Allakomi -
Canada (Burkina Faso, West Africa)
Date: Saturday, Jul. 31, 2004
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Tribal energy; ancestral beat. They are dynamite.
They are the Zon family. Blending traditional instrumentation,
values, and spirituality, they transmit respect from generation to
generation. They are griots, West African word for those who
carry on the knowledge, cultural traditions, and history of their
people. Inspired to share their culture with the whole world, Allakomi
was born from a crazy dream. Seydou Zon taught his seven children (now
ranging in age from 15 to 26) to play traditional African stringed and
percussion instruments. When he immigrated to Montreal he was unable
to find people with whom to play and perform, so Seydou set out to
bring his daughter Karadin, and sons Adama, Amadou, Mamadou, Boubacar,
and twins Allassani and Ousseni, to Canada to create Allakomi. Seydou
says, "Allakomi means 'if God wants,' so it's up to Him if it
works." Give a listen - it's definitely working!
http://www.allakomi.com
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The Amos Garrett Acoustic Project
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Turner Valley, Alberta
Date: Sunday, Aug. 1, 2004
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Guitar Player Magazine calls him "one of
the most lyrical and original guitarists playing today... his single
note solos and melodic figures are so distinctive that it is virtually
impossible to mistake them for anyone else's." Amos Garrett's
unique style has influenced countless guitar players throughout the
world. Best known for his work with Maria Muldaur, he has also
appeared and/or recorded with Anne Murray, Ian and Sylvia, Paul
Butterfield, Jesse Winchester, Geoff Muldaur, Elvin Bishop, k.d. lang,
Bonnie Raitt, Emmylou Harris, Rodney Crowell, Stevie Wonder, and many
others. He's recorded seven diverse albums of his own over the past
quarter century. This summer, Amos launches his eighth CD, The Amos
Garrett Acoustic Project, which Amos says is "mostly blues,
string band jazz and other musical oddities". The Amos Garrett
Acoustic Project has Amos' deep vocals and amazing guitar work,
supported by his long-time musical pal David Wilkie on mandolin and
guitar, and Greg Carroll on upright bass.
http://www.melmusic.com/amos_garrett/index.html
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Beòlach -
Cape Breton, Canada
Date: Sunday, Aug. 1, 2004
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A Gaelic word meaning "lively youth",
this exciting new young band performs an energetic mix of Cape Breton
Scottish and Irish tunes, featuring piano, pipes, whistles, guitar,
and two fiddles. The group began as a result of a late night impromptu
session at the after party of the 1998 Celtic Colours Festival.
Beòlach now enjoys strong response across North America and
Europe, and received an East Coast Music Award nomination for
"Roots Traditional Group of The Year". Playing original
compositions as well as unique dynamic arrangements of traditional
tunes, Beòlach thrills audiences with energetic performances,
witty presentation, and their versatility as stepdancers. Fiddlers
Mairi Rankin (cousin of The Rankin Family), Wendy MacIsaac (Ashley's
cousin), and piper Ryan MacNeil (Rita's nephew) highlight just how
small Cape Breton's musical community really is! Beòlach also
features guitarist Patrick Gillis, and dancer/pianist Mac Morin. All
five are steeped in Cape Breton tradition, and play in the muscular,
tough, joyous style of the island.
http://www.beolach.com
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Brava -
Canada
Date: Monday, Aug. 2, 2004
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Brava is composed of three of Canada's most gifted
and accomplished singer-songwriters. They combined forces in November,
2002, and performed to packed houses at Pictou's De Coste Centre, and
The Chester Playhouse. In February 2003, this dynamic songwriting trio
sold out two shows at Ottawa's National Arts Centre, and it has
carried across the country ever since! All three are Juno-nominated,
multi-disc recording artists who have garnered longstanding critical
acclaim from Canada's music community and fans alike. Cindy Church's
music is firmly grounded in country and traditional music, but her
sound also reflects her interest in jazz, blues, gospel, and swing.
