WOW! what a great event ArtWalk 2012 turned out to be. Despite the potential rain during the day, the sudden downpour just before headliner Hawksley Workman came on stage and the many gusts of wind that sent some tents and items flying, it was amazing! I was set up outside with a table of used DVD's and CD's for sale along with my own creations, 33 1/3 and 45 rpm records I melted to form decorative bowls, and my mother-in-laws hand crafted baby blankets. Rarely did I have a moment to sit and rest there were that many people downtown and at our booth. On Saturday afternoon we had 2 different bands play out front of the store for the passing crowds to enjoy. First up were Erika and Sara. For those of you who keep up with what live music we have here, you will certainly recognize their names. We have ...
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That's DJ Squared - stands for the names of this dynamic trio of ladies. - Danielle, Janet and Joanne. Janet is the lead singer and joke teller of the group. Her sparkling personality shone through not only in the songs but in her banter between songs. Danielle on keyboards and backup singing along with Joanne on guitar, round out their sound. They play a large cross section of faniliar favourites, current hits and a few jazz numbers. They had the audience singing and dancing along, which we don't see happen all that often during a First Friday. Due to the damp, chilly weather, the crowds for First Friday were smaller then normal, but the ones that were here had a really good time. Thanks DJ2 for making it a fun evening. The artwork on the walls of Cheeky Monkey are by Sarnia's RE-Generation Gap Collective. The group consists of Janette Hewitt, ...
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Rachel Loerts, a young singer songwriter from this area, played for her second time on the Cheeky Monkey Red Carpet Stage on Saturday May 26 afternoon. Her mix of orginal music was interspersed between cover songs from the likes of The Decemberists, Neil Young, Nirvana, Johnny Cash and Tom Petty. She introduced a few first time performed songs she was a bit neverous of playing, but did a very good job of them. Most notable was Don't Fear The Reaper by Blue Oyster Cult that she truly made her own. Besides being a full time student in high school, Rachel is doing a co-op stint at Blackburn Radio, but always finds time to play her music before an audience. In the fall she is heading off to the University of Windsor to study music further. Watch for many good things to come for this young songstress.
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We were fortunate enough to work out a date for Erika and Sara to return to the Red Carpet Stage at Cheeky Monkey. Since the last time the ladies were here, we noticed a change in their performance. A change for the better. They are both very young and relatively new to playing live shows. This is no reflection of their talent, which they have tons of. As they have been getting more chances to play live, they are growing in being more comfortable in front of an audience. On top of the confidence, they are both now singing which gives more fullness to the songs. Also they have added in harmonica and tambourine creating more texture and variety. These ladies will keep improving as time goes. Can't wait to see them play during ArtWalk weekend in less then a month. I am sure you will enjoy them too.
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The air may have had a slight chill to it outside during the May 4th, 2012 First Friday, but the atmosphere was hot inside Cheeky Monkey thanks to Jim Chevalier, special guest Dave Miner along with the art of Adam Miner and Wendy Starr. Jim is always a true pleasure to hear perform but adding in Dave's guitar work and harmonies made the night's music even sweeter. Going one step further, Adam Miner joined in with his guitar and vocals on a fab version of The Stones 'Wild Horses.' Adam's paintings also added to the heat of the night. We at Cheeky Monkey were thrilled to host THE first public showing of Adam's vibrant Neo expressionist styled art. Not many of us knew that Adam even painted. We thought his talent was in the music field as a writer, performer and producer. His approach to painting is polar opposite to the way he ...
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Paintings large and small, pottery, photography, wood turnings, basketry, fabric sculpting can all be found on display and for sale at An Event Apart at the Holiday Inn this weekend. Roland and I had the pleasure of attending the Opening Gala last night (Friday April 27) where we strolled among the beautiful displays of art and chatted with several of the artists on hand. No matter what your taste or budget, there is something for everyone. I personally was very drawn to the glass work, jewelry and bird carving, especially of chickadees. We had an enjoyable visit with photographer Leonard Segall who explained not just techniques used, but told us the fascinating stories behind the photos he chose for this show and sale. An Event Apaprt runs until Sunday afternoon and is a fundraising project for St. Joseph's Hospice. This is a chance to find unique, local and international talent artwork for ...
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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 ...
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April 20th UPDATE... Look at that counter!! Can you beleive RSD is one more sleep away! Bought a whole whack of snacks for the 'refreshment table'. All Cheeky Charlie's favourite foods - and none of them health. Isn't that what a party is about - fun, music and junk food?! Tell you friends to sign up thru this website for our newsletter if they want to get the SPECIAL EDITION delivered tonight announcing our DEALS and EXCLUSIVE items we will have for sale. April 18th UPDATE... Lots to report today!!! The excitement is mounting!!!! First off, got a box of sampler CD's from Mint Records to use as part of our giveaways. Thank you Mint Records! Second - added another item to the draws thanks to Michele at Select and she sent a bundle of posters to use as giveaways too. Here is the complete list of draw items... ...MARK LANEGAN test press LP … ALBUMS: Stories Behind 50 ...
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On Saturday April 14th, Cheeky Charlie attended the play I LOVE YOU, YOU'RE PERFECT NOW CHANGE! at The Imperial Theatre presented by Theatre Sarnia, directed by Mike Czechowicz. The official synopsis is... This musical explores the trials and tribulations of being single, dating, marriage, loss and heartbreak. In doing so, it takes on the truths and myths behind that contemporary conundrum known as "the relationship." It explores the journey from dating and waiting to love and marriage, while revealing the agonies and triumphs of in-laws and newborns, trips in the family car, and pick-up techniques of the geriatric set. The musical pays tribute to those who have loved and lost, and to those who have fallen on their face at the portal of romance. Everyone can relate to this funny, mature look at relationships…you’ll leave the show thinking, “Were they talking about me?” When it says "everyone can relate" it is very true. ...
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It was a full house at Cheeky Monkey for the April 13th First Friday. I know, the 13th was the SECOND Friday. Good Friday fell on the FIRST Friday, and since stores etc can not be open that day, it was pushed back a week. This happens everytime a stat holiday happens on a First Friday evening. Sometimes it causes some confusion and the crowds are light. Not for this month's event. The weather was perfect and the streets, stores and galleries were filled with people! The band playing at Cheeky Monkey was Portrait of You. This was the third time we've hosted them. Exactly a year ago they played for the 2011 April First Friday (new tradition guys - let's book it now) and they played on the sidewalk outside the store in the summer when Bayfest organized an artist fair in the downtown to coincide with their rock weekend ...
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