What A Way To End May With Kelp 20 – S09E38

May was definitely a fun month with Ottawa Comiccon, a fashion show, a bit of Chinatown Remixed and having to go to Niagara Falls and Toronto. Also, an interesting Creative Mornings Ottawa talk from the past week.

On the last day of May, Kelp Records held their 20th anniversary bash over at St. Albans Church in downtown Ottawa. The Ottawa-based record label has survived and thrived for very long ever since the emergence of digital music in recent times. Kelp helped bring musicians and bands from the likes of Jim Bryson, The Acorn, and various Ottawa artists to the forefront.
The concert from Saturday night consisted of Flecton Big Sky, Andy Swan, Banditas, Chris Page, Evening Hymns, Andrew Vincent, Jim Bryson, The Acorn and Recoilers.

At the show, it was great to see people that I know and you see a few instant photos from below. It was the last time to see the CBC’s Amanda Putz as she’s heading off to the Netherlands. The sad news for the past month was the job cuts and program cancellations to the CBC. It was a privilege to get to know Amanda as I did not know at the time that she was doing work at RTHK and connected to a radio host who I have been listening to. Prior to getting into Canadian indie music and listening to mostly Hong Kong radio, I had been listening to Bandwidth on and off when I was in the car going to places.
It’s definitely an end of an era and Amanda Putz will be missed as she championed Ontario music on the fine radio program on Saturday afternoons.

The photo above was used on the pre-release of Impossible Project’s Gen 2.0 600 Color Film.
You can view the photos from the show over at this link (via Flickr). Apologies on the quality as I’m still working out the kinks of the Fujifilm X-A1 camera.

Happy birthday to Kelp Records!
Lastly, since it’s June, I will be wrapping up for the season on the blog in the upcoming weeks.

Summer Special – The Community Cup 2013

It’s soon to write a blog entry as the current season wrapped up but this is a Summer special. All I can say that it was a great opportunity to participate in The Community Cup for the second year and to support and represent CKCU-FM. What a way to start the Summer fun and a lead in to Canada Day.

I have to grin and bear it as Team CBC Ottawa beat Team CKCU to a score of 3-1. They took a nice revenge after a score-less tie from last year’s game. All in all, it’s for a good fun and no bitterness afterwards. You were awesome and a class act. It was also great to see Amanda Putz of CBC Bandwidth as I haven’t seen her around in quite awhile. Great to see get into the soccer spirit and downing Team CKCU.
I was able to shoot this video on Instagram of the post-game handshakes. Another Instagram video with Teri Loretto and Jewne Johnson doing the news. Lastly, I brought along the Fujifilm Instax Camera and the people were astonished to see the camera and instant film.

It was nice to have hosts of Fundamentally Sound and Debaser take part in this year’s Community Cup and there were a few other hosts as well. Kudos to DJ 2 Creamz for DJing at the event as well.
Time to recover from the pain.

Photos are posted on Flickr at this link. Some photos are posted on Facebook over at this link.
On the Summer edition of WildWorks on CKCU, I will be airing some of the reactions and thoughts from the teammates and a few from CBC Ottawa.
Have a great Canada Day! You can check the photos from Canada Day over at this link.

Update for July 3rd – Audio segment from The Community Cup is posted up. It consisted of reactions of teammates from CKCU and CBC Ottawa. An apology as I forgot to give thanks to the organizers of The Community Cup on the radio show.
The Wild 10 Countdown for July 3rd entry is over at this link.

Enjoy!

Nightwood at Bands Undone, May-Jun & Wednesday’s Radio Show – S05E32

I had the opportunity to check out Nightwood at Bands Undone on Monday, January 18, 2010. It would be the first Bands Undone for 2010 and another unique performance because they were singing their stripped down versions of their songs. The band is from Montreal, Quebec and they have been together for about 10 years. Talk about how time flies by so quickly.

