Events/Shows

2020 Moving Walls Tour – Matthew Good

Events/Shows, Uncategorized

Moving Walls Tour

  • matthew good moving walls tour


COVID-19 (aka Coronavirus) cancellation?

Ticket in hand, I was on standby. Hearing about a lot of other cancellations and closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I wasn’t sure if Matthew Good’s March 12, 2020 concert would be cancelled. Of course, part of me could ABSOLUTELY NOT wait for the show, but the other part of me was dreading the exposure to public transportation and a crowded concert hall.

Concert a go!

The concert was on. I said goodbye to my family as they bid me safe travels.

Meridian Hall, Toronto

I always try to arrive in time for the opening acts because it’s a great chance to discover new music. The supporting bands that evening were Ellevator (Instagram: @ellevatorband) and Born Ruffians (Instagram: @bornruffiansmusic). I never heard of either band, but was really impressed with the unique music style of both. Also, the singer of each band have really fresh unique voices.

Ellevator

autographed Ellevator CD

Ellevator is based in Hamilton, Ontario. The band’s singer, Nabi, is a soft-spoken person on the mic, but man – when she started to sing, her vocals blew me away. She occasionally sat down on the stage during her songs, commanding the audience in a different way. When they first came on stage, I was reminded of old high school band days (maybe because they look young). But be warned – they do not play “elevator music”.

I had a chance to chat with Nabi briefly at the merch table after the concert. I asked her when she first started to sing and she said since she was very little. Nabi has this really amazing aura surrounding her. I have been enjoying my new CD for the past few days. Check out their music!

Instagram: @ellevatorband

Born Ruffians

Instagram: @bornruffiansmusic

Our very own Torontonian band! The guitarists are absolutely wild and a pleasure to watch. Luke, the lead singer, has a powerful and very fresh voice, and was super-animated on stage. I don’t know if he ever found his glasses that he dropped while jamming on the guitar…Check out their music too!

Matthew Good

Instagram: @matthewgoodgram

There are no words to describe the moment MG comes on stage and delivers his first vocals. It happens at every concert of his that I attend. BAM! A chill runs a mile a minute through my body and I am like “OMG”! Short for Oh my gosh or Oh Matthew Good!

Matt’s performance was beyond incredible as always. His music has been part of my life for about 20 years. Where has the time gone? Did I mention that he’s Canadian? I love Canadian music. In fact, most of my favourite artists are Canadian: Matthew Good, Moist, Neon Dreams, Ria Mae and newly added, Craig Stickland.

Matt recently launched his album, Moving Walls, which includes songs such as One of Them Years, A Momentary Truth, Beauty, Sicily and The Heights. It was amazing to see him perform songs from this album in concert. The songs have a whole new meaning to me now.

Matt is a lyrical genius, sings like a male angel and is talented to the max. He’s a songwriter, singer and guitarist. He also speaks publicly about mental health and his own bipolar disorder and battle with depression.

Yes…Matt, this, Matt, that…I just love him!

If you haven’t had a chance to listen to his music, I hope you find some time.

Rest of Tour Postponed

Right after the show, Matt posted on Instagram that the rest of the tour would be cancelled due to the virus. He wrote that people DM’d him with anger that he irresponsibly did not cancel that evening’s concert. It must have been a really tough decision for Matt not to cancel, considering the circumstances. But on that note, I feel like I caught the last train. If I die, I will die happy.

Other songs

Matt also played one of my favourite songs from his album, Something Like a Storm. It’s called Something Like a Storm. It was wild on the stage.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=En17RkeIOs4

Here are a few of my favs from Moving Walls: Selling You My Heart and A Momentary Truth

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQgCm2E_CYA

Of course one of his classics: Load Me Up. The crowd went crazy for this!

In this thing called life, music transcends life. Not sure if that makes sense – but it sounds good 🙂

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DREAMIN’ OF NEON DREAMS

Events/Shows, Uncategorized
ME WITH NEON DREAMS

This post is dedicated to Neon Dreams and those who dare to dream.

