Newmarket Youth Road Hockey Challenge Tourney Ontario's Longest

Friendly Neighbourhood Youth Road Hockey Challenge

Thank you for your interest in the 2014 Friendly Neighbourhood Youth Road Hockey Challenge – Ontario’s longest running annual shinny tourney - now in the 10^th anniversary year.

The FNYRHC was originally started in a mixed income neighbourhood to engage the youth and expanded over the years to be inclusive to everyone with no cost to players.

For some the tourney is the only organized sport they will ever play.

Youths of any gender form their neighbourhood or group teams & enter in advance, then practice during March Break up to the Sat ending tourney. Participants are also fed, and entertained and the winning team gets their name on the Mulock Cup trophy.

The tourney selects one player, deemed a leader in the community, The Mike Thornhill Scholarship Award – in memory of a local youth killed by violence.

For 2014 we’d like to add a new, younger, age category for kids up to 12 as well as an award for a kid to play ice hockey - with equipment and registration taken care of.

The F.N.Y.R.H. Challenge includes up to 12 teams per category, up to 10 players per team in round robin format, ages up to 18 years inclusive as of Dec 31 2014. All ages pick-up games also are held.

There are a number of interactive additions planned and some activities coordinated with the local businesses, including the Opening Face-off Party held the Friday night before to raise additional funds and thank the sponsors and volunteers.

Some Past Supporters

The list of past sponsors and supporters is impressive and we expect for the 10^th anniversary year to add more bells and whistles possibly including hosting the Stanley Cup!

Joe Warmington of the Toronto Sun called it a great idea! 

Some sponsorships may still be available.

Help keep a great Canadian tradition alive @ 289-221-0928 

or

tpeproductions@gmail.com or see event history here.

Surviving Summer Concerts Season

Well summer has been zipping along and before we know it we'll be complaining what a short one we had. I've tried to keep as busy as possible whilst maintaining a decent summer, and so far I think I'm failing - on all counts!

I passed on performing at the Collingwood Elvis Fest even though they offered to pay my way and had paid satellite shows. Just couldn't get motivated for it this year after last year's let down being judged in a wrong category. Maybe Wake Stock in August? Ha. Sure. I'm there. Not!

I did manage to attend Edge Fest on the same day that I was auditioning for one of the more weird gigs I've attempted to land for TPE. At first they'd wanted impressionists but somehow I apparently influenced them to look at genetic "characters" too such as a pirate etc. This confused me somewhat, as on top of it all you had to read from a script that would be a snap shot of you calling an online bingo game! The idea I guess is to spruce up otherwise boring straight bingo calling, and at any rate, I read it to the camera as Elvis, Don Cherry, an idiot, an ornery Scot, a wacky woman, gangster..and forgot a few like Thompson Williams! Not sure how I fared yet as they had said they'd let me know this week but I can think of better ways to

make $350 a day...!Ha or can I?

Anyway after that I went straight to the Edge Fest concert still dressed with white pants and shoes on and a white and red striped jacket in my bag that I'd used for the Don Cherry bit in the now pouring rain. I was supposed to meet a buddy at the gate who'd won free tickets and who was going to drive. Of course, he was already in but allowed to the gate to get me in just in time to stand for the next 6 hours in one freekin' spot in the pouring rain all so we wouldn't lose our frickin' spot to hear Monster Truck  who seem to have a bit of a Pink Floyd influence, and later the Luminaires, but they were crap. Anyway it's not worth the battle to protect the bag all night long and fend off attacks on my hat that everyone seemed to love, along with the jacket, just to say we did it! Rock on!
Thank god for the umbrella hat buddy had for me!

I've kept up with blogging and online stuff too though, and good to see Jazzled moving forward with the youth oriented social web-hub having had its first contest winner of a Kobe Reader and new website beginning to take shape.

And one must pay bills! I finished up a clients t.v. show proposal package which originally I had geared towards industry funders but which she had wanted amended to include private investors, so I simply added a limited partnership to it's structure.

