Newmarket Jazz + Festival Rates an A minus - But A Big Plus!

Newmarket Jazz + Festival an All Ages Family Affair

KC Roberts closes out the show

Recently I attended The Newmarket Jazz + Festival and comparing it to the inaugural previous year, it was a much better experience with the talent top notch! Where last year I was critical that I'd spent almost a full day attending without hearing any Jazz, this year I heard some and more as well they were clear about it being JAZZ +, which as a theme guy,  helped me absorb and accept other genres into a Jazz Festival.

The unique mix, from instrumentals only, to vocal bluesy acts, to experimental newish sounds was very cool to die-hard music fans like me, and judging by the crowd reaction, and that of one of the organizers, George St. Kitts, who certainly wasn't trying to hide his enthusiasm for the performers, I wasn't alone in my thinking. I had no choice but to notice St. K on occasion as he was on the 2nd stage semi-between myself and the main stage so I couldn't miss him. But that just tells me that he really enjoys the music too, and feels it, and you do indeed need that element to have a good festival - organizers looking to attain really good music - not just

Sultans of String

"filler"  - and one that carries a vibe backed up by the hosts enthusiasm such as they showed.

George St Kitts got one too!

So great job George, himself an R&B Singer, whom I worked a gig with some years ago for Feds' United Way drive, my first gig as Elvis as I recall and I did poorly, stumbling on a lyric of a song I was using without karaoke also for the 1st time. Ha. The Elvis die-hards noticed, and I swear I heard a collective groan. I never made that mistake again. Ha. But George saved me that day as he was "spot on" and I recall him making the time to come over when we were all done and say it was pleasure working with us and enjoyed us (myself and Ayoub Beebejaun, now a Fireman in Newmarket, singing the song TPE had created and which we co-wrote, Light The Way), which I'm sure in my case, he was just being polite. Ha.

Jackie of Jackie and Kim Richardson

The Feds services raised a record $ amount that year for The United Way drive through sales of our C.D. and efforts from others like George. I would only imagine the Sheri (St Kitts) is an extension of that same character and kudos to them both for putting this together, along with their board, and  of course the grants people for making it possible. Indeed they have proven capable of putting together a credible showcase of talent. It is theirs now to shape, as they have certainly proven worthy with the opportunity given.

Picturesque Main St Newmarket

That being said, there were some minor glitches with the former Aurora Jazz Festival organizers' event which could be improved, including stage locations on Main St affecting a few businesses - although adjustments were made for Sunday - and some sound issues on occasion, with some delay between acts at times that could have been filled in with recorded music meantime and piped out through the house system, especially through the rain delays, and it still feels a little confining at times at R.W.C., but , as I say, in the end the music on this day was top notch, with a couple local performers even amongst the band members, and, by adding  to the mix visual artists, they created atmosphere in a positive way. And being Jazz +, totally within theme still! The outdoor activity / kids areas for performers were nice.. until it rained...so a back up plan perhaps to address when that happens might also be a future board consideration. Maybe lose the karaoke on Main too as it cheapens it a bit and add a true marquis, name performer.

Artist Quincy Morrison had some cool stuff

I checked in with some of the shops on nearby Main St and the ones I'd spoke with had busier days than most during the event - particularly hospitality establishments and retail outlets. Some were utilized in some form by the festival organizers which was good, and I'd like to see more of that - using local wherever possible - so Newmarket businesses also profit. After all someone does make money here! And Businesses shouldn't be shy about wanting some.

Suspended Play on Main St

Artist Nikita Persa makes Wildflower Art

The year we held our Annual Youth Road Hockey Event on Main St, we had performers set up not only on the street but stationed inside the hospitality houses and maybe that is an area that can be worked on for next year as well which will help keep out-of-towners engaged. Cafe Hesed for example has a piano in it already, so it would be easy to set them up with a daily performance etc. All the bars, cafes, and restaurants should be involved where possible and if it was me as an owner I'd be booking performers in anyway, and opening my bar until 2 am!...But don't wait for nearby events to include you, show an interest and willingness and I'm sure they will.

