Hello friends of Willy!  This is our first newsletter in a very long time.  But we wanted to let y’all know that Willy Blizzard is finally working on another album:  “Armadillo Road”.  Nine tracks of original material were recorded in Vancouver’s Saga Studios.  The instrument tracks, overdubs, and harmony vocals are done, ready to be mixed.  Guest musicians include the Juno award-winning Lester Quitzau, (Tri-Continental), the 12-string electric guitar of Jeffery Hatcher (Billy Cowsill’s partner in the Blue Shadows) and the awesome studio work of Adam Dobres (Wailin’ Jennys guitar player).  We even used our own in-house artist for the album cover: original artwork by our bass player Andrea. We are excited to be working with such a superb team and looking forward to the album release later this Fall.  Thank you to all of you who may have heard our music, attended a show, hired us, connected with us in some way through our music.

We are privileged to play live music aboard Via Rail’s flagship passenger service. It doesn’t get any better than this: a band called “Blizzard” playing Canadian indie-roots music on a train crossing the snowy landscape.  So civilized.

It’s always a pleasure to play music outside, especially on the banks of the mighty Fraser River.  This sweet little concert series in Maple Ridge takes advantage of gorgeous sunsets reflected on the moving water, looking out across to giant Cottonwoods.

Life on the road is tough for touring musicians.  So it was time to say a fond farewell to our home on wheels that took us to over three hundred gigs.  This old beauty of motor home (32 years young) served us so well for our music itinerary, and was much loved in return.  This picture shows where we stayed on Fogo Island, off the coast of Newfoundland.  We are now delighted to report that this vintage van has found a new home in BC’s Gulf Islands, where we can enjoy visiting rights.

What a delight to be asked back by Via Rail Canada.  An iconic Canadian experience, riding the rails across this beautiful land, singing of history, characters and landscapes.