EVENT PREVIEW: Indie Showcase Tonight @ The Whiskey with High Mother, The Tyres and Eric Welton

If you recall, once a month myself (in association with WAMM Magazine and The Windsor Scene) will be putting on a showcase of local indie bands at The Whiskey (300 Ouellette Ave., below A-Channel News). These are showcases of diverse local original acts, somewhere where people who don't normally see original acts can see something different or a place where regular supporters can see their local favourites in a different venue.

The Whiskey has been very kind so far and our first night, featuring Vultures!, Perilelle and Two For The Cascade, was a success, with 70 people coming through the door for the first night. We hope to top that this week with our second night (I know, it's not a month later, but I agreed to fill in a last minute cancellation).

Due to the A-Channel's 11 O'Clock News, there's a slight down time where there will be no music, at it leaks up from the bar into the on-air room. The schedule will be as follows, with start times promptly as listed (especially for the first band).

10pm to 10:45 The Eric Welton Band
One of Windsor's finest singer/songwriters and recent addition to local fave The Square Root of Margaret, Eric Welton has been playing with a full band since his release last year of Fool Heart. Normally a small rotating cast of musical friends, tonight's backing band includes Damien Zakoor (The Tyres, The Golden Hands Before God...) on drums, Travis Reitsma on guitar and vocals, Andrew MacLeod (The Mindframes) on vocals, Jamie Greer (The Golden Hands Before God..., ex-The Hung Jury) on tambourine and shakers, Erik Myskow (FourLetterWord, ex-The Hung Jury) on bass (and maybe Tara Watts on vocals).

10:55 to 11:35 No live music due to A-Channel News

11:45 to 12:30 The Tyres
Damien will be pulling double duty as his other full time band, The Tyres, follows up Eric Welton. The Tyres will be bringing their Kinks-inspired rock and roll to the Whiskey stage with an diverse songbook of originals.

12:45 to 1:30 High Mother
The indie showcase is rounded out by a four man gang of Windsor scene veterans in High Mother. Sporting various ex-members of such bands as TOAST, Grumpy and Luxury Christ (to name a few), this high octane rock and roll is fuelled by an electric cocktail of 70's-style Detroit punk rock and 50's rock and roll.

Cover for this showcase is a mere $3 and all money collected goes to the bands for their time, so check them out if you haven't seen them before or if you're a fan who hasn't seen them in a while. To sweeten the deal, The Whiskey is also offering $2.50 ryes and $3 Jagers. Sounds like a party to me!

-----------------------------------------------

THE BONUS SECTION

All three artists involved have generously donated an mp3 song to put up here, available for FREE for you to download and keep on your computer or add to your iPod. If you dig it, I'm sure they'll have more merch you can purchase, or even just appreciate a kind word!

To Download Song, Right Click on link and then "Save File As..." to your destination folder.

"Tit" by Eric Welton
Second part of 'The Drunk Man Trilogy' found on the 2007 release, "An EP"
The second movement of perhaps Welton's most known, most requested and most beloved song ('The Drunk Man Trilogy'), this catchy hook will be stuck in your head for days if not years.

"Finish Line" (Demo Mix) by The Tyres
Hot off the presses! The Tyres are currently recording new material for a new album and have kindly donated the first mix demo of a brand new song, "Finish Line", just recorded last week!

"From The Same Cup" by High Mother
A recording from a 2008 demo session, this a perfect song to introduce you to the signature guitar sounds of High Mother's Richard Benson and a preview of the intensity the live show will bring.

EVENT PREVIEW: WAMM Video Contest

With WAMM Magazine's Video Contest now closed for submissions, all we have to do is wait now for the WAMM 1st Anniversary Party next month to announce the winning video. And let me tell you, it's going to be tough! The celebrity panel of judges (various international personalities in music and film) definitely have their work cut out for them.

Anyway, I just wanted to post a couple entries to show you the quality we're dealing with here. They're all fantastic!

