Top Live Talent Coming Near You!

Headliners Glass Ampp rocked Stellar Hall
Recently I was involved in an event that hit town, and I must say I got a good taste of what Arthur Jr Music and Captured Films have been up to - witness the array of talent they were able to assemble for the Newmarket stop of the Talent Search Concert Tour 2014 - and as well I earned a new respect for Farley Flex - Canadian Idol's judge who, up until now, I'd regarded as possibly Canada's token "Randy Jackson" or some shit - no offense meant, just my experience is we often try to copy what they do (like American Idol) and sometimes too literally methinks. But Farley really impressed me with not only his work ethic - rarely leaving the judges area - but his genuine love for entertainment and by caring enough to stick around and offer advice to the contestants. Now that was class. To boot, the info I heard him dish, I agreed with 100%, so I respect his entertainment opinion as well.

Danny Barker
All idol chat aside, there really was some spectacular talent showcased on the evening with host M.C. and co-organizer Danny Barker (along with Maurice Weeks of Arthur Jr Music) doing a solid job moving the night along from talent to talent and genre to genre. There were a few technical issues due to it being a new venue for the guys, but in the end they got it figured out so the bands could wail and and the Comics and Hip Hop contestants could perform. We also got a taste of the hard rock band Glass Ampp and you can expect to hear lots from this talented quartet in the future - wow. I leaned in to Farley to mention how good I thought they were and he informed me he's managing them. Good on him / them and I look forward to their upcoming e.p. release. Remember the name - Glass Ampp.

Maurice Weeks
Speaking of releases, Maurice Weeks of Arthur Jr Music also performed along with some members of the the A JM Family - including some cuts from The Payment which is to be released in May 2014 with beats written by the same guy who wrote for Eminem! NOW RELEASED. This was also the first time I'd heard Maurice perform and freak! he's quite a talent. He's able to rap with the best of them as it were, but also has a commanding stage presence combined with a unique style and 'smooth" voice and lends himself to holding a tune - often as he reels off the lyric others might simply rap straight up. Having previously heard a recorded version, it was also great to listen and see the transition and that it carries over very well to live. I look forward to the full e.p release!

Goliath Paw
The show itself featured 8 hip hop acts 5 bands and 5 comedians, with Contour winning the band category and Goliath Paw coming in second, and being one of the judges, I can tell you Goliath Paw were good, but did lose points with me for having some music beats recorded - wherein had they entered the Hip Hop category they likely would have won it, which Farley Flex pointed out to them as well post contest.

Top Comedians were funnyman Mark Anthony with American Jake Leland second, and Hip Hop acts had Doggie & D Show coming out on top with Douce taking second place. Winners continue on in the tour and win marketing packages, video and recording time.

The night ended with some comments and observations by Farley Flex as he announced the winners offering constructive bits of info  - from telling Contour's lead singer to find another barber,


"Seriously dude, you can't be a front man with that hair cut." Farley Flex

to telling Goliath Paw they entered the wrong category but the most important advice he gave out on the night, was highlighting the need for the acts to be themselves and bring themselves out on stage - not try and emulate some American hood or fashion they saw on a c.d. cover or whatever.

" You need to stand out from others not be the same. I can see 50 other acts just like you. "

Two of the judges Farley Flex and Tom Pearson
 " Do you want to be stars...or superstars? To do that, it is critical you stand out from the rest."

" You're not American, you didn't have that experience, so why are you presenting that?"

" Seriously, I'd rather you be shit and original than the best copy in the world of someone"

Farley Flex , Talent Search Concert Tour 2014, Newmarket stop

Notwithstanding there was still a good amount of entertaining performers on the night and certainly worth the price of admission, and who knows, maybe a star is born!?

Here's some other upcoming Gigs these guys have coming to town in May 2014!


Contour, winners of Best Band & worst hair cut categories!
All Photos By Glenn Rodger

Schweet!

People roll into Stellar Hall
The Judges yo

Tom Pearson and Maurice Weeks

Underground Method
Hip Hopper Entity

The boys!
Stand up comedy winner Mark Anthony and Farley Flex





  

Farley hams it up with comedian







Regression - Movie Shoot on Main St Newmarket

Main St Newmarket becomes Main St USA
The town of Newmarket, Ontario, Canada, doubled for a retro American town for a day as, Regression, a psychological thriller film Directed by Writer, Director & Composer, 29 year old Alejandro Amenabar (The Others, Tesis, Abre Los Ojos), starring Emma Watson and Ethan Hawke, wherein a police detective investigates activities of the paranormal and evil happening in a small rural U.S. town, was shot on location on their Main St. Insert scary music here.

