On October 18, 2024 we’ll be back at the Mill Courtland Community Centre. There is 1) a small change for performers; 2) a reduced schedule due to Community Center availability; 3) a sad note about the passing of a dear friend, Jeremiah Budnark; 4) the usual invitation.
1. Change for performers: Use of mic covers, (pop filters) to protect the club mics is no longer required, but please continue to use them for your own well-being;
2. Reduced Schedule: The schedule for 2024-25 season is reduced to 8 events and due to extensive plans for construction to extend the existing building we do not have a confirmed plan for the following year. Our dates for this season are Sept 20, Oct 18, Nov 15 and in 2025 they are Jan 17, Feb 21, Mar 21, Apr 18 and May 16;
3. Jeremiah Budnark: was a welcome and valued contributor to our life in the SW Ontario live music community, for a time a fairly frequent player at Black Walnut folk events and for what seems like forever the voice for the Brantford Open Stage. On September 26th, Dave Jenson posted, “Once again my Heart is heavy with sad news. Our dear friend and supporter of BOS, Mr Jeremiah Budnark has passed away at The Brantford General. Jeremiah has been battling some health issues and sadly has succumbed to the severity of the situation. Our condolences to Lynn and Michaela who were with him as much as the hospital permitted.
Jeremiah will be truly missed and I’m sure if there’s a gathering of musicians in the great beyond, he’ll be there.
Rest in peace Mr. Budnark.
Additional Information to follow.”
4) Invitation: The 2024/25 season opener Black Walnut Acoustic Open Stage will be at the Mill Courtland Community Centre, 216 Mill Street in Kitchener on Friday, October 18, 2024 at 7:30-10:00 pm. Doors open and performers’ sign-up starting at 7:15pm. We will aim to finish at about 10:00 pm. As a rule, if we have more than 3 performers left at 9:30 we may limit the last performers to one song and no more than 5 min. We find that this is necessary when more than 14 performers are signed up or if there are unusual delays. (If you miss this date, our next open stage date will be November 15, 2024. A few other things that we are expecting are:
1 Strong reminder for performers: Don’t forget this is for music, not for stories, spoken word, magic tricks, etc… AND don’t play along when someone else has the stage, unless they ask you to share the stage with them;
2 We strongly discourage use of your own mics other than SM57 or SM58 and do not bring any add-on processor/pedals/effects, amps or other sound gear. We do not have enough time to get any benefit from the stuff that performers have been bringing. Sorry, but 10 minutes is not a very long time and our own mics work very well. If you need a keyboard please bring it in at doors-open so that we can set it up in advance;
3 Performers may use removable foam pop filters (windscreens) which they will obtain, install, remove and keep for the next time. We hope all performers will bring their windscreens that we gave out previously. Now is probably a good time to hand wash the foam windscreens (separately so the dye wont stain any other stuff). They wash and air dry nicely. We will keep a small supply of these available which we will sell for $1 each to cover our costs;
4 Masks will not be mandatory but they will be welcomed, AND
5 Anyone who has been recently exposed to or has symptoms of COVID, Flu, RSV or other contagious illness is directed to stay away.
Bring your guitars, accordions, voices, acoustic instruments of all sorts or just your eyes and ears and make yourself feel at home. Do not feel shy because you have not played for us before.
The doors will open and sign-up for the open stage will start at 7:15 pm. Remember when you sign up you get to play/sing two songs in a set of 10 minutes or less and you need to be ready to start playing when your turn starts so you won’t lose any of your 10 minutes.
The entrance and free parking are at the back of the Mill-Courtland Community Centre and admission is still $3 at the door. The facility is wheelchair accessible, alcohol, smoke and peanut free and every show is different. If you don’t come, you’ll miss it.
If you are having any difficulty with viewing any content, please post a comment or send a private email to: wayne@blackwalnutfolkclub.com We have posted our “Code of Conduct” and other details on this website.
No-Smoking Reminder: The entire Community Centre property is included in the City of Kitchener policy of a total ban on smoking on the property. That includes tobacco, marijuana and other smoking and includes both inside and outside the Community Centre.
At 8 pm we will lock the outside door and put a notice there to say, “The building is closed to all those who are not participating in the Black Walnut Open Stage Event from 7:30 pm – 10 pm. Please knock at the rear doors so that you may be admitted to that event.”

