UPCOMING

• Most Sundays: I'll be hangin'n'jammin' at the new Niagara Gallery at 4323 Queen St., Niagara Falls (across from City Hall), Ontario from 3pm to ?pm. Come on down!
• Ssshh... It may seem to be a little bit quiet around here right now, but that's because I'm assembling tracks for my new CD, consisting of all live recordings from various gigs over the past few months. So, if you see the red light come on over the door, try not to make too much noise. Thanks! Mini update: This is taking a while because I have over five hundred tracks to work through, spanning a six-month period...
• Speaking of my upcoming CD (working title: One), here's an offer you can't refuse: Come out to my next gig, sign my guestbook with your e-mail address, and get my CD for half price! When the CD is ready, I'll e-mail you a coupon that you can redeem for the discount.

NEWS

• 2008-06-29: Helen Kopec presented her "Notes From The Pit: A Monologue with Music" at the new Niagara Gallery to a capacity crowd. She recounted stories from her experiences in the perilous world of classical music in the Deep South. This performance was a preview of her upcoming shows at the Toronto Fringe Festival.
• 2008-06-22: I performed at the Crystal Beach Art Festival, June 22nd, from 1pm to 3pm at the Waterfront Park in Crystal Beach. It was a beautiful day, with sunshine and a nice breeze. I played from around noon to 5, then Wendell Blue's R&B band took over.
• 2008-05-30 to 2008-06-01: The city of Niagara Falls held it's first annual Springlicious Food Fair in the old downtown core. This Festival celebrates the revitalization of Queen Street that is now underway. I performed at 4555 Queen St. on all three days and met many wonderful people, so I'd like to say hi and thank-you to: Big John Little for the enouragement, Samantha Collison for the duets, Joyce and Carol, Brandon and CD and Lorenzo, Jay Reed, Katie Webb, Anna Reipmeister, Rose, Stacey for the chocolate and tea, Jessica for the ride and support, Phil, Indy, Dave, Violet, Dean, Patricia, and Melanie for the invite.
• 2008-05-31: At a private performance in Port Colburne for an art unveiling, but the weather was troublesome, to say the least! Afterwards, I went back to 4555 Queen St. for the Springlicious Food Fair.
• 2008-04-26: Bill King was the special guest of Bluesafire this Saturday afternoon from 3pm to 7pm at Fat Tony's, 131 King Street, St. Catharines, Ontario, (905) 988-3663. Bluesafire is: Mojo Willie on vocals and harp, Canada Dave Torosian on keys, Gary Kendall on bass, Jim Casson on drums, and Dave "Limpy" Curry on guitar. Mojo Willie was out of town and Canada Dave took the afternoon off because Bill King covered the keys - quite nicely, I must say! I played a set or two and also provided transport for Bill King. Thanks for putting up with my incredible sense of direction!
• 2008-04-20: We had a great time at the new Niagara Gallery (I call it "Gallery 2.0") at 4323 Queen St., Niagara Falls (across from City Hall), Ontario from 3pm to 7pm, for the Niagara College ADF/GDP End Of Year Show, entitled "A Decent Proposal". It's a big space, and I enjoyed the way the sound moved around in it. Thank you to Samantha Collison for joining me for a couple of tunes. Very nice! And thanks also to Kyleen for getting the courage to step up to the mic! These moments make life.
• 2008-04-19: I played a set tonight at The Anchorage, 186 Ricardo St. Niagara-on-the-Lake, 905-468-2141, in between sets by the Niagara Rhythm Section and their special guest Danny Marks. Mr. Marks was a blast - his energy was infectious, even though he'd already played a whole gig just before this one. He was always ready with one-liners, and even some two-liners. He should be at a comedy club! Thank you to host Steve Goldberger for letting me do my thing. Special thanks to my new number one fan, Doctor Brenda!