Perilelle "Damages", Video by Sean McLeod



Tara Watts "Hail Outside", Video by Jarrod Ferris



Jackie Robitaille "Illumnia" Video by Bronwen Wood and Ryan Pukay

PICK OF THE WEEK: Time Video Shoot at The Blind Dog (with Sledgehammer to boot!)

Let me be the first to admit that I have not seen every Windsor band live. I've seen a chunk, don't get me wrong, but considering I do all this coverage, all this Windsor Scene promotion free of charge (and usually still have to pay cover to provide said coverage), it can be a costly venture getting out to as many shows as I would like. Some bands will just have to remain MySpace ventures until I become independently wealthy (or Guest Lists are offered, nudge nudge).

One band I have wanted to see for sometime now is a band known simply as Time. I must admit that I'm not a huge fan of the name and that at first I was in avoidance purely on that fact. It just didn't ring as anything special or stand-outish. But when I finally did, I was glad I had. At first I kind of assumed they were in the same vein as perhaps The Darkness or even Stillwater (the fictional amalgamation band from the classic film Almost Famous), a somewhat mocking tribute to the glory of tried and true classic rock. But the more I listened to their stuff on MySpace and saw their photos, etc. I realized that there's no pretention or mockery involved at all. These guys have way more in common with the resurgence of rock and roll bands like Wolf Mother or Jet than Spinal Tap.

Sure there's a lot of hair on the heads and chins of this four man gang, but there's a lot of power behind those riffs and the production on their self-titled debut (available downtown at Dr. Disc or at their shows) is slick and perfect for their destined-for-arena rock sound. These guys would look just as "rock and roll" on a small stage like the Coach & Horses as they would at the Joe Louis Arena. Their music isn't made for a minimal indie purist crowd or an internet radio forum, these guys are assembling power chord blueprints to rock to the biggest assemblage of sweaty rock fans as possible. These guys combine the swagger of The Black Crowes with Cheap Trick hooks and Mott The Hoople 70's arena rock riffs. The song "The Pressure" (also on the EP) is a killer summer cruiser.

This Saturday, Time is holding a special show at The Blind Dog (761 Ouellette Ave.), the Venue Formerly Known As The Roxy (and Even More Previously Known as 'O', The Res(idence) and Bernie's World) to shoot their first video, for their single "White Window" off their afore-mentioned EP. The single is a balls-out rocker with epic riffs and classic rock hooks and there's no reason to think these guys won't make the big time.

Warming up the crowd will be the piano metal mastery of Sledgehammer. Not only are these fellas some of the nicest guys you'll find in the local music scene, they are seriously accomplished musicians, regardless of your opinion of heavy metal. They have no guitars, just bass, drums and a piano, and let me tell you - Andrew Skuza plays that piano harder than most guitarists play their axe.

Once again I'm going to be foiled seeing Time by work scheduling, but I'll get their one day. But if you have the night off, I say you have yourself a couple beers with the boys at home then head to the Blind Dog for a night of sweet rock and roll. You just might get your face on MuchMusic.

WEEK IN PREVIEW: March 16- 22, 2009

Here's a quick glance at the week ahead in music in the Windsor area. For sound samples for shows, click on the bands names for a quick trip to their MySpace or other music outlet site.

Monday March 16

ALL-AGES: Deadwalk (Montreal, QC) and Breaking The Fourth Wall (Montreal, QC) with The Fitzpatrick Incident (Toronto, ON), Days Fade and Jack London
The Chubby Pickle (762 Ouellette Ave.)
Montreal bands Deadwalk (doom metal) and Breaking The Fourth Wall (Christian hardcore) swing through Windsor on their current tour together, with Toronto's The Fitzpatrick Incident. Windsor hardcore kings Days Fade and hardcore nu-blood Jack London round out what should be one hell of a loud show. This is an All Ages event, beginning at 6pm.

The Milkmen
Milk Coffee Bar (68 University Ave. West)
Another night of chillaxin' at Milk with the sultry improv jazz sessions of the Monday Milkmen.

