Jenn Kee is no stranger to Sarnia. She is not from here, but told us she loves playing in the city. Beside performing at this First Friday, she was at Coffee Culture last month as well as she was a cast member of 'Classic Albums' and StarBright Theatre groups that have played at The Imperial Theatre. After her stellar show last night, it is evident that Sarnia loves her too. There was a real sort of electricity in the air all day leading up to the May First Friday evening. Maybe it was the perfect spring weather. I think it was the anticipation of all the events happening in the downtown combined with the warm sunshine. The number of people here to listen to Jenn was impressive. Little wonder. With her pure voice, expert guitar playing and strong delivery of not only cover songs, but her own songs as well, she wowed everyone. She ...
MoreFriday June 7, 2013 - Friday June 7, 2013 Cheeky Monkey Map and Directions | Register Description:~Live music with MIKE BLACKMORE & THE ANIMATION 7:00 - 9:00 pm ~ "It's Time To Own A Rabbitt" Art Exhibit & Sale by Jessie J. Rabbitt Mike Blackmore is always a pleasant surprise for his fans. His improvised musicianship is never in dispute and is unmatched. The surprise is in who will join him on the stage on any given day. Regardless of who it is, they are always a delight to listen to. Mike solo or as band leader takes you on a musical journey that will grab you and not let go until the very last note is played! Jessie J. Rabbitt's artistic free spirit and life stories come shining through in her wonderful art work done in several different mediums such as water colour, tempera, acrylics and oils. Inspiration has come from all directions of the ...
MorePeople were dancing and singing along with the local group The Persuaders during the April 5th First Friday at Cheeky Monkey. With Ray, Randy and Doug playing from an extensive list of well loved familiar hits from mostly the 60's and 70's, customers could not help but to sing along. A few were enjoying the music so much, they just had to dance too. It was like having a personal hits parade on the Red Carpet stage for the evening. They played so many great songs, I can't being to list them all, but the stand outs were the ones from Creedence Clearwater Revival. The Persuaders, voices and playing style are perfectly suited to cover the CCR hits. For the early part of the evening, Sydney Kennedy and her cousin were on hand to apply henna tattoos to raise funds for the Canadian Cancer Society. For a minimum donation of $2 they would ...
MoreFriday May 3, 2013 - Friday May 3, 2013 Cheeky Monkey Map and Directions | Register Description:Live music with JENN KEE 7:00 - 9:00 pm Art Exhibit & SALE Jessie J. Rabbitt Talented singer songwriter musician, Jenn Kee stops by to play you her songs in her distinctive bluesy style. "It's Time To Own A Rabbitt". Jessie J. Rabbitt is looking for good homes for her 52 years of original art. Cheeky Monkey, downtown Sarnia's record & more store, is proud to present talented young indie musician Jenn Kee and the works of local artist Jessie J. Rabbit "It's Time To Own a Rabbitt' exhibit and sale for their May 3rd First Friday from 7:00 to 9:00 pm. Jenn Kee was born in Cobourg Ontario into an environment steeped in music. Jenn knew from a very young age that music was her passion, her dream and her life. Jenn's love of drama, show stoppers and the stage led to a ...
MoreWhat is 87 years old and still going strong? Sarnia's own version of the Energizer bunnie, artist and humanitarian, JESSIE J. RABBITT. Starting May 3rd First Friday, Jessie will be celebrating 52 years of creating her artwork with an exhibit running 52 days at Cheeky Monkey, Sarnia's downtown music store. You could call this exhibit a "Works of Art Clearance Sale," with the intent to find new homes for as many of her creations as possible. This time-frame of downtown events includes the May 3rd First Friday, ArtWalk on June 1 & 2 and the June 7th First Friday. Jessie has planned a couple of her own special events during the 52 days: the first is a live auction on Saturday, May 18 starting at 1:00 pm, and the second is a silent auction of entirely different works, starting on May 25 and running until June 15. All other pieces not in ...
