Although York Region (somewhat arbitrarily it would seem) is now, like Toronto, Ottawa and Peel Regions, back to Stage 2 rules that prohibit indoor dining, the York Region Open mic show scheduled for this afternoon and dinner-time showcase is going ahead.
Yesterday Premier Doug Ford imposed the move back to Stage 2 for York but no other area despite similar COVID-19 infection rates in several other regions such as Halton, Durham and Wellington. He never did explain why York was singled out from that group.
Steffi Postol Goodfield, who books the shows at Turtle Jack’s on Vogell Road in Richmond Hill, said her shows will take place on the club’s heated patio, where food and drink are still allowed under Stage 2 rules.
The plucky organizer and show host was putting on a weekly open mic and showcase in the club’s parking lot during the previous Stage 2 period this summer before the province relaxed the rules to allow them to move to the patio, which fortunately the modified new Stage 2 rules also still permit.
“We were running both things in the parking lot but now it is much warmer on the patio and there’s plenty of room to stay distant,” she told TorontoMoon.ca, “including outside the patio.
“We had a family sit by their car last week; we put a table out there so they could have dinner.
“I want to encourage people to at least come and get take out. This is as much for the restaurant as it is for the music. If they go under we will lose a huge live music supporter.”
The open mic takes place this afternoon on the patio of the club at 10 Vogell Road from 2:30 till 5:30. No pre-registration is required and performers get a free beverage for their efforts. Tonight’s 6-9 “Live At A Distance” showcase, for which there’s no cover, features sets by Josh Smitheram, Classic Shock and Cindë.
-By Gary 17, TorontoMoon.ca
Gary [email protected] * [email protected]
SHOWS OF INTEREST TODAY:
2:30-5:30 weekly> “York Region Open Mic” with host Steffi Postol Goodfield on the patio @ Turtle Jack’s, 10 Vogell Rd., Richmond Hill ~performers receive free drink; patio reservations 905-770-1729
3-5> Bruce Longman @ Tartan Tavern, 555 Rossland Rd. E., Oshawa ~Rock/Top 40 covers
3-6> The Grady Brothers @ Market Brewing Company patio, 1775 Leslie St., Newmarket ~acoustic Pop Rock
6-9 weekly> “Saturday Night Live at a Distance” York Region with host Steffi Postol Goodfield and feature sets by Josh Smitheram; Classic Shock; Cindë @ Turtle Jack’s, 10 Vogell Rd., Richmond Hill ~songwriters; $0
6:30-9> Squeeler @ Stonewalls Restaurant, 339 York Blvd., Hamilton ~tribute to AC/DC; $10
8:30-11> The Shawn Connerys performing @ Moonshine Café, 137 Kerr St., Oakville from inside stage, with live stream telecast on back patio (reservations required) and online on website ~indie Roots-Rock
8:30> Kay The Destroyer Duo @ The Powerhouse, 21 Jones St., Stoney Creek (Hamilton) ~acoustic Pop covers/originals; $0
8:30-11> The Shawn Connerys Band performing @ Moonshine Café, 137 Kerr St., Oakville from inside stage, with live stream telecast on back patio (reservations required) and online on website ~Roots-Rock; $15
9:30> Tamin’ Thunder @ The Edge, 250 Bayly St. West, Ajax ~classic Rock; $10
10> Another Round @ Tartan Tavern, 555 Rossland Rd. E., Oshawa ~Rock/Top 40 covers
