Summer Special 2008 #2: Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest

It was an amazing 10 out of the 11 days for enjoying Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest. I ended up with a nice tan and sore legs. My favorite top acts were Feist, Stars, The Most Serene Republic, Jim Bryson, much more. What I missed out were Snoop Dogg, The Wailers, Born Ruffians, and Tokyo Police Club because the reasons were the hot weather and schedule conflicts.
One of my favorite moments at Bluesfest was text messaging my brother to get to Feist's concert before it started. He was at the Wintersleep concert when I saw the photographers in the stage pit. My brother tells me later that he had to jump over the fence to get to the pit. Afterwards, he tells me he was disappointed with Feist due to low lighting. I talked to a photographer the day later and he was disappointed having to take photos for Feist and also told me another photographer was also angry with the low lighting. Another favorite moment was being backstage for the Plain White T's and again for Friday night's lineup for The Love Machine, Jetplanes of Abraham and Metric. Another favorite moment was catching the flowers two times at the Stars concert.
Here are the links of photos from Bluesfest to enjoy. Although, I stopped until Thursday, July 10 because I couldn't use the camera.
The first two days of Bluesfest, Corb Lund, Feist and a few of Jose Gonzalez
Saturday, July 5 - The Six Shooters Show - Christine Fellows, Justin Rutledge NQ Arbuckle (wasn't photographed), Luke Doucet, Elliott Brood and The Six Shooters Finale.
Sunday, July 6 - United Steel Workers of Montreal, Jenn Grant, The Acorn and The Weakerthans.
Tuesday, July 8 - Jason Collett, The Most Serene Republic, and Stars
Wednesday, July 9 - Jim Bryson and Kathleen Edwards.
Thursday, July 10 - Plants and Animals and a bit of Sadie Hell.
Also on my Flickr, there are some photos with the artists.
Seeya around.

Summer Special 2008 #1: Canada Day and Basia Bulat

Happy Canada Day! Here's a photo from downtown Ottawa in the afternoon.
Check out the photos from the Basia Bulat concert at Confederation Park. As usual, Basia Bulat was very nice and down to earth. She was even surprised by the Ottawa crowd because they knew when to clap along. I guess it's thanks to loyal fans of Basia. :)

More photos from downtown Ottawa on Canada Day.
Photo 1
Photo 2
Photo 3
Photo 4
Photo 5
Note: Whoever got tagged on Facebook, I just wanted to show you how I enjoyed the concert and show what it is like on Canada Day.

The First Saturday of Summer 2008 Happenings - S3E26

It was a busy Saturday for June 21, 2008. As you see from the photo. I had a lion dance performance at Ottawa Dragon Boat Race Festival. We have been performing at the dragon boat race for several years and the festival has been around for 15 years. I had a privilege to participate at the dragon boat race a decade ago. There's a funny story back in 1998, it was a rainy day and I tried to find my teammates and probably by purpose, I started to tumbled down the hill and my sandals flew in the air. What happened? Someone caught and somehow lay on the ground for a group photo. Memories at the dragon boat race have been great and funny. What also feels great to performing at the festival (aside from the long wait to perform) is having Max Keeping introduce us. It is great to see the Ottawa Dragon Boat Race Festival continue to prosper year after year.
Check out the photos from the opening ceremonies from the dragon boat race. This time, the photos were used from the Canon EOS 30D.
Another performance we had was at the Crowne Plaza Hotel and was for the Canadian Olympics Gymnastics Team Gala. The significance is that it counts down to the Beijing Olympics in August. After the performance, I decided to check out a house concert and the performing act was Canadian indie rock band, Shapes and Sizes. Here are photos via my brother's Flickr link.
Last, but not least, this is my entry to finish off series 3 of my blog for the Summer break. I will be having a couple of Summer specials for the coming weeks and months. Series 4 will return sometime in the Fall.

Another Day at Westfest - S3E25

It was another exciting but hot day at Westfest. This time, I was with my lion dance troupe and we paraded down Richmond Road for Westfest's On The Street program. Luckily it did not rain on us during our parade down Richmond Road but the guys worked up a lot of sweat.
As usual, check the photos on Flickr from the lion dance performance.

