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 ...
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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 ...
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Editor's note-- Thank you to Brian Hay for writing the review below regarding Cheeky Monkey's February First Friday event. To see more photos of Evan Dawe & John Pilat CLICK HERE. That same night, the band Roundhouse was playing at the Trinity Lounge and he has reviewed them as well. They are the band playing during March 3rd First Friday at Cheeky Monkey. CLICK HERE for details. Sarnia’s First Friday, February 3, 2017: evan.john at the Cheeky Monkey and The The Rapids with Round House at the Trinity Lounge — Young Musicians Bringing the Excitement Back to Music by Brian Hay This is no small thing. I didn’t see it but have read that the Superbowl halftime show was polished but lacking in excitement and surprises. Recently a high profile event featured a big surprise but having the singer stop while the music continued with the vocals wasn’t one anybody involved wanted. The ...
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
MoreOnce again, local band BIG HIGHWAY delivered an evening of well played music with a healthy dose of Canadian content during the December 2. 2016 First Friday at Cheeky Monkey. Kicking the night off with Tragically Hip's 'Three Pistols' we all just knew it would be a good night of live music. This was followed by several other Hip songs during the 2 sets along with some Big Sugar, Wide Mouth Mason, 54-40, Junkhouse and Matt Mays. Not every song was Canadian. They also had Current Swell, REM, Wallflowers, Black Keys and Counting Crows in the mix. A real standout in my opinion was their version of 'Down By The Water' by the Decemberists. The harmony between James McNaule, Andrew Germain and Dave Johnston was outstanding. Behind them on drums keeping the steadiest of beats was Ric Brown. All four members gel so well together, despite wide age differences, that you can't ...
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 ...
MoreWhat can be said about the legendary Mike Blackmore that has not been said before other than he is bordering on mythical? He is one of the most versatile musicians in the city with the ability to entertain an audience no matter what he does or how many people are on stage. For the October 7, 2021 performance at Cheeky Monkey's First Friday event, he chose to play beside himself in the guise of 'Blackmore + Blackmore'. The name did cause some mild confusion, but once Mike started playing it became clear he was his own one-man-band. Utilizing a looping machine, Mike laid down tracks as his background to play in front of. Sometimes he recorded drum beats using his ever present d'jembe. Sometimes it was guitar rhythms and he'd bring the d'jembe front and centre. Either way, it sounded great. He has used this looping technique in previous shows here, ...
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 ...
MoreThe local band Lost in Translation is young in age, but mature in talent. When we booked the band to play for the August 5, 2021 First Friday, we knew they had only been together for a short time. As a matter of fact, guitarist Peter McKeown had just joined a few months previous to their playing here. Original members, vocalist/guitar player Colin Mariuz, percussionist Tyler Edwards, backup vocalist/bass guitarist Josh Valenti, have know each other for many years, but starting playing music together in just the last 8 months. In that short time, they have amassed a long playlist with several being added in the last month when they realized they were playing for 2 hours. And play for 2 hours they did - without a break at any point. The majority of their songs were covers of classic rock with stand outs like 'Voodoo Child' where they let their inner Hendrix ...
MoreDespite the first half of the July First Friday evening being rainy and the date being a week after the first Friday on the calander due to Canada Day, there was a decent turn out for the local band THE GYPSY FLATS Cheeky Monkey debut. Those that braved the elements were treated to a band that certainly knows what they are doing on many levels. With an extensive playlist ranging from newer hits to classics, they had something to please everyone listening. Most of the lead vocals were done by Cassy Dube, with a few songs being handed over to drummer Ryan Smith and lead guitarist Mike Beauchamp. All three made choices of songs that suited their voices perfectly with the other two added sweet harmonies as backup. Not to be left out, bass player Marc Gauthier enhanced the over all sound aptly. A local seasoned musician made the comment that ...
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