A Little Off Course - but Relevant Just the Same.

Okay. So I use Entertaining Affairs to post my articles and work to build a portfolio for myself so when I try and acquire a job in the future, I'll have proof I've actually had practice! Lately, as you can tell I've been mainly sticking to music and concert reviews, which is what I want to do. My only issue is that I'm not really getting the experience of interviews and I'm forgetting what I've done in the past, so I decided to change that.

For the past few years or so I've become aware and a big supporter of Skate4Cancer and all it's affiliates. I believe that the foundation and it's owner, the one and only Rob Dyer, is a smart way to reach the younger generations and inform them of all the risks of cancer. Far too often you find teens and kids overlooking the dangers of cancer because they feel that they are too young and therefore they shouldn't have to worry about looking for any suspicious signs. This company is a great way to promote cancer awareness, but as of right now, my respect ends right there.

I have, for the better part of three days now, been trying to contact Rob, and/or anybody else that's involved with the S4C. All I wanted to do was send a few questions. All I wanted to do was ask more about what S4C is all about and how people can participate. All I wanted to do was ask about upcoming projects like the drop-in centre being opened in Toronto, or how Rob's injury is holding up, or even what techniques people can use to detect cancer lumps. I'm not one if those writers who'll ask you what type of underwear you prefer, or your favourite ice cream. That's not the type of writing I was taught to do in school and frankly it's a little childish if you ask me.

I recently read an interview Rob did with Pink Mafia blog that asked questions that were simply...simple. Nothing that would give readers viable information that would help them in the future. That's not what I wanted. All I wanted to do was give a little more light to S4C and their cause because it's something people should hear about. The website I write for on a regular basis has a wide audience that's read all over the world. If it's promoted enough a lot of people can read it and become more aware.

I guess what it really boils down to is the fact that nobody gave me the decency to return any of my messages. The emails on the www.dreamlovecure.com website don't work - I tried all THREE*.  So I tried a message on Facebook, and again no response. Next came Twitter and then finally a video chat which allows fans to ask questions and gain more information. Do you think I got in contact with him there? NO. I've officially given up and I think it's a little disrespectful to fully ignore someone who is trying to help a greater cause. I'm not upset at what the cause is promoting - as clearly stated. I'm upset at the fact that after trying over and over for three days, I get no response and no inkling that anybody even read what I've emailed/posted.

Please. The last time I try and help.


*Now, I've noticed recently that the website got updated, so maybe the emails did as well, but as of right now, I think it's pointless to even try again.


/rant.


(photo courtesy of blurasis, flickr.com)

The Next Justin Bieber?

It seems that Ellen Degeneres has accomplished almost everything she's set herself up for. She's an accomplished comedian and actress, a successful Emmy award-winning daytime talk show host and recently the newest judge to replace Paula Abdul on the ever popular American Idol. Her list is always growing and she's about to add something else to that will top everything else.

Let's Add a Record Label to the List

Degeneres took it one step futher yesterday when she announced she has created her very own record label and has already signed her first artist. The label 'eleveneleven' is Ellen's first adventure into the music industry and has signed Greyson Chance. Chance is a current Youtube sensation who caught the eyes of many when he sang his version of Lady Gaga's infamous "Paparrazi".

Chance is a 12-year-old 6th Grader from Edmond, Oklahoma. Even though he's still in middle school he's already writing and composing his own music and performing with more experience than a lot of musicians out there on the radio today. On his youtube channel you'll find two songs he's written called "Stars" , which is about a husband losing his wife to the stars and "Broken Hearts" which refers to two girls Chance has come across in his short life.

Degeneres was sure that the two girls, who remain unnamed are now sorry for letting him go. "Look what's happening to you know, I bet they're sorry."

Lady Gaga's Surprise Call

While Chance was visiting Ellen's show on May 13, 2010, Degeneres surprised the pre-teen with a phone call from the music Queen herself, Lady Gaga. She was nothing but thrilled that Chance was supporting her music and had this to say about the young talent: "Greyson you're so sweet and so talented and I'm so excited that you covered Paparrazi and everyone loves you so much so keep following your dreams and work really hard and stay away from girls! Be focused!"

