Cash for Kit
Over the years, many a lonely soul has wandered into a bar with hopes that the man or woman behind the bar will have more to offer than just a quick pour. They may not realize it walking in, but sometimes a bad day at the office or a particularly glum moment can be rescued by the wit of a bartender and the twinkle in their welcoming eyes.
For the better part of the last decade, one man who has made more frowns return back to smiles has been Kit McEvoy, the lovable Scot with a cheeky smile and more anecdotes than the day is long. His charm and wit has won over more hearts than most people have friends on Facebook. To some he is known as “that guy from Tartan Army“, one of Windsor’s longest standing Celtic folk-rock bands. To others, he is perhaps the kindest, funniest bartender this city has had the extreme pleasure of getting a pint from, from his long standing stay behind the wood of the original Kildare House, to his current stints with both The Manchester Pub downtown or at The Mill Tavern on the city’s West side.
Recently, Kit slipped while leaving work. As he was getting into his car one night after work, he slipped on some ice and injured a previously wounded back. He suffered for a day or two before going to the hospital, only to be sent home because the only specialist authorized for a certain kind of shot was not available. When he finally got the shot days later, they injected it into a nerve rather than the muscle, which has caused further pain and suffering to poor Kit. For the past few weeks, he has been unable to work.
In an effort to raise funds for this remarkable gentleman, Bill Sarafianos, owner of The Mill Tavern and longtime friend of Kit’s, has been maintaining a “Cash For Kit” jar on the bar at The Mill. It’s set up with the hope that all the people who have been touched by Kit’s kindness over the years can throw an extra buck or two into the jar to help Kit recover monies lost from his inability to work due to injury.
If you’d like to help out, spin down to The Mill for a pint (or one of their famous Mill Melts!) and while you’re there, throw a Toonie or a $5 in the jar. It would be helping out a man who is probably too humble a man to ask for this but would do twice as much for you if the table was turned.
Cheers.
The Mill is located at 3199 Sandwich St. on the corner of Mill St. and Sandwich St. in Old Sandwich Towne on the west side.
Windsor DIY Blog: Rediscovering Windsor’s musical past
To many, Jim Meloche is the voice of Orphan Choir, one of Windor’s finest musical exports of the past half decade. But Jim is a lot more than that. He was also instrumental in the burgeoning hardcore scene a decade ago as part of the influential searchingforchin as well as Tragicomedy Records.
But he is also a die hard enthusiast when it comes to Windsor’s music community and as it turns out, somewhat of an archivist.
He has turned that passion into perhaps one of the most important local music blogs on the internet. Approximately a year ago, he launched the website Windsor DIY, a blog that reviewed – and made available for download for FREE – an extensive back catalogue of past (and no longer available) releases from Windsor musical projects no longer around, such as Sewing With Nancie (who became national recording stars The Reason), Big Daddy A & The Merves (whose members went on to form bands such as The Unsettlers and The Vaudevillianaires), Prehistoric Cave Strokers, Bloemfontein, Lager Lads, Soyl, Village Idiot and many more out of print demos and releases, including his own searchingforchin.
It’s a great way for people to check out music that influenced generations of Windsor musicians – many of which came from original indie released cassette tapes – and shaped the Windsor music scene into what it was today.
Thanks for this, Jim.
Phantom Death latest free download
Phantom Death is probably not a project you’re aware of yet. But Andrew Murphy has slowly been experimenting with soundscapes and noise renderings for years under various one offs over the past few years (he took part in the 2010 Harvesting The Fam festival under the guise of Black Witch Elm).
He’s made his latest release (under the alias Phantom Death), entitled Plesantries, available as a free download on Bandcamp.com. A prior Phantom Death release, Various Sounds from Random Sources Vol. 1, is also available.
Bandcamp.com has become a proverbial thorn in the music industry’s side the past year or so, as many independent bands, tired of spending money trying to get signed to bigger labels who ultimately may or may not promote them, have decided to release free downloads (or control a bigger stake in their own royalties or income per release) by making their releases available via Bandcamp.com’s site. While not for everyone, it’s a great way to get your music available for people’s iPods and computers as it’s ready, so they can start digesting your recorded music. Over the past year or so, bands like What Seas, What Shores, Orphan Choir, James O-L & The Villains, Magic Hall of Mirrors and others (not to mention our own Monthly music downloads) have utilized download sites like this to get more of their product out to ears not necessarily just here in Windsor
Local Electronica Artist brings Visual Arts Project to Lebel Gallery
Stephen Surlin - better known to many in the electronica circuit by his moniker FURS – is putting on a very special show this Friday night and it has nothing to do with laptops, beats or constructed rhythms.
