2009 10 19 |
This week, I step aside and present a guest blog from Al Graham. Al is a former partner of Pork Pie Hat advertising, DHBC Board member and fixture on Argyle Street’s cafe scene. Unfortunately, Al has moved to London, ON, but his heart is obviously still on Argyle…
CHOICES
Life in Halifax is full of choices. I know I lived there for six years. But, here is one area where the choices just keep coming… Music.
Music is one of the things that define Halifax and the venues in town celebrate that distinction. So now that I’m back within a two-hour traffic jam of the city Canada loves to hate and, while the rent on Queen Street West property is driving the music out, Halifax thrives. Ironically, two of the infamous denizens of Queen W. have found a new home on Argyle Street (not the one in TO but the one in Halifax).
So, who are these guys and what the hell are they doing in Nova Scotia’s capital city? Mike and Mike (Campbell and Rhodes) came out of MuchMusic and their first show was Mike & Mike’s Excellent Cross Canada Adventures and, at one point, were based in Halifax doing MuchEast and Going Coastal. Now you should know that notwithstanding their travels, the Mikes could often be found in some of TO’s most celebrated joints like X Ray’s, The Horseshoe, The Cameron House and too many others to name here. That’s where I first caught sight of them… while enjoying a cool refreshing beverage.
So much for history. Today, these same two wild and crazy guys are plying their trade on Argyle Street, presenting some of Canada’s best musical talents. I had the pleasure of sitting down with the Mikes when The Carleton was still under construction. We talked about positioning and how to effectively use the “Inter Web” as a social marketing tool. God! It turns out I was talking to the converted. Need proof? Just check out The Carleton website and get yourself on their mailing list, you won’t be disappointed. The Carleton is rapidly becoming one of Canada’s top venues. Thanks to Campbell and his “we’re in this together” buddy Rhodes, the joint keeps piling the talent on.
By the way the Mikes are not alone in bringing talent to the fore in HFX… Just down the street young Troy Arsenault keeps The Seahorse and The Economy Shoe Shop jumping.
So, back to choices… Last Sunday, I had a few. Sit here in London, ON, and watch The Battle of the Blades followed by Sunday Night Football or get my ass to HFX to see and hear one of this country’s best jazz and blues performers, Bill Stevenson. I think I made the wrong choice, I watched Domi, Probert and other jocks try pairs figure skating. Not that making the right choices is a particular strength of mine.
The take-away from this missive is… You should not make the same mistake. If the choice comes down to TV or live music, choose LIVE MUSIC. I know Mike and Mike and young Mr. Arsenault will make your choice one to remember.