There will be an audio interview with Nightwood coming sometime next month as I am still backlogged from other interviews from November and December. All I will say that it will be a funny and interesting interview when it will be aired.
You can view the photos from the Flickr link.
Video is available at this link and also available on YouTube.
Review from Bands Undone is at this link. Check it out!

Wrapping Up November With Hey Ocean!, Leif Vollebekk and The Radio Show – S05E25

It’s a November to remember because I had been going to a lot of shows and on Monday’s radio show, I played the ones that I attended. Before I get to that, I will review the shows I attended on the final weekend of November. First, it was Hey Ocean! at Bands Undone. To my own amazement, they played a great acoustic and intimate set. Of all the previous Band Undones I have attended, this was so unique because they were missing their members and the setup was very simple. It was David Beckingham with his guitar and Ashleigh Ball on her voice. Overall, I was pleased to see Hey Ocean! as they are down to earth and nice performers. Again, thanks to Kara for always organizing a great show for the bloggers, photographers and media for this unique session.
You can check the photos by going to this link.
The review on Bands Undone is now available on this link.
Here’s the video taken by Brian. YouTube version also available.

My radio show for Monday, November 30, 2009. I didn’t expect to go on half an hour early. Played some fillers like the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Metric and Said The Whale. I aired the Immaculate Machine interview and then I played the bands and artists that I attended at their concerts throughout November. They were Elliott Brood, Silver Starling, Ohbijou, The Most Serene Republic, Think About Life, You Say Party! We Say Die!, Bravestation and Jill Zmud.
Without further ado, here’s Monday’s show. Press play to listen.

The interview with Brooke Gallupe of Immaculate Machine.
Press play to listen or download it.

August Extra #2 – Horses Spilled Milk and Guest Hosting for Kristal’s Method

I know the photo is not really linked to this particular entry but I mentioned at the start of Horses Spilled Milk that I went to Perth, Ontario on Saturday for 2 lion dance performances. Check the 2009 Summer page for the short entry. I had to sub in for co-host for the beginning of the show because he was running late. I was basically a lifesaver for Horses Spilled Milk and Kristal’s Method.
Halfway through Horses Spilled Milk, there was a classic 80s song played and the hint; The Breakfast Club, directed by the late John Hughes.

Afterwards, I unexpectedly decided to guest host Kristal’s Method because Kristal wasn’t around. I had to scramble and figure out what songs to play. I had help from Armen of Thematics at CKCU-FM at the first host break. This time, I totally played 100% Canadian independent music.
Note: Audio for both shows are no longer available to listen.

A Hot Night For a Whale & Ocean – S04E23

Another back to back entry which wasn’t planned because the Sci-Fi Spectacular and George Takei from Friday night was unexpected. Originally, I planned the Said The Ocean and Hey Ocean! concert as my returning blog entry from my so-called April hiatus. All I can say that I totally enjoyed Said The Whale and Hey Ocean! concert at Zaphod Beeblebrox as part of BC Scene. It’s my third time to see Said The Whale live and the first time to see Hey Ocean!. The crowd was red hot for both bands but it was fully packed for Hey Ocean! Said The Whale also had a good amount of crowd as well. The more I keep seeing Said The Whale, the more they keep turning up a notch for their performances. As you see on the photo, Amanda Putz was introducing to Said The Whale. The funny thing when I encountered her was that her CBC Radio 3 sweater (I think) was drenched because earlier tonight, it was raining. I stayed indoors the whole time. I was lucky to avoid the rain. I did not get to take a lot of photos for Hey Ocean! because the crowd was packed like crazy and tried to take some good shots. Overall, it was an excellent show and the Ottawa crowd loves British Columbia music bands.
Photos from the concert is at this link, http://www.flickr.com/photos/lenny-wu/sets/72157617341504906/.

