Posted in: ADVENTURES OF CHEEKY CHARLIE, Concerts & Events, Friends & Neighbours, Local Talent, News | 1 Comment | Posted on April 23, 2012 by Mary Anne

WOW!!!  What a wonderful day Record Store Day was at Cheeky Monkey!

The day started very early for us.  We along with friends Ross & Laurissa, made sure the table of snacks was ready along with the table of draw items and the wall of exclusive releases.

When it came time to open the store at 9:30 a.m., we found there was a line up patiently waiting to be the firsts to scoop up some of the exlusive releases we got in and take advantage of the NO TAX sale.  Cheeky Charlie was at the door to greet one and all.

We were thrilled that we we able to get so many of the exclusive releases this year.  Since they are VERY limited, we do not know until they are delivered exactly what we will get in from the 100′s of titles we order.  Makes it feel sort of like Christmas morning.

Marty Oblak arrived shortly after 10:00 a.m. to set up the sound system for the afternoon’s live music.  

First up on the Cheeky Monkey Red Carpet Stage was JIM CHEVALIER.  He kept it soft and mellow for the start of the day which suited us all just fine.  Jim sang mostly originals, but threw in a few covers.  His version of ‘You Are My Sunshine’ was caught on video.  Truly brought a lump to the throat it had so much emotion in it.

Next up was WHEN SYSTEMS COLLIDE.  They are always a treat to host at Cheeky Monkey.  You could not ask for a more laid back bunch of guys.  Their original material is stellar and is enjoyed by all fans of good music.

Following them was ANTENNAES.  This was a return visit for the band having played here last year for RSD and during First Fridays of the past.  Lead singer Tom’s voice has a distinctive timber to it that makes their sound all their own.  They are another good example of the wealth of talent Sarnia has along with When Systems Collide and Jim.

The last band of the day was a group out of Sault Ste. Marie ON lead by FRANK DERESTI and his band THE LAKE EFFECT.  The stars aligned nicely to have them play here in the afternoon and at Paddy Flaherty’s later in the evening.  Sarnia was part of their CD release tour.  While they were waiting their turn to set up on the Red Carpet Stage, they had time to shop and meet Cheeky Charlie.

If you missed RSD and are curious about the bands that played here, we do have CD’s in stock of WHEN SYSTEMS COLLIDE, ANTENNAES and FRANK DERESTI & THE LAKE EFFECT.   JIM CHEVALIER is currently working on a new CD we hope to have in stock soon.

At the end of the day, after the clean up, we drew the names of the winners of the prizes.

THE WINNERS ARE…

…Pete Lyall – MARK LANEGAN test press LP
…Robert Graham –  ALBUMS: Stories Behind 50 Years of Great Recordings -Hardcover book
…Rachel Loerts & Chris Dewey – FILL YOUR HEAD WITH ROCK – soft cover book (2 copies to be drawn for)
… Bill Walters – BORN TO LOSE – soft cover book
…Carolyn Watts & Meghan Lang – ALBUM COVER FRAMES – (2 to draw for – donated by Zony’s Custom Framing)
… Nicole Kelly – COLLECTOR COCA-COLA GLASSES – set of 6
…Jeff Beeler – ROLLING STONES silk scarf
…Al Ouellette –  2 tickets for Godspell at Victoria Playhouse Petrolia

Congratulations to all and thanks for being part of the celebrations.

My little description of the day does not adequately decribe the fun and the electric vibe at Cheeky Monkey.  It really was an amazing day we could not have had without the help of many people. If you would like to see more pictures click on the PHOTO GALLERY tab above .

We want to give heartfelt thanks to Ross and Laurissa Ellsworth for always making themselves available to help us out during our events.  They are 2 very amazing people we can not praise enough.  Marty Oblak I mentioned above, did a great job providing the sound equipment and staying the day to help the bands and work the PA – thank you Marty.  We wish you much success with your business ventures of OHM Graphic Designs and We Are The Sound.   Also want to say thank you to Zony’s Custom Framing and Victoria Playhouse Petrolia for the donations of items for the draw table.  Should also mention our many distributors that sent us sampler CD’s and posters  as well as Coca Cola contributed collector glassware making it possible for everyone who attended RSD to walk away with free gifts.

Lastly and foremost we thank you! – our customers!  We hope to be here for many more years to sell you the music and movies you love, but we can’t do it without your continued support.