 Troiano (con't) - What have we here mon ami?....why, it's our pop
rocker friend Jimi Bertucci and the rebel of soul David Clayton
Thomas. The two caught up at the 2ND Annual Domenic Troiano Tribute
"We All Need Love". It was a who's who of musica Canadiana
moguls and entertainers. From the aging artists, ex-record executives,
engineers, roadies, radio personalities and some others that
just wanted to be there to honor one of the most talented musicians
ever to emerge from the great white north. Held at the prestigious
Palais Royale on Toronto's picturesque lakefront, the night could
not have been more perfect. The venue has recently undergone
an impressive face lift that even further enhanced the classic
deco look it was once known for. The big moon reflected its almost
full light off the calm dark lake. The music echoed for miles
in celebration and the memories of a great artist danced on the
glistening waters. The gala was emceed by seventies radio personality
John Donabie. Guests and performers included Brenda Russell,
John Finlay & The Checkmates, Doug Riley, Bernie LaBarge,
Wayne St. John, Howard Ayee, Sam Consiglio, Shawne Jackson, Prakash
John, Jay Jackson, Bob Seagarini, Seb Agnello, George Semkiew,
Tom Wilson, Roy Kenner, Mike Sloski and many many others. We
drank, sang to familiar songs and conversed about our friend.
We all had stories or accolades to spread around...speaking of
which, Jimi had a bone to pick with DCT. He walked up to David
and insisted that he apologize for his rude behavior when Jimi
was a mere 13 year old curious young boy. During that time, Jimi
could often be found at the top of the stairs of The Concord
Tavern where DCT and The Shays would rehearse. One day while
Jimi was soaking in the sounds ears afull, Mr. Clayton walked
up behind him, grabbed him by his shirt collar and told him "if
you don't leave I'm going to throw you down the f***in stairs".....wow
was that not so cool.... David pondered for a minute and said
"Jimi, I can't remember, I threw so many people down the
stairs". The celebratory festivities also included a silent
auction where one-of-a-kind signed photographs the likes of Sylvester
Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Justin Timberlake, etc. etc.
were up for bid. Proceeds benefited the Toronto East General
Hospital where Domenic was treated and eventually lost his battle
with prostate cancer in 2005. It was truly a magical setting
to honor a Canadian musical icon. June 2007 - Reporter Kant Gettalon
for iUpdate
Toronto Little Italy (iUPDATE) Film and Television star Nick Mancuso
known for his hit tv series Stingray and pop rocker Jimi Bertucci
enjoying a cappucino at the landmark cafe Ill Diplomatico in
Toronto's Little Italy. Jimi and Nick have been friends for some
time. Both were born in Calabria, Italy and arrived in Canada
around the same time. They recently hooked up in Los Angeles
to discuss their upcoming project that will see their native
land as a cultural film center. When we spoke to them in Beverly
Hills, they told us that plans were in the works to turn Serra
San Bruno, Jimi's birthplace, into a center where Europe and
all countries could meet and present their works in a film festival
setting. Actors, directors and producers such as Frank Mancuso,
Francis Ford Coppolla, Martin Scorsese, Robert DeNiro, Al Pacino,
Ben Gazzara, John Travolta and other Italian decendants will
guest the events with hopes that their insight to the industry
will deliver a postive message and encourage young actors, filmmakers
and directors to explore a wide spectrum to making and marketing
movies. Jimi takes a moment to snap a photo with Lassie's mom,
the beautiful June Lockhart at the tre grand Venetian Hotel in
Las Vegas - Reporter
Kant Gettalon for iUpdate
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 BANJOS
AND GUTTER PUNKS - San
Francisco - California: When one decides to give back, as the
saying goes, you often wonder what are the motives behind these
grand gestures. Warren Hellman is a good soldier. For the past
seven years this banjo loving 72-year old billionaire has provided
the lost generation of tye-dye afficianados weekends of colorful
entertainment. It's a time when the not so fortunate and curious
seekers bask in Golden Gate Park and pretend that life doesn't
get any better. I personally have never been a big fan of hillbilly