Thanks to everyone who Showed up, helped out and/or performed at the Black Walnut Acoustic Open Stage on Friday September 20, 2024. We will take a break until our next event, Friday October 18, 2024 at 7:30pm. We had a fine selection of performers, as listed below:
1. David Maranta
2. John Anne Walker
3. Kate Dudek
4. Eric Greenspoon
5. Ellen & Dan Hergott
6. Jakki Annerino
7. Gord Gordon Castle
8. Ron Hammar
9. Michelle Stelter
10. Arthur Wayne
11. Richard Reinhardt
12. Greg Upshaw
13. Cam & Pat
14. Russell Allen Scott

On September 20, 2024 we’ll be back from our summer break. There is 1) a small change for performers; 2) a reduced schedule due to Community Center availability; 3) a note about the Brantford Open stage schedule and; 4) the usual invitation.

1. Change for performers: Use of mic covers, (pop filters) to protect the club mics is no longer required, but please continue to use them for your own well-being;

2. Reduced Schedule: The schedule for 2024-25 season is reduced to 8 events and due to extensive plans for construction to extend the existing building we do not have a confirmed plan for the following year. Our dates for this season are Sept 20, Oct 18, Nov 15 and in 2025 they are Jan 15, Feb 21, Mar 21, Apr 18 and May 15;

3. Brantford Open Stage, from a recent email : “The Brantford Open Stage’s first session of the season happens on Sunday, September 8 at the Best Western Brantford Hotel & Conference Centre. Host Dave Jensen welcomes folk as well as other styles of music. Performers, both accomplished and developing, are invited to present a 2-song (10-minute) set. Our sound system is professional quality and professionally operated. Festivities run from 2 – 5 pm, and audience admission is only $5 (performers are free). Those wishing to perform should sign in when they arrive; pre-registration is not necessary. Those wishing to be on the e-mail list should send a request to BrantfordOpenStage@gmail.com. Other dates: Sep 8 & 22 Oct 6 & 20 Nov 3 & 17 Dec 1 & 15”

4) Invitation: The 2024/25 season opener Black Walnut Acoustic Open Stage will be at the Mill Courtland Community Centre, 216 Mill Street in Kitchener on Friday, September 20, 2024 at 7:30-10:00 pm. Doors open and performers’ sign-up starting at 7:15pm. We will aim to finish at about 10:00 pm. As a rule, if we have more than 3 performers left at 9:30 we may limit the last performers to one song and no more than 5 min. We find that this is necessary when more than 14 performers are signed up or if there are unusual delays. (If you miss this date, our next open stage date will be October 18, 2024. A few other things that we are expecting are:

1 Strong reminder for performers: Don’t forget this is for music, not for stories, spoken word, magic tricks, etc… AND don’t play along when someone else has the stage, unless they ask you to share the stage with them;

2 We strongly discourage use of your own mics other than SM57 or SM58 and do not bring any add-on processor/pedals/effects, amps or other sound gear. We do not have enough time to get any benefit from the stuff that performers have been bringing. Sorry, but 10 minutes is not a very long time and our own mics work very well. If you need a keyboard please bring it in at doors-open so that we can set it up in advance;

3 Performers may use removable foam pop filters (windscreens) which they will obtain, install, remove and keep for the next time. We hope all performers will bring their windscreens that we gave out previously. Now is probably a good time to hand wash the foam windscreens (separately so the dye wont stain any other stuff). They wash and air dry nicely. We will keep a small supply of these available which we will sell for $1 each to cover our costs;

4 Masks will not be mandatory but they will be welcomed, AND

5 Anyone who has been recently exposed to or has symptoms of COVID, Flu, RSV or other contagious illness is directed to stay away.

Bring your guitars, accordions, voices, acoustic instruments of all sorts or just your eyes and ears and make yourself feel at home. Do not feel shy because you have not played for us before.

