norinebraun.bandcamp.com/
https://soundcloud.com/norinebraun

Indie Music Review!

A stellar review just out on Indie-Music.com by Jamie Anderson

“Some artists find that one thing they’re good at and put it in every song. Braun is good at a lot of things and fortunately for us, includes them only when it serves the song - Americana without the gingham dress, alt rock without the torn t-shirt and cool retro without the bouffant hair.”

Artist: Norine Braun

Album: Conventus The Eye of the Heart

Genre: Folk / Blues

RIYL: Patti Smith, kd lang

Some artists find that one thing they’re good at and put it in every song. Braun is good at a lot of things and fortunately for us, includes them only when it serves the song - Americana without the gingham dress, alt rock without the torn t-shirt and cool retro without the bouffant hair. She’s got a unique approach to songwriting, sometimes using familiar structures where we can rest and other times, rocketing into space with a sense of adventure. She sings well and plays guitar, aided by a crack shot band of drums, keys, bass and more guitar.

“Lightning Strikes Twice” is fueled by a bad ass bass riff and vocals reminiscent of Patti Smith, including that howling upper register that adds emotion. With “How Would We Know,” she uses a softer voice and a reggae/ska groove. It’s a love song, with sweet lyrics like “Send me a rose scented and red / One that will grow and knows no death.”

There’s lots of great dynamics in “Boy,” starting with her rhythm acoustic guitar, building with the rest of the band, then breaking down to just her vocal and guitar towards the middle and coming back up again. That’s what I love about most of her arrangements – she can offer subtle and full-blown, all in the same song. In the blues-driven “99%” she’s pissed off: “Do we pay the groceries? Or do we pay the rent? Scrounging in the garbage, we’re the 99 percent.”

“Dizzy” is old school jazz/rock with a great rhythm section and “No More Reprise” has some hot retro funk/soul things happening. It’s a great get-lost-loser song, too. She even packs his or her clothes at the end. “Take the Sleek Train” has a dreamy feel, like landscape slipping past train windows. There’s a sinister atmosphere in “The Fire Flames,” aided by a distorted electric guitar that snakes in and out. She’s looking for love in “The Perfect Love Affair.” It sounds like a classic sixties pop/rock song, like the Doors with a female vocal.

She gives us yet another style in “I Found You,” with a cut-down arrangement in waltz time featuring only her acoustic guitar, vocals and a slide guitar. With a pedal steel or fiddle it could be alt country, but here it reads more like folk. She wraps it all up with “Conventus,” a cut with more of those great dynamics – she starts with an acoustic guitar and whispery vocals, then for the next verse, joyful lyrics over a polyrhythmic groove that continues through the song. This one would be especially great at a live show. I can just see a writhing mass of sweaty, happy dancers.

On this well-recorded album she’s got variety, solid tunes and a band that’s so good they breathe together. Why are you still reading this? Go download Conventus The Eye of the Heart.

AND OH so Close but no cigar thanks so much for your support of No More Reprise on #searchlight, contest  and to show my gratitude you can download your free copy of the song go to https://www.facebook.com/pages/Norine-Braun/64362551866 CLICK ON BAND PROFILE and then click on free download.

Love Norine