Sunday Talk
I still like “Zero” by Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Finally, Brian Leung played the song on his Go West radio show on RTHK Radio 2. During his show (spoken in Cantonese), he mentioned the passing of Bea Arthur, who played Dorothy Zbornak, in The Golden Girls. I am still fond of the show because I grew up watching this sitcom and mentioned on his chatroom that the show was the Sex and the City at that time.
To round out my exciting week, I had a lion dance performance. It was at a church in Gatineau, QC. It was great to see the lion dance buddies but it was pretty chilly outside and I thought it would be warm for Sunday.
That was my Sunday.

An Evening of Sci-Fi Symphony and Mr. Sulu – S04E22

I am back from my April hiatus and this blog entry will be interesting because on Friday night, I went to The National Arts Centre for NACO’s Pops concert, Sci-Fi Spectacular. What was unique with this concert was that George Takei of Star Trek’s Mr. Sulu was on hand as the narrator for the famous Star Trek theme song and for another song. There were songs from Star Wars, Star Trek, Superman, Harry Potter and 2001: A Space Odyssey that were played. I didn’t expect to go to NAC for this because plans to go to the Black Mountain, Ladyhawk and Pack A.D. at Capital City Music Hall as part of BC Scene, fell through. In a way, I was surprised to enjoy the Sci-Fi Spectacular and getting to meet George Takei at the end of the concert (photo above). What was also ironic was that my bro and I ended up sitting at the front row for the concert. I was like having an “oh crap” moment because I got a good view and having George Takei be several feet (about 8-9 feet) away was fantastic enough. Before the show started, it was almost a sci-fi convention because there were people dressing up as Star Wars characters. It reminded me of the comic and anime convention when I went to Toronto and almost driving myself nuts with it.
Oh yeah, prior to going to NAC, my bro and I decided to hang outside at Capital City Music Hall to see if CBC Radio 3‘s Pedro Mendes and/or Amanda Putz would be around. The answer was yes, I got to see them, even though I wouldn’t be attending the concert. I’m happy I got to meet another Radio 3 personality. No Craig Norris and Grant Lawrence (har har) yet. I wasn’t sure if Pedro would know or heard of me because on CBC Radio 3’s website, I go by WildWorks. All in All, it was a great Friday to enjoy and even the weather was awesome too.

Checked Out 4 Local Bands on Monday Night – S04E16

It’s been awhile that I have been going to concerts in Ottawa. The bus strike that plagued Ottawa caused me to miss concerts at Zaphod Beeblebrox. Last night was basically the 2nd concert of 2009 to attend. The last concert was at the Black Sheep Inn in January. This is probably the ‘first’ concert to attend in Ottawa for 2009. This event was for a CBC Radio 2 taping for the audition night. It was four bands from Ottawa picked from the owner of Zaphod’s, which will be taped for Canada Live on Radio 2. I think only one of the bands who performed the best will be broadcast. The bands that performed were Sunjet Record Band, That’s The Spirit, Urban Aesthetics and The Polytones (pictured above). All four bands were amazing.
I was so happy to see Amanda Putz because she hasn’t been hosting any radio shows since the end of 2008. She is still around in Ottawa but only as a Producer for Radio 2’s Canada Live. She was happy to see me as well and gave a nice hug. What I missed out was that Amanda mentioned that the ‘enigmatic’ Grant Lawrence was in Ottawa and I totally missed out seeing him. As usual, Alan Neal was there and it was a Polkaroo moment as I still haven’t got a chance to chat with him. At least I said hi and bye to him. I still need to talk to him about comics.
In a way, Monday’s concert felt like an extension to my birthday event. Almost a 3 day event of celebrating my bday. Unofficially, the concert was a way to cap off my fun few days.
Even though I put up 10 photos, here’s the link, http://www.flickr.com/photos/lenny-wu/sets/72157614387630680/.
Last thing, I really hope Zaphod Beeblebrox wins CBC Radio 3‘s Searchlight Best Live Music Club in Canada. I won’t give the link as I write this blog because the voting closes on Tuesday. I hope Zaphod’s win and really hope to see Grant Lawrence make the trek to Ottawa and then possibly make fun of me in person this time. He tends to makes fun of me on air and on Radio 3’s website.