Chance's youtube channel views has shot through the roof since the Ellen Producers found his video online and his "Paparrazi" video has since been named one of the most viral videos according to Billboard.
Some say Chance will be the next Justin Bieber. So is Chance fever just around the corner? Only time will tell.

For more of Chance's videos please visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxDlC7YV5is
If you want to see more from his visit with the Ellen Degeneres show check out www.ellen.warnerbros.com

Taryn McElheran

photo courtesy of Greyson Chance's Youtube channel. (It's a screen cap)

(was originally posted on suite101.com)

Concert Review: Faber Drive

Walking up to The Phoenix in downtown Toronto, it's the least likely venue, you as a spectator, would think of as amazing. From the outside it looks like a dingy bar nestled between houses and a family park down the street. But as anyone well knows, looks can be deceiving. The doors open to what reminds you of and old movie theater, complete with a ticket booth and red carpeting. The stage area itself is large and spacious with lots of room for movement - or close encounters.

The vibe from this type of show is always typical and it never fails to change. Teens and their parents filled The Phoenix with anticipation and excitement, waiting for their favorite band to hit the stage. Waiting for the bass to bounce off the walls and the sounds of pop-inspired voices to fill the air. Faber Drive has been in the music scene for more than six years and have accumulated a large fan base across Canada and Toronto is no different. This crowd was electric. It's like when you walk into a room you can feel the air sizzling. And with Faber Drive being who they are, it's hard not to look around and see some familiar, loyal faces mixed in with the new. It's those type of fans bands long for.

First up was Jesse Labelle. With his sweet smile, soulful lyrics and laid back attitude, he definitely set the stage for the night. Even while battling food poisoning, he stoop up on stage and rocked the Toronto crowd. And while most sick musicians would retreat to quieter quarters after their performance, Labelle stood by the merch table and greeted fans. You don't see that very often anymore.

The New Cities added to the buzz with their seemingly never-ending energy. From start to finish (and seen afterward in the 19+ section) they were bouncing off the walls and each other, while feeding off of the crowd's energy. It would have taken a blind man not to see all that was going on.
Singing songs off their debut album "Lost in City Lights", The New Cities sang radio hits like their most recent "Hypertronic Superstar" and "Dead End Countdown", while jamming to other album hits like "Sinking has Never Been so Easy" and "Leaders of the Misled". Their overall performance showed their zest for life and just added to the show.

Faber Drive has had many changes over the past few years, some good, some bad. Lately the good has been standing out and they've been nothing but soaring to the top. The first thing everybody notices is their unity as a group, and as everyone well knows, that starts with friendship. None to many times have you heard stories of bands disintegrating and falling out due to fighting and conflict. These guys are a united front through and through, and it's easy to see.

The "Can't Keep a Secret" tour is the second round of touring for their second album of the same name. Their performance combined a mixture of their first album (including songs like: "Second Chance" and "When I'm With You") with their new hits including "G-get Up and Dance" "Give Him Up" and their most recent radio hit "You and I Tonight". With a mix of songs, it allowed old and new fans alike to join in unison to sing along to the familiar lyrics. There's nothing like listening to hundreds of people sing along to the same song at the same time. It must have given the band and everybody whose ever supported them from the beginning chills. It's a powerful thing to witness.

To top off a class act performance, the band came out to please their audience with an encore. It also allowed them to shed more light on the charity they support, World Vision. In recent months their lead singer Dave Faber and bassist Jeremy Liddle got the opportunity to travel to the Dominican Republic with World Vision and showed a video of their experiences while singing "I'll be There". They couldn't speak enough to get the importance of charities and giving back. Their dedication to World Vision is inspiring.
Overall the night was a huge success to those involved and fans left extremely satisfied. Who knows, the next time they play in Toronto their audience size may just double - again.

Written By: Taryn McElheran
taryn.mcelheran@gmail.com

Published originally on Suite101
Photo courtesy of Taryn McElheran