Anybody need a gig in Toronto?? Here's one...

[Steve Oberheu]

I've been asked to do it in Winnipeg for free plenty of times. There's sure to be some action involved....

http://toronto.en.craigslist.ca/tor/tlg/4391257190.html

[tbn.al]

Do people really gig in Canada for 1/4 scale?

[Dan Schultz]

Do people really gig in Canada for 1/4 scale?

I'm guessing that the gig won't last the eight hours as suggested. At the same time... I'm wondering if bail money is included in the contract.

[Toobist]

I'll let you folks know if I get the "gig."

And you don't need to worry about bail money when dealing with Mr. Ford. I'm far more worried about his "friends" roughing me and my horn up. However, I'm hoping I get to confront Ford myself. I disagree with his methods and have issues fundamentally with his bullying tactics around town. There are over 40 would-be mayors ready to run against him in the next election.

He has no shame so I doubt very much he'll react too much. His brother Doug though...? He's a hot-headed SOB and I just may cool it if he pokes his nose into things. That's assuming I get the chance.

So whoever does get the gig will be subject to scrutiny of the public as well as the people who run the city along with their mafioso friends. His entourage would be the scariest part of the day. I'm nervous and excited that I might get the opportunity.

[Toobist]

Do people really gig in Canada for 1/4 scale?

You bet they do. I wouldn't consider this a real gig whatsoever, but yeah, venues have been lowering standards in town here for years now by "helping to promote new talent" with what equates to open mic nights. There are venues who even CHARGE bands to play much less pay insulting rates.

[fairweathertuba]

I'd like to see a photo if anyone actually does this thing.

[Toobist]

Update: My reply to the ad was accepted and I'm meeting with a representative from Unethical Hacks (a site of which I was unaware until now...) tomorrow evening.

Looks like I'm going through with it. I just wish I had a sousaphone that sounded better.... Anyone in the area have a sousa that doesn't leak like a sieve that I might borrow for the "gig"?

[Donn]

Do you expect to catch him out in the open? I'd be looking for a little Eb or something that you can maneuver with inside.

[Toobist]

I need to put your minds at ease. Thanks so much for worrying about me though. I really appreciate it. I'm being very thorough about making sure I'm safe.

There will be many people around and my lawyer is drawing up an indemnity letter to save me any expenses like fines or damage to property (my beater sousa is only worth a few hundred...). My own entourage including camera crew and media (talking with a friend from CBC tonight) will have my back. I'm being very very cautious.

Chances are it'll amount to a few seconds on local news but there will be so many people around and in a public place (always as per my letter from my lawyer) that my bases (and ***) will be covered.

I'll keep everyone posted.

[The Big Ben]

Give 'em hell, Al. That guy is a buffoon and is not fit to be the mayor of any city or town. If you can get a camera/reported from the CBC or any other network, I'd think would be kinda covered...

[arminhachmer]

Do people really gig in Canada for 1/4 scale?

I'm guessing that the gig won't last the eight hours as suggested. At the same time... I'm wondering if bail money is included in the contract.

Right on Dan. ...and, you might get on all the late night shows for a few weeks when
Rob Ford punches you out.

[Toobist]

Do people really gig in Canada for 1/4 scale?

I'm guessing that the gig won't last the eight hours as suggested. At the same time... I'm wondering if bail money is included in the contract.

Right on Dan. ...and, you might get on all the late night shows for a few weeks when
Rob Ford punches you out.

He's far too worried about his mayoral campaign right now. There are some very good and competent competitors running against him (though trained monkeys would be more capable than Ford...). Even so, let him take a swing. Truth is, I've thought of those possibilities and I'm still rolling the dice on this.

[tofu]

Did your lawyer say whether or not you're better off from a legal liability standpoint getting paid for the gig or doing it simply as a citizen out and about expressing yourself?

Hope you use a sousaphone as the visual of that clown being followed around by a big old sousaphone is far funnier than a tuba. A flaming one would be even better. Hard to believe that guy is still in office, but at least he shows that political boneheads are not exclusive to the USA.

Good Luck and post a video link after it happens.

[Toobist]

I've been thinking about that...

If this guy tonight refuses to sign my indemnity agreement I just might be prepared to do this thing myself. I'm not big on stealing others' material so I'm not all that attached to making goofy, chubby dude strolling music so I wouldn't be crushed if the deal fell through. I've been researching Ford's favourite (yeah, Canadians spell it with a 'u') music and I'm going to do my best to win him over. So far: "Good Old Hockey Game" -Stompin' Tom and "No Woman No Cry" -Bob Marley. That's along with the sorta thing the company seems to be looking for like the trundling little tune Stewie plays in that clip (though changed enough that I won't be worried about copyright issues - more of an homage to the tune), the Price is Right tuba solo (4 notes and in a different key so I'm legal...wait... right? Research to follow) and a bevvy of cartoonish sound effects. Oh! And I'm prepared to lull him to sleep with a soulful rendition of Brahms' Lullaby. I'll riff on a blues scale and such for filler and/or noodle around in a style dependent on the mood.

Really, I have NO idea how this might go down. Hopefully I'll learn more tonight.

[tbn.al]

Is it happening?

[Toobist]

Yes. I'm away (in New Orleans) for a week. We've decided to wait until he's thought we've forgotten about the idea and the weather is a little more sousa-friendly. So gimme a couple weeks.