And why can't one have fun while working? To that end I agreed to M.C. a hockey banquet complete with stand up comedy which of late of taken a returning interest. I tried out some new material out at a recent open stage in Newmarket and it was very well received (they laughed hard) so I know I can do it. It's a cool feeling when they laugh where you think they should and are comfortable enough to add to it or improvise on your feet. A rush. It's a challenge too, and I guess something that's been missing of late for me. The motivational factor. A challenge that any age person can tackle and succeed at, oh yea, and they are paying me too, that helps. Years ago I had once been a participant in Canada's Funniest New Comic Contest losing to Jeremy Hotz. He won peeking out from his hand to deliver his zingers. Then I got full custody of my kids ending that path...for then!

The Newmarket Jazz Festival was well attended for a first timer but lacked much actual jazz music. The day I attended I spent four hours there and heard not one song. Too often blues, rock, calypso and everything else was played - some really good music - just not on theme. Too bad for this year, but maybe next year they'll invest more time to book some more jazz now that they know if you simply build it they will come!@.

Come on! Surely there has to be something more to do this summer before it too late than these same old, same old themed events....The Tastes of the Danforth Festival is coming up attracting over 1,000,000 visitors and I guess Newmarket's attempt to mirror it would be the ' Multicultural Festival" upcoming, but again, been there done that. I need something different!

There is one $$deal out there worth checking out with something for all ages at the Festival of Friends or Friendship Festival, whatever in Fort Erie this weekend and it gets 10's of thousands of people over 3 days and is free with big names like Chubby Checker...all free..!

Here's a detailed list of Ontario festivals for August! ...Pick one and go!

TP Out!

Summer Festivals in Ontario Guided Tour

Smile! Summer's here!

With summer in full swing and a heat wave gripping us like a cub to its mom, one doesn't have to be a rocket scientist to find things to do, especially outdoors, outside the usual 'Music in the Park' offerings..

Car Clubs for example are in full swing as shows spring up from Harveys restaurants, to malls, to Main St. Take a quick search and you can find any number of events and festivals going on, with all types of ridiculous reasons and names for them like the " Friendship Festival" from Niagara which also has a festival in the same area called the "Festival of Friends"...Huh?..Both sport free live outdoors bands, affordable accommodations, beer tents, and cool food, info / crafts booths, and a midway with rides for the kids, but they are apparently different festivals. Strange but cool.

Relax at a cottage or...

Toronto of course has its smorgasbord of choices, but outside of a visit to the Metro Zoo again to see Pandas, there's nothing new that appeals to me there and the Caribean, Gay Pride or Afro-fests aren't my style either. Dragon boat races are cool, which you can find at Toronto's harbour front, but you can find that in Barrie or elsewhere too.

Last year I not only attended the Collingwood Elvis Festival but took part as a performer and in the competition. Unfortunately I was judged for the wrong category so my older style suits didn't match the concert days (jumpsuit) era they were looking for! But it was fun and they offered to pay my way and contest entry this year to make up for it which was nice of them. I declined with a polite,

"No thank-you, very much." This way I will always have that excuse as to why I never won the Best Elvis award! Ha!

Closer to home, with the July 1st celebrations in the rear view mirror the focus of the local media week after week after week (someone has money) has become about a " Hoe Down" which spends hundreds of thousands of donated dollars to put on a party, then dishes out the leftover spoils to a hand full of hand-picked minion charities and is then adored and fawned over by a community and embraced by local governments as proof of their do-gooding, and therefore justifying their ongoing support given them regardless of jobs going overseas. Yeehaw!

George Olliver , " The Blue Eyed Prince of Soul"

Then there is the Garlic Festival - ideal for a first date! - and Buskerfest in upcoming Newmarket with both the town of Newmarket and nearby Aurora hosting "Jazz" Festivals in August.

I'd post a link to Newmarket's Jazz Fest info however the town has a policy against blogs linking to their sites ( they sent me a letter saying so) therefore here's a link to Aurora's Jazz Festival info instead.

