Success at 50?

   So, today I turn 50.  Cool.  Feeling good.  In relatively good health.  I’ve surrounded myself with the most amazing group of friends & family I could ever imagine.  To me, they're truly cool and gifted people, from all different walks of life.   Authors, Chefs, Musicians, Educators, Drivers, Artists, Doctors, Nurses, Retirees, Sales Reps, Small Business Owners, Photographers, Ex-girlfriends, Childhood friends, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Nieces, Nephews, Actors, Managers, Co-Workers, to name a few examples …and even Facebook acquaintances from all over the world with something similar or compatible with me to keep life interesting and enrich my life.  People I love having in my circle of family & friends.  

  Growing up, I knew early on my focus was not going to be on a specific career path.  I’d learn skills of interest to me and apply them as I moved forward and evolved as a person.   Somehow I knew at an early age, for me personally, my focus would be elsewhere.  I wouldn’t be measuring my personal success against a specific line of work or income.  To me success would be something else completely. 

   Within the first year of leaving high school.  I’d introduced 2 separate sets of close friends that got   married (and still are to this day).  I thought that was pretty cool being the match-maker; I could do it for them, so I could do it for me.  But then years and years went by and I was still officially single.  The brief thought of ‘why wasn’t I married?’ had to leave my mind as quickly as it entered.  I had to realize pretty quickly that it’s different for everyone.  My father at 35 years of age, had a long-term/stable career and 6 kids; but that didn’t mean that was going to be me.  Growing up, most of us are taught, somewhere between parental guidance and peer pressure that; you go to school, when that’s done, you get a job, when that’s stable, you get a life partner, a place to live, maybe have kids, maybe not, and live happily-ish ever after.   In ‘the greatest generation’, that’s how we were brought up.

   Well, that sure ain’t set in stone!  Most of the people in my circle know that now, through their various and very personal life experiences.   To me, success was not going to be defined by the terms of my surroundings or even by society.  No, I would do that for myself.  

  Success to me, is to be happily employed.  Hold a decent job, for a decent wage, keep a good work ethic and leave most days with a certain level of ‘job satisfaction’, that I made a difference in that workday.    

   Success to me would also mean, I needed to have good relationships with my parents and siblings.  Not perfect, it rarely is, but good & civil.  My family is awesome and we get through what comes our collective way.  It's not always easy, but ya do it.   

  I also needed to surround myself with quality fun people with like-minded interests and values.  I’ve got the nuttiest wackiest group of friends, and I love ‘em!  They’re such a huge part of my life. 

   Most important of all, to me, success would mean a happy home life.   At the end of the day, a place to live and a partner to share my life with.  It's that simple.  My wife doesn't define me, she compliments me.  She still has her life with her friends, and I still have my life with my friends, and then we have our life with our friends.  It's really cool and it works. 

   So, reflecting on 50.  I haven't massed monetary wealth, but I'm perfectly ok with that.  My wealth, and yes to me it is wealth, is my circle of family, my wife and my friends.  They rock!  Amazing people that help and encourage me on this wild ride of life experiences.  Moving forward through life’s ongoing challenges (and ya gotta keep moving forward).  I'm lucky and blessed to have them in my life; and THAT makes me feel damn successful! 

Why I'm voting for both Doug & Rob Ford

   Politics.  One of the most personal topics one could chat about. (the other that comes to mind is religion, but that's not for today)  People are not going to agree with you 100% on your beliefs.  Everyone's got their opinion of what their particular beliefs means to them.  I enjoy debate and conversation.  I've got friends that have very different opinions regarding politics.  Often very opposing, but it can still be discussed with respect and at the end of the discussion we're still friends.  In this, my little corner of the interweb, I'm going to chat briefly about politics. 

   We've got a pretty big political race going on right now in my city.  Toronto.  I've lived here for most of my life and have seen Mayors & Councillors come and go.  I've really liked some, and really disliked others.  Not everyone's going to be happy with an election outcome; but we've have a democratic process in place and I'm thankful for that. 

   I'm a big Rob & Doug Ford supporter, and I'll tell you why.

