TEAM 990 strikes gold with Habs; Decisions to be made

The folks at THE TEAM 990 must be pinching themselves now that they have a seven year agreement to become the official English language radio broadcaster of Montreal Canadiens games. Talk about really putting a station on the map!

When THE TEAM 990 was launched 10 years ago it was part of a new national network conceived by CHUM Radio. They got the rights to the Expos and eventually the Impact, while falling short in their bid for the Habs. When the Montreal Juniors came along they inked a deal with them – an excellent move in anticipation of the day they’d get another stab at the Canadiens.

While THE TEAM network did not stay afloat, locally station general manager and veteran drive home show host Mitch Melnick found ways to remain viable. They built a loyal following which initially did not translate into big numbers in the Bureau of Broadcast Measurement (BBM) ratings. However, it was clear that advertisers were getting a response by reaching their key target markets.

CJAD might have been the official voice of Canadiens hockey, but THE TEAM 990 nonetheless ran comprehensive pre and post game shows. The morning show featured either hockey experts Bob McKenzie or Francois Gagnon as regular guests. Next up was Tony Marinaro, who proved to be one of the great hockey minds in the city. He always came up with superb guests and a fair share of scoops to the point where even the French media were listening to him. Former NHLer PJ Stock had a show for a few years. When he left the old pro Randy Tieman stepped in. The Marinaro-Tieman Intermission Show at noon is great radio. And what can you say about Melnick? He has been around for decades, does not hold back any punches and produces a neatly choreographed show which is best during hockey season. His weekday 5:25 pm chats with TSN’s Pierre McGuire offer enormous insight into the game and whatever breaking news is occurring that day.

A few years ago THE TEAM 990 started their own pre and post game Canadiens shows. Marinaro handled most post game programs and it was always fun to listen to him pick apart a loss or slump.

I certainly hope that Elliott Price (top photo) gets the play by play job – if he wants it. He has two younger children at home and this job entails a lot of travelling. Bews has an interesting choice to make in terms of the colour commentator. Sergio Momesso (above) stepped into the role alongside Rick Moffat last season on CJAD. The former number 36 for the Habs and NDG native was well received by listeners, particularly after all of those years that we had to listen to the awfully boring Murray Wilson. Sergio wants to move over to THE TEAM 990 and my sources tell me he will be given strong consideration. Then there is Chris Nilan, the former Habs enforcer who has virtually been auditioning for the job via the Melnick show since last winter. It is indeed a tough choice for Bews.

Shaun Starr did an impressive job handling colour commentary for Price with the Juniors. Would THE TEAM 990 go the unconditional route and use a non-player besides my choice Price?

Perhaps THE TEAM 990 has some surprises in store for us. Bews promises some news for us by August.

Preparing for Montreal Professional Lacrosse

There is a new professional sports franchise headed to Montreal. Rooths Sports Events, a new company headed by former Montreal Juniors president Martin Routhier, is behind the initiative. Plans first called for the team to play out of the new arena in Boisbriand. But now that the Juniors have been sold and moved there, Routhier is reportedly switching gears and will do the smart thing – fill the void left at the Verdun Auditorium.

Word has it that the Canadian Professional Soccer League will only have a 20 game schedule beginning next winter. That is indeed a more prudent way to go.

As a warmup, Routhier’s Montreal Lacrosse is introducing a two day summer camp for youth between the ages of 10 to14 years old. Chad Fairfoull, the general nanager of new Montreal Lacrosse pro team, will be the camp instructor with the help of professional lacrosse players.
Fairfoull started playing lacrosse at a young age and pursued his passion first as a player and then in the coaching ranks. He has held the position of head coach of the West End Warlocks in the Quebec Senior Lacrosse League. Not only is he a player, coach, and referee at the highest level, but he was also elected vice president of Administration for the Canadian Lacrosse Association in 2010.

The camp takes place on July 11 and 12 (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) at Le Club, Beaconsfield (205 Alton Drive). There is a $125 fee. “We intend to make sure that this camp is a truly memorable experience,” notes Tanier Gohier, director of operations for Rooth Sports.