A Westfest With Grand Analog and Joel Plaskett - S3E24

It was an amazing Friday night at Westfest because their concert lineup consisted of Hurray for Higgsfield, i see rowboats, Matthew Barber and the Union Dues, Grand Analog, Land of Talk and Joel Plaskett Emergency. The host for Friday's National Night was none other than Amanda Putz. She's just the best host/MC around and amazed she did not goof up unlike her stint on her weekday morning show on CBC Radio 3.
I was there since 4pm (I'm probably lying, LOL) until around 11pm. I was somewhat worried about the hot weather but the concert ground was shaded and there was a breeze. The last time I saw Joel Plaskett was at Winterlude in February and I basically froze to death. Let's say that I stood for over 2 hours. This time it's the reverse and still a great crowd for the indie rocker.
I got into a bit of trouble at the end of the concert because the members of Grand Analog remembered and recognized me from the Fuse taping in November and through MySpace. Let's say that the security was not pleased about giving the artist pass. It was somewhat a funny moment because the members of Grand Analog and myself were causing a bit of trouble entering the VIP section.
I was happy to see Ming (not my twin brother) and Saeed come to Westfest and check out Grand Analog and a bit of Joel Plaskett Emergency. I wish they had a chance to meet Odario and the gang. Hopefully next time when they return to Ottawa for a gig.
As you from the photo on top, that was taken after the concert and it was nice of the group and Joel Plaskett to join in for the photo op.
For those who missed it (you know who you are), you should of went and checked it out because it would of been a fun time.
As I finish up this entry, don't forget to check out my Photos from Westfest 2008.

Said The Whale and Dan Mangan at Mercury Lounge - S3E23

Last night, I went to the Mercury Lounge for the Dan Mangan with Said The Whale concert. It was an excellent concert because I usually listen to them on CBC Radio 3 and getting to talk to members of Said The Whale were nice and cool. If it wasn't for Amanda Putz appearing, she wouldn't reveal that I am one of the blog posters on R3's website. There were some funny moments during Said The Whale's performance. The lead singer's glass water was spilled and then his beer "exploded" and later on, the keyboardist's glockenspiel fell. My own funny moment, towards the end of Dan Mangan's performance, there was a standing ovation and I was trying to stand up but fell back on the couch but got back up. The photo on top is with three members of Said The Whale.
Here's the link of photos from Flick, [Link]

Hot Weather at The Black Sheep Inn - S3E22

Oh my goodness, Summer has arrived and it couldn't come at a better time. Except the heat and sweat, I got a chance to go The Black Sheep Inn for the third time. As you see from the photo, I wanted to show the scenic background to Wakefield, Quebec. I couldn't do it last time because of the weather. It looks like I am basking in the glory being in Wakefield. It was not as hot there due to the shade and the lake/river.
Why was I there? It was a radio taping for CBC Radio 2's Canada Live program. The singers were Kyrie Kristmanson and Nathan Lawr & The Minotaurs. It was an enjoyable and funny performance.
Prior to the taping, I decided to try out poutine at the restaurant beside The Black Sheep Inn. It was one big poutine I got and it was fulfilling. Another memorable moment was seeing Rolf Klausener of The Acorn in Wakefield. My reaction was pretty funny as I kind of jumped up on my seat with a shocked look saying "What the!" in my head. Good thing he said hi and so on. In a way, it was an exciting Saturday night at Wakefield.
Here's the link to the photos via Flickr, [Link]
Coming up this week; Westfest. I can't wait to check out the musical performances as well as our lion dance troupe performing.
Last thing, I did not know this is post #100. I am surprised I got to a hundred entries for my blog.

