Last nights gig at Renee's was a roaring success…. -after we got the van outta the ditch!

In about 10cm of snow, and on quiet country roads, we went looking for our lodgings, sort of got lost, and wound up driving down the lane of some old farm house. Upon realizing that this wasn't our B&B, we pulled back out of the farm house only to slide off the laneway, precariously teetering on the edge of a 1.5m ditch.

Well…. after a few edgy moments thinking that the van was about to go over, our frien Michele got a pal with a great huge tractor to come all the way out and tow us out of our predicament.

I'd love to see the looks on the faces of the folks who lived there when they got home and saw all the tractor treads in their lane. "What the hell!?!?"

Fortunately we made it on time for the show, which went wonderfully. The room there sounds real cozy -if you can say that about a sound- and our host Randy graciously provided us with dinner and drinks!

The folks that came out to see the show were very in tune with what we were doing. Some even recognized some of our material. they were listening.

We're all looking forward to returning. Just say the word!

Our Good friend Michele tells me that tonights show at Renee's in South River is sold out! Never fear though….. for those who can't get in, we'll be doing a special 'parking lot set.'

Saturday night we'll be playing a special gig at Renee's Cafe in South River, Ont.

It'll be nice to see our long time, and dear friend Michele Bateman again. She's a great friend of Brokenjoe, as well as a huge supporter of independent music in general.

Come on out if you're in the area. I can feel it in my bones: it's gonna be a great show!!

Back from my little jaunt to Paris and Rome. Week and a half of touring, boozing and stuffing my face.

Now it's time to get back to work.  See how much of a beating my bank balance took, try to remember how to play the banjo, and call up my job to see if they'll take me back…….

I didn't see too much music that impressed me over there, but I really wasn't trying too hard. About the best stuff I heard was gypsy bands and gypsy accordian players on the subway trains.

These guys were probably the best -they did gypsy versions of Tony Bennett and Dean Martin songs in the Piazza Navona in Rome…..

Played the Evergreen show today. It was outside, and though a little chilly, went pretty smooth. We played from noon till 3:30, and right in the middle of our third set, who should show up but Toronto Mayor David Miller! Instant photp-op!! Hoo-Hoo!

Unfortunately, all I had was my shitty phone camera. I told Jerome which button to push, and he took this shot!

I half jokingly gave him a copy of our cd, (which he is OBVIOUSLY listening to as I type this) and he graciously offered to pay. Never mind, I told him…….. you're only gonna use it as a door stopper! All I want outta this is a chance to sing the national anthem at the opening of the next Leafs game!!

I anxiously await his call…………

We're playing an informal little show at the Brickworks this saturday afternoon. (oct. 14) Should be a lot of fun! FREE PUMPKINS AND APPLE CIDER FOR THE FIRST 100 VISITORS!!!!!! Bring the Kee-ids!!!

Time to break my self-imposed silence. Enough is enough. Yes, I've been going through huge piles of emotional horse-shit lately, but life fucking well goes on. Oh well…….I should get at least a couple of songs outta things.

I've gotta admit, the band stuff has been a little slow lately because of me. Fortunately, I've still managed to play a lot myself. I've said this before, but I'm glad that I play an instrument during times like these. It's surely saved my ass.

 Another shot of the Southside shuffle gig. Photo courtesy of Brewster!