April 2, 2010
I had a great time at the Britannia Pub & Grill this past weekend. I thank the very friendly waitresses, Kim & Melissa for energizing the room. I was also shocked when the famous Shane, Richard and Wendy showed up (pictured above)....the adventure continues...
I wish everyone a Happy Easter
Cheers!
February 2, 2005
... Winter, spring, summer, or fall, All you have to do is
call And I’ll be there, yeah, yeah, yeah. You’ve got a friend. ...
It was great having this crowd come in for my last set at the Wolf and Firkin. In the picture are people from Denmark, Norway and the UK. I included an audio post of them singing a chorus of "You've got a Friend". Bobby Hamilton also popped in to say hello....the adventure continues....
January 27, 2005
Mikey's not in the picture (check out the audio post). After I finished playing, I met these fine talented people in the back of the Wolves Den. HEY MIKEY YOU'RE SO FINE.....YOU'RE SO.....etc.. Lots of laughs.....the adventure continues.....
December 10, 2004
I'm no Hubble, but this night in Sutton sure felt like the center of the universe....the adventure continues.....
December 10, 2004
Last night at Aw Shucks 4 ladies set the house on fire during my last set. I included a picture of Monika dancing. She danced full out, no breaks for 40 min straight. I've never seen anything like this before..the adventure continues....
Monika The Dance Machine
Spezzo Train
December 4, 2004
December 1, 2004
What does a grown man named Spanky, an Industrial Inspector named Nicole, a member of the Upper Canada Law Society, a born leader named Joel, a professional heckler from Copper Cliff named Tim, etc. do for fun? The answer is: They work at the Ministry Of Labour, and they know how to let loose. Last night Open Luigi (AugBlog in disguise) welcomed them with open arms. Eric showed up with the "Marg" gang, and did some jammin'. Thanks! Bob had yet another look. Joe, from Sault Ste Marie closed the place. Have a safe trip up north tomorrow. Wendy, Paul, and Brian performed as well. Next Tuesday I'm hoping for a full house. It's The Wolf & Firkin's Christmas Party. Bring your talent. Mike brought Doctor Adam in to get sung about and Alicia was filling in for Ashley behind the bar.....the adventure continues....
With Peter Noone
November 27, 2004
....great night last night at the Devil's Harp .....Full Story Soon...
Vance & Anna
....Vance Rocks the room....i get to jam with these fine lads....lots a pics....debbie lends me her phone while Vance is singing....a tale of 4 people...the monkees meet the drifters meet the noonatics....thankyou guys...full story soon...
November 19, 2004
Larry, Steve (THE BRIT from LA), Will, and Ali(THE BOSS from LA)
THE OFFICE
Originally uploaded by AugTheBlog.
Steve from St. Louis had to leave early, and I finally meet John the owner. That was Part One of the evening. Part 2 goes like this:
The Office - a docu-com from the BBC about office life was being shown on the many screens at Boston Pizza last night at the request of Larry, Steve (THE BRIT from LA), Will, and Ali(THE BOSS from LA). During my break they asked Marie, the bartender if they could watch some of their newly purchased DVD with English sub-titles (because the sound is off....later I'm singing in the background). No...this doesn't bruise my ego. I'm trying to interact by a random reading of some of the sub-titles on the mic. When the night is slow this can be fun. They also make some requests. This group at the bar were being very nice to me. Hey Steve...I hope you send me "California Lawyer Sandra's Blog"...I'll post a link to it on my blog. A young fellow named Chris was there with his "3 fans". He made some new fans when he played a few Tragically Hip and Neil Young Tunes. I thought that he was quite good. It was a pleasant evening. The night reminded me of stepping into someone's livingroom, passing a guitar around while watching a sitcom (the office) with old friends. I met some new friends last night...thanks....the adventure continues.....