• 2008-04-08: Once again this year, I went to the National Jazz Awards at Palais Royale, 1601 Lake Shore Boulevard West, Toronto at 8pm. Boy, there's a lot of Jazz in Canada! The show went 'til past midnight, and it was clear who the real hardcore jazz fans were. But, then again, it was a school night... I had an extra ticket - so I gave it to the ticket takers and asked them to give it to someone who didn't have a ticket.
• 2008-03-23: We had fun at the Niagara Gallery today. Roddy Heading and his pals came by, and Roddy made a sketch of me while I was playing. You can see it in the comment box above. Thanks Roddy!
• 2008-03-06: Downtown Niagara Falls Ontario will soon be getting a boost with a re-vitalization project. Today I attended a meeting with two dozen artists, directors, and creative individuals at 4555 in Niagara Falls. The goal is to create a vibrant and active arts community and service resource. It's a very exciting opportunity for everyone.
• 2008-03-02: Jeff Healey lost his battle with cancer today. Here's what his publicist, Richard Flohil, wrote to me:
  Jeff really was a unique artist, a generous man, and someone with a great sense of humour who was made happy and content by his gift. He was one of the finest musicians I've ever had the privilege of hearing and knowing and working with. I have a feeling that he's already joined a new band; Louis is on first trumpet, Duke at the piano, and Stevie Ray and Jimi on guitars...
• 2008-02-23: I enjoyed seeing Maria Aurigema perform at The Anchorage in Niagara-on-the-Lake, backed up by Steve Goldberger and the (temporarily smaller) Niagara Rhythm Section.
• 2008-02-16: On this Saturday in February, a group of us performed in Fort Erie at the Red Ribbon Art Exhibit, at the Crossroads Centre (across from Fort Erie Race Track and Slots), 350 Bertie St., Fort Erie, Ontario, from 6pm-10pm. The event was presented by the Fort Erie Arts Council. Performers were: myself on vocals and NS/Stick, Vanessa Moreau on harp, Lauren Gallaccio on vocals and keyboards, and Richard Chamberlain on guitar with Carol on keyboards. Cellist Helen Kopec had to bow out due to an injury, but was there to support the rest of us. This event marks the third time I have been involved with the Fort Erie Arts Council, and I look forward to many more!
• 2008-01-11: Began my illustrious film career today! I performed as an extra in an upcoming production, where I had a couple of scenes as "The Man in Brown", with movement but no dialog. Later the director told me that my sense of continuity and timing was excellent, and as an actor I was good - but perhaps too good, since I stole every scene I was in...
• 2008-01-10: Jammed with vocalist Katherine Dubois at the Niagara Gallery. She performs with James Doolin & the Mob and other bands, and also is a founding member of the Stray Theatre Company, who just had their grand opening at their new home in The Space on Bond.
• 2008-01-06: My ears were still ringing with the sound of Chuck and the guys in NOTL but I felt the need for more, so I went down to the Cats Caboose for the Sunday blues matinee to see Chuck Jackson again. I met Lynn, John, Joan, and Jack, and we had a great time once again!
• 2008-01-05: For the second year in a row, I saw Chuck Jackson perform at The Anchorage in Niagara-on-the-Lake, backed up by Steve Goldberger and the Niagara Rhythm Section. It was a great show (of course)! I bumped into cellist Helen Kopec, who will be one of the featured performers at the Red Ribbon Art Exhibit in February.