Participants will learn the basic skills needed to play lacrosse and develop a passion for this fast growing sport. “Our mission is to ensure the safety, and quality experience your child deserves,” adds Gohier.

Each participant will receive, as a thank you, a $50 gift certificate valid only for the purchase of a season lacrosse ticket for the 2011-2012 schedule.

Meanwhile, Rooth Sports is working on a possible other exciting project which could bring life into the Verdun Auditorium. Routhier is a former captain of the McGill Redmen hockey team. His friend and teammate was Mathieu Darche, now of the Canadiens. Rooth Sports will be working with McGill this year to promote its hockey program. In the works are one or two regular season games at Verdun between the Redmen and the Concordia Stingers.

If you are interested in a registration form for the lacrosse camp email tgohier@rooths.com.

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Review of El Morocco Restaurant

El Morocco Restaurant on Drummond Avenue downtown is worth the visit. While the menu is no longer kosher, the food tastes exactly the same - perhaps even better. Read my review on page 17 of The Local Suburban.

Exciting Dragon Boat Festival set for June 25

The 9th Edition of the Montreal Summer Splash Dragon Boat Festival, considered by many to be the most fun dragon boat event on the local circuit, takes place June 25. With over 25 teams scheduled to participate, some returning for their ninth consecutive year, paddlers, in teams of 22, compete in Mixed and Women’s divisions.

In addition to heats in the 500-, 200- and 100-metre distances, Summer Splash features the only Flag-Catching Race in Montreal dragon boat competitions. “By adding a flag-catching element in the final 500-metre race, Summer Splash has adopted a tradition rooted in Taiwanese festivals,” said Festival Director, Dan Levine. “As the boat crosses the finish line, the drummer must reach out and catch a flag that rests on a floating platform. It adds more excitement for participants and spectators.”

Summer Splash is an event geared toward recreational and community teams from Montreal and the surrounding areas. This year’s event will welcome three teams from Ottawa and one from Sherbrooke. The event has experienced significant growth since Levine took over the reigns as Festival Director three years ago. In addition to planning dragon boat competitions and team-building events for youth and corporate groups, Levine is also the captain of Montreal Mix, a highly-competitive dragon boat team. He’s also an experienced coach for other teams. “I guess you can say that the sport has helped to shape me into the person I am today. It’s a privilege to be part of such a vibrant and supportive sporting community,” added Levine.

The Montreal Summer Splash Dragon Boat Festival takes place on June 25 at the Olympic Basin on Ile Notre-Dame, home of various water sport events at the 1976 Montreal Olympics. Races begin at 8 h 30 and the day’s event is capped off with a post-race BBQ and Beer Tent, featuring great music, prize draws and plenty of fun for all! Accessible by car and public transit via Bus 167 (Casino) and métro Jean-Drapeau, admission to the Festival site is free, with parking fees in effect. In addition, representatives from Leave Out Violence (LOVE) will be on site to promote the organization and join in the fun atmosphere. For details, visit www.montrealsummersplash.com

Metro 14 TV makes presence in Montreal

Cable Channel 14 has gone through a few incarnations in Montreal. Originally known as
La Télévision Ethnique du Québec (TEQ), a public access and ethnic cable channel, it morphed into CJNT TV in 1997 – again focusing on mainly ethnic and multicultural content – before coming under the ownership of CanWest Global. It then also became identified as CH and E!

Very quietly, just two years ago, an Ontario-based outfit called Channel Zero purchased CJNT. Last winter it was formally rebranded Metro 14 and last week the Toronto/Hamilton-based group made a big splash at trendy Rosalie Restaurant on Avenue de la Montagne.

Metro 14 is owned by Channel Zero Inc., a private Canadian television broadcaster, has that purchased CHCH-TV in Hamilton and CJNT-TV in Montreal from CanWest Global. This deal ensured the continued operation and local focus of both stations and the employment of all employees.

While the main focus of Metro 14 involves 18 hours of American TV simulcasts, original and foreign movies, multicultural programming and music videos, Channel Zero President and CEO Romen Podzyhun said that he has given CJNT boss Isabella Federigi a mandate to seek out some local programming options. Metro 14 has also reeled in Brian Kenemy as a senior sales executive. Kenemy is a former general manager of The Q 92.5 FM and well connected in the community.

