Those are the words of Donald Sutherland’s character in the film Kelly’s Heroes. Sergeant Oddball’s (Sutherland) favorite band must have been Santana.
Carlos and his mates have and continue to deliver positive music in a world that requires it. From the rhythms to the guitar to the soulful lyrics; Santana is the ultimate uplifting experience.
Enter the band Persuasion.
A musical group intent on delivering the finest Santana Tribute in Canada. Whether it is studying the Santana catalog note-for-note or recruiting players who breathe the Santana vibe; Persuasion ranks atop the heap of live musical expeditions .
Pursuasion
Please listen below to my chat with the keyboardist of Persuasion – Peter Kellock.
“It takes generosity to discover the whole through others.
Montreal’s largest charity event is all set for Edition Number Sixteen. From the parking lot of The Firm to Fairview Pte Claire and now to Pierrefonds; the event has raised millions of dollars and a lot of hair on the back of people’s necks.
A chance to dine, to drink and to buy many items at the silent auctions while your favorite music is playing in the background. A perfect canvas for your charitable soul.
Please listen below to my chat with the founder of Strangers in the Night – Larry Day
The city and surrounding areas are ripe with tunes for the picking this week.
Plenty of live music of all genres to pick through and to choose your favorites. Pop may be your thing. Rock may be your thing. Blues may be your thing. Whatever the case – check below and discover Montreal music at it’s best!
The Box are one of the most successful Canadian bands of all time. Hit after hit was as easy as pie for principle songwriter and vocalist Jean-Marc Pisapia.
Please listen below to my chat with Jean-Marc about the ideas behind the hits and how the setting for Strangers in the Night ties in to The Box’s biggest hit.
A lot coming up in Montreal and a lot already at your fingertips. Great shows, great tunes and great events. The trick is to listen below and find out what you are missing …
Hard to have the Blues when you are nineteen years of age.
Sometimes – the classroom is all around and unless you are paying attention; the teacher remains invisible.
That is not the case with Spencer MacKenzie as he makes his way up the musical ladder. Already winning the best new artist at The Maple Blues Awards at the age of seventeen – Spencer is someone to watch and listen out for.
Men like Muddy Waters, Robert Johnson and Elmore James – the framework for what we now know as ‘auto-tune’. These men would be rolling in their graves if they knew how their hard work has been destroyed by computers.
That is the great thing about Blues music and the players that play it. Real. Authentic. True.
Please listen below to my chat with Brian Slack about some of these musicians that will be in
If you live or have lived in the West Island for the past twelve years, you are no stranger to the noise that takes place in the night.
The charity event, which traditionally raises funds to help local organizations – is also an opportunity for local restaurants to showcase their wares. Depending on how much you wish to spend, food and drink from practically all corners of the globe provide a backdrop to the live entertainment. Eighty restaurants delight the diners as local celebrities pass with twinkles in their eyes.
Founder Larry Day started the event in the parking lot of his club The Firm. The Boogie Wonder Band was the first band to dance the night into what is now history. As the event grew and the crowds and bands became larger, a move to Fairview Pointe Claire took place. The shopping center parking lot became the temporary home away from home for the likes of The Pointer Sisters, Randy Bachman, Blue Rodeo and April Wine among many more. Great bands and performances yet nothing compared to Day’s bucket list band in what may turn out as a farewell to Fairview.
In 2017 Styx was ‘in the house’ and as Styx keyboardist Lawrence Gowan pointed out from the stage; ‘it was the most fun most have ever had in a parking lot since high school and the back seat of a car’. Styx drew the largest and noisiest crowd to date.
Starting this year, a new page has been turned with Gowan’s words the closing script as Strangers in the Night will be in a new home this coming August.
Due to land expropriation at Fairview Pointe Claire for the Light Rail Project, Strangers in the Night will be held at the Borough Hall, 13665 Pierrefond Blvd. The date is August 25th and ‘the show’ will start at 8pm.
The Miriam Foundation, Lymphoma Canada and the West Island Women’s Shelter will be the charities who benefit from the arrival of a bouncing ‘not really a baby’ boy.
Boy George that is and unless you lived solely under a Rock n Roll rock since 1980 – George and his Culture Club are in your ears every once in a while.
Do You Really Want to Hurt Me, Karma Chameleon and The Crying Game were staples of the video age eighties and chances are – Boy George’s effeminate image is etched in your memory if the songs are not. Culture Club set the bar high for drag queens to ‘come out’ by the millions? To dance the night away.
As usual , Strangers in the Night offers more than just one chance to dance.
