Sweet Spot Productions : Music

"THE SOUNDING BOARD ©" BLOG

THE SOUNDING BOARD © Open Mic
On Facebook LIVE @ 725

September 1, 2009...

Yes folks it was the last night at LIVE @ 725! Very quiet, but we had a great time.

Derrick McCandless www.derrickmccandless.com performed and Oly Backstrom (it was his first and last time out... I met him at the open mic I hosted at the Regal Beagle in 2004). What a spectacular player!

Also Andrew Johnston a fine player and good friend, Wanda Wilson www.wandawilson.ca who is gearing up for her CD release in the fall and Jordan Tschmier www.myspace.com/jordantschmier (one half of the Paegan Sunflowers) who is going out on his own!

I felt honoured by your presence. Thank you for your support and kind words.

Soon...

August 25, 2009...

Tonight The Return of Jimi Maze www.myspace.com/jimimaze with special guest The Sweet Alibi www.myspace.com/thesweetalibi... open mic line-up was spectacular and a good time was had by all!!!

Special mention to the open mic supporters... songwriter Keith Dyck... also Dustin "Dusty Roads" Harder www.myspace.com/dustinreneantoineharder of the Dusty Road Band, political wordist Werner VAN Harder www.myspace.com/wernerharder and Barefootim www.myspace.com/barefootim (late night Myles & Me).

...a moderate turnout, but the energy in the room was great! Thanks everyone for making the night a musical success me thinks!

Just wanted to let everyone know that next week will be the last night. Derrick and I have not been able to work things out with the owner and so we have decided to pull it. It is with great sadness that I say this, but we'll be back again soon. Please come out next week for our last night!

Much luv, peace and wonderful music in your lives...

Paulette

August 18, 2009...

We had a pretty good night tonight...

Performers in order were Barefootim www.myspace.com/barefootim. He'll be performing at the SWEPT Benefit House Concert on Saturday, August 22, 2009 at Doug's place. Should be a great show! Please RSVP on Facebook.

Brettly Giesbrecht came by and played piano. She has a great voice and did some older rock tunes by Supertramp and the likes. She's off to Saskatchewan to study to become a veteranarian. Good luck Brettly!

Cam Miller performed some great songs followed by Alex or DeChoiseul http://www.dechoiseul.com. It was his first time out. Interesting music I might add – a perfect prelude to Renagde www.renadge.com who are breaking in a new band member. It was a load of fun!

Last but not least was Starlings in the Slipstream who is basically Barefootim with stand-up bass player and friend Myles. It was awesome! Hope the two of them come back!

So are you ready for The Return of Jimi Maze? Next week here at LIVE @ 725! We have a confirmed line-up for the open mic too... songwriter Keith Dyck (haven't seen or heard Keith in a very long time... should be a real treat!)... Dustin "Dusty Roads" Harder www.myspace.com/dustinreneantoineharder of the Dusty Road Band, Werner VAN Harder www.myspace.com/wernerharder and Barefootim www.myspace.com/barefootim followed by The Sweet Alibi www.myspace.com/thesweetalibi and JIMI MAZE himself www.myspace.com/jimimaze. Wow! See you next week and don't forget to RSVP on the Facebook event page here!

See you next week!

August 11, 2009...

Wanted to start this blog off by explaining a few things... New location, new approach. Derrick and I are working on this project together. I asked him to help out and he has been there for me since the start. Gary Flater also helps out when he can. While it is stillTHE SOUNDING BOARD © Open Mic, and it is my baby so to speak, I depend on the help of my friends to make it a success.

When I am on the bar and busy, I physically cannot be in two places at once. I am focussed on what I am doing and can't always hear everybody or see everything that is going on.

I am working with the owner to sort out the situation with the food and 'hired' help. Currently, there is bar service only. There is no table service (unless it is not busy) and I can get out onto the floor.

With regards to the bar and sound, Derrick will be switching off with me on the bar soon and we may have some other folks helping out so that I can be 'at the front of house' and do the sound as necessary. Until such time, I appreciate your patience. We are trying to make this work with limited resources and limited staff (there are generally no 'La Scala' staff scheduled on Tuesday nights).

