\ TO DOWNTOWN \
After several years on hiatus from the music scene veteran Folk singer and songwriter Peter Mathieson returned to active playing four years ago (inspired to do so at one of my open stages, I’m proud to say) and has steadily gained recognition anew for his witty and wry original tunes and covers of old chestnuts that reflect his quirky, sometimes sardonic sense of humour.
But lately the composer of the song “Yonge Street”, (which was turned into a hit by Raffi when it was included on his 1975 album Good Luck Boy) has been struggling with a number of serious medical issues, including emphysema and cancer, that require him to undergo regular treatments and purchase medications not covered by OHIP —not to mention impair his ability to earn a living.
He actually had to cancel one recent show because of these difficulties, but on good days continues to get out to open stages, where he’ll often share what I regard as his signature song “He Was A Good Ole Folksinger,” with a straight-faced delivery that makes the punch line “but he had to be put down,” all the more hilarious.
The tune starts with a sweet and gentle feel, reminiscing about a passed musician who “was a good ole folksinger, going from town to town” and who “did his job so well” … perfectly setting up the listener for the sardonic twists ahead, as the lines quickly evolve into sarcastic observations of how “he used to be so angry / my God he loved to suffer …” but “… went from angry young man / to pissed-off middle-aged duffer.”
It’s not an uncommon evolution for a Mathieson song. “Necrophilia Rag”, a piano saloon-style love song about a man who lives with his wife in her crypt, pulls the same stunt, beginning by oohing about “your tender eyes … and tender thighs” to begin but then starts to note how “I see what’s on your mind / as it comes crawling out” and so on and so forth. Another gem of scathing wit is his ol’ style Blues send-up “The Collected Works of Blind Boy Pudley”. 
It comes as all the more touching and captivating a surprise, then, when Mathieson leavens the laugh-loaf with some genuinely touching tunes, including his covers of “The Water Is Wide” and “Maggie (When We Were Young)” as well as original “Time For A Change” and the intricate and sweet guitar work on instrumental “Dulcimer Lady”. He’s also, btw, a pretty fine resonator guitar player when he’s of a mind to share that talent.
Those songs —among other delights— appear on an album of originals (with the two traditional covers) that Mathieson cut in 1996. Unscrewed, he told me, with tongue characteristically stuck firmly in his cheek, is meant to be “my answer to Eric Clapton’s Unplugged”.
I would expect that there will be copies of this album available tonight (“CHEAP!!! LOW MILEAGE ONE-OWNER BALLADS” the cover art screams as Mathieson poses in an alley with musical instruments in a shopping cart —and he usually seems to have a few with him at gigs) when a pantheon of fellow artists who enjoy his entertaining company and admire his music gather in the Main Hall at Tranzac Club tonight to toast him and raise some dough to help him out.
Organized by Mathieson’s friends Brad Kolodny and Loren Hicks the roster includes Harpin’ Norm Lucien, Glen Hornblast, Brian Jantzi (accompanied by Joanne Crabtree and backing several other acts), Lynn Harrison, Steve-Paul Simms, Zoe Henderson, Hicks & Dawe, Jim Amar, Robert Davis, Pamela Gilmartin & Jeff Shewchuk, Michael Menegon, Frank Patrick, Kalyna Rakel & Jeremy Edwardes —plus, of course, the guest of honour also doing a short set before the group singalong closing number at 11:15.
Cover is just $10 (but you’re encouraged, naturally, to give more and can probably supplement that by buying one of the albums) for the 8 – 11:30 show in the venue at 292 Brunswick Ave. just south of Bloor St. West in TO’s Annex area.
-Gary 17, TorontoMoon.ca
http://www.torontomoon.ca/subscribe/
SHOW LISTINGS for Friday, February 19, 2022:
Listings are organized by area in which the shows occur and within each area field shows are listed chronologically.
Listings preceded by an asterisk (*) are repeating weekly events. (Double asterisk indicates repeating event with different hosts/guest/etc.). Events preceded by question mark (?) usually take place but have not been confirmed. Admission prices followed by a slash and minus (/-) after the amount indicates door charge with availability of cheaper rates for some purchases. /+ indicates stated price is minimum.
Names of subscribers appear in bold, are underlined and, where applicable, include a live link to their websites. Advertisers’ listings are in larger type, highlighted, include live link to website and also have ad icon included in listings.
