Celebratory Gunfire?
29.7.07
Way to go Iraqi soccer fans. You know where celebratory gunfire goes on my list? Just ahead of rock stars smashing guitars and homeless people turning down free food.
I am turning into Danny Glover.
22.7.07
Will someone please remind me of that the next time I decide to go out and have a good time twice in one week?
Thank you, Ed.
21.7.07
I have a rule here. I don't talk about my day job. First of all, I don't want to get "dooced" because, you know, I have to pay my rent. And really, the bottom line is, I don't want to risk my job because, well, I love my job. Also, if you have nothing better to talk about than work, then you have problems, my friend. Big problems.
I'm going to make a wee exception today.
The place I have referred to only as CSIS up until this point is in fact Mirvish Productions, a theatre company here in Toronto. I am Assistant to the boss, David Mirvish. He's a kind, accomplished, gentlemen and a pleasure to work for. I grew up watching his family be the centre of so much that went on in this city. They owned and operated the theatres, had a bunch of restaraunts and a mega-discount store where everything was dirt cheap. I could go on and on. I can't think of any way to explain just how vital the Mirvish's have been to the development of this city, culturally and otherwise.
David's father Ed Mirvish has always been a hero to me, like countless others here in Toronto. I remember seeing him walking the floor of the store when I was a kid. Several years ago, my friends and I were having dinner in a restaurant where Ed was celebrating a few tables over with his family. I think it was his 88th birthday. We sent him a drink. A coke, with a cherry and a paper umbrella. We were all tickled when he accepted our drink, with a smile. Later that year I wrote a monologue that I performed in comedy rooms all over the city - it was a sweet fantasy of sorts, featuring a fictional version of myself and Ed that was a favourite everywhere I took it. This is the most requested piece of writing I've ever done and I know that it was because of the affection that everyone in town has for Ed.
For the past 3 years I've been working directly with David and it has been a dream job, if a little surreal at times. I've learned more about the art world and theatre than I could have imagined. This job also allows me to pursue my other interests, which is important to me. While I complain sometimes (who doesn't?) I know that I feel like most of the people I work with are family and that it would take a lot for me to move on to another job.
Last week, just shy of his 93rd birthday Ed Mirvish passed away. I can't articulate what a loss this is to the city of Toronto. Certainly nobody can ask for more than 93 years, a wonderful loving family, incredible business and financial success and the love of everyone in town. I know this. But on some level, this kind of loss is always difficult. Last Friday Ed Mirvish was laid to rest and the city of Toronto recognized him by lowering the flag at City Hall to half-mast. Broadway dimmed the lights on all of its theatres for 1 minute at 8pm as a tribute and people of all ages, races and incomes poured their hearts out in thanks. I was one of them.
City Hall, Friday, July 13, 2007
Note from a child, outside Honest Ed's
I'm going to make a wee exception today.
The place I have referred to only as CSIS up until this point is in fact Mirvish Productions, a theatre company here in Toronto. I am Assistant to the boss, David Mirvish. He's a kind, accomplished, gentlemen and a pleasure to work for. I grew up watching his family be the centre of so much that went on in this city. They owned and operated the theatres, had a bunch of restaraunts and a mega-discount store where everything was dirt cheap. I could go on and on. I can't think of any way to explain just how vital the Mirvish's have been to the development of this city, culturally and otherwise.
David's father Ed Mirvish has always been a hero to me, like countless others here in Toronto. I remember seeing him walking the floor of the store when I was a kid. Several years ago, my friends and I were having dinner in a restaurant where Ed was celebrating a few tables over with his family. I think it was his 88th birthday. We sent him a drink. A coke, with a cherry and a paper umbrella. We were all tickled when he accepted our drink, with a smile. Later that year I wrote a monologue that I performed in comedy rooms all over the city - it was a sweet fantasy of sorts, featuring a fictional version of myself and Ed that was a favourite everywhere I took it. This is the most requested piece of writing I've ever done and I know that it was because of the affection that everyone in town has for Ed.
For the past 3 years I've been working directly with David and it has been a dream job, if a little surreal at times. I've learned more about the art world and theatre than I could have imagined. This job also allows me to pursue my other interests, which is important to me. While I complain sometimes (who doesn't?) I know that I feel like most of the people I work with are family and that it would take a lot for me to move on to another job.