2007

• 2007-12-21: The Solstice
  Passing through a doorway into the next space.
• 2007-12-15: Tonight, I played at the Crossroads Centre in Fort Erie, Ontario for the Heritage Arts presentation of "Earth and Sky", a collections of photographs by Jim Thibert, head of the economic development and tourism of Fort Erie.
• 2007-12-07: This was my last night at the Grill for this season. The travelling was getting tough at about 3 hours round-trip - and winter would be worse! I had a great time there, thanks to Sylvia and Warren who made me feel welcome. A shout-out to the rest of the gang: Rob, Danya, the very cool Lorena, and Cathy (with a C).
• 2007-11-16: My solo gigs at Mosquito Grill in Port Credit usually last for 4 or 5 hours with no breaks. I reckon if people are enjoying the music, why stop? While I'm playing, my mind is on a few aspects at once: I'm thinking of the vocal presentation and the lyrics, of course, but also the bass line, the guitar part, the interaction between the two, the percussive elements, and dynamics, tempo, and amplification, as well as working around the clang of dishes, smelling the aromas of the food, being aware of the changing lighting and heating, listening to various conversations, acknowledging who's coming and going, and so on. If my concentration breaks for any reason, I'll sometimes make a mistake in the lyrics, where I borrow lyrics from the next verse, so I'll make a mental note to reverse the error when I get there later. Imagine an octopus travelling down the sheet music, with some arms questing forward into the upcoming music and other arms reaching back. But there are times when all of this just goes away, and I am in the music - in the moment. It is for those rare and magical times that I live.
• 2007-10-03: Tonight I was on the jury for selection of art for a calendar. It was fascinating being part of the process, which involved flipping a coin to pick a winner and then drinking away the rest of the evening. Just kidding! In fact, we judges started with our own individual methods for selection, then we compared notes and discussed the finer points. For me, colour was a strong factor, but I was quite happy to see the number one position (the front cover of the calendar) going to a bold monochrome piece. Thanks to my fellow judges: Mikl for his guidance, Dean for his levity, and Jessica for her inspiration.
• 2007-09-19: I went to Carol McCartney's CD release party for her CD "A Night in Tunisia" at Live@Courthouse on Adelaide in Toronto! It was a great event, and the band was just about the same group of players as on the CD: John Sherwood on piano, Dave Young on bass, Terry Clarke on drums, Reg Schwager on guitar, Bob Brough on sax, Chase Sanborn on horns, with special guest Peter Appleyard on vibes. Carol has a wide vocal range - her upper and lower ranges are a joy to hear, and she has a wonderful stage presence. The tunes were arranged by John, and they were some interesting arrangements for sure, particulary the title track. Reg played great, with some solos that really ramped the energy level up. The rest of the band was good, too! On the soundboard was Dennis Patterson, who did a super job - I particularly liked the cymbals and vibes. Another highlight of the evening for me was to meet Peter Appleyard and thank him for inspiring me. His enthusiasm for playing is something that I was impressed with from an early age, and that must also be why I have a fondness for the vibes.
• 2007-09-08: The second day of the Southside Shuffle, I did a solo show from 6pm to 10pm at Thyme Ristorante 347 Lakeshore Rd E., 905-271-8871. I was out in the parking lot, playing back into the open front of the restaurant to a very appreciative crowd. Thanks to Robert for the conversation and the inspiration to do "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes" - you know what I mean!
• 2007-09-07: This was the first day of the Southside Shuffle, and drummer Jim Casson joined me at the Mosquito Grill, 7pm to 11pm. It was an interesting night. At first, we setup outside, in spite of the looming rain clouds. Well - you guessed it - it rained. So we moved inside. At a about 10pm the rain stopped and the streets were humming, so we moved back outside for a kicking set. Jim even had a chance to do an amazing solo on the cajon, which is a percussive box that also served as his seat for the night. Because of the move, I didn't record that last set, but the first two sets inside did make it into the laptop.
• 2007-08-25: I was in Crystal Beach making music for the "Lines of Colors" art show at the Buffalo Canoe Club, from 5pm to 9pm. I had a great time, and even made the ladies teary-eyed with a medley of sentimental songs...
• 2007-08-24: Thanks to everyone who came out to the Mosquito Grill in Port Credit. We all enjoyed the weather right up until it rained and I was in danger of electrocution - but I finished the song!
• 2007-08-03: The Mosquito Grill in Port Credit had their official Grand Opening tonight. Thanks to everyone who came out - and thanks for liking the noise! I played along with drummer Paul Greco and Bill Melymuka on trumpet and flute. The guys were really good! Paul kept the rhythm going and spiced up the beats with some great accents in between the downbeats. And Bill used a variety of mutes to add different tonalities to fabulous melodies. I recorded the evening, and I plan to post some mixes here - but I gotta do my CD first...
• 2007-07-27: Spent the entire evening out on the patio tonight at the Mosquito Grill in Port Credit. It was a great crowd - see you next Friday!
• 2007-07-20: Friday at the Mosquito Grill. Tonight, I did the first set outside on the patio, then moved inside 'til after dark. It's a great patio, stretching all the way out to the street. Hope to see you there next time!
  