416 - Toronto Central
*3-7> acoustic jam with John Hutt @ Lola, 40 Kensington Ave., TO
*4-6> Hogtown Syncopators @ The Rex, 194 Queen St. W., TO ~Jazz; $
*5-8> Kensington Kitchen Party with host Kevin Jollimore of Sin City Boys, Kim Cadilla on bass & guest musicians @ Graffiti’s, 170 Baldwin St., TO ~Pop Rock with heart
*5-7> The Friends of Hugh Oliver @ Tranzac Club (Southern Cross), 292 Brunswick Ave., TO ~Folk
*5:30> Jazz Generation; Melissa Smeets @ Imperial Pub, 54 Dundas St. E., TO ~Jazz
6> David Celia @ Cameron House (front), 408 Queen St. W., TO ~indie Pop
*6-8> Eli Pasic @ Jazz Bistro, 251 Victoria St., TO ~solo Blues piano
6-8> Kathleen Gorman @ 120 Diner, 120 Church St., TO ~Jazz; $10/pwyc
6> Harbour; We Were Sharks; Fighting Season; Letdown; The Maysides; more @ Sneaky Dee’s, 431 College St., TO ~indie; $10
6:30> Victor Bateman Trio @ The Rex, 194 Queen St. W., TO ~Jazz; $
7:30> Mark Segger & special guests @ Tranzac Club (Southern Cross), 292 Brunswick Ave., TO
8> Benefit for Peter Mathieson with Harpin’ Norm Lucien, Glen Hornblast, Brian Jantzi, Lynn Harrison, Steve-Paul Simms, Zoe Henderson, Hicks & Dawe, Jim Amar, Robert Davis, Pamela Gilmartin & Jeff Shewchuk, Michael Menegon, Joanne Crabtree, Frank Patrick, Kalyna Rakel & Jeremy Edwardes @ Tranzac Club (Main Hall), 292 Brunswick Ave., TO; $10 donation
8> Patrick Brealey @ Cameron House (front), 408 Queen Street West, TO ~Country
8:30> Forgotten Rebels; Politikill Incorrect; Dirty Jeans @ Lee’s Palace, 529 Bloor St. W., TO ~Punk; $17.50
9> Woodies @ Graffiti’s, 170 Baldwin St., TO
9> Michael Danckert Band @ Drums N Flats, 1980 Avenue Rd., TO North ~Rock/Blues
9> Monroe Park @ Cameron House (rear), 408 Queen St. W., TO
9> Dwayne Gretzky @ Horseshoe Tavern, 370 Queen St. W., TO ~$20
9> Sleep Mean; Groovy Brothers @ The Cavern Bar, 76 Church St., TO
9> Rich Brown & The Abeng @ Jazz Bistro, 251 Victoria St., TO ~Jazz; $
9:30> Something Extra @ Seven44, 744 Mount Pleasant Rd., TO North ~Rock/Pop
9:30> Universal Boogie Band @ Alleycatz, 2409 Yonge St., TO North ~Funk/Soul/R&B; $10
9:45> Raoul & The Bigger Time @ The Rex, 194 Queen St. W., TO ~Jazzy Blues; $
9:45> Dee Dee & The Dirty Martinis @ Reservoir Lounge, 52 Wellington St. E., TO ~60s R&B; $
10> Dave Murphy Band @ Orbit Room, 480 College St. TO ~Rock/Funk/R&B; $
10> Freeman Dre & The Kitchen Party @ Cameron House (front), 408 Queen Street West, TO ~indie Roots-Rock
*10> Homesick featuring tba @ Sneaky Dee’s, 431 College St., TO ~Punk; $5
10> Jessica Stuart & Luke Roberts @ Tranzac Club (Southern Cross), 292 Brunswick Ave., TO
10:30> Miz Debbie @ Grossman’s, 379 Spadina Ave., TO
10:30> Full Tilt @ Fionn MacCool’s Esplanade, 70 The Esplanade ~Pop Rock 
10:30> Scully & The Crossbones @ The Hideout, 484 Queen St. W., TO ~indie Rock
416 - Toronto East
5:30-7:30> The Straight 8s @ Castro’s, 2116 Queen St. E., TO East
8> Arlene Paculan; Cynthia Fay; Claire Coupland; Naty Be @ Hirut, 2050 Danforth Ave. E., TO East ~jazz; pwyc
