JR and Sandy's 'Summer On' Show

This past Friday 'the Morning After' on BOB FM took the show on the road to really kick-start summer! JR and Sandy's 'Summer On' show featured the Maria Hawkins band live on stage at World Exchange Amphitheatre at the corner of Albert and Metcalfe. Its not everyday that people about to enter their respective office buildings get to check out a few minutes of a live band before 8:30 in the morning. I think all workdays should start with a live band. Thanks to everyone who worked on this show! Maria Hawkins, Paula Partner from World Exchange, Wall Sound & Lighting, Brad Weaver for keeping JR and I on the air!

Check out Maria performing 'I Can See Clearly Now' from Friday's show on Youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DfhkMWX9ok

(above) the Maria Hawkins Band- so much energy so early in the morning!

(above) JR and Debra Great times! Summer has begun!

Kanata Centrum Plaza: Where Talent Gets Noticed!

It was a ton of fun participating in the Youth Singing Contest, which was held yesterday at the Kanata Centrum Plaza on the pedestrian mall. I had the pleasure of being one of the judges, along with Don (singer extraordinaire, you've probably seen him performing atop the bar at Marshys) and Tracy (music teacher extraordinaire). I was the only one whose qualifications to be a judge were somewhat questionable. Thanks to Sheila of the Kanata Centrum Plaza for setting up quite a show, and Erin and hubby Colin did a wonderful job producing the event. Hats off to the stars of the show: the kids with the amazing voices!
pictured above: the singers pose for one big group shot

(above) this is Madison McSweeney, who played an awesome version of Alice Cooper's 'School's Out'. No doubt every kid's favourite song at this time of year....just a few more days......

Sophia Pantuso (on the left) : Winner of the senior competition, along with the junior winner, Lindsay White! Congratulations!!!

Sheila, Colin and Erin wind down after the competition at O'Connors Irish Pub!

Vik Sahay is one of ours!

(pictured above: Vik Sahay and Zach Levi of 'Chuck')

Chuck is one of the best shows on TV!!! Thank goodness its coming back for another season, which will start next March. Chuck is smart, funny, well written and well acted...I've been a huge fan since the debut episode, so it was quite a bonus to discover this little tid-bit of information only recently: Vik Sahay is from Ottawa! Yep! The hysterical Vik Sahay, who plays 'Lester' from the Buy More, was born and raised right here and attended Canterbury High School! So...if anyone knows Vik, went to school with Vik, or happens to know if he's hanging around Ottawa for any reason this summer, let me know. We'd love to have him as guest on BOB and I would promise not to gush too much......

It Might Get Loud!

Read this line out loud in a really deep movie trailer voice: If you only see one movie about guitars this summer, make it this one: 'It Might Get Loud'. Forget about all the other movies that may come out about guitars. This is the only one you need.

This documentary was produced and directed by David Guggenheim, the director of 'An Inconvenient Truth'. But the big story here is the stars of the show, pictured above: Jack White, Jimmy Page, and the Edge. The film brings these virtuosos together to discuss one thing and one thing only: the electric guitar. Candid discussions, studio out-takes, concert footage, all in the name of guitar worship from the point of view of 3 rock legends from three different generations. The people behind 'It Might Get Loud' offer this promise: watching the film won't affect how you play guitar, but it will affect how you listen. For any guitar player out there, this is a must-see. But you have to wait til opening day, August 14th. In the mean-time, change your strings. And comb the bottom of the washing machine for lost guitar picks.

Here's a link to the website and the trailer:

www.itmightgetloud.com

Swans on the Rideau!

pictured above: Hannah and Tommy Sachs, this year's official 'Swanskeepers'!

As a kid growing up just a five minute bike ride from the Rideau River, a big part of my summer was spent hanging out watching the Royal swans (and feeding them stale bread crusts, which in hindsight was probably not a good idea). So it was such a fantastic experience this morning, to witness my first time ever 'Release of the Royal Swans into the Rideau', where they will spend the summer. On hand were Michelle Sachs and her kids Hannah and Tommy, who were the official 'releasers' of the swans today. (Michelle was the top bidder for this experience back in March at the Humane Society Fur Ball) We were also joined by Humane Society executive director Bruce Roney, Councillor Diane Deans (who was instrumental in saving the Royal Swan program - huge kudos to Diane!!) The City of Ottawa's mistress to the swans Christine Hartig was on hand, as well as Brent and Ray to help out. The swans were released in pairs in three areas of the Rideau River. The final release featured a male and a female who were not a 'couple'....yet. They were 'neighbours' in their winter pen, and had yet to really meet face-to-face, or 'beak-to-beak'. So when they were released simulataneously from their crates this morning, it was an incredible moment to see them pose together so beautifully, forming a 'heart' with their graceful necks, and swimming off to find some Rideau River romance. Christine was especially thrilled, now considering herself the 'Swan Match-maker'. Could a reality show be far behind?


Better prepare to get wet

Swans awaiting their summer vacation on the river!

Official 'swanskeepers' Hannah and Tommy Sachs, and mom Michelle


Brent helps Michelle and Tommy release a pair of swans

So beautiful!

And they come in 'black' too!

Another swan dives in

A romance begins!

I like your style

City of Ottawa's Christine Hartig, Tommy and Hannah

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