TPE as an entertainment and promo company specializing in film/ video / live production and online optimization and have organized shows for events as large as Canada's largest convention center in Toronto, would have loved the opportunity to put on a Jazz Festival originally, and had actually considered it years ago when after my first ever Yuk Yuks performance, I'd met Pianist / Composer Ken Skinner of The Jazz Mongers (Marooned etc) who attended the work shops, who happens to be the God Son of Oscar Peterson's brother Chuck, and studied under Daisy  Sweeney, Oscar's sister, had asked me to look into it. His father Kenny Sr. was also a pianist playing with Charlie Biddle, Dougie Richardson, Nelson Symonds  Ken kept repeating the terms new market as if it were an omen as I recall and he was truly exited - a man who'd also lead a hard life I think, and looking for a rainbow... maybe re-find a lost passion.

Don't shoot!

We became friends then and my kids came with me for dinner at he and his wife's place ( was single Dad ) and we discussed some ideas, but at the time we had not the Riverwalk Commons in Newmarket, theorizing perhaps Fairy Lake Park for host site, and so the idea kind of died but I always thought it would work in New Market. Turns out Ken was right after all!

Now he'd be a good fit for Cafe Hesed - located on Main St and already equipped with a piano - so maybe I'll just inject myself next year by setting up performers in the local Main St. venues need be! Ha...

Overall though, definitely a good job just with perhaps some overkill on the advertising - reduce that and maybe turn some volunteers into paid labour instead - after all isn't there a non-profit / give back element cause for all this too?

Build it and they will come.

TP's rating an A minus!
Check out more pics from this event on the
TPE Production's FB Page.

TP out!

Tshirts sold on Main st!

Joy Lapps

Newmarket Shopping on Main St. - Beauty and The Shops

Newmarket, Ontario, Canada - USA's Movie Main St!

The Fresh Tea Shop at Main and Eagle  - Main Street's newest shop!

The town of Newmarket is blessed with a downtown Main St. that is both architecturally eye appealing and practical for use, while still maintaining that small town feel. There may not be any fruit stands and markets as once marked the street, and there now remains only one manufacturer - CanadaT.com custom silk screen printers - but there still does remain a small town charm that attracts many patrons, including movie productions, as she offers a great variety of shops, restaurants, clothiers, cafes, florists, niche businesses and offices, resulting in a working Main St. that successfully balances practicality with beauty. The local Historical Society has kept a good reign and it shows.

Attending The Jazz Fest? Don't forget Main St

Sure, there are a few vacant holes to still fill with some empty units here and there, but slowly they have added a unique mix including offering international cuisine, from fine dining, to Mexican, Hungarian, Asian or - egads - Canadian cuisine! Even vegans are covered here with Rawlicious opening recently as well a Hungry Brew Hops brew pub complete with Red Seal Chef and featuring international beers creating a dining district the likes of which the town has not seen before!

The well maintained older buildings that adorn Main are a focal strength, with tall church steeples visible from both ends as town serviced flowers bloom brightly along the Main St way. Additional cool finds, include doggie groomers, kids and tweens shops, barbers and hair salons, tea shops, jewelers, comic books, gyms, gelato and i.c.parlours, "green" scooters, Reiko, and antiques, with the usual churches, daycare, and office space rounding things off. Take a look in the nooks and crannies to find great specialty shops like the Yarn Barn or Scottish ( Snowballs! and Flaky!) store which can be found at or on the adjoining side streets - all easily reached on foot.

You can even find 25 cents water!

Got An Idea? You could have it on a T-shirt!

My last visit had me drop in to CanadaT.com on Main Street as I'd heard they were going to be making the shirts for the upcoming Newmarket Jazz + Festival, but as it turned out they were too busy to give it the attention needed. Too bad, as Newmarket Main St's only manufacturer left you'd hope they'd have been able to but there is always next year! As it was Good Vibes also on Main got to reap in some of that benefit so it all worked out!