The Final Four Days of May - S3E21

What a way to finish up May with a couple of events I went to. It has been awhile that May is my favorite month of the year. With the festivals starting and Summer on the horizon, there couldn't be a fun time to have it. Onto the events that I have done from the final four days.
First up was on May 28th, 2008, I had a liondance performance at The Canadian Museum of Civilization. It was a gala event by The Children's Bridge Foundation's (photo on top). I was surprised to see politicians attend the event and I missed out seeing activist, Craig Kielburger. Overall, it was a good performance and it has been not too long I haven't been on the tail. At least I got a good workout. Photos are on my Flick. Click on here, [Link].
Second was The Chutney n' Chopsticks Cabaret at Club Saw on May 29th. It was part of Asian Heritage Month. I received an email from Amanda Putz the week before the event. I checked out the event and it was entertaining and funny. Great to see diversity work out. Photos (taken by my bro) on here, [Link 2].
Third is not really an event but I went to watch Sex and the City, the movie. It was released on May 30th. I was forced and reluctant to watch it and not being an avid of the series. The movie was not bad and it's enjoyable but I did not realize the movie was about 2 in a half hours. It's good for the females but not good for males who aren't familiar with the TV series.
On the final day of May (the 31st), I went to a house concert hosted by Rolf of The Acorn. The bands performed were Special Noise, Mandibles and Play Guitar. It was a different setting going to a house concert. I didn't realize that the music was loud. I was worried about my friend not liking the kind of music. At least he enjoyed the food there. I was pretty hungry and almost ate all of the food provided. It was just carrots and tortillas.

Well, June is upon us and I got a few events to go to. I hope to write a few entries as I can finish up season three.

Cool and Warm Runnings In Ottawa - S3E20

Finally, May has become my favorite month of the year again because of the mild and cool weather and it is the start of the festival season in Ottawa. As you see from the photo with Masia One, I checked out CBC Bandwidth live at Ottawa Race Weekend. The live taping was on May 24, 2008 and it included performances by Hilotrons, Amanda Rheaume and Abdominal.
Photos from the event are on my Flickr, http://www.flickr.com/photos/lenny-wu/sets/72157605236760760/. It was a great "live" taping and I did not expect to meet Masia One because I have her on Facebook and I think still on MySpace. I had kept in contact in some form for a couple of years. What was unexpectedly cool was that she gave me a DVD and CD of her music video and upcoming tracks from her album (to be release in June). Abdominal is another surprise because I watched an episode of R3TV where he went to England and chowed down on unusual foods. Here is the link from Youtube and warning, it is not for the weak or full stomach, R3TV Episode #38 - "Un-Rapped: A Food Diary". I told Abdominal that I liked video and I did not get grossed out. I was like wanting to crave on the foods he ate.
At the event, I was so worried about getting sunburned as there was no shade outside Ottawa City Hall. My feet were partially sunburned as I wore sandals for the whole day. My feet looks like tiger stripes and I should go back to wearing shoes for the time being. It is my first time to check out Ottawa Race Weekend and I was astounded by the amount people being out for this event.

Other past happenings, I went to watch Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull on Thursday. How did I think of the movie? It was an enjoyable film but I found the plot about the crystal skull to be silly. Still, it is worth watching at the theatres.
I still haven't watch Iron Man yet. Do not expect me to watch it.
That is all for now.

A Fun and Exciting First Saturday of May - S3E19

It has been an exciting Saturday to kick off May because I had a lion dance performance outside Parliament Hill. The performance was a rally planned by the university Chinese/International students associations in support of the Beijing Olympics. Photos from the event are on my Flickr, http://www.flickr.com/photos/lenny-wu/sets/72157604867054339/ At night, I went to the Rebekah Higgs (pictured on top) concert at Zaphod Beeblebrox. Even though her concert ended right at 11pm, it was a fantastic to say the least. The turnout was not as packed when I went to other gigs. Overall, she delivered a good concert.
What a way to kick off May. It started on Thursday, May 1st at The Bay in Rideau Centre for a lion dance performance to promote their Summer clothing and apparel for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Festival season in Ottawa has kicked off with the Canadian Tulip Festival. Our lion dance will be performing this Saturday (May 10). I don't know if Major's Hill Park is free to get in during The Canadian Tulip Festival.
I got my tickets for the Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest. I can't wait to see Feist again and check out the Canadian indie artists again too.

On Sunday afternoon, I was listening Brian Leung's program (in Cantonese) and I was so happy to hear Stay (Faraway, So Close!) by U2 and All Good Things (Come to an End) by Nelly Furtado. Stay is considered one of my favorite U2 songs. As for All Good Things (Comes to an End), it feels so 2007 and I haven't heard it for awhile.
Phew, that's all I have to cover for now.

