Cornstalk 1997 Concert Blenheim Ontario

Event: Cornstalk
Date: August 9th, 1997
Location: Blenheim Ontario
Cornstalk ran for a few years and was the biggest outdoor bash in the area during those years. Cornstalk drew 5000-8000 people.

Bands performing:
* Destroyer (Kiss tribute)
* Hells Bells (AC/DC Tribute)
* Exodus (Bob Marley Tribute)
* Electric Voodoo (Jimmi Hendrix Tribute)
* Hip Mission (Tragically Hip Tribute)
* Whaling (Neill Young Tribute)
* Chic Tunes
* Tangled Puppet (picture)
* Beggars Opera
* Foster Child (Picture)
* Rumblefish
* This End Up
* Social Slander
* Luxury Christ
* Square Root of Margaret (Picture)
* Evil Empire (R.A.T.M Tribute) (Picture)
* Gates of Rage (Picture)
Notes:
Outdoor parties of this nature were the norm in the 1990’s, put on by a private group or person, on private property. A typical party was 200-800 people, featuring live cover bands, a pig roast and a small $5 cover.

These events came to an end, an end of an era. Society had changed and law enforcement was cracking down. Add the liability, risks, insurance, bylaws, rising costs, permits, food & safety regulations, new staging laws, and the hassle of putting on such an event was no longer worth it unless the government was stepping in to make a profit off it.

* Thanks to Steven O’rourke for the pics.
* If you have pictures, email them to us at:
chatham_music_archive@hotmail.com

Below, is the only know video footage from Cornstalk 1997. Evil Empire (Rage Against The machine Tribute band) submitted by Ryan (Houlio) O. from Tilbury.

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Evil Empire 1997

Evil Empire (RATM Tribute)

Band: Evil Empire
Style: Rage Against The Machine Tribute Band.
Year: 1997
Home: Chatham Ontario

Members:
Sean Downey – Vocals
Steve O’Rourke – Bass
Jared Tatersol – Guitar
Mark Slater – Drums

Notes: Video footage from Cornstalk 1997, outdoor bash.

Click for video here.

Zeus N Apollo 1997

Cover Art

Duo: Zeus ‘N’ Apollo
Release: Sky Music (CD)
Year: 1997
Genre: Spoken Word
Home: Wallaceburg Ontario

Members:
Rick Neufeld
Jon-Erik Kroon

Liner Notes:
A long time ago….
In a studio far, far away, the musical talents of Rick Neufeld and the visual eye candy of Jon-Erik Kroon wove together… thus Zeus ‘N’ Apollo were born.
The catalyst for this album was to bring Visual Art and spoken words from an artist’s journal into a multi-talented musician’s studio, to experiment with the idea of concept music. The result of this recording proved to be “eye opening” in the sense that you, the listener, now becomes ‘THE ARTIST’ within your imagination.

Tracks:
Visual Revelation, What a Weird Trip, Sky Music, New World order, House of Species, Temple TV.

Credits:
Recorded on digital 8 track.
Engineered by: Rick Neufeld
Artwork by: Jon-Erik Kroon
Photo Credits: Cairenn Russelo

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Steve Skull Saunders 1997

Band: Fear Disorder
Release: In A Rage
Year: 1997
Genre: Metal

Chatham Connection:  Steve “Skull” Saunders is from Chatham-Kent, along with John Fenton who made his debut with M.A.D. in 1988 on their Decisions, Decisions demo.

Members:
Steve “Skull” Saunders- lead vox/guitars
Dan Cardoso– vox/guitars
Desche Sparboom– drums
John Fenton– bass/vox

Bio:
  Fear Disorder is an extreme metal band signed with Revolver Records in England. Their debut, “In A Rage”, is set for release in 27 countries throughout Europe and the United Kingdom by PHD and Sony. “In A Rage” also hit number 10 on Chart Magazines Hard Music chart for college/university radio in Canada. These guys have been around for many years and have opened for such bands as Fight and Voivod. Sighting influences such as Metallica and Pantera, Fear Disorder are getting ready to tour Europe in support of their debut, “In A Rage”, and have also begun to write songs for their next release.