Freddy James and Chrystal Waters are just two of the supporting acts providing beats to bump away everything eaten from the gourmet feast that took place earlier. More acts and delights will be added as the date approaches and details can be found shortly on the Strangers in the Night official website. Tickets will also be available shortly via Evenko.ca
Meanwhile – contact Ellen at 514-233-7535 for info and tickets.
Keep coming back to Rick Keene Music Scene.com for ongoing news, reviews and interviews pertaining to Aug. 25th
It’s been fifty years since the four headed monster known as The Beatles recorded an album that forever changed popular music. ‘Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band’ altered the way people sang, recorded and marketed their music. A feather in the Fab Four’s hat to be sure.
The San Francisco String Trio know Sgt. Pepper and they love him ! So much so – their album “May I Introduce You‘ pays homage to The Beatles’ landmark album.
Please listen below to hear some new / old songs from the album. A disc that everyone hums along to at one point in their lives !
Thanks for listening ! Talk soon !
Listen below to my chat with Larry Day about Strangers in the Night 13 !
Strangers in the Night – an idea born in the parking lot of a bar named The Firm, featured one band. The Boogie Wonder Bandwere the event’s initial entertainment and from that point on; founder Larry Day never looked back.
Fast forward twelve years and the 2017 edition is poised to be the biggest and best yet! More food, more space and one of the biggest selling bands of all time ! Strangers in the Night 13 is on a ‘Mission’ and the super-group Styx just happen to have a new album of the same name!
The album; The Mission has accomplished it’s mission. In 2017 – Styx is back on the Billboard 100 and they are landing in Quebec on August 25th.
Please listen belowto my chat with founder Larry Day. He has been a big fan of Styx since the mid seventies. Discover his thoughts on Strangers in the Night 13 and find out what you need to know to attend what should be the biggest show ever in the West Island!
Thanks for listening ! Talk soon !
Larry? What’s up?
Listen below to my chat with Gowan! A member of Styx since 1999!
Ground control to Maj … Oops! Wrong space journey …
Styx has returned to Earth momentarily with their first new album in 14 years ! One can say they are on a ‘mission’. A trip to insert a seamless album into the vast and historic Styx catalog. A recording that will not ‘skip’ the pure sound of the band’s timeline on disc or live.
The album; The Mission has accomplished it’s mission. In 2017 – Styx is back on the Billboard 100 and they are landing in Quebec in August.
Please listen below to my chat with Astronaut Lawrence Gowan. He has been part of the crew of Styx since 1999. Discover his thoughts on the new album and find out if the band will be partying like it’s 1999 in Quebec !
Her first appearance at The Jazz Festival under her own name with her own trio.
Pretty cool as this ‘road traveler’ has enhanced her level of performance to an entire different level. Songwriting is one thing she accomplished a while ago. Playing non stop since the release of her last album has created almost perfection. Something musicians spend a lifetime never achieving or else – hunger would disappear.
Please listen below to my chat with Cecile. Have some bug spray close by !
Traditionally – a Rock n Roll fan and soon later; a Blues guru of sorts. Corey hooked up with his pal Jonas Tomalty and in almost 20 years – all Hell broke loose. That fire – burning intensely to this day.
Please listen below as Corey discusses his involvement in National Aboriginal Day, his thoughts on guitar players and that one time ( in band camp?) – he opened for Van Halen and jammed backstage with Eddie Van Halen …
Corey? What’s Up?
Listen to my interview with Joss Stone below !
Joss is playing July 5th as part of a double bill with Melissa Etheridge as part of The Montreal International Jazz Festival
Considering she is only thirty years old – it seems as if ‘thirty’ is the new ‘sixty’ in terms of what she has accomplished thus far in her career.
Dave Stewart and Mick Jagger, just two of the names who have aided Joss on her musical education. What singers influenced her and who does she hold in high esteem?
Please listen below to my chat with Joss and find out !
Joss? What’s up?
Joss is playing July 5th as part of a double bill with Melissa Etheridge as part of The Montreal International Jazz Festival
From the mid seventies until a decade later, no band from America wrote so many hits and gained so many fans.
High energy Rock n Roll, theatrical know how and heart wrenching balladry. Styx was and remains – the blueprint for a successful Rock n Roll band.
Now – as if a double exclamation point was needed, Styx has emerged from the studio with ‘The Mission’. An album which solidifies their place atop the American Rock n Roll charts.
Please listen below to a very special segment as the members of Styx talk about The Mission. Hear the tracks as well !
The big picture. The whole deal is what Harry listened to when he returned to his back catalog and revisited some of his own songs. Different times in life can evoke different feelings.
Harry decided to rework or re-chart some of the ‘ancient’ tunes and add them to a string section. Or – add the string section to the tunes. Either way, a ‘Faith Lift’is what occurred on his latest album.
