YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN NEXT

Moments before leaving Nashville. The tears aren't visible.

Wow, it's been 19 years since I moved to Barrie!

I had been working in the U.S. at the Christian radio station that, some say, pioneered the way for future stations. Truly, WAY-FM was an innovator and the company President was a visionary.

Working in Nashville at WAY-FM was my dream job. It's where I learned how to do Christian radio, and listener supported radio. Living in Nashville was more than wonderful and the day we packed up to return to Canada, I cried like a girl. It was a great city; I had made good friends; it was an exciting place to live; O'Charley's Restaurant, Cool Springs Mall - arrrrg - I could go on and on.

In September 1997, it was like God was dragging me out of the country with me kicking and screaming. As I crossed the border from Tennessee to Kentucky I felt like I was leaving everything good behind. It was a horrible, long drive back to Canada. At the time I thought that no radio station would be more fun than WAY-FM and now that I had lost it, nothing good would come from it. I screwed it up. I had no idea that WAY-FM would be the catalyst for LIFE 100.3.

I moved to Barrie for one reason only - I had nowhere else to live. Coming back to Canada was the last thing I wanted to do but I spent all my money in the U.S.  My parents brought me and my family to Barrie to live with them. It was a humbling time - having a wife and kids, no job, no prospects of a job and having to live off my parents.

I remember picking up three part-time jobs and grossing $12,000 in 1998!  I was lucky I could put gas in my car and pay my insurance.

Dad and me, about 2007.

This was a career valley in my life. I was fed up with secular radio and the sexy rude music, which was less rude in 1997 than today. With my daughter being a new teenager, I missed the (Christian) songs that proclaimed virtues like trust, honour, purity and love.

While living with my parents in their basement I continued to attend church, pray, seek God and ask people for advice.

One day I was leaving my parents house to go to my part-time weekend job and my Dad was in the driveway. I was totally forlorn at my hopeless situation. I stared at my Dad, my eyes welled up and I grabbed him for a hug. He patted me on the back, like a father and told me everything would be alright. I know he felt my pain.

Living with my parents in their basement lasted a year a half. I often was angry at my parents about my situation. As if it was their fault that I got fired. I am embarrassed to say that I was ungrateful for their generosity and hospitality, blind to the fact that they fed me, clothed me, paid my dentist bills while I searched for the next chapter in my life.

Most people think that starting a Christian radio station was my lifelong dream. It wasn’t. It just happened. The CRTC had changed the broadcast rules and were awarding licenses to full-time Christian stations and I wondered what might happen if I combined my faith and experience. So, I sent in a pitiful application that not only won me the license for LIFE 100.3, but skipped the entire hearing process. We got a rubber stamp approval.

Now LIFE 100.3 is here. LIFE celebrated its 17 anniversary last August and today I continue to lead this radio ministry. Most of my days are fabulous. Radio has changed alot with new technology but I still love this business and I've come to believe that wherever God has you, that's the best place to be.

The advice I got along the way:

Pastor Ian McLean told me “you have to give up your idols before God will reveal the next plan”. What’s your idol? Figure it out and surrender it.

Rebecca St. James told me “God doesn’t call the equipped, he equips the called.” While I had a substanial amount of radio experience, it was God who led me to the people who cheered on my vision and supported me.

Pastor Kevin Bushey told me “God gives grace to the stupid”. I interpret that as meaning, I knew programming but not business, not engineering and not fundraising and so God gave me a shortcut before I gave up.

Bob Augsburg, the President of WAY-FM told me “To whom much is given, much is required”.

If you’re stuck in a valley - seek God. He will bring you out of it.

A CONCERT TO REMEMBER

I suppose enough time

This is not the concert. It's just an overused, cheesy
photo I found on the web.

has passed so that the people involved won’t feel like I’m revealing their involvement in this exciting event.

