The Monkeyface Chronicles by Richard Scarsbrook 03/15/2010

Hello Friends, today I would like to announce to you a new novel that is being published in 2010 by my friend, and author, Richard Scarsbrook. The new novel will be titled "The Monkeyface Chronicles" and will published March 15, 2010. The book is available for pre-order at most online and independant bookstores. Richard Scarbrook is the author of "Cheeseburger Subversive", "Featherless Bipeds", and "Destiny's Telescope". I suggest that if you haven't yet read any of Richard's novels, that you owe it to yourself to go out and find this author's wonderful books. To find out more about the author please go to his web site at: http://www.richardscarsbrook.com/

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Rise Up: Canadian Pop Music in the 1980s DVD

This is a new DVD available called "Rise Up: Canadian Pop Music In The 1980s. This documentary originally aired over two Saturdays in September 2009, on the CBC network. Here is the web link on the CBC web site for more info about the program.

http://www.cbc.ca/documentaries/doczone/2009/riseup/

Earlier today at my local Wal-Mart Supercentre, I saw the DVD for sale as a new release item. So, if you are a huge Canadian music fan from the 1980s, I suggest you pick this DVD up for your collection.

Cheers Eh,
Ron Behro

Sarnia Bayfest 2010 Country Acts Announced.

Just In! The organizers of Rogers Sarnia Bayfest have announced the big name acts for the country weekend of Bayfest 2010. Keith Urban - July 16, 2009 and Alan Jackson -July 17, 2009. For more information please go to the web site at: www.sarniabayfest.com for all of the details. The Rock weekend acts are still pending and we will have to wait a little while longer to find out which bands/artists will play this coming year.

Cheers!
Ron

View of Toronto Skyline at Night

Hello Everyone, it has been awhile since I have posted anything new on my page so here is a little something. I found this picture on the web of the downtown Toronto skyline at night. The water is so still with the city light reflecting off the surface. It almost looks like an ice surface. Very cool pic!

To me, this is cool site in the big city but, I wonder what a Torontonian would say if I showed them this picture? I am sure that most people who live in Toronto probably would never think too much about this kind of thing. Just like the way that most Toronto natives would take for granted that the CN Tower is just another tall building! Oh well, I can just admire it as an outsider. I just think that Toronto is really cool city!

RUSH Playing "Tom Sawyer" On Rock Band

Here is a video I found on YouTube of the band RUSH playing "Tom Sawyer" on Rockband on Expert Level. They failed the song and only got 31%! Even professional musicians can't get a perfect score on Rockband on their own song. Take a look!

Daddy helping Tara with her homework.

Now that the school year has started once again, it is now time for nightly homework with my daughter Tara. She is in grade 2 this year in the french immersion program. As for me, daddy, I have forgotten what it is like to do homework. I was getting a little frustrated trying to help her with the homework as it is mostly in french. I just have to remember what it was like when I was her age and had to learn things for the first time. When it came time for the math homework Tara breezed her way right through the exercise. Tara is an intelligent girl and I believe she will excel once she learns the basics of reading, writing and mathematics. She is quickly learning conversation "en francais" in the classroom. When I went to a student/teacher meeting at the end of last school year, Tara was having direct conversations with her teacher "en francais" and I was blown away by her talents. It was so amazing to see my little girl having and intelligent conversation with her teacher. I was proud of her!

My friend Brian Malone playing/singing acoustic songs.

Here is a video of my friend Brian Malone playing/singing two acoustic songs. Brian was the former lead vocalist in two different, Canadian, rock bands "The Works" and "Wall Of Silence". I first met Brian in 1989 in Toronto, ON. when I was attending Humber College. We used to be neighbours in the same apartment building. That year, Brian introduced me to his band "The Works" and they were quite popular around the Toronto area and their videos were played on MuchMusic in heavy rotation. The CD by "The Works" was called "From Out Of Nowhere and I still play it regularily.

Recently, I was able to contact Brian again after many years by email and he said they he remembered me from all the years ago in Toronto. Then I found this video here on YouTube which I think is great! I have played it more than a few times and I just love the songs! I could just imagine what they would sound like played with a full band. Guitars, bass, drums, keys, vocals and harmonies. I sure do hope that Brian will record these songs and release them on a CD in the future. So friends, check out this video, take a listen to these songs, and tell me what you think.

