Blackie and the Rodeo Kings - October 27, 2017 - Centre In The Square

Nov 19

When I traveled to New Orleans last month, I began noticing hand-painted signs in music venues, bars, restaurants, and local shops—each with a distinct and familiar twist. I soon recognized the work of Simon of New Orleans, and it brought back memories of a show I worked on in October 2017 at Centre In The Square: Blackie and the Rodeo Kings.

Simon of New Orleans, whose full name is Simon Hardeveld, is a French-American folk artist renowned for his colorful and whimsical hand-painted signs. Born in France, Simon moved to New Orleans in the 1990s and became a vibrant part of the city’s artistic community. His works, often painted on reclaimed wood or similar materials, are instantly recognizable for their bold colors, playful lettering, and humorous or heartfelt phrases. They embody the quirky and celebratory spirit of New Orleans culture and can be found in businesses, galleries, and homes across the city.

Simon’s artistry has been featured in various collaborations, including album covers, such as Blackie and the Rodeo Kings’ Swinging from the Chains of Love, and other merchandise. During my visit, I made it a point to stop by his studio, immersing myself in his work and reflecting on the fascinating intersection of Canadian and New Orleans culture—a connection likely fostered by Daniel Lanois and his legendary Kingsway Studio.

Kingsway Studio, located in a historic New Orleans mansion, became a creative hub under Daniel Lanois, drawing in artists and engineers who thrived on experimentation and atmosphere. The studio’s roster of engineers—like Mark Howard, Malcolm Burn, Adam Samuels, and Tony Mangurian—helped craft Lanois' iconic ambient sound. Artists like Chris Whitley, who recorded Living with the Law there, were deeply influenced by the studio’s distinctive vibe.

Several Canadian musicians were also drawn to Kingsway, including:

The Tragically Hip: Recorded their 1992 album Fully Completely at Kingsway, showcasing an atmospheric richness that elevated their storytelling.
Blue Rodeo: Their 1993 album Five Days in July was shaped by Kingsway’s creative environment, producing timeless tracks like “Five Days in May” and “Hasn't Hit Me Yet.”
Cowboy Junkies: Parts of their album Black Eyed Man were recorded at Kingsway, benefitting from its resonant acoustics.
Colin Linden: A member of Blackie and the Rodeo Kings and frequent Lanois collaborator, Linden recorded and produced at Kingsway, blending blues, roots, and folk influences.
Blackie and the Rodeo Kings: Members Colin Linden, Tom Wilson, and Stephen Fearing were deeply connected to Lanois and Kingsway, directly or indirectly.

Since returning from New Orleans, I’ve been listening to a lot of Blackie and the Rodeo Kings and revisiting the photos I took of their October 2017 show at Kitchener’s Centre In The Square. It’s incredible to reflect on how this creative thread connects New Orleans’ vibrant culture to Canada’s roots music scene.

Enjoy!

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