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.