Susan Crowe is a masterful songwriter, powerful storyteller, and a
dynamic guitarist whose songs and singing style have a timeless
quality. Laura Smith's skillfully crafted, direct and honest songs
resulted in two East Coast Music Awards. Individually brilliant, the
resulting combination of supportive harmonies and interwoven styles is
pure magic!
http://www.susancrowe.com,
http://www.candisc.com/cindy_church,
http://www.laurasmith.ca
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Brave Combo -
Texas, USA
Date: Saturday, Jul. 31, 2004
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Over a quarter century of music, over two dozen
recordings, tours all over North America, Europe, and Japan - this
over-the-top "cult band" wins avid devotees by provoking
people's perceptions about what's cool in music. The Grammy-winning
"party band with a purpose" is "groundbreaking world
music act, a hot jazz quintet, a rollicking rock'n'roll bar band, a
Tex-Mex conjunto, a sizzling blues band, a saucy cocktail combo, a
deadly serious novelty act, a Latin orchestra, and one of America's
dance bands par excellence." The band's music "includes
everything from klezmer surf rock to rocking cha cha to what The
Washington Post calls 'mosh pit polka,' as well as the hokey pokey
and the chicken dance. Add zydeco, acid rock, Muzak, bubblegum,
cumbia, classical, and the twist" and you still won't have
exhausted the eclectic list of genres. The Band features founder
Carl Finch (1979 - vocals/guitar/keyboard/accordion), Jeffrey Barnes
(Clarinet/Saxophones/casio electronic horn/harmonica/flute/vocals),
Cenobio Xavier "Bubba" Hernandez (bass/tuba/vocals),
Danny O'Brien (trumpet/flugelhorn), and Alan Emert
(Drums, Percussion) http://www.brave.com/bo
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D'Gary -
Madagascar
Date: Monday, Aug. 2, 2004
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Creative genius, D'Gary has developed eleven different
opening tunings, transposing the tunings of Madagascar's traditional
instruments (the lokanga, the jejy lava, and mpamalia) into his
guitar. His inspiration comes primarily from the music of the Bara
peoples, reproducing not only the sounds, but also preserving the Bara
musical traditions. He is an artist of vision whose extraordinary
talent places him squarely in the pantheon of the world's most
accomplished guitarists. A self-taught musician, this son of a Bara
shepherd from the southern part off the island of Madagascar began
playing guitar as a young teenager. He was soon playing not only the
sega and blues typical of his hometown of Betroka, but eh tsapika from
southern Africa. Bluesy, even flamenco, notes slip in between the
arpeggios on his guitar. D'Gary sings about ordinary chronicles and
the arid day-to-day life of the people in his ethnic group.
Xavier-Martial François, an inventive rhythmic percussionist,
accompanies him. http://www.aliaagency.com/artists/dgary
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Ruthie Foster with Cyd Cassone -
Texas, USA
Date: Sunday, Aug. 1, 2004
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Ruthie's music sounds as if it were naturally
fermented from the bayous, cricks and back porches of rural America.
The energy she brings with voice and guitar, with percussion
assistance from partner Cyd Cassone, creates an irresistible blaze.
Ruthie's powerful, soul-stirring delivery is so easy to give yourself
over to. Gospel and blues, hope and despair - two sides of the human
coin - are presented not so much in happy union as in a riveting
tug-of-war between the two, with Foster's remarkable powerhouse voice
as the prize. Equally comfortable singing gutsy gospel, folk, or don't
mess-with-Mama R &B , critics compare her voice to Ella
Fitzgerald's and Aretha Franklin's. Ruthie met her manager/partner Cyd
Cassone (Full Circle Productions) in 1994. Two years later, the two
stepped onto the stage together. Ruthie and Cyd have appeared across
North America, including Nova Scotia, Winnipeg, Calgary, and Vancouver
festivals this summer. http://www.ruthiefoster.com
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Madrigaïa -
Manitoba, Canada
Date: Sunday, Aug. 1, 2004
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Since 1999, these six Franco-Manitoban women
have created an enchanting blend of voices through their
interpretation and improvisation of folk songs from around the world.
Ariane Jean, Brigitte Sabourin, Marie Claude McDonald, Sarah Dugas,
Dominique Reynolds, and Andrina Turenne, are known for their
individual successes in the francophone music community. Each singer
has represented Manitoba in the western competition, Chant'Ouest; four
were crowned laureates of the competition in different years. They
subsequently participated in the International Song Festival of Granby
(PQ). Percussion, dance, and a fresh spirited sound from the north
country contribute colour and vibrancy to their performance. The
repertoire reflects their love for the many cultures of the world,
while giving special attention to their French Canadian roots. Their
wonderful a cappella versions of ancient and modern folk songs
in French, Spanish, Hungarian, Yugoslavian, Mic-mac, Croatian, Hebrew,
and Yiddish, are performed with percussionist Daniel Roy.
http://www.madrigaia.com
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The McDades -
Alberta, Quebec, Canada
Date: Monday, Aug. 2, 2004
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"Cool tunes with a Celtic root, but much wider
inspiration and intentions from smart, chic Canadian five-piece.