I put "jazz" in parenthesis because at first glance of the announced line-up for Newmarket's new festival - which are using the ousted former organizer of  Aurora's Jazz Festival - there doesn't seem to be many actual jazz bands. For example Glenn Marais is a great local talent and he's played a gig for me before, but they are not a jazz band. I grew up with Glenn and we didn't listen to jazz, believe me, we were classic rockers as was 90% of Aurora's teens - not country (sorry Hoe-downers) or jazz - but he is a great talent no doubt and I'm sure will rehearse some jazzy numbers for the event. Headliner George Olliver isn't a jazz band either, they are R&B. Soul as well, and yea he's played with The Who and Rolling Stones and they had some hits... in the 70's.. but not for jazz.

Music in the parks becoming same old , same old

I covered them when no one showed to see them play at Graystones in Aurora, which was a shame because he's really talented, especially on keyboards. But it's psychedelic rock / r&b / soul however, not jazz, sorry...and on...so we'll see what this "music" fest becomes and whether it sticks to theme - which as a big theme guy I hope it does - as they sure seem to have a budget for advertising, with ads almost approaching Hoe-down numbers...Well, no, they don't have all the giant signs and lamp post banners...yet...having been running since early June.

I'm thinking perhaps they could have invested in more jazz bands instead of over hyping it so early on. That's just me.

TP does Elvis Festival Parade

Long run, I think some original thinking might do the trick..same old, same old, simply being redone, will always simply get compared to others' who have had more longevity, and are long established. So although starting an original event  - like a Beatle Main ia - may take guts, if done right will attract nevertheless and then its up to organizers to make it a success by giving people a reason to want to come back...and sticking to the theme!

 

..Build it and they will come!

Enjoy my latest wacky video - BBQ TIPS!

TP out!

Branding You! Marketing your project / self to the world

Through various means, such as Jazzled, a youth oriented social networking site I'm working on as a Project Manager when I can, and just online banter, I get quite a few inquiries from young musicians, singers, actors, even visual artists wondering how they can either break into "The Biz" or would like to take the branding of themselves or their band / idea to the next level.

Recently, one such example was a person looking to develop her idea for a t.v. and needed " a business plan Writer for a TV show" as he put it. Her wording told me she was likely green to 
"The Biz", often a challenge, however I decided to take a look at it anyway. Ouch!@

Elvis was the ultimate brander!

I knew instantly upon glimpsing her attachments that this was much more involved than simply writing some plan if she truly wanted her idea to succeed, or at least have a shot at it, still I agreed to a fee for " Writing her business plan" all the while brainstorming on how to approach this. I wasn't about to just take her money and have her fail, so what I agreed to do was stay on the project until completion and act as adviser until then - in addition to agreeing to put together a production budget and marketing / distribution plan. To seal the deal, I revamped the marketing materials she sent me in minutes switching the format and lingo to read more in-line with the industry standards, although I still do need additional info to complete it. Below an excerpt.

Although the target market is a diverse, male and female audience between 26 and 40 years of age, anyone can benefit from the entertaining, informational stories "The Journey" reveals.

Part of today's plan for any marketable item - whether person, production or project, need also have an online footprint to increase the value to the search engines, and create awareness through "Online Branding". 

 The earlier you can an get entity set up online, whether through a blog, or website, or tweeting, or You tube etc - and they need all connect back to one another - the better, so when you launch you already have an internet search engine recognized product(ion), already serving those choosing to search the subject or company or entity to view it.

The wrong head shot can delay your image branding

You can then tailor FAQ's or solicit feedback through your easy to set up blogs and other social networking sites like Face Book where you can also post links to your blog and open a related profile page.

This is all standard advice I give, and sometimes it takes sitting down with people and physically helping them set it up, but once in place they can pretty much self- manage it by adding updates on occasion which , again, lends more credibility to the computer search engines.

That being said, I  can only take them so far as in the end the talent has to be there or the ability to get the job done. An old boss of mine, David Borg, an Executive Producer of feature films such as Hansel and Gretel, who was very into motivational speakers and the like used to tell me,

" All you have to do is get them excited about it!"

"You've already qualified them that they can afford the investment, now they need an incentive to act.
All you have to do now is get them excited about it!"

And that, my friends, is the key.Now here's a really cool original graffiti  / artists and band...Enjoy!

