It's nighttime in the Gatineau, and I am almost certain if the wind was blowing the right way, I might even hear the sounds of cheers & song coming from Le Breton Flats, home to the legendary Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest, not quite a twenty minute drive out of these here Hills. What a week it's been, and there is still one more left! Between band rehearsals, interviews with CTV http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZN1MIRXSVY with the A channel http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i96cwf8A1SQ and performances at the festival http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3NDHyKiyiJI&feature=related this week has been STELLAR!! On Thursday night we, the band and I, opened with a set ahead of The Moody Blues... they were great, and I was surprised at how many of their songs I actually knew, most of them bringing back memories from the good ole days when Saturday's were spent listening to music with my Mum. In any case, the show was a BLAST and we had it all recorded, with hopes that I can put a compilation of live sounds together for YOU kind readers out there... time will tell! On Friday, perhaps the most interesting night of performers (to me anyway) The John Butler Trio, Gord Downie & his new band, Courney Love & Joan Jett... what a NIGHT! Fortunately I had a SOLO gig in the Theatre in the War Museum, but unfortunately I missed one of my all time favourite music makers and lyricists, Mr. Downie and missed dancing with John Butler, but one can't be everywhere and luckily there is still a week left! So, tonight, I think I will finally sleep WELL. All this heat has made it almost unbearable to be anywhere that doesn't have a water source to jump into...here's thanking the Universe for creating that wonderful Gatineau River. And cheers to the music Lovers, I shall see YOU at The Bluesfest!! (One last thing, the "Be in the Band" performances are on Sunday the 18th. I, along with Mike Dubue from Ottawa's "Hilotrons" have been teaching some kids at Patro Community Centre on how to be in a BAND!! Wait til you hear the song they wrote and will perform on the 18th!! Exciting project indeed! There will also be other performances from other school and community centres around Ottawa, all courtesy of Mark Monahan & The Ottawa Bluesfest.. COME ONE COME ALL and see these kids realizing their musical dreams for the first time!!!)
Nominated by the Ottawa Xpress, BEST NEW MUSICAL ARTIST 2008!! Vote for me!!!
Greetings from what appears to be a Spring-like day. We had a blizzard a few days ago, out here in the hills. The snow came roaring down and attacked all the glorious trees, breaking some and eliminating all of the colours down to the ground. No more Autumn in an instant. But now, all the white stuff is gone and I am flat out confused. I think being a Canadian means being a "Seasonal" person. Somewhere deep inside there is a 'seasonal change' box that just knows when to switch to the next phase....well, mine doesn't know if it's living in Spring or Winter or somewhere between. How about you? One day the skis are out, the next day jean jackets! Whatever the case, confused or not, life is indeed strangely beautiful. I spent my Halloween listening to one of my favourite bands "The Sun Parlour Players". They are mad good, sweaty folk rock good. I passed the evening as a blood-sucking Vampire. It was great, noone knew who I was, so I could REALLY dance as if noone was watching.... I'm not such a dancer, usually I have to be filled with vast glasses of beer and even then it's like pulling teeth. I am meant for singing, that's my excuse but it doesn't always work that way. Especially if Loudlove is playing, they are my ALL TIME FAVOURITE OTTAWA BAND!!! Please check them out, they are on their way to the stars. NO doubt about it. When it comes to their music, beer or no beer, costume or no costume, I am all over that dance floor. Speaking of dance floors, "The Sadies" are playing on my birthday in Ottawa at Barrymore's. I think it'll be a swell night, so if you are reading this and are anywhere near Bank street on the 14th, let's have a cheers!!! I will keep you posted with what's happening next, but for now I have my fingers crossed that I will be voted "Best New Musical Artist of 2008" by the Ottawa Xpress. It's not usually my luck to win anything, but maybe, just maybe I will get lucky this time (with your help!!)Go to
http://www.ottawaxpress.ca/dossier/bestof/xpress2008.aspx MERCI!!! xo