The Buzz Band (John McGale - guitar and vocals, Jerry Mercer - percussion and vocals, Breen LeBoeuf - bass and vocals) will be appearing on Wednesday, February 20th at 19h30 at the fundraiser "A Night at the Music Hall" produced by the Cedars Cancer Institute. The show will also feature the Montréal Jubilation Gospel Choir under the direction of Dr. Trevor W. Payne, 12 year-old piano phenom Daniel Clarke Bouchard, and many other amazing performers. This sensational evening of music will take place at the Oscar Peterson Concert Hall of the Concordia University Loyola Campus, 7141 Sherbrooke West in Montréal. For reservations, call 514-934-1934.
On November 24th, a great bunch of friends of the Blues got together at the Maison de la Culture de Ahunsic to sing and play the night away. We all showed up in support of the Festiblues, who were literally rained out last summer. The room was filled with enthusiastic blues fans and friends of the Festiblues. What a fun gig! I played bass throughout and sang along with friends Martin Deschamps, Guy Bélanger and Nanette Workman on some of their tunes. After some 30 years of friendship, drummer and band leader Bernard "Bingo" Deslauriers and I played an entire show as rhythm section. Very enjoyable. To see and hear more detail on this concert, check out: http://www.lenetblues.com/FestiBlues2012-benefice.html

Sunday September 9th was a very special date for me. I took part in an event in Québec City called "Musiciens en Fête 2012" produced by La Boîte à Musicien, a non-profit organization that works to encourage young musicians and singers. Thirteen artists/groups performed on the superb stage at the Jean-Paul Tardif Hall on the campus of the St-Charles Garnier College. There was a whole lotta talent at the party! Bravo everyone! During the evening, Roby Moreault from Radio X and Serge Michaud, president of La Boîte à Musicien presented a beautiful "meritas" to yours truly in recognition for my career in music. My good friends Martin Deschamps, Mario Saint-Amand and Bernard Quessy travelled to Québec to join me onstage for a few good old tunes. After all, continuity is important! Thanks guys, it was kool that we could share this special evening together! The event was very moving and emotionally charged for me, even when, or perhaps especially when, a woman approached me to thank me for "retiring"! A special thanks to the Boîte à Musicien House Band! I've published a few pics on the Photos page and you can see more images from that event at www.boiteamusicien.com as well as on their Facebook page.

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The 2013 Harley Show has come and gone, but not without leaving me with a truckload (Toyota truckload that is) of great memories. I had the pleasure of sharing the stage with some of Québec's best-loved rockers; Éric Lapointe, Michel Pagliaro, Marjo, Martin Deschamps, Nanette Workman, Sebastien Plante, Jonas, Steve Hill, Papillon, Robert Lavoie and Elsa Leblanc. The introduction also featured a trio of young musicians, 12 and 13 years old, who did a great job on the timeless "Wipeout". Many of this year's Harley Davidson models were presented by Francisco Randez (surrounded by a multitude of sexy beauties). Both the bikes and the babes were stunning. The show went on for a full two and a half hours and ended with the legendary "Burn". I had a great time doing the show and hanging out with the players in the hard rockin' Harley Band. A special mention goes out to Luc Lemire, the high energy band leader who handled the daunting task of keeping the music together. If you missed it this year, be there next year. It'll be the 35th edition and the producers will likely pull out all the stops! Getcher Motor Runnin'!!!
A big Thank You to the fine folks in Rouyn-Noranda who came out to the show we put on for NorAndBlues on November 10th at the Paramount. Great evening thanks to the participation of Roger Mann on guitar, Bernard "Fern" Quessy on keys and Blair MacKay on drums. We had a blast. Thanks to André and his team for the wonderful hospitality. I would also like to extend a thank you to Christian and Sylvain who came onstage to sing and play along during the show. We're looking forward to returning to Abbittibbi region and playing again for this great crowd!

On several occasions during this incredible summer of 2012 I had the pleasure of takiing to the road with Martin Deschamps and his team. Very, very kool, lotsa good rock, lotsa decibels, lotsa great fans. We tripped hard from the first show in Québec City on June 8th right up to the last kick ass performance in Val d'Or on August 11th. I hope the folks who come out to hear the band are as happy with their decision as I am for having participated in Martin Deschamps summer 2012 tour.

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