as per the St. Catharines Standard Web Site
On stage with his idols
Posted By KRISTINE MASON, SPECIAL TO THE STANDARD
06-25-09
Many aspiring artists pouring their hearts out in sparsely attended venues dream of the day when thousands of fans will be hanging on their every move.
For St. Catharines singer/songwriter Michael Wainwright, that day is fast approaching.
This summer, he will join his former childhood idols on the road as he provides the opening act and backup vocals during the Tears For Fears summer tour.
"It's crazy to think that I got to meet the guys and even now I get to open up for them and sing my own music," said Wainwright. "And now I'm going to be singing with them, I'm going to be on this huge stage singing their songs that I knew as a kid, it's crazy."
Tears for Fears' original members, Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith, will perform seven shows between July 10 and 20 in the western United States.
Music has always been an integral part of Wainwright's life, from the time he spent performing at the kitchen table with his brother and father, to all the high school classes he missed in order to record demo tapes.
During that time, he had a profuse love for the Beatles, which eventually influenced his interest in Tears For Fears.
"All I listened to was Beatles, and then I was in a music store in St. Catharines and I was probably 12 or 13 and I'm drooling over recording equipment. I heard Sewing The Seeds Of Love and I was like, Sewing The Seeds Of Love? This is like the Beatles, this is like I Am The Walrus."
The luck of sharing a producer with Tears For Fears is how Wainwright came into contact with the band.
"Roland sang background vocals in two of my songs. I think we sound a lot a like, he's got a high voice, he's got the same sort of tone," said Wainwright. "But it's still kind of cool to know that he was there and that he actually learned the words and sang my songs, it's crazy and watching that happen it's just sort of like how the ----does this happen?
"It's a thrill to be able to sing harmonies with those guys and I think they have amazing voices," Wainwright but the reason I'm going out there is to be in front of a bigger audience, because they're big venues and being on a big stage with the lights and everything, it's the dream to be able to sing your own songs and do that."
Wainwright hopes that being a part of this larger gig will help him to expand his fan base, since he hasn't found an abundance of support in Niagara. Although he does acknowledge that there is a large music scene in St. Catharines, the artistic appreciation only seems to stretch so far.
"If you're a cover band and your buddies come out and you're playing music that girls can dance to, that's great, but that's not what I do," explains Wainwright. "I'm singing the sensitive, singer/songwriter, sensitive-sweater kind of songs, and there's no kind of cool atmosphere around here where you can do that."
Despite a lack of overwhelming support from Niagara, Wainwright has seen success as a winner of the 2008 Niagara Music Award for Best Male Vocalist. He also played a packed performance at Stella's during In The Soil and has toured the southwestern United States and played repeatedly in both California and New York.
For his opening act on the tour, Wainwright will be playing music from his self-titled album, which was produced at Shabby Road Studios, a record company based in California.
Like most songwriters, his favourite song is the one he most recently wrote. However, he still has a favourite from the disc. "On here, there's a great song, No. 4, its a duet, Gaby (Moreno)'s a songwriter herself and she's an amazing singer. So I sing the first verse and she sings the second and then we sing together, its really great," he said.
Moreno will perform with Wainwright at the San Diego stop of the tour.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Newspaper Article - MICHAEL WAINWRIGHT - St. Catharines Standard - 06-25-09
Monday, May 4, 2009
Canada LOVES the PET SHOP BOYS - Please Chris & Neil come back to Ontario, Canada in 2009
Please take a moment and sign below!!!! Thanks!!
PLEASE NEIL TENNANT & CHRIS LOWE if you read this, please come back to Ontario, Canada -- WE LOVE YOU TOO!!
We love that you have come to Ontario, Canada in the past, please come back!!
(or maybe consider playing in the Niagara Region) (GRIN)
THANK YOU!!!!
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Saturday, March 28, 2009
We LOVE Suitcase In Point - 98th Big Time World Theatre Awards
The Paparazzi showed up.
and then Sage & Rosemary arrived to talk to everyone who showed up. Deanna Jones & Natasha Pedros (Suitcase In Point) -- reminded me of like a Joan Rivers interview. 
We got ourselves some drinks and some good seats and waited for the show to begin.
Our show started with Trevor Enns (Suitcase In Point) as Master of Ceremonies.
