Mitzi's Sister - Thurs July 10 - Tania Gill played Rhodes piano and Chris Banks did double bass
All Sass Lorraines's - Sat May 31 - Late night party with The Mood Swingers. Tania Gill keys - Chris Banks bass - Jesse Baird drums -
Mitzi's Sister - Thurs April 10, 2003 - Our first gig at the new digs, formerly Tennessee Tavern. Great food and beer and a nice, relaxing non-smoking room. We had Tania Gill on Rhodes piano, Chris Banks on upright bass and Beverly Taft on vocals.
MILES NADAL JCC FUNDRAISER - THE MOOD SWINGERS FOUR with FRED - tenor sax, BEVERLY - vocals, DAFYDD HUGHES - keys, CHRIS BANKS - upright bass - Thursday February 27th. The swingy foursome accompanied cocktailers at the start of a gala evening to benefit The Miles Nadal Dream Downtown. Sean Cullen emceed, the Toronto Symphony provided a quartet performance of Ravel, and delicious food prepared by Rhonda Litwack's Fine Food was be served.
LISA'S CAFE - Beverly Taft & Roland Hunter - Sunday January 19th, 2003 - jazz brunch! - Lisa and staff broke records as Beverly & Roland played 3 sets to a full house of gnoshers and brunchers. More details about LISA'S at Lisa's Cafe .
2002 SHOWS:
THE REX HOTEL JAZZ & BLUES BAR - Beverly Taft Quartet - Sunday December 29th, 2002 - Beverly and the inimitable Gordon Webster on piano, along with bassist Rob McBride and drummer Jesse Baird had a great time cooking through 3 sets of swingin' standards and latin numbers for a capacity crowd. City TV was there! Were you?! Visit The Rex for more info about the live music that the Rex hosts seven days a week.
LE COMMENSAL fine vegetarian cuisine - Beverly Taft & Roland Hunter - Wednesday December 11th - Beverly & duo partner Roland (guitar) were very pleased to entertain at one of the best vegetarian food venues in the city. Our 3 sets focussed on palatable standards, ballads & a few holiday numbers. Hope to return in 2003!
TIMOTHY'S COFFEE WORLD - Beverly Taft with Rizaldo
Padilla on guitar - Thursday November 14 & Thursday December 5th - Beverly & Riz performed two sets of favourite standards, ballads & latin numbers for an all ages crowd imbibing juice, tea, coffee and sweet treats with their jazz!
BISTRO CREATIONS - Beverly Taft & Roland Hunter - Friday November 8 with Ron Grant, November 22nd through December 20th with Chris Banks, Alex Coleman & Ka-Cheong Liu - 35 Baldwin St. - Following our very well attended inaugural show at this Baldwin St.restaurant, we were invited back for a five week run (in the cozy bckroom with the fireplace!), and we'll be there in January, too!
MITZI'S SISTER - THE MOOD SWINGERS FOUR! - Thursday November 7 - The swingy Parkdale quartet (featuring Chris Banks on upright bass and Dafydd Hughes on keys) entertained a capacity crowd of local diners and beer tasters at this excellent neighbourhood eatery.
CAMERON HOUSE - DJ BEEBARI - Wednesday November 6th - The return of local vinyl spinner, DJ BEEBARI (that's me, BT) was met with controlled enthusiasm by the usually blase Queen West-ers. Old wave and '80s nostalgia dominated the mix, with a healthy dose of Xavier Cugat and Ike & Tina.
PRINCESS OF WALES THEATRE - DAVID SUZUKI LECTURE - THE HUMAN ELEMENT TOUR - THE MOOD SWINGERS FOUR! - Monday November 4th - Canada's favourite environmentalist chose Toronto as his launch city for this awareness campaign about the impact each of us has on the planet. The multi-media presentation included Randy Bachman and K-OS as well as a special pre- and post-show performance in the lobby by The MooD Swingers Four! Visit David Suzuki Foundation for details about this active campaign.
LISA'S CAFE - Beverly Taft & Roland Hunter
- Sunday October 20th - Beverly and Roland were happy to return to a full house of brunchers and gnoshers, who seemed to enjoy 3 sets of jazzy tunes and plenty of Lisa Shamai's good eats. Visit Lisa's Cafe for more info.
MEZZROW'S - Beverly Taft Quartet - Sunday September 29 - Beverly and company (guitar fave Roland Hunter, upright bassist Chris Banks and percussionist Alex Porter) had a great time settling into this tried and true Parkdale watering hole with 3 sets of goodtime jazz, ballads and latin numbers.
