The first ever Driveway Fest in Côte Saint-Luc is a go and I can't wait!

Bravo to Stewart Rubin for making it happen. On Sunday afternoon, June 25, there will be an unprecedented array of musical performances in people's driveways. (In the event of rain, it will take place the following day).

Here is the lineup, with Rubin's commentary.

1 pm -  5709 Melling

Daylite Vampires Daylite Vampires was formed over 8 years ago. The name comes from the movie Blade where Wesley Snipes was a Daywalker thus a Daylite Vampire. We play a blend of Classic Rock , Punk and some hits from today. We perform at various venues around the city and are pleased to be part of this inaugural event.

1 pm- 5803 Einstein

Buffy McFly Piano/Vocal Duo classic rock and pop

Bio: When Miri met Lorne. Miri mentioned that she sang. Lorne mentioned that he played piano. Miri said that she was looking for someone to accompany her. She hadn’t intended it to be a pick-up line, but lo and behold and the rest is history.

1 pm – 7553 Baily Road

Joanne and Merv bring their 60’s and 70’s vibe to driveway festival. Well known in the community for getting the seniors off their feet and moving. It is a pleasure to have them with us this year.

2 pm  6880 Holland Road

Marie A  Acoustic Folk-Pop - Marie has been singing, writing and playing a mix of her own melodies and songs she loves for a few years now. Inspired by singer-songwriters like Joni Mitchell, Carole King, James Taylor, Bob Dylan, and many more, Marie incorporates a familiar style of 70s folk with her own storytelling twist to bring her catchy acoustic tune to life. 

2 pm- 5518 Hudson

Peppermint Green We are a rock band that plays covers of rock classics as well as a few originals. 

2 pm – 606 Westluke

Rachel Dara is an award-winning singer songwriter who  has been nominated for 6 categories, at the ISSA 2023 Awards, taking place in Atlanta, 4th and 5th August. There are many words that might describe Rachel Dara. chanteuse, storyteller, poetess, bard. She crosses boundaries all the time, but one thing that differentiates her from the rest is her ability to transform a story into a song in her Indie folk rock genre.   

3 pm  606 Westluke

Superbed a Montreal new wave style band with an 80’s and 90’s vibe, get ready to put on those pointy ducky shoes and bop around

3 pm– 5720 Brookside

Brian Campbell is a Montreal song-poet, dexterous finger stylist, and impassioned, heartfelt singer. He has released two full-length albums and an EP of original music, and more than a dozen singles. His sets are dynamic contrasts of serious and light, sorrowful and joyful, plainspoken and lyrical. The beauty of words holds prominent place in Campbell's songs, but he also maintains a common touch. A widely published poet, Campbell has several critically acclaimed collections to his name. On stage he is relaxed and natural, an entertaining storyteller who spellbinds with his songs.

 3 pm – 5709 Melling

Large Men started playing their instruments when they were still small, at an average age of minus 4 years old. Their cautious mix of paranoid folk is not very good or interesting but its lack of character pays the bills and keeps away dementia.

In the wake of the recent ice storm, which plunged much of our community into darkness, it is nice to share some good news for a change.

Local bands in Côte Saint-Luc are  being invited to participate in the first-ever Driveway Fest on Sunday, June 25, from 1 pm to 4 pm. The event, organized by hotel executive and band leader Stewart Rubin, will take place in select residential areas, with the City of Côte Saint-Luc sponsoring and promoting the community-driven pilot project.

Musicians interested in performing must email [email protected] by April 26, providing their name, band name, type of music, and intended performance address.

Driveway Fest aims to provide an opportunity for musicians to showcase their talents to neighborhood residents. Bands can only perform in their driveway or the driveway of someone from whom they have received permission, and only on driveways in Districts 5, 6, 7 and part of District 2 (Blossom to Cavendish). The goal is to promote walkability and use of bicycles or public transit.

Rubin (second from the right) and his band Daylite Vampires.