The show was awesome as they did it as an Awards Show, instead of having the "snippits" of shows / acts that you would normally see on a big screen, the actors each acted out the snips themselves live. :o)
Edwin Conroy Jr. & Deanna Jones
After the show, Bob found Joe Lapinski and I got to have my photo taken with him!! Really love his album SUNDRIES
And then I scored a photo op with Deanna Jones as she was serving food after the show. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmm Mmmm good!!! (The food was provided by: The Spotted Calf, The Office Tap and Grill, Strega Cafe and The Merchant Ale House.)
We weren't able to stay too late, but we heard there was a wonderful after party complete with a band that Joe Lapinski plays with.Hopefully next time I'll be able to get more photo's with people from Suitcase In Point. Sometimes it sucks to be so shy! (BLUSH)
MORE PHOTOS: CLICK HERE
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Happy St. Patrick's Day & Another Local Talented Artist for the Niagara Region
Last year, we were able to go out to some local bars & pubs for some drinks with family and friends because it landed on a weekend. Unfortunately, this year, it lands on a week day. So to bring back good memories I've posted some photos of Bob and I. One even contains Marnie. :o)
Karyn Bower - ever heard of her? If you haven't, you should! Karyn has sung with several bands over the years, starting with Charlie’s roadhouse band, Barstool Mountain, Wild Horses, Wine Country, and Karisma. She has also been involved in other projects, one being a two girl duet called “Lipstick” with singer and friend Donna Gandza. And a male /female duet Burden and Bower with friend Dave Burden, who recently wrapped up a 2 year run. Although they recently ended the duet due to differences Karyn says “ Dave is a very talented individual and although things didn’t turn out the way we thought they might, I wish him the best and know he will be successful in whatever genre he chooses”.
Karyn is currently performing at several legions throughout the Niagara Region. There is no better venue than this , she states, as these fine people are respectable and appreciative, and they come out to dance and have a nice time. The hours are decent and she never wants to go back to the days of putting up with the heavy drinkers and bar fights in the local bars. The acceptance she has been receiving in the Legions make those years of struggle all seem worth it.
And I am also happy to report she is my 2nd cousin! :o)
Hopefully, she will have CD's available -- so check back often!
The Irish Harp Pub http://www.theirishharppub.com/
245 King Street, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario
Join them in the Harp all afternoon & evening as they celebrate!
ALSO, hoping my Yellow Submarine bag arrives today!!!
Friday, March 13, 2009
RECYCLE and get items you need or want!
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
FAKE NIAGARA REGIONAL POLICE OFFICER PULLING OVER PEOPLE!
Received this email this morning from someone I know:
Subject: Everyone PLEASE read VERY IMPORTANT (March 3, 2009)
Katharine Ouderkirk Thursday, March 05, 2009 8:54 AM
>>>Everyone please take this seriously this happened to my friend Lynn's co-worker on March 3rd in St. Catharines on her way to work. Kathy
This happened to me TODAY March 3/09!!! I was driving on the QEW heading to St.Kitts at 8am this morning, took the Niagara Street cut-off turned right on Grantham Ave. He is using a car that looks like an unmarked cruiser. Similar if not an Impala. Beige/light in colour. He does NOT have red and blue flashing lights, his front head light flash right then left right then left. He does have a siren that is loud like a cops hence why I pulled over. He was wearing a dark suit with a dark suit jacket, when he approached my car he quickly flashed a badge and put it away saying Niagara Regional Police. He is about 5'11 6 feet tall short dark/gray hair medium build. He used a very MEAN voice when speaking to me saying that I was speeding. He had on Dark sunglasses that he never removed. He asked for my licence and insurance. Went back to his car took about 7-8 mins then returned. He handed me my stuff back and said your ticket will be in the mail. I looked at him and said for what charges? He yelled at me well let's see 130 in a 100 that is $230 and following to closely that is another $100 and walked back to his car. Of course me being me yelled out my window excuse me as I had a question he never turned around just got in his car. He waited for me to pull out first then came right behind me. I went straight he turned left onto Welland Ave. I called the regional's as things didn't add up and I was NEVER even issued a ticket today nor was my licence or plates run through the system. I had t o make a report!!!! This jerk NOW has where I live my age and name!!
EVERYONE PLEASE BE VERY CAREFUL PASS THIS ON TO EVERYONE!!! IF YOU ARE NOT SURE IF IT'S A REAL POLICE OFFICER CALL 911 and HAVE THEM SEE IF THERE IS AN OFFICER THERE!!!! BETTER TO BE SAFE THEN SORRY.....