Among those at the launch was entertainment guru Sheldon Kagan. How about the Sheldon Kagan Show? The man in question kind of liked the idea. I suggested to Podzyhun that he introduce a once a week late night TV show similar to Leno and Letterman, hosted by Aaron Rand and Tasso. What about a provocative current affairs program, a Montreal version if you will of Radio Canada’s Tout le monde en parle?

Chris Fuoco, vice-president of sales and marketing for Channel Zero, says that Metro 14 plans to provide a local platform for Quebec bands to get airtime via their videos. Foreign films will get good exposure. “Often you will see a number of films nominated for Oscars, but you never know where you can watch them,” he said. “Metro 14 will provide that opportunity. The same goes for short films.”

In the spring of 2012 Channel Zero will present the television broadcast premiere of Avatar containing many elements which did not appear in the Oscar winning film version.

I have already been watching Sportsline, weeknights at 7 p.m., with provocative host Mark Hebscher (left). Many years ago Hebscher was a sportcaster on Montreal radio.

Metro14 Montreal is available in the Greater Montreal area over the air on channel 62 (UHF) and on cable on Videotron, on Rogers in Ontario and across Canada on satellite on BellTV.

Mourning the loss of Junior Hockey in Montreal

The highly successful return of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) to the Montreal Island is over for now. Farrel Miller (right) sold his Montreal Juniors franchise last week to a group headed by former NHLer Joel Bouchard. It also includes Daniel Briere of the Philadelphia Flyers, JF Giguere of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Ian Laperriere, who just retired from Philadelphia. They will play out of a new 3,100 seat arena in Boisbriand, which is near Mirabel Airport. That means the borough of Verdun loses yet another junior team, in this case one that was repeatedly selling out and attracting a loyal following.

Miller bought the St. John’s, Newfoundland QMJHL team four years ago and moved it to Montreal. The Verdun Auditorium was the only logical venue. While the building is old and no doubt in need of repair it served the team’s purpose very well. Miller made some cosmetic improvements and added a real press box. Montreal put a first class team on the ice and the fans ate it up.

I was always a junior hockey fan, dating back to the days when Pat LaFontaine and Claude Lemieux played in Verdun. When Miller bought the team, I embraced the game’s return. Annually I would see the Juniors play more than the Canadiens. The QMJHL offers a great product, with end to end action and good body checking. Miller and I hooked up to make promotional deals involving the English Montreal School Board, He provided free season tickets to schools in inner city neighbourhoods and created a program whereby players visited schools to talk about the importance of staying in class. Last season he introduced actual regular season day games and a few boards, including the EMSB, bought into the concept. Kids would travel by bus for a 10:30 a.m. start, bring their own lunches and be back at school by 1:30 p.m. It was a gigantic hit. The Lester B. Pearson School Board actually sold out an entire day game by themselves. We already scheduled ours for next year – February 29, 2012 to be exact. I do not think that will occur now that Boisbriand is the new destination. A call is in to Joel Bouchard(left), for our schools in St. Léonard indicate that Boisbriand is 20 minutes away whereas Verdun was a 60 minute trip by bus.

I really connected with this Juniors and the league and I must say I am absolutely crushed by their departure. At the same time I understand that Miller had an offer he could not refuse. Reports indicate that he will only agree to the sale once the league guarantees him territorial rights to put a franchise on the South Shore, where a brand new arena is expected to be constructed in the not too distant future. He would also have a right of refusal for anyone wanting to put another franchise in Montreal.

While QMJHL Commissioner Gilles Courteau may be pleased with this move, he has to look at the big picture and tell himself that Boisbriand is “not” Montreal. This might be a convenient venue for those residing in the Laurentians and Laval, but Montrealers will not make the trek there. Now a core group of junior fans who fell hard for this new team will become orphans.

I can only hope that Bouchard and his group will reach out to Montreal fans – and organizations like school boards as well. They should call themselves “Montreal” and make the point that Boisbriand is not really that far; in fact it is within minutes of many of the popular golf clubs Montrealers frequent regularly. If you have ever driven to Carrefour Laval, then just travel a little further on the Laurentian Autoroute and you will hit Boisbriand.