I'm not in the habit of giving people lectures or anything of the sort, but we had a little issue last week and I'd like to nip it in the butt before it becomes a real problem.

With regards to people talking while others are playing or performing, please be aware that everyone deserves an audience. However, LIVE @ 725 is also a meeting place and controlling the volume of chatter in a bar or lounge is sometimes difficult. If it is not so busy, your voice carries a lot more. If it is busy, folks usually talk louder in order to carry on a conversation. It is a delicate balance. Please use your discretion and be respectful of those who have come out to perform.

With regards to performance times, generally artists get 15 minutes or 3 songs/pieces whichever comes first, plus the changeover (we will be on your asses if it takes you too long to set up and may cut your performance short – please tune-up before you go on stage). If it is not busy, you'll be able to play/perform for a longer period of time which will be monitored by the sound person.

So, enough of this stuff and on to much more interesting things like the wonderful talent that has been frequenting THE SOUNDING BOARD © Open Mic!

Andrew Johnson was first up. He really is relaxing on stage and sounding sweet! Good job Andrew!

Dan Hill too is finding his comfort zone. He has been coming out now for a few weeks and we hope to see him again soon.

Paul Cameron Miller and Rhonda Rogers who are both multi-talented artists have been supporting THE SOUNDING BOARD © Open Mic for almost two full years! We appreciate their company and their performances.

Thor, One Blue Door, played too and he has also been supportive over the years going as far back as the Regal Beagle days. Keep it coming!

Derrick McCandless www.derrickmccandless.com played a few songs and ended off the night. He surely is smooth as vanilla icecream!

So that's all she wrote for this week.

Just a little reminder that on Tuesday, August 25th, THE SOUNDING BOARD © Open Mic presents The Return of Jimi Maze www.myspace.com/jimimaze (and the coming of The Sweet Alibi www.myspace.com/thesweetalibi). The open mic will be from 9 to 10 pm (1 spot available – advance sign-up only) and then 4 more late night spots from midnight to 1 am (first come first on). There will be a $3 cover for performers (those who are not signed up to play on the 25th but want to check it out) and $5 for all other music lovers. Jimi is on tour in support of his new vinyl EP "Homeless Cracker Maze". Come down to LIVE @ 725 and make him feel at home! Please RSVP on Facebook here and invite everyone you know!

August 4, 2009...

Interesting night. Busy earlier in the evening...

In order of performance were Gary Flater, one of our favourite regulars, Heather Witherden comedianess and Kevin Dobbie comedian. Not sure what to make of this 'Soldier of Comedy'. My point of view... everyone deserves a shot and ultimately, the audience decides...

Zephyr acapella trio did some tunes, Zofia read, Elton "little wolf" Plett www.myspace.com/eltonplett sang the blues and Karen (a friend of Zofia's), told us more about bears. Joe E. Beaudette www.myspace.com/joeebcountry, Leisha Holler www.myspace.com/leishaspace and Chantelle Martens sang together and blew the roof off the house! I got my wish as they have been coming to the open mic in pairs. This is the first time all three were in the room at the same time. We certainly hope to see them again... and you will! Derrick booked them to perform at the SWEPT Program BENEFIT CONCERT on Saturday, August 22, 2009. Please RSVP on Facebook.

Darcy Toews sang some great songs. He has a lot of energy and I really like that! Check him out some time if you get a chance.

July 28, 2009...

Wow what a night! Had a blast!

Performers on this fine evening were... Gary Flater followed by Elton "little wolf" Plett www.myspace.com/eltonplett.

Joe E. Beaudette www.myspace.com/joeebcountry returned with another emerging artist Chantelle Martens. They were awesome. The two of them are working on a project with Leisha Holler www.myspace.com/leishaspace who was at LIVE @ 725 last week. We hope we can get the trio together soon...

Thor www.myspace.com/onebluedoor is now a regular. We like that.

Bill Cooke belted out a few songs and played his piano. You might have seen him perform when he worked at Alley Catz Piano Bar a few years back.

The Three Murrays and Marie (Anndrea Herman) also returned for another set.