Please listen below to my chat with Harry. We talk about a couple of guitarists, The Blues and the new album ‘Faith Lift’.
The big picture. The whole deal is what Harry listened to when he returned to his back catalog and revisited some of his own songs. Different times in life can evoke different feelings.
Harry decided to rework or re-chart some of the ‘ancient’ tunes and add them to a string section. Or – add the string section to the tunes. Either way, a ‘Faith Lift’is what occurred on his latest album.
Please listen below to my chat with Harry. We talk about a couple of guitarists, The Blues and the new album ‘Faith Lift’.
Once North Korea and The United States finish blowing us all up – what will be left ?
Music …
One way or another, tunes will remain.
Maybe recordings played on a generator- hooked- up -to -a- CD player will navigate the puffs of radiation circling the globe. Perhaps, mutants will create rhythm by banging each other on the side of their heads in an effort to ‘have some fun …’ A new breed of ‘Metal Heads’.
In the meantime, please listen below to some of the things coming up in Montreal as well as on Rick Keene Music Scene.com. Hear some new tracks and relive the past with some oldies but goodies.
For Mr. Bolly, that form is karma. A weird chain of events which is taking the song ‘Victory’ and transporting it to all sorts of places. All – for the good of mankind.
Please listen below as Mr. Bolly explains the song, the feelings and the results of hard work.
Credited as one of the first musicians to implement the violin within Jazz music, Ponty has not stopped there. A musical thirst has carried the seventy-one year old native of France through a long, creative and prosperous learning career.
Beginning with his first record deal which saw Jean-Luc entering the world of Rock n’ Roll via Frank Zappa’ssensibilities, Ponty’s journey has seen him collaborate with the ‘who’s who’ of the music industry.
The most recent being a long overdue project with Jon Anderson of the famed prog-Rock group Yes.
The 2015 Anderson-Ponty Band album; ‘ Better Late Than Never’, is a form of cohabitation. Combining Ponty’s and Anderson’s music in perfect harmony. Working with Anderson is the first time Ponty has worked with a vocalist so in effect – the disc is a duet of sorts. A marriage of violin and the human voice.
Please listen belowto my chat with Jean-Luc Ponty. A legendary figure on stage and off.
This is the only timeof the year – kids should talk to strangers ….
Click Here!
Strangers in the Night 11– is a charity event filled with food, fun and live entertainment. All proceeds go to Starlight Children’s Foundation of Canada.
Last year – over 700,000 dollars was raised!
Stranger in the Night 10 The Boogie Wonder Band
Jesse Jack
Please listen below as some of the performers including Jim Cuddy of Blue Rodeo talk about the event and music.
Apparently – swatting mosquitoes and braving – 40 temperatures; has no negative effects on playing Rock n Roll.
How else can you explain The Guess Who and ‘ Haymaker’? Two Rock bands who have been spawned in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Sure – two of Haymaker’s members were originally from Montreal yet it is in their adopted hometown when the musical chops appeared. Canada should be thankful.
Please listen as lead singer Evan along with lead guitar player Matt – explain the band’s first CD release; Entertainment for the Poor. They also talk about their subsequent ‘mini’ tour. A jaunt which shall forever be known by a particular name.
Starlight Children’s Foundation Quebec is pleased to announce the return of their 10th annual Strangers In The Night Charity Gourmet Gala on Saturday June 14th, 2014 at the Fairview Centre,Pointe-Claire (Parking Area #32).
The evening, presented by Delmar International, will be a fusion of food and entertainment – headlined by three-time Grammy Award winning musical group
The Pointer Sisters.
The evening will begin at 5:00 p.m., with 75 of Montreal’s top food vendors dishing out their signature plates, giving the 5000+ guests a chance to tantalize their palates before dancing under the stars to musical performances by:
The Pointer Sisters,
Boogiewonderband,Backtraxx, Persuasion, Meg Smith, Sammie Libman, DJ Whitey, and special appearance by DJ TB1.
“Our tenth anniversary promises to be the best edition of Strangers In The Night yet. With our allstar lineup of celebrity performers and guests, Montrealers will have a chance to take part in a truly memorable, rewarding and inspirational evening,”
Larry Day, Founder of Strangers In The Night.
Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada is part of Starlight’s global network, serving kids and families through partnerships with more than 130 healthcare facilities.
Over the past 30 years, Starlight has become a leading global charity that partners with experts to improve the life and health of kids and families around the world.
Collaborating with innovators in pediatric healthcare, entertainment and technology, Starlight provides a unique blend of family-centered programs and services from hospital to home.