November 17, 2004
Last night the very charismatic Judi and Michelle were sitting at a table to the left of me with 3 Medical Doctors from Siberia (Yuri, Marina and Irina). They arrived in Canada because they are on a mission to start a revolution of nursing in Siberia. Marini and Irini graced our presence by coming up to sing Russian songs about Mala Vodka (never ever enough vodka), and other folk stories from their homeland. After each song they would explain the meaning of what they just sang about. I thought they were tremendous. Michelle posed very child-like with my guitar in hand, and Judi offered some high notes on my Open Mic stage downstairs at The Wolves Den. They welcomed anyone who walked through the door with enthusiasm. Thanks! Chris came up again this week and played a few more originals. Corinne was also there to cheer him on, and he was well received. John, Mark, Lorna and Deb from England get a little crazy...(what was that song I sang about John??..I hope you guys comment. Marg and her group were there again last night. It was good to meet Peter, Peggy and Dave. Mike got the courage to get up and sing "One Tin Soldier". We even rehearsed it outside (kinda chilly...but worth it). His brother Cal took the photo of us on the stage.Thanks Dan from Sudbury, and the folks from Ottawa for participating. I almost forgot to mention that Frank, from Rochester was there...the adventure continues....
November 6, 2004
Mike the bartender served me a great glass of water at Spezzo last night. He called it AUG-WA (my vanity has no limit...lol). Mike assured me that anyone who asks him for an AUG-WA by name will get this beautiful drink........the adventure continues....
Louie The Werewolf
September 29, 2004
I had never played in Niagara Falls, and I had never performed on the 22nd floor of anything. The Sheraton Fallsview was a cool place to be on Thursday, October 28, 2004 cause I'm greeted with open arms by Diane and Mike (smooth voice) at the the elevator of the 22nd floor (did I mention we were on the 22nd floor??...lol). I have all of my equipment on the standard hotel dolly ready to be rolled down to the main entertainment room. I set up with my back to a large window which exposes the American and Canadian Falls. It's a striking view. The room has two levels, and there are nice couches around where I set up to play. It's kind of like a big livingroom and Kelly is making me feel at home. The function is a private one so I won't mention the company name (unless they want me to). Vladamir and Yolanda do some impromptu Polka dancing as I expose my Polka repertoire (a rare event). Now the other people start walking in and I am very impressed by the costumes. Louie, the werewolf stands out for me. I wanted a picture of him with my guitar. I thought this would be priceless (It is). Dr. Don wants to hear about Trader Vic's when I comment on Louie's costume so i sing "Werewolves of London"...in Niagara Falls. Charlie's Angels showed up, and there had to have been at least five witches. Look...there's Victoria. She's dressed like an African Queen. Lotto (spelling?) had a very cool Indian outfit on. There were prizes for costumes and wine tasting during my break. Mike (smooth) the MC did a great job. I am sure he is great at his job although I suggest a career in Broadcasting could be a consideration. The last hour was the best. Wendy began turning into a party animal and Eleni & Christina showed off their great dancing abilities during the Greek Song. Louie's wig was placed on more than a few heads of people who were coaxed on to the dance floor. Thanks Kelly for the invitation. Thanks Ellen for the rec. I salute the "Thundering Water" that is Niagara Falls and I head home...Aug The Blog has left the building.....the adventure continues....
September 8, 2004
...Shades of Legions...Rosies....and the return of BISCUIT....
Biscuit In Da House!!
Louis was singing Cat Stevens' "Father and Son". He's behind the fireplace with a small group of people. Instead of going into a song I let him finish then I begin the night with "Father and Son". A strange magic happens. They applaud and I feel welcome. Perhaps you had to have been there. Perhaps only I think this is magic since the people on the patio are hardly taking notice. That's why I get paid. I have an easy job and I never blame the audience if things aren't happening. It's my job....to make things happen. The girl sitting beside Louis comes over and pulls up a chair close to me. I don't remember her name but she wants to sing "Bobby McGee". Man, if Kris Kristofferson got paid everytime someone wanted to hone their Janis Joplin skills in a bar he'd be rich....okay he's already rich... but he'd be mucho rich (Lilly, I hope you don't mind my adjective stealin' ways). Louis wants to hear "Green Green Grass of Home". He's surprised that I know it. This sends me reeling into the past when I used to play Legions and bars like The Crossroads on Coxwell and Danforth. On any given weekend you might hear Lyle Gaitz, Ernie G, Peter Nelson (before he moved to Manitoulin), and you might even hear me there singing old country favourites, and wearing very tight pants...lol. When I take a break I go onto the Firehall patio and start talking with Teresa and Chris (the pharmacist lady). They dance during my next set. Actually the patio is quite busy. Liz was there and I just find out that Brian plays guitar. If I had of known this before he left I would have coaxed him a little. The night ended well, and I am always happy to show up at The Firehall in Bronte. I am about to tear down when Jay, the lead guitarist for Speed Orchid, asks if he could do some tunes. I advise him to ask management if it's okay. It's okay. He's very good. His band plays around town so check him out some time. While he's playing someone says hello. I turn and see him....It's a blast from the past when I used to play Rosie McGee's in Oakville. I loved that place. It's Biscuit. Biscuit's a cool guy and we talk while Jay sings...sorry Jay...He owns Caz's Great Fish on Yonge St. just north of Lawrence . I don't mind giving him a plug. He was always great to me. Good Luck Biscuit (ya coulda been a rapper...yo...).....the adventure continues.....