Spring Has Sprung and Different Shoes - S3E18

Finally, Spring has arrived in Ottawa but it feels more like early Summer. On Thursday, it hit close to 20 degrees Celsius. After the snowstorm debacle in March, the warm temperature is a nice relief. The worse part is having to rake the front lawn. I am slowly recovering from my back pain.
On Thursday night, I went to the Born Ruffians with Young Rival and Giant Hand at Zaphod Beeblebrox. As you see from the photo on top, it was pretty hot at Zaphod's. After leaving Zaphod's, it was a relief to be outside and cool off.
Oh yea, I wore 3 pairs of shoes in the span of 2 days. I finally wore my adidas shoe. Here's a link to the past of the shoe, http://www.flickr.com/photos/lenny-wu/1184584939/in/set-72157601587641936/. I bought it back in December 2006 and haven't worn it since. For the shoes I wore for the Born Ruffians concert, it was the Converse shoes. I wanted to feel like the Tenth Doctor (Doctor Who). On Thursday morning, I wore the usual Asic blue shoes, which is becoming wrecked.
As I conclude, how could I forget the photos from the concert, here it is, http://www.flickr.com/photos/lenny-wu/sets/72157604601892883/. Have a good weekend.

Stars Concert in Ottawa from Thursday Night - S3E17

On Thursday night (April 3, 2008), Stars came to Ottawa for a gig at The Bronson Centre. The funny thing was that my bro and I decided to wait outside of the Bronson Centre at 3pm to get the front row seats. All the wait was somewhat worth it.
Overall, it was a great concert but I thought the sound coming from the mic didn't come out clearly. Still, the crowd was awesome and loud for Stars. Pictured above are Evan Cranley and Torquil Campbell. It was nice to wait outside at the back of the Bronson Centre and getting some autographs and photos with the members of Stars.
I was also wondering if my friend (shameless plug) who is in Boston had a chance to meet up with Stars when they were performing there. Hmmmm... I wish I could know about it.
Oh! I still love my new Roots hat. Gotta love that Castro/Che, Freedom hat. :)

Flickr link on the concert photos, http://www.flickr.com/photos/lenny-wu/sets/72157604377786988/

To finish off this entry, here is a clip from the concert via YouTube. I apologize for the shakiness of the camera.
The Night Starts Here


They are 4 other songs I also put up but I just decided to put it in a playlist, here is the link, http://ca.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=4BB54837CC28910B

5 Years On, Remembering Leslie Cheung - S3E16

It has been 5 years since Leslie Cheung's death and how time has flown by so fast. April 1st is always consider a sad day for fans of Leslie Cheung. For the past week, I kept thinking on what to write for the 3rd year about remembering Leslie Cheung. I hope I can come with a good entry for the 3rd year. Till this day, Leslie Cheung is still a popular performer, whether it is in acting or singing, he was one of a kind for talent. Nowadays, we see performers go for the money and it is no more on the performing for a living side.
As I was listening to a radio program from Hong Kong on the Internet sometime last week (March 24, 2008), this RTHK DJ said that fans still want to see him, listen to him and care about him. It almost brought me to tears when hearing 無需要太多 (English translation, Don't Need Too Much). All I can say that his music and movies will still live on forever.

I feel blessed that I have kept in contact with other DJs from Hong Kong about Leslie Cheung and other kinds of music. You know who you are if you get to read this.

Here are my previous entries from 2006 and 2007 on Leslie Cheung.