Boisbriand and the new arena will also be the home of a new professional lacrosse team, run by Martin Routhier. He was president of the Montreal Juniors up until a few months ago. Routhier chose this venue before news of junior hockey setting up shop there broke. Perhaps he should switch gears and come to Verdun. Heck, count me in if he does so.

Nat Lauzon jumps to The Q 92.5 FM; Ken Connors shifting to weekends

The Q92.5 FM continues to raid the refrigerator at Virgin Radio. First it was morning man Cat Spencer, who agreed to terms in the spring to replace Aaron Rand. Because of a non-compete clause in his contract, the Cat cannot begin with the Q until late August. Today, Q General Manager Mark Dickie confirmed to me that popular Virgin mid-day host Nat Lauzon (left) is jumping shift. She will slip into the weekend (Noon to 5 p.m.) slot on the Q in October. Because of contractual arrangements she remains part of Virgin until then.

Why go from a full-time five day a week job to simply weekends'? "I think it is a lifestyle change for Nat," reasons Dickie. "For us, it is part of creating a blockbuster weekend format at the Q."
Blockbuster? Well yes, because besides Nat Lauzon weekday drive mainstay Ken Connors (right) will also switch over in August and become the host of a weekend 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. program. On Sundays he will even stick around longer, from 10 a.m. to Noon, with a separate all-request show. The Q already has a smoking hot mid-morning Saturday show (10 a.m. to Noon) with the exceptionally talented, beautiful and incredibly bilingual Anne-Marie Witenshaw.

"We are going to treat weekends just like weekdays," said Dickie.

Donna Saker will have an expanded shift, going from 8:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. Look for more announcements soon.

As for Virgin, well now that they have to fill yet another spot. Freeway Frank took over from Spencer and then Heather B left for a job in Cleveland, replaced by Nikki. Who should replace Nat? It is time to give the multi-talented Kelly A (A for Alexander) a full-time gig. She is great on weekends, fill-in and special assignment and homegrown.

Catherine Sherriffs is the new CTV Montreal late night anchor

CTV Montreal Director of News and Public Affairs Jed Kahane sure was thinking outside of the box when selecting the successor to Debra Arbec as late night anchor. Catherine Sherriffs(pictured) got the nod and she will debut on July 4. Arbec, of course, left to become suppertime co-anchor on CBC TV. Most people thought that one of the two weekend anchors, Tarah Schwartz or Paul Karwatsky would be chosen. If not them, perhaps one of the veteran reporters.

A reporter for CTV Montreal’s top-rated newscasts for the past two years, Sherriffs is a familiar face and voice to Montrealers. Additionally, she has spent the past four years as a newscaster on Virgin Radio and CHOM FM. I am sure she will not miss those 4 a.m. wakeups,

“Catherine is a dynamic and skilled journalist who can tackle any story”, said Kahane. “Whether she’s covering hard news or topics that are a little lighter, Catherine has a way of connecting with the audience, and we know she’ll continue to build that connection in this new job.”

Sherriffs grew up in Morin Heights and studied journalism at Concordia University. She is the niece of Murray Sherriffs from The Q 92.5 FM. As part of her new assignment, she will continue reporting for CTV’s flagship supper-hour newscast.

Why did Kahane choose someone who has never anchored on TV before? I asked him this question. "Because we have every reason to expect she’ll be great at it," he told me. " True, she hasn’t anchored a television newscast before, but she’s been a live newscaster on radio for years, and I’d venture that viewers who’ve seen her live reporting on CTV for the past couple of years will agree she has a great on-air presence. We’re confident that she will shine through on the anchor desk. Besides, just about every TV anchor in this country started out as a reporter, and one day, simply made the leap to the anchor chair. So we’re not exactly reinventing the wheel here."

TEAM 990 throws a terrific 10th birthday bash; awaits Habs news

Photos: Mitch Melnick and Wayne Bews; Robin Burns and Annakin Slayd; Paul Massie and Steve Traynor; TEAM 990 sales rep Elizabeth Farnesi, Ron Francis and son Rod Francis.

