... LIT'L CHICAGO!! Really is always something interesting going on at Cheeky Monkey all the time. Today it was a photo shoot with the local blues band LIT'L CHICAGO. Fresh off their trip to Memphis to compete in one of the largest blues competitions in North America, they stopped in with man-of-many-talents Marty Oblak as their photographer. Inside and out many pictures were snapped. Didn't get a chance to ask the band, but sure hope this is in preparation for a CD coming out. Or it may be for promotional posters to advertise upcoming gigs. Either way, do yourself a favour and give these guys a listen. They really are the cream of the crop of blues bands - local or otherwise. Perhaps some day we will be lucky enough to have them play here at Cheeky Monkey. We can only hope.
MoreLaughing and being mystified is how our day started at Cheeky Monkey on this beautiful Tuesday, July 30 morning. The reason was we had an unexpected visit from BOKO THE GREAT, the fabulous local magician who is a twin cousin to Jayden The Jester. Along with Boko the Great was local videographer Ian Alexander of Rocketship Productions. The two of them are going to various Sarnia businesses where Boko does a few of his "tricks" while Ian films. From what I understand, they have made 33 short videos so far of with the hope of putting it all together into on movie at some point. Boko The Great did a disappearing trick with Roland's wedding band. This of course made us a tad worried we would never see it again - but our fears were unfounded! He also did a rope trick moving a knot that caused me to have a "how'd ...
MoreMONDAY, JULY 15 - by Mary Anne - Do you remember Kyp Harness? If you do - let us know. We know Kyp Harness - not well, but we like his music - a lot. How do we know Kyp? Well he was originally from Sarnia, but moved to Toronto in the 80's before we lived here, but we had heard his name mentioned occasionally as being a really good songwriter as well as a published author of several books. We had his CD's for sale, so we decided to buy Welcome to the Revolution for ourselves. We were not disappointed. His socially conscience lyrics are mixed with a good dose of wry humour such as in the song 'Chemical Valley' that was inspired by his hometown. Recently we were contacted by another former Sarnia resident, Dustin Kuypers, who also ended up in Toronto to be part of an interesting team with bright business ...
MoreFrank & The Lake Effects are regulars at Paddy Flaherty's and we have had the honour of hosting them here at Cheeky Monkey. Be sure to see them next time they tour this way from their home base in the Soo. The CD this is from "This Time" is available here - of course.
MoreAs reported in Sarnia Observer December 11, 2021 Chris Hadfield, on his third trip to outer space, says he'll have plenty of time to get a winning shot of Sarnia. The Sarnia-born astronaut is heading to the International Space Station from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan Dec. 19, one of three astronauts in the Expedition 34/35 crew. The first Canadian to walk in space and the only Canadian aboard the Russian Space Station Mir, Hadfield will be the first Canadian commander at the International Space Station for part of his five-month stay in zero-gravity. He will oversee more than 100 experiments — from gauging balance and blood pressure regulation in space, to studying dark matter. “It's surreal,” said Hadfield, 53, during a conference call from quarantine in Kazakhstan Tuesday. He recalls pretending to fly spaceships with his brother while growing up on a farm in southern Ontario. “When we were supposed to be sleeping we would ...
MoreWednesday October 3, 2021 Roland and I had the pleasure of being two of the many downtown merchants and First Friday participants invited to a "sneak peek" at the new Judith & Norman Alix Art Gallery. I should state for the record, the opinions given here are mine and mine alone. From talking to customers in the store and reading on-line blogs, I realize not everyone is excited by the new gallery. My view on that is that we (citizens of Sarnia) own some amazing pieces of art that deserve to be seen by everyone. For those not familiar with how we got this art collection, let me give you the thumbnail version of the Gallery's history. During WWI, yes World War I, a group of women raised money to help the war effort. When the war was over, they had money left and formed the Sarnia Women's Conservation Art Association (SWCAA). ...
MoreThe phase "a good time was had by all" has never been so appropriate as when talking about the Local Talent Showcase we sponsored at the Imperial Theatre Friday September 28th. The last minute Master of Ceremonies for the evening was David Burrows of THE SHOW and karaoke fame. He manged to catch Roland & I off guard by asking us to come up on the stage. Having NEVER been in front of a microphone before in my life, I nervously let everyone know they were in for a great night. David was much more comfortable on stage and did a fabulous job of introducing the acts. The night of music started with a too short set of acoustic songs from Jim Chevalier. Between the songs we heard the stories that inspired the lyrics. Jim's songs come straight from the heart and are very personal, yet everyone can relate to them. His ...
MoreDaylight For Deadeyes were in Sarnia on Saturday July 28 to officially release their newest CD 'Summer' by playing at Cheeky Monkey in the afternoon followed by a show at Paddy Flaharty's in the evening. They are normally a 3 piece band consisting of Matt on guitar, Chris on drums and Andy on bass. Sadly, Andy was not able to make it to Sarnia in time to play at Cheeky Monkey, so the 2 Gormley brothers played as a guitar duo. Despite being one member less, they sounded amazing. They sang several songs from the new CD as well as some of their fan favourites off previous releases. One of our grandson's is visiting and was thrilled to have the song 'The Sun' dedicated to him as was I when they dedicated another song to me called 'Give You My Heart'. All of their CD's are available to purchase at Cheeky Monkey. To hear some tracks ...
MoreFollowing is an email I received. We are very pleased and honoured ! Hello Mary Anne, The Youth Friendly Community Committee appreciates all of the support that you provide to Sarnia's youth by promoting their events and by encouraging youth talent to perform at the Cheeky Monkey! The Committee believes that the Cheeky Monkey is a youth friendly store! The Committee has recently developed its own logo - reDEFINING YOUth with words around it reflecting the characteristics of Sarnia as youth friendly. The Committee is planning to identify businesses/organizations/events that they consider youth friendly, and encourage them to be recognized as a youth friendly environment by displaying the logo. We hope you will support the youth by displaying the logo. Wouldn't it be great to see the youth friendly sign all over Sarnia! Thanks for your support! Alison Mahon Youth Friendly Community Committee, Community Round Table
MoreFor the newish summer festivial called HOMEMADE JAM held at Esli Dodge Conservation Park in Forest, we in conjunction with the organizer had a Facebook contest for 2 FREE tickets and shuttle bus ride. The winner was Stef Smalls. She has graciously consented to take pictures for me to post here for your viewing. So let the fun begin... Sound check on the Second Stage. Graham Nichols - first act on the Main stage. Homemade Jam is definately a family friendly Festival located in Elsi Dodge Consertvation Park where there is plenty of room for the music stages, vendors, audience and even kite flyers! The Betty's performed on the Second Stage. According to Stef "if you are not here you are missing out!" Sounds like Stef enjoyed the Festival. In a very short time, the 3rd Annual Homemade Jam Music Festival has made great strides in making this 'must go to' summer event. Can't wait to ...
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