TP out

Good Times Bar & Grill - Music Unplugged by Sound Police

Good Times one of first community youth programs supporters

Sometimes it takes an action that defies logic for your instincts to stand up for the little guy, or gal in some cases, and reinvest time and effort into a business you had once written off. Everyone deserves a second chance and no less a business owner that has been a provider of stage time for a variety of entertainers over the years from magicians, to karaoke, to Elvis Impressionists to Blue Grass Circles to you name it, as well as a supporter of the community.

I'm talking about Good Times Cafe, Bar & Grill, as recently I testified at their tribunal hearing in order to clarify a condition violation they've been charged with and its interpretation that is continually costing Good Times' owners time and money to fight - that being a provision of her liquor license that she not be allowed to play any "amplified" music. At all! Not a radio, juke box, band, D.J. for a party, Christening , birthday, nothing! And one would suppose the ban includes a tv with music videos playing - as of course the music tracks in movies or commercials would technically be " amplified" - and considering what they are trying to do to the lady now by pulling her license and fining her( she's since been temporarily reinstated) simply for having one speaker playing music at a low level but through an "amplification" allowing them to charge her for this "offense" - don't put it past them. To me this has all been overkill.

Good Times donated closing party in 2007 for team

Owner Nawal  had previously gone 6 years as a business (taking over from brother Sam) hosting different events from parties, to dances, to theme nights - sometimes with live entertainment sometimes not - until an eagle-eyed disgruntled resident looked up her conditions and discovered the loophole. The same couple had previously tried to get the police involved claiming excessive noise but repeatedly the local police would come and hear nothing disturbing when they arrived and eventually actually asked them to stop calling as testified to by the couple themselves! Ends there right!? Wrong! Next the determined couple worked on the loophole through the licensing route and it has gripped Good Times ever since.

" Good times, bad times, I know I've had my share....." Led Zeppelin

Hurricane Mike has performed at Good Times

She paid $ at first "offense"- being taken off guard as she was as they threatened to take her license immediately if she didn't - and otherwise she couldn't survive with her high location rent and inflexible landlord. She's come to see that the liquor licensing board can have deep pockets (of your tax money fyi), are lawyer-ed to the max, and are tough to fight. They even applied to have me excluded from giving testimony even though I attended the original hearing some 7 years ago. The hearing has had me come back at 3 different times as the lawyers strategically hoped I'd either drop out or not show up. Not to mention have her tribunal representative - Dorian Baxter a.k.a. Elvis Priestly - removed. Oh yea, stay tuned folks this thing is getting interesting.

Winning Road hockey 2006 Good Times Cafe Mulock Hawks

I did show up however, and was able to attest to the fact that the condition mentioned regarding no amplification on that license was meant to be about the outside of the establishment - just like the other two conditions mentioned. At the time an elderly licensing board rep gentleman (since retired) took notes by hand as he struggled to keep up as I recall, and repeatedly he'd ask for clarification as he got caught up. Clearly he had lost track of the fact that the conditions discussion had moved to the outside of the establishment as we had just asked about a patio - which was also mentioned as a condition on the licensing document. At any rate, I certainly don't forget the kiddyoke or entertainment provided for community kids for the road hockey event / team. I also recall the free magician at their anniversary party along with belly dancers and live acoustical band and the all day food discount specials.

" In over 19 years in and around the hospitality industry I've never heard of any business whether a restaurant, bar, or otherwise that is told they can't have anything whatsoever for sound. Even Ma and Pop dry cleaners can have a radio.  No, the provision noted at the time was being discussed for the outside of the establishment and I remember it clearly."
Tom Pearson

My testimony additionally conceded that Nawal did have growing pains as an owner originally but then I turned towards the complainant in "court"and said,

" There was a time when I might be sitting down right beside you. She had had some growing pains as an owner new to the business and had made some mistakes, but that was some years ago and she has shown a willingness to change and to work with the community"

Local Dan is not short..he has a disability.. karoake offers fun he can get to

She no longer has All Ages shows for example which she was not ever really set up for properly in my opinion. But she learned some harsh, costly lessons from it all and has really struggled to gain back some former customers since as a result. I also added in testimony that they need draw a distinction if they must between different types of 'noise' as a  punk show will certainly be 'louder"than a karaoke for example and an acoustical jam is not a metal jam. Events I've put on outdoors in town permit me an allowed decibel level - and that is what need be done if they really want to be fair about allowing a business to carry on with some music / sound inside. No body - alcohol, gaming, or otherwise should have the power to restrict a business from having some music inside their establishment for the pleasure of both patrons and staff as well as to enhance business through its ambiance.