What's Your Idea for a T-Shirt Contest!

Afterward I stopped at Hesed Cafe where lately I've been trying out the muffins along with my usual fair trade organic coffee, as she often puts a muffin tin with her latest creations on the counter where they can be seen and inhaled. They looked interesting this day so I took one, and, by the second bite, I was Mmmmming nonstop. I was so impressed I felt compelled to tell the Asian born owner as such. Funny I've never known her name, but they are all always nice to me. She smiled a thank-you. But I meant it - the banana-blueberry muffins were the best I've ever had in any muffin! Moist, delicious fruit, bursting in the mouth, it was just fantastic! Do yourself a Flavour!

Newmarket's longest running family business, Myers ( Costumes) On Main, hosted Youth Wall Art Contest

I made my way down to Myer's On Main,

Newmarket's oldest one family owned business - as I'd heard the long time owner was not feeling well. Her family business used to supply Newmarket residents during the war with food and candy rations, as people would line up down the street payday to pay back. It wasn't unusual for them to be aroused at 3 or 4 in the morning to fetch milk for an expectant mother. Adjusting with the times, the once famous Opera Singer, Jenny Myers, switched it to strictly costumes somewhere around the 80's. Now we hassle them for graffiti removal that the woman has no control over and allow temporary competitors to spring up all around her during Halloween their busiest time. I think town founders and builders should get some kind of consideration, after all, she was here long before most every politician that's come and gone and she's still surviving. Manager Cassandra says all is well with the feisty owner and to watch for a fun, spooky Halloween soiree there for 2014! Boo! Ha.

Iconic Town Clock

Although the restaurants Main St. Newmarket offers up are a great variety - from fast food to ethnic to fine - the one element still lacking is night time action.

There have been sporadic spurts of dance type formats and live entertainment events but nothing consistent has emerged save the "Books Cafe n Things'' with ground level entertainment and, if you're lucky enough, a street musician will be out somewhere, often talented and eager and, like the locals, friendly!

Main St. sometimes hosts special events right on the street as well such as live movie shoots like Regression and Carrie, also July 1 celebrations, and for Car Shows , festivals or road hockey events, but, even then, the stores, shops, and restaurants are all open for business!

Main St. Locals are very friendly!

Well, off to beautiful nearby Fairy Lake Park! 

Enjoy Main St and have a good one!

TP Out!

Canadian Water For Sale...Cheap!

Longtime Clothiers 

Main St Cafe bulletin boards keep you informed

Coming soon..back door businesses!?

Youth Road hockey sponsor window  

Movie shoot hits town - Regression

Award winning Cartoonist has comic Store here!

That's a Wrap! - Taken during movie shoot" Regression"

Whitby Salon, Rock & Roll Hair to Stay

Michele created this look for Sebastien Bach

It wasn't that long ago that if I heard someone being called a homeopath, I'd have thought he or she was anti-gay. Ha. My how times have changed. I still remember being a bright-eyed-and-bushy-tailed-yet nothing-could-hurt me-20- something when I strolled by The House of Lords all those years ago to see through the window a brash, punk rocker looking guy, banging away at the in-house pin ball game between clients. I'd heard our buddy from apres high school days had turned kinda punk, but this was a shocker when you'd seem him "normal".

His city friends were all like that too, like "Scary Mary", a down town Toronto fixture and House Lords Hair Dresser for many years known for her "outrageous", often revealing, outfits, tatts, and piercings - and she was not a bad Hair-dresser either. Petite. Very cute. But scary looking. Lol. Thus the name. I heard she's a teacher now. Now that's scary. Ha.

My new "do"...Dare I look!

