Mitzi Fiesta

Macro Fiesta, a collection of international musicians based out of Toronto (of which I was drummer), played together first as a three piece (formed during University) and eventually became a 5 piece with guests constantly joining the stage. A French sax player from Normandy (Charles) and an Irish troubador (Alan) rounded out the sound along with an eccentric percussionist/vocalist from Ottawa who joined us on more that few occasions. We've also had a charango thrown into the mix, national Irish hymns sung by lively friends and so much more (...imagine everyone with egg shakers grooving out...).
One of our performances was documented by a friend of the band and I decided to take the photos from that night and create something to stoke the memories and keep the music alive in a different medium. Here's what I put together using Final Cut...

Irish Musicians

I'm just back from 6 speedy days in Ireland visiting friends who lived and played here in Canada last year, and was introduced to a barrage of Irish and European musicians who I will have to explore more in my spare time. I wanted to make a small list of some of the favorites I was introduced to for posterity.

Lisa Hannigan
Of Damien Rice fame, she's struck out on her own with beautifully light melodies and the soft touch that defined her past performances.


Declan O'Rourke
A singer songerwriter from Dublin, his lyrics are vivid and arrangements are captivating. Perfect for the long drive between Cork and Dublin.


Mick Flannery
From Blarney Co. Cork, he's album White Lies came highly recommended along with the other musicians to explore further. His music is slightly more sober than the others mentioned but I tend to focus on the lyrics and it really draws me in.


Even more recommendations:
- Bell X1
- Fred
- Niall Connolly
- Christy Moore

I fell in love with Irish wit ("Are you taking the piss?") and I think it's strongly related to their mastery with strong, emotive lyrics in their songs. 6 days isn't nearly enough to get even a clear picture of the music masters of Ireland, but it's certainly a start.

Outside the Box Fundraiser

Outside the Box is a music program for children in the Parkdale community of Toronto who lack easy access to instruments and music education. It's a great program and I volunteer teaching guitar. Our last session ran from October - December 2008 and taught kids 9-13 years old Feist's 1,2,3,4. Amazingly, Feist herself came out on the last day to meet all the inspired young musicians and watch the recording process.

If your in the GTA next weekend, come out and support a great program!
Fundraiser details are below:
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Sunday, 26-April, 2009
8pm – 1am

Whippersnapper Gallery
587A College Street
Toronto, ON
M6G 1B2
(416) 887-7483
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Balcony TV

I'm heading to Ireland later this week to meet up with my good friend Alan and play some tunes. He's lined up a gig with Balcony TV, who have featured performers like Sebastian Grainger, Of Montreal and the Script. Stay tuned, I'll post the vid when it becomes available.

Also, if you're in Dublin between the 17th and 22nd of April, look for us on the street busking for pint funds.