• 2007-07-15: I dropped in at On 81 in St. Catharines to see the guys of LMT Connection, and they let me play a set. As usual, they burned the placed down! Thanks go out to Leroy, John, and Damien (sitting in for Mark).
• 2007-07-13: Another Friday in Port Credit at Mosquito Grill, 66 Lakeshore Rd E., 905-274-0444. One block West of Roc"n"Doc's, on the North side.
• 2007-07-06: Again in Port Credit at Mosquito Grill, 66 Lakeshore Rd E., 905-274-0444. One block West of Roc"n"Doc's, on the North side.
• 2007-06-29: I played from 7pm to 10pm at a new place in Port Credit: Mosquito Grill, 66 Lakeshore Rd E., 905-274-0444. One block West of Roc"n"Doc's, on the North side.
• 2007-06-24: Myself and Dean Tedesco of the Niagara Gallery busked at the Crystal Beach Art Festival. June 24th, from 11am to 5pm at the Waterfront Park in Crystal Beach. We provided entertainment for the many artists manning their booths and for the visitors passing through.
• 2007-06-21: I played from 7pm to 10pm at a new place in Port Credit: Mosquito Grill, 66 Lakeshore Rd E., 905-274-0444. One block West of Roc"n"Doc's, on the North side.
• 2007-05-27: The Niagara Gallery Jazz and Blues Ensemble kicked off the Crystal Beach Waterfront Park Concert Series at Waterfront Park Crystal Beach, Sunday May 27, 7-8:30 p.m. This is the 4th year of the Crystal Beach Waterfront Park Concert Series. More info at www.focb.net on the Concert Series webpage. Mother Nature twisted things up a bit and sent some blustery weather (well, actually, it was rain), so we relocated from the beach pavilion to the nearby Crystal Chendelier. We all had a great time, with Wendell Blue, Frank Ivy, Rob Wilson, and Rej DuGuay filling out the quintet and giving some great performances. Lauren Gallaccio soothed everyone with her beautiful singing in between our sets.
• 2007-05-13: I was asked by Jim Casson to provide music for the Pelham Art Festival, at Pelham Arena, 12 to 4pm. The day went very well, with many positive comments. And I'd like to send out a special thanks to Lauren Gallaccio, who performed a couple of very beautiful sets singing and playing the piano.
• 2007-05-06: Chuck Jackson and the band cooked again at Roc"n"Doc's, 105 Lakeshore Rd E., Port Credit, Ontario, 905-891-1754, from 4:30pm to 9pm. The band was a bit different tonight, with Garth Vogan on bass and Terry Martell on drums, plus Steve Grisbrook guesting on guitar. There was a special appearance by Elyssa Mahoney and her guitarist Lucas Haneman, who sent out some strong positive energy! And we were treated to additional songs featuring Alishan on harmonica, Joe Reynolds on vocals, and Dan Thomas on guitar, plus a duet with Chuck Jackson and Chris Kenny. It was certainly a variety show tonight. You never know what's going to happen - except that it will be good!
  
• 2007-05-03: I was at Toronto's Convocation Hall, to catch the Jazz Lives show, put on by Jazz FM 91.1. It was an amazing collection of artists, and it was great fun to see and hear all of the Jazz FM radio hosts. I particularly enjoyed Kenny Rankin's solo set, and of course Kurt Elling's songs at the end of the night were a standout. Later, I bumped into Brad Barker of Jazz FM, and chatted briefly. After the show, I went to ...well ... the "aftershow" at The Courthouse on Adelaide, where the music continued, and I saw Reg Schwager, Richard Underhill, Heather Bambrick and others.
• 2007-04-28: Chuck Jackson asked me to help out at Bowling for Blues in Oakville. Held at Classic Bowl, 3055 Dundas St. West, just west of Winston Churchill Blvd. I performed in the "Party Room" (yeah!) at around 8pm, after a fun bowling competition. Ricky Paquette was also there, and he got the room really moving! The last time I saw him was in January, but this time we got a chance to jam together. Once again, Domenic Romanelli was on bass, but this time Jim Casson provided drumming and percussion.
• 2007-04-24: Myself and Dean of the Niagara Gallery, provided percussive and rhythmic accents at The Wild Flower Restaurant in Fonthill, 6:30 to 9:30, during Living Smart, an evening filled with information for anyone who is interested in a naturally organic lifestyle. Thanks to Wolfgang, Emily, Brenda, Heather, and many others who brought life to the evening!
• 2007-04-10: I attended the National Jazz Awards at Palais Royale, 1601 Lake Shore Boulevard West, Toronto 416-533-3553. It was a real who's who of the Canadian jazz scene, with well-established names and up-and-comers. Upon walking in front door, I bumped into June Garber, Heather Bambrick, and Norm Villeneuve. June, her husband Bob, and myself sat at the same table, but they were later whisked away to sit at a stage-side table by Bill King, the man behind the show. I met up with June after the show, and I must say that she is a wonderful and gracious person. There was some musical chairs (actually musical tables) going on, but my table-mates ultimately included Don Thompson (bass/piano/vibes and Humber College professor) who won an award, George Cohen (bass) who also won an award, and vocalist Josephine Biundo who will win an award soon, I'm sure! Peter Appleyard opened the night, with John Sherwood on piano ("tuners-are-us", John!), Terry Clarke on drums, and fellow "Humberoid" Reg Schwager on guitar. Pianist Oliver Jones performed with Norm Villenueve on drums, and it was good to hear Norm play again. When Guido Basso received his award, he came out playing his horn along with the band - it was a real Hollywood moment. He later told me that he had his trumpet in his hand backstage, so it just seemed like the right thing to do! I chatted with Jazz FM radio host Larry Green, who had much to say about the state of hockey! It was quite an evening!
  