Spot-on playing, keen band production, and a spirit of adventure mark
it as more than just another exercise in giving old melodies
contemporary resonance. This Kicks!" (fRoots Magazine,
UK). The McDades' masterful blend of Celtic, world music, and jazz is
an explosive cocktail of original and traditional vocal and
instrumental music. Adventurous and mischievous, they play with tempos
and experiment with unconventional but very successful arrangements.
Seriously accomplished musicians, the siblings (Shannon Johnson, Solon
and Jeremiah McDade) began playing in virtual babyhood, and have been
performing since they were in elementary school. Kirby in See
Magazine declares the McDades "national treasures". The
London Free Press states "The McDades found their groove
somewhere between a down-home kitchen party, a jazzy after-hours club,
and a folk festival". Rounding out The McDades this summer are
John Geary (guitar), and Cassius Khan (tabla).
http://www.themcdades.com
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Nathan -
Manitoba, Canada
Date: Monday, Aug. 2, 2004
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Recently signed with Nettwerk Records worldwide,
Nathan continues its whirlwind indie/alt country musical adventure.
With showcases and festival appearances across North America, the
group has also performed live on CBC radio (Definitely Not the Opera,
Richardson's Roundup, Culture Shock, and Radio City). Since the
release of its debut album Stranger in 2001, this genial band
of Winnipeg misfits picked up a Prairie Music Award for Outstanding
Independent Album, was the Prairie Region pick for CBC Radio's The
Big Break, and band leader Keri McTighe picked up the Manitoba
prize in the National Songwriting Competition sponsored by Standard
Radio. Known for bewitching vocal variations and wonderful harmonies,
Nathan is comprised of Keri McTighe (singer/songwriter/guitar),
Shelley Bilewitch (singer/songwriter/guitar/accordion/banjo), Devin
Latimer (bass), Burke Carroll (pedal steel), Daniel Roy (percussion),
and Joanna Miller (alternative percussion). "If David Lynch had
directed 'O Brother Where Art Thou?', Nathan's music would be the
soundtrack" (Michael Wrycraft, CBC Radio). Their second album,
Jimson Weed, is being released this summer.
http://nathanmusic.ca
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The Paperboys -
British Columbia, Canada
Date: Monday, Aug. 2, 2004
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Describing The Paperboys' sound isn't easy. The band's
music is always evolving, yet grounded by the musical intuition of
Mexican-Canadian founder Tom Landa (guitar/vocals). He and Kendel
Carson (fiddle), Steve Mitchel (guitar/vocals), Matt Brian
(percussion), and Geoff Kelly (flute) redefine their musical style
continuously - often mid-song! Formed in 1992, the band began as a
Celtic pop outfit, but soon added other musical elements to the mix.
Today they slide effectively from American Country to Latin grooves to
Stax-influenced soul tunes or to a raging Celtic stomp. Some call it
Latino Celtic-grass or country soul. Most describe it as
acoustic-based roots music. Whatever you call it, this sound has
garnered them rave reviews and industry accolades, including a Juno.
With four CDs, numerous TV and radio appearances, and featured in two
major motion pictures, The Paperboys has developed a cult-like
following over the last decade across Canada, the USA, Mexico, and
Europe.
http://www.paperboys.com
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John Reischman and The Jaybirds -
Canada/USA
Date: Monday, Aug. 2, 2004
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A top-ranked mandolin player and composer, veteran
artist John Reischman is renowned for his exquisite taste, tone, and
impeccable musicianship. His mastery is showcased in this powerful
bluegrass band that includes Jim Nunally (guitar), Trisha Gagnon
(bass), Nick Hornbuckle (banjo), and Greg Spatz (fiddle). Their second
album, Field Guide, was nominated for a Juno (Roots and
Traditional Group) in 2002. "The Jaybirds' musicianship is
first-rate throughout this CD, one of the best Field Guides to
bluegrass and old-time music you'll find anywhere," (Penguin
Eggs). An original member of the legendary Tony Rice Unit, John helped
define the 'new acoustic' instrumental scene in the early 1980s and
cemented his reputation touring and recording with the eclectic Good
Ol' Persons before moving to Vancouver in the early 1990s. A familiar
figure at bluegrass, folk, and jazz festivals, John is also a
highly-regarded teacher, and participates in music camps and workshops
throughout North America.