Cheers!
Ron Behro

You Can Find Me On Facebook

Hello Friends,

Just a note to let everyone know that you can find me on Facebook now that my user name is easy to remember. Here is my web link for my page:

http://www.facebook.com/ronbehro

So, please drop by my facebook page and send me a message or a friend request if you wish.

Other places you may find me on the web:

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/ronbehro

Myspace Music (my old band): http://www.myspace.com/theknowband

My YouTube Page: http://www.youtube.com/rgbehro

My Email Address: rgbehro@hotmail.com

Cheers!
Ron Behro
Sarnia, ON.

Perpetuum Jazzile - Africa (live, HQ)

United Breaks Guitars

Chronic drunk driver handed life sentence

Today I read a new story about a chronic drunk driver who has received a life sentence for killing a wheelchair-bound Quebec woman with his minivan, though he has escaped being labelled as a dangerous offender. First thing I thought was finally the law was working for the good. Then a friend made a point about how the guy was a repeat offender. He wondered why all the judges before this new one did not prosecute the man to the full extent of the law? That was a good point. There should be no such thing as a repeat offender for a drunk driver, or murderer, or rapist. Why do our laws not work for the victim? So, the judge has made legal history in Canada by handing out the life sentence but, will it set a precident for future offenders? The laws should be changed to reflect the nature of the offense. If you kill someone by drunk driving, then you should get the maximum penalty for your actions. It should be no different than if a person kills someone with a gun, a knife, a rope, or any other weapon. Drunk driving resulting in death of another person is still murder and the laws should reflect it. That is my own opinion. What is yours?

"Borderline" upcoming show at the Brooke, Alvinston, Watford Fall Fair

Hello Friends,

Just wanted let you know that the band "Borderline" from Petrolia area will be playing an upcoming show at the Alvinston Fair Community Hall - Oct 3rd - 9:30pm. So, if you are looking for something to do on a Saturday night, come on out and enjoy some great live music! Yours truly will be mixing the live sound for the band and we hope to see you all at the show. Cheers!

My Daughter Tara's Paint Drawings on computer

Okay, here are a sample of the pictures that my daughter Tara has been drawing on the computer with Microsoft Paint program. Tara is 7 years old and she loves to draw on the computer. Even her artwork she brings home from school is excellent! She just loves to draw.
So, please take look and see the world on paper from the eyes of a 7 year old. Enjoy!

Books by Gordon Korman from my youth.

Back in my youth about the time I was in grade 7 or 8, I remember reading a series of books about MacDonald Hall and today I finally remembered the author's name, Gordon Korman. So, I did a little web search to find his web site. Here is the cover of the first book I read of the MacDonald Hall series. Now that I have remembered all of this I am going to buy some of these books and see if my daughters would like to read them.

My Daughters Playing at the Carnival at Ribfest

Here are some pictures of my daughters Tara and Erin having fun on the rides at the carnival midway during Sarnia Ribfest. That night the band 54-40 was playing and just before the band came onstage, it started to rain a little. We took shelter under a tent but, my girls were a little freaked out thinking we were going to get a thunderstorm and they begged me to take them home. Five minutes after we got in the car and heading home, the rain stopped. Needless to say, mommy and daddy did not get to see the 54-40 concert. By the time we got home, the girls had fallen asleep in the car which ended our night out. Next year, my wife and I are going to Ribfest alone "sans" the kids!

Dressing Up - A Look Into The Future!

About a week ago, my wife Jenn was cleaning out some stuff in the basement and she found her wedding dress. The bag it was stored in had a big rip in the bottom and the dress was falling out. She had to find a new bag for it but, in the meantime, my wife let my daughter Tara of 7 try on her wedding dress. My wife pulled out the camera and took a few pictures of Tara all dressed up. Needless to say when I saw the pictures, I felt like I had suddenly aged 20 years! So, take a look at pictures of a future bride.

HOT August Nights Concert, Dance & Show Car Cruise Night

Here is an upcoming event that I am involved with. It is the "HOT August Nights" Concert, Dance and Show Car Cruise Night. Thursday, August 13th, 2009 at the Dow People Place - Centennial Park, Sarnia, ON. The show will run 6:00pm to 10:00pm. Featuring the music of "Borderline" and "Scott Manery & the Barnburners". Admission is by donation with all proceeds in support of Pathways. Food sales will be by Pathways and there will be 50/50 draws throughout the evening. Personally, I am involved with mixing the live sound for the bands during the concerts. I invite everyone to come down to the Dow People Place for a great evening of entertainment and to also donate your money to a great cause.