Last week, just shy of his 93rd birthday Ed Mirvish passed away. I can't articulate what a loss this is to the city of Toronto. Certainly nobody can ask for more than 93 years, a wonderful loving family, incredible business and financial success and the love of everyone in town. I know this. But on some level, this kind of loss is always difficult. Last Friday Ed Mirvish was laid to rest and the city of Toronto recognized him by lowering the flag at City Hall to half-mast. Broadway dimmed the lights on all of its theatres for 1 minute at 8pm as a tribute and people of all ages, races and incomes poured their hearts out in thanks. I was one of them.
City Hall, Friday, July 13, 2007
Note from a child, outside Honest Ed's
Have you seen my Yankees?!?!?
19.7.07
The fun is back. They look so excited with each new victory. They're energized! They kind of look like the Mets...
That's not funny.
10.7.07
Last week, during the Jazz Festival, I shared a table for one of the free outdoor shows with this really nice older man who was visiting from Burlington (a small city that is a short train ride away from Toronto). We got to talking and it turns out he was visiting Burlington from Beirut. It cracked me up that he didn't seem to think Beirut was more interesting than Burlington. If I were him I would have opened with Beirut.
We talked a lot about how great the city is and how he was kind of bored staying with his family in Burlington. He escaped for the day, to walk around downtown and have a good time. He wanted to enjoy the art and the culture the city has to offer. He didn't want to drive from backyard to backyard in Burlington. We understood each other right away.
He spoke of long walks on a visit to Paris and a great Italian resto in New York. Later during the show he offered me peanuts to snack on and cheered loudly for a Django Reinhardt number and sang along with a Stevie Wonder tune. He had…zest.
He said that living in Beirut makes you appreciate each day. He said that there's no way to rationalize with people who are happy to let their children blow themselves up for a cause, so you can't live in fear. They're going to do what they do so you've got to do what you do. And that's that. He told me about how last summer when there was so much bombing happening, "the funniest thing happened". There were ships, sending missiles to his part of town. He could feel the earth shake from his bed. It woke him up. You can tell when the missiles are being sent from land or from sea and he knew this was coming from the sea. He turned to his wife and said, "Boy, are we ever lucky that the water is calm today! If they hit a wave, we could be done for! An inch in the wrong direction and that missile could have hit our bedroom!"
And then he waited for me to laugh.
Beause that was his funny story.
That's not funny.
"That's NOT funny,” I said to him. "That's HORRIBLE".
And then he laughed at me.
We talked a lot about how great the city is and how he was kind of bored staying with his family in Burlington. He escaped for the day, to walk around downtown and have a good time. He wanted to enjoy the art and the culture the city has to offer. He didn't want to drive from backyard to backyard in Burlington. We understood each other right away.
He spoke of long walks on a visit to Paris and a great Italian resto in New York. Later during the show he offered me peanuts to snack on and cheered loudly for a Django Reinhardt number and sang along with a Stevie Wonder tune. He had…zest.
He said that living in Beirut makes you appreciate each day. He said that there's no way to rationalize with people who are happy to let their children blow themselves up for a cause, so you can't live in fear. They're going to do what they do so you've got to do what you do. And that's that. He told me about how last summer when there was so much bombing happening, "the funniest thing happened". There were ships, sending missiles to his part of town. He could feel the earth shake from his bed. It woke him up. You can tell when the missiles are being sent from land or from sea and he knew this was coming from the sea. He turned to his wife and said, "Boy, are we ever lucky that the water is calm today! If they hit a wave, we could be done for! An inch in the wrong direction and that missile could have hit our bedroom!"
And then he waited for me to laugh.
Beause that was his funny story.
That's not funny.
"That's NOT funny,” I said to him. "That's HORRIBLE".
And then he laughed at me.
From the desk of MTN (Read: Shameless Plug)
9.7.07
This Thursday, July 12th at 7pm Gene DiNovi's trio "Generations" will be in concert at the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre. The trio, (DiNovi, piano; Dave Young, bass; Andrew Scott; guitar) made their much anticipated debut as part of the JAZZ FM Sound of Jazz concert series earlier this year. This concert will be recorded for future distribution on Marshmallow Records.
Be sure to listen to Gene DiNovi on JAZZ FM tomorrow morning (Tuesday, July 10th - in the 9am hour) when he will be on air with Ralph Benmergui to discuss the concert, the recording and no doubt, share some of his great, timeless jazz stories! JAZZ FM can be found online at www.jazz.fm.
The Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre is located at 6 Garamond Court in Toronto. Tickets are going fast! To get yours, and be a part of this live recording, call 416-441-2345.
