Dave McCann and the Firehearts, formerly Dave McCann and the Ten Toed Frogs  are looking forward to the release of their new CD, “ Dixiebluebird,” much of which they premiered at the Slice, Aug 24.

At least 70 people were at the Slice for the event which raised approximately $1,500 for Woods Homes. The Skilletlikkers , with special guest Doran Hoge on mandolin, played an energetic set of originals and favoured covers. 

“ We just thought we we done doing with the folk sound and were starting to get more of an edge to our music. We felt it was a name that reflected that change,” said McCann, who along with his band, guitarist Dave Bauer, bassist Pete Loughlin, drummer Tim Williams and pedal steel guitarist Charlie Hayse, spent a few weeks in December in east Nashville recording the new CD with Will Kimbrough, who has worked with Todd Snider among others.

“These people in Nashville, they make records for a living, that’s what they do, so it was so incredible being there,” McCann said.

“You can just feel the inspiration. So it definitely took hold on our performances,” he  continued adding he was hoping to have the completed CDs out for the Woods Home  event, but will have them available at the official CD release party, Sept. 12 at the Geomatic Attic. 

“It will be the first release of the new record, so I’m very excited about it,” he said.

“Mike (Spencer owner of the Geomatic Attic) has been so supportive. He's an inspiration.”

The band is also scheduled to play the “In the Shadow of the Bridge Festival,” Sept. 5 at  8:15.

“It’s really nice. I just moved here about a year ago so it’s nice to be included in event of such historical significance. It’s a family event, so it”ll be good,” he continued.

“It’s an honour to be included,” he said.