Although the storyline had been kept under wraps, a style similar to Amenbar's previous work in the genre, like the snuff film based Tesis, is likely to emerge.

The film will be released by Dimension Films, owned by the Weinstein Company, in 2015.

The last time a movie production was in town with Main St. as it's set location, it was the remake of Carrie being shot, and, like then, locals turn into patronizing wannabes whenever the circus comes to town, just happy to be a part of it and willing to lend our streets out and restrict residents while the shoot goes on. The only thing missing was the red carpet, but hey, it's all part of the small town charm Newmarket maintains, at least on its Main St, as everything else seems to be under construction - but again - the magic of movies will edit that out for us thank goodness.

The movie shoot was fairly typical with Main St. being used for part of a chase scene. In a scene like this, continuity is very important so everything from the road being wet for a rainy scene, to the people walking down the street (extras) have to be the same and are shot from different angles so must be done numerous times. This shoot had several crane cams too which was very cool to see in action hovering high above the streets, which, while observing, I also noticed a dog in a window and wondered if it was part of the flick. Ha.

The crew and A.D.'s et al were actually quite accommodating I found, allowing me some pics and the like in between takes and posing for the odd one too. Last time out (Carrie production) I found them a bit condescending and pushy which always gets my back up a bit when I figure we're doing them a favour as locals, allowing them use of our beautiful Main St. (not an easy task for a local to do) and suspending our use of it for their movie -  which I won't likely ever see until it hits cable.

But that's the charm of Main St Newmarket - and a charm that's beginning to pay off as movie credits for Main pile up with increased business in the shops and restaurants or those just soaking up the well preserved older historical-like buildings, including one of the few remaining Main St, old town clocks which sets her apart as a town, and, I guess, for the movie locations scouts.

Rover restricted during movie shoot
I likely won't rush out to see this movie Regression or anything, as thrillers aren't my thing, but I do look forward to seeing the final shots of Main St  - especially with all the development hounds salivating over it of late including the clock tower - so we may lose attracting these movie shoots soon, as well as lose the charm.

Meantime, Newmarket has it's our own Talent Show in town tonight featuring Canada's Idol Star finder Farley Flex so who knows!? A star is born!?

Below a video I put together of some backstage stuff. See you in the movies!


Here's some more photos below and check out the TPE You Tube video of some behind the scenes scenes from Regression!
Mr. Newmarket checks in







Even extras are Stars in Newmarket!


Optical Delusion..Hey its a horror!



Newmarket Entertainment Talent Search Tour 2014

It's not often I get excited about about a live show these days, as far too often I'm stuck feeding the same old, same old routine, dealing with cover band loving bookers, too afraid to let a talented original performer in the door. But every now and then something comes along to spark my passions, and nothing can feed my easily bored diverse palate for original material, than a talent search - one including Canadian Idol's Farley Flex as a judge no less. Hey don't knock it, the guy's connected to talent, make no mistake.

Talent Search Concert Tour 2014 presented by Captured Films & Arthur Jr Music brings that to town at Stellar Hall & Event Centre April 18 and more. At this writing no less than 9 Hip Hop acts have thrown their hats into the ring for the Newmarket swing of the talent tour and search, or onto the stage as it were,

along with 5 bands, 5 comedians and looks to be stokingly

Shaping up to honour its namesake as a Stellar Show!

Cameo performances can also be expected by some of the judging panel which includes in addition to Flex, TV & Film / Video Producer / Performer Tom Pearson, members from Glass Ampp, Anthony Champion, & The AJM FAM. The coolness is, it doesn't end there - with summer tour dates also awaiting the winners of the talent search by Arthur Jr Music and Captured Films in addition to all the other stuff, including a Grand Prize of $5,000 in industry goodies - like shoot time on a Red Epic Cam like Robo Cop and Transformers used!

Don't Miss This Event
Anyone with an inkling of getting their toes wet in " The Biz" should attend this phenomenal talent search and performances event - even if it's just to attend and enjoy the awesome entertainment that will no doubt be on display and it's an opportunity to hear music at its earliest rawest form, before the molds of the industry set in or schmooze with some industry pros.


How Can U Gain Entry!? Follow The Links Below or Call - 647- 333 - 2205

Get an invite to attend!
Attend in the audience for the talent showcase at any of the upcoming event play down dates across Ontario and you're in for a real sweet treat yo! See more on Facebook!

Check out TP's video interview with AJM's Maurice Weeks.
You want exposure or online support? contact TPE @tpeproductions@gmail.com

TP Out!