Open Mic Surgery with Tara Watts
Phog Lounge (157 University Ave. West)
The always delightful Tara Watts hosts an eclectic open mic session on Phog's stage. For the first-timer to the stage veteran, you never know who will show up and sing a song.

Open Mic with Clinton Hammond
The Kildare House (1880 Wyandotte St. East)
Windsor's longest running Open Mic continues along without any signs of showing down! The charismatic Clinton Hammon runs the gauntlet of the Open Mic - sing a song, tell a joke, the stage is open!

Tuesday March 17 - St. Patrick's Day!

Days Fade, The Fitzpatrick Incident (Toronto, ON), Monolith and Waking Without Remorse
The Coach & Horses (156 Chatham St. West, below Pogo's)
If green beer, corned beef and Celtic music just isn't your bag, but drinking on St. Patrick's day to loud music is, then The Coach is your best bet for this festive day of over-indulgence. Days Fade, the undisputed kings of Windsor hardcore, have set up the St. Patty's Day Massacre at the Coach, with a killer line-up that includes Toronto's The Fitzpatrick Incident, as well as local bands, Waking Without Remorse, and the latest supergroup Monolith (featuring current and/or former members of Grand Marais, ShotDownStars, Woods of Ypres and Closed Casket Funeral).

Celtic Cross, Tartan Army and Toast & Jam
Kokopellies (110 Chatham St. West)
Following the closing of Patrick O. Ryan's, Kokopellie's inherited their entire St. Patrick's line-up, with Windsor's two premier celtic bands, Celtic Cross and Tartan Army, as well as Ryan's Thursday night party band, Toast & Jam. Entertainement, drink and food specials from 11am to close.

Tartan Army, Toast & Jam, Kenneth MacLeod & The Windsor Salt Band
Mick's Irish Pub
Now downtown's only Irish Pub, you can catch one of Windsor's finest celtic bands in Tartan Army, party band Toast & Jam, and the mad East Coast fiddling and music of Kenneth MacLeod and his band of merry musicians, The Windsor Salt Band, close out the night. Entertainment, drink and food specials from 11am to close.

Clinton Hammond and Mick O'Brien
The Kildare House (1880 Wyandotte St. East)
Easily Windsor's most authentic British-style pub, this Walkerville gem will be having an all day party for St. Patrick's day with all-day entertainment from two of their staples - Clinton Hammon, Monday's Open Mic host and a damn fine singer, and the bawdy enterainment of Mick O'Brien will be running the gauntlet. Entertainment, drink and food specials from 11am to close.

ALL-AGES: Great Big Sea and Spirit of the West
The WFCU Centre
7pm
Arguably Canada's best known East Coast celtic band, Great Big Sea couldn't have picked a more fitting night to hit Windsor. They've got Spirit of the West in tow and, to be honest, I thought they broke up years ago. But I'm sure people will be going bonkers throwing back their green $8 "pints" of Coors Light to the original band who wrote "Home For A Rest". Doors are at 7pm with the show starting about 8pm.

Ron Leary & "Mr. Chill" Kelly Hoppe wsg Kenneth MacLeod & The Windsor Salt Band
Aardvark's Blues Cafe (89 University Ave. West)
Ron Leary and Mr. Chill play a smattering of songs, with some choice covers mixed in with songs from Leary's brilliant debut CD, theroadinbetween, and Mr. Chill's fantastic Cold Testament. Joining in for the St. Patrick's Day festivities will be a set or two by Kenneth MacLeod & The Windsor Salt Band.

FourLetterWord and The Last Trio
The FM Lounge (156 Chtaham St. West, below Pogo's)
Alan Penner leads a rotating cast of some of the city's finest players through jazz interpretations and beyond. Following the Last Trio is a special performance by FourLetterWord, made up of former members of The Hung Jury.

Open Mic with Stefanie Sarafianos
The Mill Tavern (3199 Sandwich St.)
One half of the sisterly duo Twisted Sisters, Stephanie leads a cast of musicians of all types of experience each week on the West end. Food and drink specials begin at 11am and the entertainment begins early evening for a special St. Patrick's Day at The Mill.