If anyone has any questions feel free to send me an e-mail
Jenn Katharine Ouderkirk
Payroll Coordinator
City of Niagara Falls
905-356-7521 Ext. 4287
THEN I FOUND THIS VIA THE ST. CATHARINES STANDARD WEB SITE:
Friday, March 6, 2009
Yesterday's Adventures
So as you know, yesterday was Bob's 39th Birthday! Of course we both spent the day at work.
Bob phoned me up in the morning to tell me his parents had made a special trip to his office to present him with a cake complete with a train on it and to give him a card. I made sure he promised to bring me home a piece after work. lol
When the work day was done, it was decided we would go to Subway for a yummy sub and grab a Timmies coffee for dinner.
We had tickets to the Ice Dogs game for 7:30 pm (You can click the ICE DOGS PICTURE to go to their link)
Before the game started, they did a moment of silence for a local Lincoln & Welland Regiment Soilder Warrant Officer Dennis Brown who along with two other soilders were killed Tuesday, March 3rd, 2009 by a Roadside Bomb in Afghanistan. (Click his picture to read some newspaper articles on him from the St. Catharines Standard). I had actually met him once a long time ago.
Story on the funeral for Warrant Officer Brown.
Photo's of Warrant Officer Brown.
The hockey game was intense. They were playing the Brampton Battalion. Click here for the whole play by play of the game.
During the game play they would address the fans to look to the large screens that showed the game as well in case you were in a seat that couldn't see the play and they would do this KISS CAM and focus in on couples live and get them to kiss. One couple didn't. LOL
They also announced Birthday's and I was lucky enough to contact The Ice Dogs a month before requesting they post Bob's birthday and they did along with announcing it, unfortunately Bob was looking at me when they flashed his name on the screen, but he did hear his name. I received a kiss for that.
Unfortunately The Dogs did not win. :o(
Really hoping we can hit another Ice Dogs game sometime. They are really good games!!!!!
Hoping Bob's "Secret" birthday will arrive today!!! (FINGERS CROSSED). Tonight we are off to my Mom's to have a mini birthday dinner for Bob along with my brother, his girlfriend and my nephew.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Happy Wednesday
Looks like things are looking up!
First, thanks to a good friend named Jeff -- he told me I could try and purchase Doc Martens at the Boot Shop in the Pen Centre in St. Catharines, so I'm aiming to do that soon. THANKS JEFF!
Second, the "secret" present from Bob is suppose to arrive by tomorrow by 1:30pm -- that's awesome! I wasn't sure if it was going to happen or not, but the guy on Etsy assured me it will -- and to top it off he paid for the postage. WOWOWOW! I will post pictures once Bob opens it. So stay tuned for photo's this weekend.
Third, I finished off the "secret" painting and will be posting photo's after Saturday of it, as I don't want to ruin the surprise for who it is for. All I will say is Bob thought it was amazing and I brought it to work and the girl's "Oooohed and Awwwed over it" and even one of the tech's asked if Debby had painted it. Debby is an AMAZING painter and for him to group my painting in with her's that really meant a lot to me. teehee!
Here is one of Debby's paintings.
Forth, the Guitar Hero World Tour party is happening this weekend. You'll definately have to come back for photo's from that!!
That's all for now. Later!
Friday, February 27, 2009
Craving Thunderstorms
With spring fast approaching and the odd mornings getting up and going outside to feel the warm temperatures the odd time along with a drizzley morning, it makes me crave thunderstorms.
Bob and I LOVE thunderstorms and driving somewhere where we can try and take photo's of lightning.
These were taken near the Beacon in Jordan Station, Ontario, Canada.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
ABOVE NIAGARA
When I first started dating Bob, in 2005, he told me he was acting in a show that could possibly hit the tv stations in the future titled ABOVE NIAGARA. It was all shot within the Niagara Region.
One day he had to go and do a film shoot and asked me to come along. I was just going to be on the side-lines watching. It was a cool afternoon and it was starting to cloud over. We got there early. The scene was with the Mayor (Janine Heaven)* of "Port Niagara" along with the Mayor's Assistant "Bob". There were suppose to be a bunch of extra's pretending to be the media interviewing the Mayor. Robert "Tanos", the director, showed up with his crew and cameras and started setting up. A few more extras showed up but there weren't enough. Bob introduced me to him and "Tanos" asked me if I would mind playing an extra. I had no experience acting since I'm quite a shy person in real life. What the heck, might as well try. I agreed. My job, take a camera and just pretend to take photo's of the interview. It was fun!!! Mind you a while later when I actually got to see part of the show, I wasn't on screen for very long and it was my back (and I was 30 lbs lighter) ROTFL!!!!!!!
