WONDERFUL OPENING: Fabulous Nobodies on Isabella opened Saturday, with a private party that was just, well, fabulous. The club is a split level, restaurant / bar / cabaret space with a theatrical atmosphere. Caught on the stairs are [023-001, right] David Vallee, one of the three owners – all aged 26 – and vocalist Rhéni Tauchad, who performed during the evening. Making an appearance amongst us lesser mortals were [012-002, l-r] singer – and next big thing – Allison Chong and promoter of style Billy Delaine. Getting chummy up front was [012-003] Jonathan Morris, another one of the owners, flanked by Bill and Donavan, who “just adore Jonathan.” Overseeing the proceedings were [012-004, l-r] Scott Biltoft, who did the interior design at the club, actor Marie V. Cruz and Philip Scales, who’s the chef. About the name, says David Vallee “We’re all nobodies in God’s eyes.” The carousel of outtakes follows.
CREATIVE NON-RENEWAL: Prime Time, the CBC AM Radio show on popular culture, had a wake at the Rivoli last week. It was killed by the powers that be, not for bad ratings, but apparently because intelligent, critical commentary on the cutting edge of pop culture is not understood or desired by the suits in management. Among those taking time off from polishing their resumes were [023-015, l-r] film chat guy Kevin Courrier and the host of the show, Geoff Pevere. Smiling for the cameras were [023-016, l-r] correspondent Bernard Hellen, contributor, unstoppable pool man Lee Carter and creative consultant Gene Hughes. Showing support were [023-017, l-r] film professor Angela Stukator and filmmaker Kevin McMahon. Never before published view [023-018] of Kevin Courrier and Geoff Pevere.
OPEN THE COVER: Coach House Press released Gail Scott’s latest book Main Brides, her fourth, with a wine and cheese reception. The event attracted a mostly female crowd, with a few SNAGS (Sensitive New Age Guys) thrown in. In attendance were [023-019, l-r] the author, Gail Scott, and Coach House publisher Margaret McClintock. Reduced to tinkling the ivories at parties in bars is [023-020, r] William Kilbourn, founding president of the Word on the Street, seen with Coach House marketing manager Laura MacDonald. On hand to support a fellow writer were [023-021, l-r] authors Janice Williamson and Patricia Seaman. Main Brides is available at Longhouse Bookshop (note: permanently closed) on Bloor. Flip through the outtakes after.
DIG THIS! Dig Circus – your newest, latest, fave rave band – gave a “showcase performance” at Ultrasound to promote their latest CD, Shekkie II: Electric Boogaloo. The band [023-026, clockwise from upper right] James Julien, Mark Hansen (upside down), Brian Poirier, Larry Grimes, Dave MacKinnon and Dug Claxton, performed a brief set for the assembled media weasels and then a real rock ‘n’ roll show for the regular masses later in the evening. Taking time to rate the paté were [023-027, l-r] musicians Jamie Shields and Dan Kurtz of the Whetherman Groove Tube and Dylan Goodhue of Uncle Chaos. And the judges vote … Jamie, “a 7”; Dan, “a rock ’n’roll 4/4”; Dylan, “Quack.” Thanks, guys. Can you identify anyone [023-28 to 023-033] in the outtakes?
Steven Lungley(https://eyespytoronto.com)