At The Clubs Live Entertainment G.T.A. Night Scene

With winter lasting longer and being more severe than in recent past years, it's been an opportunity for entertainers to try to lure people out into the cold, and along with that, into the clubs and restaurants that go along with them.

So many clubs / pubs these days seem to be trying to create that one night featuring live entertainment but they also seem over reliant on the bands or promoters to bring all the people. Whatever happened to old fashioned in-house promotion and hospitality to bring people back? What happened to having a bar of regular patrons who come anyway knowing you consistently have something, and the staff were friendly and welcoming and informative? Or do you actually alienate your "regulars' or potentials when you hold certain live events by not including them?

I'll tell you what happened it's called consistency and laziness.

One place recently that asked me to create something on an off night as an example. I agreed, however I told the owner that certain things would have to be in place for it to work, that it would not happen overnight and that they would have to be consistent and then it would work as it was not a new concept.

 "No problem", he said, "just tell me what you need - and oh, there's no budget by the way".

First off the staff were not behind it - strike one. Every time I dropped in to talk about it I got static from the manager and the staff laughed at me for suggesting a meeting to explain everything claiming they'd never had one, thus no pre promotions happened with their "regulars" to encourage mor attendance.

Secondly, they did not provide free anything food-wise as discussed, nor invite liquor reps to participate as  requested for tastings and demos, and thirdly, on the night of the event, the owner, who's idea it was, was not present, so staff were still questioning where it would be held and mentioning "regulars" won't approve etc. They were to also provide dance music sound with dance lights which they didn't when the time came. One waitress actually told me she'd never been to a dance bar so wasn't sure what atmosphere I meant for dancing. Yet told me she'd been in the business 30 years - and never been to a dance bar?  That's all I remember us having! Lol.

Yea. That won't happen twice.

Another place, which won't even guarantee a full band more than $200, and which cancelled our scheduled Hip Hop show because suddenly, " He's not sure...?" then expected me to find, in a few short weeks, a suitable replacement rock band act. On top of that, he'll expect them to bring a crowd etc and me to promote the hell out of it and provide posters again at my cost? For what? last time out he claimed sales( pays a percentage) amounting to a payout of less than $150! Ha. Thus adding the minimum $200 clause by moi for future endeavours with them should I CHOOSE.

Big Chris Promos Upcoming Bands in-house
One dining establishment I frequent has weekend entertainment and has a features board to show off pics and info on entertainers they feature. It always sits empty at the entrance to the place. I told them about it last time in, yet they'll blame you if you don't pack their place. Ha. Sorry, but everyone plays a role and not all acts can bring family and friends to every show!

We'll see...these owners need realize there is some ownership in attendance to them, as well that there needs be a guaranteed cost to the performers / entertainment / promoters, and only then will they attract a consistent base of performers and promoters willing to chance their time on them. Even then, to succeed, they will expect that in-house the events and attractions / entertainment are supported and advertised because only then will it work long term for them. It takes a team to win any game and the biggest team wins, so when staff, management, promoters, entertainment are all working together, there's little chance for tried and true event / theme nights not to work.

No Cutting Corners...just wings!

Chick n Deli, formerly on Mount Pleasant S of Eglinton in Toronto, had live entertainment for 30 years, consistently every weekend, and had pretty darn good chicken - affordable - and did not rely on tricks or promotions or others - they just put up, consistently and then people came, gradually building. Ladies danced their faces off and men flocked, and with that, upgraded the caliber of entertainment. And that my friends is how it is done. I think Big Chris BBQ might be heading down that path.Good on them!



At The Clubs APRIL UPCOMING ENTERTAINMENT

Newmarket's Stellar Hall the next stop!
Speaking of promotions and events, there are some upcoming that are very cool to say the least, including Big Chris BBQ's succulent weekend entertainment line up to match their food including returning fave of mine Crooked Zebras
...and as well as the touring Talent Search by Capture Films and Arthur Jr Music with endorsing Canadian Idol Farley Flex judging which is crossing Ontario with an upcoming April 18 stop in Newmarket at Stellar Hall & Event Centre showcasing bands, hip hop acts and comedy talent!

Speaking of comedy Big Daddy's Newmarket are also sporting Wed night Open Mic Comedy Nights something I've oft said is missing around here and - if they stick to it and maybe throw an ad in the paper for the guy and promote it should work! I know the host comedian Craig Mclachlan personally and has performed for me in shows in the past and is known as Canada's marijuana comic as well - "as seen on tv "!
Ha ..So go check it out!

TP Out!