A neighbourhood favourite!
TIMOTHY'S COFFEE WORLD - Beverly Taft with Rizaldo
Padilla - Thursday Sept 19 - Beverly & Riz were together again on the patio with two sets of favourite standards, ballads & latin numbers serenading all the strolling moms and dads!
THE REX JAZZ & BLUES BAR - Beverly Taft Quartet - Sunday September 15 - Lucky Beverly was joined by a stellar rhythmm section consisting of: pianoman Gord Webster, upright bassist Chris Banks and Jesse Baird on drums. Look for them to return in January! Check out The Rex Jazz Bar for their complete schedule.
LIBERTY STREET CAFE - Beverly Taft & Rizaldo
Padilla - Saturday August 17 - Beverly & Riz entertained patio diners with 3 sets of intimate ballads, standards and latin numbers.
METRO UNITED CHURCH - The Mood Swingers Four!
- Monday August 12 - The swingy & kooky foursome (featuring Roland Hunter on guitar & Ka-Cheong Liu on upright bass) braved the hot sun to provide one hour of free lunchtime entertainment as part of the annual Summer in the Park series. Look for us next year as well!
THE REX JAZZ & BLUES BAR - Miriam Snider & Dave Restivo
with Lisa Particelli & Beverly Taft - Saturday August 10
Swell singer Miriam generously invited us keen vocalists to perform in a "Round Robin" with one of the best piano players in the country!!
MITZI'S SISTER - THE MOOD SWINGERS FOUR!
- Thursday August 1 - 1500 Queen St. W, west of Sorauren.
The swingy Parkdale quartet (featuring Chris Banks on upright bass and Dafydd Hughes on keys) entertained diners, dancers and imbibers at this excellent neighbourhood eatery.
CAMERON HOUSE - DJ Beebari!
- Wednesday July 24 - "Waxmaster" Beverly carted a very large box of vinyl and had a great time
spinning fave music of her youth and beyond. Watch for her return in the fall!
METRO UNITED CHURCH - THE MOOD SWINGERS FOUR!
- Monday July 15, 2002 - This happy foursome returned Queen E. & Church St.
for a lunchhour concert under sunny skies.
GATE 403 - Wednesday June 26, 2002
Beverly Taft & sax great Bob Mover with Dan Gaynor (from Portland, Oregon) on piano -
Beverly and American "jazz icon" Bob Mover (on sax & voice) hit this
westend jazz spot for the Downtown Jazz Festival, with the talented young Dan Gaynor on piano,
all the way from Portland, Oregon. Check out
Gate 403 for further info about this
restaurant and live jazz & blues venue.
SAX ON YONGE - Wednesday June 19 - Beverly Taft Quartet
featuring Gord Webster, Rob McBride & Jesse Baird -
Beverly was thrilled to have this awesome band with Gord on piano,
Rob on bass and Jesse on drums in this loungy new venue. Look for this grouping together again soon!
WHAT A COVER, GIRL! - Friday June 14, 2002 - A host of female singers
who live in Parkdale, including Beverly Taft (with Rizaldo Padilla on guitar) - This great
neighbourhood event, started by Lori Yates at the 5th annual Parkdale Then & Now Festival
was resurrected (after a one-year hiatus) by local singer Katharine Hume.
Great night of music! Watch for it next year!
LISA'S CAFE - Beverly Taft with Roland Hunter on guitar
- Sunday June 2nd - jazz brunch! - Lucky brunchers enjoyed delicious food (including Lisa Shamai's
excellent strata!) while we entertained.
LIBERTY STREET CAFE - Friday May 24 - Beverly Taft with Roland Hunter on guitar - Beverly & Roland had a great time at this lovely Liberty Village restaurant with 3 sets of jazz standards for optimum dining pleasure.
Visit Liberty Street Cafe for more info.
MEZZROW'S - Sunday May 5 - Beverly Taft Quartet with Roland Hunter on guitar, Ka-Cheong Liu on upright bass
& Daniel Holowachuk on drums.
This quartet barrelled through three sets of lesser known swing standards and latin numbers, plus a few
carefully chosen ballads, all under the watchful eye of sax master (and guest) Bob Mover. We were lucky to have Bernie Blue
play some soprano sax for us,too. Good beer, good bar food & friendly staff. We plan to return near summer's end.
TIMOTHY'S COFFEE WORLD - Beverly Taft with
Nathan Hiltz on guitar - Thursday April 25 -
Beverly & Nate provided coffee and tea drinkers with two sets of jazz tunes, handpicked for this intimate spot.