Homeowners will be legally responsible for their properties and expected to assist with crowd control. Bands must be respectful of neighbours by keeping the music volume down and refraining from using profanity. The homeowners hosting the event must inform their neighbours ahead of time. Volunteer Citizens on Patrol will be assisting during the event. Rubin is also exploring options to hold performances on local school grounds.

All genres of music are welcome, but participants should treat the event as a small festival, not a practice session or chance to test new equipment.

Priority registration is given to Côte Saint-Luc residents. If slots remain open after April 26, bands from other municipalities may be considered. Participants will need to complete a noise bylaw restriction form for the time they will be playing.

Library Director Janine West and City Councillor Andee Shuster are collaborating with Rubin to support local talent and create cultural offerings for residents. Driveway Fest may pave the way for future festivals and events in Côte Saint-Luc.

“We feel that supporting local talent while creating more cultural offerings for our residents will help to build community,” said Councillor Andee Shuster. “Council is also excited to see what comes of this volunteer-driven pilot project. In our Master Plan survey and focus groups, residents have mentioned that they’d like to see festivals come to Côte Saint-Luc and Driveway Fest may help to pave the way for other initiatives and events.”

The Montreal Cello Ensemble, based in NDG,  gives talented local children a full scholarship opportunity to learn from and perform with cellists Genevieve Guimond and Gary Russell of the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, educator Josh Fink, and pianist Sandra Hunt. The  goal is to ensure that the highest level of music education is made available at no financial cost to children who show talent, dedication, and a love for music.  This is  a registered charity that has received support from private donors, the Dr. Julien Foundation, the Unitarian Church of Montreal, Luthiers, Wilder & Davis, Carrefour jeunesse emploi - NDG, and  the law firm BLG.

District 2 resident Amaka and her cello.

Fink tells me they are planning on adding many students for this summer and families should apply by May 15 if they are interested via https://www.cellomontreal.ca/demande-application . They just released their debut album, Petits mondes endormis, which contains 10 original songs. Each one is written and performed by one of their young cellists:

Students  come from across the island, meeting in person Saturday mornings at either The Unitarian Church of Montreal or the  Carrefour jeunesse emploi - NDG. “During the pandemic we did a lot  online, as well as outdoor classes when the weather permitted. We developed an extensive online curriculum of around 3,000 at-home practice videos," says Fink. 

One such success story is nearly seven year old Amaka, who started with the cello at age four years. An incredible talent, she just composed and recorded a  track on their album: https://cellomontreal.bandcamp.com/track/i-love-my-barbie-doll

The Côte Saint-Luc District 2 resident attends  École Des Amies-du-Monde.

Amaka  was born in May 2015 and hails from Issele Azagba in the  Delta State of Nigeria. A series of events caused the family to leave Nigeria and they arrived here in January 2018. As with most new endeavours, settling into a new environment definitely came with its challenges and one of the most difficult was finding an affordable daycare for her as she was so young and her parents couldn’t afford the private daycares at that time. She had to stay home while the family searched for ways to keep her engaged. As luck would have it,  a neighbour turned friend named Rachel, who is also a musician,  happened to introduce her to Fink. “He told me about this amazing free cello music program for kids that was in the works and suggested I have one of my kids try out for the auditions to get in,” said mom Joan. “We had never ever heard of  or seen a cello so this was a totally new experience for us.” 

Amaka was the very first to audition and she fared very well  and this began her journey into the wonderful world of the cello.  Added her mom: "Amaka has always loved listening to music and also singing as we would occasionally find her tapping away on the keyboard at home as she was fascinated by the sounds it made but her keen ear and appreciation for music was brought to my attention by her amazing instructors at Cello Montreal."

“She is also very excited about her very first song which she composed under the guidance and expertise of her instructors titled I love my Barbie doll and is looking forward to making more music,”  Joan continued. “Playing the cello has become one of her very favourite things to do and she never misses a chance to play at any occasion whenever it is requested. It’s amazing to see how far she has come and how talented she is and we appreciate her instructors who are helping  to nurture her talent and open her up to possibilities which we would never have imagined.” 