This Friday at the Lebel Gallery (University of Windsor Art Gallery located at the corner of Huron Church and College Ave.), Surlin will be showing his new gallery exhibit, entitled “Artist As Activit”, with the reception beginning at 7pm. Last year, Surlin went on a journey to Nigeria, Africa with ACRT (AIDS Crisis Response Team) to help out children and others afflicted with this terrible disease. This exhibit is a response to his experience during this time.
From the press release:
The role of the artist in contemporary society has expanded to include an engagement with some of the social and humanitarian crisis’ of our time.
The concepts of contemporary Design are filling the imaginations of contemporary artists, because of the creativity and innovation found in the research and development of new technology and ideas.
The gallery exhibit “Artist as Activist” depicts the research and works of Stephen Surlin. Following his experience in Nigeria and his delving into these new design ideas and technologies.
From Stephen's collection
Throughout the exhibition that night, there will be talks by Stephen Surlin himself (who is a Bachelor of Fine Arts Student at the University of Windsor) regarding his experiences with ACRT as well as from Lizzy Walker, Director of the ACRT, discussing her involvements with this humanitarian non-profit organization.
For the opening reception this Friday, Ten Thousand Villages has graciously donated hand bangs and refreshments.
Inoke Errati release video for “Jennifer” with new EP on the horizon
Back in September of 2010, many of you may have seen the poster to our right around Windsor or the Almighty Internet. It proclaimed that local power pop trio Inoke Errati were looking for a female lead for their new video for their song “Jennifer”, being filmed by local video filmmaking guru Gavin Michael Booth (whose recent video for Texan band The Afters, “Light Up The Sky”, filmed in Windsor with local Windsor actors, exploded on the internet and MTV universe). “Jennifer”, perhaps one of the catchiest pop anthems Windsor’s ever heard, is from their debut album The Wink and The Gun, and has long been a scene and internet fave. And with the upcoming release of a brand new EP (being released Sunday February 20th at The Loop), it was high time these guys had a video out.
So last September they held auditions at the new Symbol Nightclub, looking for the perfect Jennifer for the video. Or so that’s what the hundreds of applicants thought. Turns out it was all a ruse that made the video (seemingly) far more fun to make and (obviously) far more fun to watch – it’s a “reality” video of sorts, where the auditions themselves actually became the video.
Here’s the finished product and I’ll be damned…now I’m going to have “J-J-J-Jennifer please…” running through my head for another week…
Inoke Errati EP Release Party with special guests TBA, The Loop (156 Chatham St. West, above Pogo’s/The FM Lounge), Sunday February 20
Poughboy Delivers 3-Song FREE Download Preview of New Album
If you’ve ever witnessed the rock and roll atrocity that is Poughboy, then you know just how kick ass these gentlemen are. Equal parts Jesus Lizard, The Melvins and your mother’s worst nightmare, Poughboy was originally a cast off group of members of Measured In Angles that at first seemed more Spinal Tap than Battles. But after their first two releases and a handjob full of shows, Poughboy has proven that not only is their shit tighter than the Pope’s sphincter, they bring the goods with everything they touch.
As they prep their third release, the much anticipated End of Men, the Poughboy camp has decided to offer a three song preview FREE for download. But act quickly – this free download preview ends on February 1st!
Check out a teaser trailer for End of Men below.
Windsor Zene channel launched on YouTube
We have now launched a YouTube channel where we’ll share some video we’ve shot in our passing through the city’s shows. Bear in mind, these are shot on either an iPhone or a Canon digital camera, so it’s not professional sound quality, but we’ve tried to keep them at least pleasant sounding…
So far, we have a few recent videos from performances by Dave Russell & The Precious Stones, Tara Watts, Surdaster, Alex Carruthers & The Rhythm Brothers, George Manury, Vice Aerial, and clips from the 25th Anniversary reunion show for the Prehistoric Cave Strokers!