“Generations”
Gene DiNovi (piano)
Dave Young (bass)
Andrew Scott (guitar)
“Generations” brings together the tri-generational musical talents of pianist Gene DiNovi, bassist Dave Young and guitarist Andrew Scott. With more than a century of combined musical experience, “Generations” entertains audiences with their creative performances of original compositions and gems from the great American songbook.
Performing as a drummer less trio, “Generations” intimate sound is an homage to DiNovi’s first group (with guitarist Chuck Wayne and bassist Bill Crow). Some of “Generations” repertoire is taken from this original ensemble that played many of New York’s fabled 52nd Street jazz clubs during the late 1940s and early 1950s. “Generations” captures the spirit and sound of that original bebop scene (of which DiNovi was a charter member), drawing on the pianist’s vast experiences as a sideman for Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Joe Marsala, Boyd Raeburn, Stan Hasselgard, Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, Lester Young, Peggy Lee, Tony Bennett, Lena Horne, Carmen McRae, Fats Navarro, Stan Getz, Zoot Sims, and Al Cohn. Since 1990 DiNovi has recorded for Candid, Hep, Baldwin Street and Marquis. However he has primarily recorded for Mitsuo Johfu and his prestigious Marshmallow label. The debut recording of ‘Generations’ will be on this label as well.
Although younger than DiNovi, bassist Dave Young has had an equally impressive career in both jazz and classical circles. A native of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Young has worked with Lenny Breau, Clark Terry, Zoot Sims, Moe Koffman and Nat Adderley to name but a few. His own recordings with Phil Dwyer, Michel Lambert and Rob Piltch (winner of the 1993 best jazz JUNO award) and later his series of duo spots with such pianists as Oliver Jones, Mulgrew Miller, Barry Harris, Tommy Flanagan and Renee Rosnes earned him the respect of musicians and jazz critics worldwide. Young is currently the bassist with Oscar Peterson.
Andrew Scott is the youngest member of the trio. With two recordings out on the Sackville label (This One’s for Barney with Harry Allen and Blue Mercer with Randy Sandke and Mike Murley), Scott has garnered radio, press and jazz festival attention around the world. Scott is in demand as both a jazz guitarist and educator (currently on the faculty of Humber College, York University and Seneca College). He has worked with such fine musicians as Bob James, Mike Murley, Randy Sandke, Perry White, Harry Allen, Bernie Senensky, Terry Clarke, Phil Stewart, Don Thompson, Marvin Stamm, Bob Moses, Duncan Hopkins, Terry Lukiwski, Phil Dwyer, Jake Wilkinson, William Carn, Terry Promane, Steve McDade, Andrew Downing, Mark Kelso and Marc Jordan.
Struttin' with some BBQ
4.7.07
Louis Armstrong's birthday was August 4th, but he always celebrated it on July 4th. He was showy like that. Today being his "chosen" birthday had me thinking about Louis and how grateful I am that he was. Without Louis, well, who knows where music would be. Remember at the end of the movie "Manhattan" when Woody Allen's character Ike goes through his list-of-things-that-make-life-worth-living? His list included Sentimental Education by Flaubert, Cezanne's Apples and Pears and Louis Armstrong's "Potato Head Blues". My list? My list is full of things and people that were created in America. From the sublime to the ridiculous, I adore them all.
Woody Allen's one of them. Jazz. Baseball. The Yankees. Colonel Sanders. George Gershwin. Aaron Sorkin. Coffee with chickory. Apple computers. The Chrysler Building. The New York Times. Maureen Dowd. Target. Bath & Bodyworks. The Muppets. Starbucks. Spike Lee. Steve Allen. Norman Granz. Mel Brooks. Sondheim. Dorothy Parker. The Marx Bros. Charles M Schulz. Terence Blanchard. David and Amy Sedaris. My Blogger Friends - Greeny, Trish, CeCe, CitygirlUSA, LittleBirdBlue, SoMuchSugar and so many more.
I get frustrated with our neighbours to the South sometimes. I've been frustrated with them a lot lately. Why did they let their government get hijacked like they did? Why is the media mute about everything they should be shouting about? Why are civil rights stalled over and over again for the black community, for women, for the gay community? I am frustrated mostly because I know what a good country America is. How smart and giving and kind the people are. I hope that they take the opportunity to make this, their 231st year, a year of change. I hope they speak up and work towards taking their country back. I hope they conduct themselves in a way that reminds the rest of the world that they are a country made of citizens who have integrity and warmth. The world needs to be reminded of that right now.
Also on my list-of-things-that-make-life-worth-living is Louis Armstrong's recording on "Struttin' with some BBQ". I hope all of my American Friends are doing just that today.
Happy 4th.