Starlight partners with more than 1,750 healthcare facilities and pediatric hospitals in Australia, Canada, Israel, New Zealand and the United Kingdom and the United States, serving millions of children every year.
Seldom do bands hook up that are headliners on their own. Imagine. Styx,Foreigner and Don Felder – together on tour!
Crystal Ball, JukeBox Hero and Hotel California in one night!That’s just three songs! A night to remember. A night to attend …
Listen as Tommy Shaw, Kelly Hansen and Don Felder talk about the tour, the songs and each other. Also included in this special exclusive show – a brand new version of Hotel California with Tommy Shaw, Kelly Hansen, Don Felder and Mick Jones. Re-worked for an instant classic of another time.
Thanks to Lawrence Gowan and Terry Gibson.
Boys? Tell us about this amazing tour!
This special is also possible because of Strangers in the Night 10.
Starlight Children’s Foundation Quebec is pleased to announce the
return of their 10th annual Strangers In The Night Charity Gourmet Gala on Saturday June 14th, 2014 at the Fairview Centre,Pointe-Claire (Parking Area #32).
The evening, presented by Delmar International, will be a fusion of food and entertainment – headlined by three-time Grammy Award winning musical group
The Pointer Sisters.
The evening will begin at 5:00 p.m., with 75 of Montreal’s top food vendors dishing out their signature plates, giving the 5000+ guests a chance to tantalize their palates before dancing under the stars to musical performances by: The Pointer Sisters, Boogiewonderband,Backtraxx, Persuasion, Meg Smith, Sammie Libman, DJ Whitey, and special appearance by DJ TB1.
“Our tenth anniversary promises to be the best edition of Strangers In The Night yet. With our allstar lineup of celebrity performers and guests, Montrealers will have a chance to take part in a truly memorable, rewarding and inspirational evening,”
Larry Day, Founder of Strangers In The Night.
Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada is part of Starlight’s global network, serving kids and families through partnerships with more than 130 healthcare facilities.
Over the past 30 years, Starlight has become a leading global charity that partners with experts to improve the life and health of kids and families around the world. Collaborating with innovators in pediatric healthcare, entertainment and technology, Starlight provides a unique blend of family-centered programs and services from hospital to home.Starlight partners with more than 1,750 healthcare facilities and pediatric hospitals in Australia, Canada, Israel, New Zealand and the United Kingdom and the United States, serving millions of children every year.
Thanks to Lawrence Gowan of Styx – I am able to provide three special segments.
Segments containing words and music from Tommy Shaw (Styx), Kelly Hansen ( Foreigner) and former Eagles’ member – Don Felder. Within these segments – hear the boys talk about their summer tourwhich began tonight in Kansas City …
Foreigner
Part one is an introduction of the sounds of summer. Part two will contain a brand new version of Hotel California with Don Felder, Kelly Hansen, Tommy Shaw and Mick Jones of Foreigner on guitar.
Amazing …!
Part Three contains more words and great tunes from Foreigner, Styx,The Eagles and Don Felder.
Please listen below to this great and exclusive special! Part One!
This special is also possible because of Strangers in the Night 10.
Starlight Children’s Foundation Quebec is pleased to announce the
return of their 10th annual Strangers In The Night Charity Gourmet Gala on Saturday June 14th, 2014 at the Fairview Centre,Pointe-Claire (Parking Area #32). The evening, presented by Delmar
International, will be a fusion of food and entertainment – headlined by three-time Grammy Award winning musical group
The Pointer Sisters.
The evening will begin at 5:00 p.m., with 75 of Montreal’s top food vendors dishing out their signature plates, giving the 5000+ guests a chance to tantalize their palates before dancing under the stars to musical performances by: The Pointer Sisters, Boogiewonderband,Backtraxx, Persuasion, Meg Smith, Sammie Libman, DJ Whitey, and special appearance by DJ TB1.
“Our tenth anniversary promises to be the best edition of Strangers In The Night yet. With our allstar lineup of celebrity performers and guests, Montrealers will have a chance to take part in a truly memorable, rewarding and inspirational evening,”
Larry Day, Founder of Strangers In The Night.
Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada is part of Starlight’s global network, serving kids and families through partnerships with more than 130 healthcare facilities.
Over the past 30 years, Starlight has become a leading global charity that partners with experts to improve the life and health of kids and families around the world. Collaborating with innovators in pediatric healthcare, entertainment and technology, Starlight provides a unique blend of family-centered programs and services from hospital to home.Starlight partners with more than 1,750 healthcare facilities and pediatric hospitals in Australia, Canada, Israel, New Zealand and the United Kingdom and the United States, serving millions of children every year.
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