Welcome to Meg-A Music Toronto

Yes, we care, please take a look at a video added to MySpace recently on one of Toronto's missing children here

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"Joshua Bartholomew is destined to become a Juno award winner and a legend in Canadian music."

The Brown Hornets at the Bovine Sex Club is our spotlight band for NXNE from Toronto! This band consists of Danny Walters (Singer, Organist), Justin Heming (bassist), Robin Mason (Drummer) and Paul Kehayas (Guitar).

I met the lead singer of this band about a year and a half ago before I knew he was the lead singer, at the Bovine coincidentally. Danny Walters or for those who know him affectionately as "Danny Bananny" was charming, hospitable and one of the most genuine people I've met out at clubs. I was new to the Bovine, more than a little nervous and his kindness put me right at home, I still remember later on that night looking up The Brown Hornets MySpace profile to let him know how great it was to meet him and it was.

This isnt the first time I've seen The Brown Hornets and there is definitely a reason I have been touting this band to so many people for well over a year now. If anyone asks which band someone should see in Toronto, The Brown Hornets is one of the bands I mention.

From the moment this band came on stage, the crowd was immediately energized, full of smiles and having such a great time enjoying themselves, all thanks to the synergy this band has playing together and Danny Walters' charismatic performance. Their music is a mix of Rock, Blues and Soul filled with melody, catchy lyrics and somehow you are almost transported back in time to the 1960's when listening to this band.

Danny engages his audience with not only his funny antics, tambourines and bananas but the smile that truly comes from his heart telling you he's having a great time and wants you to have one too, which of course everyone is. His showmanship is extraordinary.

The next time The Brown Hornets come buzzing into your neighbourhood, catch their show, you won't be disappointed and its like something you have never seen before. Originality at its best, limitless talent and despite their rock and roll persona, I can say this band is and always will be a CLASS act!

Our spotlight band outside of Toronto was definitely Monotonix from Tel Aviv, Israel! The band members are Ami Shalev, Yonatan Gat and Gever.

From the start you knew something was up with this band at the Bovine Sex Club, it all began when they set up their gear outside the stage area leaving people to question what was going on. Everyone was left shaking their head not quite getting it until...

The band started their set with what they call "Jungle" music. Well, the Bovine felt just like that, a jungle after the mischief, mayhem and wild antics of this band. I will do my best to describe what I experienced but unless you have witnessed it first-hand, you really have a hard time to describe it, nothing and I mean nothing can quite prepare you for this band.

Hard rock sounding riffs, drums and vocals blared at the audience, while simultaneously you are being doused with beer and being exposed and I do mean exposed to the band's, shall I say attributes. Yes, one band member in particular exposed his naked butt onstage during the show several times while standing on top of the bar. The band members pushed their way into the audience, surfed on top of the crowd, moved their gear even further back into the club and rammed against the crowd almost creating a riot like atmosphere that was borderline out of control, keeping even security on their toes not to mention everyone else. I had to shield my camera as well as myself as I challenged myself to try to take an odd picture here and there. It was like a mad rollercoaster ride except one where you would be blindfolded, never knowing what twist and turn you were going to be part of.

I walked out of the Bovine announcing to the bouncer "What was that?" all sticky, my hair plastered to my head, my camera still working, still alive and saying to myself, whatever it was I liked it! Did anyone ever get it with Monotonix, probably not but you didn't have to to enjoy it. We all need a little chaotic entertainment every once in awhile and Monotonix provided just that. You can check their MySpace out here. For a wet, wild, crazy and unexpected time, along with some Rock music, call Monotonix and they will come running or should I say slamming right into you, they won't let you down!

Marc Kajouji with the help of Andrea Caldwell from UMI Entertainment is holding a memorial/birthday celebration to celebrate his beloved sister Nadia Kajouji’s life with a special concert on Sunday, June 8th @ The Mod Club.

Talented artists Joshua Bartholomew, We are the Take, Sunshine State, Daniel Bernhard, Natasha Pasternak & Jennie Laws will be performing in honour of Nadia. As well, there will be a raffle/auction to help raise funds for The Kids Help Phone Line & for Nadia’s mother & father in this very difficult time.

Sunday, June 8th would have been Nadia's 19th Birthday. The Kajouji & Chevalier family wish to celebrate her life in true Nadia fashion with music, laughter, good times & good memories. It is also the families hope that by sharing the deep love & wonderful memories they have of Nadia, they can help someone else's child who may be suffering from Mental Health Issues get the help they need before it's to late.

