February 17 was the night and DNA studios was the place that Tony Dowswell launched his latest album, The Fruits Of Your Labour and Cheeky Charlie was right there in the thick of it. With tracks from the recording playing in the background (Tony would have played but was still nursing an injury), well wishers, industry types and participants were all on hand. The Fruits Of Your Labour is available now at Cheeky Monkey or or on-line HERE where you can here some samples.
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Best Moment of Can-Con While there were some charming shots of Ottawa singer-songwriter Kathleen Edwards during boyfriend Bon Iver's acceptance speech -- and Vancouver's Diana Krall joined Paul McCartney for his Grammy performance -- the most jaw-dropping appearance by a Canadian came courtesy deadmau5, the Ontario DJ and Grammy nominee who joined (then upstaged) Foo Fighters late in the broadcast. Deadmau5 scored a Grammy nod for his remix of the Foos' "Rope," and a visceral performance of that track closed the show's first ever tribute to EDM. By the end of the performance, Dave Grohl was in the crowd. Now, if only someone had thought to pass him a pair of ears. - Courtesy of Dose.ca Some of the Canadians up for prizes at Sunday’s 54th Grammy Awards: Drake (3): The Toronto was up for best rap performance for his Nicki Minaj collaboration “Moment 4 Life,” and has two more noms in the best rap/sung ...
MoreThe February First Friday lived up to the hype when Natural Disasters came to shake the rafters at Cheeky Monkey. The 5 piece band kept the capacity crowd entertained with classic rock that included a heavy dose of CAN-CON. The repertoire ranged from The Guess Who, 54-40 and Tragically Hip to name just a few. The band and audience were there for a good time and no-one left disappointed. Adorning the walls of Cheeky Monkey, is the photographic art work of Pierre Houle. It is easy to see why he was the 2011 Grand Prize winner of the Sarnia Photographic Club's annual Photo Contest. His keen eye and interesting editing techniques make his work truly intriguing. Pierre's exhibit continues until February 25. All items included framed, enlarged photos, matted photos and cards with envelopes in various sizes are available to purchase. Thanks to Pierre for the photographs taken during the evening. To see more, ...
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Iggy Pop has been named ambassador for Record Store Day 2012. The annual event, this year falling on April 21, is used to publicize and drive business to independent record stores who continue the fight against internet sales. Pop said of his new "position:" A person should have a personality. You won't get one dicking around on a computer. It helps to go somewhere where there are other persons. Persons who are interested in something you are. That's how a record store or any shop that's got some life to it should work. It's not about selling shit. I got my name, my musical education and my personality all from working at a record store during my tender years. In the 50s and 60s the teen kids used to gather after school at these places to listen free to the latest singles and see if they liked the beat. You could buy the ...
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Several years ago Sarnia's own harmonica virtuoso Mike Stevens along with east coasters Matt Andersen and Dave Gunning played at the Imperial Theatre. From the first moment we heard them playing together, we knew we were privileged to be seeing some extraordinary talent on our local stage. From this concert and subsequent tour a close friendship developed between Mike and Matt resulting in an album writing collaboration. In fact two CD's have resulted. 'Piggyback ' and last year, 'Push Record: The Banff Sessions. While working on the first album, we had the pleasure of organizing a concert for them at the Library Auditorium and getting to know Matt. Not only is he a big talent, but he is one of the most down to earth people you would want to meet. Between touring and writing with Mike, Matt also released his own CD called 'Coal Mining Blues'. As a result of this last ...
MoreThe cold wind was blowing snow flakes all through downtown Sarnia but those warm inside Cheeky Monkey didn't care. They were here to listen to Eddie Sayers. Some browsed the racks of CD's, DVD's and LP's both new and used as he played a combination of his own songs or did cover versions of his favourite bands like Bright Eyes. Others were here especially to sit, relax and enjoy his unique style of singing. The small but appreciative audience were joined by one of Eddie's biggest, we maybe it littlest fans, Cheeky Charlie. He was lucky enough to get a front row seat sitting up on a fellow fans shoulders. Gave him the best view in the house. Cheeky Charlie hopes Eddie will have a chance to come play at Cheeky Monkey again sometime in the future - either as a solo act or with his band.
MoreOver the 5 plus years we have been hosting First Friday at Cheeky Monkey, we have had the pleasure of listening to many of the amazing musical acts the area has to offer, but the January 2012 was really special to us. Jim Chevalier is of the first musicians we met when we came to Sarnia and has become a man and talent we very much admire, so you can understand why we were so thrilled to have him playing on the Red Carpet Stage. To make the evening even more monumental, he debuted a long play list of brand new songs that will be on his upcoming CD. Some were written as recently as the last few days and weeks. Annette Dillon who was in the audience commented on Facebook about Jim's music: "Your Heart felt new songs are masterfully crafted and meaningful." Well said Annette! Everyone present very much looks forward ...
MoreSarnia's own up and coming high school band The Love Toasters gave the shoppers of Cheeky Monkey a sample of their talent on Friday afternoon. After a somewhat rocky start - they were minus their singer for the performance, they settled into a mostly instrumental mix of original jams and covers that included Hendrix, Rush, and Nirvana among others. The lads and the crowd very much enjoyed themselves. Cheeky Charlie had fun hanging out with them and getting to help on bass. Remember their name - THE LOVE TOASTERS - you will hear of them again, at Cheeky Monkey and other Sarnia locations.
MoreThe lovely and talented Ms. Beth Moore stopped to play for a few hours at Cheeky Monkey on Sat. Dec. 17 . She does tour with a band, but for this occassion she performed solo and totally unplugged. Her sweet, smokey voice was a beautiful enhancement to a busy day at Cheeky Monkey. The customers in the audience agreed. Not only is she a gifted song writer and singer, but she has an interesting side business of designing and making hats and scarves. Cheeky Charlie could not resist and bought one for Mary Anne. If you missed out on seeing and hearing Beth, don't fret. Her CD is available to buy at Cheeky Monkey or through the website (CLICK HERE). If you want to see her in person, keep an eye on the website too Event Calendar for a January show at Paddy Flaherty's Shout out of thanks to Sean for taking the ...
MoreWhat a fantastic weekend of music and art Cheeky Charlie had to start December off. Rockin the joint - Southern Fryde Inc. with Mike Blackmore's art as backdrop The fun began during Dec 2nd First Friday evening with the local southern country rock band SOUTHERN FRYDE INC. playing. They certainly do have a loyal following of fans who enjoyed the good-ol-boy songs they played including of course 'Free Bird'. What respectable southern rock band would leave it out. If you missed their show, don't worry, you can buy their CD at Cheeky Monkey for only $12.87. Along with the ruckus music, was art to feast your eyes on or buy. The photographic art of Mike Blackmore is hanging on the gallery walls. He has reduced the price in the hopes someone will adopt them or give them as unique gifts. They will be on exhibit and sale at Cheeky Monkey until Dec. ...
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