I had a great time last week at THE TEAM 990’s 10th anniversary party held at the Paul Stevens Dinner Club in Pointe Claire. Paul Massie and Steve Traynor (as in Paul Stevens) were terrific hosts, offering an open bar, serving up tantalizing hor d’oeuvres and a delicious buffet featuring roast beef, chicken, shrimp, mashed potatoes, rice and vegetables. There was live music by the Shane Murphy Band and comic relief from stand up comics Scott Faulconbridge and Mike Patterson.

TEAM 990 general manager Wayne Bews assembled a VIP guest list of about 200 people, inviting them to come by during a live broadcast of the Mitch Melnick drive home show from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Melnick signed off at 7 p.m. as the Shane Murphy Band took to the stage. After 8 p.m. the general public was invited in.

I have been a loyal listener of THE TEAM 990 since they first went on the air, with Melnick and the late Ted Blackman hosting the morning show. They were part of a national network, set up by CHUM Radio, which did not last very long. THE TEAM, though, survived. Initially they had broadcast rights to the Expos. When they left town for Ottawa, some people in the industry predicted an imminent death. But THE TEAM 990 was rejuvenated five years ago when Bews took charge of the operation. The station has a solid morning show with Elliott Price, Shaun Starr and Denis Casavant; Tony Marinaro is probably the best hockey analyst in town and a joy to listen to; old pro Randy Tieman turned out to be the perfect fit for radio when PJ Stock quit; Melnick is the king of sports talk radio and always includes a steady diet of rock ‘n roll as well; Rod Francis, Melnick’s producer, has great knowledge of sports and politics; Paramount Financial Services boss Lorne Rubin contributes an entertaining market minute weekdays at 4:45 p.m. sprinkled with sports notes; contributors Stephen Brunt of The Globe and Mail and TSN’s Pierre McGuire represent “must listen to” radio when their bits come up; Connor McKenna is a rising star as are a few others.

Photos: Peter Dalla Riva and Andie Bennett; NHL referee Dave Jackson and The Gazette's Pat Hickey

Melnick gave Andie Bennett the opportunity to blossom into a solid sportscaster and she did so in spades, catching the attention of CBC Radio One Daybreak which hired her last winter. At THE TEAM 990 producers became on air personalities. Besides Starr and Francis, there is Shaun Campbell, Mitch Gallo and Amanda Stein. THE TEAM 990 is the home of the Impact soccer broadcasts, with Brian Wilde and Noel Butler. Part-time hosts include Matthew Ross, Nick Murdocco and Gary Whittaker. Jessica Rusnak handles announcing and sales while Dino Ceresa works on sales and promotions. Elizabeth Farnesi and Karen Bryant-Pepper have worked there in sales since day one. Scott Saxon is the creative director, responsible for the on air commercials. Chris Robitaille oversees engineering while Bernice Davies (traffic) and Len Joseph (accounting) are also originals. A couple of new sales reps were hired recently, Ken Doran and Sheldon Novack, both with solid radio experience. Sounds like some foreshadowing for a big Habs sales campaign.

According to the buzz in the room, the Canadiens will announce very soon that they are shifting English hockey broadcasts to THE TEAM 990. THE TEAM is under the large umbrella of Bell Media, which of course also owns CTV and TSN. Bell has a minority interest in the Canadiens. The Habs play out of the “Bell Centre,” so despite the fact CJAD is owned by media giant Astral it appears as if this time the odds were stacked in THE TEAM’s favor. We will also have to watch and see if they change their name to TSN Radio, as rumoured.

Look for Elliott Price to handle the play-by-play and either Chris Nilan or Sergio Momesso to do colour commentary. Nilan , the former Habs enforcer, has enjoyed a lot of air time on Melnick’s show the last few months. He told me when we sat down in March that he had applied for the job with CJAD last summer, but lost out to Momesso who did a great job with play by play man Rick Moffat.