• 2007-04-08: Chuck Jackson and the band cooked tonight at Roc"n"Doc's, 105 Lakeshore Rd E., Port Credit, Ontario, 905-891-1754, from 4:30pm to 9pm. The full band was there, with Pat Carey, Garth Vogan, Terry Martell, and Michael Fonfara. As usual, it was a great night with a great band! Larry Gould was guest guitarist, and he added a fantastic touch. Shrimp Daddy stepped up and did a couple of tunes with his rich and expressive voice, and Doug Bernie blazed on a guitar-driven tune.
  
• 2007-04-05: Bluesaganza at 8pm at CAW Local 199 Hall, 124 Bunting Rd, St.Catharines, 905-682-2611. It was a big success! Featured were Chuck Jackson, Michael Fonfara, Gary Kendall, Jim Casson, Pat Carey, Johnny Mays, Al Lerman, Darran Poole, Jerome Godboo, Dave Curry, Shrimp Daddy and his band, and Mojo Willie. Proceeds went to The Autism Society of Ontario, Niagara Chapter.
  
  Chuck was in great form, only days after gall bladder surgery. Jerome's energy was infectious, and his harmonica playing was "fretless"!
• 2007-03-25: I dropped in at Dominion On Queen, 500 Queen St. East, Toronto, 416-368-6893, 3pm - 6pm. Norm Marshall Villeneuve and the band were hosting their Jazz Revue and Jam. Norm was on drums, and his playing so lyrical - a "whole kit" approach. Bassist Paul Novotny had excellent tone, with wonderfully engrossing solos. Keyboardist Mark Kieswetter is new in town, and it looks like he's going to be a force to reckon with! Guest drummers included Aaron Knight, Tom Rasky, and Paul Greco, and they all gave great performances. Rob Christian, on alto sax, sat in during sets two and three, with some very fluid playing. Nardis was a standout for me. I got a chance to jam with Rob and Aaron. Great playing guys!
  