So, please join the Kajouji & Chevalier family in a celebration of Nadia's life. Sunday, June 8th marks the day to celebrate the joy & beauty Nadia gave to this world & to honor her memory with an evening of good music, laughter & good memories.

Keeping Nadia's memory alive, each year Marc plans to hold an event on June 8th in his sisters memory by supporting the Kids Help Phone line, it is his hope to reach out further & continue to help other kids and families suffering from mental health issues.

The family also wishes to thank the thousands of people who supported them in this very hard time. So many people were touched by her story, a facebook group started by the family to help search for her generated over 18,000 supporters. Thousands of people prayed for her safe return & ultimately thousands mourned the loss of such a beautiful young life.

Nadia's story can change things. May she look down from heaven & know how much she was loved on this very special night. Sunday, June 8th.

WHO: Joshua Bartholomew, We Are the Take, Jennie Laws, Sunshine State, Daniel Bernhard & Natasha Pasternak

WHEN: Sunday, June 8th 2008 @ The Mod Club
WHERE: The Mod Club, 722 College St. W
WHY: Because it is Nadia’s 19th Birthday & she loved music, & being with people she loves.

You can help remember Nadia by either attending the event or donating to The Kids Help Phone.

Are you ready to have some of the best nights of you can possibly have this summer! Coming soon, great music, awareness to charitable causes, great prizes and did we mention CAKE!!!

TWO EVENTS IN MAY, COUNT 'EM, AT TATTOO ROCK PARLOUR, DOWNTOWN, TORONTO CLUB SCENE!!! MORE TO COME!!!

We are celebrating our existence in the music scene for the past two years, don't miss out!

Here is a chance if you are a band to get your music to us for future radio shows with both IndieCan Music & Meg-a Music Toronto, buy some tickets, bring the band and bring 2 CD's and introduce yourself to to either Joe Chisholm or Mary-Elizabeth Gilbert!

Contribute toward a worthy cause, win some prizes, network with the music industry as well as others and enjoy some cake all in one night!

SAVE ON THE PURCHASE ADVANCE TICKETS FOR $8.00 HERE - we will either send your tickets right to you or they will be at the door!

Podcast radio show coming soon with Meg-a Music Toronto too, a chance to get your CD in now!

SAVE ON THE PURCHASE ADVANCE TICKETS FOR $8.00 HERE - we will either send your tickets right to you or they will be at the door!

May is Missing Children's Month in Canada and we invite every band, every fan-zine, every label and everyone who cares to post a link to Missing Children's Society of Canada on your Facebook, MySpace and website. One lucky visitor will win big from West-Jet. Children are everyone's responsibility. Let's do our bit to help. Together, think of the people we reach. Read More About it here and/or Click on the image.

Have generously donated two acoustic guitars for our birthday bashes. Long & McQuade are known for their generousity in supporting the music community for over 50 years!!! Just click the banner for their website.

Professional photographer and long term IndieCan supporter Wendy L Rombough, in addition to the endless hours she has and continues to donate, has generously offered a framed print of The Joys Gold Record release party. You can visit the fabulous Wendy at http://wlrphotography.com

“ The diva never dies” at Diane Kroe Boutique. Check out this 10 in one dress (can be worn 10 different ways), just one of many sensational designs available at 1693 Avenue Rd., Toronto , ( 416) 256-4221). www.dianekroe.com

The Fashion District is a designer run Indie Boutique. It features eclectic fashions for men & women from goth, rock to couture! Also check out their unique collection of wall art and home decor.Located at 555 Queen Street West, phone: 647-430-7433. Open 7 days a week.

Digital Silver Productions have generously contributed tickets to their premiere movie Cycle of Fear on May 31st!!! Both IndieCan Music & Meg-a Music Toronto are part of the promotion of this film, its our first and we are so excited!!!

Gift certificates are part of the prizes for our raffle donated by the well rated restaurant Hot House Cafe, located at 35 Church Street in Toronto. Click HERE to go to their website!

Meg-a Music Toronto would like to dedicate this site at this time to the family of Toronto's very own Jeff Healey who's passing at the age of 41 on Sunday, March 2nd, 2008 at St. Joseph's Hospital has left family, friends and fans shocked all over the world. He conquered so much in his life, everyone thought he would conquer Cancer yet again, but with great sadness he is gone. A beautiful human being, an inspiration to many, a talented musician and so much more, gone before his time and on the eve of a new blues rock album. Jeff Healey we thank you for the magic you gave to us and you will never to be forgotten...