http://www.festival.bc.ca/corvus/johnr/
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Garnet Rogers -
Ontario, Canada
Date: Sunday, Aug. 1, 2004 |
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Sing Out! Magazine asserts: "Garnet
Rogers may be 'the greatest male interpreter and vocalist performing
in the contemporary folk scene... a first rate writer... with musical
integrity and a powerful performance," Resolutely independent,
Garnet does his music his own way. With seven solo recordings, and
thousands of miles on his trusty Volvo, this self-taught
multi-instrumentalist has established himself as "one of the
major talents of our time." Charismatic, powerful, and dramatic,
his music, like the man himself, is literate, passionate, highly
sensitive, with a deep purpose. "...He knows and captures what is
real and lasting - the joyous, contradictory poetry of living... a
master musical storyteller, often dealing in songs of the heart,
Rogers digs an emotional well and invites the listener in for a long,
refreshing drink,"(Dirty Linen). As memorable as his
songs, is his over-the-top humour and lightning quick wit. Garnet is a
man with a powerful physical presence, and a voice to match.
http://www.garnetrogers.com
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Rick Shea and Brantley Kearns -
California, USA
Date: Sunday, Aug. 1, 2004
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In January 2002, Los Angeles country and roots music
stalwart Rick Shea, and fiddler/singer extraordinaire Brantley Kearns
got together to record Trouble and Me, a project they'd been
planning for nearly five years. "Rick Shea and Brantley Kearns'
drive and creativity not only uphold the West Coast country
traditions, but extend and enhance the sound with genuine artistic
credibility," (L.A. Weekly). Rick Shea grew up in San
Bernardino California, where the remnants of California's golden age
of country music still drifted through like the hot winds. His
subtlety as a writer is communicated by a baritone voice of almost
reverent dignity and sensitive interpretation. Brantley Kearns,
nicknamed "North Carolina's Zen master of the fiddle," was a
member of Dwight Yoakum's band for his first 3 albums. Shea and Kearns
have toured and played extensively on their own. As a duo, they are
about as good as it gets!
http://www.rickshea.net
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Martin Simpson -
United Kingdom
Date: Monday, Aug. 2, 2004
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Dubbed "...one of the finest fingerpickers
and slide players of our times" by Guitar Player Magazine,
Martin Simpson is also a powerful songwriter with a rich,
deeply-charactered voice. His playing, which in part defined the
English steel string acoustic guitar sound, is idiosyncratic,
instantly recognizable, and revered among guitar fans. Martin hails
from north-eastern England - an area rich with great music - and grew
up with the benefit of rather diverse musical influences. A weekly
audience member at the local folk club from the age of twelve, Martin
began playing professionally at fifteen. Martin has worked with some
of Britain's best musicians and performers, including June Tabor, Dick
Gaughan, the Watersons, Tim Hart, and Maddy Prior (Steeleye Span),
Stefan Grossman, Martin Carthy, Nick Jones and Christy Moore, Martin
Carthy, Dave Mattacks, Ashley Hutchings, Simon Nicol, and Richard
Thompson. Congratulations to Martin - winner of the BBC Radio 2
Musician Of the Year 2004 Award.
http://www.martinsimpson.com
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Chip Taylor and Carrie Rodriguez -
USA
Date: Saturday, Jul. 31, 2004
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When Chip first saw Carrie play at the South by
Southwest Music Festival in Austin Texas in 2001 he was not only wowed
by the brilliance he heard in her playing, but also sensed a magical
presence. He invited her to join him on some subsequent shows in
Texas, and then a tour of Europe... and the rest is history. Chip
Taylor & Carrie Rodriguez "sound as if they were born to sing
together," declares Vintage Guitar magazine. It's an
ironic fact, given the nearly four decades between their births. A
listen to The Trouble with Humans, the duo's second album,
reveals a stunning natural chemistry that has grown between this
fantastic fiddler and the legendary veteran songwriter best known for
writing such classics as "Wild Thing" and "Angel of the
Morning". Guitarist John Platania (whose credits include tours
with Van Morrison), and Mike Lent (bass) join Chip and Carrie.
