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The Rivoli in Toronto has hosted so many musicians over the years that almost every singer/songwriter from LA to NYC, has passed (or passed out) through it’s doors. I was lucky enough to do that 4 times in 2011. Unfortunately I had to turn down a February show due to another show commitment, but I’m looking forward to getting back to one of my all-time favorite Toronto stages in 2012. Infact as of March 10th, I may be there for some May, and June dates (i’ll let you know when). They also have a great dinner menu too.

After a year hiatus, I will be performing again at Entertainment Central’s “Dueling Pianos” Cabaret show in 2012. This is a show in which 2 piano players (me being one of them), sing crowd pleasing songs from every era (and genre) of popular music. You get odd song requests (i.e. Kokomo?), and predictable ones (i.e. Piano Man). To keep the audience entranced, it’s encouraged to bring audience members on stage, and let them help sing (and butcher) the song of their choice (sometimes they even dress up in weird costumes..is that a wig that guy is wearing?). 

The Dueling Piano phenomenon is growing in the U.S (Vegas in particular), and is slowly dying here with Canadians.

It’s not everyday I get to play in a organic grocery store/café, but I got exactly that when I did a Christmas show at a Whole Foods Store Cafe at Square 1 Mississauga. It was really surreal experience singing Christmas standards in a country style, and knowing my voice/guitar was heard down the isles, through their deli, meat and fish sections. Still it was a great show and hats off to Whole Foods for giving their shoppers live music, while they rush to finish their shopping.