Jeff Healey, arguably one of the most distinctive guitar players of our time, died today (Sunday March 2) in St. Joseph’s Hospital, Toronto. He was 41, and leaves his wife, Cristie, daughter Rachel (13) and son Derek (three), as well as his father and step-mother, Bud and Rose Healey, and sisters Laura and Linda.

There is more of a biography on his work and accomplishments on his website, you can leave your thoughts, condolences, memories at http://www.jeffhealey.com/wishes

More coming soon! If you want a poster of your band on the front page, please contact us, its easy!

May 16, 2008 - Moore (Rock, Alternative, Indie) - 8:00 PM - Clinton's Tavern

Art of Dying gave an electrifying and energetic performance at the Kathedral for Canadian Music Week this year, coming all the way to Toronto from Vancouver braving a winter snowstorm to travel home!

Art of Dying began over two years ago with their current roster of talent being Jonny Hetherington (lead vocals), Greg Bradley, Matt Rhode, Chris Witoski and last but not least Jeff Brown.

Their music is being played on radio stations nationally and internationally, I heard them here first on Toronto's own Edge 102.1 and loved their music as soon as I heard it, actually on many late nights their music was an inspiration to continue to get things done, it would energize me to the point I didn't want to stop what I was doing or listening to their music, its that infectious!

They are known for their hard rock sound and powerful melodies, with meaningful lyrics based on personal experiences in life, both good and bad. In January of last year, "Classic Rock Magazine" chose Art of Dying as one of the top 15 acts to watch worldwide and we definitely concur.

The audience wanted a much longer set but Jonny and the rest of the band spent time with their fans to make up for it. They were just nice and friendly guys who made you want to hang out with them all night. I even had my picture taken with Jonny Hetherington, lead singer - see below, last pic!

You can visit their MySpace of over 77,000 fans, way past 500,000 Profile Views and over 950,000 plays to listen to their music. You can also buy their CD on CD Baby, buy ringtones & join their Facebook Group at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2336279902!

Jonny has a side project called "Hethro" which shows an even more sensitive and emotional side, please visit his MySpace and take a listen, his song "Car Crash" touched me personally due to a tragic death and loss I suffered with someone I loved who passed away in a pedestrian/motor vehicle accident years ago. Everyone can take their own interpretation of this song and will but it touched me on so many different levels, its haunting yet beautiful. I encourage you to listen to this side of Jonny too, you won't be disappointed but you may be surprised, very pleasantly surprised.

Art of Dying leaves us "dying" for more! Come back soon, Toronto loves you! Once again, check their Myspace out here!



	Yes, I was thrilled to meet Art of Dying!

MORE ART OF DYING PICS HERE!

RIDES AGAIN

CANADIAN MUSIC WEEK 2008

SPOTLIGHT BAND REVIEW

Written by Mary-Elizabeth Gilbert

Rides Again from Oshawa, Ontario gave a sweltering and riveting performance at Tattoo Rock Parlour that left the jam-packed audience definitely wanting more. I had wanted to see this band live for well over a year and I was not disappointed. The line-up of talented performers for this band are brothers Nathan Peyton, Chad Peyton and Mike McElroy, these three rockers are indeed talented and give it everything they've got on stage, their passion for what they do is evident, their moves and music in sync with each other, its as if they have been doing this for a lifetime, everything just works with this band..

Chart Attack has described this band as "powerhouse rock that takes no prisoners". They released their debut CD "Into Existence" on October 2nd, 2007 and released their first single "Wonder Why", produced by Juno Award winner Gavin Brown (Billy Talent, Three Days Grace, Thornley) to much critical acclaim across Canada, they currently have their second single out called "Infected" being played and requested on Much Music. Their music has also continuously been in rotation on Toronto's Edge 102.1 and radio stations across Canada.

Other than Canadian Music Week, Rides Again have played Scenefest in St. Catharines, Ontario which included bands Bedouin Soundclash, Moneen, Cancer Bats, Ill Scarlett, Constantines, played the North By North East festival in Toronto with Simon Wilcox, We are the Take, Lights, Jade McNelis and Hey Rosetta as well as the Festival of The Islands, sharing the stage with Thornley. They toured nationally with Social Code and have several performances lined up with The Trews.

You can view and listen to their videos of "Wonder Why" & "Infected" as well as send requests to Much Music for "Infected" here.

