Fall Update: Townhouse open and back to regular hours

Hi again everyone,

Last night was our first night back from our brief hiatus. It's so good to get the doors open and see some of our regulars again, so we thought we'd give you all a brief update. We got an awful lot done upstairs on the brewery reno over the last week and a half–new sound-proof walls, painting, floors prepped for new industrial tiles, and a start on demo-ing the existing kitchen and bath–but there is still a ways to go with the renos before the brewing operation is a go. There is a fair bit of additional fire-proofing to be done, and as we've learned over the past few years, no matter how carefully you plan and prepare, there will always be unforeseen obstacles and roadblocks that pop-up along the way. So we're aiming to have our own stuff on tap for the New Year. I know it's a long wait, but we just ordered some of Propellor's great Pumpkin Ale which should come on line in a week or two and help everyone finally embrace the glorious autumn season. 

In culinary news, our friend Wes dropped by last night with half of a massive pig which he raised for us in Beaver Meadow and butchered at Ferguson's in Pictou County. We're planning to use it in a  home-made paté (or French Canadian style cretons?) for the Ploughman's Lunch, so look for that addition to the menu in the coming months. The pork belly was delivered directly to The Pork Shop where they will brine and smoke it and magically turn it into delicious bacon - so don't let those warnings of global bacon shortages cause too much panic. Wes and The Townhouse have you covered. And we're still planning to add Tuesdays to our opening hours, probably sometime mid-October - but, of course, we'll let you know!  

Pressing apples for cider at my folks' place a few years ago.

In the meantime, hope you are all enjoying the fall, our favourite time of year, and that we'll see you soon for a cozy pint or two or a nice crisp NS cider...

Rose & Terry

Morgan Davis Live at The Townhouse, 09/08/2012

The Townhouse is pleased to announce our second musical event, Juno and Maple Blues award winning bluesman Morgan Davis, Saturday, September 8th. 

We'll be closing the kitchen early (last orders at 9:15) and the show will get underway at 10pm.

 Here's some background on Davis from his website:

For nearly four decades Morgan Davis has been on the road travelling across Canada, the United States and Europe. His performances draw from a rich tradition of country blues, as well as his own contemporary songs infused with wit and a large dose of humour.

Originally from Detroit, Davis grew up listening to a prolific mix of rhythm and blues. The music of Jimmy Reed, Ike and Tina Turner,Chuck Berry and Fats Domino was in the air. He later moved to California with his family, and then in 1968 left for Canada.

While living in Rochdale College, Toronto's mecca for the subculture of the late 1960's, he immersed himself in the study of Delta Blues, especially the music of Robert Johnson. Toronto's music scene in the early 1970's was the perfect place for Davis to cut his teeth as a journeyman, having the opportunity to see and play with many legendary performers. Bukka White, Johnny Shines, Sunnyland Slim,Snooky Pryor, Hubert Sumlin, and John Hammond were encouraging supporters.

Davis hit the road with the Rhythm Rockets, The Knights of The Mystic Sea, and David Wilcox's first band, eventually forming his own trio.

Over the years he has had the priviledge of opening for Willie Dixon, John Lee Hooker, Albert King, John Hammond, Albert Collins, and Eric Bibb. A highlight of his career was backing the phenomenal Dr.John. Morgan has shared the stage with Colin Linden, who also produced his second album, shared the stage with James Cotton, Huber Sumlin, Sunnyland Slim, Snooky Prior, James Harmon, Gene Taylor, Dutch Mason, Gene Taylor, Sue Foley, Ray Bonneville, Carlos DelJunco and many other great blues artist over the years.

Davis' songwriting talent received international recognition whenColin James covered his searing ballad "Why'd You Lie".
Morgan's recording "Blues Medicine", on Electro-Fi records, garnered critical acclaim as well as awards for songwriting and production. His multi- award winning release "Painkiller" won an impressive four awards at the 2004 Maple Blues Awards and not long after took home Canada's top music prize...the Juno for Blues Album of the Year.

Davis has established a rich career as a solo artist, and also performs with stellar lineups of musicians as a trio or full band.

Morgan's passion for the Blues has never wavered... and he fully expects to be on the road for the rest of his life.