  Afterwards, I stopped in at Roc"n"Doc's in Port Credit to see Chuck Jackson and the band. The place was packed, as of course it should be!
• 2007-03-18: After all the down time, I was glad to have a great time with Chuck Jackson and the band at Roc"n"Doc's, 105 Lakeshore Rd E., Port Credit, Ontario, 905-891-1754, from 4:30pm to 9pm. There was Pat Carey on sax, Garth Vogan on blue-string bass, Michael Fonfara on keys, and Mike Fitzpatrick sitting in on drums. There were quite a few guests, including Mojo Willie on harmonicas and vocals, and a horn section consisting of Howard Moore on trumpet and Sharon Bieck on alto sax. Greg Anzelc sat in on drums for a few tunes during his break from the Harp down the street. Ginny Lynn sang a few songs for us, including "At Last" and "Sweet Georgia Brown". Peter McGraw spun a few tunes as well - nothing can keep him down! I did four songs, but the standout for me was Tarey Stone, who only sang one song, but I could have listened to her all night!
• 2007-03-04: A bit of a rough few days: I was struck down with the flu for four days, with a temperature of 103 and I lost 10 pounds. I guess I should have had my shields up!
• 2007-02-24: The Gallery gang played in Fort Erie at the Red Ribbon Art Exhibit, at the Crossroads Centre (across from Fort Erie Race Track and Slots), 350 Bertie St., Fort Erie, Ontario, from 6pm-10pm. The event was presented by the Fort Erie Arts Council. It was a real variety show, with Wendell Blue on guitar and vocals, Frank Ivy on sax, James Deurloo on guitar and vocals, Edwin on guitar, Karen Blaszynski on vocals, Rej Duguay on drums, Steve Boucher on woodwinds and vocals, and Al Mangus on guitars.
• 2007-02-11: Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy... An absolutely burning night with Chuck Jackson and the band at Roc"n"Doc's, 105 Lakeshore Rd E., Port Credit, Ontario, 905-891-1754. from 4pm to 8pm. This time, I had my notepad with me! The band was Garth Vogan on bass, Terry Martell on drums, and Michael Fonfara on keys, who had only a couple hours of sleep the night before - and he was on fire! Terry did some amazing polyrhythmic accents, and Garth played some very tasteful solos. Sitting in on tenor and alto sax was Vern Dorge, who quietly showcased his amazing ability to play the perfect notes. Guests were Brian Dinsdale on trumpet and vocals, along with Jack King on banjo. These guys took us down to Dixie! The Frenzy Quartet, an all-female a capella group, graced us with a few numbers. That was Melanie, Hannah, Debby, and Sharon. Ending the night, Chuck did a duet with Lynn McCarthy, "Return to Sender". And finally, thanks to Lee King - the man at the door, for your hospitality!
  
• 2007-02-10: OK, let's see how my memory is holding up with the names of people at today's Saturday Jazz Matinee at Cats Caboose. I'd better take a notepad next time... Here goes: The house band was Randy Stirtzinger on upright bass, John Sherwood on piano and levity, and Mark Haggerty on drums. Guest musicians included Charlie on guitar, Roman on bari sax, Glen Smith on tenor sax. Mike on vocals, and Jeff Luciani on drums. Joanne Allen treated us to some beautiful singing. while her husband Steve looked on. Randy graciously asked me to play for two sets in between the main sets. The audience was quite appreciative, and I appreciate that! Thanks to Jerry and Diane from Niagara Falls for the kind words. He's learning the bagpipes, and she's a saint! To Armand: thanks for the support and encouragement. And a shout out to Alistair, whom I call "the rugby player", for remembering me from last year. I remembered you, too, and the way you burned up the stage. Zowie! That's the way to do it!
  
• 2007-01-16: From a media relase: Jeff Healey recovers from latest round of cancer surgery
  Toronto guitarist, singer, bandleader, musicologist, and radio host Jeff Healey is recovering well from major surgery to remove cancerous tissue from both lungs, which he underwent last week at a Toronto hospital. Healey is no stranger to the disease, having gone under the knife no less than four times for cancer - first in his eyes as a child, in his left leg twice in the past 18 months, and now in his lungs. His doctors, however, report a successful operation, catching the disease early as a result of diligent and regular testing. Healey is expected to make a full recovery and will be back hosting his Monday night radio show on 91.1 Jazz FM in February. He also plans on getting back on stage at his brand new live music club, Jeff Healey's Roadhouse, which relocated in mid-December to larger, more accessible premises at 56 Blue Jays Way, in the heart of Toronto's downtown entertainment area.
• 2007-01-14: Chuck Jackson invited me to sit in with him during his regular gig at Roc"n"Doc's, 105 Lakeshore Rd E., Port Credit, Ontario, 905-891-1754. from 4pm to 8pm. It was a smokin' show! In the house band with Chuck were Garth Vogan on bass, Terry Martell on drums, and Michael Fonfara on keys. What a tight team! A whole bunch of guests were there, including Michael "Shrimp Daddy" Reid on harps and vocals, and young Ricky Paquette on guitar and vocals with Domenic Romanelli on some intense bass playing. Ricky was in town to attend the Maple Blues awards, where he was nominated as "New Artist/Group of the Year" - at the age of 15! He's got a brilliant future ahead of him. Then we were all treated to a special rendition by Ginny Lynn of "Crazy" - and thanks for the dance! Also guesting were Doug on some absolutely burning guitar and vocals, and Christine on vocals. We could have turned off the lights and the room would still be glowing from the energy and the talent! And the audience was very appreciative of all the music. Thank you again to everyone, what a treat it was to be there! Go Ricky! Go Ricky!
• 2007-01-13: I sat in at the Odyssey Blues Band Saturday Blues Matinee and open jam at The Lion Tavern, 15 Lock St., Port Dalhousie, Ontario, 905-935-4406, 3:30 to 6:30. Frontperson Suzanne Hyatt was absent, but the special guest was Michael Keys, along with Mark, Ed, Dave, and Grant. I had a great chat with Norm Longworth of the Niagara Blues & Jazz Society. Tamica sang a few hot numbers as well! Woo!
• 2007-01-06: I saw Chuck Jackson perform at The Anchorage in Niagara-on-the-Lake, backed up by Steve Goldberger and the Niagara Rhythm Section. Whew! What a show! Everybody was up and moving, and Chuck said it was the best gig he's been to this year. :-)