You will definitely be hearing more about Rides Again from us in the future, this band is on their way to huge commercial success, I still find myself singing "Infected"! Be sure to check out their MySpace and website!

MORE RIDES AGAIN PICS HERE!

MORE RIDES AGAIN PICS HERE!

BIRDS OF WALES

CANADIAN MUSIC WEEK 2008

SPOTLIGHT BAND REVIEW

Thursday March 6th - Lee's Palace

Written by Scerina Ferron

Photos by Jennifer Ellis

Birds of Wales have to be my favorite Toronto band. I’ve seen them countless times over the last two years and they only keep getting better! It was great to see them at this particular venue again as it’s where I saw them for the very first time.

When you come to a BOW show you can expect some catchy toe-tapping, folk-rock numbers and a ton of energy from Morgan Ross who wears his heart on his sleeve and has the ability to make girls swoon!

The guys just spent almost two months in Vancouver recording a new album with producer Jeff Dawson, who’s produced Daniel Powter “Bad Day”, State of Shock “Money Honey”, and John Wozniac to name a few. Look for that album sometime in the Spring/Summer.

BOW consists of Morgan Ross (Lead vocals, Guitar), Mike Caputo (Guitar), Morgan James Smith (Bass, BG vocals) and Jesse Smith (Drums, BG vocals). All lovely lads who love what they do!

“Birds of Wales. Like the country, not the sea creature.”

You can visit their website here or their MySpace here!

MORE BIRDS OF WALES PICS HERE!

MORE BIRDS OF WALES PICS HERE!

VESTA VARRO

CANADIAN MUSIC WEEK 2008

SPOTLIGHT BAND REVIEW

Written by Mary-Elizabeth Gilbert

Review being added shortly.

MORE VESTA VARRO PICS HERE!

MORE VESTA VARRO PICS HERE!

DEARLY BELOVED

CANADIAN MUSIC WEEK 2008

SPOTLIGHT BAND REVIEW

Written by Mary-Elizabeth Gilbert

Review being added shortly.

MORE DEARLY BELOVED PICS HERE!

MORE DEARLY BELOVED PICS HERE!

8TH ANNUAL INDIES

AWARD SHOW

THE BESNARD LAKES

TOKYO POLICE CLUB

THE NEW PORNOGRAPHERS

FINGER ELEVEN

Saturday March 8th - Massey Hall

Written by Scerina Ferron

Photos by Jennifer Ellis

I think of all the CMW shows I went to, Finger Eleven was the one I was looking forward to most. I had only gotten a taste of what they were like live a couple of times, and I couldn’t wait to hear what they sounded like in Massey Hall! I knew it would be great, and I was right.

They did things a little differently that night. Chevelle was supposed to open, but were forced to cancel due to a family emergency.

So this is where Finger Eleven made the most of the situation. They came on when Chevelle was originally scheduled to perform, and started with an acoustic set of some of their hits, including “I’ll Keep Your Memory Vague,” and “One Thing.” They also did some songs they have never performed live before. They just wanted to take full advantage of playing in the legendary Massey Hall. Lead singer, Scott Anderson could barely contain his excitement, always smiling like a kid in a candy store! The sound in that venue is phenomenal, and that’s something they are not used to in newer venues and arenas.

After a short intermission they came back ready to blow the roof off the place! It took only about ten seconds before everyone on the floor left their seats and rushed the stage! It was loud and energetic and everyone was singing along to every single song! It was only fitting that they ended the evening with the crazy-infectious hit, “Paralyzer” off their first album in four years, “Them vs. You vs. Me.”

I couldn’t think of a better way to end Canadian Music Week!

UNITED STEEL WORKERS OF MONTREAL

Friday March 8th - The Silver Dollar

Written by Andre Skinner

Wee-Werk Records showcased their roster of talent to a packed house at the Silver Dollar Room where I caught the tail end of the Burning Hell's set. I was in the building however to check out the United Steel Workers of Montreal and after reviewing their amazing cd “Kerosene & Coal” a few months back and hearing great things about their live show, I could not wait to hear what they had in store. USWM, are a very unique band; they are exactly what their name exemplifies, hard working, hard living people. They sing for the people, they represent the folks that work tireless days and don’t complain, but compensate with heavy drinking and good times. Listening to them live I think of Hamilton Steel workers, I picture dirty Detroit auto plan workers who will spend half their lives working in harsh environments to make end meet.