Hope to see you all there!

Cheers!
Ron Behro

"The Works - From Out Of Nowhere" circa 1989

Hey Everyone,

Does anyone remember a Canadian rock/metal band by the name of "The Works"? Back when I was attending Humber College - Toronto - 1989-90, I was introduced to the band "The Works". I lived next door to Brian Malone, the lead vocalist of the band. Brian was a nice guy and he gave me a stack of free tickets to see "The Works" play at The Diamond Club in Toronto (not sure if that place still exists???) I tried to give away the tickets to anyboby and nobody wanted them so, I just went to the concert myself. The band had released their CD under the name, "From Out of Nowhere" and MuchMusic was playing a couple of their videos in heavy roatation. I thought they were a great band but, most people have never heard of them before. I have been doing web searches to find out where the band members may be hiding these days but, not finding much there. Mostly getting hits for a few people who have the CD in their CD collections. I have even tried finding them on Myspace and Facebook but, still no good hits. If anyone reading this post happens to know of the band and/or know of where the band is now, then please contact me directly and let my know any info. My email address is: rgbehro@hotmail.com

I have posted a couple pics of the front and back of the CD cover for "The Works - From Out Of Nowhere" - 1989 (see pics at top of post)

Cheers!
Ron Behro

Here is an update for this post:

I just found out that the current "Phoenix Concert Theatre" in Toronto, ON is on the same premises as the former "Diamond Club". The Phoenix is located at 410 Sherbourne St. Check out the picture below.

Sarnia Ribfest 2009 - July 23-26

Hello Everyone,

Today was the first day of Sarnia Ribfest 2009. The rain did not go away but, this event is rain or shine anyway. I am hoping to take my family tomorrow evening to Ribfest to sample some excellent ribs and see a free concert. Friday night we have "54-40" playing and then on Saturday night there will be Amanda Wilkinson. Maybe we will see you there. Here is the web link to the Sarnia Ribfest web site: http://www.sarniaribfest.com/

Cheers!
Ron

Sound Tech Business Card Design # 2

I posted the first design of my sound tech business card on my facebook page and asked for comments, suggestions, etc. My friend Bex from New York, a theatre tech, gave me some suggestions for a redesign. In her opinion the blue background bar with yellow lettering was too distracting. She suggested I just have a black background at the bottom with white lettering. As for the top background and lettering, I decided go with bright yellow letter and black background. The yellow letter really stands out against the black just like bright lights on a dark stage. Take a good look and tell me what you think.

Cheers!
Ron

Sound Technician With A New Business Card

Finally I have decided to create a business card to advertise myself as a freelance Sound Technician. When I do the sound gigs around town I figured that I should have a business that I could give out to anyone asking about my services. I do not work for a company, I work for bands who already have their own sound gear. I come and do the live sound mix for the shows using the band gear. I would like to start my own sound company and work part-time as a professional sound tech in the Sarnia-Lambton area. My dream is to get some money together to buy enough gear for a medium sized sound system for most of the bands that play around here. I could just work out of my basement to start as to keep the costs down. If I have a business using just my own personal name then I would not be required to register a business name. If I were to create a company and give it a name, then I would have to register the name with the government. Standard business procedure. Now I just need to find the cash to buy some basic sound system gear. Mixing console, mics, stands, cables, power amps, speakers, subs, stage monitors, EQs, EFX processors, etc. Most people I have talked to about being a freelance tech all want to know if I have my own gear and that is where the problem is. Except for bands that have their own gear and just want a tech. With a sound system I would be in better shape to secure gigs with the many great bands and artists we have here in Sarnia. I will take any suggestions or help with creating my own sound company. I need some constructive ideas of how to begin. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Ron

Canadian band "MANTECA" is back!

When it comes to music I mainly listen to rock, classic rock and the blues. I also enjoy listening to some jazz music and have a few favourites. This year one of my favourite Canadian jazz bands got back together after 15 years and recorded a new CD called "Onward". I first discovered Manteca when I attended Humber College in 1989 for Theatre Arts -Technical Production. At that time Manteca was at the height of their career. After listening to their live CD called "Fire Me Up - Live", I was hooked! I found a youtube video of Matt Zimbel, a member of the group talking about the new album "ONWARD". "Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome one of Canada's hottest bands....MANTECA!!!