2006

• 2006-12-31 / 2007-01-01: Happy New Year! Tonight we jammed from year to year at the Niagara Gallery, and toasted the year ahead.
• 2006-12-10: A fun Sunday Jam at the Niagara Gallery. With special performances by Dominic on harps, Grant Marchand of Odyssey Blues Band on percussion, along with regulars Steve, Edwin, and James.
• 2006-12-08: Another great jam at the Niagara Blues & Jazz Society jam at Club Belvedere. Thanks to Fern, Pete, Tommy, Kim, and everyone else!
• 2006-11-16: Jammed at the Niagara Blues & Jazz Society jam at The End Concert Lounge in Welland. Special thanks to Dominic and Mike for jammin' along on harmonica and guitar!
• 2006-10-20 / 2006-10-21: As part of the Canal Bank Shuffle, I played at Club Belvedere on Friday (featuring Johnny Lovesin and Larry Kurtz) and Saturday (featuring Julian Fauth) starting at 9pm. I opened each gig and also did several sets each night. All courtesy of Mojo Willie - Thanks Mojo!
• 2006-10-19: The 2006 Canal Bank Shuffle Kick-off Party (Thorold Holy Rosary Hall) was a great show! Performers included: Chuck Jackson, Johnny Mays, Chicago Jack Civilleto, Pat Carey, Michael Fonfara, Gary Kendall, Al Lehrman, Darran Poole, and Jim Casson. It was a heck of a line-up! It was scheduled to start at 7pm for the VIPs, but the stage and PA was not ready until 8pm. So Mojo Willie asked me to fill in for an hour and keep the audience happy - which I did! I also did a half-time set. Chuck Jackson invited me to the next Southside Shuffle!
• 2006-10-14: I was invited by Mojo Willie to play a few sets at his season opener at Club Belvedere in Thorold. In the band were Dave Curry on guitar, Gary Kendall on bass, and Al Webster on drums. These guys know their stuff! This afternoon show included dinner, and was a preview for the Canal Bank Shuffle. A great crowd - thanks for the support!
• 2006-09-16: I played a solo set at The Anchorage in Niagara-on-the-Lake. It was great fun, and everybody enjoyed the performance. Thanks to all for coming out! We're planning on doing this again in a month or so. Bruce Longman & Rob Page were awesome, and of course so was the Niagara Rhythm Section with Steve Golberger, Dave Norris, and Penner Mackay. Thanks again to Steve for fitting me in!
• 2006-08-21: Thomas on upright bass and Richard "Montreal Jazz" Chamberlain on guitar joined in at the Niagara Gallery Sunday Jam. "Hi" to guitarist Moe, who could only stay for a few songs. See you next time!
• 2006-08-13: The "big band" at the Niagara Gallery: Wendell (guitar/percussion), Frank (sax), Bruce (guitar), Edwin (guitar), John (fiddle), Steve (wind), James (guitar/percussion), with Dean and Joyce on percussion. New band name: Tight Squeeze!
• 2006-07-16: A great Sunday Jam at the Niagara Gallery, with Dan Durish on mouth harp and David Sandison on bass guitar, along with Frank Ivy on sax, and Steve Boucher on wind instruments.
• 2006-07-02: We celebrated "Canada Day-after" at the Niagara Gallery, with the gang, the fireworks, and even the obligatory thunderstorm!
• 2006-06-25: Saxophonist Frank Ivy (who plays regularly with Wendell Blue) joined wind player Steve Boucher and myself for a few hours of very cool jazz and blues at the Niagara Gallery.
• 2006-06-18: Swing guitarist Richard Chamberlain sat in today during Sunday Jam at the Niagara Gallery. He and I had done a series of gigs a while back at Laurie's Orchard Cafe in Vineland. Richard likes to play "upbeat", but I kept the pace "relaxed". (OK - I admit - it's tough to keep up!)