http://www.trainwreckrecords.com
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Hans Theessink and Insingizi -
Austria/ Bulawayo
Date: Saturday, Jul. 31, 2004
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Whether he plays solo or with other musicians, Hans
Theessink is a sure guarantee for heartfelt American blues and roots
music at a high emotional and technical level. His extensive roots
repertoire provides a musical journey that oozes sheer joy and takes
the audience on a rousing trip through a mix of blues, R & B,
folk, roots, and even some gospel. It's one big jam session with an
intensity that electrifies audiences. This summer, Hans is touring
Canada with Austrian keyboard player Roland Guggenbichler, and the
fabulous Insingiz.
When Insingizi add their powerful voices and African spirit to Hans'
overall mix, it is a celebration of infectious music. Vusumuzi
"Vusa" Ndlovu, Zibusiso "Blessings" Nkomo, and
Dumisani "Ramadu" Moyo hail from the province of
Matabeleland in Zimbabwe, and perform "Imbube" music in the
Southern African language. On stage, they offer soulful a
cappella singing, percussion, and some wonderful choreography.
This is soul music with very deep roots!
http://www.theessink.com,
http://www.insingizi.net
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The Waybacks -
California, USA
Date: Sunday, Aug. 1, 2004
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Possessed of dazzling instrumental chops and an
absolute mastery of acoustic musical styles, this amiably nutty
quintet has mesmerized audiences at intimate venues and created a
sensation at all the major festivals. Eclectic in both their
influences and approach, The Waybacks puts its unique stamp on the
lot, rendering them all with characteristic charm, wit, and
virtuosity. From new grass to jamgrass, from western swing to jug band
and jazz, from folk and fiddle music to improvisational excursions
that defy categorization, The Waybacks' music is wild, energetic, and
unpredictable. Chojo Jacques (mandolin/fiddle), Stevie Coyle (guitar),
James Nash (mandolin/guitar), Chuck Hamilton (drums), and Joe Kyle Jr.
(bass), are "...geniuses... whose playing stacks up to anything
you'll find." "These guys can play like bandits" and
have "no respect whatsoever for standard operating
procedure." Go figure. Fleet-fingered and muddy-booted, they can
play like nobody's business!
ttp://www.waybacks.com
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Canmore Acts
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Charlie Butler -
The Bow Valley
Date:
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A vibrant vocalist, a strong guitarist, and a superb
entertainer, Charlie Butler has appeared on stages around the world.
Originally from Philadelphia, army brat and serviceman Butler
eventually made his way to the Bow Valley where he offers "the best
Tex-Mex in the Rockies" at Bandoleer's Restaurant in Dead Mans Flats,
and performs at a variety of Banff Springs Hotel, Rimrock, and Chateau
Lake Louise functions with both a trio and quartet. An accomplished
studio musician, he has worked with many respected musicians on
recordings and motion picture soundtracks since the 1970s. He plans a
musical performing tour in Europe for the fall. Charlie will be joined
on the Stan Rogers stage this year by pianist Maryanne Camaiani, who
entertains regularly at the Post Hotel.
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Highwood Range -
Alberta
Date:
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Ruth Henderson, Bob Remington, Dan Tapanila, and
Dale Ulan come together on the Stan Rogers stage as
Highwood Range. Ruth Henderson (Vocals and Guitar) has been
singing since she was a little girl and she says it feels like long
before that. At times smoky and mournful, yet interspersed with a
smooth clarity, Henderson's vocal presence draws in her audience as
she presents original and cover roots tunes. Bob Remington is a
singer-songwriter and veteran performer of Bluegrass music in a number
of Western Canadian groups. A multi-instrumentalist (Mandolin, Fiddles
and Guitar) and a fine singer, he is currently a member of the suave
Cowbilly group, The Swell Fellas. Their guest, Dan Tapanila
(Archtop and Slide Guitar) is well known in Western roots music.
His lush tonal guitar work has garnered him a reputation as one of
Canada's most gifted players. Currently, Dan is one half of the
organically distinctive duo No Guff with John Rutherford. The
musicians have appeared most recently at both the East Coulee Festival
and Water Valley Celtic Festival. Dale Ulan, currently with the
Alt-Country group, Nothin' But Trouble, is a welcome
addition on Upright Bass.
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