Blog Anniversary, and my latest REM column!

Where does the time go?

Today is the 10th anniversary of this blog space, but it seems a bit watered down, given that I have moved much of my online publishing efforts elsewhere. 

I really need to get back here more often than I have been as of late.

To make amends, here a link to a random column from this day in time:

March 17, 2011

Picking that out of thin air, how did I last 10 years DOING what I was doing?

Well, to atone for THAT travesty of your time, here's a link to my latest humour column in REM, with a link to a reading I did of the piece live:

Revisiting A Realtor Romance

Hopefully that works a little better for you...

Later!

Life Is Surreal To Say The Least...

You really can't make this up.

As it happens, two of my current writing efforts that circle back to my time spent with Okanagan writer, friend and mentor Dona Sturmanis are out (or will be out) directly around the time of her passing this week. 

That photo is just a snapshot of an old publication she stewarded out of Melvyn's Living Room in Westbank (now West Kelowna), where I started to take courses and generally loiter about as often as I was able to.

A piece that I first read at an event years back in her Peachland home is going to come out shortly in my national real estate column - for the second time.

She howled at that one, and it went on to be my most widely published piece.

Here's a link to a reading in Calgary for The Alexandra Writers Centre Society.

The piece comes out shortly in REM (Real Estate Magazine).

As it happens, a gentle and hilarious soul that I came to know there also figures in to a recent piece of mine.

I did a feature on Kelowna author, poet and humour writer Sterling Haynes, which happens to be in the most current issue of Freefall Magazine. 

She may have recently left us, but her work supporting writers continues to bear fruit...

Discover Dona

Discover: Dona Sturmanis

An award-winning poet, journalist, and feature writer - but above and beyond her own stellar writing career, Dona Sturmanis was a mentor for more writers than I can count - myself included.

Very much dismayed to read this morning that she had passed away, but her son Leif, a chip off the old block to say the least, wrote a magnificent post on Facebook for her world of friends, family and fans.

I can honestly say that I would not be where I am today without having met Dona. She was the creative spark that continues to burn to this day...

I'm flying out the door to work, but here's a link to a piece that I posted from a reading she organized - I think at Lois Lane in Kelowna.

Don't let God overwhelm you with assignments Dona....relax a bit now.

Blog Post 

Dan

Frank Turner, Northcote and Mo Kenney - Some kind Of Wonderful!

Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls

Northcote

Mo Kenney

MacEwan Hall, Saturday March 6, 2016

Well, unfortunately the pics I snapped for this event didn't turn out sharp enough for formatting into my online Calgary Herald space, so I'll post them here regardless along with a few comments about the show. Great night of outstanding music from Canadian's Mo Kenney, Northcote, and English folkster Frank Turner And The Sleeping Souls.

First off, apologies to all the artists for the low quality images, which do not speak at all to the quality of the work they did onstage last night - what a great blend or music, and the crowd jammed the place to capacity for the gig...

Mo Kenney

Opener Mo Kenney clearly had fans in place as she went through her set - from where we were standing at that point, you could hear folks singing along, and it was a great introduction for anyone not familiar with her catalogue. 

Just a few highlights for me had to have been the wonderful In My Dreams, Sucker For Your Face, and The Happy Song, which she prefaced as a balm for all the sad songs she tends to write. 

Sad maybe, but catch-your-ears for sure lyrically. Her co-write with Joel Plaskett Déjà vu was another  great piece, and her pair of covers (Bowie's Five Years, and Tom Petty's Yer So Bad, which she came out to perform with Northcote) make it no surprise at all to see all the recognition she has garnered.

Matt Goud - Northcote 

Speaking of Northcote, I've been a bit out of the rock scene as of late given my current focus on folk roots and blues, but these fellas sure brought back memories with their bright, no-nonsense set. 

I saw acts like these back when I was the age of most of this audience (to avoid getting carded at the beer garden, I pointed to my hair...), and Northcote doesn't miss with how they do it. This is a group poised for a breakthrough as evidenced by the production team on their latest album, and the demand the group has seen - over 160 shows in 2014!

In particular, songs like the sturdy anthem Hope Is Made Of Steel, A Thousand Nights, and Counting Down The Days all point to these gentleman making a mark, and having legs while they're at it. 

Frank Turner

And your headliner? Well, sweet Maggie on a rock, this Frank Turner and The Sleeping Souls act is a special kind of incendiary... 

There was a Celtic band out of Kelowna (Kinship) that I used to think was high energy and in your face. 

Great Big Sea was known to be a bit raucous on occasion.

Frank Turner makes any preconceived notion of "explosive", "volatile", or "combustible" quaint by comparison. The Celtic roots are evident, but the exquisite combinations of buzz, punk and power folk were the catalyst to set this crowd on fire. 

