The Amazing May Massing and the Pub Jam Sandwich

[lighthead2toe]

Will do brink.

I'll send the thread along to Paul. He'll need to know what's happening as regards to the approximate number of folks to expect etc. so he can staff the pub adequately.

A fun time is in store for all.

RJ.

[jj]

ron, i think you should be hosting a weekly Ed Sullivanesque show, what a vibe

are any videotaping for a group keepsake? i believe Dan (any others?) has done and shared for all in the past...i've occasionally caught bits and pieces from the back of the room...it's been a challenge to get there and parked before 4pm

ron, would all be plugged into the PA, if so, is there an audio output for sound capture?

[lighthead2toe]

Hey jj, you are too kind.
I'm a student of David Newland, the guy who hosts the Tribute Shows at Hugh's Room. He's my mentor but he wouldn't know it unless he reads this.
A whole new world opening up here. (just in a good mood today following a relatively good night's sleep)

But videotaping etc.?
So far nothing official, but all are welcome, like the CBC, Toronto Star, all aspiring video folks. We won't discriminate, and we sure would love your participation, that is on stage, on camera, or just being there.
We'll have to figure out a way to get you there for the complete gig. Maybe a payoff to your boss and babysitter. Will work on that as the date approaches.

Re- the sound output etc.
Paul lets us use the house PA and we just plug into it. I usually secure a recruit (aid) to help me with that end of things as I'm not much of a sound guy (the call is out guys).
Will try and get more info from Paul re the capacity of the system.

[T.G.]

Originally Posted by lighthead2toe

Hi friends,
Well, interest in the pub jam is heating up and it looks like a fun time is in store for us all.
Emails are coming in regarding the format etc. and it seems that the "open mike" has worked ok in the past although please feel free to send along a private email for suggestions.
Once we have a scope on the numbers and the tunes folks have in mind, we'll work things out.
Simply "accentuate on the positive."
"Love the ones who care to love, be a friend to those in need, and help the weary traveler in the night,
Forgetting not the wasted soul, the beggar man, the con man and the widow and the orphan in the street."
(RJ borrowing from GL)

Well I've got over three months to arrange the bass lines, hopefully add some bottom end here and there to the tunes ... if we're in the same key!

[jj]

Originally Posted by T.G.

Well I've got over three months to arrange the bass lines, hopefully add some bottom end here and there to the tunes ... if we're in the same key!

oh, is there a McVeigh song list with key signatures? or are all playing in Gord's keys? i think Mel has 'custom fit' capo positioning, any others?

please share if so, maybe can add some strings (on keys, although what i'd give to play a real cello or viola) if the cards are aligned...it would be a hack, adlib arrangement and hardly audible, unlike my heavy handed (that's what my family calls it anyhow, lol) piano attack

rj, yer too kind also...i can think of a good video setup spot...near left speaker there is that close up bench seat or by the 'pole' (assuming char's not got it reserved for dancing, lol)

...btw, we dont' have and 'solid' local babysitters...our only group of neighbours are basically widows who begin sipping the sherry at about 11am, it's sad.... atleast i wait til noon!

will figure something out...just the right blend of planning and spontaneity..and if i can't make it, i trust mr fowles or danno will have their trusty counter-KOAS Shoe Phone/cam technology rolling and then prepped for broadcast soon thereafter

[T.G.]

Originally Posted by jj

oh, is there a McVeigh song list with key signatures? or are all playing in Gord's keys? i think Mel has 'custom fit' capo positioning, any others?

That's what we gotta figure out!

[lighthead2toe]

It's great to see the enthusiasm factor kicking in guys.

I'll start the ball rolling by putting together my potential list with the key I do the songs in and send it along in a private email and hopefully others who would like to have bass accompaniment will follow.

It sure is a plus having that nice cool bottom end rollin' along in those tunes. Reminds me of the sound Gord had in the "Early Morning Rain" days.
RJ.

[charlene]

I remember when Gord used to introduce Rick and his 'walking bass' in certain songs and Rick would take a walk...lol

[longevitydrugstore]

Happy Week End everyone and enjoy by posting and share with individual opinion in this forum God Bless all PipZ

[T.G.]