Woody Allen's one of them. Jazz. Baseball. The Yankees. Colonel Sanders. George Gershwin. Aaron Sorkin. Coffee with chickory. Apple computers. The Chrysler Building. The New York Times. Maureen Dowd. Target. Bath & Bodyworks. The Muppets. Starbucks. Spike Lee. Steve Allen. Norman Granz. Mel Brooks. Sondheim. Dorothy Parker. The Marx Bros. Charles M Schulz. Terence Blanchard. David and Amy Sedaris. My Blogger Friends - Greeny, Trish, CeCe, CitygirlUSA, LittleBirdBlue, SoMuchSugar and so many more.
I get frustrated with our neighbours to the South sometimes. I've been frustrated with them a lot lately. Why did they let their government get hijacked like they did? Why is the media mute about everything they should be shouting about? Why are civil rights stalled over and over again for the black community, for women, for the gay community? I am frustrated mostly because I know what a good country America is. How smart and giving and kind the people are. I hope that they take the opportunity to make this, their 231st year, a year of change. I hope they speak up and work towards taking their country back. I hope they conduct themselves in a way that reminds the rest of the world that they are a country made of citizens who have integrity and warmth. The world needs to be reminded of that right now.
Also on my list-of-things-that-make-life-worth-living is Louis Armstrong's recording on "Struttin' with some BBQ". I hope all of my American Friends are doing just that today.
Happy 4th.
Al Gore has a son?
4.7.07
That was my reaction when I read this news, just in:
Associated Press
LAGUNA NIGUEL, Calif. – Al Gore's son was pulled over for speeding on a California freeway early today and arrested on suspicion of illegal possession of marijuana and prescription drugs, authorities said.
Al Gore III, 24, was driving a blue Toyota Prius about 160 kilometres an hour on the San Diego Freeway when he was pulled over by sheriff's deputies who said they smelled marijuana, said Sheriff's Department spokesman Jim Amormino.
The deputies searched the car and found less than an ounce (28 grams) of marijuana along with Xanax, Valium, Vicodin and Adderall, which is used for attention deficit disorder, Amormino said.
"He does not have a prescription for any of those drugs," Amormino said.
Gore was being held in the men's central jail in Santa Ana on $20,000 bail.
Kalee Kreider, a spokeswoman for his parents, did not immediately return phone messages.
Really? Al Gore III? I read his daughter Kristen's novel "Sammy's Hill" and actually quite liked it. It was funny. She's been a writer for SNL and Futurama and it showed. But Al Gore III? Never heard of him. This news today got me to thinking though...if W could become President after slacking off till he was 40 years old then this young Gore might have a bright future. All he needs to do is dump the pot and the non-prescribed ADD drugs and then he could really make something of himself. Maybe run on an anti-environment platform or something. The best way to rebel against your Dad is to ruin everything he tried to work for. Doesn't this kid know anything?
Associated Press
LAGUNA NIGUEL, Calif. – Al Gore's son was pulled over for speeding on a California freeway early today and arrested on suspicion of illegal possession of marijuana and prescription drugs, authorities said.
Al Gore III, 24, was driving a blue Toyota Prius about 160 kilometres an hour on the San Diego Freeway when he was pulled over by sheriff's deputies who said they smelled marijuana, said Sheriff's Department spokesman Jim Amormino.
The deputies searched the car and found less than an ounce (28 grams) of marijuana along with Xanax, Valium, Vicodin and Adderall, which is used for attention deficit disorder, Amormino said.
"He does not have a prescription for any of those drugs," Amormino said.
Gore was being held in the men's central jail in Santa Ana on $20,000 bail.
Kalee Kreider, a spokeswoman for his parents, did not immediately return phone messages.
Really? Al Gore III? I read his daughter Kristen's novel "Sammy's Hill" and actually quite liked it. It was funny. She's been a writer for SNL and Futurama and it showed. But Al Gore III? Never heard of him. This news today got me to thinking though...if W could become President after slacking off till he was 40 years old then this young Gore might have a bright future. All he needs to do is dump the pot and the non-prescribed ADD drugs and then he could really make something of himself. Maybe run on an anti-environment platform or something. The best way to rebel against your Dad is to ruin everything he tried to work for. Doesn't this kid know anything?
Run Free, Scooter.
2.7.07
I love it. I want W. to do something stupid like this every single day for the rest of his term. Every single day. Something big, stupid and dumb that allows everyone who knows how big, dumb and stupid he is to speak out about it.
Every. Single. Day.
Bring it, Mr. President.
Every. Single. Day.
Bring it, Mr. President.
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