The doors will open and sign-up for the open stage will start at 7:15 pm. Remember when you sign up you get to play/sing two songs in a set of 10 minutes or less and you need to be ready to start playing when your turn starts so you won’t lose any of your 10 minutes.
The entrance and free parking are at the back of the Mill-Courtland Community Centre and admission is still $3 at the door. The facility is wheelchair accessible, alcohol, smoke and peanut free and every show is different. If you don’t come, you’ll miss it.
If you are having any difficulty with viewing any content, please post a comment or send a private email to: wayne@blackwalnutfolkclub.com We have posted our “Code of Conduct” and other details on our website: https://blackwalnutfolkclub.com .

No-Smoking Reminder: The entire Community Centre property is included in the City of Kitchener policy of a total ban on smoking on the property. That includes tobacco, marijuana and other smoking and includes both inside and outside the Community Centre.

At 8 pm we will lock the outside door and put a notice there to say, “The building is closed to all those who are not participating in the Black Walnut Open Stage Event from 7:30 pm – 10 pm. Please knock at the rear doors so that you may be admitted to that event.”

Thanks to everyone who helped to organize, performed, or just showed up last Friday at the Black Walnut Acoustic Open Stage. After a break for the summer, we will be back for our next Open stage September 20, 2024 at 7:30pm. Some Photos can be found on our Facebook Group at Facebook Link . On June 21st, we were treated to 16 Returning and new performers as follows:

1. Kate & Carol
2. Carley Michael
3. Gord Castle
4. Sonny
5. Ellen & Dan
6. Jakki Annerino
7. Eric Greenspoon – NEW
8. John Walker
9. Richard Reinhardt
10. Wayne Cheater
11. Jakk (NEW) & Max
12. David Maranta
13. Michelle Stelter
14. Ron Hammar
15. Ash Parrish
16. Al Parrish

The 2023/24 season finale Black Walnut Acoustic Open Stage will be at the Mill Courtland Community Centre, 216 Mill Street in Kitchener on Friday, June 21, 2024 at 7:30-10:00 pm. Doors open and performers’ sign-up starting at 7:15pm. We will be asking for some extra help from the first people to arrive and a bit of extra help with the cleanup at the end of the evening. We will aim to finish at about 10:00 pm. As a rule, if we have more than 3 performers left at 9:30 we may limit the last performers to one song and no more than 5 min. We find that this is necessary when more than 14 performers are signed up or if there are unusual delays. (If you miss this date, our next open stage date will be September 20, 2024 following our summer break.) A few other things that we are expecting are:
1 Strong reminder for performers: Don’t forget this is for music, not for stories, spoken word, magic tricks, etc… AND don’t play along when someone else has the stage, unless they ask you to share the stage with them;
2 We strongly discourage use of your own mics other than SM57 or SM58 and do not bring any add-on processor/pedals/effects, amps or other sound gear. We do not have enough time to get any benefit from the stuff that performers have been bringing. Sorry, but 10 minutes is not a very long time and our own mics work very well. If you need a keyboard please bring it in at doors-open so that we can set it up in advance;
3 To protect the club mics, performers must use removable foam pop filters (windscreens) which they will obtain, install, remove and keep for the next time. We hope all performers will bring their windscreens that we gave out previously. Now is probably a good time to hand wash the foam windscreens (separately so the dye wont stain any other stuff). They wash and air dry nicely. We will keep a small supply of these available which we will sell for $1 each to cover our costs;
4 Masks will not be mandatory but they will be welcomed, AND
5 Anyone who has been recently exposed to or has symptoms of COVID, Flu, RSV or other contagious illness is directed to stay away.
Bring your guitars, accordions, voices, acoustic instruments of all sorts or just your eyes and ears and make yourself feel at home. Do not feel shy because you have not played for us before.
The doors will open and sign-up for the open stage will start at 7:15 pm. Remember when you sign up you get to play/sing two songs in a set of 10 minutes or less and you need to be ready to start playing when your turn starts so you won’t lose any of your 10 minutes.
The entrance and free parking are at the back of the Mill-Courtland Community Centre and admission is still $3 at the door. The facility is wheelchair accessible, alcohol, smoke and peanut free and every show is different. If you don’t come, you’ll miss it.
If you are having any difficulty with viewing any content, please post a comment or send a private email to: wayne@blackwalnutfolkclub.com We have posted our “Code of Conduct” and other details on our website.
No-Smoking Reminder: The entire Community Centre property is included in the City of Kitchener policy of a total ban on smoking on the property. That includes tobacco, marijuana and other smoking and includes both inside and outside the Community Centre.
At 8 pm we will lock the outside door and put a notice there to say, “The building is closed to all those who are not participating in the Black Walnut Open Stage Event from 7:30 pm – 10 pm. Please knock at the rear doors so that you may be admitted to that event.”