Despite the doom and gloom of the sound issue, if you go check out Good Times now the feeling is upbeat especially with the latest license reprieve and the food has never been better. I had Nawal's own special sandwich that is like a grilled panini stuffed with fresh lettuce, seasoned chicken and other fresh ingredients and exclaimed, "Nawal this is unbelievable, this is what you need to get out there - your great food! And I meant it. I've noticed a vast improvement in the food quality from her humble beginnings as well as her (and daughter's) hospitality / service in general from years back as obviously some of the time spent in the trenches has paid off with some good product and Good Times!

Drop in and check them out (again)  for lunch or a casual dinner or meeting or come out for Open Stage Friday's (no amplification) and help support local entertainment and this business owner to fight for your right to have music and a stage for the arts!
<a href="http://www.restaurantica.com/on/newmarket/good-time-cafe/23507405/"><img alt="Good Time Cafe on Restaurantica" src="http://www.restaurantica.com/on/newmarket/good-time-cafe/23507405/external-reviews/logo-white-l.png" style="border:none;width:180px;height:38px;"/></a>
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tp out

Bradford beats Newmarket for Road hockey Crown

It was a great day for youth last Saturday with the Bradford Rampage busting into to Newmarket and walking away with the annual shinny crown.

The Friendly Neighbourhood Youth Road Hockey Challenge in it's 9th year had it's first out of town winner, pushing teams to already be vowing to wrest The Mulock Cup back next year!


Admittedly with a smaller budget than in years past, and with only a handful of volunteers to pull it off, we were happy I think just getting through this year.

Ever reffed while making hot chocolate? I have! Okay, I did have someone take over before rushing out to start the third.

But that being said the competition was close with both the semi-final and final games of the youth tourney portion being decided by a single goal.

The semifinal, featuring the Mulock Hawks and the Brayfield Bears went 8-7 Bears, while in the final it was Brayfield vs the Bradford Rampage with the Bears just falling short 9-8 in the end.

Bears player Tyler Gray was awarded the Mike Thornhiill Memorial Award for outstanding contributions to the community. Tyler who volunteers for his community's annual family picnics, clean-ups, as well as delivers the community newsletter and is always there for any community event - staying to the end. He represents the type of youth leader we feel need be recognized and awarded. He has also has been a returning member of the Bears team for a number of years taking the initiative to knock on doors in order to do so! Good job Tyler and congratulations!

See Video Highlights here

This years event had a definite Elvissy feel to it with local living Elvis Priestly ( Dorian Baxter) also hanging out to play some all ages roadhockey and do some singing. Singer guitarist Matt also sang and played some acoustical tunes while youth social network founder Jazzled's Wendy Marais also stopped by to help out!

The Lion's Club hall served as an ideal spot for teams to register, regroup, and get warm in between games - and eat up the free hotdogs and drink the hot chocolate!

Skills Contest prizes were awarded by Canadat.com - cool duffle bags stuffed with goodies and a CanadaT.com card redeemable at the Main St Newmarket South location for a cool printed T-shirt!

Elvis Priestly -AKA Dorian Baxter showed he has game - albeit I think he's a little more skilled as an orator than a hockey player thank-you very much!!

Volunteers made the day as without them - ref Matthew seen below - we'd of been toast.

We look forward to next year's 10th anniversary and hope to attract more support from the local council and community as it was disturbing not seeing one politician stop by at such an event that offers all kids a chance to play together for community pride. A shame the councillors or mayor didn't show the same pride in their's and form ward teams! When we first started 9 years ago we hoped especially local councilors would embrace it as a way to connect, but it hasn't worked out that way. Maybe next year we'll get a more community oriented council that can see why embracing and participating in events designed to engage all youth are important for the town.

Car!


Special thanks also to

Newmarket Mitsubishi Motorswww.newmarketmitsubishimotors.ca for their sponsorship money. As the event had no government assist funds or town event grants attached to it the private sector support became very much needed!

Bradford Rampage 

WINS!

2013 Mulock Cup

Tyler Gray


WINS!


Mike Thornhill Memorial Award

March Break Free Activity! End Obesity through...

Wow! Talk about working a rough' hood! PACC had to work magic to convince youths to drop their weapons in lieu of hockey sticks for a day! Ha. Getting kids to participate in this day and age of computer games can prove tough as is but with a little assist you can do it!

The "cache"

Neighbourhood kids are seen here preparing for Sat March break end event now held 2014 at Newmarket Town Hall parking lot 395 Mulock Dr!  The Annual Friendly Neighbourhood youth tourney is open to all ages too! 

Skills challenge 10:30 AM Sat Mar 16

"Put the kids back on the streets" - an after school activity - through road hockey beyond this event and help end obesity!

Join TP Saturday Mar 15 2014

Hot food! Hot Chocolate..all free for players! How can you beat that!?




Car!Big thanks to 2013 Sponsor Newmarket Mitsubishi!

these kids were playing with toy guns before our road hockey 'program" got hold... playing with toy guns...rather they aspire to be sports heroes....

RoadHockey Mom

Tourney and pick up games All Free

10:30 AM All Ages Skills Contest  prizes by CanadaT.com


All Ages Pick Up Games. Goes until 5PM

Some of the kids

Bring a stick & join in! 

Or enter a youth team..

Dad has no chance!

Register a team in advance or add yourself to a team 
Call TP @ 289-221-0928 or email  tpeproductions@gmail.com

Rock & Roll Lives! Daniel Mendez Band

Deli House Catering Hall 1220 Stellar Lane Newmarket

Recently, in the middle of a discussion I was having with some colleagues, one in the grouping being Johnny from Deli House Catering - a longtime Newmarket mainstay - suddenly blurted out,
 
"I want you to think about this before answering but don't you think rock & roll is dead?"

before adding, while turning to me who had also just announced entering the 2012 Collingwood Elvis Festival, "Not Elvis I don't mean" he'd said ironically, "But think about it, what rock stars exist anymore that aren't old?"

My initial reaction was to say that of course this was absurd, that there were lots of talented bands and players out there still like.. like... well besides, the old music is now becoming "in" with the younger generation it seems. Even my own daughter thinks The Beatles were the best band that ever lived. Who can argue that one? But then who can argue Johnny's point? And further, if he's right, what can be done to make sure, as they say, rock & roll never dies?

Tom Pearson's Elvis shot

I have the unique experience of having once "worked" with boy bands 'inventor" and Author of the book " Bands, Brands, and Billions", Lou Perlman. Of course that was as an Associate Producer on a musical to be, "Red Riding Hood", and Lou was a Co-Executive Producer. Prior I'd worked on Supercross the Movie, which Perlman also had a stake in and front end Executive Produced memory serves. Anyway, it was to star one of the former boy band members. It'll come to me. It wasn't Justin Timberlake, although he didn't do too badly either, and was going to be directed by Randl Kleiser, the same Director as "Grease", top grossing movie musical of all time.

It was surreal when execs from L.A. flew down at xmas to take us out for an expensive lunch and got Lou himself on the phone. At any rate, this was all before Perlman was busted and sent to jail for tax evasion or something and projects like this fell through.

So I lost out working on a dream project, saddled as a single dad with two kids & no lucrative project we thought we'd be working on for the next few years, whilst Perlman got sent to likely a cushy retirement-like residence with a golf course knowing his pull / money. Jury's out on who got the better deal! Ha! Joey Fatone! That's it! Ha! Someone else has since successfully produced a Red Riding Hood movie of course. Doh!

I did manage to learn some lessons about "branding" from him though, such as at the core the talent has to be there.The Backstreet Boys could sing and dance, there was no question, but as a group dynamic that is an area that can be underestimated in a music world in which only some cream gets to rises to the top.