REX JAZZ & BLUES BAR - Beverly Taft Trio with Gordon Webster on piano
& Ka-Cheong Liu on upright bass with special guest Bob Mover on saxophone! -
Sunday April 14 - A good time was had by all at Beverly's inaugural show at this celebrated jazz establishment.
She and the boys will be back again at The Rex in August.
Check out The Rex Jazz Bar for their complete
schedule.
GATE 403 -
Beverly Taft & sax great Bob Mover with Gordon Webster on piano -
Saturday April 6 - Beverly was very happy to share a bill with American jazz icon Bob Mover (on sax & voice)
& local pianoman Gord Webster. Th capacity crowd seemed pleased as well! Check out
Gate 403 for more info about this restaurant and live jazz & blues venue.
TIMOTHY'S COFFEE WORLD - Beverly Taft with Rizaldo
Padilla on guitar - Thursday March 28 -
Beverly & Riz returned with two sets of favourite standards, ballads & latin numbers.
L'ARTE BAR & GALLERY - Beverly Taft with Gordon Webster on piano - Saturday March 23 -
Over the din of a very noisy barroom, Gordon took Beverly through 3 sets of swingin' standards, lovely ballads,
and some latin numbers, too.
L'ARTE BAR & GALLERY - Bob Mover & Friends - Thursdays from February 21 - March 28
Beverly appeared weekly with Bob at this cozy local bar, along with neighbourhood
favourite Bernie Blue on soprano sax, and sometime guests, guitarist Roland Hunter and Fred on tenor.
MITZI'S SISTER - THe MooD SWiNgeRs fOur! - Thursday February 28 -
Our inaugural gig at this tasty & inviting new restaurant in the 'hood, (offspring of mother Mitzi's on Sorauren), featuring
"swing upstarts" Richard Powrie on upright bass and Rizaldo Padilla on guitar, with very special guest Archie Blair
on trombone.
LIBERTY STREET CAFE - Beverly and guitarist Roland Hunter - Saturday February 16 -
Beverly and Roland played through three sets of '30s & '40s standards, latin tunes and sophisticated
ballads for diners & cocktailers at this elegant neighbourhood restaurant. Big menu - delicious food.
Visit Liberty Street Cafe for more info.
CADILLAC LOUNGE - THe MooD SWiNgeRs fOur! - Thursday February 14 - A Saint Valentine's Love & Hate Extravaganza -
The evening began with very special guest, BARBARA LYNCH on piano and vocals. So moved to
have this wonderful performer set the tone for us, sharing her original music and great
stories. We also featured guest duetists (Teresa Kelly, Tracey Adams, Sara-Jeanne Hosie and Pinky Love) in addition to our hot rhythm section:
Ka-Cheong Liu (on upright bass) and on guitar, (Rizaldo Padilla). The capacity crowd was
still asking for more at 1:30 a.m!
TIMOTHY'S COFFEE WORLD - Beverly with Rizaldo Padilla on guitar - Thursday February 14 -
This was a warm-up gig just before Beverly & Riz joined fellow Mood Swingers over at the Cadillac for
the Valentine's extravaganza! (see above for details)
L'ARTE BAR & GALLERY - Beverly and Gordon Webster (piano) - Thursday February 7
Beverly and the indefatigible Gordon Webster hosted a busy, singer-filled jazz jam session at this
neighbourhood bar. Look for this team to return in late April!
TIMOTHY'S COFFEE WORLD - Bev & Riz - Thursday January 17, 2002 -
Beverly and quick & clever guitarist Rizaldo Padilla hit this intimate spot for two sets
of latin and jazz standards, chosen especially for coffee and tea drinkers.
CADILLAC LOUNGE - THe MooD SWiNgeRs fiVe! - Thursday December 13, 2001 -
This holiday show featured Brodie West (ZebraDonk) on percussion, Mr. Jay Clarke
(Bugnite, Guh, Gesundheit) on upright bass and, on guitar, ex-MOLESTIC Sam Petite.
After a spirited set of novelties, wintry standards and depression era ditties, we
turned the stage over to Sam & His Musical Daredevils who kept the eager crowd
hopping til after 2 am!!
LEOPARD LOUNGE - Beverly Taft Trio - Wednesday November 14 -
130 Dundas St. W., (formerly Sai Woo restaurant)
Beverly, bassist Ka-Cheong Liu and piano player Gordon Webster
spent a lovely evening on jazz standards, ballads and bossa nova numbers,
days before this short-lived venue bit the dust (and bounced the cheque!) R.I.P.