8> Carin Redman, Thyron Lee Whyte, Mandy Lagan, Yvette Tollar with backing band @ Joy Bistro, 884 Queen St. E., TO East ~Jazz; pwyc
8> Steve Rivers @ Boots & Bourbon, 725 Queen St. E., TO East ~Country
9> Stiletto Flats featuring Elana Harte @ Eton House, 710 Danforth Ave., TO East ~retro/classic Rock; no cover
*9-12> Clockwise @ Relish, 2152 Danforth Ave., TO East ~power Pop
9> Paul Reddick Band @ Dora Keogh, 141 Danforth Ave., TO East ~Blues
9> Wayne Neon and The Amazing Tubular Orchestra @ Black Swan, 154 Danforth Ave., TO East
*?> open mic with Matt & Mike @ The Grover Pub, 676 Kingston Rd., TO East
9:30> Tim Bovaconti Band @ Linsmore Tavern, 1298 Danforth Ave., TO East ~Pop Rock; $
416 – Toronto Etobicoke
7:30> Alexis Baro Quartet @ Old Mill Inn, 21 Old Mill Rd., Etobicoke ~Jazz; min table charge
9> Taunted By Girls featuring Michelle Deneault @ Blue Goose Tavern, 1 Blue Goose Rd., Etobicoke South ~Pop Rock/Top 40
9> Straight Shooter @ Maple Leaf House, 2749 Lake Shore Boulevard West, Etobicoke ~Rock/Top 40/Blues
9:30> The Mountain Lion Trappers @ Timothy’s Pub, 344 Brown’s Line, Etobicoke South ~Pop Rock/Top 40; $
10-2> Modern LP @ Southside Johnny’s, 3653 Lake Shore Blvd. W., Etobicoke South ~classic Rock
10> Forever Man @ Schuey’s, 1150 Martin Grove Rd., Etobicoke North ~Eric Clapton tribute
416 – Toronto Scarborough
9> Rough & Ready featuring Mike Eby on drums @ Winners, 2181 Lawrence Ave., E., Scarborough ~Country Rock
9:30> Supernatural @ McGradie’s, 2167 Victoria Park Ave., Scarborough ~classic Rock/Top 40
9:30> Jenn & Jeremy @ Stone Cottage Pub, 3750 Kingston Rd., Scarborough ~Pop Rock
9:30> GRUV ST. @ The Loaded Dog, 1921 Lawrence Ave. E., Scarborough
416 - Toronto West
5-8> Carter Brodkorb Quintet @ Gate 403, 403 Roncesvalles Ave., TO West ~Jazz
7:30> The Morning Caesars @ Brazen Head Pub, 165 East Liberty St., TO West ~Pop Rock
7:30> Chris Gale @ Lula Lounge, 1585 Dundas St. W., TO West ~World Jazz; $
8-10> Indira Nanavati Cadena @ Humble Beginnings, 3109 Dundas St. W., TO West ~Roots/Roots-Pop
8:30> Jane Siberry album release @ Hugh’s Room, 2261 Dundas St. W., TO West ~art-Rock icon; $40
9> The Max Brand Band @ The Tennessee, 1554 Queen St. W., TO West ~Blues/vintage Rock ‘n’ Roll
9-1> Heather Luckhart Band @ Gate 403, 403 Roncesvalles Ave., TO West ~Jazz/Blues/Roots
9> Kevin Hearn & Thinkbuckle with guests @ Burdock, 1184 Bloor St. W., TO West
9> Yuka & Heavyweights Brass Band @ Junction City Music Hall, 2907 Dundas St. W., TO West ~R&B; $10
9> Jake Chisholm @ The Local, 396 Roncesvalles Ave., TO West ~Blues
9> Downtown Rhumba @ Holy Oak Café, 1241 Bloor St. W., TO West
9:30> Mark Thackway @ Amico’s Pizza, 1648 Queen St. W., TO West ~Roots/Blues songwriter; no cover
9:30> Voodoo Walters & The Rhythm Method @ Axis Gallery & Grill, 3048 Dundas St. W., TO West ~Blues
9:30> Big Rude Jake @ Fat City Blues, 890 College St., TO West ~Blues; $5
10-2> Colonel Tom and the American Pour feat. Peter Hill on keys @ Dakota Tavern, 249 Ossington Ave., TO W.
