A Westfest With Grand Analog and Joel Plaskett – S3E24

It was an amazing Friday night at Westfest because their concert lineup consisted of Hurray for Higgsfield, i see rowboats, Matthew Barber and the Union Dues, Grand Analog, Land of Talk and Joel Plaskett Emergency. The host for Friday’s National Night was none other than Amanda Putz. She’s just the best host/MC around and amazed she did not goof up unlike her stint on her weekday morning show on CBC Radio 3.
I was there since 4pm (I’m probably lying, LOL) until around 11pm. I was somewhat worried about the hot weather but the concert ground was shaded and there was a breeze. The last time I saw Joel Plaskett was at Winterlude in February and I basically froze to death. Let’s say that I stood for over 2 hours. This time it’s the reverse and still a great crowd for the indie rocker.
I got into a bit of trouble at the end of the concert because the members of Grand Analog remembered and recognized me from the Fuse taping in November and through MySpace. Let’s say that the security was not pleased about giving the artist pass. It was somewhat a funny moment because the members of Grand Analog and myself were causing a bit of trouble entering the VIP section.
I was happy to see Ming (not my twin brother) and Saeed come to Westfest and check out Grand Analog and a bit of Joel Plaskett Emergency. I wish they had a chance to meet Odario and the gang. Hopefully next time when they return to Ottawa for a gig.
As you from the photo on top, that was taken after the concert and it was nice of the group and Joel Plaskett to join in for the photo op.
For those who missed it (you know who you are), you should of went and checked it out because it would of been a fun time.
As I finish up this entry, don’t forget to check out my Photos from Westfest 2008.

A Return to the Black Sheep Inn – S3E15

I did not expected to go back to the Black Sheep Inn on Saturday night. I went to The Acorn’s concert at the wonderful small venue in Wakefield, Quebec. It was another usual “surprise” of sorts to see Amanda Putz again! At least she was with her CBC Radio in Ottawa colleagues. I get to see Alan Neal in person for the second time (TV appearance doesn’t count), but I don’t know if he’s getting used to seeing me…. yet. Although, I have him (well, his radio program) on MySpace to lean on for contacting.
I wasn’t planning to go to The Acorn’s concert until my brother begged to go and they recently returned from their US tour and attending SXSW Festival in Austin, Texas.
Prior to going to the concert, I spent some time going to Rideau Centre to kill time and unexpectedly buy something. As you see on the photo on top with Putzy and myself doing the gangster look, I got a new hat at Roots. Even though, I lucked on the CBC Radio 3 Castro, Freedom hat, I decided to go for the Roots hat that similarly looks like the R3 hat. I also saw Sarim at Rideau Centre and it helped me killed time as well. I only discussed about certain people and concerts I have been attending. I was, well still having back pain. It was great to see friends around and The Acorn concert did help my spirits up even though I am enduring back pain. The Acorn concert was very enjoyable and there were funny jokes during the gig.
How can I not forget about the photos via Flickr, http://flickr.com/photos/lenny-wu/sets/72157604310505423/

Basia Bulat in Ottawa Again – S3E14

On Thursday night, I went to the Basia Bulat concert at Zaphod Beeblebrox. I was glad that Basia still remembers my brother and myself. Although, the funny thing was that she forgot my name. Another funny moment as we were checking Basia and her band on sound check, I was standing near my brother and Maggie, out of nowhere comes Amanda Putz appearing as I made a funny surprise gesture that startled me.
All in all, the concert with Katie Stelmanis and Amos The Transparent were excellent. I didn’t expect to see a lot of people to see Basia Bulat which meant a big turnout. I am guessing Basia is becoming a word of mouth.
Here’s the Flickr link from Thursday’s gig. http://www.flickr.com/photos/lenny-wu/sets/72157604284974647/

Old Stomping Grounds – S3E11

On Saturday morning, I had another lion dance performance at a Chinese school I used to go. It was for their Chinese New Year activities at the Chinese school. I also had this feeling of nostalgia when returning to the Saturday school. All in all, the performance went out well. As you see on the photo on top, that was me doing the Northern Lion.

Another nostalgic moment was this past week when I got in contact with someone back from Chinese school. I really have a good memory when remembering people from the past and it feels nice to keep in touch.

Other funny things to mention in this entry.
I was listening to RTHK Radio 2 and was listening to a program called 百花爭艷二台靚歌喜迎春 (Reunion Songs Special). Alyson Hau was a guest on the show and I never knew she was nervous having to sing on radio, here is her blog entry, http://hk.myblog.yahoo.com/alysonhau/article?mid=1044

Due to ever unexpected programming changes at CBC Radio 3, I missed the first hour of Amanda Putz’s program on web radio. Well, I got to listen on Sunday and I foolishly recorded it. Why? She said “Kung Hei Fat Choy.”
Here’s the Youtube clip;

Friday Night at Barrymore’s Music Hall: The Acorn Concert – S3E04

It was the first time in my life that I finally went to Barrymore’s Music Hall. When I went inside, I was stunned to see how decorative the building is like.
Friday, November 16, 2007 was The Acorn’s concert and it was live to tape for CBC Radio One (Bandwidth) and Two (Canada Live). All I can say that the concert was great but the sound level was way too loud. My ears is somewhat at 80% in hearing range.
It was also convenient to see Amanda Putz at the concert. I told her I wished I went to the Fuse taping with The Sadies and Gord Downie of The Tragically Hip. She told me it was packed. I mentioned about how she talked about growing up liking New Kids on the Block on her web radio show. Why I find it funny? It was because she mentioned it back on April 30th’s edition of The Morning Brew with Alyson Hau as fill-in hosts on RTHK.
Overall, The Acorn with Bruce Peninsula & Male Nurse concert was excellent. Another funny story, when The Acorn sang the second song, someone tapped me in the back. ‘lo and behold! It was Amanda Putz and she was taking pics. I was surprised to see a former student from Bell High School.
Photos of the concert are up on my Flickr. http://www.flickr.com/photos/lenny-wu/sets/72157603220359179/

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I am trying to get used to the MacBook styled Apple Wireless Keyboard. I like the small and thin look. I need to get used to the buttons on the keyboard. I am typing fast at times and feel like I am making mistypes along the way.
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