Time: 6-9 p.m.

Cover: none

www.myspace.com/judewaldman 

Canadian Jude Joseph Waldman’s distinctive voice and skill at crafting classic-sounding contemporary songs has led to widespread recognition, including acclaim from successful Canadian artists Ronnie Hawkins and Fred Eaglesmith. Prolific, melodic and continually mining a soulful and varied seam of material, he has created an incredible collection of folk, rock & country songs, many of which have been frequently recorded and performed both by esteemed contemporaries and legends alike. His first EP appeared in 1994, followed by a first full album in 1998. Having landed ‘Songwriter of the Year’ prize at The Wire music awards (Canada) in 2000, he went on to co-write with the Weber Brothers while also winning first prize at the Lakefield Buskers Competition in 2003. He has travelled and performed extensively, his performances winning many admirers, not least the great Ronnie Hawkins who invited Jude to play songs at his home in 2007, and whose legendary band The Hawks recorded one of Jude’s songs that year. On a sojourn in Ireland in 2008, he encountered Patrick Hallinan (Hally and the Thinkers), co-founder of independent label Laredo Records, with whom he recorded a batch of stripped-back roots-based songs, showcasing his rich expansive vocal style and intricate guitar work. The album taps into the yearning, joy and despair of the nomadic existence, tales of love lost and found as well as interesting characters and encounters from his many travels. These songs form the basis for the album ‘Coca-Cola and Silver Screens’, which will be released in Ireland by Laredo this year, accompanied by a Canadian and European Tour.