• 2006-06-10: Fonthill's 150th Anniversary! The town asked me to perform, so I invited some friends along, and we played from 10am to 4pm. Around noon, there was the Peter Shea Duo playing some fabulous jazz and blues, with Peter Shea on keyboard and vocals, and Serge Dionne on upright bass. Then rapper Manuel Orellana freestyled some best wishes for Fonthill, while Steve Boucher joined on wind instruments, Paradise played percussion, and I played NS/Stick. Shawnee Lynne Talbot brought along her young cousin Sydney to sing a solo for us all. And brothers Benjamin and Jeremy Bouchard showed us their fiddling skills. James Deurloo on acoustic guitar and vocals took us to the close, with Al Mangus on guitar, Steve Boucher on wind, and myself on vocals and NS/Stick. The local paper had an article about me just before the event. The opening words are "Greg Holmes plays a mean stick."
• 2006-05-07: Sat in with Celtic group Anam Cara during the "Spring Fling Thing and Picnic", Sunday afternoon in the park at the Niagara Gallery.
• 2006-04-29: Later that same night ... I dropped in on Steve Goldberger and the band over at The Anchorage in Niagara-On-The-Lake. Besides Steve on (kicking) bass, there was Dennis Keldie on (steaming) keys, Steve Grisbrook on (burning) guitar, Mark Inneo on (smoking) drums, and Penner McKay on (smoldering) percussion. Why are these guys so @#$% good?
• 2006-04-29: Once again, I sat in with Mojo Willie and Bluesafire at Thorold's Club Belvedere. Again in the band were Mike, Dave, and Maureen. I played a set on NS/Stick and vocals: Sentimental Journey / Georgia (medley), I Gotta Right To Sing The Blues (with "air trumpet" solo), Born To Be Blue, A Minor Blues Ad Lib, Sweet Painted Lady, Up jumped Spring / Mercy, Mercy, Mercy (medley). Then I "played it like a bass" with the band. Woo hoo! Also sitting in for a set were David Tufford on guitar and Marty Allen (of Melody Ranch) on acoustic guitar and vocals. Very cool set!
• 2006-04-15: Sat in for two sets with Mojo Willie and Bluesafire at Club Belvedere in Thorold. In the band was Willie on mouth harps, Michael Keys on keys, Dave Curry on guitar, and Maureen Brown on drums, with vocals all around. These guys rocked! I opened a set with a solo vocal rendition of Born To Be Blue and an instrumental version of Angel Eyes, with Sweet Georgia Brown as encore.
• 2006-04-09: Played with guitarist Bryan Perry at the Niagara Gallery. We played Celtic and folk tunes, and also some of my jazz tunes.
• 2006-03-26: A really great time at the Niagara Gallery today with vocalist Shawnee Lynne Talbot. She's got such soul in her voice.
• 2006-02-04: I was invited to sit in with Randy Stirtzinger and the guys at Cats Caboose for the Saturday jazz show. Thanks to everyone for their hospitality and great playing!
  Afterwards, I was the musical guest of Kyle Reynold's opening at the Niagara Gallery.
• 2006-01-08: First Sunday Jam of the new year at the Niagara Gallery. The dulcet tones of my instrument and voice soothed the attendees once again... ;-)

• In 2005: New Years Eve at the Wolfgang Puck Grand Café, the Thorold BIA Committee's Christmas party, duo with jazz guitarist Warren Stirtzinger, an opening for visual artist Mikl at the Niagara Gallery, twice at the Cedar Bay Inn, an evening at Hana's Place for the Canal Bank Shuffle, on the main stage of the Toronto ArtsWeek Kickoff, some private parties, and the Riverbend Inn in Niagara-on-the-Lake with Melissa McIntyre.