Open Mic with Andrew MacLeod
The Dominion House (3140 Sandwich St.)
Andrew MacLeod leads another Open Mic on the West end, showcasing many of the city's finest songwriters and drinkers.

Tuesday Night Music Club with Jamie Reaume
Twig N' Berries (2135 Wyandotte St. East)
Former Foreign Film Star frontman Jamie Reaume (and currently a part of The Golden Eagles) leads an all-star cast of local musicians through one of the city's wildest Open Mac jam sessions.

Wednesday March 18

ALL-AGES: I Am The Vine, Fights Not Forgotten (Grimsby, ON), Queen Anne's Lace, Beneath Broken Glass and Chuck Norris & The Delta Force Chorus
The Chubby Pickle (762 Ouellette Ave.)
I'm not sure how Christian music managed to combine with death metal or hardcore (it just seems wierd to praise such a peaceful man so angrily, but hey, what do I know?), but local hardcore band I Am The Vine has done it masterfully and are easily one of the scene's leading bands, Christian or otherwise. They lead another showcase of some of scene's emerging hardcore acts, as well as bands from around Ontario. As is the case with many of The Chubby Pickle's metal and hardcore shows, this is an All-Ages event, with doors at 6pm.

Daren Dobsky & Josh Zalev
Aardvark's Blues Cafe (89 University Ave. West)
Dobsky and Zalev lead an occassional all-star ensemble through a series of covers, from Led Zeppelin to Jeff Buckley, rock and roll to the blues.

Kenneth MacLeod
The Dominion House Tavern (3140 Sandwich St.)
Kenneth MacLeod is a one-man musical wrecking crew. His talent is overwhelming and his intensity equally so. A variety of music, from East Coast to contemporary, with a supporting cast of local musicians.

Thursday March 19

The Windsor Scene on CJAM 91.5 FM
Randi Irving continues to host the on-air version and multi-JAMMY Award winning companion to "The Windsor Scene", each and every Thursday evening from 6pm to 7pm, on CJAM 91.5 FM, Windsor's Campus and Community Radio Station. Hear tracks from some of Windsor's current musical stars as well as nuggets from the vault, not to mention live interviews and peformances!

High Mother, The Tyres and The Eric Welton Band
The Whiskey (300 Ouellette Ave., below A-Channel)
WAMM and The Windsor Scene's second showcase at The Whiskey, featuring three diverse acts from Windsor's rock and roll scene. High Mother features some of Windsor's musical veterans, including members of Toast and Luxury Christ, and brings high-energy punk rock akin to 70's Detroit stylings of The Stooges and MC5. The Tyres bring a smart 60's savvy to their Ray Davies-inspired songwriting. Eric Welton is leading an all-star ensemble to play cuts from his prior CD releases. These showcases start EARLY so get there by 9pm - first act is on at 10pm sharp.

What Seas, What Shores and The Kettle Black (Ottawa, ON)
The Coach & Horses (156 Chatham St. West, below Pogo's)
It'll be a night of experimental music at The Coach on Thursday as local instrumental explorists What Seas What Shores share the stage with Ottawa's indie exerperimental outfit The Kettle Black.

ALL-AGES: Sinnastarr Entertainment presents
The Holly Springs Disaster (Regina, SK) with A Textbook Tragedy (Vancouver, BC), Sights and Sounds (Winnipeg, MB), Baptized in Blood (London, ON), Aquila and Assassinate The Following
The Chubby Pickle (762 Ouellette Ave.)
Sinnastarr Entertainment has done a great job the past year bringing in some real up and coming touring bands within the metal and hardcore scenes and they continue that trend with this heavily awaited show. The Holly Springs Disaster leads this cross country tour through Windsor, with locals Aquila and Assassinate The Following warming up the show. Again, another All-Ages show, with doors at 6pm.

