Toronto and Peterborough, ON

I was in Toronto and Peterborough about a month ago, and instead of blogging about it, I figured I recap through posting a few pictures. Here goes:

I really wanted that T-shirt. Unfortunately, I couldn't find it in my size....




Chocolate!




Cool drinks with Sean and Moose.




Hot day: some offices had their windows opened, some not.




Detail of wooden staircase at the AGO.




Serena Ryder's mom, Barb, posing with Moose and me!




The infamous lift lock (the main reason I visited Peterborough - besides hanging out with Sean, and meeting Serena Ryder's mom).




I have my own street! ;)




Pretty lights (at a movie theater).

Bad Monkey plays Serena Ryder's "Stumbling over you"

After recording Bad Monkey's first rough demo in April, we realized there's plenty of room for improvement. I suggested we focus on playing other songs (new stuff) before going back and rehearsing the songs we want to record for the final demo. It works for me, and singer Mirthe attested it works for her, too. The drummer and bass player are fine with it and go along. We all suggested some songs we wanted to play and eventually picked 4 songs for the next rehearsals - which were last weekend.
I made one suggestion, shortly before I went on a short vacation: Serena Ryder's "Stumbling over you".

A couple of years ago, I had given Mirthe's boyfriend EJ a copy/complilation of Serena Ryder songs off all her albums, knowing he'd like it. So Mirthe's familiar with her music, but in order for the other two to rehearse the song I had to send them an MP3 file of the song (which I incidentally have).
I figured, since the last rehearsals would be amongst trips of various band members (everybody but the singer) and we had very little time to practice before getting together, you'd want a song to be simple - or easy to play. Hence my suggestion.

After playing a couple of songs to warm up Mirthe's vocal chords we played "Stumbling over you". I was pleased we had it down after two takes, but imagine my surprised when the others praised me for picked such a good song. They love it because it's (fairly) easy to play, but they also love the song for the song itself!

We unanimously decided that this song is going to be recorded for the final demo! :D

Afterwards we had dinner at a lovely place, where we reflected on the rehearsals and planned ahead. Knowing bass player Ester is also a Melissa Etheridge fan I sent her Serena Ryder's duet with Melissa called "Broken heart sun" via blue tooth, which Ester immediately made her new ring tone (her previous one is some Madonna song). Ester is now "converted" and a Serena fan as well. Her last album "Is it O.K." is (still) not available in the Netherlands, so Ester had to order it.

Join Dal in the Halifax Pride Parade

The Halifax Pride Parade is coming up fast, and Dal wants you to come show your pride by marching with us in the Parade. The theme this year is "Better Together" and will celebrate the 24th anniversary of the Parade. This year Dalhousie has been given the honour of carrying Ottawa's Pride flag, which measured 30' by 60' and covers almost a full city block! We are looking for a large, strong, Dalhousie contingent to participate in the parade as the Flag itself requires 40 people!

When: July 23rd, Parade Starts at 1:30 (meet at Noon)
Where: Bottom of Cornwallis and Upper Water Street

What does it mean if I march in the Parade?

Your participation in the pride parade demonstrates that you actively support the  Rainbow Community at Dalhousie and in the larger community. We encourage you to show your support for our diverse campus community. You are not outing yourself by marching in the parade because the parade is open to the LGBTTQ community and allies/supporters. As well, your family and friends are more than welcome to march with us. The more the merrier!


For more information please contact Sarah-Jo, in the Office of Human Rights, Equity and Harassment Prevention, at sarah.briand@dal.ca. Hope to see you there!!