Back to the 10th anniversary party: everyone had a blast. The atmosphere was perfect for folks to chat and network. Among those I spotted were rapper Annakin (Andrew Farrar) Slayd and his brother Jay (manager of Maclean’s Pub), The Gazette’s Pat Hickey and Randy Phillips, Andie Bennett, football legend Peter Dalla Riva, Robert Vairo of the Montreal TV-Radio School, former NHLer Robin Burns, NHL referee Dave Jackson, Stephen Brunt and a host of others.

I told Brunt how much I thoroughly enjoy his contributions to the Melnick show at 4:25 p.m. weekdays. He will soon be taking the summer off from the program. One of this country’s great sports writers. If you want to see his brilliance on electronic media, check out this video essay he did for CTV at the Vancouver Winter Olympics.
















Photos: Dwight Walton, Shaun Starr and hockey writer/ CTV web reporter Arpon Basu;The Shane Murphy Band. (all photos taken by the author)

Julia Roberts has arrived in Montreal

Actress Julia Roberts and her entourage arrived in Montreal on Thursday. The superstar actress will begin filming the blockbuster movie Snow White soon. For more details click here.

Lyric Theatre present outstanding show

The Lyric Theatre Singers, recognized as a long-standing producer and promoter of musical theatre in the Montreal area, hit the stage at the Oscar Peterson Concert Hall at the NDG Loyal Campus of Concordia University with four shows between June 9 to 11. They did not disappoint.

Broadway Rhythm was this year’s theme as the award-winning vocal ensemble presented highlights from Broadway’s most popular and beloved shows: Rodgers and Hart (Johnny One Note, My Funny Valentine), Lerner and Loewe (Almost Like Being In Love), Cole Porter (Another Op’nin’, Another Show), Stephen Sondheim (Little Things, Being Alive, Sunday in the Park), Charles Strouse (It’s the Hard Knock Life, Applause, ) - as well as highlights from The Music Man, Fiddler on the Roof, Hairspray, West Side Story, Nine and a number of others.

This is an extraordinary organization, with the abundantly talented Bob Bachelor still waving the baton as musical director. He even stepped on stage and nearly brought the house down with his beautiful presentation of the song New Words. Bachelor also made a few cameo appearances in numbers, which prompted instant applause the moment he appeared. A busy man to be sure, he just recently completed another year at St. George’s School of Montreal where he produced and directed their high school production of Curtains. Lyric impresses you the moment the cast hits the stage – all 39 of them, ranging from a few teens to senior citizens. Their level of energy is just extraordinary and infectious I might add. I particularly appreciated the lovely Laurent Gauthier’s singing of Colors of the Wind from Pocahantas. Such poise and a gorgeous voice. The three songs from Hairspray really got the audience hopping while the way in which Cantata for A First Date played out was quite clever as four performers started out the scene in a stage of undress, putting their clothes on as they prepared for that awkward first date. Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend had the gals dressed to kill and the men waving really good knockoffs. A big thanks to Diane Dupuis-Kallos, who has provided this video link for you to watch some of the numbers and the photo you see this in this entry. Her son Richard, only 19, is one of the youngest performers in the group and he did impress.

It was great to watch Jim Brown, a public school teacher for 45 years and now retired, belt out the tunes. You can see how much he enjoys this. In fact that appears to be the same for the entire cast, the orchestra and even the spotlight man. They begin auditions in September. You can go to www.lyrictheatrecompany.com, email lyrictheatresingers@gmail.com or call 514-626-5783 for more details. One of the highlights of the closing show was a draw for tickets to travel with VIA Rail Canada. The grand prize was a return trip for two in first class between Montreal and Vancouver, valued at $9,100. There were also a pair of packages for return trips for two in business class in the Quebec City-Windsor corridor. One lady in the audience shrieked when she heard her number called and then asked Lyric president Louise Dorais to repeat it. The lady was in fact a finalist, of 12 names eligible for the three grand prizes. Well she won, hugging her friend and telling her “you are going with me!”

Where will Aaron Rand land? Here are some possibilities

Now that he has officially ended his extraordinary 26 year run with The Q 92.5 FM, Aaron Rand is recharging his batteries and reportedly contemplating his next move. Over the years, Rand has dabbled operated his own advertising agency and he is currently a partner with his close friend Lloyd Brown in the Dic Ann’s Restaurant on St. Jacques Street in NDG and the gourmet pie Bonatarte shop next door. Not yet 60 and very young at heart, there is a job out for him in the business somewhere.