Huladog
The FM Lounge (156 Chatham St. West)
Always a great night of live jazz and funk jams by a group of Windsor's premiere players. Huladog have been at it for years now and they play the perfect blend of great jazz and booty shakin' funk.

Steph Copeland
The Gourmet Emporium
Steph Copeland, better known as Perilelle, plays an intimate show at The Gourmet Emporium.

"Mr. Chill" Kelly Hoppe, Tom Hogarth and Chris Borshuk
Mezzo Ristorante & Lounge (804 Erie St. East)
Mr. Chill teams up with the incomparable voice of Tom Hogarth as well as Chris Borshuk for this intimate showcase. A great night for dinner and some music.

Friday March 20

The Ford Pier Vengeance Trio (Vancouver, BC) wsg David Dubois
Phog Lounge (157 University Ave. West)
Quirky pop songwriting, in the vein of people like Daniel Johnston or Windsor's own Ten Indians, Ford Pier leads his Vengeance Trio into Phog Lounge, with The Locusts Have No Kings' David Dubois opening the show.

The Tyres, Just Press Play and The Mayfliez
The Coach & Horses (156 Chatham St. West, below Pogo's)
The Tyres play their second show in two nights, joining fellow Windsor grunge rockers Just Press Play (in their debut gig) and The Mayfliez with a sweaty rock and roll show down at the Coach.

These Words Remain (Sarasota, FL) with ShotDownStars, Waking Without Remorse and Seven Out
The Chubby Pickle (762 Ouellette Ave.)
These Words Remain bring their Florida hardcore through Windsor with a stop at the Pickle, backed up by local stalwarts ShotDownStars (playing their final show as ShotDownStars), Leamington's Waking Without Remorse and newcomers Seven Out.

High Mother, Cucumber Slumlord (Toronto, ON) and The Mindframes
The Loop (156 Chatham St. West, above Pogo's)
Windsor's rock and roll veterans headline a special night at The Loop that also brings Toronto's rock and rollers Cucumber Slumlord to the stage, as well as The Mindframes. Also includes a preview screening of Another Saturday Knight's upcoming live DVD.

[GrounD] with special guest DJ Random Doug
Empire Lounge (128 University Ave. West, above California Sushi, across from Capitol Theatre)
It's impressive to see how the [GrounD] DJ team of J-Wild and Mach-X have taken this night from slow beginnings on a Sunday at Light Bar (when it was known as [Bright]) to a full blown Friday night dance party on Fridays at the Empire Lounge. Electronic music the way Windsor/Detroit is known for, these guys push the platforms combining old school electro sounds with the newest beats. They're joined this night by guest DJ Random Doug.

David Cavan Fraser
The Whiskey (300 Ouellette Ave., belown A-Channel)
A tireless performer and musician, David Fraser was formerly part of the band Cavan before going solo. He brings his vast repetoire of songs, both original and cover, to the Whiskey.

Open Mic with Tara Watts
Cafe Morena (999 Erie St. East)
Tara's second weekly Open Mic is the heart of the Erie St. Village and offers a more relaxed and intimate venue.

Saturday March 21

Fiftywatthead with Kill List, Blastphemy and Disco Assault
The Coach & Horses (156 Chatham St. West, below Pogo's)
Windsor's heavy metal kings, Fiftywatthead, continue to promote their critically acclaimed third release, last year's bombastic Fogcutter. These guys have been a staple at the Coach and these shows always bring out the best in them. Kill List marks the debut of the revamped ShotDownStars, Blastphemy is the monster supergroup featuring members of Fiftywatthead and Ton and Disco Assault is still the same band, playing good old fashioned punk rock.

Jay Clark & The Jones (Toronto, ON) wsg Ron Leary
Phog Lounge (157 University Ave. West)
Some killer Canadiana roots music, with Jay Clark & The Jones hitting Phog Lounge to promote their latest CD, Blue Cholera, produced and recorded by the one and only Andy Magoffin at his House of Miracles Studio. Joining them will be Windsor's own troubadour of the roots music, Ron Leary.