LEOPARD LOUNGE - Beverly Taft & Her Swell Fellas - Wednesday October 31st - HALLOWE'EN EXTRAVAGANZA -
Fearless bassist Ka-Cheong Liu and intrepid piano player Ron Davis lent their support yet again, for a very special
celebration of all hallow's eve, with costumed revellers, prizes, and dancing! Swingin' saxes were: Brodie West on alto
(also doubling on percussion), fave fella Fred Spek on tenor & Jay Baird on baritone! Swell Sam Petite and wailin' Waylen Miki
expanded our rhythm section. Lovely vocalist Terra Hazelton even hopped up and sang a song for us! Chef Cameron Bellamy provided party food, Joe and the gang sprung for loot bags and lots of candy and door prizes from Otani Shiatsu Clinic & others!
LEOPARD LOUNGE - The Beverly Taft Trio - Saturday October 6th - 130 Dundas St. W.,-
Flanked by pianist Ron Davis and upright bassist Chris Banks, Beverly croaked through 3 sets of tunes,
despite her throat infection. The indefatigible San Murata appeared like an angel with his violin about 11 pm
and made merry with the band until bedtime. Hurray for jazz cats sitting in!
THE PILOT - Monday September 24 7-9 pm 22 Cumberland -
Poet Extraordinaire, Stuart Ross, launched his new
collection of poems, Razovsky at Peace, along with colleague Maggie Helwig's
first novel, Where She Was Standing. Savvy Stuart selected
The Mood Swingers Four! (featuring guitarist Sam Petite & double bassist
Ka-Cheong Liu) as the evening's musical entertainment. Naturally the
two writers read tantalizing excerpts from their new works in between sets.
Check out Taddle Creek and/or
ECW Press for more lit info.
LEOPARD LOUNGE - The Beverly Taft Trio - Saturday September 15th - 130 Dundas St. W.,-
Beverly hit the bar with Ron Davis on keys and Chris Banks on upright bass.
What an atmosphere for cocktail-ing, appetizer-ing and lounging around!
LEOPARD LOUNGE - Saturday August 25 - The Beverly Taft Trio -
Pianist Ron Davis & bassist Ka-Cheong Liu supported
Beverly again at this swell jazz and cocktail lounge, formerly SAI WOO restaurant.
SUMMER IN THE PARK SERIES - Tuesday August 21 - METRO UNITED CHURCH
The Mood Swingers Four gave their second free lunch hour concert at this excellent
summer series. Our regular fella, Ka-Cheong Liu was on upright and, filling in for
"Sugar Fingers" Sam Petite (off with a broken hand!!!) was the very capable Kevin Manaugh.
This concert had been scheduled for August 8th, but had to be cancelled on that date because
of smog, humidity, UV and all those pollution factors that are part of our modern urban society.
What a world!!
TRANZAC CLUB - Friday July 20 - Swell players Alfons Fear (electric bass)
& Rizaldo Padilla (guitar) joined us for three sets in this historic old watering hole.
LEOPARD LOUNGE - Saturday July 14 - The Beverly Taft Trio -
Pianist Ron Davis & bassist Ka-Cheong Liu teamed up for
Beverly's first evening at this new jazz spot. Lovely decor - used to be
Sai Woo restaurant and is now loungy and cozy and outfitted with a baby grand piano!
Bev's trio perform jazz and popular standards mostly from outside
The Mood Swingers' repertoire.
SUMMER IN THE PARK - Friday July 6, 2001 - The Mood Swingers Four, featuring Ka-Cheong Liu on upright bass
and Sam Petite on guitar were very happy to play in the sunny park for the
Metro United Church's free outdoor lunchtime concert series.
GAY PRIDE - Sunday June 24, 2001 - Swing specialists Rizaldo Padilla (guitar) and
Ka-Cheong Liu (accoustic bass) completed our foursome as we participated in one of the biggest
summer celebrations in the city.
Tuesday May 29, 2001 - Graffiti's - Very hot rhythm section, upright bassist Ka-Cheong Liu
and guitarist Sam Petite wound up this series with us and speshal special guest Brian Cram
on trumpet. Some magical moments and a fitting end to our three months in this cozy
Kensington cabaret spot.
Tuesday May 22, 2001 - Graffiti's - Our last evening with the "swing brothers" (Alfons Fear
on electric bass and Ka-Cheong Liu on keys) was made even more memorable by the swingin'
sounds of Bernie Singer's soprano sax.
