If you look in the dictionary, under 'class act', you'll find this lady's picture. Chantal Kreviazuk.

She held her CD launch party Tuesday night in a secluded castle in Toronto - a fitting atmosphere, eerily reflecting her new release, Ghost Stories. Ghost Stories is hauntingly beautiful; it displays her strongest suits: her vocals and her piano ability, both of which remain the core throughout the entire album. She is a virtuoso at composing catchy pop melodies like 'Wonderful' and 'All I Can Do'; but this time around with Ghost Stories, she also delves into more serious and passionate issues that echo her activism, songs like 'Asylum' and 'Wendy House' - a sign of an older and wiser Chantal. Ghost Stories is filled with expressive vocals, dynamic piano styles and rich orchestral strings. A solid delivery, and worth the four-year wait since her last album.


Elements (L-R): MOI, Russell, Kathy, Sandy & Terence. A pleasure to meet everyone!






Chantal on a Yamaha Baby Grand.






























At the end, she kicked off her dangerously high, silver heels and rocked out (as much as one can when attached to a Baby Grand). Sadly I didn't have a good enough vantage point to get any pictures of the bassist or the plexi-glass encased drummer, but did get a shot of her amazing string section.

<-- And, I managed to snag a setlist to boot! What a magical night! xo.

Sunday family dinner at Jean-Jacques' restaurant, Batifole.

Yeah, you should be happy ya bugger... 3 weeks vacation back home in Britanny, France. What the heck am I supposed to eat while you're gone? Bonne vacances and when you get back, I'll be waiting for another serving of that dessert you made - Jean Jack Daniels Crepes - you are an evil, evil man for coming up with that.


L-R: Uncle, Aunt (visiting from China), Mum, Simon, MOI, Caroline, Amy, John & Mike. Yet another fabulous meal at Batifole.

Voilà Steve Isaacs and MOI.


Singer & guitarist of The Panic Channel.




The Panic Channel is: three former members of Jane's Addiction - Dave Navarro, Chris Chaney and Stephen Perkins... and Steve? Well, he's an ex-MTV VJ (go figure).

I attended a short acoustic performance Thursday night; no Chris or Stephen, just Steve and Dave. Played three songs: Blue Bruises, Why Cry and Outsiders. What a pleasant surprise; Steve doesn't suck (just kidding Steve). Vocals were solid, and even on a borrowed Seagull guitar, still turned out to be a great, intimate performance!

The elusive Dave Navarro. If you blinked, he'd be gone in a flash.

... Hey! Who blinked?!

A little birdy told me that Matt and Sam were playing this afternoon.
'Is that so?' I replied.
'Yes." answered back the little birdy, "In fact, it's a free show."
Grab my coat, keys and trusty point & shoot, and I'm out the door before the little birdy finished saying the word 'show'.


Matt Mays & El Torpedo.
From Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.
Have been touring with Sam Roberts, promoting their self-titled debut album.
Flew in from Thunder Bay where they partied and sang karaoke with Sam Roberts until the wee hours of the morning. But Matt didn't have to tell me that; he voice was raspy and didn't quite make the notes when he belted it out. Still a great set; played my favourites: Cocaine Cowgirl & On The Hood - horray!


Sam Roberts.
From Montreal, Quebec.
Have been touring non-stop, promoting his new album 'Chemical City'.
Wicked set, tons of energy that boy; played hits off 'The Inhuman Condition' & 'We Were Born In A Flame': Don't Walk Away Eileen, Brother Down, Hard Road, Taj Mahal & Where Have All The Good People Gone? Plus, my new favourites from 'Chemical City': Bridge To Nowhere & The Gate.

Must say, Matt and Sam, thank you! x. - made this Sunday a BLAST!

Sunday Brunch at Gem's.
Mmmmmmmmmmmm.

They have the best Rum & Raisin French Toast - three massive pieces, not too eggy, just a touch of cinnamon and maple syrup.

Excuse me while this piggy stuffs her face!

Congratulations Mrs. Robinson!
*cue The Lemonheads*


Patricia and Kevin
Windermere Manor
12th of August, 2006.


Went back home last Wednesday for Patricia's last days as a singleton. Tanja even pulled out the big guns - the paraffin wax thingymagig that Richard bought her years ago. Note: do not attempt this while drinking as it's next to impossible with those mitts on.


Wedding Party:
Tall People (L-R): Catherine, MOI, Tanja, Patricia, Kevin, Rob, Adam, and Steve
Vertically Challenged (L-R): Shiriah, Rebeca, Seven w/Teddy (yes, his name is REALLY Seven), Savannah, and Summer.

So why do women go to the bathroom together?
1) to talk about the men
2) to get away from the men
3) to help reapply lipstick
4) to compare breast sizes (you wish)
Actual answer: to pee of course!

Though, in this case, it's out of necessity; one holds the veil; one holds the skirt; one takes the photo -ha.

Looks like I'm the last one standing.

An All-Editors Day.

Yesterday morning I got an email from my friend Dave.
All that the email said was 'Editors 3:30'.

It was just a quickie radio interview with Russ & Ed.




This is them leaving, and making me laugh.


I headed over to MTV at 5:00.

The band & crew were already there, sound checking. MTV doesn't allow photographing during the performance so these are from sound check.



They played All Sparks – chatted – played Munich & Bullets for MTV Overdrive.


After the MTV taping, everyone was ushered out... everyone except me because I had to go pee (surprise, surprise). When I came out, I noticed an older couple; the woman had just snapped a pic of the studio/stage. Offhand, I asked ‘So did you get some good pics?’ She replied in a lovely accent, ‘Oh yes I think so. We were up in the balcony and had a lovely view.’ The gentleman began telling me what a nice venue it was and how he was able to take pics even during taping(!) – Hmph. Me? Jealous? - Only a wee bit. We proceeded to chat as we’re heading towards the exit when suddenly out of nowhere Tom appears, gave each of the two a kiss on the cheek, ‘Did you have a good view from the balcony? We’re just off now; let’s go this way.’ And with that he led the two towards the back. My face must've been priceless - it was the moment when I realized their lovely accent – sounds just like Tom’s! D’OH! Wish I had the chance of asking them what relation they were to him… still kind of stunned that I was chatting with Tom’s kin...possibly his parents???

Got a chance to chat with Editors after the MTV taping.

I met this guy from Iowa who drove 13 hours to see Editors (hats off to him if he's reading this). Iowa boy got some posters signed and mentioned that he didn't have a ticket to tonight's show. Chris said, 'You drove all this way and couldn't get a ticket? Don't worry, we'll put you on the list.' - It's this genuine consideration for their fans that make Editors so revered.

With an hour to kill before Editor's show at the Opera House, we decide to have dinner at The Real Jerk (Caribbean cuisine); it's just down the street and the food is yummilicious.
7:20 – we sat down at a table, ten minutes later, Mike suddenly hisses under his breath ‘the band, the band, it’s…the…BAND!’ I turn around and sure enough the boys are there for dinner as well. Thank God we got there first, otherwise they might think I was stalking them – not stalking; I’m not a stalker; I’m a documentarian is what I told them.

Eds hit the stage about 11:00 after opening bands: Tinbangs (hometown boys) and Lake Trout (from Baltimore).

Here's the set list.

I left with my ears ringing, my body buzzing and my mind playing back the night's highlights - bliss.

If you haven't seen Editors live, then I highly recommend it. (Edit - I definitely recommend it).