Tracks:
1. In a Rage 
2. Knee Deep in the Dead
3. Bloody Knuckles
4. Hole in your Head  
5. God Kills (And so Shall I)
6. Blood & Guts 
7. My Precious Greed  
8. Loverly, Devouring Gloom
9. I am (What you made me be)

Click on video below to preview this CD release.

If video does not appear, watch it here.

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Fat Doug and the Sinners (1997)

Click to enlarge

Band: Fat Doug and the Sinners
Genre: Blues Band
Home: Chatham Ontario
Year: 1997
Circa: 1997-2000
Format: 75% Covers, 25% Original Music

Members:
Vocals: Lionel Shadd
Guitar: Doug Dewitte
Guitar: Andy Tattersall
Bass: Dwayne Stephens
Drums: Scott Meriano

Note: Chatham’s hardest working blues band. A brilliant line-up of young and enthusiastic musicians who had that real love for music, like only Detroit (or its neighbouring towns… umm like Chatham) could enjoy.
  The band played steady in and around Chatham in a scene that was thriving with many venues to play. In Chatham alone, the Parkview, Blind Dog, Beatniks, The Nest, The Royal, GT’s, Chappies, and Eightball, were all home to Fat Doug and the Sinners. The bar scene was great in 1997 and this band held its ground with their own little twist of blues and extra talent per band capita. This particular line-up of the ‘Sinners’ ran from 1997-1999.
 
Side Note:  I just got to mention that when I turned 19 and began playing the bar scene, I did not own a proper guitar that could stay in tune for three sets a night. Doug was more than kind to let me borrow his guitar for shows around Ontario until I was able to afford one. I didn’t even really know Doug yet at the time. I think that is a special note to make about our music scene. Everyone did all they could to help out other bands. There was no real sign of competition. Many cities are cut throat, and Chatham was not like that. It meant allot to me then and I still see that community vibe lasting into 2009 as I write this. I can also say from meeting all the guys in this band, anyone of them would have done the same.
 S. Beaulieu.

Above picture taken in 1997 at the Festival of Nations (Kiwanis BandShell).

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Junipur 1997

Band: Junipur
Release: self-titled
Year: 1997
Home: Chatham-Kent

Junipur, self-titled.  This recording was the first big deal for Spur of the Moment Records.  What can be said?  It is great and was recorded in only 5 hours!  There are hard rockers, poppy wonders, and even an offensive song regarding the circus.  If it wasn’t for these guys, where would Spur of the Moment Records be today?

Tracks
01  nova scotia
02  empty
03  happy face
04  vw
05  circus song
06  bug
07  signature
08  sweet pain
09  coat
10  jay
11  spider b

  How did they meet? John and Adam were playing around, trying to get somethin started with a fellow named Jon Rose. After they called it quits, they stumbled into Matt Maillet, and soon after Matt introduced himself to Phil Dennis in the halls at school. The rest is history…… After performing at the Blenheim District High School Battle of the Bands in May of ’97, Junipur had secured a place in Spur of the Moments’ lineup. They played with Ben Srokosz’s former band Paisley, (leading to their eventual recording with him), as well as Apocalypse Revolver and local noise band Promise of Chaos. Junipur released their first self titled album, and immediately spread the word. They started playing shows in Chatham, at the CAW hall, and at UCC and CK High Schools. They played a great show with Sonic Unyon Records artists ‘The New Grand’ in Ridgetown, and made quite an impression at Groundstock in Wallaceburg. Soon after it was the Embassy in London, Ontario, and then Molson Sunfest, in summer of ’98, where they clearly controlled the crowd despite performances by a number of talented local artists.