   Before he was my Mayor, Rob Ford was my Councillor here in Ward#2.  If I called the city of Toronto regarding a city issue.  I couldn't get anyone to return my calls.  Not once.  So, I went to my Councillor at the time Rob Ford, and he answered me the same day?!  Huge points for that.  I've never experienced a politician like that, ever.  I had a property issue that the city of Toronto was supposed to deal with but wouldn't.  The day after he contacted me, Rob Ford had three different city departments meet with him and myself on my front lawn and told them to fix my issue and that he'd be back to check.  The city crews worked together and fixed my property issue that week, and on the weekend Rob Ford came back to my home to verify the work was done and it was done to my satisfaction.  It was, and I thanked him for his service.  After that, I decided to go to a few community planning meetings and Rob was always there.   The guys truly cares.  He was really involved with my community and that in turn got me interested more in my own community.   When you meet him, one of the first things he does is give you his phone number and tells you to call him if you need anything city related ; and he means it. 

   Then he ran for Mayor, and I knew from my experience as him as my Councillor, he's exactly the kind of politician I'd want as my Mayor.  I wanted someone who will be there when I needed them and I knew I had that with Rob Ford.  Besides that; I agreed with his ideas for my city.  I was quite excited when he won for Mayor; but that excitement was rather short lived as he had a city council that had many council members that promised to work against him, regardless of the issue, from his very first day as Mayor. Disagreeing with anything he said by default.  Just to be contradictory.   Hard to move forward with a city council like that.

 

  Then came a few personal problems.  I'm not blind to them.  I just don't care.  Simple as that.  When people say 'he's embarrassing the city of Toronto', I completely disagree.  He may be embarrassing himself from time to time, but he's sure not embarrassing me, or anyone else in my city.  I don't condone some of the things he's done in his private life.  But those are his issues and he'll figure them out in his own way, in his own time.  I'm not judging him.  I won't.  I just know that as long as he returns my calls to help me with city business he's got my support.  I'm a pretty loyal guy and I don't abandon someone just because they have problems.  

  Now, he's got his health issues.  So, he had to drop out of the Mayor's race; but maybe I'll be lucky enough to have him back as Councillor!   His brother Doug is now running for Mayor.  

   I actually have the same respect for Doug as I do Rob. That's because I had the exact same experience with Doug as I did with Rob.  When Rob became Mayor, his brother Doug became my Councillor here in Ward#2.  I had the same issue with city property, I called Doug, the next day he met with a crew at my home, got the issue fixed, came back and met with me to ensure the job was done to my satisfaction.  So, I know from personal experience that both Rob & Doug make the time for those that need them; and that's HUGE with me.  I've lived in Mississauga, Brampton and Quebec City in my adult life, and this level of service was unheard of by me.  Besides, I like the fiscal accountability that they're known for and  I LOVE the transit plan!  

   

   I just don't share the same ideas and values as the other candidates running for Mayor of my city.  In most of their platform ideas, I feel strongly opposed to.  So, because of the level of personal service I've received from both Rob & Doug Ford, and I know how much they care about community, they've both got my vote!  I actually feel lucky that I'm in a position to be able to support and vote for both of them!  

 https://www.facebook.com/dougfordcampaign

Crazy Concert Memories

Crazy:  Defined in so may ways...
 

1. mentally deranged; demented; insane.

2. senseless; impractical; totally unsound:

3. intensely enthusiastic; passionately excited:

4. very enamored or infatuated (usually followed by about):

5. intensely anxious or eager; impatient:

6. unusual; bizarre; singular:

7. wonderful; excellent; perfect:

So with those definitions in mind; wow.  Can't just pick one.   

More than a few come to mind, some crazier than others.  Sometimes it’s just stupidity.  Other times it’s being blown away by talent.  I love being entertained. That’s why I’m there in the first place; for that entertaining experience.  And it’s doesn’t always have to be the big production or spectacle. Entertain me the way you see fit.

October 1987: Heart, Bad Animals tour.  Some guy in a wheelchair, was into the concert so much that he forgot he was in the wheelchair, stood up, walked around a bit cheering for the encore.  Oh ya, that was me.  I bought 4 tickets stapled together from a scalper and didn’t check the tickets closely enough.  Come the day of the show, the last ticket actually said “Wheelchair Location”. Not wanting to miss the show, I borrowed my grandfather’s wheelchair and went to the concert with my buddies in that wheelchair.