But the rising star of H.O.L.s was Michele Scorranese - pronounced Mickaylay. Mic attracted all kinds - from rockers, to preppy, to strippers, to hard core punk to business, and the longer he worked at it the better at his craft he got. He was soon brought in to work movies and rock videos. It was common for rock stars to pop in, and after awhile, Michele was so well known for his hair styling for rockers that he'd get flown in on occasion to L.A. etc for concerts. Skid  Row's Sebastien Bach, who he knew from the scene from ' Bass" working coat check before making it big, was a regular client.

Please note now at 500 Colborne St 2016

But Michele was who they all wanted, and especially women. In fact women loved him, but he never let them steer him away from his work ethic ( I recall attending with him doing hair extensions at Wynter Rose, Miss Nude Canada's house, before going out one night), or loyalty to whomever he was in a relationship with which I admired about him - and always the professional - always creating a style you wanted but with his unique touches. And he seemed to posses a little more strength than most at the time when it came to indulgences. Ha. Of course he's no longer a semi-party-animal even or being flown into L.A., but his passion for the craft and for music has not died.

In hiring and managing his own staff , Michele saw first hand the issues shop owners like Paul at the H.O.L. would face and can appreciate what the salon owners had to go through much better now.

"Actually Paul was really good to me", he recalled of the those days in the 80's referring to the long time Toronto's House of Lords Rock & Roll Hair Design's owner, 

" Thinking back, I'd miss time and he'd pay me anyway. I harped about him back then a bit (sometimes about the music), but really, he was great to me"

More than homeopathic wellness

Michele stayed there for years, and I'd use it as an excuse to go downtown and get a hair cut and then usually we'd go out to one of his always mesmerizing after-hours clubs or dance- by-yourself Club Z outings where we'd sometimes party with people like singer Luba. He'd introduced me to The Isabella Hotel where I witnessed my first "mosh pit" - thinking at first a fight was starting or something. Ha. I was always kind of on the fringe looking in, not really part of the scene, but Michele always made me feel welcome anyway and in turn his friends. So what if I didn't have a mohawk or good tattoos or play an instrument. I was ok. Besides, I had a cool trench coat, and a certain naive quality that was just amusing enough to warrant having around. Ha. Truth was, they all respected Michele and his opinion. Everyone downtown knew him. Even musicians respected, even sought out, his opinion on music. Yup...those were the days! Ha.

The Doctor is in!

Anyway, I bring this all up because recently I had to get a hair cut and was at a loss what to do. Last time out I was relaying what I wanted to the hair dresser, all the while assuring me she would do what I wanted, which was to let it grow long but neaten it up. She kept nodding yes and agreeing, but in the end, I looked like a skinny Fred Flintstone. It finally dawned on me she spoke no english! WTF!@#!

So I made plans when I heard from my friend again recently who has since moved to Whitby, Ontario, Canada where he and his wife Anne have a wellness salon - Kerti Therapeutics - located in a building called the House of Pearson no less lol - where she's a licensed Homeopathic Doctor and he's also running the hair salon as both oversee the other wellness tenants and product-lines like their truly organic, made in Canada, skin care products Skin Essence.

Rock & Roll Never Forgets!

My original "do" as sculpted my Michele back in the day

M may not work at the same rock and roll pace as he once did - or maybe he does - at any rate he's still a first rate hair stylist, and debating foe, who, with age, has gracefully learned the craft of letting the "salonnees" enjoy a hint of win. Ha.

With knowledge of both old school and new and how hair works, you can't go wrong putting your head in his hands...which is part of their wellness experience I'm imagining! I wasn't surprised he still remembered the odd quirks and nuances with my hair - it's been 5 years since he cut it last - but I guess I'm always shocked he can get it to look good  - to me - where all others have failed so often.

All I can say is Whitby is lucky to get them ( Also an opportunity to learn from a master as he's hiring stylists now too!)  ; one healing with natural remedies, the other healing through esteem - with wellness through looking good. Looking good and feeling good - a nice healthy combination! Mental, spiritual and physical healthcare. Just don't try to control the music! Lol. To see more about their services check out Face Book!
Call to book an appointment @ 905-493-7200

TP Out!