Music
Press
"The Mizzen Men shouldn't be an opening act here, they should be headlining their own show"... - Major Sponsor Representative, Stan Rogers Folk Festival
"It wouldn't be St. Patrick's Day without The Mizzen Men"... - Anne Riley, Owner, O'Malley's Irish Pub, Saint John, NB
"What Maritimer hasn't been to a Kitchen Party"... A Mizzen Men performance can be compared to exactly that, "A Maritime Kitchen Party"... - Erin Dwyer, Arts & Entertainment Reporter, Time's Globe, Saint John, NB
"To The Mizzen Men... Great working with you... Your Friend, John Allen Cameron"... - John Allan Cameron,
"The Mizzen Men, although new to this area, are quickly carving a niche. These multi instrumentalists, sing and perform an extensive, excellent Celtic repertoire"... - Gerry Taylor, Saint John Telegraph Journal
"Wayne Burke's voice will cut you in half, and at the same time, touch your soul"... - RCMP Klondike Nite Representative, St. John's, NF
Wayne had told Mark how nervous he was, to be sharing a stage, with an artist as incredibly talented as J.P. Cormier... Mark later advised Wayne that he had jokingly shared his comments with J.P., to which J.P. responded, "Why should Wayne be nervous, he's a great song writer"... - Mark Peterson, Program Director, Kempt Shore Acoustic Festival
When asked for a spontaneous, one line quote, in conjunction with his 7 year, and ongoing working relationship with The Mizzen Men, Dave Ryan immediately, and simply replied:
"Best crowd pleasing band, I've ever seen developed"... - David Ryan, Owner, O'Leary's Pub, The #1 Night Spot in Saint John, NB
It's been my experience, that many times the best entertainment is found behind the scenes, away from the hype and the Headliners. Real down to earth touch your heart music, that is enjoyed throughout the homes, and more often than not, in the kitchens of our Maritimes. If we could bottle this stuff, or even better, transport it to the main stage with the energy that fuels it, we would have the magic formula all such musician's search for. But alas, that in itself would lessen the sheer joy of it. The Mizzen Men are a prime example of entertainer's who understand the sheer joy, of simply playing music as it was meant to be. "Shared", not simply performed. Onwards and upwards lads!!!
Jim Hanlon
- Jim Hanlon, Nova Scotia Singer/Songwriter
"If this band was a magazine, I'd subscribe"... - Jim Frame, M/C, Kempt Shore Acoustic Festival
Discography
Folk Songs & Sea Shanty's
Kitchen Saturday Night
A Tribute To Four Fallen Comrades - RCMP Tribute CD
Photos
Bio
The Mizzen Men ("cut and paste") Biography
In the past few years, most due to distance restrictions and travelling, the 3 members of The Mizzen Men have been mostly doing their own thing...
Wayne Burke has been very active as a Solo musician, having performed over the past 5 years as a regular on the PEI/NS Northumberland Ferries, during the summer "Music On Deck" program... Wayne has also performed at many other venues around the Maritimes including The Kempt Shore Acoustic Festival, The Old Triangle Pub in Charlottetown, The Main Street Pub in Montague, PEI and Mr. Gabe's Pub, also in Montague... At most Folk Festivals he attends, if he's not performing on stage, he's likely leading the way at any of the countless "Campsite Jams", which Folk Festivals are so well known for... Wayne is also a regular around Prince Edward Island at the many different Ceilidh's, and also plays in his church in Montague...
"I play music simply because I love to play music which I do most every day of my life. Getting to perform at the different venues I visit around Atlantic Canada, allows me to hook up with the many different and talented artists we are so blessed to have here in Atlantic Canada"...
While an occasional performance with The Mizzen Men would never be ruled out, Wayne hopes to continue the Solo route, performing the many Folk/Maritime/Celtic and Original tunes he's become so well known for, and which he enjoys performing so much...
The Mizzen Men are a Celtic/Folk Trio based out The Maritime Provinces... The group, which are all multi-instrumentalists, consists of Wayne Burke on Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar and Bodhran; Tom Mills on Lead Guitar, Mandola, and background/harmony vocals; and Ray Carrier on Bass Guitar, Harmonica’s, Whistles and background/harmony vocals… Their repertoire consists of many original compositions, rollicking Sea Shanty’s, haunting Folk songs, along with a wide variety of tunes from many genres… The Mizzen Men have been entertaining audiences all around Atlantic Canada since 1999, most recently at such venues as “The Stan Rogers Folk Festival”, “The 2006 East Coast Music Awards”, and the 2006 Canadian Country Music Awards”…
The lads have just completed recording their third and new CD "Folk Songs & Sea Shanty's", at The Sound Expression Studio's in Lake Utopia, NB with Producer Christian Gay... With a busy and exciting summer ahead of them, The Mizzen Men plan to focus their efforts toward concerts and the Festival circuit, as this is where their true passion lies… Getting their audiences involved in their “Maritime Kitchen Party” shows, has made The Mizzen Men a favourite among convention organizers and concert goers all around the Maritimes… So prepare to tap your toes, clap your hands and sing along, as this trio invites you into their kitchen for a good ole’ fashion Maritime Ceilidh…
Wayne Burke
Wayne Burke was born and raised in Sydney, Cape Breton, NS. He picked up his first guitar at the age of 11, and a few years later was performing around Cape Breton Island with three childhood friends, in the band “The Silver Shadows”. While in highschool, Wayne also fronted the rock band “Rage” for a short time, along with present day Mizzen Man Tom Mills. In 1977, after graduating from highschool, Wayne commenced what resulted in being, a 26 ½ year career with The Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Never forgetting his deep compassion for music, Wayne continued to perform over the years, including a short professional stint in 1985 in Alberta, with the band, "The Mike & Wayne Show".
In 1988, Wayne found himself on the rocky shores of Newfoundland, and by 1994 was living in the St. John’s area, where he once again jumped back into his music, and began writing his own material. Wayne performed with 2 great Celtic bands in Newfoundland, the all police group “Justice Combined”, and the pub band “Companion Waye”. In 1998, Wayne was transferred and moved to the Saint John, NB area. Shortly thereafter, The Mizzen Men were born.
The Mizzen Men originally consisted of Wayne, his son Chris, along with good friend Paul Burns. The trio released their debut CD, "Kitchen Saturday Night", in May of 2000, receiving extensive recognition and radio airplay for their efforts. Performing all around Atlantic Canada, The Mizzen Men averaged 40 - 50 performances per year, a hectic schedule for a highschool student, and 2 chaps with full time careers. Joining The Mizzen Men on many occasions were good friends, and present day Mizzen Men, Tom Mills and Ray Carrier.
Wayne retired from the RCMP, and moved his family to Murray River, PEI, in November, 2004. His son Chris is now married, a Youth Minister, and lives in Madoc, Ontario, where he continues to perform with two different bands; the celtic group "Heart's Delight, and also with a Christian rock band in his local church. In March, 2005, Wayne, Chris, Ray, along with the
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