Freeway Frank, the still rather new co-host of the Virgin Radio morning show, confessed on his blog last week what a fan he has always been of Rand. “For the record, I know he'll be back!,” Freeway wrote. “No way was that his last show. I wanted to write this note because I am proud to credit Aaron as one of my mentors as a kid growing up. No, I didn`t know him but it feels like I did because I listened to his radio show religiously and pretended to be him and Tasso as I re-enacted their banter every day after school, taping their shows on my old eight track-Ghetto Blaster. One day, I finally called the radio station and happened to get on air as Suzanne Desautels had made her debut on late pulse the night before. I praised Suzanne for her appearance on CFCF. I had a major crush on her.”

So what are Aaron’s options?

-Mike FM 105.1 would really put itself on the map by grabbing Rand. The station currently has weekday morning and drive home shows. Former CJAD sportscaster Dino Sisto is the wakeup guy. He could team up nicely with Rand and Tasso, especially considering that Greek programming actually dominates this station’s lineup. Tasso, of course, is a stage name for the man of many voices Paul Zakaib.
-Metro 14 is the newest TV station in town, taking over the spot formerly occupied by CJNT. The latter was owned by CanWest Global, which of course is no more. The fact that former Q general manager Brian Kenemy has been hired in sales for Metro 14 could lead to a Rand connection. Many years ago Rand and Tasso did a demo late night talk show before a live studio audience for the old CFCF TV. It was meant to be a possible Montreal rendition of then Johnny Carson and David Letterman. Perhaps now is the time for such a format to be revived.
-Global TV will launch a new morning show in 2012. What better branding could they get than a host like Aaron Rand?
-CTV Montreal was quick to pounce on Ted Bird when he left CHOM FM to do his Bird Droppings segment on the sportscast once a week. I would not be surprised to see news director Jed Kahane find a role for Rand.
-CHOM FM would be a natural fit for Rand. If he does want to work full-time, perhaps a weekend gig on Virgin Radio.
-THE TEAM 990, which this summer will likely be rebranded TSN Radio and become the new broadcaster of the Montreal Canadiens, could give Rand a return to his first love of sports radio.

What are your thoughts? Please share them with me?

Hazzan Nathan Mendelson Music Foundation Concert

The Hazzan Nathan Mendelson Music Foundation of Congregation Shaar Hashomayim (450 Kensington) in Westmount will be presenting a multi-media concert on Monday, June 13 (7:30 pm) in the main sanctuary. “The Voice of the Cantor - From Shtetl to Stage" will transport the audience back to the shtetl (little town) in Eastern Europe in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and take them on a journey to the new world where, in the 21st century, the cantor has become revered as a performer, be it in the synagogue or on the Broadway or opera stages. This production will be accomplished by live performances, enhanced with amazing archival film footage and original narration by Allan Nadler, a professor at Drew university in New Jersey and a former Rabbi at the Shaar. Cantors Asher Hainovitz of the Jeshurun Central Synagogue in Jerusalem and Gideon Zelermyer of the Shaar will be accompanied by the synagogue choir, directed by Stephen Glass. The Shaar is marking its 165th anniversary and this concert will mark the start of the Montreal International Yiddish Theatre Festival

The Hazzan Nathan Mendelson Music Foundation was established in 1982 to honour the life and memory of Nathan Mendelson, who served as Hazzan (a Jewish musician trained in vocal arts) of the Congregation for 35 years, commencing in 1938 and concluding in 1973. He was then appointed Hazzan Emeritus of the Congregation and continued to serve until his untimely passing on the first day of Rosh Hashanah, 1977.

“So much Torah was contained in the world and life of Hazzan Nathan Mendelson that I am convinced that the world was justified in its creation because of him,” Rabbi Wilfred Shuchat commented in his eulogy. A lawyer, ordained Rabbi, Talmudic scholar, musician and Mohel, Hazzan Mendelson had a profound influence on all members of the Congregation and the Montreal Jewish community at large, regardless of age, whose lives he touched. Possessed of a curious mind and intellect, he read voraciously in areas such as advanced mathematics, physics, metaphysics and philosophy, notes his son David, for many years a leading figure in the local Jewish community himself.

