Lois and Reg and Peter and Coco

As you know, I am still dealing with Lois’ passing. Last week, I had to have my little buddy Reg put down. Depression has been prevalent in my life over the last while, often pinning me into bed until 1:00 P.M.

I dream about Lois and I think of things that I should have said to her, ways that I could have made her feel even more loved than she was… I finally got Lois’ apartment cleaned out and I have a lot of her things at my apartment, so it sort of looks like a submarine before setting out on patrol, with every surface covered with boxes.

Peter – More Tales from the Office

I want to thank everyone who responded to last week’s column. Mary was very dear to me, and it was so nice seeing your responses. Many familiar names, (even if the pictures appear different from my memories 😉 .) Naturally, I later found a picture of her and Brian and l, posted it and again, so nice to see your reactions.

Peter Has Band Advice, Festival News, and a Remarkable Young Film-Maker

Summer is finally here….almost. Summer in Canada means barbeques, backyards, balconies, beaches, bathing suits, baseball, beer and badminton. (Enough with the alliteration, already. Get on with it. Ed.)

Summer in Canada also means that the days are growing longer. Gone are the dreary months of only seeing that pale yellow orb in the sky on weekends and sick days. Life moves outdoors as much as possible as we frequent patios, campgrounds and parks, squeezing every possible second of fun that we can out of this fleeting season, for we know that the leaves that shade us in July will need to be raked up and disposed of properly in October. (Mother Nature always bats last.)

Peter Goes Where Everybody Knows His Name

Well, last week was “interesting”, as I was going with Lois to various doctor’s appointments. Before a very important one, I got trapped in an elevator. (I was able to get out in time to attend the interview in question, at the end of the day, but it still distracted me from writing a column last week, for which I apologize, and promise that that will not happen again.)

Peter Survives Indie Week

Well, I got my media credentials, or you wouldn’t be reading this. After some initial confusion at the launch party, I was saved by my colleague Roxanne, who made me her “plus one”, as my RSVP had not been received. I got an “all access” wristband and a VIP lanyard, because I was their first media “plus one” that evening 😉.

Peter and the Cherry Cola Rock N Rolla Cabaret and Lounge

I have described it as “the one place on earth where I’m happy to pay retail price for beer”! It has been a portal to a complete change in my life, introducing me to good times, great music and even greater people. It’s a venue that fosters a strong sense of community among this area’s indie musicians. I am talking about Cherry Cola’s Rock N Rolla Cabaret and Lounge.

Peter Montreuil – Makin’ the Rounds, Checkin’ Out the Sounds

I had decided to go and see “Jim Dan Dee” , who were playing last Saturday night at the Phoenix as part of the “Generation Next” concert series sponsored by radio station 94.9. To my delight, I found that “Crown Lands” would also be on the bill. ( Jim from “Jim Dan Dee” put me on the guest list and Kevin from “Crown Lands” offered to do so as well.) Now, “Return For Refund” would be playing at the Horseshoe, and Drew, ( their front man), invited me to be on that guest list as well. I declined the offer at first, as I was going to the Phoenix. Meanwhile, I learned that “Fat Mob” would be playing at Cherry Cola’s. Hmm, I thought, “Even I can’t be in three places at once!” However, when I found out that “Return For Refund” was playing at 8:30 P.M.,”Jim Dan Dee” would be hitting the stage at 11:00 P.M. and “Fat Mob” would be on at 1:00 A.M., it now looked possible to see all 3 shows. (As an aside, I was not the only person to do that Saturday night.) Shades of George Thorogood’s “50 states in 50 days” tour 😉!

Pat Blythe – Classics, Jazz and Blues, 1969….Mix and Match

Again I seem to running in circles while Mother Nature seems to suffer from severe indecisiveness. Dark, ominous clouds roll in, thunder and lightning key up together, sheet rain hits, cue hail and the next thing you know the sun is shining. It’s warm, it’s cool, it’s hot, it’s chilly….make up your mind. I’m not sure if I should be dressing in sandals, sneakers or boots. One thing is for sure, the plants and trees are loving it! So many rich and varied shades of green have been added to the landscape palette and the flowers just enhance it all. For all her varied moods, Mother Nature has created a most beautiful spring. Now, if the weeks would just slow down a bit….

Pat Blythe: Cherie Currie….The One and Only Cherry Bomb

Let’s go back to September 25 and a late night visit to Cherry Cola’s Rock ‘n Rolla Cabaret and Lounge. With my sisters in tow, we ducked into the club so I could introduce them to the exquisite Cherish Stevenson, the club’s owner and gracious hostess, and give them a small taste of the nightlife in Toronto. Cherish pulled me aside to let me know Cherie Currie was playing the club and would I be interested in shooting the event. It took me a nanosecond to say yes, I’d love to.

Pat Blythe: So Much To See, So Much To Do and Listen To….

I have so much to write about I don’t know where to begin. Clubs, pubs, bars and halls, from one end of the city to the other. Late nights, early mornings, a thousand pictures, private functions, VIP soirees, opening night galas and closing festivities. It’s been a whirlwind of activity and will be impossible to cover in a single column. Lots of sharing to do….

IT’S INDIE WEEK!!!!