June 1988: Def Leppard Hysteria Tour.  The crazy thing about this show, was just how blown away me, the two women I was with, and everyone else at the show; at the pure talent of Rick Allen.  This was his first appearance in Toronto after the car crash that took his left arm (and the last Toronto visit for guitarist Steve Clark before he died)   Rick was drumming better with only one arm than many drummers I’ve seen with the use of both arms.  Incredible and inspirational.  That show remains one of the coolest rock experiences I’ve ever had.

July 1988: I saw Whitesnake (and first time seeing my favourite band Great White as they opened up) and as David Coverdale was singing 'Crying In The Rain'. It actually rained.  Only during that song. Coverdale took full advantage of this and said "How's that for special effects Toronto!"

Same concert…. The CNE Grandstand always had long line up for the bathrooms.  This night the lineups were longer than the usually crazy lineups. Maybe more beverages consumed that night?  Maybe.  But the guys line up was so long, the more impatient male concert goers, also lined up at the sinks to pee.  Nasty! 

December 1989: Rolling Stones ‘Steel Wheels’ show in Toronto.  My buddy and I were lined up outside on that cold December night.  Waiting for the doors to open into Skydome.  The guy in front of us was complaining loudly about how cold it was.  He seemed dressed for it, with his long ‘outback’ style coat.  Finally he had enough.  He stepped out of line, walked over the glass doors, and ‘kung-fu-ed’ his way in.  Literally punched through the glass door and walked in.  Security immediately surrounded him, then they saw who it was, and instead of arresting him they all got out their little black books for an autograph.  It was Kung-Fu actor David Carradine.

August 1991:  Judas Priest concert was just beginning.  ‘Hell Bent For Leather’ was the opening track.   The band comes out and starts playing.  K.K. Downing on one side, and Glen Tipton on the other.  Scott Travis on the drum set elevated up at the back of the stage.  A few bars into the song, a drawbridge style door opens underneath the drummer; and vocalist Rob Halford screams out on his motorcycle.  The problem was, he seemed to be going too fast.  On the way out he hit is head off the top of the door.  Knocked him off the bike and out cold.  Tipton and Downing walk in front of him and continue playing a complete instrumental version of ‘Hell Bent For Leather’ while the medics attend to Mr. Halford.  Turns out he’s got a broken nose.  Went on to finish the concert.  Word on the street was that after the concert Halford went to the hospital to get his nose set, and didn’t rejoin the band.  The events that followed…. Halford leaving the band, and being replaced by Tim ‘Ripper’ Owens (who was in a Judas Priest cover band at the time) was the inspiration for the 2001 Mark Wahlberg & Jennifer Aniston movie “Rockstar”.   Rob Halford came back to Judas Priest in 2003.

November 1992:  Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull has to stop the concert at Massey Hall, because some loogan through a bottle of rum onstage and it bounced off his head and stopped the show.  Who throws glass bottles at the performers?  It wasn’t even empty.  Ouch!  If you don’t like the show, leave, don’t ruin it for the rest of us.  Crazy-ass-bottle-throwing-bitch! 

December 1993: Q107 Music Awards Show. There was a long bar separating the concert crowd with the celebrities and musicians taking part.  Sebastian Bach was called up for an award.  He was at the back of the place sitting with Kim Mitchell.  When called up, he jumped on the bar, walked all the way along the bar purposely kicking off everyone’s drinks in the process; then hopped up onto the stage.  So you’ve now got broken glass and assorted beverages sprayed around the crowd.  Love his voice, but the guy can be a dick!  

Sebastian Bach & Kim Mitchell at a Toronto music awards show.

Same show: Watching Junkhouse’s Tom Wilson playing “Going Out Of My Head’ and rocking out to this great tune.  The problem was that his hair was so long and shaggy he couldn’t see.  So, he’s ‘head-banging’ as he’s walking around playing guitar.  The dude walked right off the stage!