picking corn eating music, but by the day's end I was so impressed
with the multitude of talent that my appreciation level rose
to unexpected heights. Hardly Strictly Bluegrass 7 as it was
billed, attracted a couple of hundred thousand people over the
blue-sky weekend. The eclectic collection of music that was provided
on five different stages was enough to appeal to a spectrum of
ear candy lovers. Of course there were the many that just wanted
to catch a peek of nostalgia, but for the most part they were
dedicated to the sounds that filled the warm air. Hellman, our
master investment banker, knows a good thing. The city loves
him for all the revenue and the people appreciate the mogul that
shares his wealth.....I arrived on Sunday due to unarranged plans,
that's another read. Ok ok let's talk about the performers.....There
was sound everywhere. The stages pumped out music continuously
for three days. The list of artists reads like an hors d'oeuvres
tray of some of the finest pickers and crooners; Earl Scruggs,
Del McCoury, Doc Watson, T-Bone Burnett, Nick Lowe, yes I said
Nick Lowe, John Prine and Toronto's own, the Sadies. Now, I have
to admit I missed their performance but a friend of mine who
happened to be there all three days said the psychedelic foursome
were awesome. And what would an outdoor event like this be without
a few Gutter Punks. This is the latest export from San Francisco's
concrete dwellers. Their presence did not go unnoticed. I was
approached by what some would say was just a dirty faced Dickens
character and asked if I would like to take a photograph of some
original San Francisco Gutter Punks...how could I refuse. He
held his hand out and said, "it will cost you". I reached
into my pockets and all I could come up with were Canadian coins.
He said that would work. They posed in a proud manner for their
portrait. One of them asked where this would end up and I told
him the name of the website. He said, "I'll check it out".....Wait
a minute, this gutterman looked like he slept at the county dump
and smelled even worse...a computer? Who am I to question. One
of the main attractions for me was Emmylou Harris, looking quite
informal and sporting that signature hair. As a veteran performer
of HSB her set provided a little southern comfort that the crowd
drank up. Emmy has touched on everything from folk to country
and a bit of pop. She wooed her audience with familiar songs
and then some. When Earl Scruggs broke into the theme from The
Beverly Hillbillies that was it, my childhood flashed before
my eyes. I would recommend to all that next year you find your
way to SF and yes wear flowers in your hair, and enjoy this contribution
that Warren provides for us. Reporter Kant Gettalon for iUpdate.
Photo by Jimi Bertucci Read more about the concert at http://www.hardlystrictlybluegrass.com
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TORONTO, CANADA When a company celebrates 50 years
of existence it is a big deal. When Chum radio lights the 50
candles it's a humungos city celebration. One of the hottest
dj's to hit the airwaves, was a good looking young man with a
voice that said RADIO. Scott Carpenter returned to the helm as
comfortable as he was 30 years ago when he hosted The Scott Carpenter
Show. The Boogie Man as he was and is still known. displayed
the same enthusiasm on air today as if it were yesteryear. Chum
has been spinning hits and entertaining the metropolis since
we can remember. Jimi and his band Abraham's Children have a
lot to thank the monster of AM radio, they've been playing his
music since 1972. When Jimi received an email from Scott asking
if he would be his guest artist while in Toronto, Jimi was honored.
He remembers the Boogie Man and all the kind words he would always
say about AC. Jimi thought it would be fun to bring Nick Mancuso
along for some humorous tech decor. They arrived at the landmark
station and were greeted by Brad Jones program director.The studio
was buzzing and the air was so thick of nostalgia you'd swear
Elvis was hanging around. Jimi and Nick settled in their chairs
and the circus began. cheers...2007 Reporter - Kant Gettalon
Photos courtesy of WOW2210productions Reporter Kant Gettalon
for iUpdate
The Boogie Man Scott Carpenter on 1050 CHUM Sat. nights from 7:00 p.m. email:
scott.carpenter@1050cum.com
request some AC
and Jimi B music.
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