April 1st, 2006 Entry
April 1st, 2007 Entry

A Return to the Black Sheep Inn - S3E15

I never expected to go back to the Black Sheep Inn on Saturday night. I went to The Acorn's concert at the wonderful small venue in Wakefield, Quebec. It was another usual "surprise" of sorts to see Amanda Putz again! At least she was with her CBC Radio in Ottawa colleagues. I get to see Alan Neal in person for the second time (TV appearance doesn't count), but I don't know if he's getting used to seeing me.... yet. Although, I have him (well, his radio program) on MySpace to lean on for contacting.
I wasn't planning to go to The Acorn's concert until my bro begged to go and they recently returned from their US tour and attending SXSW Festival in Austin, Texas.
Prior to going to the concert, I spent some time going to Rideau Centre to kill time and unexpectedly buy something. As you see on the photo on top with Putzy and myself doing the gangster look, I got a new hat at Roots. Even though, I lucked on the CBC Radio 3 Castro, Freedom hat, I decided to go for the Roots hat that similarly looks like the R3 hat. I also saw Sarim at Rideau Centre and it helped me killed time as well. I only discussed about certain people and concerts I have been attending. I was, well still having back pain. It was great to see friends around and The Acorn concert did help my spirits up even though I am enduring back pain. The Acorn concert was very enjoyable and there was funny jokes during the gig.
How can I not forget about the photos via Flickr, http://flickr.com/photos/lenny-wu/sets/72157604310505423/

Basia Bulat in Ottawa Again - S3E14

On Thursday, I went to the Basia Bulat concert at Zaphod Beeblebrox. I was glad that Basia still remembers my bro and myself. Although, the funny thing was that she forgot my name. Another funny moment as we were checking Basia and her band were on sound check, I was standing near my bro and out of nowhere, Amanda Putz appears and I made a funny surprise gesture because she just came out of nowhere.
All in all, the concert with Katie Stelmanis and Amos The Transparent were excellent. I didn't expect to see a lot of people to see Basia Bulat. I am guessing Basia is becoming a word of mouth.
Here's the Flickr link from Thursday's gig. http://www.flickr.com/photos/lenny-wu/sets/72157604284974647/

Meeting Bands and Dealing With Snow in March - S3E13

I apologize for not having an entry for March and here I am trying to write an entry. All I can say that it has been a crazy time with the free time I still have.
There were a lot of things happening.
- March 7, I went to a friend's birthday dinner which also turned to clubbing later on. This was on the eve and start of the big snowstorm. Here's link via Flickr, http://www.flickr.com/photos/lenny-wu/sets/72157604072720403/
- March 8, I had a lion dance performance at Hilton Lac Leamy in Gatineau, QC. This was during the massive snowstorm that blanketed Ontario to the Maritimes. Here is the link to the photos, http://www.flickr.com/photos/lenny-wu/sets/72157604077374547/
- March 9, I got Super Smash Bros. Brawl for the Nintendo Wii, 'nuff said. Let's say that it was after the massive snowstorm and was barely able to get Super Smash Bros. Brawl.
- March 10, I got a chance to meet Immaculate Machine (pictured above) at an in-store performance. The band members are nice and I had a chance to chat with them before and after the concert. Here are photos from the performance, http://www.flickr.com/photos/lenny-wu/sets/72157604095038057/.
- March 13, I went to The National Gallery of Canada for this event called "Are You In?" It was a March Break event for the teens. I know I am not a teen but I came out in support of Amanda Putz and to check out The Love Machine because they are getting played on CBC Radio 3. I also got to see former MuchMusic VJ/host, Jennifer Hollett at the event. What I didn't know was that Amanda Putz had CBC Radio 3 goodies and I wanted to get the Castro, I mean Freedom hat, but I got a R3 t-shirt and R3 buttons with the 4 mascots instead. Here are photos from the event, http://www.flickr.com/photos/lenny-wu/sets/72157604110756164/

Coming up, I will be seeing Immaculate Machine again on Good Friday as they will be with Ladyhawk at Zaphod Beeblebrox. On Thursday March 27, I cannot wait to check out Basia Bulat again but at Zaphod Beeblebrox. Hopefully she still remembers from the Hayden concert back in January.
In early April, I will finally get to go to the Stars concert at the Bronson Centre.

Eventful Weekend - S3E12

What a weekend! Aside from the debacle on Friday, February 15, 2008. I did enjoy The Joel Plaskett Emergency concert at Winterlude Not to take pot shots at my friends (well, one of them), I just wish either opened up to any kind of Canadian independent music and try out CBC Radio 3.
After the concert, I had a chance to get meet Joel Plaskett and get picture with him as you from above the entry. I was also wondering if I find Amanda Putz at the concert but to no avail. :)
Here's some clips from the concert via YouTube. (Note: Does not work on Facebook's Note)

