Rock and Roll Talent Trek Ontario

Ottawa rock star

A recent visit to Ottawa convinced me rock and roll was alive and well and in revival mode, whilst I also discovered a form of entertainment I'd never before witnessed - two in fact - including aboriginal throat singers and a native dancer dancing with hula-like rings which she danced artistically with in a challenging routine that seemingly multiplied the rings in numbers as she writhed her way to the spectacular conclusion where all symbolically appears as one ring ball.

I say rock & roll is alive, because the local bar we attended, filled with young people, most likely students, flocked there to take in the live duo of entertainers who pelted out classic rock tunes, such as The Beatles and other era greats, with unbridled passion.

The musicians, seemed to love to play and were technically very good, especially the lead vocalist / guitarist and their expression and feeling for the music, which transcended the audience, grabbing their attention from the opposite sex or their beer, throughout their performance. That showed me there is still another generation enjoying and feeling the music, and that is a good thing, having noticed the same passion and phenomenal talent wherever I go in Ontario Canada, from Newmarket to Toronto to Hamilton to Niagara...the passion and drive lives on!

Live Rock venues disappearing in Toronto?

Question is then, with a seemingly huge appetite for those both playing and listening to live music, why is it bands often have to book clubs out for the night themselves and or get a promo guy to and sell tickets themselves in order to play more and more often? Often bars expect the bands to bring all the attendees to their establishments for these one off nights whereas in the old days bands would just show up and play for a price with an inhouse crowd already expected.

One needs look only at the demise of such iconic Toronto area live venues, such as Healey's, Club Blue Note, The Gasworks, The Big Bop, El Mocambo, Rock & roll Heaven, Nags Head North and on. Even Toronto's version of Hard Rock Cafe isn't set for live on the main floor.

Saw Queen in Ottawa

One club that's hung in there is The Rock Pile East or West locations, owned by the former Big Bop owners, but, unless you're a known headliner, you're on your own for attendees which results in rock shows that often have mixed fans resulting in some who come for just their band and split - whereas I've found the Hip Hop people much more supportive of each other that way. Weird quirk. Ha. Who knew rappers were nicer than rockers. Lol.

At any rate, I'm still getting calls from acts that want to be booked and venues needing acts, and will keep hooking it all up.

I look forward to some cool upcoming shows and will keep you in the loop!

TP Out

Sing for Their Supper - International Day Open Stage

International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, York Region

Winter shelters closed now. Men in Y.R. use 26 beds in a pop of 1,000,000

Oct 17 is International Day for The Eradication of Poverty. Join us for York Region's representative 2014  event at Newmarket's Riverwalk Commons, 200 Duncan St. outside The Lions Hall, simultaneously being held alongside  events around the world to draw attention to those in poverty at home and abroad.

The Newmarket Day will feature an
"Open Mic", offering opportunities to those with performance messages about poverty to share them. The first part of the 7-10 pm running evening, will include some personal stories from lived experience or those who have witnessed it, with some focus also on world poverty.

Speakers and performance artists wishing to participate can contact us here and join the event on Facebook.

Fri Oct 17 support an end to poverty - Award winning one minute video

David L Rogers at a spot he once sat homeless

In addition to Open Stage performers who come out, sound and Hip Hop performances will be enhanced at the event by JUST FLOW and the AJM FAM while Reggae-country- rock sensations, The Yappers, are slated in as well. With a number of politicians and concerned residents attending, it should make for an eclectic, stimulating, yet rockin' evening, with time in between for a mix and exchange of knowledge, information and ideas related to poverty issues and maybe create some new music or productions.

Booked in is Poet, David Rogers, who will be available for signings / sales of his book of poems, "The Dark Road", which acts as a type of therapy for those fighting addictions / mental health issues, including depression. David's true to life experiences are replicated through his poetry, resonating and cutting through to many so afflicted. Signed Books are $15. 50% sales to PACC. For the future, David would like to see his poems transferred to the stage or screen, in order to reach out more.

Also for 2014, in memory of a PACC member, community volunteer and community worker with C.M.H.A., Annette Brown, who died unexpectedly recently, we will be giving out pumpkins at the event - courtesy of The Newmarket Food Pantry to keep her spirit alive and make sure all kids get a pumpkin! Take one for yourself or someone in need!

The Int Day has been marked in Newmarket over 12 years now, and was originally designed 23 years ago, when launched in Paris France in front of the U.N. building, by a man of cloth who came from poverty and who wanted to make a difference, culminating with millions standing at once setting a world record for doing so in 2011! He has made a difference. You can too!

AFTER PARTY - after 10 pm event attendees enjoy free entry to nearby Tequila 185 Nightclub, downstairs @Made In Mexico Restaurant!

Come out and lend an ear or voice or talent on Oct 17 2014!

Aurora's Lou Moore, Guitar Picking Legend Live Teacher too

Recently I popped into Col Mustard's Pub & Grill on a Thursday night top check out Lou Moore as I heard he was now offering up guitar lessons as well, and I wanted to see what all the fuss was about. Available pickers are born everyday you know.

Now, previously I wouldn't be considered a big country music fan, in fact I've spoofed country, albeit my spoofs message was as you get older you understand country music more, and to be fair Lou plays blue- grass and other tune genres too and mixes things up every week by bringing in guest performers from his amazing array of friend / performers that he's amassed over the years.

The Colonel

On this night his entourage of performers included multi-instrumentalist but on this night guitar player Mitchell Lewis, including the straight steel guitar which gave a really unique vibe and twist to the tunes on the night with no pedals or levers for string bending. Bass player Rodney St. Amand was also on hand this night along with Al Cross on drums formerly of Big Sugar

Getting back to the country thing. Growing up I guess you could say I was  die hard rock music lover, but as I've aged I've learned to appreciate all music and I particularly enjoy a seasoned performer of it all and with that you can't go wrong at a Lou Moore show.

Moore will be on tour in Europe later in March with The Good Brothers, but you can still catch him Thursdays until then and for a special upcoming show  Thursday Mar 6 2014 featuring also The Good Brothers at Col Mustard's Newmarket.

I interviewed The Good Brothers a number of years ago in Georgina for a Rogers TV show I hosted called Out & About and remember them to be seasoned performers and professionals all the way. Seats are almost sold out so reserve or sit at the bar early to get in!

Fabulous Aurora Musician Lou Moore has had a long career in the music business playing acoustic guitar with an assortment of band instrument mates over the years who themselves have played in bands with the likes of legendary Canadian musicians and performers such as Ian Tyson, Prairie Oyster, The Good Brothers, Ricky Skaggs and David Wilcox and Tommy Hunter!
It would be a thrill to go see Lou and his band of merry drop-in mates - which you can do on Thursday nights at Newmarket's Col Mustard's - but imagine being able to have guitar lessons from the now almost legendary Aurora based performer himself, which he's now offering up to a limited number of students - and at $30 a half hour according to the website that's a steal!
 
The amazingly talented picker guitar man is more interested it seems in spreading the craft of his musician-hood than making it rich, but finds inspiration now in showing a new generation the "how to's" of guitar playing and is willing to take on those with the desire to learn to play the instrument.

Big Redd Ford with Lou Moore 1970's

The stories alone he tells includingthe good old days around folks like Ronnie Hawkins and such is worth the price of admission let alone lessons. Ha. 

Whether you love country, blues, blue grass, classic rock, picking or strumming, acoustical or electric guitar, you'd count yourself lucky to get on-board with Lou Moore experienced guitar player, singer and performer extraordinaire. That's Why Lou Moore Guitar Lessons are an amazing find to me - and definitely a Tom's Top 10 Business Service for both cost and talent!

Contact Lou Moore here.  Or Call 905 - 841 - 4037 before he books up!