Originally Posted by lighthead2toe

It's great to see the enthusiasm factor kicking in guys.

I'll start the ball rolling by putting together my potential list with the key I do the songs in and send it along in a private email and hopefully others who would like to have bass accompaniment will follow.

It sure is a plus having that nice cool bottom end rollin' along in those tunes. Reminds me of the sound Gord had in the "Early Morning Rain" days.
RJ.

Oh that would be lovely, to have the songs and the keys would be a really good headstart on the fun.

[lighthead2toe]

Hi Friends.
The days are quickly moving by and before we know it the pendulum will be swinging and time will be at hand for us to pull out those instruments and crank out a few tunes.

Just a heads up for the folks traveling:
The transit system is Toronto is very good. As an example, it's possible to travel from the Toronto Airport to anywhere in the city for just one fare. Info is available at: ttc.ca.

Also from past experience traveling, especially by air, it's wise to boost the immune system to help ward off illness. Pharmacists could provide the best advice for this.
I have found that "Cold FX" works very well for me.
When I flew to Ottawa in March there were lots of flu bugs etc. around and luckily I managed to get by without catching anything.
If anyone needs help with anything please send me a private email and we'll work it out.

Cheers,

RJ.

[BILLW]

Thanks for all the work you put into this RJ. It seems that those of us who just plan on listening have it pretty easy. See y'all soon.

Bill

[lighthead2toe]

Thank you Bill for your kind words.

It's the kind of work that has a similarity in what we talked about in an earlier post on this thread regarding taking that important first initial step up to the mike.

It all seems to become more enjoyable. I guess in a way, a sort of addiction.

But having our audience there is of the utmost importance. An audience will always know first hand when things are working and when they aren't, and entertainers sometimes, unfortunately underestimate their audience.

So I guess the point I'm trying to make is having you there "just listening" is part of that "utmost importance." And of course you will be traveling a long way to get there as well and that alone takes lots of work.

See you there,

RJ.

[jj]

Originally Posted by lighthead2toe

It's great to see the enthusiasm factor kicking in guys.

I'll start the ball rolling by putting together my potential list with the key I do the songs in
RJ.

Hi Ron
Let us know when you have relocated

Also could you post the list of all songs by those who are appearing?
The keys would be nice but titles more of interest as time moves along.

You are truly a coast to coaster! Be well. J

[charlene]

I just got a call from our wandering minstrel...he's safely home in Ontario now!

[jj]

Originally Posted by charlene

I just got a call from our wandering minstrel...he's safely home in Ontario now!

Thx When he finally settles in the canadian arctic he will have all the nation's corners covered

[lighthead2toe]

Hi Friends.

Aurora, the home town of Red Shea is a town that really makes one feel totally "home."

After being on the road since May1st from Vancouver in my old 95 Chevy Lumina mini van, packed to capacity as only one with a "pack rat" mentality can achieve, yesterday I pulled into the driveway of my son, Greg who has a home he's offered to share with me till I get settled.
After we unloaded with the skillful help of my 5 year old grandson, Aiden, then a cup of tea and a snack we decided to take a bicycle ride around the town.
I managed to fit my 21 speed mountain bike in after making a few minor adjustments, like pulling off the front wheel before I cold make it fit. I hate having to to that just as much as I hate having to find a parking spot for the van if I go downtown anywhere.

It was a beautiful spring day in Ontario, with full sun and the early morning chill giving way to the dead heat of mid day and then cooling down as evening set in.
Aurora has everything to offer and I decided after a close look that it's the place where I want to live. I really love Aurora and want to make it my home.
I just have to convince my gal, Marian from the mountains to join me here.

Life has many different twists and turns, Gord only knows, so we move on to a new era and the focus now is our our pub jam and the Massey concerts. How could you top that?

This time we are working on a package to help make the pub jam a real fun time for all and there are a few emails coming through and as the requested information comes I will ensure it gets back to all.
Being an "open mike" thing it no doubt will have an element of excitement and basically it's always a learning process for me. We'll give it our best shot!