A classic rock artist was playing in the area and I suggested to a millennial friend that this artist was a staple in the classic rock genre of music and he may want to be there, if only to say, "I was there". He was excited.

We bought the scalped tickets. Then my younger friend changed his mind, leaving my Visa card to enjoy the weight of the purchase. The only reason I was going was to keep my younger friend company. I really didn’t want to spend money on the overpriced ticket. But, there I was - holding two tickets originally for the enjoyment of someone else. Sigh.

I couldn’t find anyone to go with me. (Most Christians won’t pay scalper’s prices for entertainment, especially "secular" entertainment. But that’s for another blog.)

At last, I found a buddy my age, (not a Christian), with the cash and passion for the artist. We attended. It was awesome.

Car conversations on long trips are always great. My non-Christian friend told me that he recently felt Jesus talking to him about his business ventures and finances and he threw questions about God at me. Those are great questions.

By the time we got home, my friend wanted God in life.

So, the expensive concert tickets and the millennial who changed his mind (don’t they all?) turned out to be the catalyst for Jesus to work in a new life. Funny how things unfold.

20 YEARS AGO - WAY-FM

It doesn't seem like just yesterday since I worked in Nashville at WAY-FM but it sure doesn't seem like 20 years has passed!  Wow!

The 1996 version of the logo.

Twenty years ago today was my first day at WAY-FM.

Getting the job was a long process. It began with an application to their new station in West Palm Beach as it was about to launch. I applied twice - once as Program Director and once as Music Director. Realizing my dream to work as a Canadian in the U.S. was highly unlikely, not to mention the slim chance they would present another offer anyway, I decided to visit WAY in WPB, take a radio tour, meet Station Manager Dusty Rhodes and bring closure to the job I would never have.

While there, Dusty and I hit it off. He took me to lunch, and we visited the president of Radio Ink. He invited to his house for Christmas dinner, he took me to church and then he asked if I would send him a (no charge) report about what I heard. I jumped at the chance, and that report was sent to Nashville, where the President Bob Augsburg offered me the job of VP of Programming.

As I recall, I wasn't the first name on his list. Or the second. That's ok - I was stoked to have this amazing job! Evidently, I had "networking" experience that WAY needed, and the technology was so new, most radio guys didn't have it.

After four months, my work permit had stalled in paperwork and Bob suggested we forget the job. I remember him phoning to say, "I can't wait any longer - I need you here now."  I saw my dream job slipping away so I found an immigration attorney, paid the bill myself and she sealed the deal in less than 10 days! (I got in on the NAFTA agreement.)

I arrived at WAY-FM, greeted by Bob at the airport. A couple of days later it was Canada Day, and as it was not a national holiday, I worked a normal day. Bob and the American staff knew nothing about our national holiday. Haha!  On July 4, my new friend and Promotions Coordinator Tim Cardascia, and Bob and the staff all sat on the rooftop of WAY-FM in Brentwood and watched the 4th of July fireworks.

I could write (another) book about the experience in Nashville and WAY. So many great memories - new friends with real southern hospitality, a great house, meeting rock stars (and befriending a couple) and two fabulous, safe schools for our kids. But the most significant experience of all was being in the process of Sharathon and learning how to work in a listener supported radio station.

What?!  Listeners GIVE MONEY to a radio station? Yes...because the format means so much to them.  Christian radio is more than music. It is a lifestyle format, with songs that remind them that God loves them and Jesus died for them. I knew that if a station like WAY existed in Canada, the results would be the same.

There are many lame Christian stations in the U.S. that sound a bit worse than college (and many in Canada still do), but WAY-FM was the contemporary model that other stations aspired to.

I never quite got adjusted to seeing rock stars everywhere. I remember pumping gas in Brentwood and at the next pump was Michael Tait. "Hey Mike...!"  I thought - man this is weird!

Had I not worked at WAY-FM I would not have been inspired to start LIFE.  Had I not been fired, I would not have returned to Canada, period. I learned what I needed to know. I never would have believed that God could bring me something I could love more, than my dream job at WAY-FM.