Jordan Tschmier www.myspace.com/jordantschmier of the Paegan Sunflowers www.myspace.com/paegansunflowers dropped in to do a solo set and Kurt Tittlemier played guitar with efx and sang a song! This is first for us at THE SOUNDING BOARD © Open Mic! We like it when artists feel comfortable enough to experiment!

Cam Miller was here in fine form and Dan Hill came back for a second round. He played a great set of original alt folk songs (my take on them) and seems to have gotten over his stage fright.

And last but not least was Andrew Johnson with some fine finger pickin' and covers tunes to end off the night.

It's starting to get busy and so I think we'll try to do the advance sign up thing. Shoot me an email at liveat725@mysweetspotproductions.com. We will however try to accommodate if you drop in and I'll let everyone know in my next newsletter!

See you next week!

July 21, 2009...

Had a few newcomers this week. Always nice to see fresh faces!

Joe E. Beaudette www.myspace.com/joeebcountry and Leisha Holler www.myspace.com/leishaspace. Joe E. sang and played some originals and then they did a cover together. These two young performers are very talented. I'm hoping that Leisha will come back to work on her originals, but Joe E. has to learn them first! And of course a little story was told...

My brother, the Lowerys and Leisha's parents are neighbours in Beausejour. I was in Beausejour at my girlfriend Shannon Lowery's wedding a few years ago. My dog Karma who is very well behaved most of the time was hanging around the neighbourhood making friends with the other dogs. Leisha's pet rabbit and guinea pig were outside in their cage in their back yard. Well... back on the farm it was Karma's job to keep the critters out of the garden and she particularly loved to chase rabbits. Well I guess you can figure out what happened... Karma got into the cage and Leisha's pets took the next train to rabbit and guinea pig heaven... Since then, my dog Karma has passed and so they are now all very good friends!

The Three Murrays (Murray Shorzman had on a very cool hat... Murray Ross and Glen Murray) played together for the first time in a very long time. Murray Ross (Jason Ross www.myspace.com/jasonrossandfriends) is releasing a stellar debut album called "Living Without Sophia". To become a part of his CD Release Team visit him on Facebook here. Jason has also been named THE SOUNDING BOARD © "ARTIST OF THE MONTH" for July 2009! Congrats Jason! Please visit MySweetSpot profile to find out more about Mr. Ross.

Thor www.myspace.com/onebluedoor played to an attentive audience. He's really liking doing the solo thing!

Dan played an acoustic set of wonderful folk music. He is a friend of Dave Pommer's who told him about THE SOUNDING BOARD © Open Mic. Thanks Dave and I hope that Dan returns again soon.

Gary Flater is on holidays! He was here... and played...

Cam Miller and Rhonda Rogers hung out all night. Can did a fine set of his original music.

We had some others drop in too that didn't perform... Andrew Johnson, Ian McFayden, Dave Pommer, Hamish Gavin, Denny Moznar aka DINAC, and Matt McLeod. May next week?

Until then, don't forget to water your grassroots!!!

Paulette

July 14, 2009...

Yup. Things are starting to roll at THE SOUNDING BOARD © Open Mic! We have new artists dropping in every week and others that frequented the open mic at the former location.

Performing artists this week were, in no particular order...

Gary Flater opened the evening up with a great set of originals and covers followed by Karen who read a few pieces about polar bears. Wonderful!

Elton Plett www.myspace.com/eltonplett, THE SOUNDING BOARD "ARTIST OF THE MONTH" for June 2009, dropped in as well.

Zephyr, a capella trio (looking for a fourth singer), returned to do a set of oldies but goodies. I quite like their sound and spirit!

Bill Cooke came by again and played a wonderful set. He really is skillful on keys. Perry, the owner of La Scala really likes his style! You're in the good books Bill!

Shelly Genthon came by for the first time (check out the 'words' section of my website). Werner VAN Harder told him to drop in. Thanks Werner. Shelly was a regular at THE SOUNDING BOARD © Open Mic when it was at The Lounge of Charlie O & Friends. Nice to see him!

Rhonder Rogers got up and did some of her stuff. I really like her material. She doesn't perform often, but she is a fantastic writer. Keep it coming Rhonda!