By the time he switched to an electric guitar, it was already clear he could have rocked the house with a ukulele, but the faux track the band apparently works into recent shows featured that aforementioned buzz, and the electric guitar was the appropriate instrument to bring that segment of the show forward.

Frank Turner and (at least one of) The Sleeping Souls

Mandatory sing-a-longs that really required no prompting,  energy that appeared unabated by the time I had to leave, this was the capper on a great evening of folk-based music. 

Certainly not your Grandpa's folk music...

Later!

 

   

 

What have I done???

INSTAGRAM: danst.yves

OK friends and folks - I have overcome 4 or 5 years of hesitation, and have decided to forge ahead with an Instagram presence -  mercy on us all..

I just took a few minutes to connect with a few familiar faces after getting past the endless parade of Kardashians and Jenners. I'll do more of that as I track you all down.

If you're on Instagram, and you'd like me to follow your site, I will happily do so. I will even have pictures posted soon, as I hope this will be one more place that I can bring awareness to the amazing acts that I get to connect with, see live, and review - so expect a LOT of live music pics!

Go ahead, don't be shy.

Don't make me have to connect with JLo or Miley, for the love of everything sacred!!!!

Be gentle, but don't be afraid! I'm honestly far more clueless than I look...

Later!

Stage West Calgary "Suite Surrender"

Stage West Calgary

"Suite Surrender"

Directed by J. Sean Elliott

Starring Kevin Hare, Chantal Perron, and Elizabeth Stepkowski Tarhan

Courtesy Stage West Calgary

Michael McKeever is a prolific fellow - his website indicates some 39 plays ranging from comedies to dramas to shorts. Unless I’m seriously mistaken, my first McKeever play was last night, Stage West Calgary’s "Suite Surrender".

That is one of his comedies, and a farce at that. Having nothing else to gauge against, I’d be curious to see even more of his work. After a bit of a slow start, the cast of zany characters and the absurd plot explode into outright hilarity, moving briskly towards a conclusion that first allows for most every actor to have their own moment in the spotlight. Some more than others, admittedly.

It is the strong cast of characters and the sure hand of director J. Sean Elliott that makes this such an enjoyable outing. While I do have to hold back as usual for my official Calgary Herald review, I can say that Elliott has outdone himself with this play, his direction, and the casting - a stellar collection of actors you’ve seen before on this stage, and a few you may have not.

Courtesy Stage West Calgary

Kevin Hare is one of the returnees, and as General Manager of the Palm Beach Royale Hotel, spends more time juggling than managing - given that this is set in 1942, it would be apt to suggest that he’s juggling potential hand grenades while the assorted branches of the actual military are downstairs creating havoc of their own.   

Elizabeth Stepkowski Tarhan and Chantal Perron return as well, as the two potential hand grenades that spur the plot along as rival divas and apparent mortal enemies erroneously assigned to the same presidential suite. 

Natascha Girgis returns to Stage West this time out as the scene-stealing gossip columnist Dora del Rio, who encounters more than her fair share of the slamming doors of this farce - the after-effects being some of the strongest comedic moments of the evening.

I’m just touching on a few highlights here (again, saving morsels for my other review!), but the combined efforts of this strong cast smooth over any rough edges in the proceedings, and wring out the most from what lines they have to share with their fellow actors.  

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention one other star though, a canine actor very well-behaved given the goings-on, but omitted in the playbill. Must not be a member of the union, Mr. Boodles?

Great fun, and if you’re not all that familiar with the farce style of comedy, a great introduction!

4 out of 5 stars.

I’ll link back when the official review runs!

New Humour Column, and Getting Back To The Blog

Wow!

Since I made the decision to let go the daily posting quite a few months ago, I have REALLY neglected this space.

That is going to change. I think I have FINALLY found a cohesive theme for my other projects, so I can start linking at least, to those.

For today, here's a link to my latest real estate humour column:

Finding The Perfect Listing.

Enjoy!

Later...

Real Estate In The Animal Kingdom

Well, I had better get back to posting some links here on my blog site!

Here's my latest real estate humour column, where I speculate on how furry Realtors might try selling homes:

Real Estate In The Animal Kingdom

Enjoy!

Later...

Stage West Calgary - "80's Solid Gold 2"

80's Solid Gold 2

Stage West Calgary

until Feb 7, 2016

The Saturday Morning 

"Somebody-Asked-Me-To, So Here-I-Go" Review:

"80's Solid Gold 2"

(at Stage West Calgary until Feb. 7, 2016) 

Who says sequel's are bound to disappoint? 