July 2003:  A festival concert headlining the Rolling Stones, which guested AC/DC, RUSH, The Guess Who and …Justin Timberlake?  Not a good fit for the rock & roll crowd.  He got booed, which I sort of expected.  Just a bad mix for that crowd.  What I didn’t expect is the water bottles being thrown at him.  Some of them were actually pee from concert goers that didn’t’ want to make the trek to all the way to the bathroom. Throwing bottles of pee. Who does that?  In this YouTube video you can see the bottles flying a few times though his performance.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W21e9xQyVjg

Twice, I’ve had Myles Goodwyn from April Wine stop a concert because he caught me taking his picture.  Didn’t resume playing until I put my camera way.  Dude, it’s just a photo.

'Dude, I'm not playing another note until you put that camera away'.

 Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers & Chickenfoot).  The guy is just nuts.  Incredibly entertaining, but if any of you have ever seen him live, you know how crazy he is on stage.

Yep, he's drilling the side of his head.

Ya, he's standing on his drums threatening to pee.

 Love the hijinks of some artists and band that truly make the concert a spectacle.  It’s not always necessary, but it can be entertaining.  David Lee Roth comes to mind when he set up the boxing ring set out in the crowd, or his flying surfboard or his gargoyles that peed booze or ice tea (depending on the reports) on the crowd.  I wasn’t close enough to get sprayed so I can’t say exactly what it was.

David Lee Roth with his flying surfboard and boxing ring in the background.

Gil Moore from Triumph driving around the around the stage while playing his car-like drumset back in 1988.  Gene Simmons breathing fire and Paul Stanley Zip-lining over our heads.

Paul Stanley Zip-lining over the crowd.

Good times.  No, amazing times.

I'm sure after I post this, more will come to mind.  The live concert experience has been a part of my life since the 80's.  I don't do it as often as I did then.  Back then, concert tickets were between $25 and $40 and I went all the time.  Not the hundreds of dollars it is now.  Damn the Eagles.  (with their "Hell Freezes Over" tour, they started with the crazy tickets prices.  And if they could do it....most other bands followed suit.)  I've seen more shows then I could ever count.  It's a true passion. And with hundreds of shows seen, there's bound to be some craziness or wackiness along the way.   But I'm ok with that, to paraphrase the late Kurt Cobain... Here I am, now entertain me. 

Shelter Me! (taking the high road)

   Listening to the solo album “Shelter Me” by Jack Russell on the way into work today.  I couldn't help but reflect on my favourite band Great White and its history.  This week I bought a ticket to a Jack Russell Great White summer show.  That show is a 10 hour drive from my place in Toronto.  The other version of Great White is playing 2 weeks later and that venue is only 1 hour away from my house.  I found it a little sad that, the version of the band that is coming so geographically close, has very little interest to me now.

   I’ve always admired Michael Lardie, and still do to a point.  That guy knows music and is crazy versatile!  I even enjoy  Mark Kendall’s guitar playing.  I’d buy future solo albums from either of those guys if that happens.  But, Terry’s singing was just so bad; I can’t do it.  Even with the talent the other guys in the band have; (and attitudes aside, you know there’s talent there, you can't deny it) I can't do it.  Yes the rest of the band can rock, I don't think anyone would question that.  But I've decided I can't get past that voice.  Maybe Terry’s voice works for XYZ, and that's fine; but it just depletes the Great White songs I've loved for so long now.  

   It’s cool to see Jack often taking the high road.  On his monthly Radio Screamer Show  ( http://radioscreamer.com/jack-on-archives/jack-on-with-jack-russell-2/ ) show he mentions Lardie a couple of times. Right after he played "Shelter Me"; Jack says 'ya gotta give him his due credit'.  Acknowledging that Lardie played guitar, keyboards and co-produced the record.  Later on in the same show, after playing "Silent Night" he says "I just wanted to give Michael Lardie credit on that one. He actually played the solo, and it was such a great solo for the song that I decided to keep it in the song.  So kudos to him."  Yes, he said exactly that.  So, even though Jack knows the shit-storm of crap the some of other guys try and create by verbal accusations and finger pointing; Jack puts that aside and give kudos and credit to Lardie.  In my book, that's a class act.  I wonder if Lardie or anyone in the other band would say the same about Jack?  From what I've been hearing and reading directly from the other band members, likely not. It's sad that they can't say anything positive about a guy that right along side them, cranked out song after rockin' song, year after rockin' year.  So, like I said its sad; but I'd rather drive 10 hours to see a singer give it his all, then drive an hour to see a guy just going through the motions.