Cam Miller also dropped in and ended up borrowing someone's guitar so that he could play a few...

Werner VAN Harder got up for his first time! I am so happy that he decided to share. He will be hosting J.U.S.T. Words (Justice, Unity, Sustainability and Truth) the Downtown Coffee Ground 2nd Year Anniversary Party on August 10th. See this page for info. You don't want to miss this night of fine poets, spoken word artists and live music! It is also a fundraiser, so please drop in and support. We will be hosting an all ages open mic from 5 to 7 pm so if you'd like to perform, please drop me a line.

Thor www.myspace.com/onebluedoor has been coming by every week to do his solo stuff. Didn't realize what a good guitar player he is... he played an instrumental piece which kicked butt!

And last but not least, Fields of Endeavour... They are fine tuning their set in the hopes of playing out on the scene. What a great vibe. Love Dave's vocal style, Paul's mellow beats and, we can finally hear Glen Layton's wonderful guitar playing www.myspace.com/kitcheneers!

So who knows what next week will bring... It's always a surprise! See you then...

July 7, 2009...

Wow, another great night at THE SOUNDING BOARD © Open Mic! I thought that it was going to be dead because of Folk Fest, but that wasn't the case. We had a great turnout and some artists that I haven't seen in a very long time! Thanks for dropping in everyone!

So there were a few newcomers... Harvey Hayward from Newfoundland. He sang a few of his original tunes. Folk and some fine guitar playing. Check him out at www.myspace.com/newfieharve.

Cher Maendel dropped in for her first time www.myspace.com/chermaendel... she was very good and boy can she sing! Jamie Lillie www.jamielillie.com who frequented the Regal Beagle when I was booking there a few years ago accompanied. They are going to be booking a show at LIVE @ 725 sometime in the near future. Stay tuned for more details...

Gary Flater played a couple of tunes... he's really into the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band if you don't already know it! We love him!

Karen, Zofia Monika (accompanied by Derrick McCandless, my co-host) and Ian McFayden (aka Juan Co.) were our literary talent for the evening.

Glen Layton of The Kitcheneers www.myspace.com/kitcheneers came by with Paul and Dave (formerly of Uncle Louis) and the three of them performed with Dave on rhythm guitar and lead vocals, Glen on lead guitar and back-up vocals and Paul on drums/percussion. It was awesome. For now the trio are called Fields of Endeavour... and they coming back next week, so don't miss them!!!

Jason Ross www.myspace.com/jasonrossandfriends also dropped in and ended up playing with Glen. Haven't heard him in a long time. He has just finished up his debut album entitled "Life Without Sophia". If you'd like to become a member of his CD Release Team, visit him on Facebook here. Good job Jason!

Thor of One Blue Door www.myspace.com/onebluedoor and www.obdonline.net also performed some covers and an original from days long ago... along with band mates Steve and Kevin Cote. They too will be booking a show at LIVE @ 725 sometime in August... check back for more info. I'll also be posting it on the LIVE @ 725 Facebook Page.

Wanda Wilson www.myspace.com/wandawilson stopped by again. We love you Wanda. She has really grown as an artist and will be releasing her debut CD this summer. We'll be letting you know when the date is set.

Bill Cooke came by to check things out and ended up playing at the end of the night. I met Bill when I used to work at Alley Catz Piano Bar on Pembina back in 2000. He was one of the regular piano players. Great musician and songwriter.

So that's it for this round, but we're back again on the 14th of July at LIVE @ 725, 725 Corydon... with more incredible local talent!

Hope you can make it!

Paulette

June 30, 2009...

I've decided to name Elton "little wolf" Plett THE SOUNDING BOARD © "ARTIST OF THE MONTH" for June 2009!!! Congrats Elton!!! He's been working really hard to get his music out there and deserves an 'A' for effort... Check out MySweetSpot profile. Also check out the new 'Archives' link...

What a fun night at THE SOUNDING BOARD © Open Mic this past Tuesday! Jimi Maze www.myspace.com/jimimaze kicked some butt as did all of the other local performers!

