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You are here: Home / Archives for Entertainment / Music

Taste of the Danforth 2011

August 7, 2011 by Chris

We decided to check out the Taste of the Danforth this year and it was … well, busy as usual. The weather was fantastic! It drizzled a little bit during the visit which brought out that high humidity that I love so much. The sounds, smells and overall atmosphere is quite intoxicating to take in, in such a short period of time.

We live about a 15 minute walk away, but it seems to take much longer due to the fact that some 1.3 million people who show up every year to the Taste of the Danforth, were right in front of us. If you ever get the opportunity to visit the festival, I highly recommend going … unless you hate crowds and good food!

This year we came armed with a decent sized back pack to put some of the zillion or so delicacies that we were bombard with from every direction in, to take home with us for later consumption. Greek food (obviously), Ethiopian, Taiwanese, Japanese, Irish, British, the Islands, Mexican, to name only a few, food stands are everywhere. Calories as far as the eyes can see. We bought a little bit of food to taste as we walked along the 3 km stretch of closed off roadway and then as I said bought a little bit more to stuff in my backpack to eat today!

The journey lasted around 3.5 hours. The dogs they aren’t a barkin’ all that much but as for my wife’s … It was just plain fantastic to get out of the ‘olde house for a while and finally enjoy some of the spectacular local events that are held in the little city of Toronto.

I’ve got some pic’s on the camera phone that I’ll upload sometime soon but I can’t find that damn USB connector. Am I the only one in the world to loose that thing from time to time?

Keep on Jammin’




Filed Under: Culture, Entertainment, General, Great Bands, Home and Lifestyle, Music, Musicians, Recreation, Toronto, Toronto Bands Tagged With: culture, festival, food, greek, Music, taste of the danforth 2011, the danforth

Glenn Campbell still Jammin’

July 21, 2011 by Chris

Glenn Campbell has just performed his first concert since announcing that he was diagnosed with Alzheimer (the degenerative brain disease that slowly rob people of their memories and abilities). I cannot imagine what thoughts must have been running around his mind when he first took to the stage.

Glen Campbell leaned over his blue electric guitar, plucked a few strings and made a sour face.
“Dadgum it,” he said.
Campbell fiddled a few seconds longer while standing backstage at the IP Casino and finally found a perfect D chord.
“There it is,” he said, before turning on his heel and marching into the spotlight. He launched into “Gentle on my Mind” and — without so much as clearing his throat — nailed it.

“That first one is a doozey, ain’t it?” Campbell asked the crowd. AP

Now that would have been quite the emotional show for all who were in attendance that night in Biloxi, Miss.

I’ve read that he may have missed that odd word here or there but his teleprompter was his saving grace that show. Heck, I’ve been known to have done that from time to time accompanied with that one word I follow it with “Damn it!” Good for Glenn, I hope that he can enjoy his God given talent as long as he can.

For a guitarist/musician/singer-songwriter like Glenn Campbell, this disease must feel like someone coming up to you and hitting you in the heart with a sledgehammer. While I’m not getting any younger, I find myself once in a while walking in a room and forgetting what I went in there for and I’m sure you can find examples in your own life. I can only speculate at what he is going through.

Alzheimer, it seems to me, is a disease that appears to be coming at us as a society from all directions. It has affected a direct family member, a very dear friend’s own loving father and countless patients that I have had direct dealings with over the years.

I have seen it tear away and disregard peoples memories at will with no fear of the consequences! It not only has devastating affects on the patient themselves but their loved ones as well. If you know someone who has a loved one with this unimaginable disease, give them a hug … because they need it too!

If you feel like giving a simple donation to the Alzheimer of Canada society, check out their secure site and give a simple donation to the cause, one day you might need their help too.

Filed Under: Concerts, Culture, Entertainment, Health, Music, Musicians, Recreation Tagged With: Alzheimer, Biloxi, first concert, glenn campbell, IP Casino, Miss., of canada

The Big Band sound going Indie?

July 19, 2011 by Chris

I love that traditional Big Band sound, the feel, the excitement I get that flows through my veins after listening to a great track. The voluminous of bands like Bassie, Goodman, and Canada’s own Arthur Miller are just some of the bands that I remember listening to as a kid. Along with some RUSH, KISS, Steely Dan, YES, Zeppelin … I really had quite the eclectic musical tastes back when I was a kid. Now a days when I come across something new in the Big Band genre, it always stirs my curiosity.

While reading my biweekly Macleans, I read about this new band conducted by Darcy James Argue called Secret Society. To some out there they might not sound like the classically acknowledged Big Band groove that we have been exposed to from the past but it’s there sitting in the background, right in front of you. The way they put in some techno here and there is quite refreshing.

I hope that at least you will bring your own eclectic musical tastes with you when and if you give the below video a listen to. I like Secret Society here in this particular video but the best way to experience a group like this, in my eyes, are in a venue WITH OUT microphones! If ever had in the past then you know what I mean.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=175ygZD5VzA&feature=related

Keep on Jammin’

Filed Under: Entertainment, Music, Musical influences, Musicians, Video Tagged With: band, big band, brooklyn new york, Canadian, canadian tour 2011, Darcy James Argue, electro, indie, Secret Society, sound, tarditional

Mason Dixon Band at Toronto Ribfest 2011

July 8, 2011 by Chris

In one of my previous posts I told you all about our adventures to The Toronto Ribfest in Centennial Park in Etobicoke and the great food there but I forgot to tell you about this great band that we stumbled upon while waiting in line for some of Bob’s Bloomin’ onions.

The band was called the Mason Dixon band and they were the perfect band to showcase at a venue like this. The singer also said that this was their 8th straight year playing this venue and I’ll soon show you why.

So while waiting in line we heard a band warming up on stage doing a sound check. The guitars sounded great, the drum kit sounded small, (but a talented guy like Domenic or Julian Pavine, on a small kit can make people’s head turn) was ok, then came the sound of a keyboard in Hammond B3 mode. To me one of the greatest sounds that you can hear while a band is warming up is the sound of this thing, it makes the hair on my arms stand up! Then the band started playing.

First tune they performed that afternoon was Kansas Carry On My Wayward Son. The vocals were great, the band was tight, the smell of charcoal ribs, a light breeze blowing through my hair, a perfect sky and with these guys wailing away in the background, priceless!

They then performed a great version of Foreplay/Long Time by Boston, Go Your Own Way (Fleetwood Mac), School (Supertramp) Thinkin’ Of You (Harlequin). The highlight for some people was trying to figure out that this annenna thing was that the lead guitar player/backup singer was playing. This instrument is called the

Then as we were exiting the park we where showered with Raise A Little Hell from Trooper, while watching people walking in, lip singing to the song, what a great way to leave this years event! Wish you we there.

Keep on Jammin’

Filed Under: Canadian, Concerts, Culture, Entertainment, Great Bands, Music, Recreation, Toronto, Video Tagged With: Centennial Park, classic, etobicoke, gta band, Mason Dixon, Mason Dixon band, rock, things to do, toronto band, Toronto Ribfest, tribute band, Ultimate Tribute To Classic Rock

Old school Record show

March 26, 2011 by Chris

Since we’re starting to put our vinyl records collection into a digital format to put on our new iPod, I couldn’t help but notice that there will be a vinyl record show coming up right down the street from us on Sunday March 27 2011. It’s run by The Record Guys and it looks like it will be a blast. This event is in it’s 3rd year I think so they’re not some fly by night operation.

… the show has become a haven for collectors of all ages whose love of Vinyl, CDs, Paper Goods and other music collectables just can’t be quenched.

Just looking at our old record collection brings back such fond memories. We only took a quick look at our collection downstairs and they look to be ok. We have them in these thick old computer boxes that I got when I worked at this computer company called Kortex Computers, and put them on top of an old skid that places them around 8 inches off the ground.

So if your looking for something to do this weekend in the East End of Toronto this weekend then drop me a comment on this post and we’ll head off there for a blast!

Keep on Jammin’

Filed Under: Entertainment, Great Bands, Music, Musicians, Recreation, Toronto Tagged With: broadview ave., collection, danforth ave, march 27 2011, Music, record show, rock, sales, the record guys, things to do, Toronto, vinyl

Frank Zappa and the Monkee’s

March 21, 2011 by Chris

Since I was a kid I was glued to the TV when this musical series called The Monkees were on. I was just introduced to the playing guitar in Miss Lord‘s class and I found the Monkees music was so catchy. I thought that the band had to be popular because it was constantly on the radio. Also the band had to of been even cooler because my older brother and sister were listening to them on vinyl albums. Technology back then rocked!

Now being a little more mature, musically that is, when I view a couple of their earlier shows on line I tend to pick up some unexpected treasures in those shows that I wasn’t really aware of back then. To see what I mean read on.

At work I’m always chatting with surgeons that use to play guitar in high school bands and our talks always revolves around obscure musical topics. This one day one of them told me about this particular Monkees episode that had Frank Zappa on it. Then right after saying this, this other surgeon chirped in and said that he was a massive Frank Zappa fan that went to see Zappa plays Zappa last year. Small world eh?

I then said, Really … Frank Zappa on the Monkees? You’ve got to be kiddin’ me. So off we went to a computer, did a quick youtube search and bang, there it was right in front of us.

Frank Zappa in a short clip on the Monkees show..

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOI-SDYGviM&feature=related

Michael Nesmith playing Frank Zappa and Frank Zappa playing Michael Nesmith interviewing each other as the other person, hilarious!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNJy-OgCzB0

Any Zappa fans out there?