  In July of 1999, Junipur played their final show in Thamesville, Ontario to a crowd of friends, family, and a few new and appreciative faces. The show was truly a culmination of their short lived career, featuring nearly every song the band has ever recorded. The event was video’d for a possible release but after watching the emotional show, Ben decided that the tape would instead be put away as it comes across more like a funeral than a celebration. The performance was powerful and memorable, but one can’t deny the looks on the bands’, and fans’ faces.  (Disbanned 1999)

Ben Srokosz 1997

Artists: Ben Srokosz
Release: self-titled
Home: Chatham-Kent
Year: 1997

Note: An unexpected release to say the least.  The self-titled debut has indie rock written all over it, with the music composed, recorded, produced, and released entirely by the artist.  An appreciation for this kind experimentation is important when giving the album a first listen.

  The fact is, Ben was not planning on releasing this material and was only documenting demos for possible band use.

  A little rough around the edges, Ben Srokosz was played for friends and family only to receive a mountain of friendly praise and encouragement.

So, slap a cover on it, dub a few copies on a tape deck, and you’ve got yourself the birth of Spur of the Moment Records. Years later Ben would discover how far the tape had travelled, receiving phone calls from CBC radio and other local press to find out what this record label was all about.

Tracks:
01  from the mind of…
02  expiration date
03  blinded
04  in between
05  fireworks & green stars
06  down by the shores
07  :33 seconds
08  night
09  i wander
10  beauty transcends
11  be true
12  send off

Visit Ben online here.

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Crossfire (1997)

Click To Enlarge

Band: Crossfire
Year: 1997
Home: Chatham Kent Area

Members
Back Row L-R
Greg Sharpe – Bass, Vocal
J.P. Marchand – Guitar, Vocal
Brian Curtis – Guitar, Vocal

Front Row L-R
Joseph Benoit – Keyboard, Vocal
Denice Benoit – Keyboard, Vocal
Gail Trahan – Vocal
Ray Trahan – drums

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Ric Moor forms The Greater Windsor Concert Band (1997)

Ric Moor in 2008

Name: Ric Moor
Music:  Director of Music
Born and raised : Chatham Kent Ontario
Year: 1997
(2009 update, Ric and the band are still together making great music.)

   The Greater Windsor Concert Band was formed in September 1997 by Ric Moor. He recognized a need in the community for a traditional wind ensemble – not only for audiences, but also for those adult musicians in town looking for a place to enjoy their hobby. At that time, Ric invited many of the people he knew would be interested, and began holding Wednesday night rehearsals with a small group of about 12 musicians.

Ric Moor, Director of Music

   Ric Moor is a well-known local musician born and raised in Chatham, Ontario where he began piano lessons at eight years of age. One year later, he joined the Chatham Kiltie band and at age 10, took up the clarinet. He performed with the junior band at the CNE band competitions where they took first place.

   Ric attended George Brown College in Toronto receiving a diploma in piano technology. He has been a practicing piano tuner/technician since 1982.

   Ric enrolled at the University of Windsor in 1988 to further his music studies. There, he studied clarinet with Dr. Imre Rozsnyai, Sonia Morin, Blake Stevenson, and Steven Millen. He performed master classes with Theodore Oien and James Campbell. He performed at New York’s Carnegie Hall with the University of Windsor Chamber Choir. In 1992, he was graduated with a Bachelor of Music Degree and the Board of Governor’s Medal. In 1993, he was graduated with a Bachelor of Education with specialty in Intermediate/Senior Instrumental Music.

  Ric is in demand locally on clarinet and saxophone having played with such groups as the Windsor Community Orchestra, Macomb Symphony Orchestra, Windsor Light Opera, Peabody Bridge Demolition Crew, and the Lancaster Orchestra. He devotes most of his spare time now to the Greater Windsor Concert Band which he founded in 1997.

Notes from http://www.greaterwindsorconcertband.ca
Visit The Greater Windsor Concert Band here: 

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The Shoeflies – Loudmouth Jimmy (1997)

click to enlarge

Band: The Shoeflies
Music Release: Loudmouth Jimmy
Home: Chatham Kent and Area
Year: 1997

   In December 1996, The Shoeflies parted ways with bassist Chris Brownrigg over musical differences. In January 1997, The Shoeflies confined themselves to Citadel Recording Studio in Bothwell Ontario to record Loudmouth Jimmy. Guitarist Cory Dawe played bass on the recording, and the album was a collection of material written and performed since Three Chords and the Truth.