His new 7" black vinyl "Homeless Cracker Maze" EP is a sight to see and sounds great! Yup, we were joking about the fact that his songs are very phalic in nature. In anycase, please pick up a copy at Deafwish. They are only $10 and were pressed in Nashville! Hip hip and Bluegrass at its finest!

We had a wonderful a capella trio out by the name of Zephyr who performed some classic tunes. What beautiful harmonies! They are currently auditioning a fourth person so if you are interested in chatting with them, please email Cliff at zephyr@mts.net.

Darcy Toews was awesome. He did what he calls "some of his more serious songs". He is known as a comedy songwriter. I did ask him to do one funny song and that it was! He had a lot of energy and the audience really liked him. He and Derrick McCandless, my co-host, ended up being Jimi's back up 'band'. Darcy played guitar and Derrick the dobro. What a blast!

Ian McFayden was back to do more poetry. His poems are quite good and he is becoming more comfortable every time he performs. Keep it coming Ian!

Gary Flater, Mike Garbutt www.myspace.com/mikegarbuttmusic of The Riff Vandals and The Musician's Network and Terrance Birston of Renagde www.myspace.com/renterror and www.renagde.com hung out. Gary ended up playing a few songs on Derrick's guitar.

Jordan Tschmier of the Paegan Sunflowers dropped in for the first time at the new location. He's been writing a lot lately and we'll see more of him doing the solo thing. Check him out at www.myspace.com/jordantschmier and www.myspace.com/paegansunflowers. Nice to see you Jordan and btw, the Paegan Sunflowers were hot at the ElementSircus summer solstice celebration at Northern Sun Farm!

It was Wanda Wilson's www.myspace.com/wandawilson first time at the new location as well. Haven't seen or heard her play in a very long time. She is sounding real good and an album is in the works... stay tuned!

Thor came by again and gave us more of his 'thor-oaty' stylings... the man has a set of pipes! Check out his full band One Blue Door at www.myspace.com/onebluedoor.

Last but not least, Cam Miller dropped in late night and played Derrick's guitar. He played for a good half hour... the Cam-corder is back!

Not sure what to expect next week as everyone I know is getting ready for the Winnipeg Folk Festival... won't be going this year – babysitting the garden and my dog Terra who is very pregnant and will be delivering the goods soon!

Again, thanks for coming out and hope to see you soon at THE SOUNDING BOARD © Open Mic!

Paulette

June 23, 2009...

Another great night at THE SOUNDING BOARD © Open Mic. I'm really encouraged by the turnout. We're also getting used to the room and so the sound is improving!

We had a few surprises too... Both Ryelee www.myspace.com/ryeleemusic and Lois Gillespie www.myspace.com/loisgillespie dropped in with a few friends. They are sounding sweet!

Ryelee is performing at the Downtown Coffee Ground www.myspace.com/downtowncoffeeground on Monday July 6th (see page and sidebar links) and Lois is playing at the 2nd Year Anniversary Party on Monday, August 10th... two wonderfully talented ladies worth checking out!

Werner Van Harder popped in to see me and offered up strawberries, dried apricots and graham crackers! What a doll he is. Please check out the 'words' section of my website. I'm putting up a few of his most recent pieces. I hope to see him return to THE SOUNDING BOARD © Open Mic soon.

Others that braved the stage were Elton Plett www.myspace.com/eltonplett (he's becoming a regular), the Scissorkicks, No Remedy www.myspace.com/noremedybandsite and Karol Thorsteinsson aka Thor of One Blue Door www.myspace.com/onebluedoor.

Elton's been pretty busy working on his myspace profile and has been writing songs too. He's already released a couple of homespun discs. Check him out.

The Scissorkicks were fantastic... an acoustic duo (folk, rock and pop influences). Would love them to do a show at LIVE @ 725. The audience seemed to really enjoy their music too! Come back soon!

No Remedy hung out all evening (Kevin and Hudson sans drummer boy Joe St. Mars) and brought friends too. They haven't played for a long time, but they were sure on their game.

Thor dropped in later in the evening and played solo. He's pretty solid. It was a nice treat to hear him sing and play guitar. He's got a powerful raspy-ish voice and his songs are good too. I spoke to him about having the band play a show sometime in August. Stay tuned...