Thurs. Jan. 27: Twilight Hotel (Austin, TX) with Tony Coates (Windsor, ON) at Phog Lounge
This Thursday marks the return of Twilight Hotel to Phog Lounge. Although billed as being from Austin, Texas (where the couple does indeed now live), they originally hail from Winnipeg, Manitoba. These rootsy Americana sounding folks have made it a point to continually return to Windsor on every tour (and specifically Phog Lounge) due to the warm reception they’ve always received playing our fair city. They’re currently on tour in support of their latest album, When The Wolves Go Blind. Here’s the video for the same titled first single:
Opening the show is a real up and comer from Windsor’s singer/songwriter circuit, Tony Coates. A superbly talented musician with a powerful voice, Tony is gearing up a full band for this show, which will be exciting to see. If this new single is any indication, he could be evolving into the new Jacksoul…
Twilight Hotel with special guests The Tony Coates Band, Phog Lounge (157 University Ave. West) $5 cover at the door, 19+ show, Thursday January 27th.
What Seas, What Shores live at a House Party
Who says house parties and live shows can’t co-exist?
Here’s a clip of What Seas, What Shores playing live at a house party on Saturday night.
Two big shows at The Capitol Theatre: Elliott Brood and StereoGoesStellar!
The fine folks at Jam Space, a new all-in-one musician’s facility in Windsor, are
putting on two great showcases of local talent at The Capitol Theatre on Saturday January 29, 2011.
The matinee show is headlined by StereoGoesStellar, an indie pop band from Windsor who has been playing to great reception across Ontario the past year in support of their debut CD, featuring the single (and subsequent video) of “88 Keys”. These guys have been on a mission the past few years and have done incredibly well out of town, as well as being one of the city’s top draws locally.
The matinee show starts at 2pm, with tickets $12 in advance + HST ($13.56 total), and available at Jam Space, Dr. Disc Records, Phog Lounge or The Manchester Pub. Opening up the matinee show are Silent Movie Type, The Viktoria Crowns and Raising The Stakes.
The evening show, starting at 8pm, is headlined by Elliott Brood, the multiple Juno nominated roots band from Toronto, Ontario. Despite their Toronto hometown status, Elliott Brood’s founding members Casey Laforet and Mark Sasso are both from Windsor, and they carry much of their Windsor roots with them (their Juno nominated CD “Ambassador” is named after the bridge).
Tickets for the Elliott Brood show are $15 + HST ($16.95 total) and are available at the same locations. Opening the show are the bombastic prog/stoner rock of Surdaster and the rootsy storytelling of James O-L & The Villains (in their last show for some time, as head honcho James O-L departs on a sabbatical to Nicaragua).
A couple of great shows (and the last two before the City of Windsor takes ownership of the Theatre) showcasing some established Windsor talents and some up and comers as well!
Dave Russell & The Precious Stones “Unnatural Disaster” EP Release TONIGHT
Tonight at The FM Lounge (56 Chatham St. West, formerly The Fish Market), Dave Russell & The Precious Stones are holding an EP release party for Unnatural Disasters. Doors are at 8pm, with the talented Tara Watts opening the evening. Tickets are $5 in advance or at the door.
Dave Russell first garnered attention on the local music scene as a member of the popular rock outfit The Tree Streets. They played several shows around Windsor at various live venues as well as select shows around Ontario. Fueled by a love for the hook and an obvious penchant for rock and roll’s rich tapestry, The Tree Streets wrote their own impressive songbook of tunes, particularly the little indie pop gem “Never Enough”. But as all good things must come to an end, The Tree Streets disbanded a year or so back, and Mr. Russell was left without a band. While he’s now taking the solo route, he’s also built a great backing band – The Precious Stones – featuring some true players from the local music community – Jamie Reaume (The Golden Eagles, Foreign Film Star), Jake Van Dongen (Inoke Errati), Vin Vicious, Christina Bell, as well as help from former Tree Streets bandmates Brenden E. Fraser and Colin Jolly - to help flesh out some of his songs in a full band format. With a nomination for best folk song for “Rocking Chair” (a track originally found on The Tree Streets’ album but now reworked for his solo EP) at the 2010 Toronto Independent Music Awards, it looks like Russell’s hard work is paying off for some well deserved recognition.
Opening the show will be a rare solo performance (of late) from the super talented Tara Watts (The Locusts Have No King), who will hopefully be showcasing some of the stellar songs from her outstanding 2009 release About Love.
Dave Russell & The Precious Stones EP Release Party with special guest Tara Watts, Sunday January 23, 2011 at The FM Lounge (formerly the Old Fish Market, 56 Chatham St. West). Doors at 8pm, admission $5
Windsorite.ca 1-Year Anniversary Party today at 3pm!