Tuesday May 15, 2001 - Graffiti's - Fred and a couple of "brassy" friends (Dave Powell on sax
and Brian Cram on various trumpets) were supported by Rizaldo Padilla on guitar,
Alfons Fear on electric bass and Eric Bouchard on drums, with even some singing by Mike Hopkins!
Tuesday May 8, 2001 - Graffiti's - Our "Swing-a-ding-ding" evening featured Ka-Cheong Liu
on piano and Rizaldo Padilla on guitar and a special appearance by the very lovely Tracey Adams,
who sang two fine numbers for us. Keep an eye out for her!
Tuesday May 1, 2001 - Graffiti's - Two dreamy BUGNITE men (Jason Clarke on upright bass
and Mike Hopkins on guitar) made a foursome of us in celebration of Duke Ellington's
birthday 102 years ago.
Tuesday April 24, 2001 - Graffiti's - "Swing brothers" Ka-Cheong Liu (keys) and
Alfons Fear (bass) were at it again. Guitarist pal Rizaldo Padilla dropped by and
sat in on bass, freeing up Alfons to blow his sweet trumpet for us. What a night!
Tuesday April 17, 2001 - Graffiti's - The mighty Alfons Fear returned with his bass to
shake some action, accompanied by the one and only Sam Petite, on guitar. We were
treated to some of Sam's sweet and smart originals, too.
Tuesday April 10, 2001 - Graffiti's - Those kooky "swing brothers" (Alfons Fear on
bass and Ka-Cheong Liu on keys) were our rhythm section as we celebrated Kari's
birthday with requests like Gloomy Sunday and Cry Me a River.
Tuesday April 3, 2001 - Graffiti's - BUGNITE men Jason Clarke (upright bass) and
Mike Hopkins (guitar) kept the time and the groove for us. BUGNITE trumpetman Brian
Cram blew some sweet wa wa our way, too. Fine fellas, all - hope to see 'em again soon.
Tuesday March 27, 2001 - Graffiti's - Bassist (and fine trumpeter) Alfons Fear and pianoman
(and bassist) Ka-Cheong Liu were "the swing brothers" for the evening and will likely return
with more spirited fun soon.
Tuesday March 20, 2001 - Graffiti's - Fave ex-Molestic Sam Petite (guitar) and
Alfons Fear (who plays with more bands than we could name here) on bass were our hot
rhythm section for the night. Dave Powell joined Fred in our tenor sax section for
some especially sweet harmonies.
Tuesday March 13, 2001 - Graffiti's - Piano player Ron Davis took us through some of our
nuttier novelty tunes from the depression era and beyond. The horn section was
enriched by the ole time sound of Bernie Singer's soprano sax playing.
Tuesday March 6, 2001 - Graffiti's - Hot swing bassist Ka-Cheong Liu and ex-Molestics
guitarist Sam Petite supported us for our inaugural Tuesday at this intimate Kensington spot.
There will be other nights like this - looking forward to them!
Friday Jan 19, 2001 - Cafe May - Loyal locals celebrated Keiko's 27th year in business!
Raw oysters and other delectables pleased the capacity crowd.
Saturday Dec 30 2000 - Lee's Palace - Jay Clarke
(upright bass) and Brodie West (banjo-uke) joined us opening for Greg
Clarke's Lucky Bastard. The real openers were bellydancing temptresses, The
Jinglebellies!.
Saturday Sept 30 - Cameron Public House - With Sam Petite on guitar
and Joel Allen on the drum kit. Opening act Sandra Flores warmed our hearts.
Friday Aug 11 - Cafe May - Proprietor Keiko was in fine form; the room filled
to capacity; the midnight feast of sushi and tempura incomparable (and the band
played on).
Saturday July 29 - Cadillac Lounge - Fun night! Special guest Jeff Beardall
(LoFiHi guitarist), donned a sombrero and crooned along with Beverly on "South of
the Border"!
Saturday July 1 - Cadillac Lounge - Good showing at this new Parkdale Spot
(formerly "Links").
Friday June 30 - Cafe May - A slice of Alpine life...
Tuesday June 27 - Metro United Church "Summer in the Park" - Free lunch hour concert
on a sunny day was enjoyed by park regulars and many visitors, too.
Sunday June 18 - Marcella's (on the waterfront) in Barrie - As part of Barrie's
Jazz & Blues Festival.
Saturday June 17 - All Sass Lorraine Gallery - Late night shindig! Lotsa fun!
Friday June 16 - What A Cover, Girl! - As part of Parkdale's Then & Now Festival,
Lori Yates organized a night of women singers, including the lovely Beverly Taft
who was accompanied by Colman Jones on piano.