A couple of years after leaving, Bob and I reconnected and to this day stay in touch. There are no hard feelings. Bob knows he planted a seed that has bloomed big-time in Canada.  Dusty from West Palm Beach and I stay in touch quite often. My best American friend Tim Cardascia and I chat monthly. WAY was a dream job that led to something bigger.

As I reflect on my first day at WAY-FM, 20 years ago this week, I wonder - what are the chances of a Canadian guy getting a work permit in the first place? And little me, showing the Americans how to do Christian radio in 1996?

To cherish the memory and honour the past, last year, I got a tattoo of "the batman building" in downtown Nashville on my left arm. The memories remain - fabulous!

If you visit LIFE 100.3 in Barrie, we built a lunch room, that is named "The WAY Café" as a tribute to the station that inspired me.

My journey here. (scroll down to WAY) 

NYC

The Beacon Theatre

A short vacation to The Big Apple - primarily to see the "Happy Together 2016 Tour". Yes, an oldies show. It wasn't enough that Chuck Negron from Three Dog Night was on the bill. I mean, that was plenty to make the trip worthwhile, but Mark Lindsay from Paul Revere and the Raiders was also on the bill!  A double blessing!

But wait, there's more!  The Turtles were there, plus Gary Puckett and the Cowsills!  What a killer line-up!

I love Mark Lindsay's vocal snarl! I never realized that the Raiders' songs in the 60's had a bit of a punk attitude. (More about punk below) "Good Thing" and "Steppin' Out" sounded awesome. The Raiders are one of my favourite 60's acts.



The Cowsills


The Cowsills - I wouldn't have travelled to see them specifically, but they were fabulous! Although the lead singer Billy Cowsill died a few years ago, his two brothers and sister filled it out. "The Rain, The Park and Other Things" (aka "I love the flower girl") was amazing! But their last song "Hair" was brilliant. I never realized how many parts there were to the song!

The Turtles were exciting and fun. Howard Kaylan had enough fire for the entire show. He did more than sing - he hosted. His musical partner Mark Volman seemed reserved and off-mic, and when he spoke his voice was terribly strained. 


The Turtles
 

Then he started to give a message and, knowing what it's like to be on stage with laryngitis I felt awful for him. Then he mentioned cancer, and that he didn't think he would be healthy enough to tour. But he's doing well and it was very transparent of him to share his struggle with so many 50-plus in the audience. Very touching.

Gary Puckett sang "Lady Willpower" - his biggest hit. I didn't like him singing behind the beat on every phrase. It was actually annoying, but the rest of his set was perfect. The big surprise was at the end when he said, "All the glory goes to God." Nice. (I later read up on his conversion to Christianity.)

The best was saved for last - Chuck Negron. The one-third singer of Three Dog Night still has the vocal chops. "Joy To The World" may be the best known song, but "Eli's Coming" is the song where Chuck cut loose and showed us what he's made of. (I did notice his walking was a bit stiff- probably lower back.)


Chuck Negron

The show was great. And the fact that the Rolling Stones concert movie "Shine A Light" was filmed at the Beacon Theatre made it more fun!

But there's more!

Outside now.
 

A side trip to the original site of the punk nightclub CBGB's was the real highlight. The club is now an upscale expensive men's clothing store but the owner kept the original nightclub graffiti-poster-spray painted walls as a tribute to the location it now sits on.

In the foyer is EVERYTHING musical. Stereos, amps, signed posters....a total CBGB museum  Concert photos of the Ramones were everywhere. It was better than I had hoped. It is a shrine for any punk fan, plus...the stylin' clothes!

Outside, then.
 

It was (for me) overwhelming!  I actually cried in the realization of where I was standing and the history that I stood upon and how the owner paid homage with such taste. I'll embarrass myself and tell you, after I was in the door six feet, I was bawling so bad I had to stand on the sidewalk and compose myself. Then I went back in and was choked up for the next 20 minutes.