Great White.

  Music.  I’d say it’s created to stimulate some type of emotional response.  You hear music and you feel something.  You feel happy and crank it up and do your best ‘air guitar’ or sing along. You can feel mellow and relaxed, or reminisce to a past experience in your life, even a song you don’t care for still makes you annoyed enough to change the dial or change the song.  Point is you feel something; and because of that, music has become one of my biggest passions in life.  Supporting live music is a very important part of my life.

  Lately  I’ve been going to concerts at a local bar called The Rockpile here in Toronto.  This bar is relatively new and is a rather small venue, so the term ‘intimate’ might apply.  Because of the size, it makes it a good place so see your favourite band.  Everyone is up close and personal.

  During this past summer, The Rockpile was host to both versions of my favourite band; Great White.

  Version one has Jack Russell leading a group of real talented rockers. These guys are so much fun to watch!  Matthew Johnson, Robbie Lochner, Derrick Pontier and Dario Seixas.  They put on a great show; full of the energy you’d expect for this kind of rock.  Jack still has the voice.  My favourite voice in music, period.  Before and after the show it was cool chatting with all the guys in the band.  No particular topic; but it’s cool to me being able to have light conversation with the guys in the band.  Not really putting them on a pedestal, just respectfully admiring them and having some small talk.   

  Jack got a little emotional welcoming the crowd and thanking them for still being out there for him. Why wouldn’t he?  He’s had a tough road back since his recovery from his addictions and surgery to correct a perforated bowel. Many people, including his former band mates, figured he was done.  Wrong.  Jack is back; and he still sounds so great!

The set list was, (if I can read my handwriting from that night!) :

Call It Rock 'n' Roll

Desert Moon

On Your Knees

Save Your Love

Mista Bone (which had  Jimi Hendrix cover Voodoo Child with Matthew Johnson on vocals in the middle)

Can of Wupas (Robbie’s guitar solo)

House of Broken Love

Save Me (Matthew Johnson on vocals)

Can't Shake It

Rock Me

Encore:

Once Bitten Twice Shy 

  So, it was a fantastic show. One of the best shows in recent memory; and it gave me the opportunity to get Jack’s autograph again.  I had this photo that was comprised of 2 photos of me & Jack, taken 18 years apart.  I thought it be cool to have it signed.  Thanks Jack.

 

   Version two of the band, has Terry Ilous (from the band XYZ) on vocals (I still don’t know how to pronounce his name, could someone tell me?!)  and with him, the guys I’ve become used to listening to for so many years.  Michael Lardie, Mark Kendall, Audie Desbrow and Scott Snyder.  It was a good show. I liked seeing these guys in such a small club.  The crowd was less than 100 people. The band sounded great!  At this point, I’m going to quote Jack Russell...
 

"They don't sound bad. How could they? I mean, these are guys that I played with for 30 years. I didn't play with those guys because they were slouches. But the sound of the band is so completely changed with that singer.”  - Jack Russell on Bravewords.com Friday, August 17, 2012

And I agree 100%. 

 The band was bang on as I expected.  These guys still have 'it'. They're awesome.  They've still got that sound I've loved for so long.  It sounded sooo good; but then Terry starts singing.  I really don’t get him as a singer.  Really not much of a range, at least not that night.  Maybe I missed something?  (XYZ never made it big in Canada.)  His voice isn't that bad, but it's not that good either.  Average.  It also really bugged me that he had to have the words to the songs in a binder by his feet.  If you're a professional, learn the words!  If you don't know them, then you're not ready for the tour!  It makes it seem like he had to rush to get on tour and not even take the time to learn the songs.  Anyway, that's just my opinion.