Friday May 26 - Cafe May - Our first night at this local restaurant where both
German and Japanese food are prepared and served. It's nutty and charming!
Sunday May 14 - Scarborough Civic Centre Free Mother's Day concert. Plenty of
Moms in attendance!
Friday May 12 - Graffiti's - Our second gig here came complete with the sound
effects of nature's fury.
What a thunder crack during Pack Up Your Sins! Thanks to door-openers Tara &
Michael!
Sunday Feb 13 & Mon 14 - The Tennessee - Two nights at this tavern in Parkdale.
St. Valentine spoke to us and said, "Play love songs!", so we did.
Friday Feb 11 - Graffiti's - Our first gig at this club in Kensington Market was
a real Love-in!
Good friends Graham Hollings and Mark Connery greeted folks at the door.
Sam, who runs the joint, says we should come back in the spring.
.......1999......
Friday - Dec 17 - Holy Joe's - 50 year veteran of magic and illusion, MR.
MAGICIAN opened our date on the upper floor of The Big Bop.
Crooner George Westerholm (of SINPHONIC) sang a few duets with Beverly as well.
Saturday - Dec 11 - Jazz Cafe & Lounge - We headed up to Barrie Ontario for a
gig at this newly opened downtown nightclub.
Mike, Rebecca and the staff were real swell, and we hope to return soon!
Wednesday - Sept 22 - Cameron - With those nutty purveyors of Hokum tunes, THe
MOLESTiCS...a night to be remembered. Ask Mike.
Saturday - June 26 - The 360 Club - THe MooD SWiNgeRS opened for local surf/spy
quartet, SINPHONIC at the Royal Legion Hall a.k.a.
The 360. Also on the bill were local rockabilly combo LUCKY STRIKE, playing their
1st show ever!
Saturday June 19 - Parkdale's THEN & NOW Festival - THe MooD SWiNgeRs were happy
to join a stellar line-up of 14 acts including Michael Keith, Martin Tielli Band,
Lori Yates and Act Uv Dawg for this annual street festival. We had a great time!
top
Wednesday - June 2 - Cameron Public House - The MooD SWiNgeRs joined those very
BLUE MARTIANS at the good ol' Cameron. A "Caution Production".
Saturday March 20 - Horseshoe Tavern - THe MooD SWiNgeRS got their foot in at the
legendary 'shoe opening for local "King of Cocktail", Jaymz Bee and his Royal
Jelly Orchestra. Marvellous MC Roger Clown hosted the show and sang a few
numbers as did the awesome Beehive Singers, before "The Bee" and his RJO took
over. Lots of fun and THe MooD SWiNgeRS were bee-dazzled to be part of it.
Thursdays in February - Holy Joe's - 4 nights of variety from THe MooD SWiNgeRS
and guests. Proceeds went to The Daily Bread Food Bank:
Mr. Magician Feb
4
George Westerholm Feb 11
Zebradonk Feb 18
Dub Enforcement Agency
Feb 25
Thanks to Rich Konik for being such a charming doorman!
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.......1998......
Tuesdays in December & January - Planet Kensington - THe MOOD SWiNgeRS and
dancing patrons cheered up this venerable watering hole despite the cold and ice.
January 12th, they were joined by CornDogs lead singer Greg Clarke with a solo
accoustic act.
Fridays in December, January & February - Rancho Relaxo - THe MooD SWiNgeRS
happily gave diners and drinkers two free sets of novelty numbers and standards
while staff served the all-new MOOD SLING to the lucky attendees. A
'lovesickness' tribute to St. Valentine finished the series on Fri Feb 12. We'll
be back at R.R. in the future!
Fri Nov 27 - Indigo Cafe - The Shrieking Violets, a fun and folky
guitar/accordion duo featuring Sandra Flores and Clarissa DeYoung, joined THe
MooD SWiNgeRs for a triple bill with solo singer/guitarist RUCK.
Wed Nov 25 - Reverb - As part of Liquid Mercury's "Alien Ball" record release
soirŽe, the duo played a short set for an enthusiastic earthling crowd .
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Sun Nov 8 - Planet Kensington seemed just that - another planet ! - as the duo
played 2 nerve-racked (but fun!) sets amidst drunken dancing patrons, breaking
glasses and CITY-TV's Live Eye Entertainment Crew (with host Claudia DiFolco).
Sat Oct 24 - Holy Joe's was the spot for a hot night of tunes and trivia from
the SWiNgeRS and grooviness from Dub Enforcement Agency (regular horns Neil
Gardiner & Alphonse Fear were joined by alto-saxist extraordinaire Richard
Underhill, fresh off The Reverb stage with The Royal Jelly Orchestra).