Thanks to everyone who helped to organize, performed, or just showed up last month at the Black Walnut Acoustic Open Stage. Some Photos can be found on our Facebook Group at Facebook Link . On May 17th, we were treated to 14 performances:
1. John Walker
2. Michele Stelter
3. Kate Dudek
4. Dan McQuade
5. Neil Light
6. Jakki Annerino
7. Carley Michael
8. Al Parrish
9. Ash Parrish
10. Wayne Cheater
11. Richard Reinhardt
12. Russell Scott
13. Ron Hammar
14. Cam & Pat

The Penultimate 2023/24 season Black Walnut Acoustic Open Stage will be at the Mill Courtland Community Centre, 216 Mill Street in Kitchener on Friday, May 17, 2024 at 7:30-10:00 pm. Doors open and performers’ sign-up starting at 7:15pm. We will aim to finish at about 10:00 pm. As a rule, if we have more than 3 performers left at 9:30 we may limit the last performers to one song and no more than 5 min. We find that this is necessary when more than 14 performers are signed up or if there are unusual delays. (If you miss this date, our next open stage date will be June 21. After that we will break for the summer.) A few other things that we are expecting are:
1. Strong reminder for performers: Don’t forget this is for music, not for stories, spoken word, magic tricks, etc… AND don’t play along when someone else has the stage, unless they ask you to share the stage with them;
2. We strongly discourage use of your own mics other than SM57 or SM58 and do not bring any add-on processor/pedals/effects, amps or other sound gear. We do not have enough time to get any benefit from the stuff that performers have been bringing. Sorry, but 10 minutes is not a very long time and our own mics work very well. If you need a keyboard please bring it in at doors-open so that we can set it up in advance;
3. To protect the club mics, performers must use removable foam pop filters (windscreens) which they will obtain, install, remove and keep for the next time. We hope all performers will bring their windscreens that we gave out previously. Now is probably a good time to hand wash the foam windscreens (separately so the dye wont stain any other stuff). They wash and air dry nicely. We will keep a small supply of these available which we will sell for $1 each to cover our costs;
4. Masks will not be mandatory but they will be welcomed, AND
5. Anyone who has been recently exposed to or has symptoms of COVID, Flu, RSV or other contagious illness is directed to stay away.
Bring your guitars, accordions, voices, acoustic instruments of all sorts or just your eyes and ears and make yourself feel at home. Do not feel shy because you have not played for us before.
The doors will open and sign-up for the open stage will start at 7:15 pm. Remember when you sign up you get to play/sing two songs in a set of 10 minutes or less and you need to be ready to start playing when your turn starts so you won’t lose any of your 10 minutes.
The entrance and free parking are at the back of the Mill-Courtland Community Centre and admission is still $3 at the door. The facility is wheelchair accessible, alcohol, smoke and peanut free and every show is different. If you don’t come, you’ll miss it.
If you are having any difficulty with viewing any content, please post a comment or send a private email to: wayne@blackwalnutfolkclub.com We have posted our “Code of Conduct” and other details on our website: https://blackwalnutfolkclub.com .
No-Smoking Reminder: The entire Community Centre property is included in the City of Kitchener policy of a total ban on smoking on the property. That includes tobacco, marijuana and other smoking and includes both inside and outside the Community Centre.
At 8 pm we will lock the outside door and put a notice there to say, “The building is closed to all those who are not participating in the Black Walnut Open Stage Event from 7:30 pm – 10 pm. Please knock at the rear doors so that you may be admitted to that event.”

Thanks to everyone who helped to organize, performed, or just showed up last month at the Black Walnut Acoustic Open Stage. Some Photos can be found on our Facebook Group at Facebook Link . On Friday April 19th, we had 13 or 14 performers, depending on how you count the last pair:

1. Matthias Schonlau
2. John Walker
3. Kate Dudek
4. Ron Hammar
5. David Maranta
6. Jakki Annerino
7. Gord Castle
8. Richard Reinhardt
9. Cam & Pat
10. Selah
11. Wayne Cheater
12. Eric Perez
13. Dan McQuade & Scott Chandler

The Black Walnut Acoustic Open Stage will be back at the Mill Courtland Community Centre, 216 Mill Street in Kitchener on Friday, April 19, 2024 at 7:30-10:00 pm. Doors open and performers’ sign-up starting at 7:15pm. We will aim to finish at about 10:00 pm. As a rule, if we have more than 3 performers left at 9:30 we may limit the last performers to one song and no more than 5 min. We find that this is necessary when more than 14 performers are signed up or if there are unusual delays. (If you miss this date, our next open stage dates will be May 17 and June 21.) A few other things that we are expecting are:
1 Strong reminder for performers: Don’t forget this is for music, not for stories, spoken word, magic tricks, etc… AND don’t play along when someone else has the stage, unless they ask you to share the stage with them;
2 We strongly discourage use of your own mics other than SM57 or SM58 and do not bring any add-on processor/pedals/effects, amps or other sound gear. We do not have enough time to get any benefit from the stuff that performers have been bringing. Sorry, but 10 minutes is not a very long time and our own mics work very well. If you need a keyboard please bring it in at doors-open so that we can set it up in advance;
3 To protect the club mics, performers must use removable foam pop filters (windscreens) which they will obtain, install, remove and keep for the next time. We hope all performers will bring their windscreens that we gave out previously. Now is probably a good time to hand wash the foam windscreens (separately so the dye wont stain any other stuff). They wash and air dry nicely. We will keep a small supply of these available which we will sell for $1 each to cover our costs;
4 Masks will not be mandatory but they will be welcomed, AND
5 Anyone who has been recently exposed to or has symptoms of COVID, Flu, RSV or other contagious illness is directed to stay away.
Bring your guitars, accordions, voices, acoustic instruments of all sorts or just your eyes and ears and make yourself feel at home. Do not feel shy because you have not played for us before.
The doors will open and sign-up for the open stage will start at 7:15 pm. Remember when you sign up you get to play/sing two songs in a set of 10 minutes or less and you need to be ready to start playing when your turn starts so you won’t lose any of your 10 minutes.
The entrance and free parking are at the back of the Mill-Courtland Community Centre and admission is still $3 at the door. The facility is wheelchair accessible, alcohol, smoke and peanut free and every show is different. If you don’t come, you’ll miss it.
If you are having any difficulty with viewing any content, please post a comment or send a private email to: wayne@blackwalnutfolkclub.com We have posted our “Code of Conduct” and other details on our website which has been updated to address some software issues and security concerns.
No-Smoking Reminder: The entire Community Centre property is included in the City of Kitchener policy of a total ban on smoking on the property. That includes tobacco, marijuana and other smoking and includes both inside and outside the Community Centre.
At 8 pm we will lock the outside door and put a notice there to say, “The building is closed to all those who are not participating in the Black Walnut Open Stage Event from 7:30 pm – 10 pm. Please knock at the rear doors so that you may be admitted to that event.”

Thanks to everyone who helped to organize, performed, or just showed up last month at the Black Walnut Acoustic Open Stage. On Friday March 15th, we had 12 performers and yes there was some Irish themed music (but not too much). Some Photos can be found on our Facebook Group at Facebook Link .
On Feb. 16th, we were treated to 12 performances:
1. Ellen and Dan (Best Dressed. I wish we had a photo.)
2. John Walker
3. Matthias Schonlau
4. Michelle Stelter
5. Gord Castle
6. Jakki Annerino
7. Richard
8. Larry and Rebecca
9. Cam and Pat
10. Wayne Cheater
11. Ron Hammar
12. Kate and Carol