Cheers,

RJ.

[T.G.]

Welcome to Aurora, Ron. Glad you're finding it home.

[jj]

Originally Posted by lighthead2toe

Emails are coming in regarding the format etc. and it seems that the "open mike" has worked ok in the past although please feel free to send along a private email for suggestions.
Once we have a scope on the numbers and the tunes folks have in mind, we'll work things out.

Ron, glad to hear you are comfy in the new community, nice stuff

do you know the tunes folks (who've been contacting you) have in mind? keys?

cheers
J

[lighthead2toe]

Thanks guys for your kind welcoming words. It's so good to be here again and I'm anxious to get moving as "I got a lota livin' to do."

Yesterday I took my van to my son's mechanic to have it checked out, after having driven it 5000 km and "all is well." The mechanic tells me he also serviced Red Shea's car.
He told me he really enjoyed it when Red came by. He said something to the effect that he was the kind of guy who would "make you laugh and bend your ear." Wow!

Also Marian has decided to come down from the mountains and join me here for a new life in the warm comfort of the beautiful Province of Ontario. Guess I've made my peace where highways never end.

Yesterday's a memory but I'll still have to return to Vancouver after the shows and wind things down there and hopefully when we return we can find a suitable place to live and settle here in Aurora. It's a place that's close to my family as well.

But now back to the pub jam, songs, keys and all-a that Zen.

So JJ, now that my IMAC is all fired up I can send you off an email with what I have so far, and maybe if possible we can connect for a "pre pub jam prep session." That would be cool.
My guitar collection survived the journey totally intact. In fact the B45 was still totally in tune.
I'll tell ya--that John Laroque guy at Ring Music in Toronto is one specialist when it comes to setting Gibson B 45's.

Back to work now as today is again a beautiful spring day, the cardinals are singing and there's still a few windows left to clean. All is well.

Cheers,

RJ.

[lighthead2toe]

Hello again friends.

It's hard to find the right words to describe just how overwhelming it feels to be here again in Ontario and to have that feeling combining with all these wonderful events that are happening with the upcoming concerts and all. I really am very lucky and very thankful.

A thought occurred to me that we should make a mention of the parking situation re McVeigh's pub.
A Google search of McVeigh's pub can help with directions etc.
I honestly do hate parking downtown, but....
Anyway, the pub's location is on the southwest corner of Church and Richmond Streets and Richmond is a one way street. It runs from east to west.
There is a parking lot next door to the pub on the south side of Richmond St. and that's where I usually park. There are other parking lots as well close by.
Richmond Street can be entered from either Church, Jarvis, or other streets which run north and south and are East of the pub.
As rates go with downtown parking in most big cities it's a tad pricey. Sometimes it's best to go with just the "flat rate" for the day. Most parking lots take credit cards but a few coins close at hand might be good.
I'll be online regularly to help "If you Need Me."

Cheers,

RJ.

[charlene]

If it is a nice day the walk is not far and takes about 30 minutes or less from the area of Massey/Yonge and Shuter.
I sent along a map with my last e-mail to attendees with locations of hotels/massey/eaton centre/pub etc. If it's rainy and folks don't have a car it's not to pricey for a cab ride..

[BILLW]

Wow - sounds great. Thanks for the map Char and thanks again for all your planning Ron, seeing you folks play together has been on my to-do list for a long time now. (since I somehow missed the trip to jjs place when we were in Hamilton) Now "God Willing and the creek don't rise" we'll see you all next Friday.

Bill

[charlene]

I missed that trip out to JJ's place too!
It hasn't rained today...and it's getting warmer...keep yer fingers corssed and your wellies and brollies handy tho!

[T.G.]

Well tune up yer guitars and get ready to drink yer glasses empty. Unfortunately, the forecast is calling for rainshowers, but it's sure to be warm and dry inside McVeigh's with good music and friends. Working feverishly here to arrange some bass lines ... I have more admiration for Rick Haynes after this.