Basia Bulat at The Black Sheep Inn – S04E10

This is the first entry for 2009, apologies for the lack of updates on the blog at the beginning of January. Thanks to the ongoing bus strike, I have not been able to go a lot concerts. So far, the first concert of 2009 to attend was Basia Bulat at The Black Sheep Inn. It was the fourth time to see her live. The opening act for Basia was Leif Vollebekk. I was surprised to see a very packed crowd as Basia has become popular and a darling in the Canadian indie music scene. It was an awesome performance from the lovely and talented Basia Bulat. The audience were very supportive as they clapped and cheered along to her songs. I even joined along the clapping for some of her songs like “I Was a Daughter”. A very cute moment when the Black Sheep Inn owner’s dog barked at one of Basia’s song and she had to start over. Overall, the Ottawa crowd loves her and she appreciates the support she gets when coming to Ottawa and The Black Sheep Inn.
There you will see the photo of myself and Basia after the concert. The funny thing was part of the entry was written at The Black Sheep Inn using the iPod touch. In a way, I wrote a bit at the venue.
Photos from the concert is on this link, http://www.flickr.com/photos/lenny-wu/sets/72157612889892705/

Due to the delay in blogging to start 2009, I didn’t get to write Happy New Year due to the gloomy bus strike . I forgot to mention that I still miss Amanda Putz on CBC Radio 3. I am saddened that there is no more Ottawa representation for CBC Radio 3. I really enjoy hearing Amanda Putz since her return to Hong Kong back in September 2007. Without her voice, I would not be able to listen to a lot of Canadian indie music and bump into her at concerts. Her final web radio show was on December 31, 2008. I have not written an email to feedback at Radio 3 because I am somewhat stumped on what to write in wanting to bring back Amanda on air again.

Hanging Out With A. Putz and R3 Ottawa Fans For Chinese Food and the Martha Wainwright Concert – S04E09

I seem to be copying a certain radio host’s program name in a different form. At least it’s not “Waking Up With,” so it is not a morning blog entry. Before the Martha Wainwright concert, my twin bro and I went to Rideau Centre earlier and then walk to Chu Shing Restaurant to meet up with Amanda Putz and the winners to tickets for Martha Wainwright in Ottawa concert. I got a chance to meet R3 fans/bloggers like pbandjam, zandron, Declare, Crozon Ottawa and tommy321. If I am missing out some others, let me know. Meredith Luce and Amanda’s husband, Tim Edwards (who is Kathleen Edwards‘ brother) were also there. It was a fun and hilarious time at the restaurant as we all talked about jokes and funny stories. Lots of Chinese foods were ordered and I won’t say how much it came to. In a way, it felt like a Christmas dinner, Chinese style. Nothing can beat out a noodle dish, rice with BBQ Pork & shrimp, veggies and BBQ Chicken.
After the fine dining at Chu Shing Restaurant, we walked to The Bronson Centre for Martha Wainwright. The opening act started off with Jason Bajada. His performance was good but I didn’t know his set was 30 mins. Never expect it to be that short. The slight problem I had was the light, I was close to feeling sleepy probably because of eating lots of Chinese food and maybe they added MSG.
On to Wainwright’s performance, she was amazing and dazzling. At the begining, there was a funny scene which dealt with an object. As PG-friendly as I can be, that’s how far I will say. The R3 fans will know about it. During the performance, her mom, Kate McGarrigle came on stage and performed some songs with Martha and another set by herself. Overall, the crowd totally loved her performance and being with Putzy and the R3 crowd, it was as fun as I can be. This is probably one of my favorite event because I got to hang out with several people and enjoy it.
The photo above shows Putzy and the R3 crowd with Jason Bajada and a Martha Wainwright poster. Apology for the shadow on the bottom left.
All I can say to anyone reading this entry, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays!