1 March 2026 - Paule-Andrée Cassidy - Ici

I usually open Maple Leaf March with someone you have heard of, because I've written about them in the past.    

Well, this year, I wanted to set a table - with an artist who most people outside of Quebec would never have heard of, despite her nearly 30-year career.  

And, make no mistake - Paule-Andrée Cassidy is a legend in Quebec independent music.  We've talked a lot here about the chanson francaise movement in Quebec, but she was one of the early adopters.  She still makes music, too - this is from her 2023 album Au bal des océans.  The song - co-written by Alexandre Martel (the producer), Gabriel Desjardins, Paule-Andrée and her daughter - is an absolute masterclass on a new classic album. 

28 February 2026 - Goldie Boutilier - Goldie Montana

Well, I screwed up.  I immediately published a scheduled post.  So now we start Maple Leaf March a day early.

So, Goldie's nominated at the JUNOS next month, and I think she's got a shot.

Nominated in the Breakthrough Artist category, she's making fun, compelling pop music.  Getting a big break opening for Katy Perry - even at this stage in her career - has really helped her immeasurably in reaching a larger audience. 

From her 2025 album Goldie Boutilier Presents.... Goldie Montana, without further ado. 

We weren't kidding about that Katy Perry tour.  And Ms. Boutilier made the most of her chance.  

The woman is a rock star.

28 February 2026 (Special Edition) - Neil Sedaka - Love Will Keep Us Together

Neil Sedaka is a big enough deal that he gets TWO posts. 

In 1973, he released a single called "Love Will Keep Us Together" that he wrote (with Howard Greenfield) and recorded himself. 

This performance isn't from 1973, but it's still really good. 

Anyway, I know you know this song.  As we approach post #2000 on this blog, take a look at post #10,  In 1975, pop duo The Captain and Tennille recorded a cover of this song that ended up being the literal biggest hit of 1975.  It was just a monstrous song - and at the end, they paid tribute to its originator.

In 1976, they performed the song with Sedaka. 

That wasn't the only time they did that.

Sedaka was a great songwriter and a delightful performer, and he will be missed.

28 February 2026 (Special Edition) - Neil Sedaka - Calendar Girl

The famed singer songwriter Neil Sedaka passed away yesterday.  His music will be missed.  He was probably more successful as a songwriter, but he *did* perform as well.  This song, from 1960, was his first top 5 hit in the United States and a #1 in Canada! The song, co-written by Sedaka and Howard Greenfield, is really a sweet tribute to the pinups of the past. 

This video is from 1966.

Sedaka never really stopped performing, and he always mentored the next generation of musicians.  Here he is with Fountains of Wayne in 2007.

27 February 2026 - Lilly Hiatt - Shouldn't Be

Lilly Hiatt is music royalty.  Her father is famed musician John Hiatt.   Her husband is Coley Hinson of Coley and the Young Go Hards fame.... plus, he's a producer.   And playing the instruments Lilly isn't.   

She released an excellent album - Forever - in 2025, and the first single is an absolute earworm.  Why this isn't a hit song is BEYOND me.   Written by Lilly Hiatt, it's a hard-rocking but country-tinged instant classic. 

Yeah, it sounds great live, too. 

26 February 2026 - Kasey Chambers ft. Shane Nicholson - The Divorce Song

I may be pushing my luck on the Kasey Chambers love, but hear me out. 

In 2005, Kasey Chambers married musician Shane Nicholson.

They would separate in 2013.

This song was recorded in 2024 and released on her ARIA Award-winning album Backbone.  Both artists co-wrote the song.

So yeah, they're doing divorce pretty good.  And they seem to have a good sense of humour and perspective about it. 

25 February 2026 - Kasey Chambers - Last Hard Bible / Sunny Sweeney - Last Hard Bible

I debated making this two posts.  

I decided not to. 

So, for the first time ever, I decided to do a post about two female country artists doing versions of the same song. 

(Guys, the joke is that I did it 14 years ago today WITH THE SAME ARTISTS)

But my writing style has changed since then.  This time, I'm going to start with Kasey Chambers, the Australian country star who wrote and released this song on her 1999 album The Captain, produced by her older brother (and acclaimed producer) Nash Chambers. 

The song is spectacular.

For her 2025 album Rhinestone Requiem, Sunny Sweeney covered this song, and it is a FAITHFUL cover.

The cover is spectacular. 

So, the one change I made since 2012 is that I endeavor to include live performances for all these songs.  For Kasey, I decided to go with a 2011 performance that literally closed her whole US tour, from Dallas and featuring her father, musician Bill Chambers. 

Sunny literally uses the song as her encore now.

And, the best part is, she gives full credit.

Now, if only they'd do a performance together!  I'm not even sure they've ever met!