The set list was:

Desert Moon

Lady Red Light

Down on Your Knees

I’ve Got Something For You

House of Broken Love

Save Your Love

Lowdown

Mista Bone

Big Goodbye

Rock Me

Encore:

Can’t Shake it

Once Bitten Twice Shy 

   After the show, there was the usual interaction that Rockpile is becoming known for by fans.  They guys in the band walked around chatting with anyone pretty much everyone that was hanging around signing whatever the fans wanted.  Personally, I got Mark to sign my solo cd Mark Kendall : 2.0, and we chatted briefly about the cd.  He made special mention of Stan Leisenring, the drummer on that cd, and how Stan beat out over 400 other drummers in a Buddy Rich drumming contest.  I really like that cd.   Somehow it would have been less painful to have Mark sing on their latest cd “Elation”, instead of Terry.  Mark certainly hasn’t got the range of Jack, not many do, but Mark’s voice lends itself very well to a blues style of music.  Anyway, I’d prefer Mark's voice over Terry, and actually told him so.  I had no desire to get into the ‘Great White drama’ with him.  It’s not really my business.  I either like the music or I don’t.  I don’t care much about all the personal crap that goes on between band members in any band.  I never have.  The music world can be a nasty place.  Rumours get out and spread all over the world.  I remember growing up and people gossiping about Freddie Mercury’s sexual preference , David Bowie, Rod Stewart, Elton John..... and on and on....  Who cares?  They’ve made a career of making music, and as fan or consumer I either buy it and enjoy it, or I don’t.  Their personal life doesn’t enter into it, it’s their business not mine.  For years, I’ve been hearing that guys like Noel Gallagher, Gene Simmons, Lars Ulrich, Ted Nugent, Axl Rose...etc..are assholes.  Don’t know, don’t care.  Entertain me, or step aside because someone else will. 

    In 1984, Van Halen was my favourite band. Loved the sound of that band and they were extremely entertaining.  Then, 1985 happened and everything changed.  You know the story, Sammy came in, then Dave again, then Gary, then Sammy again, then Dave...  Band drama aside, and regardless of the singer, there was some big time entertainment in the years that followed.  It sure didn’t sound the same once you change the vocalist.  Some people love Dave, some cheer louder for Sammy.  It’s a personal preference thing.  To me, this Great White splitting into two bands is similar.  I associated Van Halen with David Lee Roth, so once he was out, it wasn’t the same.  Sometimes it was good, other times it wasn’t; but it wasn’t the same.  Great White, same thing.  Change the singer, change the sound.  I associate Great White with Jack Russell.  The other Great White sounds great, but the vocals just don’t measuring up to the sound I’ve come to love from Jack.  Not even close.

  So, after my chat with Mark, I walked over to chat with Michael Lardie.  Lardie is one of my all time favourite musicians.  In my top 10 for sure; and I told him so.  We talked about music, and how it’s created to bring about an emotional response.  You gotta feel something, or why bother?  I complimented him on his harmonica playing.  I'm kind of a novice harmonica player myself, so I was watching closely to his harp playing that night.  So, we chatted and I thanked him for another great show.  I’ve seen him live 5 times; and I love watching him as he goes back and forth from guitar, harmonica, and keyboards.  Sometimes all in the same song!

  As, I turn to leave, Terry approaches me.  He might have noticed I chatted with Mark and Michael, but avoided him.  He sees my “Jack Russell’s Great White”, concert shirt I’m wearing and looks at me, smiles and says “Well, did ya have a good time tonight?  Were you entertained?”  I said, “Yes Terry, I actually was entertained”.  He replied, “Well, that’s all I can ask, isn’t it?”.  “Fair enough” I said.

  I get it. Terry’s probably having fun being the new lead singer; and he’s got people on both sides of the Great White fence.  Lovers and haters; approving and disapproving.  For me, he just hasn’t got the voice to fill Jack’s shoes.  No one does.  Just Jack; and right now he’s busy out on the road thanking his fans for 30 years of support and singing his songs in the way only he can.. 

Living the Dream

   Wow it’s dusty in here!  It’s been a long while since I posted in here.  Life just gets busy. The more life goes on, the busier it seems to get. Not that I’m complaining.  I’m certainly not.  There’s just always just so much going on.  Family & friends, keeping in touch with so many; connecting and reconnecting. Sometimes I feel like I’ve spread myself much to thin; but that’s pretty much called living life to the fullest, isn’t it?  Or, simply put. living the dream!  For me, that's a life with my wife and full of family, friends and some great music along the way.

Time to start sharing my thoughts again?