As the city councillor responsible for library and culture, I was honoured to attend the formal kickoff for 50th anniversary ceremonies of the Eleanor London Côte Saint-Luc Public Library.  We did so on June 22 at the Harold Greenspon Auditorium. A nice crowd was on hand to watch rising-star pianist Emie R. Roussell and her jazz trio perform the concert Quantum, featuring music from their critically acclaimed CD of the same title.

With Mayor Brownstein in front of our new piano.

We also  inaugurated  the library’s new baby grand piano. We were able to acquire this gem of an instrument through various fundraising initiatives, including our heartfelt 88 Keys to Music Campaign, allowing us to honour donors’ names on a plaque we unveiled just prior to the concert. Since the piano will require upkeep, we are still taking $88 donations.

Winners of the Felix Award for Best Jazz Album 2015, critics and jazz lovers alike are unanimously referring to the Emie R. Roussell trio as “one-to-watch.” They performed for just about an hour and everyone at home enjoyed their excellent music. I spoke with Emie after the show. She was very complimentary towards our new piano. I reminded her that she made history, by becoming the first person to ever use it. As they packed up their equipment the trio was preparing for a musical trip to Japan. Upon their return they will be part of the Montreal International Jazz Festival.

Originally from the South Shore of Montreal and now an adopted resident of Rimouski, Emie discovered the fascinating world of music through her parents, themselves musicians and singers. She began studying classical piano at the age of five and continued lessons until she was 13. After a complete two-year break, she decided to follow her instincts and her love of improvisation to begin studying jazz with her father, jazz pianist Martin Roussel. He would be her mentor until she started studies at Cégep de St-Laurent college under the guidance of Lorraine Desmarais. She completed her diploma in jazz piano interpretation and was awarded the college’s “Very High Distinction” grant. In 2008, Emie made her entrance at Université de Montréal in jazz piano interpretation with Luc Beaugrand and completed her bachelor’s degree in May 2011. Since then, she has been a teacher and accompanist for the Jazz-Pop program at Cégep de Rimouski college in Rimouski, Quebec. In June 2015, she won the CALQ Award – Creator of the Year in Bas-St-Laurent.  

Emmie on the piano.

The other members of her trio are Dominic Cloutier on drums and Nicolas Bédard on electric and acoustic bass.

A look at the new piano.

Thanks again to Library Director Janine West and her staff, particularly Danielle Belanger and Justin Burnham.  Mayor Mitchell Brownstein provided opening remarks. Councillors Glenn J. Nashen, Dida Berku, Ruth Kovac and Sidney Benizri joined us for this historic night.

This is much more than a library, for our staff coordinate a wide array of cultural events. Please take a look at our upcoming calendar.

You can always visit csllibrary.com or contact the library’s Programs Department at 514-485-6900, ext. 4205.

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CSL launches "88 Keys to Music" campaign to buy a Baby Grand

CSL LIbrary to unveil our new "baby grand" at June 22 concert

As the  Cote Saint-Luc city councillor responsible for Library and Culture, I am excited to be initiating a fundraising campaign to purchase a baby grand piano to be used for programs held in the Harold Greenspon Auditorium in the Bernard Lang Civic Centre.

There are 88 keys on a standard piano. As a result the “88 Keys to Music” campaign will enable people to sponsor a key for $88. In recognition, the names of donors will be placed on a plaque in the shape of a piano keyboard which will be permanently mounted outside the entrance to the Harold Greenspon Auditorium. In addition, the City of Cote Saint-Luc is seeking corporate sponsorships of $500 each. Corporate donors will be recognized on the plaque as well.

I think this is a wonderful opportunity for those who appreciate all of the wonderful musical programs presented by the Eleanor London Cote Saint Luc Public Library, the Cote Saint Luc Dramatic Society and other groups in our auditorium to contribute to buy a piano to enhance these programs.

Some of the funds for this campaign have already been raised via the annual library book sale. This includes our most recent event, October 18 and 19,  in which $3,500 was raised.