Filled with razor-sharp humour, and sight gags that even take a bit of time to manifest before you crack up at their ingenuity, "80's Solid Gold 2" at Stage West Calgary is set to become another favourite for the run it will enjoy now and on into the new year.

Casting. 

Man, casting makes these shows tick, and in the case of the sequel that includes a broad selection of musical tracks from the era, there are so many that are sure to find a wide enough array of styles to appeal broadly to most audiences, and then some. 

Well, and the actual cast too - many returning after absences, some lingering almost long enough at Stage West that they are just about needing to update their driver's licence information, and some new faces. 

All in all, they get to represent most of the successful and significant songs of the decade that offered possibly the most diverse and innovative sounds in musical history.

As usual, I have to hold back much of my commentary for the official Calgary Herald review I'll be putting together as soon as I post this one (link as soon as that is live to share!).

However, I can tease you with just a few of the names that get showcased in fine form here:

Don Henley, Bryan Adams, The B-52's, Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, rockers AC/DC, Van Halen, and Bon Jovi...the list is extensive, and there is little to disappoint with how their songs are re-imagined, or respectfully recreated over the two acts.

Effective use of stage-length video screens (this was the era of MTV and Much Music after all), some of the best costumes for a revue, and bang-on choreography had tables around me entirely caught up in the experience for the media night presentation. 

Again, as soon as that official Calgary Herald review goes live, I'll post a new link to direct you there. 

In the meantime, enjoy a sumptuous holiday dinner along with this upbeat, terribly fun sequel to 80's Solid Gold.

4 out of 5 stars...

(All photos courtesy Stage West Calgary...)

My latest humour column - Snowman Weight Loss Program

In my latest REM column, I wonder how those often husky-looking snowmen might try losing a few pounds.

Read all about that here!

Enjoy...

Later!

All My Life's A Circle...

Funny how life is.

After spending years writing with a scattergun approach,  across a wide variety of spectrums and publications, my determination back in May to focus on blues, folk and roots music has taken me right back home, literally with respect to the Canadian market, and figuratively. My first professional writing credit was for the music business back in Winnipeg in 19xxxxxxxxxxx.......mumble mumble...

Today I'm getting re-tweeted and Facebooked all across the country thanks to a good decision, and good people that continue to support me.

Check out today's online feature, and thanks everyone for helping me find my way, despite my own best efforts to remain lost in the crowd.

Mercredi Beaucoup....

Later!

What's Happening, Calgary?

It feels like forever since I've posted something new here, so maybe it's time to link to a few pieces I've had run lately in my online Calgary Herald space.

How about a preview of Rosie & The Riveters/Steve Seskin, tonight at The Calgary Folk Club?

Read that here!

You may have missed Winnipeg's Red Moon Road at the Ironwood Stage & Grill earlier this week, but you can get a big jump on their January 2016 appearance at that very same Calgary Folk Club mentioned earlier - btw, the companion podcast is a hoot regardless of your availability to see the show...

Read that here!

I caught Vancouver's The Harpoonist & The Axe Murderer in Bragg Creek a week or so ago, but it was even more fun chatting with Harpoonist Shawn Hall before their show. Don't miss the companion podcast!

Read that here!

Man, all this typing....

Why don't I just link you to my online Calgary Herald space??

Read that here!!! 

Why, there's a veritable WEALTH of interesting reading there!

Enjoy!!

Later...

Steve Hill Coming Back To Calgary

I talked to blues rocker Steve Hill back in June, ahead of his show at the Ironwood Stage and Grill, which I then made sure to attend.

Glad I did, he was absolutely amazing live - between his deep, urgent rhythms that straddle traditional blues and classic rock, there was that image of him whacking away at a cymbal with the drum stick attached to the head of his guitar - the only word that sufficiently describes the experience is "intense".

Here's a link to the podcast interview from back then.

This was the preview feature online in The Calgary Herald, and this was the followup after seeing him live.

Don't miss out - get your tickets for Steve Hill TODAY!

Later...

Growing Up Canadian - Street Hockey Memories

This is my latest real estate column, but it's more about the quintessential rite of passage for many Canadian kids. Back when I was this age, it would have been a predominantly male endeavour.

Read the piece here...

Enjoy!

Two Days Ago, John Lennon Would Have Turned 75...

My piece from yesterday's online Calgary Herald, which has already been linked online at Topix.com, Scoopnest.com, Entertainment 24x7, The Edmonton Journal, The Windsor Star, Canada.com, The Montreal Gazette, Saskatoon Star Phoenix, MSN.com, Vancouver Province - among others

Make sure you leave your own mark before your time is up...

