Ken Whiteley, a prolific songwriter, gifted and versatile musician and powerful singer, will headline the 17th annual and last Gil’s Hootenanny on Friday, May 1st at the First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa. Called “one of the best” by Sing Out! Magazine, Whiteley delights his audiences with his participatory humour, grace, and energy. His music communicates themes of freedom, love and social commentary, making Whiteley a perfect fit for the Gil’s Hootenanny’s sing-along concert format.
Whitely is one of Canada’s most respected roots musicians, with a rich background in blues, gospel and folk. His performing career began as a teenager in the 1960s with The Original Sloth Band, and he has performed with musical legends such as Leon Redbone, Mose Scarlett and Jackie Washington. A 7-time Juno nominee, Whitely has played at virtually every major folk festival in Canada and has recorded with a who’s who of musical icons like Pete Seeger, John Hammond Jr., Tom Paxton, Stan Rogers, and Raffi.
Accompanying Whiteley will be string bass player par excellence Gord Mowat. Gord has been part of the celebrated Dust Poets, Das Macht Show, his own original jazz groups and, for the last 10 years, with Ken’s Beulah Band and other projects. Together, Whiteley and Mowat will bring their vast experience to the hootenanny to encourage the audience to experience connection through the power of song.
Gil’s Hootenanny will take place at 7:00 pm, Friday, May 1st at 30 Cleary Avenue, the campus of the First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa. The venue is accessible, has ample parking and is serviced by OC Transpo.
Tickets for Gil’s Hootenanny are $20. Kids are welcome to attend free of charge.