The two lead singers of the band both have heavy raspy and seasoned voices that tell great real life stories of love, hard work and weekend binge drinking with the odd tale of drinking and driving thrown in for good measure. This band is raw, to the point, and is very confident in what they deliver. The female lead of the band, Felicity Hamer, is an irresistibly sexy woman who comes off strong with her rough whiskey voice and good looks, she is an integral part of the live show. On the opposite side of the stage there is big o'l Gern, who is a husky individual with a huge personality that resonates out with direct force and his countless stories are from the heart and sincere. I couldn’t have asked for a better show.

JOSHUA BARTHOLOMEW

Commentary to be added shortly.

MORE JOSHUA BARTHOLOMEW PICS HERE!

MORE JOSHUA BARTHOLOMEW PICS HERE!

HEY OCEAN

Commentary to be added shortly.

DEARLY BELOVED

Friday March 8th - Tattoo Rock Parlour

Written by Andre Skinner

The highly anticipated Dearly Beloved hit the stage at 12:45 to a capacity crowd at Tattoo, and really turned up the heat in the room. They played most of the tunes off their latest cd “Repo Repo”, which is an absolutely awesome album. The lighting that supported the stage show was incredible, with blues, reds, oranges and green lights hitting the band at intermittent moments, creating a larger than life atmosphere for the band. Dearly Beloved is really fun to watch, they have lead singer Rob Higgins all over the stage getting right into the music and moving like he means it from the heart, while sexy Nina Chow is on the opposite side of the stage doing backing vocals, swinging her hair, and shaking her ass to the hard rocking catchy tunes. The music was as tight as I could have hoped for, and they delivered in a big way.

STEVE HILL

Friday March 8th - Tattoo Rock Parlour

Written by Andre Skinner

Just when I thought the night was over after the Dearly Beloved set, I saw a band setting up and had no clue who they were so did not pay much mind until the started BLARING through the PA system. HOLY SHIT! WHO THE HELL'S THIS? Were the carefully chosen words I had for my friend who came along for the CMW festivities. I proceeded to take some video and photos of this unbelievably hard rocking and talented trio. The band was Steve Hill, and they put on an absolutely AMAZING show. Lead man Steve Hill, is a KILLER guitarist who lays down his heavy 3 to 4 chord riff rock similar to that of Motorhead and AC/DC.

Unfortunately the venue somewhat emptied out after Dearly Beloved's set, so there were only about 50 people in the place for the set. This is a band I will be seeing again for sure, quite a nice way to end a night of amazing music.

Additional commentary to be added about Steve Hill shortly, photos taken below by Mary-Elizabeth Gilbert.

MORE STEVE HILL PICS HERE!

MORE STEVE HILL PICS HERE!

PLANTS AND ANIMALS

Thursday March 7th - The Horseshoe Tavern

Written by Andre Skinner

I figured I would get things started off right and hit the Horseshoe Tavern to check out Plants and Animals and The Acorn on Thursday March 7th, the official kickoff night for Canadian Music Week’s showcases. Not surprisingly the venue was at capacity and Plants and Animals had just hit the stage. The band truly showed that they are worthy of all recent praise that has surrounded the band online and in print. They delivered a very well executed tight set of intelligent-roots-rock that the crowd was absolutely loving. They played tunes from heir latest album “Park Avenue” such as “Bye Bye Bye”, “Faerie Dance” and “New Kind of Love” that had jaws dropping and feet moving. Plants and Animals are an amazing creative force to see live, the band is a simple trio that mix keyboards, percussion, drums, bass, layered electric guitars and awesome harmonies. Now is the time to catch these guys live as they are touted to be the next big thing out of Montreal.

THE ACORN

Thursday March 7th - The Horseshoe Tavern

Written by Andre Skinner

Always a treat to listen to, the Acorn have a style and sound that is all their own and is hard to pin down in a specific category. They we're playing with an ensemble of talent that looked about 8 strong if I remember correctly. The stage was packed, as was the Horseshoe Tavern, with hard drinking patrons and industry folk all grooving to the eccentric sound of this brilliant Ottawa band.

Lead man Rolf Klausener is an awesome performer and most suited for the lead role in the band as he naturally barks jokes and banter between songs before ripping into songs andputting as much vocal passion as he does physical passion to his stage show. There was never a dull moment during the set and The Acorn did a fantastic job keeping the crowd engaged.

UNIT

CANADIAN MUSIC WEEK 2008

Next we saw a band called .Unit who came from Kitchener, Ontario to play for Canadian Music Week. More commentary to be added shortly.

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