Derrick McCandless www.derrickmccandless.com backed up Zofia Monika while she read one of her poems and also played one of his own songs. It's not confirmed yet, but he might be working with Zofia on her poetry CD and book. Stay tuned for more news...

So for those who are interested, LIVE @ 725 is booking events (showcases, CD releases or book launches, art shows, private parties, etc.). If you are interested in chatting drop me a line at liveat725@mysweetspotproductions.com or call me at the office.

This Tuesday, June 30th, we have a featured guest performing at 10:15 pm Jimi Maze www,myspace.com/jimimaze on tour from Toronto. By donation. Please come and support. Original music – bluegrass and hip hop – interesting?

Until then... don't forget to water your grassroots! P.

June 16, 2009...

The word is getting out. Some of the artists who frequented THE SOUNDING BOARD © Open Mic at The Lounge of Charlie O & Friends have been dropping in to perform at LIVE @ 725... Starting to feel like old times!!!

Performing artists were Andrew Johnson (singer songwriter), Cam Miller (singer songwriter), Karen (poetry), Zofia Monika (poetry), Mike Mulligan www.myspace.com/mikemulligan, www.myspace.com/theniftysounds, Elton "Little Wolf" Plett www.myspace.com/eltonplett, Ian McFayden (poetry), US (Glen Layton www.myspace.com/kitcheneers, Anndrea Hermann, Simon Davis aka Six String Samurai www.myspace.com/simoncorydavis, Aaron Schorzman) and finally Bill Klysh www.myspace.com/bklysh.

See you next week... P.

June 10, 2009...

So the second night of THE SOUNDING BOARD © Open Mic was a good one. Again thanks to everyone who came out on a chilly Tuesday night!

Performing artists were Gary Flater (singer songwriter), Elton Plett (singer songwriter), Zofia Monika (poetry), Ian McFayden (poetry),
Derrick McCandless (singer songwriter) and Kurt Tittlemier (classical guitar player).

A few others stopped in to say hello and will be back... Andrew Johnson, Terrance Birston, Denny Moznar, Glen Layton, Paul Bezilla, and Glenn Zaretski. It was really nice to see you all.

Until next week, don't forget to water your grassroots!!!

Paulette

June 4, 2009...

The first night of THE SOUNDING BOARD © Open Mic on June 2nd, 2009 at "LIVE @ 725" Corydon, our new location, was great.

Thanks to everyone that came out and performed... Gary Flater, Maria Mango, Roldo, Zofia, Derrick McCandless, Tim Butler, Peter Baureiss and Graeme.

Got some good feedback about the venue and those who ate dinner loved the food. Perry Scaletta, the owner and chef, sure knows how to cook up some fine Italian dishes!

I've decided to name Derrick McCandless THE SOUNDING BOARD © "ARTIST OF THE MONTH" for May 2009!!! Check out MySweetSpot profile on the side bar.

May 21, 2009...

Please check out MySweetSpot profile to read about my father, Roger Joseph LaFortune...

April 29, 2009...

It is with great sadness that I share with you the passing of my father Roger LaFortune on this day. In memory of his life I am naming him the "ARTIST OF THE MONTH" for April 2009. Words and pictures to follow...

March 11, 2009...

So the Sounding Board "ARTIST OF THE MONTH" for March 2009 is Carlen. Click on MySweetSpot profile here to find out more...

March 3, 2009...

Sent out the first newsletter and I'm already compiling interesting tidbits for Volume II, Issue #2.

Started checking out designs. Looking forward to a fresh face!!!

February 9, 2009...

Okay so I'm a little late out of the gate, but better late than never!

I've been pondering the global situation and observing the 'spin masters' around me. Many interesting things happening.

I think it's time for a newsletter... also looking at redesigning my website using open source software. I have much to learn, but up I'm up for the challenge.

We'll talk soon.

Paulette

Archives...

The Sounding Board News - Volume 2, Issue 4
The Sounding Board News - Volume 2, Issue 3
The Sounding Board News - Volume 2, Issue 2
The Sounding Board News - Volume 2, Issue 1