Wed Oct 7 - The Cameron Public House saw THe MooD SWiNgeRs open for exciting jazz
punksters BRAiNO. This five-piece outfit features Soon, ex-bassist of the
infamous Polkaholics, as well as Chris Gehman on alto sax and Dave Chokroun on
cello (and occasional trumpet) and more. The new BRAiNO CD is in stores now!
Thurs Sep 17th, the Relaxo Lounge once again hosted THe MooD SWiNgeRs, this time
on a FREE double bill with surf/spy trio SINPHONIC. The crowded room even
included SinPhonic frontman George Westerholm's parents and aunt from Winnipeg!
top
Sat July 25th, THe MooD SWiNgeRS headed out to Long Beach, Ontario to help Al's
Mini-Golf (just a stone's throw from Lake Erie!) celebrate 52 years in business
with an all-day event featuring face-painting, discount mini-golf and all kinds
of food - including pizza, poutine and 20 flavours of ice cream - and even Wally
the Walrus giving out balloons! THe MooD SWiNgeRS provided music for all ages
with matinee and evening performances. We'll be back next year!
Thurs July 23rd, THe MooD SWiNgeRS moseyed back into the Relaxo Lounge for their
last Toronto gig until September. Spacy pop trio THE BLUE MARTIANS warmed up the
audience with a set of originals which ended with a funny noisy take on the
Batman theme!
THe MooD SWiNgeRS celebrated happy hour with two sets of danceable and drinkable
ditties for a mellow Sunday (July 12th) at Rancho Relaxo.
top
Wednesday July 8th, THe MooD SWiNgeRS paired up with the DUB ENFORCEMENT AGENCY
for an evening of retro and laidback grooves at The Cameron House on Queen St. W.
Trombone player Neil Gardiner (of Klave y Kongo) was an added bonus. (He and
trumpeter Alfonse also joined DEA for their set which included tunes like "A
Fistful of Dub" and "Take Five". Great grooves.)
THe MooD SWiNgeRS hit the Rancho Relaxo with guest whistler John Porter and
guitar star Sandra Flores on Friday June 19th. Lotsa variety - what a shoo!
Thanks to bartender Mars for the very fine tequila sunrises.
Wednesday June 17th, the swingin' duo finished up the Liquid Love Lounge at the
Big Bop, following acts like Trans Love Airways and Meredeath. Dancers were up
and hopping despite the late hour.
Saturday June 13th, Fred and Beverly joined the 2nd annual Indie Schmoozefest at
The Weave with the Garden Weasels from Denver, Colorado, rapper Damir and his
dancers, songwriter Andrea Fields and many more. See photog Billy Warhol's site
for swell pix: www.partypix.net
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Friday & Saturday June 5th & 6th, THe MooD SWiNgeRS swung out to St. Catharines,
Ontario for a two-night stand at bar and eatery Beantrees. Local paper, PULSE
NIAGARA did a feature on the duo.
Thursday May 21st THe MooD SWiNgeRS checked back into RanchO RelaxO for another
session, this time along with Dodge Fiasco and Johnny LaRue. They did 1 whole set
of wacky numbers for the ReLaXo Lounges' grand opening party.
THe MooD SWiNgeRS checked into RanchO RelaxO, a very new, very red, very stucco,
loungy College Street venue (formerly Don Quixote's - O-lay!) for three sessions
of novelty numbers, latin tunes and swell standards on the night of May 15th.
Fred and guest Joe Kilmartin celebrated the birthdate they share with the late
great Liberace.
Holy Joe's played host to THe MooD SWiNgeRS and star trombonist Neil Gardiner on
Saturday May 9th for three free sets of standards, novelty tunes and latin
numbers. Neil also joined the duo for an Ellington tribute (a belated birthday
barnburner) and the lucky crowd enjoyed crunchy snacks and laff bags. A special
unnannounced guest was whistler extraordinaire John Porter. The Super 8
filmmaker blew sublimely on The Sukiyaki Song. This gig even rated a clip on
City TV's entertainment news. Everywhere!
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The Liquid Love Lounge (newly relocated to Club Shanghai) invited THe MooD
SWiNgeRS to join an exciting and eclectic line-up of local talent in a
fundraising benefit for CIUT 89.5 FM, Wednesday April 15th. Christina was a
fabulous hostess (with the mostest) as always, introducing acts like Dirty
Babette, Ligmot and her own hot band, Liquid Mercury.