Windsorite.ca – an informative guide to Windsor that runs as an alternative to the Windsor Star and other traditional media outlets – turns one year old today. To celebrate, they’re throwing a Winter-themed birthday party at The House today at 3pm. Here’s more info from the press release:
Come celebrate windsoritedotca’s ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY with a winter-themed costume party, TODAY from 3pm-7pm at Rino’s Kitchen – The House (131 Elliott Street West).
windsoritedotca, windsor ontario’s ONLY hyperlocal news, arts, music blog will turn one year old this January and you’re invited to our BIRTHDAY BASH!
To be held at The House Windsor (http://thehousewindsor.com/), more specifically at Rino’s Kit…chen, we’re inviting you to drop in and have some fun on a Sunday afternoon.
WINTER-THEMED
It’s the middle of winter, and while it’s cold outside, come in and warm up with live music by Erin Gignac, food provided by Rino’s Kitchen, and enjoy our winter decor.WEAR YOUR TOQUES!
We’ll have an area set up to TAKE YOUR PHOTO, so come dressed for our ski-lodge, winter theme with your favourite ugly winter sweater, toque, mitts and scarves!LIVE MUSIC BY ERIN GIGNAC
Area performer Erin Gignac will entertain guests during the afternoon!LEARN ABOUT WINDSORITEDOTCA
We’re about to unveil a new design for http://windsorite.ca/, one focused around NEIGHBOURHOODS. Learn about our website, what we cover and meet our writers!UNVEILING OF OUR CITY GUIDE
windsoritedotca is taking the local internet by storm with our City Guide, an online companion to local businesses, shoppes, stores, music venues, bookstores, restaurants, cafes and more. Come and see what our new section is all about!FREE FOOD + MORE
Celebrate with us and have a piece of cake, a glass of punch (non-alcoholic) and some food created by Rino Bortolin of Rino’s Kitchen.THE WINDSORITEDOTCA 1ST ANNIVERSARY + WINTER-THEMED COSTUME PARTY takes place TODAY SUNDAY January 23rd 2011 from 3pm-7pm!
This is a totally public event, and we hope to see you. It will be awesome!!
RSVP on Facebook:
What is The Windsor Zene?
Welcome to The Windsor Zene’s online blog.
What is “The Windsor Zene”, you ask? And why does it sound like blatant rip-off of “The Windsor Scene”?
Well, let’s tackle that first question. “The Windsor Zene” is a new monthly zine dedicated to the education and promotion of musicians in Windsor, Ontario’s independent and underground music community, as well as promoting these artists to the community at large (and beyond). It appears in a physical format (the actual zine) as well as Twitter and on Facebook.
To answer the second question, it’s because the founders of “The Windsor Zene” have close ties to “The Windsor Scene” as well. ”The Windsor Zene” is a new zine created by Jamie Greer (The Windsor Scene, WAMM Magazine, Upfront, CJAM, long time scene musician) and Murad Erzinclioglu (FAM Festival, CJAM, Rose City Sessions, scene musician) to help spread further knowledge of Windsor’s diversely talented musical community, amongst themselves and to other community ears looking to experience home grown musical talent.
JAMIE GREER founded “The Windsor Scene” as an online directory of local music back in 1999. Since it’s inception, it has grown from a directory to an online magazine (2001), to a successful program on CJAM 99.1 FM (2004), to some of the most read pieces in magazines like Upfront (2004-2007) and WAMM (2007-2009). He is also a long standing member of Windsor’s independent music scene, serving time in such bands as The Golden Hands Before God…, The Vaudevillianaires, The Hung Jury, The Eric Welton Band, Magic Hall of Mirrors, Trailer Park Sex Cowboys, TOAST, and Star Trek: The Band.
MURAD ERZINCLINGLU is co-founder of Harvesting The FAM, Windsor’s inter-arts festival that has run annually in Windsor since 2007. A former writer of “The Windsor Scene” during it’s last run in WAMM Magazine (2009-2010), Murad is also the Music Director for CJAM 99.1 FM. He also performs solo under the moniker (WH)Y.M.E.(??) and is a member of the bands Surdaster and Star Trek: The Band.
We hope to bring you the latest news on who’s playing where and when and introduce you to new musical experiences right here in Windsor, Ontario, whether it be from new, up and coming musical acts homegrown right here in “South Detroit”, or old veterans of the local music scene. We’ll let you know a little about some great out of town acts coming through the Rose City and review CDs from local artists as well.