  In March 1997, The Shoeflies recruited former Janus guitarist Dan Surman to play bass.

On July 26, 1997, two days before The Shoeflies were scheduled to play a show at Lee’s Palace in Toronto, Dan Surman left the band to pursue a tech position on a cruise ship in the Caribbean.

On July 13, 1998, Clark Allore decided to leave the band for personal reasons. At that point, The Shoeflies still had 12 more shows booked, so Clark fulfilled his obligation to the band by playing the remaining shows. Clark’s last show was on September 4, 1998 in Ridgetown, Ontario, and it marked a definitive end to a chapter in the band’s history.

After Clark Allore announced that he would be leaving the band, The Shoeflies started auditioning drummers in August 1998. The band eventually settled upon Chris Rayner.

In January 1999, The Shoeflies parted ways with bassist George Anstey. George’s replacement came in the form of Carrie Young. This would mark the only time there was a female member of the band. It is unclear if Carrie’s involvement was meant to be of a permanent nature, but she only stayed for a short period of time as she was no longer with the band by August 1999. This marked the fourth time in their history that The Shoeflies were in search of a new bass player.

Notes edited from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Shoeflies#Discography

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Janet Theory – Studio Out Takes (1997)

Cover

Band

Jesse

Shawn

Jason

Charles

Artist : Janet Theory
Home : Chatham Kent Ontario
Release : Studio Out Takes
Style : emo/metal meets pop
Date : 1997

Musicians:
Shawn Beaulieu – Vocals, Guitar
Jesse Verleye – Vocals, bass
Chuck Young – Drums

Additional Musicians :
Jay Moskaluk – additional Guitars on tracks 1,2,3,4,5
Rob Johnston – Backing Vocals on ‘Shoot Me Down’

The Scoop: Recorded in Jan 1997 by Steve Eyres @ his house studio. This is the first Janet Theory demo.
   These songs were slated to become part of the upcoming CD, but after listening to the songs over & over again they decided that they were not up to par.
   So back to the drawing board they went. With close to 40 new songs to choose from, It took them a little longer than anticipated.
   This is a collection of the rejected songs in their rawest form. But you can’t get more real than raw, so this demo cassette still holds strong as one of their best releases to date. Their original sound went unnoticed generally,  but 5 years later, their style would dominate the music scene as the so called “emo” style, but the band had moved past that sound years before it broke out
  That is a good sign for a band to be ahead of it’s time.
  The demo was known for it’s return to their underground roots.

Track Listing.
1. Shoot Me Down, 2. Inspire Me, 3. Trust Me, 4. Freaks Me Out 5. The switch song, 6. Special, 7. More & More, 8. Everyone Is A Gun

Recorded and produced by Steve Eyres at his home studio 1997.

Watch the video below for preview of the release.

If video does not appear, watch it here.

Listen To The Janet Theory here.

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Whatever – Whatever (1997)

  

 

Artist: Whatever
Home : Chatham Ontario Canada
CD Release : Whatever
Music Style : Progressive Rock
Date : 1997

Listen to the song Spineless Happy People online here.

Musicians :
Shawn Meriano – Vocals, Guitars, Piano
David Major – Drums, Vocals, Piano
J. Moskaluk – Guitars, Vocals, Piano
Mark Thompson – Bass, Vocals

The CD : This crazy ‘Mr. Bungle’ Style work of art was recorded at BY Studios from Aug.’96 to Aug’97.
To hear this CD, you would understand that  allot of work has went into it.
  This is not for the average listener, it is very busy & is purposely created to push the musical envelope.
    For this very fact, the CD went unnoticed for the most part locally,  but the band took the show on the road across Canada a few times. Doubling as a cover band to help pay the bills, the band was one of the first bands from here to actually hit the road hard & do it ! As the local scene began to explode in 1997 , the bands sound began to get noticed for their amazing musicianship and intense arrangements.