The League of Rock

  If you’re reading this, you probably know me; and if you know me, then you’ve probably heard me mention “The League of Rock”, and probably more than once!

  One Sunday morning in 2008, I awake to the sound of the police at my door.  Turns out there was an gold SUV complete with bullet holes, parked a couple houses down with 3 dead bodies in it.  With all the police activity on the street my wife Carla and I decided to get out to the movies, just to escape.  On the way back, we wondered if the police had finished their investigation and reopened the street; so we turn on 680 news and there we hear Rudy Blair talk about this thing call the ‘League of Rock’.  Sounded pretty cool!  We got home, Carla looked it up online and joined.  She liked it so much she went back…. 5 more times!  Tonight, at the Silver Dollar on Spadina it will be her 6^th showcase as the League 15^th session comes to a close.  Yes, people it’s that good.

  The League of Rock was founded in 2006 by Terry Moshenberg as a chance to let adults get together and jam and so much more. Along with business partner Topher Stott, they’ve created an amazing outlet for that inner musician that many adults have.  The League is for the everyday “9 to 5” type of adult that just wants to get together with like minded adults for musical growth and a ton of fun along the way.  It’s for musicians of all levels; those who are just starting out and want to apply what they’ve learned at a beginner level; to those that are more proficient.  But, leave your ‘diva’ attitude at the door; this League isn’t about who’s the better musician; it’s more about ‘let’s see what we can create collectively as a band within 10 weeks’, and trust me , you’ll have a ton of fun along the way!

 

  It’s a 10 week process that starts off with a “JAB” (Join A Band) session.  From there, you and your new band mates come up with the band name, and collectively come up with 3 songs for you to work on over the following weeks.  The weekly sessions are coached by professionals; people that know their music and come in for some constructive help as you and your band hone your skills and songs.  Past coaches included Dan Clancy of Lighthouse fame, Blair Packham from the Jitters, Terry Brown producer extraordinaire of Rush and Max Webster, Jeff Jones from Red Rider, Steve ‘Lips” Kudlow from Anvil, Zack Werner from Canadian Idol,  David Barrett, Michael White and so many more.  These guys know their stuff, and if you give them a chance they’ll help you and you band in ways you never even thought of.

  Halfway through the session, you do a couple of ‘live’ workshops.  It’s a chance to get out of the regular rehearsal space and play your songs in front of the other bands.  This is also a great learning experience; the bands are always learning from each other as they watch each other perform.

  By week 9 you’re ready to take one of your songs into a world class recording studio to record!  Each band receives a professionally recorded cd with each band’s song on it.  This ain’t no K-Tel product, you’re gonna be proud of this!

  Week 10 tops the whole session off with a ‘live’ showcase!  It’s time to show your friends and family what you’ve been creating with your band over the last 10 weeks.  I look at it as a celebration.  It’s celebrating what’s been created.  Yes, it’s music, but it’s also so much more.  You’ve learned new skills from listening to your professional coaches and even new friendships have developed. Keep in mind, 10 weeks ago, these people didn’t really know each other; now they’re a band!  They’re a team. They’ve had to rely on each other to do their part for the collective positive outcome; it’s teamwork.  They’ve learned more musically, but they’ve also learned more about themselves.

   I’ve met a lot of really cool, genuine people though the League of Rock, and I’m not even a musician!  They’re friendly and welcoming.  It’s all about adults having fun together through music. 

   I’m a music junkie, to me there is seriously no inappropriate time for music of some type.  Soft and mellow to set a mood, or cranked to 11 to melt the bad day you just had away.  I had my own dj business for 10 years, and maybe that was just an excuse to play more and more music.  Ya just gotta have music!

  The League of Rock has actually changed the way I hear music; and I mean that in the best possible way.  That comes from seeing and hearing the songs being recorded in studio as well and listening to the coaches and their constructive criticisms.

  Just about every song I hear on the radio, I think of how it would sound as a League of Rock presentation.   I think ‘man, I’d love to hear Kenny McNally sing that one out of the park’ or ‘‘ Shiva Van Halen’ could play that no problem’.  Music is dissected in my head more than ever.  It’s pulled apart and analyzed.  I think of how someone, or possible myself would perform that song in a League of Rock setting. 

