Alternative country "supergroup" Hey Stella formed in 1998, and quickly gained a reputation as one of the premiere "live" acts in the country. Thousands of patrons caught Hey Stella (David Baxter, Bazil Donovan, Michelle Josef, Lori Yates) in the cavernous back room of Ted's Wrecking Yard and Ted's Collision during their five year weekly residency. The band's irreverent and charming approach to traditional country tunes and their own originals included; humor, pathos, stellar musicianship. The night often ended with Lori standing on a table belting out Leonard Cohen's "So Long Marianne" while everyone in the bar sang along, making them a crowd favourite.
While the band never broke up, time was taken while priorities shifted: babies were born, solo records made, and careers were advanced. In 2017 a call came for another weekly residency, this time at the venerable Cameron House and they jumped at the chance.
Playing the Cameron every Tuesday 8-10pm, its clear the old mojo and the vibe are still intact and Hey Stella are better than ever. So even though its a school night - it never feels like it, and you never know what famous friend might pop in for a tune or two...its always a blast!
David Baxter
David started playing guitar with David Wilcox and found fame with Toronto band - The Sharks, and Sherry Keane. He has worked: Alannis Morrisette, Ashley MacIssac, Papa John Philips, Treasa Levasseur just to name a few.
Bazil Donovan
Blue Rodeo bass player, Bazil started playing in country bands while still in high school. He has played toured with world with: Jim Cuddy, Kris Kristofferson, Oh Suzanna, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Doug Paisley, Merle Haggard, Justin Rutledge.
Michelle Josef
Michelle has toured the world playing drums with Etta James, Sharon Lois & Bram, Solomon Burke, Long John Baldry, Doug Sahm, Sylvia Tyson, Prairie Oyster, Terra Lightfoot. etc.
Lori Yates
Juno nominated Yates has written songs with: Guy Clark, Colin Linden, Don Schlitz. She has recorded and toured with: Rick Danko, Greg Allman, Tom Wilson, Dwight Yoakum etc, and is considered a pioneer of "alternative country' in Canada. She is currently nominated for a Lifetime Achievement Award - Oshawa Music Awards.
Hey Stella - 40th Anniversary of the Cameron House.
