Last night for the January 4th First Friday, we had the pleasure of hearing WHITE FIRE REED live for the first time. For a 3 piece band, they sure pack a big musical punch. Performing mostly original material from their CD 'POSITIVE CHANGE', the audience very much appreciated their skill, enthusiasm & professionalism. A few covers were also done from bands such as The Doors, CCR & a version of a U2 song that was particularly amazing. Lead singer & bass player Gary was having lots of fun trying out a new toy he got for Christmas. I am not a techie kind of person, but I think it was a processor that he used to add reverb & other effects at the perfect times. We all look forward to hearing the brothers Johnston along with Kurt Oblak play again soon. If you haven't seen them yet yourself, you should - or at least pick ...
MoreIt has been a fun, hectic week making us feel like social butterflies starting with going to a special evening at The Imperial Theatre Wednesday night to thank their many wonderful volunteers. We do not qualify as true volunteers you see there on a show night, but it was very gratifying to know the theatre appreciates our efforts to publicize their many varied events through our website and in-store. We are more then happy to help out, but admit that getting to spend some time with fellow Imperial Theatre supporters and share the joy of a performance of show tunes and a glass of wine was very nice. This same day, before going to the Imperial, we hosted Yukon Blonde doing an acoustic in-store set and staying to chat with us and other fans while signing autographs. See separate blog for details on that exciting event. Thursday December 6th after work was spent at ...
MoreSome may not consider a windy, rainy October night perfect but add in Erika and Sara performing at Cheeky Monkey and it's like the sunshine is all around you. With their smiling faces, sweet voices accompanied by skillful acoustic guitar and occasional harmonica, they can turn the gloomiest day around for even the casual listener. This was not their first time playing at Cheeky Monkey, but it was the first time to playing here during a First Friday. With each playing here, they add another aspect to the performance. This time they added more harmonies, more harmonica and rather then just Sara playing guitar, they both played. Proving these duo is evolving in the best kind of way. The October First Friday was also the big opening night for the new Judith and Norman Alix Art Gallery. Knowing this, we were very uncertain as to how many people would make it to our end of the ...
MoreThe weekend started out on the right note during the September First Friday. Young singer and songwriter Elena Feick played all original songs she composed as the First Friday crowds moved around the room looking at the artwork of Jale Fancey. Elena's songs, though sung softly, carry much emotion and meaning in them. Somewhat like the art of Jale. All pieces are photographs she took that have been enlarged and printed onto stretched canvas. Her favourite subject matter of nature are similtaniously calming and exciting to look at. Also as part of her exhibit that is on display until the end of September, there are smaller matted versions and greeting cards for sale. My personal picks are a group displayed together with fall colours. Very timely indeed. My other favourite is a close up of an intensly red Chrysanthemum. It literally pops from the canvas. Following the First Friday comes Saturday of ...
MoreCould it get any hotter of an evening? Yes it could thanks to the live music inside out outside of Cheeky Monkey. Facing the corner of Christina and Cromwell were the acoustic group Lambton MainStreet Players for the 2nd First Friday in a row. They certainly do add a festive air to the monthly event by singing familiar songs old and new along with a few show tunes. These young ladies talent for harmony is amazing not to mention how well they sing individually. If you missed them here, watch for them at other Lambton country area events during August. They are well worth hearing. Inside Cheeky Monkey were two songstresses sharing the Red Carpet Stage. 16 year old Erin Innes was making her First Friday debut. We feel very honoured and proud to be able to say you heard her here first. We have lived across the street from Erin since ...
MoreThe Show with David Burrows Episode 36 -Footage from First Friday with "Lambton Street Players" John Laverre & Cast from the upcoming play "Avenue Q" -Chin-Wag/Tony Dowswell & Ric Brown -Saturday night at Bridge Bash 2012! -Interview with Chairman of Bridge Bash & Vice President of The Point Edward Optimist Glenn MacKinnon -Also a very special & EXCLUSIVE interview with Legend Ronnie Fray! Special Mentions to Sisters of Soul, "The Room", Danica Sommer, Whiskey Rain, 3rdwave, Mark Blayney & Wulf VanWaldow! To view past episodes click on THE SHOW with DAVID BURROWS under CATEGORIES on the right side of this page or go to www.davidburrows.ws
MoreYes it was hot enough to fry an egg on the hood of a car during the July 2012 First Friday. That fact that didn't stop the Lambton MainStreet Players from performing for over an hour outside in front of Cheeky Monkey. These young ladies are true musical troopers. With acoustic instruments of guitars, beatbox and assorted percussion instrments, they entertained the audience with their wonderful harmonies on songs both current as well as old favorites. Three of the four were in the line up for last years Lambton MainStreet Players but all have singing and performing experience. The group consists of Orley Culverhouse, Riley Martin, Sarah Caraher and Amy Mayea. Helping with set up and running the sound systems in the mostly unseen Jon Rowed. Watch for them at other upcoming Lambton County events throughout the summer, including perhaps a return performance at Cheeky Monkey. About the same time the ...
MoreThat's DJ Squared - stands for the names of this dynamic trio of ladies. - Danielle, Janet and Joanne. Janet is the lead singer and joke teller of the group. Her sparkling personality shone through not only in the songs but in her banter between songs. Danielle on keyboards and backup singing along with Joanne on guitar, round out their sound. They play a large cross section of faniliar favourites, current hits and a few jazz numbers. They had the audience singing and dancing along, which we don't see happen all that often during a First Friday. Due to the damp, chilly weather, the crowds for First Friday were smaller then normal, but the ones that were here had a really good time. Thanks DJ2 for making it a fun evening. The artwork on the walls of Cheeky Monkey are by Sarnia's RE-Generation Gap Collective. The group consists of Janette Hewitt, ...
MoreThe air may have had a slight chill to it outside during the May 4th, 2012 First Friday, but the atmosphere was hot inside Cheeky Monkey thanks to Jim Chevalier, special guest Dave Miner along with the art of Adam Miner and Wendy Starr. Jim is always a true pleasure to hear perform but adding in Dave's guitar work and harmonies made the night's music even sweeter. Going one step further, Adam Miner joined in with his guitar and vocals on a fab version of The Stones 'Wild Horses.' Adam's paintings also added to the heat of the night. We at Cheeky Monkey were thrilled to host THE first public showing of Adam's vibrant Neo expressionist styled art. Not many of us knew that Adam even painted. We thought his talent was in the music field as a writer, performer and producer. His approach to painting is polar opposite to the way he ...
MoreGood friend, Carol Goodwin, was just in to introduce us to Cathie Blake. Cathie is VERY involved with the Celebration of Lights and has come up with an interesting, unique fundraising idea. Many of you may not know, but Celebration of Lights relies heavily on donations and volunteers to create the magical setting down on the river front each winter. To raise funds to use towards not just more decorations, but to maintain what is already there, some of the hard working volunteers from the Celebration of Lights group will be here, at Cheeky Monkey for the May 4th First Friday selling RED SOLO WINE CUPS. For just $5.00 you can own one of the most interesting wine glasses I have ever seen and help to beautify the waterfront for Sarnia residents and help create a tourist attraction.
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