I only discovered Neon Dreams (www.neondreams.ca) a day before Tyler Shaw’s concert at Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts, when I got the concert reminder notice and saw they were one of the opening acts. Craig Stickland was the other opening act. As most people would probably do these days, I did a quick Google and started to dance, clap and snap my fingers the moment I listened to their song, About You. Take a listen below.

What’s bonus? They are Canadian!

I am like a big kid at these concerts and LOVED the opportunity to meet all the artists (Neon Dreams, Craig Stickland and Tyler Shaw). My daughter knows I am a suck and teases me about it. This morning, she was like…Adrian…haha!

It was really great chatting with Frank and Adrian about their musical inspiration; and learning what a kick-drum is lol!

Neon Dreams

Neon Dreams is made up of Frank Kadillac (singer and Eukele player) and Adrian Morris (drummer, guitarist, etc.). There is just something really special about this duo. Watching them on stage was almost a surreal experience. I found it difficult to pinpoint exactly what it was that made me feel the way I do. So, I kept thinking about it…

This is day 3 after the concert and I am still trying to figure it out. I guess it’s a vibe…

But here’s what I did come up with:

  1. Their music is fresh and has an upbeat vibe. What a difference to listen to ‘happy’ music instead of sad love songs.
  2. Frank is totally charismatic and approachable. His smile is heart-melting 🙂
  3. On stage Frank was totally commanding the crowd – we could all feel the energy in the audience. Everyone was having a good time.
  4. In terms of arrangements, the drums were close to the stage (versus in the back) – which really showcased Adrian.
  5. I have always been a huge fan of the sound of drums. Adrian is the best and coolest drummer I ever met. He was just part of the drums. I never heard the array of drum sounds (I didn’t know drums make those sounds) that he played, so it blew me away. He was just bouncing around and crossing his arms to bang the cymbals on the opposite side with amazing power and ease. Adrian makes it look so easy – just for fun I tried to cross my arms the same way, but they are so stiff! What’s a bit embarrassing, he probably noticed me staring at him, because he pointed out that I was in the front row lol!

Here are 2 of my other fav songs so far:

In this thing called life, we never know who or what might inspire us – but it’s important to have an open mind and just go where the wind takes us. Thanks Neon Dreams for giving my brain some stimulating new tunes. Cheers!

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I’m falling in love!

Events/Shows
words love

I am not writing about the feeling of fluttering in your stomach, the uncontrollable giddiness, etc. that you experience when you fall in love with someone. I’m writing about my experience of ‘falling in love’ with a song. Has it ever happened to you? I didn’t think it was possible and never had this type of sensation before. But it happened. I heard Lewis Capaldi’s song “Someone you loved” on the radio the other day. I was just thinking last week that it would be great to have some new fresh songs on the radio – and suddenly he sang to me. I was in awe – what a powerful voice and composition.

I had no idea who the artist was at that time, but my daughter said that we could just Google the lyrics. Anyway, long story short…I am in love!

Lewis Capaldi’s “Someone you loved”:

I have listened to it at least 100 times since I first heard it. Lewis’ voice, song lyrics and composition bring out so many raw emotions. I can feel my heart drop and hairs stand up on my arms. Just want to close my eyes and feel the music.

“Hold me while you wait” is another of my favs:

Music generally

Music can be so powerful and heal the soul. The world is silent without it.

In this thing called life – feeling means that we are alive. If you have never fallen in love with a song – I sure hope it happens to you!

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Chapters Book Events

Events/Shows
  • photos from chapters markham book event

Well, we have concluded our two Chapters book events (Newmarket and Markham) this past couple of Saturdays.

Thank you so much to Chapters Newmarket and Markham for having us, and all of those who came out to support us.