   Just when I thought I couldn’t appreciate music anymore, the League of Rock has actually made me appreciate not just the music more, but the actual musicianship. The bands and the collective creative process.

  Well done Terry and Topher, you’ve got a real cool business going on here that brings a lot of happiness to music minded adults regularly.

   I invite you to come one out and see what it’s all about.  My wife and I have met some very cool people though the League of Rock.  People we now call friends.

  For more info, just ask me, or contact Terry & Topher through http://www.leagueofrock.com/

  Some day, the musical stylings of ‘Diamond Dave’ Wood will have to venture onto the League of Rock stage…  For now, I’ll stick with my karaoke, and maybe being the League of Rock’s unofficial photographer, but it’s coming…  

Why Wear A Poppy?

Geez! Has it been that long since I’m written here?! Wowsers. Time kinda gets away from me now and then. The summer was packed with friends, family and fun; and had little time for writing. Let’s get back to it!

Now that I’ve got a few minutes, time for a little reflection…

This week, I was at a book release event for Al McOrmond’s book “Portraits of Valour” (www.wdpublishing.com) which has collection of WWII portraits painted by the late Murray Saint. Accompanying each portrait is a story of the individual. This book was of particular interest to me because in it’s pages are my mother in-law Elsie McGhee and her late husband George (who had the nickname ‘Scorch’ in the war), along with George’s brother Albert (nicknamed ‘Muff’ in the war). It was pretty cool being there with Elsie; having her stand along side her portrait. So there are a few personal reasons to pause and reflect from my wife’s side.

On my side, there was my father’s father Doug Wood; and my Aunt Evelyn, Uncle Frank, Uncle Leonard and Uncle Norm. I’ve been told that my Grandmother Mary had the distinction of being one of the few, possibly the only, mother with 5 family members in the service at the same time in Canada. The story goes that there was a special Maple Leaf given to the homes of those that served and Grandma was the only one that had 5 displayed in her window. It just makes me think.

On Q107 a couple of days ago I heard John Derringer reciting this poem on the air and knew I wanted to share it here.

It’s called “Why Wear a Poppy” by Donald J Crawford.


WHY WEAR A POPPY
By Don Crawford

“Please wear a poppy,” the lady said
And held one forth, but I shook my head.
Then I stopped and watched as she offered them there,
And her face was old and lined with care;
But beneath the scars the years had made
There remained a smile that refused to fade.

A boy came whistling down the street,
Bouncing along on care-free feet.
His smile was full of joy and fun,
“Lady”, said he, “may I have one?”
When she’d pinned it on he turned to say,
“Why do we wear a poppy today?”

The lady smiled in her wistful way
And answered, “This is Remembrance Day,
And the poppy there is the symbol for
The gallant men who died in war.
And because they did, you and I are free –
That’s why we wear a poppy, you see.

“I had a boy about your size,
With golden hair and big blue eyes.
He loved to play and jump and shout,
Free as a bird he would race about.
As the years went by he learned and grew
And became a man – as you will, too.

“He was fine and strong, with a boyish smile,
But he seemed with us such a little while
When war broke out and he went away.
I still remember his face that day
When he smiled at me and said, ‘Goodbye,
I’ll be back soon, Mom, so please don’t cry.’

“But the war went on and he had to stay,
And all I could do was wait and pray.
His letters told of the awful fight
(I can see it still in my dreams at night),
With the tanks and guns and cruel barbed wire,
And the mines and bullets, the bombs and fire.

“Till at last, at last, the war was won –
And that’s why we wear a poppy, son.”
The small boy turned as if to go,
Then said, “Thanks, lady, I’m glad to know.
That sure did sound like an awful fight,
but your son – did he come back all right?”

A tear rolled down each faded cheek:
She shook her head, but didn’t speak.
I slunk away in a sort of shame,
And if you were me you’d have done the same;
For our thanks, in giving, is oft-delayed,
Though our freedom was bought – and thousands paid!

And so when we see a poppy worn,
Let us reflect on the burden borne
By those who gave their very all
When asked to answer their country’s call
That we, in peace, may see the sun.

Please wear a poppy, it says: “Well done.”


Everyone has their personal story of what Remembrance Day means to them and who they think of and why. I just hope you do, in whatever way suits you.