Velvet

Ms. Holmes didn't write me back. I guess my letter was too nasty?

Last night was Monday dude. And phorbesie: no clusterfucking until I get there, okay!??!

Happy, happy birthday!

That was Suzie Vinnick, and she was playing bass. And yes, she was great! I'd already forgotten the British dudes. The main guy popped the low E string on his guitar on his first swipe at the strings.

Whoa! How did you do that AD?

Here's mine to Diane.Holmes@ottawa.ca : Councillor Holmes, I understand you are looking into access noise coming from Lebreton Flats during Bluesfest. According to the article in the Citizen 26 people complained about the noise on Thursday night while approximately 25,000 paid to subject themselves to it. The belly-achers make up about .1% of that tally, and I am impressed that you take the opinions of so few so seriously. Of course only two of the 26 complaints found decibels over accepted levels, lowering the figure to .01%. One might argue that not everyone with a complaint actually picked up the phone, but one could also say that certainly most people happy with the Bluesfest the way it is didn't call in either. Ms. Holmes, if you are so concerned about such a small faction of people with a complaint, then I urge you to take my complaint very seriously: busy yourself with things people actually are concerned about and leave the best festival this city offers alone. I wonder if you'll get 26 letters of complaint today. Actually, please let me know how many write to complain about your stance on this issue, I'd be very curious to know. Also, you needn't tell me how to complain about my local politician.

What's her email addy?

I'd rather no screen at all than a screen with innane text messages scrolling across the bottom 25%. Good on her for eliminating that frustration Friday night.

Well, I'm weird.

So, how was the show?

Whoa. I thought the sound last night was great! For once I could hear every word Gord screamed. And as for his voice being raspy - well, did anyone else hear those primal screams he was letting loose throughout the first three songs? He obviously blew his voice out, but man, it was great while it lasted! And the raspiness gave him a bluesy feel. Nobody has mentioned how great Bobby Baker was last night. I've seen lots of Hip shows where he has only taken one or two solos, and one show he played zero solos. Last night he was blazing, and for once Gordie forsook his usual ramblings and danced with his mic stand and let Bobby burn. Tonight I'll get around more, but so far any changes I've seen have been improvements.

They said it was leukemia but I think the man died from having too big of a heart. I booked him a couple of times and had him guest lecture an improv course I was teaching at Carleton. Oliver was brilliant, inspiring, and kind, and he will be sorely missed. When he found out he was terminal he sent out a brilliant email that showed his strength and dedication to earth and life. You can hear the man in his music, and I'm sure he would find that a nice compliment.

Hip Hip Hooray!

For those who have seen the Hip sometime in the last decade and thought they sucked live: They no longer suck live.

Donna Summer vs Don McLean! Ouch.

I'll tell you this about that: If Eddie can squeeze a month long tour between August 1st and 22nd then he's more man than I know.

Brutal. Very sorry to hear about that.

Believe the hype folks - this is one of the better bands out of Ontario right now. The guys will be fresh from their tour of Texas - so be nice.

I had a great day! 40 Main was a peaceful oasis to return to between trips downtown. Went to a nice BBQ party and then on to the fireworks. At Major Hills park I got a chance to play this: http://sixstringnation.com/en/the_guitar and I was ecstatic.

I stood on the corktown bridge from 1:30 until 2:15 and saw no snowbirds.

Looks like you're in for a happy birthday!

Well, yeah. I kept moving to a quiet spot by myself and would soon find myself again surrounded by incessant crowd noise. Not to complain.

My first in a long string of Friday's off. My nieghbor knocked on my door and handed me a beer at noon. It has begun.

Thank you Bradm.

Cool. I was wondering if you had an "in" with the Snowbirds.