Time wsg Sledgehammer
The Blind Dog (671 Ouellette Ave., beside Dr. Disc)
Pick of the Week: You know, Time is actually one of the band's I haven't seen yet that I have really desire to (scheduling conflicts!). Nothing flashy or fancy, no bizarre experimentation with computers, no deep dark meaning to the song writing, just balls to the wall honest-to-goodness rock and roll. These guys are definitely more Wolf Mother than Stillwater. They're having a special show at The Blind Dog (the old Roxy, or 'O' or Rez or Bernie's World or...) to shoot their new video and they're being joined by local piano metal juggernauts Sledgehammer. That's some loud goodness right there.

Down With Webster (Toronto, ON) wsg MicLordz & Sauce Funky, Street Pharmacy (Welland, ON) and New Stage Loop
The Chubby Pickle (762 Ouellette Ave.)
Combining energetic party-flavoured hip hop with live jamming, Down With Webster are becoming quite the buzz on the Canadian indie scene. Not to be outdone, Windsor's own hip-hop funkmasters MicLordz & Sauce Funky will be ensuring this party has a distinctive 519 flavour as well. Also on the bill are the ska sounds of Street Pharmacy and new hip hop sounds from Windsor called New Stage Loop.

Adam Gilchrist
Taloola Cafe (396 Devonshire Rd.)
The former frontman for two of Windsor's elite indie rock bands of the early part of this decade - The Butterfield Gateway and Caught In The Moss - has resurfaced as an honest and sincere singer/songwriter. Although the edge of his former projects has melted away, the melody and songwriting are only getting better. An intimate showcase at Taloola, it starts at 8:30pm and ends around 10pm.

Sunday March 22

ALL AGES: The Big Bang featuring
Escapes, Rose City Disaster, Academy Drive, Problem Child, We Are The Bravest, Stockholme Avenue, Yours To Call, Monroe, Falling From Glory, I Am The Vine, Queen Anne's Lace
The Chubby Pickle (762 Ouellette Ave.)
Another All-Ages hardcore blow-out at The Chubby Pickle. Doors are at 3pm for this all-day event.

Dusty
Aardvark's Blues Cafe (89 University Ave. West)
One of the city's premiere entertainers, hand down, he plays an impressive mix of songs, from outlaw country to rock and roll to a little dab of hair metal. Genuinely super dude with a great sense of humour.

Open Mic with Dan Marshall
The FM Lounge (156 Chatham St. West)
Meters To Miles' frontman Dan Marshall leads an impromptu Open Mic at the Old Fish Market each and every Sunday.

EVENT PREVIEW: Windsor-Essex County Music Recognition Awards

In case you missed the article in today's Windsor Star, on April 26th, the Crime Stopper's Musical Reunion is making a comeback with it's fifth reunion show and first since 2006.

It's an all-day musical showcase of many of Windsor's bands from Windsor's long musical past, including the legendary Joe Konas, Derek Boyle, Brand "X" Live and others, held this year at Moose Lodge (777 Tecumseh Rd. West).

But the interesting thing is that this year will mark the inaugural Windsor-Essex County Music Recognition Awards, where 12 people will be voted into a "hall of fame" so to speak, with plaques being awarded and raised at Devonshire Mall (similar to the Sports Wall of Fame there). Each fall, another 12 people will have their names raised to the walls with a new class each year.

Now these twelve recipients don't have to be musicians or artists, they can be anyone who has helped Windsor's music scene over the years, be it a local DJ or bar owner. Maybe even CJAM!

The nominations are determined by YOU the voter so I suggest you take the time and let the independent music scene's voice be heard as well. However, this should not become a popularity contest. That would only cheapen the achievement. This should be an honest testament to musicians and people who have made an honest difference in our local music scene or even on the national or international stage. I could be way off here, but I'll bet bands like Luxury Christ or Jimmy Bronco aren't even on the radar for the committee (I hope I'm wrong!) and I would hope early innovators like Jack Scott, Dorothy Collins or Alexander "Skip" Spence are on the short list. Do a little thinking, do a little research, but nominate! Let's make this a community-inspired musical hall of fame, from all scenes and genres.