 I said to my wife, "Isn't it weird for someone to become emotional over a punk club that doesn't even exist?"  She nodded yes in bewilderment. Then, I bought a shirt.

I tend to research everything before I go, or watch or listen - whatever. I had high expectations that this new clothing store would still honour the past and it far exceeded my expectations! Far!


Inside the store.

For a Christian music guy, I guess I surprise myself as to how much I know about the mainstream punk days. I love punk and the excitement of the audience. The sweat. The wrecklessness. The original owner Hilly Kristal was a true visionary, and passionate promoter and an entrepreneur - I love all of that.  He has a place in music history.



Times Square.

Then we hit up Times Square. For the middle of the day, in non-tourist season, it was incredibly packed. Business people, gym rats, weirdos, old, young, youth groups, and mostly visitors from outside North America. Massive digital signs took the place of static billboards so everywhere you looked the scene was changing. 


48 hours in New York City. Concert. Club, Times Square. WOW.

By taxi. Honk honk honk..



Everybody take a bow!

Gary Puckett



Mark Lindsay
 

 

Inside CBGB's now, John Varvatos in the Bowery

 

pic of the Ramones
 

Cash checkout.



Coke - still in the middle of it all.

In Harlem, the Apollo Theatre.

Ride to the airport.

 

I REMEMBER THE VERY FIRST AIR RAID

Air Raid 25 is Saturday night/May 14, 2016.  As we wait for the bands to pull into town, I'm reflecting on the many Air Raid shows.  24, of them.

The first Air Raid was before LIFE 100.3 was on the air. In fact, the name "LIFE 100.3" had not been revealed. It was a secret! Nobody knew the name except my wife Janice, our daughter Crystal and son Brett. Even our Board of Directors did not know the name of LIFE 100.3. And believe it or not, the secret was kept until one month before, when the training of the DJs began!

In 1998, I was fundraising to build LIFE and I thought a concert would be a good idea. Back then, I thought concerts were fun events and big money makers. Now, on the eve of Air Raid 25 I can tell you that, yes they are fun, but very stressful - there is so much to organize and many people involved.

And as for making money? Forget it. Of the 24 Air Raids we've done, five have made money, barely. The cost to put on a show, recently, is between $9,000 and $18,000 depending on the artist and how many flights are required. The cheaper shows are those where the artist busses in to town.

The first Air Raid was actually called "Youth Concert". Ya, I'm serious!  We didn't name Air Raid until #2 and the name came from Duncan Taylor, a teenager at the time, who was on my radio committee to build LIFE 100.3.

It was held September 25, 1998 at Bethel Community Church in Barrie. The headliner was Rise, with Lyman (ska from the great white north), Lorrain Peters and the Cheese Monkeys From Planet 9. (featuring Daniel Biro, now the bassist of Hawk Nelson and Marcel Preston now the leader of Sky Terminal. Both Hawk and ST have played Air Raid shows.)

At the first "Air Raid/Youth Concert", in addition to charging admission, we were going to take up an offering to fund LIFE 100.3.  We desperately needed $200,000 to build the station.

Just before the show started, I was so grateful to see a lineup of kids at the door, excited that a Christian rock concert was happening, and a Christian radio station was in the near future, I changed my mind.  No love offering!  That sounded so typically churchy. And, calculating the profit, I figured if I got $1 from 200 kids I would have ....let's see....$200!  Not exactly a successful fundraiser! 

A love offering would sounded so needy, as they typically are.  I said to one of my Directors, "Let's skip the love offering. We're not going to make a dent toward our fundraising budget. Let's just be happy that 200 kids came to the show!"  It was the right decision.

At the first show, there was crowd surfing.  Man, I took some heat for that. "It's worldly!" I was told. As I look back at the photos, I noticed one of them was the pastor's son!  haha!

