By Cam Carpenter
The indefatigable Cameron "Mr. Sports Wear" Carpenter hit the deck running, making the rounds at the convention (all three floors) before working the late night shift with a cast of many across a maze of clubs and live venues. He'll be back bleary-eyed and somewhat alert today for further shenanigans that will be reported on in Monday's edition. Buy him a drink, pat him on the back. Give him your business card, and maybe a lift to the nearest health food shop.
Wednesday
As always Day 3 is when CMW kicks into gear. The Sheraton was "dressed" and the lobby bar began to shake as delegates, industry and artists arrived in the city.
We chatted with Portugal Music Scene's Steve Bootland escorting Portugal rockers Midnight Ambassadors, saw Cashbox's Sandy Graham, excited about the new Cashbox radio show, and longtime CMW staffer and former Vancouver club owner Gary Taylor. Also representing the west coast was Patrick Zulinov from Hyvetown Publishing. Slammin' Media's Bruce Bradley was holding court with the team from Toronto's only hip-hop brass band Bangerz Brass. The world of rock was well represented with Leon Harrison and Matty Morris from The Lazys and Rock 94.9 PD Doug Elliott.
Next stop as the Songwriters Of Canada post-AGM reception. Spotted in the crowd, Hall of Fame inductee Eddie Schwartz, lawyer Paul Sanderson, SOCAN's Eric Baptiste, Warner Music's Ron Lopata, Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame Executive Director Vanessa Thomas and songwriters Stan Meissner, Damhnait Doyle, Robyn Dell'unto and Luke McMaster.
Next stop was the Horseshoe Tavern for APA Artists showcase. The Indie 88 street team were outside handing out their "High Fives" so I took one in honour of the recovering Dave "Bookie" Bookman. The APA team were out in force early for the SIde Hustle set, a much-touted young band featuring Chloe Doucet, daughter of Luke Doucet. We saw APA agents Jack Ross, Stef Purificati and Baldeep Randhawa as well as local artist Lenny Bull, and Music Ontario's Sam Rayner. We couldn't stay for Kasador but did manage to say hello to the Culvert Music team of Phil Linton and Albert Zgarka.
Lee's Palace was the next stop where we caught the last few songs from The Restless Age and ran into Tommy Stinson at the merch table before his solo acoustic set. The club was packed by the time headliners The Lemonheads hit the stage. Thre rock-solid show was watched by musicians Matt Mays, Chris Murphy and Patrick Pentland from Sloan, along with their manager Mike Nelson, Gentlemen Reg and former Black Halo members Jay Millette and Rich Jones. We also saw Ben Rayner from the Toronto Star, photographer David McDonald, Collective Concerts Jeff Cohen, Montrealer's Patrick Guay from Evenko and Gourmet Delice from Bonsound, Jane Tattersall, Dave Tysowski from Canvas Media and John Marshall from the Rick Mercer Report and The New Music Show.
Thursday
The day started back at The Sheraton where we met Stephen MacLelland from MIDiA Research in London, caught up with Canadian rock legend Greg Godovitz and FYI's David Farrell. Jennifer Brazill from the Borderland Music & Arts Festival filled us in the second edition of the fest which will take place just 20 minutes from the border at Knox Farm State Farm this September 21 & 22. Had a quick catch up with Stingray's Greg Torrington, said hello to Derrick Ross and Barnaby Marshall from Slaight Music, and saw Montreal promotion master BMG's Stephane Drolet.
The convention floor was humming. Early on we ran into Alan Cross, publicist Eric Alper, Spin Doctors guitarist Eric Schenkman, recent The Launch performer Charlie The Kid, Ross Davies from Numeris, City of London Music's Cory Crossman, Carmen Ford from the City of Mississauga Culture office, young bands Excuses, Excuses and Pterodactyl Problems and producer Andre Kaden Black.
Returning upstairs it was great to see former co-worker Merck Mercuriadis, founder of Hipgnosis Songs Fund Limited, and producer Garth Richardson. It was nice to catch up with Laura Simpson from Side Door Access as well as Indica's Franz Schuller. I had my annual few moments with Bob Lefsetz and a friendly chat with upcoming country artist Matt James.
The Elora Riverfest showcased artists at The Rivoli and I caught a few songs from Lee Watson and most of the Natalie Lynn set which was well attended by curious industry types. In-Flight Safety's John Mullane, who has been working with Natalie, was in the house as well.
Next stop was The Horseshoe for some solid rock from The Frames; then it was on to the Cameron House for the smooth sounds of Matt Zaddy. Last stop of the night was The Bovine where we caught Hamilton rockers The Castor Troys.