    Shawn was living out West, and Dave Major was jamming with a few bands around town. Electric Voodoo, and a rush tribute band.  Shawn and Dave used to play in Heartbreaker together….and they kept in touch , always bitching about the current music scene, and their personal disapproval. They joked that they should both quit their current bands and start together again, creating a totally free, experimental….anything goes band. Something you could do whatever you felt like doing. After 2 months of jokes, They both said f**k it, and Shawn moved home, and Immediately, they formed WHATEVER.
    Shawn is also one of the area’s recording engineers @ BY studios & has done sound & is doing live sound. His family has been a strong force in the cities musical history. 

Guitarist J. Moskaluk was also a guitarist in the Janet Theory and appears on their record released this same year (Studio Out-Takes 1997).  He also played in Foster Child (1995 self titled CD)
  Drummer Dave M. later joined the Janet Theory in 2001 and is on the J.Theory ‘Sacriluscious’ CD released in 2003.
  Shawn would go on to release a solo project entitled Sadie SuperNova. S. Beaulieu
 
Note :
The band also released a limited 5 song demo cassette recorded @ Barn Yard Studios.
Tracks included : Three Old Hens, Soft, Softly, The Master’s Reprise

Watch the video below.

If video does not appear, watch it here.

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Square Root Of Margaret – BURST OF BREEDIN’ (CD)(1997)

Artist:  Square Root Of Margaret
Home: Chatham
Release Title: BURST OF BREEDIN’ (CD)
Genre: Hippy/Surf/Acid Rock
Date: 1997
Formed: Oct.1992
Disbanded: Oct. 2012.

Musicians:
Bryan Caddotte (PO) – Vox, Guitars
Todd Clarke – Drums
Dennis Reisner – Bass

Track Listing: White Sox, Oyster Pirates, Surfin With Nostradamus, And Ever, The Obvious Man, Little Green Bug, Whiskey and Wine, Spunk on a stick, The Picnic Occultist, Wednesdays On Jupiter

The Demo: another chaotic adventure from the underground. Another bizarre night at the Aberdeen, or Mr. B’s, the PARKVIEW.
‘Little Green Bug’ became a cult favorite & made SROM another major force in what was a banner year for local music.
This CD is full of trippy tails & I recommend you scoop it up, or anything by anyone local this year 1997.
The Magic happens at the House Of Bleen, have you heard ?

If Video does not appear, view it here.
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Select samples from the CD release below.

If video does not appear, watch it here.

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Robin Banks – Permanent Record (1997)

 

Artist : Robin Banks
Home : Chatham Ontario Canada
Release : Permanent Record
Music Style : Blues
Date : 1997

The Scoop :
    Robin BANKS was born in Chatham, Ontario on November 25th, 1963; she lived there until 1981, when she moved to Toronto to study jazz music at the well-renowned Humber College. She performed with many different bands while she lived there for over 10 years.

    In 1991, she returned to Chatham and founded the Robin Bank$ Blues Band in 1992. The Band delivered its very first CD, “Permanent Record”, in 1997. Every song on that album was written by Robin and Mark Martin, who was her husband at the time.

    She moved to Dallas, Texas in 1999, where a number of new musicians joined her band; Living Legend Sam Myers inspired her to produce her second CD, “Honestly”. Only 39 years young, she’s already received a bunch of prizes and rewards, (among many others the Mapleblues 1997 “Best Performing Artist of the Year” award), and she recently published her third CD entitled “After Dark”. 

    She performs in the best known clubs and joints all over Texas, accompanied by her own band (Pat Boyack doing his thing on the lead guitar, Marc Wilson hurting the drums, Drew Allen yanking away on the base guitar, and “sweet” Sam Myers blowin’ his soul into the blues harp).

    When she comes to Belgium next year, some of the greatest blues musicians on the international blues scene will form a band just for the occasion to back her up.