Keep on Jammin’

Filed Under: Culture, Entertainment, Humor, Music, Musical influences, Musicians, Rock History, Television, The early Years, Video Tagged With: 1970's, Frank Zappa, funny, interview, music show, short clip, the monkees, tv, tv show, vintage

The real little drummer boy

March 2, 2011 by Chris

There is this kid named Julian Pavone who plays the drums … the only thing is this guy is 6 years old in this video! I read about this kid by browsing through Google News service a couple of minutes ago.

Julian starts off in this video of his with one tough piece to perform on the drums called 50 Ways to Leave your Lover by Paul Simon with one of the best drummers in the world, Steve Gadd. First off playing anything that Steve Gadd does on drums is difficult enough for a grown man but one that is only 6 is very impressive.

The little guy then shows off his talent performing a funky tune called Turn by Chaka Kan and Rufus. Julian then ends the video with Shake your body down by Michael Jackson. I’d love to see what else Julian has in his musical sleeve of songs? Do you think he takes request? How about a little bit of la Villa Strangiato by RUSH from Hemispheres Julian?

Just sit back and watch this kid blow you away.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofkuk1OInxM

Keep on Jammin’

Filed Under: Entertainment, Music, Musicians, Video Tagged With: Chaka kan, drummer, guitar licks, Julian Pavone, little drummer baby, Michael Jackson, rufus, shake your body down, Steve Gadd, turn, youngest drummer

So AUX TV can’t play more video’s?

February 22, 2011 by Chris

So the CRTC (Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission) is up to their old crazy ways are they? These people … have to be smokin’ something else other then tobacco. Please just read the below caption.

Three months after the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission told MuchMusic it can’t air fewer music videos than it already does, the same federal agency has denied a request to play more of them on a cable music channel that’s become a launching pad for dozens of independent Canadian artists. Vancouver Sun

This story was in the Vancouver Sun on February 15, 2011. How does a decision like this happen. Who actually calls it? What was their reasoning behind it?

I like watching Aux TV. The amount of indie acts are great and I think this kind of platform is desperately deeded around here. I’ve been watching AUX TV since Oct 2009 and although I’m not a huge dedicated fan, I like the change it brings to my TV entertainment.

Can someone out there tell me how/why the CRTC came to this conclusion?

Keep on Jammin’

Filed Under: Canadian, Culture, Entertainment, Music, Television Tagged With: CRTC, decision, much music, vancouver sun, videos

Who will make the Rolling Stone’s next cover?

February 21, 2011 by Chris

On the cover of the rollingstone, dr hook and the medicine show On the cover of the Roll~ing Stone … remember that tune made those crazy guys from Dr. Hook & the Medicine Show so famous?

 

Well as it turns out, the Rolling Stone is going to let their faithful readers choose what band, 16 unsigned bands, to be placed on their iconic cover in a 4 round contest.

At the end of the showdown, two of the last remaining acts will perform on stage at the Bonnaroo Music Festival in Manchester, Tennessee early this summer.

I can’t even imagine the thrill that will get cha …

Keep on Jammin’


Filed Under: Entertainment, Music, Musicians, Rock History Tagged With: contest, cover of the rolling stone, dr hook and the medicine show, on the, rolling stone, rolling stone magazine, who will make the cover

Picked up a iPod Touch last weekend

February 20, 2011 by Chris

We just picked up the iPod Touch, 4th generation, over the weekend. The thinking behind getting one was to place all of our audio collections, both CD’s & Vinyl albums, in one easy to access, portable or stationary entertainment system. The purchase of the iPod Touch has been swimming around in our minds for quite some time now.

iPod Touch 34gigabit 4th Generation During the sales pitch by an Apple rep in the store we were in, she brought to our attention (mine actually because my wife, as usual, was light years ahead of me in understanding what wondrous things this product can bring to us) to the options that come with it.

Then it came to me that this thing appears to look and act just like the iPad. Right after this thought, she said that some of the Apps on the iPad Touch can also be used on the iPod. The rep concluded that the look of an App itself, on either one, might differ a little bit, who really cares if it works on both.

A while ago I talked about this appealing guitar app called the Amplitube that is used on an iPad. I considered this one as an excellent idea for someone like myself. So now I’m wondering if I could get the Amplitube on the the iPod Touch? I’ll get back to ya on what I find later on.

Does anyone out there have one and like to advise me on what Guitar Apps is worth looking into that actually work?

Keep on Jammin’

Filed Under: Entertainment, Guitar Equipment, Music, musical instruments, My Equipment, Recreation Tagged With: 34 gig, 4th generation, apple products, apps, Electronics, guitar, Ipod, pedals, practising, sound, Touch

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