Wednesday April 8th, THe MooD SWiNgeRS opened for Ottawa's EverEnder in the
backroom of The Cameron. Full house, and DJ Mikey Hillis spinning groovy vinyl
in the front room. Thanks to Melanie Kaye at Caution Productions for setting
this up!
Wednesday, March 11th, The Generator (corner of Queen & Ossington) celebrated
its final week of operation with LIQUID LOVE LOUNGE (moving to Club Shanghai)
hosted by Christina of Liquid Mercury.Ę The line-up included local talents
Corpusse, Pretty Green Machine, Dirty Babette and THe MooD SWiNgeRS. DJ Vynny
Vynyl spun discs as patrons and performers chowed down on a free spaghetti dinner
(and salad!) before the bands took the stage.
Barry Brown's MAXIMUM CABARET played host to THe MooD SWiNgeRS and a diverse
roster of comics and music at the 360 Legion Hall, Sunday March 8th. Fun show -
small but enthusiastic crowd.
Friday February 27th, THe MooD SWiNgeRS and guests performed upstairs in The Big
Bop at HOLY JOE'S. The evening began with Bev and her mom, Ms. Marjorie Taft (a
jazz and popular piano player) churning out a cowgirl medley, and Fred horning in
on the last coupla numbers. Special guest in between 2nd and 3rd sets was the
fabulous belly dancer, Margarita Jansuzian. She put on a great show and gave the
free evening of entertainment another dimension. We'll be back in that loungy
twinkly room in the future.
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Saturday, January 31st, funky art space SYMPTOM HALL (160 Claremont) was the site
of a Churla Burla hosted event, featuring Super 8 films by Stacey Case, an art
installation, videos, deejay Peter and live music by THe MooD SWiNgeRS upstairs
and Numb (& others) downstairs.
On Tuesday, January 27 THe MooD SWiNgeRS performed for the Launch Party of
ARTFOCUS magazine's winter issue. The event was hosted by Sassafraz Bar and
Bistro in Yorkville.
On January 17, THe MooD SWiNgeRS teamed up with noisy jazz punksters BRAINO
& straight up garage rockers DECOY for a very affordable night of very diverse
local talent at The Lion at Augusta and College. In between sets, interested
audience members dug the retro videos of Lionel Hampton, Mel Torme and other
swingin' players on the big screen teevee.
Thursday January 8th, SINPHONIC invited THe MooD SWiNgeRS to join them and
PARTS UNKNOWN for an exciting triple bill on the main floor of the BIG BOP. We
were delighted to join these fun, quirky and even danceable bands for a great
night out. Manager Dominic even asked THe MOoDSWiNgeRS to play a night
upstairs at Holy Joe's!
Wednesday January 7th, THe MooD SWiNgeRS swung into the back room of The
Cameron House with guests BLUE CHEEZ (aka Cookiehead Wilson & Lameknee
Johnson), comedienne Brigitte Gall & her guitar and Klave y Kongo trombonist
Neil Gardiner. It was a very hot night of honkin' horns & chocolate cake in the
first set from Neil & Fred, old blues numbers and some bluesy twists on familiar
pop tunes (thanks to BLUE CHEEZ), very funny stories and songs from Ms. Gall and
more Latin numbers and novelty tunes to close the evening.
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.......1997.......
Sunday December 14, The MooD SWiNgeRS played at the 360 club (326 Queen St.
W., Toronto) following the Super Super 8 Film Festival. This was a Pleasure Dome
event, and also featured music by the Urban Refuse Group (as live accompaniment
to some of the films) and the exciting 5 piece outfit, BRAINO.
A capacity crowd saw THe MooD SWiNgeRS open for acid-jazz funksters ATOMIC
GROOVE at Twiggy Cafe (232 Queen St.W. , Toronto) Saturday Nov 15th.
Wednesday October 29th, THe MooD SWiNgeRS celebrated a new issue of INK
Magazine along with writer Derek McCormack, tundra enthusiast Esther Chang
and poet Noam. Bar Inferno at 783 Queen St. W. hosted this arts and lit event,
which also featured Super 8 footage with guitar by Terry Odette and Neil Clark.
Sunday October 26th, THe MooD SWiNgeRS performed for the hungry public at The
Midtown West Bar & Grill on College St. (west of Euclid).
In September,
THe MooD SWiNgeRS
joined
Tuxedomoon
co-founder Steven Brown and avant-garde duo
Weird Library of Art
for an evening of music, film and video at Toronto's
Symptom Hall. The late night audience was appreciative indeed - some inspired
hipsters even took to the dance floor!
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