Library Director Janine West is encouraging those who frequent the library and individual businesses to consider contributing. Cheques can be made out to the City of Côte Saint-Luc, c/o of the 88 keys to music campaign, 5801 Cavendish Boulevard, H4W 3CX3. They can also be dropped off at the circulation desk of the main library and the Library Express at the Aquatic and Community Centre. You can also email [email protected] Tax receipts will be provided.

Carol's Shoe Museum.

Artist Carol Rabinovitch, who is also a Library Ambassador, has pledged 25 percent of sales from her current "Aromas on Canvas" show at Chez Fred Boulangerie and Patisserie (5338 Sherbrooke West, corner Prud'homme, near Decarie) which has been extended to November 7. Check out her blog at  carolswhimsyart.blogspot.com, where many more colourful and whimsical artworks can be found.  You can email her at [email protected]

I was proud to steer the ship once again for the Côte Saint-Luc Cats Committee's (CSLCC) third summer fundraising concert , held on Tuesday, August 26 at the former Wagar High School.The Musicians of the World Symphony Orchestra were outstanding. Ditto for soprano Brigitte O' Halleran and singer Alexandra Cohen, who doubled as emcee. Thanks to Councillor Sam Goldbloom for serving as co-chair with me, to event coordinator Alvin Fishman for his tireless work, Communications and Public Affairs Manager Regine Banon for taking care of publicity needs and a cast of many more.

Joseph Milo and his orchestra take a bow. (Rami Negev photo)

We had a crowd of more than 350 people on hand. Funds raised went towards our CSLCC Trap, Neuter, Release and Adopt Program and our partner organization Educhat, run by the extraordinary Shelley Schecter.

The Music We Love: Best of the Classics – the Cat’s Meow was the theme. We began with a tribute to the late Mayor Bernard Lang, who was a member of our committee and a true cat lover. His wife Miriam, son David and grandson Dylan accepted our special certificate of merit. Miriam confided to me that her family continues to feed homeless cats. Mayor Anthony Housefather, whom along with members of council has been very supportive of our group, gave words of welcome.

Sam Goldbloom, Anthony Housefather, Dylan Lang, Miriam Lang, David Lang and Mike Cohen. (Rami Negev photo)

Our newly elected Liberal MNA for D'Arcy McGee David Birnbaum was unable to attend,but he did send a nice message which Councillor Goldbloom read. "As member of the National Assembly, I am proud to support this event," he stated. "I’ve been pleased to discuss Côte Saint-Luc’s visionary approach to animal welfare with my colleague Pierre Paradis, Ministre de l’Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l’Alimentation, with a view to having other municipalities follow your fine example. I expect that cats across Côte Saint-Luc will be proudly purring along to the beautiful music you are about to hear!"

Mr. Birnbaum has informed us that a $500 donation from his office will be directed towards the CSLCC, a tradition started by his predecessor Lawrence Bergman. Via District 2 resident Howard Liebman, we also received encouraging words from Mount Royal Liberal MP Irwin Cotler, who tabled animal protection motions in the House of Commons recently.

Lily Percs and  a nice delegation from her Women's Group (Chomedy Branch) of  Stamp out Violence attended, with transportation provided by Preferance Motor Coach.

Mike Cohen, Sam Goldbloom, Diane Liebling and Shelley Schecter. (Rami Negev photo)

Our most worthy honouree this year was Diane Liebling, one of the key players in the CSLCC. She has virtually given up the use of her own family garage - her family members park outdoors even on frigid winter days– so that space can be made available for homeless cats. Diane fosters these cats; in many cases she  has fallen so deeply in love that she has adopted. Shelley Shecter often says : “If only we could clone Diane.”  Diane Liebling has saved the lives of countless cats in CSL. She is a model for all of us.  We presented her with a certificate and a nice gift donated by Norm Zimmerman of Steve's Music Store.

There are many feral cats in the community. The CSLCC’s team of volunteers sets out to trap as many as possible, have them sterilized and then adopted or returned to the spot where they were originally found. The committee has also rescued a number of kittens and found homes for them. The city’s first ever cat licensing bylaw was adopted last year and we have already seen some success from it.

