Category: News

News

Here we are in 2026

Post author By admin
Post date February 10, 2026
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Well here we are in 2026 – the world we know changing at such a pace it’s hard to keep up and take it all in. I say we slow down and enjoy the simple things in life, so that is my choice for 2026.

Currently I am hoping that Universal Music Canada will be releasing a John McDermott “Best of” or as UMC calls it “ Greatest Hits”, if they don’t… then I will. The recording will include tracks from some of my recordings with the great symphonies I have worked with over the years and will be available on iTunes late summer or early fall.

Last year Jason, Drew and I worked as a trio and thoroughly enjoyed the creativity and camaraderie that came with it. This year will be the same, as many dates as a trio as we can and almost all the dates are confirmed on the website with a few additions coming for the Christmas season.

It has been a number of years since I toured Atlantic Canada and we are coming back this year. August and October we will be bringing our “Raised on Songs and Stories” show to Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Cape Breton and Halifax NS. Check my concert schedule for a show near you.

My newest recording “Scrapbook” is now available for download from iTunes – I hope you enjoy this collection as much as we enjoyed recording it.

Wishing you all a blessed, happy and healthy 2026.

John, Jason and Drew

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My Summer 2025

Post author By John McDermott
Post date July 24, 2025
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I have a lot of news to share with you – tour dates , a new recording and future plans…

I want to thank you for your support of my YouTube channel that now has almost hit 8,000 subscribers. We have been very active adding new videos and songs and will continue to add new material throughout the year. I also want to thank you for your support of Gift of Song that allows you to create your own gift of a mini concert for a special occasion, friend or family member.

In September, through Universal Music Canada, we plan on releasing my latest recording, entitled “Scrapbook”. I plan to share videos from the recording for your viewing pleasure. I have been working on this latest recording for over two years and I am thrilled with the results of our endeavour. I am thrilled to tell you that I reached out to a number of friends with whom I have worked with over my career, the results have been inspiring, humbling and moving. My good friend Lawrence Gowan (Gowan, STYX) from the old neighbourhood in Glasgow where we grew up together, got together and have completed a song we wrote together many years ago – it’s one of the gems on the recording. Irish piper and musical legend Davy Spillane (Moving Hearts, Titanic) has performed with me on two tracks and these are very much at the heart of “Scrapbook”. The late Irish poet and performer Mickey McConnell (Only our Rivers Run Free) has blessed me with an original song of his – a gentle, touching and soulful story of unrequited love – truly one of Mickeys best. It was a joy for me to record this beautiful song. A special track is one performed by Canadian singer/songwriter extraordinaire Marc Jordan. Marc has recorded a song by Mark Lalama and I “Somewhere in Me” hearing Marc’s version was very moving for me and I hope it touches you all. Other tracks include a few traditional pieces of my choosing and a few of favourite Glen Campbell’s oldies.

In 2026 the plan is for Universal Music Canada to release a “Best of” or if you will “Greatest Hits” collection. This will include tracks from some of my works with the great symphonies I have worked with over the years. You will have the option to purchase the recording on CD or USB stick. “Scrapbook” will then also then be available for download from iTunes.

As you all know this year is a special number for me. I have decided to pull back a bit and spend more time with family and friends and take some time to reflect and enjoy the summer.

Our tour dates for fall of 2025 and all of 2026 are now on my tour schedule, with some more to be added – keep an eye on the schedule.

John, Drew, Jason and Maury.

News

Here’s to Dad

Post author By admin
Post date June 14, 2021
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Here’s our celebration of Dads for Father’s Day 2021.

Featuring some of the biggest names in Canadian Music: George Canyon, Johnny Reid, Gowan, Shari Ulrich all performing songs dedicated to the spirit of Fatherhood.

The program also features the pride of the Ottawa Valley, lively Step Dancers The Pilatzke Brothers, Button Accordionist Maebh Begley direct from the Dingle Peninsula in Ireland, and of course, several favourites from John McDermott and his band.

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A Day For Mom

Post author By admin
Post date May 9, 2021
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A virtual Mother’s Day concert for 2021, featuring songs and stories from my ever-growing family of talented performers:

• Stepdancers The Pilatzke Brothers
• Folk duo, Dala (featuring Sheila Carabine)
• Irish Accordion Master, Breannddán Ó Beaglaoich
• Folk duo, Kennedy Road
• Harpist, Laoise Kelly
• Singer/Songwriter Shari Ulrich
• Songwriting legend, Mickey Macconnell
• Méabh Begley, button-accordion
• And introducing Dizzy and Fay

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Spirit of Easter

Post author By admin
Post date March 30, 2021
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Brighten your Easter this year with two albums of great inspirational music for one low price. These are songs special to my family with many chosen by my mother Hope.

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