Click this link to see the video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CywQWVa6I58

Travelling to Napanee and Ardoch, ON on Saturday

This Saturday, June 27th, I will be taking my family on a trip to Napanee, ON. and then to Ardoch, ON. to do some camping with our friends at their trailer park. Note the orange circles on the map showing Napanee (on the bottom) and Ardoch (on the top). I am looking forward to the trip and the change of scenery. Last year we went to the trailer in Ardoch and we all loved it up there. The trip from Sarnia to Napanee is approx 6 1/2 hours and then from Napanee to Ardoch is another hour north. I am looking forward to the trip and the nice change of scenery. While I am up there I plan on taking many pictures of the area. When I get back I will post some for everyone to see. Only two more days left of my work and then I am on vacation for 10 days! Yeah!

Ten Seconds Over Tokyo - possible reunion?

Do you remember the local Sarnia band "Ten Seconds Over Tokyo"? This band knew how to rock the place! There is a rumour about a possible reunion show this summer at Bayfest. If that is true, it would be an awesome show to see in 2009! TSOT has a huge following of fans from here in the Sarnia area. Ten Seconds Over Tokyo is alive and well on myspace music and facebook. For the myspace music page here is the link to get you there.

www.myspace.com/tensecondsovertokyo

Borderline gig at Two Amigos - Sat. June 13

John Tiernay - Guitar, vocals

Mike Doucette - Bass Guitar
Pete Meharg - Guitar, vocals
Bruce Charlton - Drums, vocals
Pete, Mike and Bruce rockin' it up!

Mike and John rockin' in unison!

Last night I was out at Two Amigos listening to Borderline play a few sets of good music. They had Mike Doucette join them on the bass guitar to fill in for their regular Ed Roane. Ed is at home recovering from hip replacement surgery. It was a little strange actually just sitting down with a few beers to listen to the band instead of being behind the mixing board. Coming up on Thursday, June 18 Borderline will be playing another gig at the Dow People Place stage in Centennial Park - Sarnia, ON. I will be mixing sound for that show and we invite you to come down to the waterfront and enjoy a couple hours of great music.

Cheers!

Ron

1st Annual - GREAT BIG JAM!

Coming up in on August 22, 2009, Great Big Sound presents the 1st Annual - GREAT BIG JAM at Dow People Place Stage - Centennial Park - Sarnia, ON. This event is in support of the United Way and local charities. Featuring live performances by: Death of Eight, The Tree Streets, Antennaes, Running Red Lights and four other bands to be announced. This will be an all ages - licenced show with strict wrist band policy in effect. Tickets cost $15.00 each. For more information please call: (519) 490-3800 or check out the web at http://www.greatbigsound.ca/

My Girls Are Growing Up So Fast!

Erin, Tara, and Mackenzie - Best Friends!

Here are some pictures of my daughters Tara and Erin at a birthday party for their friend Mackenzie. My girls are growing up so fast! Tara is going to turn 7 on June 28th and Erin is 4 years old now. Eight years of my life just flashed by! All I can say is that Tara and Erin both love their daddy very much! Just wait until they become teenagers! The fun has only begun!

Ron

Borderline - Upcoming Shows

Here are a few pictures of the band "Borderline" playing at Two Amigos Bar and Grill here in Sarnia, ON. I mix sound for these guys on their gigs when they need me. Now that we are into June, they have a number of gigs lined up over the summer months. Here is a list of the upcoming shows all in the Sarnia area:

Upcoming Borderline Gigs:

Sat. June 13 @ Two Amigos Bar and Grill

Thurs. June 18 @ Dow People Place - Centennial Park

Sat. July 18 @ Two Amigos

Thurs. July 30 @ Dow People Place

Thurs. Aug 13 @ Dow People Place (Hot August Nights with The Barnburners)

Sat. Aug 29 @ Two Amigos

Fri Sept 25 @ Sarnia Polish Hall - Singles Dance

Sat Sept 26 @ Two Amigos

Borderline plays a mix of 50's 60's, classic rock, classic country and some new stuff. Come out to one of their gigs and check them out. They always put on a good show.

Cheers!