 

"Groups have to have the 'it' factor - whether manufactured or real - just like any good movie where the characters are all well defined. Same goes with a music group." Tom Pearson

A few years back; I "discovered" a band that I thought was just unbelievable called Sean Stephens and the Chaos System. At the time I'd walked into a pool-hall / bar, with no expectation that the band playing would be anything more than a good coverband at best. What a great surprise, as the original, powerful tunes with such a unique sound intrigued and moved me. Still does when I listen to their CD's of the now disbanded band with former leader Sean now owning his own computer company. I had booked and promoted them for several years and they performed in a documentary I produced called " A Thin Pink Line". Turned out I'd interviewed the band's Producer, who's son also played bass for the band, for a tv show I'd hosted called Out & About and he'd worked with the legendary Music Producer Bob Ezzerin. No wonder they were good.


Recently I came upon a band playing at an open stage held at of all places a costume house - Myers on Main in Newmarket, Ontario, Canada. Same street they recently shot the remake of Carrie. Well same street. Anyway ther was a band there that gave me that same feeling, only more so. Called Daniel Mendez Band, they are all younger and less saddled with families and kids it seems (than SSCS was making them hard to book), and in the short time I spent around them, all seemed dedicated to the band and their music, and basically just loved to play which ultimately comes out in the performances.

Daniel Mendez Band

When I initially asked the name of the band no one answered, but all looked to the obvious leader and songs' composer/vocalist/guitarist, Mendez.

 

"These guys have "it". You watch how confident this kid is and you can tell the band loves playing with him. These are all elements that matter in the end for bands to really make it - a healthy respect for their leader and great music". Tom Pearson

Even as individuals they work - and from a marketing perspective - most highly successful bands have well defined individual characters. Look at The Beatles for example, and if you want to look at extremes of manufacturing an image, The Monkeys. As a kid I'd watch guys in the different bands and wonder how they got into it, and what they were like offstage. That kind of "mystique" I think is what attracted our generation. It was that connection.


But this music group seems to gel naturally and doesn't need a phony, manufactured image to define them. The quiet, back-ground hugging, yet likely multi-talented lead guitarist appeals to some I'm sure, as does the almost nerdy but meticulous playing keyboardist, and girls will fawn over the long ,wild, flowing-haired  drummer who always looks like he's having fun as he rocks on in haphazard looking, but spectacularly timed fashion. The tight group's bassist does more than hold his own with background vocals too, and is maybe the 'coolest" looking of the bunch. Clean cut leader Daniel Mendez, dressed almost as if ready to attend an outdoor, Latino, church event, can sure rock though. Not only vocally, but on guitar as well, not to mention he's the composer of all these tunes.


Daniel Mendez Band have the right stuff, catchy enough to reach mainstream, complicated enough to appease the die-hards and fun enough to really enjoy.

If you'd like to hear more or book them let us know and we'll see what we can do..but..no promises as a recording contract surely is inevitable, and along with that, new rock & roll stars that Canadians and the world will love!

By the way Johnny I'll be in to book another rock & roll show tonight for your DHC Hall! So who says rock & roll is dead Johnny? Ha...we shall see!! Thank-you, thank-you very much!

TP OUT!

TP Elvis has left the building er Collingwood Festival

   Elvis has left the building! What an experience the Collingwood Elvis Festival was! I think I was able to crack the Elvis brotherhood by belting out some okay tunes, but it was not without its moments including missing the final day from a lack of an available vehicle.

  After arriving, I was dropped in Wasaga which is about 25 minutes from Collingwood the location for the event where I would stay for the duration of the festival, and from where I'd make my way into Collingwood each time I had to do a show or to pick up info.

  I arrived Thursday to sign in and pick up my schedule but it wasn't ready yet as they'd not yet changed the time to what we discussed before coming, then was told to go back to the office in an hour and it would all be straightened out as they'd have a new events sheet for me. It wasn't and they didn't, so I asked " But my first stage time is still 2pm on Fri correct ?" Yes I was told. "Okay then", I'd said, "I'll come back earlier tomorrow (Fri) & pick it up". Fine they said.Ha.

  My shuttle arrived for Fri's show at a time already pushing it, as I knew I still had to make my way to the office, but wasn't too worried until after arriving and being told my new time would be at 1:21PM...it was already 1:15 when I walked in!

  "What happened to 2pm?" I muttered to no one in particular...didn't have time to much anyway, as straight from there I had to make my way through a wall of people to the main stage  - with no time to spare!