As described by Rabbi Shuchat, “When Hazzan Mendelson came to Congregation Shaar Hashomayim, he brought to his responsibilities a combination of dignity, depth and authority. He was a master of Jewish liturgy. He could interpret a verse in the Siddur with the imagination of a mystic.”

The creation of the Hazzan Nathan Mendelson Music Foundation was largely due to the efforts of the Shaar Hashomayim’s late S. Laddie Kert, founding chair. “Laddie undertook a major campaign that succeeded in attracting 30 founding patrons who held Hazzan Mendelson in high esteem. In recent years, the Foundation Committee, under the leadership of Sharron Feifer, has been expanded as has the patron base,” said David (pictured above). “The Foundation has remained true to its longstanding commitment that the capital would remain in perpetuity and only the interest would be used to subsidize or fully fund the concerts and other undertakings of the Foundation.”

Since its inception, the overall goal of the Foundation has been to keep alive the memory and influence of Hazzan Mendelson. With this in mind, the Foundation Committee developed objectives centering on performance and creativity. Thus, the Foundation not only presents to the public important Jewish musical works, but also seeks to foster their creation.

Over the 29-year period of 1982 to 2011, the Foundation has presented to the Jewish and broader Montreal community, 21 concerts and related Jewish musical events. These have featured choral, cantorial, operatic, and instrumental genres highlighting Canadian composers, music of the Holocaust, music of prayer as well as classical and modern repertoire, lectures and Shabbaton weekends, performed by a diversity of local, Canadian and international artists. All of the Foundation’s concerts have taken place at Congregation Shaar Hashomayim.

A gala concert event took place on October 28, 2007 in honour of the Foundation’s 25^th anniversary. The year 2007 also marked the 100^th anniversary of the birth of Hazzan Mendelson, as well as the year in which his 30^th Yahrzeit was observed. These milestones were reflected in this concert which saw an attendance of over 1,000 in the main sanctuary. A CD of Hazzan Mendelson’s recordings was created for this occasion and distributed to all who attended this event.

Going forward, the Foundation remains committed to working in close cooperation with the other musical arms of the Congregation in planning innovative programs and featuring outstanding artists and musical works.

CSL Dramatic Society Debuts

The Côte Saint-Luc Dramatic Society will be staging their first theatrical presentation on Sunday, June 12 ( 7 p.m) at the the Harold Greenspon Auditorium of City Hall (5801 Cavendish Boulevard). The newly formed Dramatic Society held open auditions in early May, putting out a call for community members interested in acting, writing, singing and dancing. The community answered. In a short 5five weeks, the Society pulled together a cast of 30 theatre enthusiasts varying in age from 17 to 77 years old, and a team of eager writers from Côte Saint-Luc and surrounding neighborhoods.

As noted WestEnd physician, assistant director and performer Jerrold Rappaport notes, "the goal of the Côte Saint-Luc Dramatic Society, an initiative by the Parks and Recreation Department, is to create a community theatre that is accessible to everyone, to encourage cultural vitality within the community, and to take advantage of the many talented residents of the city from different generations."

The Society is open to participants of all ages, levels of experience and expertise. Their first presentation, Dining Out: An Evening of Scenes, Sketches and Songs will feature the talents of Mayor Anthony Housefather and Councillor Mitchell Brownstein. Pictured above are Yariv Barsheshat and Howard Braziller getting into the act.

With over 35 contributing members for their first project, The Dramatic Society is hopeful about mounting a full-scale production in the fall of this year.

Dining Out: An Evening of Scenes, Sketches and Songs

Directed by Anisa Cameron, Assistant Director, Jerrold Rappaport

Music by Nick Burgess

7 p.m. in the Harold Greenspon Auditorium – 5801 Cavendish Blvd.

Tickets available at the door or through Côte Saint-Luc’s Parks and Recreation Department – 7500 Mackle Road, Mon-Fri, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

$8 – Children (12 years and under), Seniors (60+)

$10 – Per Person