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Saturday night was one of a doozy. I had a birthday dinner and a lion dance performance. The birthday dinner was Avant Garde Bar in downtown Ottawa. They serve Russian food and usual drinks and liquors. I finally tried Absinthe because I have been curious for so long. The verdict? Oh my! It has a strong black licorice taste. I did not hallucinate. Don't worry if I was acting up or passed out drinking it. All in all, it was great to see people there for Saturday but missing were the people I know. Oh well, hopefully they better make it up to me.
As for the lion dance performance prior to returning to Avant Garde Bar and drinking Abinthe, it was for the Mauritius community of Ottawa and it was held at the Bob Macquarrie Recreation Complex in Orleans.
Here's the clip from the performance (in 2 parts);

Old Stomping Grounds - S3E11

On Saturday morning, I had another lion dance performance at a Chinese school I used to go. It was for their Chinese New Year activities at the Chinese school. I also had this feeling of nostalgia when returning to the Saturday school. All in all, the performance went out well. As you see on the photo on top, that was me doing the Northern Lion.

Another nostalgic moment was this past week when I got in contact with someone back from Chinese school. I really have a good memory when remembering people from the past and it feels nice to keep in touch.

Other funny things to mention in this entry.
I was listening to RTHK Radio 2 and was listening to a program called 百花爭艷二台靚歌喜迎春 (Reunion Songs Special). Alyson Hau was a guest on the show and I never knew she was nervous having to sing on radio, here is her blog entry, http://hk.myblog.yahoo.com/alysonhau/article?mid=1044

Due to ever unexpected programming changes at CBC Radio 3, I missed the first hour of Amanda Putz's program on web radio. Well, I got to listen on Sunday and I foolishly recorded it. Why? She said "Kung Hei Fat Choy."
Here's the Youtube clip;

Happy Chinese New Year - The Year of the Rat: S3E10

It's been awhile I have not written an entry since the beginning of 2008. All I can say it's Chinese New Year, Kung Hey Fat Choy! It's the year of the Rat.
Phew, I had 6 performances on Thursday. I will be sore for Friday.
First performance was at Royal Bank on Wellington Street and it went out pretty well.
Second performance was at Algonquin College at their food court to celebrate Chinese New Year for the international students.
Third performance was at retirement home. It was the first time to try out the smaller lion and using the costumed pants.
Fourth performance was at an elementary school near Carleton University. The children participated in becoming a lion. It was great to see smiles out of the children.
Fifth performance was at the Chinese Community building and the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration was on hand for Chinese New Year.
The sixth and final performance (pictured on top) was at Chu Shing Restaurant. It was for the Hong Kong Business Assocation Chinese New Year Banquet.
What a day to have lots of performances.
To finish off the entry, here is the clip from the Chu Shing Restaurant performance.

Bye-bye 2007, Hello 2008 and Other Song Leftovers from 2007 - S3E9

Happy 2008 and a first post to start off the new year. What I ended up doing on New Year's Eve?
In the morning of NYE, I was listening to Capital Radio from London, UK and they were counting down their Hall of Fame Top 500. Here's the link of their Top 500, http://www.capitalradio.co.uk/Article.asp?id=537028.
Yes, I did hear Stairway To Heaven by Led Zeppelin.

Got to check out the fireworks at Major's Hill Park at 18:57pm. It was The Grand Finale - Downtown Musical Fireworks. It was to close out the 150 Anniversary of Ottawa being chosen as Canada's capital. It was a cold time having to wait for it. At least the weather was not as bad. Overall, the fireworks were nice to watch.

Oh yea, from my music picks of 2007. I forgot to leave out some other songs that were popular but they were not part of my picks.

Irreplaceable by Beyonce. It is also Billboard Hot 100 Singles of the Year for 2007
Hey There Delilah by Plain White T's.
Beautiful Girls by Sean Kingston. Those two songs almost annoyed the heck out of me because they were overplayed like crazy
The Sweet Escape by Gwen Stefani featuring Akon.
Glamorous by Fergie featuring Ludacris.
Girlfriend by Avril Lavigne.
Suburban Knights by Hard-Fi.
LoveStoned/I Think She Knows by Justin Timberlake.
Icky Thump by The White Stripe.
Another album that I totally forgot is the excellent artist, M.I.A. She released her second album, Kala, with rave reviews.