I was hoping to have my podcast all ready and re-launched by next weekend to tie in with the big Podcamp that is happening here in Toronto.

It seems like it gets put on the back shelf too often...not sure why...anyways, if you are a podcast listener or creator you might want to look into this. It is called podcamp Toronto and is happening on the weekend of February 24.

tim

Don't forget that Wavelength is celebrating its 7th year starting tonight. If you don't know what I am talking about and you love music of all sorts with a bit of an edge please check out the fine article written by Sarah Liss in Now

Congrats to Jonny Dovercourt and all the folks involved in Wavelength. It is an important music series and let's hope it continues for at least another seven years!

tim

Unfortunately I don't make it down to the famous Tuesday night jazz jam at the Rex very often. This was the first time I went in years actually and I thought it would be kind of fun, if not a little weird if I brought my banjo.

I quite enjoyed my longish walk down to catch the Queen St. car and was fortunate to make my connection pretty fast that zipped me East to the Rex. I knew that I would be among friends as it was being hosted by the fine group including Nick Fraser, Rob Clutton, Andrew Downing and Brodie West. (also a nice treat to meet and play with Vancouver drummer Jesse Cahill)

I was immediately reminded that a jam session (anywhere) is an interesting, complex and exciting (sometimes) experience. You never know who will show up, what will be played and what will happen through out the night. Last night was no exception as you will see below. Enjoy what I call: "Foot Tappin' Double Double Bass".

So good to find an article about former prison gaurd Michael Mckinnon on page 3 of this weekends Focus Section from the Globe.

He was a first nations person who was forced to leave his job due to the horrible racial slurs he endured for years. The article has a happy ending where after more than a decade off the job he is finally being given some money by our Government (who of course runs the jail he worked in as prison gaurd) and being offered a new job.

I was extra glad to hear about the positive results as my friend Nadine Valcin made a documentary film for the NFB about this man's situation.

You can watch it here