"Create YOUR Legacy For A Better World - Lennon At 75"

Finding the "Perfect"House - my latest humour column for REM

Finding the just-perfect home is hard, especially if one house is too hard, and the other is just too soft...

Read it here!

Enjoy!

Later...

Dennis Ellsworth & The 24th Street Wailers - In Pictures

Meanwhile, over at my OTHER blog...

Click here to view

Legendary Songwriter Don McLean, Calgary

Don McLean

Chrome Showroom

Calgary

My takeaway from seeing this iconic singer songwriter last night has to be how he has chosen to live the life he wants to live, which may have cost him somewhat in his career.

That seems like small potatoes, given that he remarked he's been touring now for 47 years, and has made a bunch of money from artists covering his songs - I'm sure he's done pretty well with his own interpretations of those tracks as well :-)

Which is all to say that it made his show even more remarkable that I had anticipated, and even more special given that he does not confine himself to a pre-determined set list, rather just sharing his own songs and those that have inspired him along the way.

Last night we were treated to songs by other iconic singer songwriters going back as far as Buddy Holly and Roy Orbison, to Elvis and Marty Robbins and more. His take on the classic story song El Paso was every bit as engaging as the original, almost going so far as to make it his own. 

That said, he shared his pride and preference for Elvis' cover of his own gorgeous And I Love You So, which sounded just fine in his own rich voice, which was up to full par for the two hours he stuck around, including a lengthy three song encore.

Along the way, there were many familiar songs (his hit cover of Orbison's Crying), and lesser known album cuts like Crossroads and King Of Fools - which I will have to track down now...

Of course, he is blessed or cursed with American Pie, which despite my having seen easily hundreds of amateurs and lounge acts play repeatedly over the years was nothing short of ASTOUNDING when he launched into an extended version that was heavy on sing-a-long participation. The whole night was filled with that, by request of the man himself - he often sat alone with his guitar or accompanied by piano to make the showroom an intimate space.

Vincent (Starry Starry night) during his encore brought about as enthusiastic reaction as did American Pie. Not all his output has equaled some of those monster successes, but there was not a single moment last night that felt like padding or a misfire. 

That's exactly why he will continue to fill rooms wherever he chooses to play, and we're fortunate that last night was here in our town...

Stage West Calgary's "The Wedding Singer"

Stage West Calgary 

"The Wedding Singer"

Sept 4 - Nov 8

Courtesy Stage West Calgary

Stage West Calgary Presents 

"The Wedding Singer"

(based on the New Line Cinema film)

And there you have it - the latest season at Stage West Calgary opens, and explodes off the stage in their uproarious presentation of the Broadway production based on Adam Sandler's comedy hit film "The Wedding Singer". 

Filled with vastly likeable and talented actors, there is never a dull moment in this love story that overcomes the odds!

As always, I have to hold back content here for my upcoming (official) Calgary Herald review, but in this preview review, I suppose I will set the tone for what is to come there - mainly a glowing endorsement for audiences to get on over to the facility and settle in for the ride. 

It's the most fun you'll have in a seat!

Courtesy Stage West Calgary

Bringing back some familiar faces, and introducing some new talent to SWC audiences, "The Wedding Singer" tackles a typical Hollywood love story - I'm not giving anything away by saying all's well that ends well, love will find a way, true love wins - you know the drill...

The winning combination for this show is the exceptional writing, exciting choreography, and a chance for almost every member of this well-cast group of actors to either solicit a laugh, or steal a scene. 

As likeable as both lead actors are (Elicia MacKenzie, Aidan Desalaiz - they are both way beyond likeable, really), they are constantly getting upstaged by supporting roles that have been fleshed out for maximum effect by this book's dialogue and comic situations.

A petite powerhouse, a lady-adverse keyboard player, a big lug with a mullet, an ex-girlfriend with big hair and a bigger voice - there's just so much to like about this comic take on relationships set in New Jersey in 1985. If you've seen the movie, you'll have a general idea of the story, but this production is almost even sweeter than the source material - directly smoothly and surely by regular contributor to Stage West Timothy French. 

Courtesy Stage West Calgary

        Well, I had better wrap this recap up - I've got my newspaper review to write. I will name names. I will provide even more incentive for you to go see this show.

I will give it a hearty 5 out of 5 stars...

Link to be posted here when that is ready for your viewing pleasure - this show is already ready for that.

Stage West Calgary

 

 

Latest Interview & Feature: Singer/Songwriter Dennis Ellsworth

Just gone live now in my Calgary Herald space online - an interview and podcast-enhanced feature with PEI musician Dennis Ellsworth, ahead of his upcoming album release.

Read the piece here, and there are links in there that will take you to a music video, as well as my podcast :-)

Enjoy!

Later...