September 6, 2004
Hi Tanya...Oh My God....There are less than 5 people here tonight...."It'll Fill up around 10 " . Tanya's optimism always helps the vision of a good night reveal itself as a possibility. Okay.....I order my pasta dish ....cooked to perfection by AHHHHLLLEEEEE!!!! the cook. There's Ray at the bar. I didn't even see him come in. Everyone knows Ray. He's a great musician/writer/sing....hold on Ray ...there are too many slashes in your name. Ray is one of the better songwriters around. One day his talent will extend past these chosen walls of Woodbridge. Alex and Justin were there again They are Bonafyde fans. Here comes Christian with shorter dreads. He's giving me the finger (non-threateningly). Was it something I said? Dean and Brian came to play darts and to visit Tanya. Dean is very intense this evening. It's possibly because I haven't learned "Shameless" yet. Everyone's just hanging out. I played a couple of sets and near the end of the night Ray played one of his originals, then he passed the guitar back to me. Later he came up and did a few covers. A crowd started forming around him as he played and sang. Mike came in with some people from France (Fabien and Sophie). Fabien went up and sang harmonies with Ray.
Ray Of Light Shines On Hollywoodbridge
Originally uploaded by AugTheBlog.
The night ended with Mike coming up to sing a roaring version of "New Orleans Is Sinking". I like playing guitar behind him. He has a very powerful voice. When I speak about people from Woodbridge I always find myself wanting to give a lot of compliments. The truth is that there is serious talent there. I am humbled weekly at the Moose. Well there you go... Apparently Jay and Tanya will be reading this (Dave, Jay's friend didn't want to be mentioned)....by the way I appreciate the kind emails from the the folks from Detroit, Rochester, and Cleveland. Thanks....the adventure continues....
September 3, 2004
At around 8:30 Saturday night, Guy from Orillia, Ontario steps into the Wolf & Firkin on Elm Street. He comes and sits beside me at the bar. Guy introduces himself, then starts talking about his wife living in Yorkville in the 60's. I think this is impressive . He says the whole " Yorkville Hippy Scene" was overrated. C'mon Guy...I didn't want to hear that. When we were talking he didn't know I was the entertainment until I got up on the stage. That was how I met my first friend of the evening. I started playing some folk songs and I notice this couple, sitting beside Guy, are being extra nice to me. It turns out that this is Dave and Katie from Detroit (I should have known it was them). They've been married for 2 years and they are out for a good time. Sitting in the back is Ted, from England. He becomes the assigned "movie star". His family gets a kick out of that. I ask him to come over and shake hands with Guy. The audience approves this with applause. Now I notice Mike and Janet from Ireland (turns out that Mike is Welsh). They seem shy, which is hardly their demeaner at the end of the evening. Everyone was getting along and singing along. When I take my break I get to know Dave and Katie a little better. They have a website www.tweakandrome.com They have fun with it. I checked it out and I like it. He even scribbled it on the "Specials" blackboard for all to see. Some friendly people from Niagara Falls, New York and Scotland help make this an Aug International Event. Next thing you know a crowd steps through the door welcomed with ovation. They are from Rochester, New York. It's Paul's Birthday, and soon after singing Happy Birthday I meet Rochester's secret weapon. SKIPPY!!! Skippy is Paul's dad. He's not afraid to come and speak in the microphone, dance, and later on in the night lead a willing following outside to Elm Street. I'm in the middle of Elm Street in downtown Toronto singing "American Pie" with Skippy from the USA. Dave from Detroit has pictures of this. Maybe he'll post them on his site. Skippy is all heart. His wife Pat agrees. When we get back inside I start singing songs about Ed Dooley (good guitarist). His son Brian is also having fun. I later find out that Ed is Paul's father in law. Paul's wife Suzanne (Kindergarden teacher) is there. There was also Sue (I didn't forget). The great thing about tonight is that everyone knew and liked each other by the end of the night. When Ivanna from York, UK stepped through the door with Clive she received an ovation and a free dance with Skippy. Click...I get the pic. I had fun....the adventure continues.....
