Ghosts, Goblins and Rock and Roll

I can't stop laughing.

I just got back from Ontario's annual booking conference, 'Contact'. It's no suprise that the showcase favorites were Classic Theatre alums. Not the least of which was top showcasers 'Dala' who've played on the Classic planks twice. The first time they warmed the crowd for Matt Good (and sold more CD's than the headliner) and the second time, played a 'ladies weekend' headlining one night with Suzie McNeil taking the second night. Based on the reaction of all the presenters in Ontario, we're going to be seeing alot more of Sheila and Amanada.

Solid showing from Classic crowd-faves the Abrams Brothers too. Everyone was asking 'how much' and 'when'...once again, the Classic could proudly say they beat the holiday line-up!

Next year this conference is in Parry Sound at the beautiful Stockey Centre. I've proposed 'Have You Hugged A Presenter Today?' T-shirts, but no one's buying.

Now that I'm done with the four day over-stimulation that is Contact, I've turned my attention back to headier things. Namely: why in the hell my Trews tickets are just sitting there? Rock n Roll's Last Stand nothing. I realize not everyone likes John McDermott, but a word to my younger audience: McDermott sells (okay, that was two). Sadly, if you want have 'cool' stuff at your disposal, you gotta buy tickets when it comes round. Still, I have hope...there are seven days left to move those tickets, and I'm crossing my fingers that it's all about the last-minute buyers for this show.

So there! Sing your heart out.

Bye Bye Mon Cowboy

It took me exactly one week to fully recover from my Doc Walker experience. I can't tell you what a good time it was. Occasionally (just occasionally) there are perks to this job, and one of them was definitely getting to spend time with Canada's best group on wheels (of all genres). If you missed the show here and can attend another date somewhere else, DO. You won't regret it. I've never been so let down to see the back of a tour bus...and that's saying something.

But, mine is a fickle career and I don't get time to lament on artists past...on to the next show. I'm going to take a moment to tell you about The Lost Fingers. Never heard of them? Clearly, you are not from Quebec, where their audience has made their album 'Lost in the 80's' a Platinum+seller. Yes folks, in a day when everyone steals music, this band has moved more than 100,000 albums. Not to mention a 'people's choice' nod at a little rock party we like to call the Juno's this year.

Who are they? Three guys from Quebec who were inspired by a gypsy-jazz guitarist named Django Reinhardt to create their own unique sound and style. Musically, they are best known for their brand of 'gypsy manouche'...and on their 'Lost in...' album they breathed life into some 80's favorites that maybe should've otherwise been left for dead.

'Pump Up the Jam' has never been this good.

When? Here's the fun part. Halloween. What better day to don your finest in 80's garb and hit the trail to the Classic Theatre to see what all the buzz is about. The show time has been moved back to 9:00 pm to ensure that all the little ghosts and goblins have already passed out from their sugar buzz.

Check out The Lost Fingers at http://www.thelostfingers.com/

If you need me, I'll be listening to my ipod...Mitsou, OMG!

Cracking Nuts and Doc Walker

A note to theatre manager's everywhere (taken from the obvious file): know what sells? The Nutcracker. Great school package+Tchaikovsky+professional dance company+Christmas dance favorite=one happy GM. Thank you Ontario Ballet Theatre, you are a pleasure and we are excited to welcome you in December.

I thought about using the nut concept to segue into my next topic, but in the interest of good taste, I've opted to type this paragraph instead.

Doc Walker...Speed of Life Tour...October 13th. Come on! The Classic Theatre in Cobalt has NO BUSINESS getting a show like this. We are too small, don't have enough seats, can't pay them what it's worth and are at best slightly south of nowhere. Nonetheless, Doc Walker can both find us on the map AND want to play for the people of Temiskamazing. Based on their updated show info it's gonna be the 'spectacular spectacular' too! Multimedia wonderment and lighting magic...all brought to us with two of my favorite road warriors, Tour Manager Kevin Bushey and Production Manager Ian Leary.

People, if you do not come to see this show you are foolish, foolish, foolish.

A word about the Doc fellas...GREAT! I could tell you about how fun and nice and down to earth they all are, but I don't want to sound like entertainment television. Suffice it to say that I'm excited to see them all again.

Did I mention that you've got to see this show? Maybe I wasn't being clear. They are the best country group in, well, the country. They're coming to Cobalt. It doesn't make a lot of sense, but don't question it...