The Musicians of the World Symphony Orchestra (MWSO) was founded in 2006 by conductor Milo and his wife Lucy Ravinsky. This one of a kind orchestra was formed when it was discovered that a great pool of professional musicians, recently immigrated to Montreal, had no opportunity to make use of their valuable talent in their new home. The MWSO was created, not only to provide these new Canadians with the opportunity to engage in their main passion; making beautiful music in an orchestral setting, but to give them back the professional dignity they had enjoyed in their homelands and most especially, to share their wonderful talents with the music lovers of Montreal. They are a treasure and we remain lucky to have them.

Below is a video of the entire evening, done by CSL Director of Public Affairs, Communications and IT Darryl Levine:

Thanks to all of our committee members, some of whom baked goods for an intermission fundraising sale and to the staff at the Marymount Adult Education Centre.  Principal Jacques Monfette, educational advisor Hipolito Corral and caretakers Michel Leblanc and Brenda Pion. Michel really performed  above and beyond the call of duty, serving as our de facto sound advisor.

From this evening we did get some new committee members. We also hope some folks heard our message and will consider adopting a cat. Diane has a few beauties looking for good homes right now.

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District 2 resident Phil Matlin has introduced his own   Ragtime and Nostalgia Piano You Tube channel. Bravo to Phil, a multi-talented individual who also knows a little bit about magic.

Here is  Phil belting out St. Louis Blues (so that is how the hockey team got its name!)

Here is his rendition of Carolina in the Morning:

District 2 resident Phil Matlin has introduced his own   Ragtime and Nostalgia Piano You Tube channel. Bravo to Phil, a multi-talented individual who also knows a little bit about magic.

Here is  Phil belting out St. Louis Blues (so that is how the hockey team got its name!)

Here is his rendition of Carolina in the Morning:

Excitement is building in the City of Côte Saint-Luc for the prestigious sixth annual La Relance 2011 competition on Saturday, September 24 (1 p.m. to 11 p.m).  Mayor Anthony Housefather and members of city council are thrilled that Danse Sport Québec chose the Côte Saint-Luc Gymnasium to hold  this large scale event. 

Here is an example of the kind of excitement you can expect:

More than 500 people are expected to be in attendance to watch  latin (cha cha, samba, rumba, paso doble and jive)  and standard  (waltz, tango, foxtrot, Viennese  waltz and the  quick step) ballroom dance routines, featuring competitors from Quebec, Ontario, New Brunswick and even Vermont. There will also be championship rounds in the youth, adult and senior categories, with competitors ranging from the age of 11 to 60 plus.  Jean-Francois Rousseau, the president of Danse Sport Québec, will be on the dance floor as well with his wife and dance partner Nathalie Ladouceur (pictured below).  The couple practice and train with many of the stars who have performed on the recent edition of So You Think You Can Dance Canada.  They are the 10 Dances  Quebec Senior 1 champions.

Danny Arbour (pictured at the bottom), who was a top 10 finalist in the first season of So You Think You Can Dance Canada and season two top two finalist Vincent Desjardins,  will be in attendance as will  other past competitors from the hit CTV show and perhaps even some surprise guests.

 “The Quebec Danse Sport Federation is an organization which brings together amateur dancers in this province,” Rousseau explains. “Our goal is to promote dance. All of the people who work with us do so on a volunteer basis.

“Our competitions,” he continued, “can be compared to figure skating as all of the couples  in each category perform together at the same time on the dance floor. Judges must deliberate at the same time. Our music is not decided in advance. We only know the type of dance that will be required. We are very excited to be be holding this competition in Côte St-Luc puisque as the people there have been very nice and accomodating and  the facility is nice."

Francois Pruneau (right), who made this season's SYTYCDC Top 10, has been part of this competition tin the past.

Tickets cost $35 for adults and $15 for children.  Côte St-Luc residents who show their Fun Cards will benefit from a reduced rate of  $15  for adults and $5 for teenagers and children 16 years and younger . For more information go to www.dansesportquebec.com  or call 514-418-TANGo (8264).