Either way, you can send in your nomination to Ron Funkenhauser at ronf@catchcrooks.com or call 519-255-6700, ext. 4497 and leave your nomination.

Tickets for the event are $20 and it's limited to 600 people, with the proceeds going towards Crimestoppers, and can be located at Long & McQuade (1801 Walker Rd.), Canadian Conservatory of Music (755 Tecumseh Rd. E.), Windsor Moose Lodge (777 Tecumseh Rd. W.), and Windsor & Essex County Crime Stoppers (150 Goyeau St.).

PREVIEW: "The Ghost of Lonesome Lefty" - The Documentary

With no disrespect to either "Mr. Chill" Kelly Hoppe or Ron Leary, no one can sing the torch and twang like Lonesome Lefty.

For years, he was an enigmatic staple of the Windsor music scene, with regular shows at The Bridge Tavern and Sky Lounge (both gone now unfortunately) and occasional appearances at other watering holes around town. And whether it was just himself playing solo, as a duo with Two Dollar Bill or with his ensemble cast of Lonesome Lefty & The Crying Shames, his performances always felt like an education in storytelling. They may not all have been packed houses, but the shows were always nothing short of spectacular.

Whether you like old-timey country or folk or "western" music is irrelevant. What is relevant is that Lonesome Lefty is a singer that bares his soul in his music like very few people can in this world. And while he's written a few songs of his own (which are fantastic), he's a walking encyclopedia of Canadian country music - not the Shania Twain stuff, we're talking the old dogs here. His record collection is the stuff of legend.

Sadly, Lonesome Lefty left Windsor a few years back (I believe to Chatham?), although he has returned for shows here and there.

But luckily one young film maker here in Windsor is capturing what enchanted Windsorites for years and hopefully displaying to legions of Canadian music fans just what a gem we have in our area. Tim Swaddling is currently finishing up his latest film, a documentary on our dear Lefty, entitled "The Ghost of Lonesome Lefty" and if it's even half as good as the trailer that's popped up on-line, it's going to be essential viewing and something I'd love to own on DVD.

But enough of my yackin' - watch for yourself...


Lonesome Lefty documentary project - teaser trailer (v1) from Tim Swaddling on Vimeo.

ON THE ROAD: Watch Michou's Road Shows On-Line

Windsor's current indie sensation, Michou, has just embarked on a pretty extensive Spring tour that takes them from our lovable hometown of Windsor, Ontario, through Ontario up into Quebec, across New Brunswick and into Nova Scotia then back again.

Well thanks to the modern wonders of live streaming, they've been broadcasting their live sets from the road. That's right. If you want to see how other clubs sound, how Michou sounds live or how "foreign" crowds handle our beloved Michou, now you can.

Simply go to Michou's live-streaming site around 9pm-ish to catch their shows. The past few nights have not only offered Michou's live set plus their soundchecks, but caught the other acts as well. That's a free show for those who can't make it to St. Catharines or London or wherever Michou happens to be that night.

Here's a quick look at what dates they have coming up, but check out their MySpace for a complete list of shows from now until Halifax before they turn around and head back.

TONIGHT - Ottawa, ON - Zaphod's, with Amos The Transparent
Fri. March 13 - London, ON - Outback Shack/Fanshawe College
Sat. March 14 - Cambridge, ON - Groove Kitchen, with Amos The Transparent and Mandippal
Sun. March 15 - Windsor, ON - Phog Lounge, with Amos The Transparent
Wed. March 18 - Sarnia, ON - Paddy Flahery's
Thurs. March 19 - Oakville, ON - Moonshine Cafe
Fri. March 20 - Waterloo, ON - Maxwell's Pub
Sat. March 21 - Guelph, ON - Jimmy Jazz
Sun. March 22 - Niagara Falls, ON - The Vintage Sports Bar
(WAY more dates, check out their MySpace for more)

It's a nice live video diary to see just how the boys in the band are doing.