Posted in: Art, Concerts & Events, First Friday, Local Talent, News | No Comments | June 8, 2022
We feel very fortunate to have so many good friends in this city including the many talented musicians and artists that live here. One of them is Mike Blackmore. Along with an array of his fellow musicians he has played many times for our in-store events like First Fridays.
For June 7th First Friday, the musician we had booked well in advance unfortunately had to cancel at the last moment. A few quick phone calls and the short notice vacancy was filled by Mike and the band he chose to call, for this time, ‘The Animations’. With Dave Thomas on keyboard, Wulf Von Waldow on saxophone and Mike playing guitar, d’jembe and siren (yes siren), we along with his fans old and new, had a great evening of live music.
The band played some their own compositions as well as covers they truly make sound like they wrote due to the fact they make it up as they go. They are jammin’ and having a blast doing it. We, the listeners are along for the ride!
Some of the comments we heard were, “great blues band”, “great jazz band”, ‘great rock band” and “boy are they having fun playing”. All true statements of fact. Mike Blackmore and his band of merry men are all of those things and more.
Mike rarely uses the same name twice for his band, partly because he is never 100% sure how many musicians will join him for a gig, partly because he has a wacky sense of humour. Regardless of the name, Mike and his friends put on a a wonderful performance. So watch for Mike Blackmore and the ????? on our website EVENTS calender playing at a venue or event if you want to be guaranteed a fun filled entertaining outing!
Surrounding Mike & The Animations was the artwork of another very good friend, Jessie J. Rabbitt. Jessie has become very dear to us, not only because we appreciate her talent as an artist, but because she is one of THE most interesting people we know to talk with and she is such a gentle soul. When she tells the story behind her art pieces, you come to realize the emotional connection that goes into each one. It is not always evident since the majority of her works are in an abstract styling, but indeed each piece has a history and a tale to tell.
Her work spans over 60 years on her lifetime with many high and low points sprinkled throughout it. Her techniques and styles have evolved reflecting her creativity, spirit and warmth of heart.
Jessie’s work will be on exhibit and for sale until June 29. If you would like to talk to her in person, an appointment can be arranged by calling us at Cheeky Monkey at 519-332-0978.
As an added bonus to the evening, there were two other interesting elements. Madi and Sarah, formerly of Lambton MainStreet Players, have formed a new duo called Sounds of Summer. They performed outside the store for vast number of people going from store to store during First Friday. Watch for them throughout the season at varies events and festivals such as Kids FunFest and Brights Grove Canada Day Celebration.
Also, stationed beside our front counter were Madi and Ali, young, enthusiastic volunteers from the Inn of The Good Shepherd selling Inn-Sider Discount Cards. These cards are only $10 and get you discounts at various business and restaurants throughout Sarnia. For more information or to purchase a card (or 2 - make great gifts), call 519-344-1746.
We’d like to thank everyone that helped make this another fun filled and successful First Friday, not only for us, but for the entire downtown.
If you would like to see a few more photos CLICK HERE. Please feel free to add your own photos of our event to the page, or email them to me at [email protected]
Next month for the July 5th First Friday, our musicians are Cross Tie Walker with the metaphysical artwork of Bret Toth adorning our walls. Hope we see you then, if not before.