I was asked again to play a part as Bob's assistant in a town hall meeting, and I didn't have lines, but as the rest of the cast and extra's left, they did a close up of Bob asking me out for a drink and I had to respond. (BLUSH). Another time was a scene for a Halloween Party. I was told once again just to be an extra in the background playing a game with Bob, etc......... but again at the end of the night, Bob's big part came up and he was having a conversation with another character. Next thing I know, "Tanos" is saying "Say this and say that", etc...... LOL -- my big break! Shy little Mary is acting reciting lines.
The show is still being compiled and Tanos has added a new twist. He is actively searching for more positions to be filled. This you are interested? CLICK HERE and then click on the menu selection CASTING.
There currently is a FACEBOOK GROUP as well.
* Janine Heaven is the offciant who married us - looking for an officiant? CLICK HERE
PS: HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO KARYN : TRAILMIXDESIGNS!!!!!!!
PSS: Just added some cute little penguins on the side of the page, you can't miss them. Try moving your mouse around them and they follow!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Local Music Talent for the Niagara Region, Ontario, Canada
Now it is time to introduce you to some local muscians who live in my neck of the woods. :o)
Ceol Cara, pronounced (“key-OLE KAR-uh”) is an Irish (Gaelic) phrase meaning “music friend ”.
The band formed in early 2005 through newly bonded friendships with the sharing of music at song circles. The four band members each currently live in the Niagara area and have been active in the music scene for many years. Everyone contributes vocally in rich textures and harmonies covering a variety of Celtic, Traditional, Shanties and Canadian music. Known for their personalities on stage and the fun and energy that they have performing together, Ceol Cara continues to grow in popularity around Southwestern Ontario.
I was actually introduced to them because I work with one of the group members. I first saw them when they played at a Piratefest in Toronto a few years ago and they were totally amazing. I then saw them again at the Grape & Wine Festival in St. Catharines and then again at a friend's wedding. You can normally find them out and about at different bars, etc... playing for small to big crowds as everyone seems to enjoy their music. One of their fun songs is titled TIGHTY WHITIE MAN. They are currently recording for a CD - so stay tuned for that! Also, here is their schedule to see them live.
Next we have the great Joe Lapinski (giggle).
I was introduced to him back when I first started dating Bob (2005) and saw him perform in a theatre group named Suitcase In Point . I'll never forget, I really really enjoyed the show that I contacted the group to tell them so and Joe wrote back thanking me. I went to another show later on where Joe (which I didn't know at that point) was going to perform musically and he actually recognized me from MYSPACE (when I was using that site) and he remembered I liked the Pet Shop Boys. So as time went on, I found out he had his own album along with one he had with a group named The Regards. After listening to some previews of songs on Joe's SUNDRIES album I knew I had to have a copy. I purchased one and even had it autographed by Joe! (GRIN) I love all the songs off the album but my favorite by far is SONG FOR DIGGING. Maybe it is because Bob and I love to Metal Detect. lol Here is Joe's Schedule.
And last but not least we have Michael Wainwright.
I first saw him when he was playing with The Caverners. He was John Lennon. Who doesn't love the Beatles?? You can also see some video's shot from the Grape & Wine Festival in St. Catharines. But that was just the beginning. I didn't realize until we bumped into him at the Ringo Starr concert at the Fallsview Casino in Niagara Falls last year that he did solo work. Bob recognized him when we let out from the concert and we went over to him and I was quite shy. Bob said he knew his brother and they went on talking and that's when Michael told us about the Guitar and a Car Tour. I even got a hug from Michael. (BLUSH) If you have time, you really have to listen to his music and take the time to watch all the video's he has for the Guitar and a Car Tour!! Very very interesting stuff!!! Here is his schedule.
And there you have it, I'm sure there are hundred's of other local bands, but these three are my favorite so far! Here's hoping they get nominated for the Niagara Music Awards 2009! It would be so cool if their music could be played on 91.7 Giant FM radio station!
Keep up the great work lads!!!! Keep those hits coming!!!!!!!
MICHAEL WAINWRIGHT IS NOW ON TWITTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!! CLICK HERE!!!!!!!!!
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