The first Air Raid was produced by two friends Lorne Kelly and Steve Burchell. They organized the entire show - the sound, the bands, all of it. They had show-experience, which I did not. Had Lorne and Steve not volunteered to direct the show, I don't think it would have happened.

Since then we've produced 24 Air Raids. All of them featuring Ontario artists. When Air Raid 12 was booked, The Elms from Indiana were a hot band and they were touring so we booked a show on their tour. After The Elms, we often, but not always, included American acts for both variety, and because we were running out of Canadian bands to headline.

The Air Radio concert series is my baby. I love producing shows. All of it! Choosing the bands, teaching the LIFE Promotions Coordinator show how to organize the many details. I love the long-term relationships I've developed with almost all of the Ontario bands. It's very rewarding.

And while, I hope to break even on the shows, I never expect to.  I know that's bad business but Air Raid is a music ministry. It's a night of Christian music, a brief Jesus message and a showcase exposure for local bands. I love the thread that connects it all.

Air Raid 25 - May 14, 2016 - Trinity Community Church in Oro. Tickets at the door.  SEE YOU THERE!

BTW - click here for all Air Raid info.

I WASN'T A KID PERSON....UNTIL NOW

Kyler

It's true. I've not been much of "a kid person".  I think it's the sticky fingers near my CDs that makes me cautious!

When my kids were young, kid-talk wasn't in my wheel house. Some people are great talking to kids, with the "gootchie-gootchie-goo" - but it just wasn't me.

I went to my kids ball games, and school showcases and church presentations and I really liked watching MY kids do their thing but having to wait for all the other kids to do their thing was frustrating.




Dallas

In North Bay, when Crystal was about ten years old she did a skit in a church play about sitting on the fence. "I can't make up my mind so I think I'll just sit on the fence." I don't know if she knew what she was representing in a spiritual sense, but I remember it being very profound when it came out of her mouth.
Both Crystal and Brett were very much into baseball and we enrolled them in a league every year. I have a recollection of a very young Brett in the outfield, sitting down, picking at the grass instead of watching where the ball was being batted. Many of the other youngsters were distracted as well. It was funny.

Brett will be 30 next year. It seems like forever since they were youngsters. So, I am out of practice.

But now, I'm a grandparent of four boys and the fun has begun. Plus, they're cute. Check out these super-cute pictures. My grandkids are cuter than YOUR grandkids!

I'M GOING ON TOUR WITH HANDSOME AND GRETYL

I'm going on tour!  With Handsome and Gretyl!  HandG are my son Brett and his wife Gretyl, who live in Seattle.

Last December they released their new album "12", for which they recorded and released one song each month, concluding in December with the full CD, released at Hi Five in Seattle. I was there for the show and recorded their single "Let's Go" on my phone. Turned out pretty good!

With two their two children in Seattle and the home recording studio where Brett is tracking, mixing and producing other artists, he and Gretyl haven't had a chance to tour for a couple of years but long at last they are hitting the road.

While the tour is a few months away, the prep is underway. Lots to do. Ordering new merch, preparing the 32-foot tour bus, talking to promoters and rehearsing.

Shows are already booked in Tucson, Nashville, Toledo, Chicago, Orillia and North Bay with hopes to add more in Seattle, California,  Phoenix, NYC and Philly.

In Central Ontario, you can see them August 13 at "Rock The Lake" in Orillia at the Aqua Theatre. Jimmy Needham is headlining.

It'll be fun to put my Road Manager's hat back on and look after some of the tour details while my wife Janice will be the official Tour Nanny looking after our grandkids while Handsome and Gretyl are performing.


A fabulous night at High Five in Seattle for the Handsome and Gretyl
CD release party for "12".

Sounds like a fun way to spend the summer!  Not to mention it fulfills the showday withdrawl that I seem to be experiencing!

If you want to book Handsome and Gretyl  this summer, email - booking@handsomeandgretyl.com