  I'd barely let the stage manager know my name, when I was ushered to the "on deck" area where I had to struggle to stay focused as a woman bugged me to sign her program, and with me trying to get a listen to the live band I'd be singing with for the first time. As my name was called I strutted up the stairs and managed to quickly mumble to the guitarist,

   "Is that the mic?" pointing to the one left backwards on the stand from the previous Elvis before walking off.

"Yea", he nodded.

  It all seemed a bit surreal, my usual pre-stage routine of going over the song (or show) in my mind and reviewing lyrics would have to be skipped. And then there I was "naked" on a stage with back up singers using an unfamiliar key, throwing me off, and with no monitors for me to hear myself sing! Talk about being thrown to the wolves...ever tried to sing when you can't hear a word you are singing along with off tune back ground singers in your ear ...and 20,000 people watching? It's tough let me tell you, so I was glad it wasn't the competition because it just wasn't sounding right, and at the time I wasn't sure why. Then the band played beyond how the song actually goes further confusing me, and I had to think on my feet to keep it going. In the end it was good practice for the actual competition (done with c.d.) but I would not have been able to do an entire show like that, and other Elvises were communicating the same concerns with me backstage at the curling club where our actual competition songs were sung the next day. We'd hoped it'd be different there and it was luckily.

  After getting through that first fiasco I went back to the office where they finally had my schedule ready but when I got home and opened it I noticed the "free tickets" aloted me to one of the premium shows which is part of the deal when you sign up were for a time when they'd penned me in to perform and you weren't allowed to give them away! So once again on the day of my competition show, I brought this up and again was told it would be rectified if I could come back in an hour and again it wasn't as I left with the same tickets. I offered them back since I couldn't go(or give them away) but was told they'd rectify it and hold onto them. I still have them!

  In between I made my way along with my "throng" of supporters over to the location to sing "Don't be Cruel", alongside the other Elvises, for judging in front of a live crowd. It was a bit nerve wracking but not overly as I at least had time to mentally go over the song and ended up belting it out mistake free and sounding pretty good. I guess the judges didn't though as I didn't make the semi final round (I'd find out the next day), although the other Elvis backstage with me seemed to think I aced it and so did my throng. Another said maybe you have to put in your time...at any rate I wait on baited breathe to find out what I supposedly did "wrong". Maybe the version I sang was from "newer" Elvis? Who knows I thought I covered it well and don't think I'd do it much different other than my mic was left wrapped around the stand, so when I went to remove it to walk around I couldn't, and had to then stay close to the stand onstage which may have cost me some dancing etc and eye contact. Next time Ill check that first. Even a female Elvis apparently looks and sounds more like him than I? Geez how masculine do I feel? Anyway I did my best and thank-you, thank-you very much.


  Sat morning at 8am of the Elvis weekend, I was first in a group shot of Elvii followed by the parade which is watched by thousands. This was fun allowing me to point at cameras and "thank-you very much" people along the route from my perch in a military vehicle, the highest spot in the parade! But with a youthful contingent having their way at our cabin in between shows, I was also struggling to get any rest. Hey man I'm not getting any younger and don't these 'youths" ever freakin sleep!!?

  I managed to contain my disappointment and returned to Collingwood Hyundai where I was on the bill as a performer and where I finally got an opportunity to really belt some tunes out and strut my ELVIS stuff! I also incorporated some dancing to my tunes sung and rocked out to an unrehearsed " Hound Dog", having lead in with the story of my next door neighbour's pooch in my stand-up Elvis routine...Even here I'd been told all along I needed only 3 songs, but at Hyundai they wanted 40 mins from me so I utilized some stand-up comedy into the mix to fill in my time, and felt really in my element. I know I did well with one woman telling me " you guys all have the voice pretty much but none had the expressions like you(I) did", and so I'll take that away with me as a positive!

  Still, with all the apparent screw- ups, getting no free shows to see, being shorted on my show prep , being blind-sided with 40 mins of material, and missing the final party, it was still all in all a fun time that my family (some) also got to partake in and enjoy, so Collingwood for that...Thank-you, thank-you very much!

 Tom Pearson has left the building..