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