10> Roberto Linares Brown @ Lula Lounge, 1585 Dundas St. W., TO West ~Cuban Salsa; $15
11> The Plug @ Smiling Buddha, 961 College St., TO West ~$
519
8> Young Empires & Banners @ Maxwell’s, 35 University Ave. E., Waterloo ~$
8> Pocket City @ Fionn MacCool’s Kitchener, 4287 King St. E., Kitchener ~Pop
9> Yazgerz Farm @ Brando’s Beach House, 135 Market St., Brantford ~party Rock
9:30> Run For Cover @ Fionn MacCool’s Orangeville, 75 Fourth Ave., Orangeville ~Pop
705
5:30> Rick & Gailie @ Black Horse Pub, 452 George St. N., Peterborough
8:30> Rob Phillips Band @ Black Horse Pub, 452 George St. N., Peterborough ~Jazz/Blues/Pop
9:30> Lisa Hutchinson Band @ Sticky Fingers Dunlop, 150 Dunlop St. W., Barrie ~Rock/Pop
10> The Powers @ The Garnet, 231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
905 East
9-1> Yazoo Delta @ Simcoe Blues & Jazz, 926 Simcoe St. N., Oshawa ~Blues
9> Jesse Slack @ The Corral, 433 Simcoe St. S., Oshawa ~Country
9> Lost Cause @ The Moustache Club, 15 Simcoe St. N., Oshawa
9:30> Still Sunday featuring Jim Cornell @ The Ridges Pub, 776 Liverpool Rd., Pickering ~classic Rock/Blues
*9:30> Karaoke with Rob MacArthur & Lorraine @ Royal Canadian Legion #322, 112 Hunt St., Ajax
9:30> The Bomb @ The Edge, 250 Bayly St., Ajax ~Rock/Pop
10-2> Midnight Jewel featuring Brian Potts on bass @ Fionn MacCool’s Ajax, 36 Kingston Rd., E., Ajax ~Pop Rock/Top 40
10> Deuce @ Tartan Tavern, 555 Rossland Rd. E., Oshawa ~Pop Rock
10-2> The Boogiemen @ Whisky John’s, 843 King St. W., Oshawa ~live Disco
905 North
8:30> Fat Cat Jamboree @ Lake Simcoe Arms, 21089 Dalton Rd., Jackson’s Point
8:30> George Pants @ King Richard’s Pub, 15570 Yonge St., Aurora ~Pop Rock
9> Acoustic On Fire @ Fionn MacCool’s Newmarket, 17315 Leslie St., Newmarket ~Pop
9:30> Groove Marmalade @ Jake’s Boathouse Brampton, 59 First Gulf Rd., Brampton ~Pop Rock
9:30> Two For The Show @ Oscar’s Roadhouse, 1785 Queen St. E., Brampton ~Top 40/Rock
*9:30> open mic @ Big Daddy’s, 460 Elgin Mills Rd., E, Richmond Hill
10> Itchy & Scratchy @ Aw Shucks, 15230 Yonge St., Aurora ~Pop Rock
905 – South
6:30> Ferguson Young with Liam McGlashon @ Corktown Pub, 175 Young St., Hamilton
9> No Sleep Till The Hammer with many bands @ This Ain’t Hollywood, 345 James St. N., Hamilton ~ tribute to Lemmy Kilmister; $
9:30> Soul Train Session @ Corktown Pub, 175 Young St., Hamilton ~$
10> The Associates @ Doc Magilligan’s Irish Pub, 6400 Lundy’s Lane, Niagara Falls
905 West
*5> Adam Ostrosser & Joel Guenther @ Carrigan Arms, 2025 Upper Middle Rd., Burlington ~Pop
*6-9> Krista Blondin @ Roc’n Doc’s, 105 Lakeshore Rd. E., Port Credit ~Pop Rock/Jazz/BLues
8> Alfie Smith with Conor Gains @ Moonshine Café, 137 Kerr St., Oakville ~Blues; $10
9> Takin’ It To The Streets @ Mulligan’s Pub, 2458 Dundas St. W., Mississauga ~Doobie Brothers tribute
9> Peter James Project @ Fionn MacCool’s Oakville, 350 Dundas St. E., Oakville ~Pop duo
9> Jeremy Defreitas Duo @ Fionn MacCool’s Burlington, 2331 Appleby Line, Burlington ~Pop
9:30> Kenny V @ Shore Grill, 71 Lakeshore Rd. E., Port Credit ~Pop Rock/Top 40
9:30> Fiction @ Fionn MacCool’s Clarkson, 970 Southdown Rd., Mississauga ~Pop
9:30> Ric Jacobs @ Gator Ted’s, 1505 Guelph Line, Burlington ~Pop Rock
9:30> Blakelock Fundraiser @ Boston Manor, 4460 Fairview Ave., Burlington
9:30> Rewind Line @ Black Swan Pub Burlington, 4040 Palladium Way, Burlington ~Pop Rock
10-2> The Nomads @ Roc’n Doc’s, 105 Lakeshore Rd. E., Port Credit ~Rock/Top 40; $
10:15> Shawn Steinhart Band @ Failte, 201 City Centre Dr., Mississauga ~Pop Rock
10:30> Monkley Cascade @ The Dickens, 423 Elizabeth St., Burlington ~Pop Rock
Copyright © 2016 Toronto Moon Magazine. All Rights Reserved
