Goodbye Canada's Funnyman

Leslie Nielsen 1926-2010

Happy Thanksgiving America!

The Autumn Portrait CD Release Party

Comedian Jaz Holloran kicked it off with some hilarious, awkward stand up.

Bodhi Jones singing to the Musical Jesus.

Check out the Movember:

Christopher Arruda on piano..

...and guitar.

Adaline tickling the ivories for one of her songs.

Freddie Mojallal fo The Autumn Portrait.

The Autumn Portrait killing it onstage.

Noel Planet guesting on backup vocals for "The Light."

What a great night out for comedy and music. It was a small show at Cambrian Hall but it had a nice, cosy and intimate feel to it. Everyone seemed to have a good time despite the snowy weather outside. Inside it was all talent and no egos. I look forward to seeing all of these artists again soon.

The Peak Performance Project Finale

Vince Vaccaro

Vince Vaccaro featuring Christopher Arruda on drums.

Said The Whale

Said The Whale and the 2010 Top 20 Peak Performance Project

Kyprios,first place winner of the 2010 PPP.

The peak 100.5 on air personalities. Tamara, Laurie, James & Peter.

Confetti Canon!

....annnnd scene.

Another successful end to the The Peak 100.5 & Music BC's Peak Performance Project. The party is over and the winner has been declared: Kyprios! Everyone really thought Said The Whale was going to take it and honestly, so did I. Everyone this year in the Top 20 really blew me away. So much talent it makes me proud to be from BC. Whoever came in first was fine by me.

Final results were:

Kyprios in first being awarded $100 500.

Said The Whale in 2rd with $75 000 and Vince Vaccaro in 3rd with $50 000.

Dan Mangan At The Vogue Saturday Night

Dan Mangan At The Vogue Theater November 13, 2010

I was lucky enough to get a chance to see Dan Mangan for the first time on Saturday night at the Vogue Theatre and what a fucking great show it was! I haven't been to a live concert that interactive in a very longtime. It was a cozy atmosphere that seemed more like a sing-a-long than a legit live show. And the crowd LOVED it. I mean when was the last time you saw a singer turn HIS mic around and face the audience for them to sing one of his most popular songs? From "Sold" to "Robots" I, and the people around me, belted it out with as much as passion as the man we all paid to see. It's official, Furry Dan has another fan.

At one point, I turned to my friend to compare Mangan to Canadian legend Gordon Lightfoot. The music, though slightly different in genre and concept, brought people together on the same level. I can only hope that Dan Mangan has that kind of longevity, because I certainly look forward to the music.

Lest We Forget

In Flanders fields the poppies blow, Between the crosses, row on row.

The Autumn Portrait - The Design Is Over

When a friend sent me a copy of The Autumn Portrait's new album, The Design Is Over, I was hesitant to do an album review. Not because I didn't think I couldn't do it. I could, even as a first time review, I think I am pretty non biased in my musical tastes. But what if I didn't like it? What if it was shite? Then what? How do you spin that?

Well I need not worry. I really like this album. Now brace yourself, I'm going to be making some comparisons. Singer Freddie Mojallal's voice is so versatile from song to song you hear different influences in each chorus. From melancholy ballads like "The Light" to Sam Robert's and Cobain's lovechild on "The City" each song builds a great mood for any listener looking for something new and away from classic mainstream radio. Dyllon Mitchell on Bass and Sean Lavoy on drums add to the sound one has a hard time pinning down. I've read several opinions, each one different. From Muse, The Strokes to Kings of Leon, The Pixies to Radiohead, each listener finds their own comparison with all ultimately deciding they like it...whatever it's "supposed" to be.

Modern indie rock is not like it used to be. It's not a sketchy cassette bought at Scratch Records from the early 90's. The music is well arranged and mixed by Tom Dobrzanski ( We Are The City, The Zolas, Said The Whale) with the same quality and sound of any household name entertainer. The difference is the refreshing take on modern music and experimenting with different genres of rock on the same album. Mojallal's voice takes you from "Carousel" that reminds one of early Liam Gallagher, of notorious Oasis fame, and then on to an alterna-pop sound on "A Mile Away" reminiscent of any good soundtrack- in a movie and in real life.

The Vancouver based band, now releasing their first full length album after last year's EP, "The Light" will be performing at HMV on Robson & Burrard this Sunday and on November 20th at The Cambrian Hall. To purchase the album online and find out where you can see Freddie and the guys next, hit up their website, The Autumn Portrait.

Halloween Wrap Up 2010

This was one of the event staff from Rogue Wetbar. The picture doesn't do it justice.

The ghost of Michael Jackson and child.

RUN DMC. RIP to Jam Master Jay who passed 6 years ago.

Red Riding Hood Hell.

That was some of the smoothest ass I have come across.

STOP! Hammer time!

WWJW4H. What would Jesus wear for Halloween? Carwash attendant.

Ace and Gary contemplating their sexuality.

Canucks Green Men.

THIS GUY! Reading at a bar? Ya, like we believe he can really read.

Who ya gonna call?

Thankfully not Dj-ing....

Pee Wee checking his email.

Facebook. AND you can write on his wall. Brilliant.

Hide yo kids, hide yo wife!

Inside Rogue about 5 mins before 4 people were shot 100ft down the block.

Sonny Crocket passed TFO.

Look at you, now look at me,now loook at my towel,now look at me drool.

Clever man, he gave out these.

Happy Halloween from Jax!