Return to China House and a visit to C'est What

  

Here is Barry Elmes Quartet in action at China House on Thursday - difficult as usual to get a shot of Murley standing still, since he does like to move and sway to the music! Pat Collins on bass and Reg Schwager on guitar..had a lovely chat with my friend and mentor Larry Green - looking great, I might add. He tells me upcoming acts include a vocal series with such singers as Sophia Perlman and Adrean Farrugia; Carol McCartney and a trio and hopefully Jackie Richardson...he's hoping to get Mike Lewis to return in the fall as well....check out the schedule at www.chinahousetoronto.com

Yesterday on a busy Saturday I made it down to C'est What on Front Street - ashamed to say I've never been in the place but I'll be back..I know it was a regular spot for the dear departed Jeff Healey and his group. A new friend who has moved here from Edmonton, Norma told us about it - she is on the mailing list for Del Dako - whose band occupied the space yesterday afternoon - Del on vibes, Lina Allemano on trumpet, Amanda Tosoff on keyboard, Duncan Hopkins on bass and Ernesto Cervini on drums. The next gig in that venue is on May 21st at 3:30 ish - the place has a great beer selection of craft brews as well - I had a "chocolate orange" yum. Will report back on the food selection....for more schedule info visit www.whatsnext.ca

This afternoon at Dora Keogh pub on the Danforth the sounds of Robi Botos, Robert Occhipinti and guest drummer Carmen Intorre from Buffalo and New York - Carmen is a Facebook friend - I talked to him once some time ago when he was looking for contact info for Mr. Botos and phoned Jazz FM.

Coming up this week - P.J. Perry at the Rex Wednesday and Thursday and I may check out a new jazz venue called Edo at Eglinton and Avenue Road I think...need to confirm that - Tony Quarrington is programming that series - this week Rita di Ghent is in residence.

Next weekend I will be occupied with the "I Can Do It" conference - sooo looking forward to that - especially hearing Wayne Dyer in person! Will slip in a visit to Dan and the guys at Azure and on Friday night - Pat Collins group at the Rex - which features Tom Szczesniak on accordian!