MoreFriday April 5, 2013 - Friday April 5, 2013 Cheeky Monkey Map and Directions | Register Description: The Persuaders play live at Cheeky Monkey - 7:00 - 9:00 pm April is daffodil month for the Canadian Cancer Society. With that in mind, there will be a volunteer here at Cheeky Monkey to take your donation for one of their icon label pins. Also, Sydney Kennedy will be here to do a specially designed henna tattoo for you to comemorate the month for a donation. April 5th First Friday at Cheeky Monkey, the record store downtown, is guaranteed to get your toes tapping. Local band, The Persuaders, will be playing an eclectic mix of country and blues oldies from the 50's, 60's and 70's. Their selections are suitable for all age groups, particularly the Baby Boomers in the audience. The Persuaders philosophy is, "we play for our crowds and their satisfaction is our goal". Come join the fun at ...
MoreFirst Friday of March 2013 marked the return of Erika (Sit) and Sara (Campbell) to the Cheeky Monkey Red Carpet Stage. Erika and Sara's first performance here was almost 2 years ago I believe. They were and are two very talented young ladies we have had the pleasure of watching develop and grow as musicians over that time. Along with that, their fan base is growing quickly - and for good reason. Our original impression of them was that they had some talent - Erika as a singer and Sara on guitar. BUT they were so shy to the point of looking a tad awkward in front of a microphone. With a few gentle suggestions from us, encouragement from their biggest fans and advice from seasoned bands like CD/DC they now command the audiences attention and respect as musicians. Along with the confidence in performing, has come their writing skills. Their list of ...
MoreWho cared that it was a bone chilling cold February 1st evening? Certainly not the large crowd inside Cheeky Monkey that were here to enjoy seeing and hearing the legendary Six String Nation Guitar know as 'Voyageur'. Local musicians Jim Chevalier, Brenden E. Fraser, Adam Miner, Dave Miner and Mark Potvin took turns playing 'Voyageur' throughout the evening making it a wonderful mix of songs being performed using Canada's guitar. 'Voyageur's' curator, historian and man responsible for it's creation, Jowi Taylor gave a wonderful moving talk and visual presentation explaining the story behind what makes this guitar so important. As Jowi tells it, the guitar was made as a symbol of national unity, to explore Canadian identity, and to connect people from all regions in Canada. It is made from 64 pieces of bone, metal, wood, stone and fabric, representing every province and territory. The guitar's neck has wood from the deck of the Bluenose ...
MoreFriday March 1, 2013 - Friday March 1, 2013 Cheeky Monkey Map and Directions | Register Description: Erika & Sara have been playing as a duo for over 3 years performing in many different venues ranging from private parties to ArtWalk stages to PLAYLIST, Cogeco Cable 6's program highlighting local talent. Their music spans generations of styles including classics from Johnny Cash to modern popular songs mixed in with an ever growing number of originals. They currently have a 5 track EP of their originals with a full length album due out for sale soon. Exhibit and for sale on the Cheeky Monkey Gallery Walls for the month will be the eclectic photographic works of Chris Sit. His subject matters vary from iconic landscapes to fashion photography using a wide range of cameras including a 1959 Brownie Hawkeye. Stop in to see what his eye sees. Exhibit and Sale runs until March ...
MoreLast night for the January 4th First Friday, we had the pleasure of hearing WHITE FIRE REED live for the first time. For a 3 piece band, they sure pack a big musical punch. Performing mostly original material from their CD 'POSITIVE CHANGE', the audience very much appreciated their skill, enthusiasm & professionalism. A few covers were also done from bands such as The Doors, CCR & a version of a U2 song that was particularly amazing. Lead singer & bass player Gary was having lots of fun trying out a new toy he got for Christmas. I am not a techie kind of person, but I think it was a processor that he used to add reverb & other effects at the perfect times. We all look forward to hearing the brothers Johnston along with Kurt Oblak play again soon. If you haven't seen them yet yourself, you should - or at least pick ...
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