*     Toronto Blues Society New Talent Search winners The Robin Banks Blues Band took Harbourfront Centre by storm during their showcase appearance at the Brigantine Room on July 20, as part of the Heineken Soul `n’ Blues Fest. Robin is one hot blues vocalist whose fame is spreading beyond her home in Chatham, and audiences in Toronto can expect to see more appearances by her and the band,which features Mark Martin on guitar, Tom MacGuigan on bass and Kevin Venney on drums. As winners they will receive a photo session with Denise Grant Photography, equipment rental from Steve’s Music, and studio time courtesy of The Studio at Puck’s Farm.

*    Robin Banks has emerged quickly in the blues scene from her Chatham home base in South Western Ontario. The 1996 Finalist in the TBS New Talent Search, Robin and her partner, guitarist Mark Martin enjoyed the prize of a TBS sponsored slot in the Heineken Soul ‘n’ Blues Festival and a showcase at the annual TBS Women’s Blues Revue later that year. Robin’s climb up the popularity ladder has been further fueled by the release of Permanent Record, her debut CD.

listen to this album here

Listen to more Robin Banks

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Never – Self Titled Release (1997)

Artist : NEVER
Home : Chatham
Release Title : Never (cassette)
Music Style : Punk
Date : 1997 (I believe)

Musicians
Rob Johnston – Vocals, Guitar
Scott Everingham – drums
Colin Everingham – bass

The Demo : Instant classic demo full of great songs, Probably the best Never CD ever. Leaving his ‘MAD’ days behind, Rob evokes on a journey into straight ahead punk that is precise, tight & loved.
  Again, 1997 was an amazing year & Never headlined several of these shows showing that the underground is the reason we all do this.
  “Shine Softly’ is a new version of the song originally released on the Mad’s 2nd record ‘Songs For The Ugly’.
Steve Eyres produced & engineered this recording.

Track Listing.
Feel, understand, What do I need, The Middle, Butterflies & Turtles, Again, My Everything, Shine Softly, The Middle

Gates Of Rage – Jester (1997)

Gates Of Rage

Artist: Gates Of Rage
Home : Tilbury
CD Release : Jester
Music Style : Death Metal
Date : 1997

Musicians :
Darren Marchand – Vocals
Rodney Beaudry – Drums
G V. – Bass
Rich Dupuis – Guitars
Ryan Odette – Guitars (Vocals on “Numb”)

The Scoop : The first Death Metal style band from the area. Inspired by the Banzai Records era of the 80’s, Some members would go on to form Pit Bull Grin a few years later. Pit Bull Grin is where the band would perfect this style. Rod moves on to join The O’hara Brothers, a different style of music all together.

Track Listing :   Disdain, Impossible, Numb, Jester, Bludgeon, Mad

Click on the video below to sample the release.

If video does not appear, watch it here.

Listen
http://www.myspace.com/gatesofragejester

Crooked – Intimidate (1997)

Artist: Crooked
Home : Chatham Ontario Canada
CD Release : Intimidate   (cassette only)
Music Style : Metal
Date : 1997

Crooked

Musicians : (no last names on cassette inlay)
Mike – Bass & vocals
Derek – Guitar
Dave – Drums
Casey – Vocals

The CD : Another one recorded by Steve Eyres. This was the newest band to join forces with Chathams underground movement which was at it’s peek. Sharing the stages with local ‘on the verge’ bands, Never, Janet Theory, Nerve & Square Root Of Margaret. Such halls as the C.A.W. could easily pack 700 people to see all these bands.
    The demo was a good first effort, exploring a first crack at the doomy metal sounds, & it opened the doors for them. The band would soon split up as the members move on to find permanent homes. Mike Dow moves on to play Bass for Nerve (2003) & Casey Barry resides with ‘Ego Seed’ from here on…but… Casey changes roles & becomes the drummer.
   The demo also features : Back Up vocals from Cailean Lenover & Jesse Verleye

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