September 2, 2004
Rob (man of many tatoos) the bartender is nice to me tonight as I lug my gear in. My van is parked illegally outside since the street has no vacancies, and the nearest parking lot is too far away. My boss Tracy has just finished her long shift and says she'll stay for a bit of my set. Guess What? Rock's back! Florida Rock. We haven't seen him for awhile. He always seems to make friends quickly. Tonight he's discussing Geography with some folks at the bar. I start playing to zero reaction. After singing a few songs I see a few lips subconsciously singing along. This is a good sign that i'm not just wallpaper. Tracy then introduces me to Sarah. I declare her the happiest person in the bar because she is. Tracy then comes to sit close to me and cheers me on (a catalyst always appreciated.). Uh Oh....Here comes the Ohio express..from Clevelend....3 Mikes....and wives...Mike of Ellen....Mike of of Debbie....Mike of Kathleen (sounds biblical). Rock, from Florida, was there throughout the night. He's in fine form this evening. I notice that he's getting along with the Ohio people. Some dancing is happening.....Lookout!!! One of the Mikes is singing Whole Lotta Love and he sounds quite good. I then had a very thoughtful conversation with Kathleen on my break as she was telling me about her son who had served in Iraq. It was quite moving. Tracy comes up and does a soulful rendition of "Crazy"...All hell breaks loose when the Windsor people step in. The owner, Billy, had bought them drinks earlier...now they return ready to party. I can't believe it. Another Lilly....Lilly the grandmother with her daughters and grand daughter Trish who happens to be a mom are all here tonight. They're just getting in after going to see "Mamma Mia". They are a great crowd....the people love them...the place is starting to fill up now. Hey!!! Where's Chris Hollow? Where's BBeeeyearnt and Jay from BC??? (still recovering from Debbie's party the night before). There are some people from Ireland. Gavin (animation student) is here from Scotland . Roger is working (always smilng that guy). Gord buys shots for the Windsor crowd. Pat, Trish's mom came up to sing, then they all get up. I pass the camera around to Pat, Donna, Trish, and Gail. Lilly tells me that I look like Tony Danza. I tell Donna that she looks like Mary Tyler Moore. We're all famous I guess.
The Windsor Singers
Originally uploaded by AugTheBlog.
For the record, Rob, the bartender, was loved by the Windsor girls. I ended the night by taking the girls to the back to sing to 2 older guys who thought the night was over. It was a funny and fitting way to end...I had a great time...Aug The Blog signing off..... By the way...Happy Trails Debbie...
Beloved waitress from the Wolf is spending some time in Spain. We all wish her luck. Rob (not the bartender) didn't sing any "Tragically Hip".....maybe next time when the adventure continues.....
This is interactive entertainment. From your favourite pub to your mobile phone, tablet or desktop. Aug The Blog is coming soon.
I am Augy....I sometimes go by the name of Augy G...Over the years people have created different spellings for my name...For example Auggie, Auggie G, Auggy G, Augie, Augie G(those are the only ones I know about)..oh I forgot..I even changed my name once to Auggie Style...Even then I got Auggie Stiles...Auggie Styles....I never corrected anyone...This is all very confusing so let me just say that I am Augy....On the Internet I am AUGBLOG....to quote the great Christopher Hollow....I am "World Famous in Toronto"....lol..
