The HJ's performance at Cheeky Monkey during the September 2017 First Friday was a night filled with pleasant surprises. Being a new duo that started playing together only 10 month ago, Harold Collins and Justin Hayes did not really have any kind of reputation to precede them. From what I had been informed, they were mainly an acoustic act. Well not for this night. Also, I mention they are a duo. Again, not for this night. The drummer was an unexpected pleasant surprise on many levels. Chloe Kendel was not only a very new addition this being only her second time playing with Harold & Justin, but she is only 16 years old. We have known Chloe for many years as a regular customer we always look forward to seeing in the store. We had no idea she was a drummer - and a really good one at that. During the HJ's ...
MoreTo say the August First Friday was a roaring success is an understatement. A combination of pleasant summer weather, GreekFest happening a block away and Offsite Impact playing at Cheeky Monkey was the best possible mix to kick off the Civic Holiday weekend. We were very familiar with the talent of three members of Offsite Impact. Dale White (Keyboards/ Back-up Vocals), Barry White (Frontman/Vocals/Bass Guitar) and Paul Eastman (Drums) have all played at Cheeky Monkey previously in other bands. Paul, being a very versatile and accommodating drummer, has played in at least four different bands appearing over the years at Cheeky Monkey. We were so very impressed with Offsite Impacts sound and stage presence, that we sincerely hope Paul has found a long lasting band to set his kit up with. Offsite Impacts playlist is an impressive selection of very dance-able hits from over the decades. Suspect they choose these particular songs to ...
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Evan & John: May 5th First Friday at the Cheeky Monkey by Brian Hay The harmony singing by the duo of John Pilat and Evan Dawe was great right from the start. Their vocal work on ’New York’ by the Milk Carton Kids was easily up to the standard of the recording released by the original group. The parts for their guitars and the ease with which they wove them together were exemplary and their interpretation carried some individual touches while remaining faithful to the original piece. That it rolled off them so effortlessly shows they put a lot of work into getting things right. The reading given to Simon and Garfunkel’s ‘Mrs. Robinson’ was an attention grabber of the best kind. Subtle weaving of guitar parts and brilliant harmony singing was again the dominant force in their delivery. Moving to ’Snake Eyes’ by the Milk Carton Kids before playing ‘Wednesday Morning 3:00 ...
MoreWell, there are not enough descriptive words to express how great it was. Thanks to all the wonderful suppliers & customers, we beat last years records every which way. The suppliers provided us, as best they could, with more interesting titles than ever and the crowds where here to buy them in bigger numbers than previous years. Along with taking advantage of our 'We pay the tax' sale' we exceeded expectations by a long shot. The shopper that came the farthest distance we are aware of was from Cincinnati Ohio. Drove through the night to get here and be at the front of the line outside after he was forwarded our e-newsletter on Friday after closing with the list of exclusives we got by a local friend. Had a few people in from Michigan, Toronto and London as well. Part of the fun day was the 3 mystery packages with cryptic names ...
MoreMark the date... RECORD STORE DAY 2017 - Saturday April 22nd - 9:30 am to 5:30 pm come celebrate at Cheeky Monkey Thursday, April 20 UPDATE... Box of goodies for giveaways just arrived from Outside Music. Collector stickers, postcards & posters. Wednesday, April 19 UPDATE... - 8:25 pm (yes well after closing time). Record Store Day brings many first for everyone - including me. For first time I can recall in our 35 + years of business, Roland asked me to help sticker product. That is a sign of how much inventory is coming in for RSD. Takes 2 of us to inventory and price everything. Well not everything - much more still to come before Saturday. Monday, April 10 UPDATE... CLICK HERE for a listing of what exclusive releases there are for North America. Several things to keep in mind... not all of these may be available in Canada ...we order virtually ...
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Creedence Clearwater Revival - Susie Q Van Morrison - Brown Eyed Girl Stevie Wonder - Superstition These are a few of the classic songs played by the local band Round House during the March 3rd First Friday at Cheeky Monkey. Most of the songs on Round House's playlist were hits before they were a twinkle in their Daddy's eye. The oldest member of this talented group is a mere 17 years old. Despite their young ages, they displayed a professionalism not seen in many bands twice their age. Each is extremely dedicated to playing their instruments to the best of their ability - which is saying a lot. Learning from some of the best music teachers in the city, they have taken what they were taught and moved up to the next level. Jared Parke the lead singer and rhythm guitarist shows great versatility with his voice. Bryce Abrams on bass guitar instinctively knows to ...
MoreOh my gosh, what a frigid night for the first First Friday of 2017. To those who braved the cold to come see Scott Manery and The Barnburners at Cheeky Monkey, it didn't matter. "Why" you ask? Simple answer. They are a smokin hot band who know how to ramp up the heat so everyone has a good time and feels warm to the core. Playing a mix of fan favourites off their four CD's, I don't think their was a cold person in the building - especially the dancers. This was The Barnburners third time playing at Cheeky Monkey for a First Friday. Sure hope to see them back many more times. Maybe on a night that is not so flippin cold. For more photos of the night taken mostly by Grumpy (Roland) CLICK HERE
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On Saturday, November 19, 2021 it was a true pleasure to welcome PEI singer/songwriter Dylan Menize to Cheeky Monkey. Dylan along with his band mates, drove from their previous nights gig in Guelph to be here in time for an afternoon acoustic solo set by Dylan. Playing one of his favourite instruments, his treasured vintage 1920's 4 string tenor guitar, he entertained the audience with a mix of his original songs and interesting stories. His songs are sometimes serious, sometimes whimsical, the way any good songwriters material should be. They are well crafted songs, but what really stands out when Dylan performs is his emotionally charged delivery. Going from a soft, intimate sound one moment to soaring and impassioned the next, impressed many of us. His vocal projection certainly did not need any microphone amplification in our store. Dylan has the art of personal volume control mastered using his voice as an ...
MoreFor the November 2016 First Friday, a somewhat 'new' group played at Cheeky Monkey. Wild Cards consists of 3/4 of Erika & Sara And The Guys. Over the years, they had played here a multitude of times including for Record Store Days. We have and do think very highly of their musicianship. With a new singer, their sound has morphed into something different again. Sara Campbell on guitar, Scott Vegh on bass guitar and Gerry Hawley on drums have a gutsier, upbeat sound with the addition of Renee Card as the front vocalist. Renee brings a seasoned, strong and somewhat sultry sound to the overall feel presented. Their play list varied from the likes of 'Long Train Running' by the Doobie Brothers to current hits like 'Stay With Me' by Sam Smith. The first come off like a slow, sizzling groove with the second was litterly dripping with emotion. All four look to ...
MoreFrom D Wayne to Flatheads with a dash of colourful art and a pinch of Rock of Ages musical thrown in, the September 2, 2021 First Friday was a tasty blend of entertainment. The newest art exhibit and sale titled "The Onset" by Bill Walters once again showcases his talent for capturing the beauty that is all around us in the great outdoors. Whether it be a close study of a phlox plant in full bloom or a downriver oil refinery, Bill manages to find the stately elegance of the subject matter. His use of colour is impressive in that it is vibrant and understated at the same time. All that is mastered while sitting outside in the elements and creating his pieces quickly before his "model" changes. On top of his works being pleasing to the eye, they are pleasing to the wallet too. Every piece is very reasonable priced making ...
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