It was really great chatting with everyone at Chapters. One lady told me it was really inspiring that we could do what we do within time constraints. We get this comment often. As usual, when people ask how I do it with a full-time job, three kids, a dog and parents that need help, the answer is quite simple – “passion is a driver”. I have this passion that is like fire in my blood and needs to escape.

Tomorrow, I am scheduled for an elementary school book reading. I love sharing my message about anti-bullying, self-love and my love for Canada. As well, we will discuss our role in our changing environment. Immediate action must be taken to help our environment before it’s too late.

***If you or someone you know is interested in having me host a local (Greater Toronto Area) book reading event in their childrens’ school please ask them to complete the contact form at www.CanadianAdventureBooksbyMonica.com

I am also available to host a small group session about self-publishing for adults.


In this thing called life, we have to do what it takes to help others and the world. Cheers!

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Matthew Good 2019 Solo Acoustic Tour

Events/Shows
  • matt good vip tag

Matthew Good’s concert took place last Saturday, March 9, 2019 at the Richmond Hill Centre for Performing Arts in Richmond Hill.

Let’s just say…

IT WAS ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!

VIP pass

My daughter ended up joining me for the VIP sound check and concert. It was my first meet and greet ever, so I had no idea what to expect. In my mind, I thought that you would get to mingle with the artist. But apparently, because we had a group of sixteen people we could not have individuals photos (just a group shot pictured above) and only able to have a Q & A session where each person would have a chance to ask Matt a question. What shocked me most is that people were so calm! I mean – the kid in me – wanting to scream I LOVE YOU MATT! YOU ARE TOTALLY AWESOME!!! But going with the mood at the meet, I just told him the quick story about my sister falling badly and cancelling her flight from Calgary to Toronto, and thanked him for singing to me for the past 20 or so years. My question was: What is your continued source of inspiration over the years?

His answer was basically, that there was none. His analogy was like taking footsteps in the snow. Every step you take, you just know there will be more.

Los Alamos

Even though I am a huge fan, I apparently haven’t listened to so many of his songs. I will have to buy Chaotic Neutral album – Los Alamos (see YouTube video below) is my new fav. The song is so haunting and beautiful at the same time. It is now my bedtime song. I have trouble falling asleep because my brain is so wired – but then I just listen to Matt’s soothing voice…

Just take a listen, close your eyes and feel the music. Check him out on Instagram @matthewgoodgram

Poesy

Poesy, a Canadian female singer/song writer, was the opening act for Matthew Good. I have never heard her music before, but always nice to be exposed to new music – especially Canadian talent.

Her voice is powerful, deep and sultry. It was cool that she did not wear shoes on stage. I can’t say I really “felt” her music. I closed my eyes and just listened to her voice hoping it would give me the chills – but it didn’t. The music was just kind of there -if you know what I mean. But she is Canadian!

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Matthew Good – Solo Acoustic Tour March 9, 2019

Events/Shows
23 day countdown matthew good
This is a re-post from my July 2018 book launch countdown.

How excited am I?

I cannot express my excitement enough…Matthew Good will be playing tomorrow night, Saturday, March 9th at the Richmond Centre for the Performing Arts. I scored some VIP tix, so I get to meet him! Right below are pics from his Massey Hall performance last March.

  • photo from massey hall matt good concert

Shortly after I saw him (Our Lady Peace and Matthew Good Tour) last March, I saw that he would be playing at the Richmond Hill Centre for Performing Arts just minutes away from my house. Should I go again? I asked myself since I just saw him. Well, YES! He is SO close to home that I could not miss him. It turns out that this time, he is playing just his acoustic guitar. Can’t wait!

Based on his Instagram post, he will be playing Strange Days (one of my favs), Fated, Los Alamos and others. Instagram @matthewgoodgram

Strange Days

Weapon

This is one of my new favs. So soulful…the voice of an angel.

Matthew Good

Did you know he is totally awesome?! He is Canadian (WOO HOO!), writes most if not all his own songs, plays guitar and sings. He is also an advocate for Mental Health Awareness, as he struggles with his own bipolar disorder/depression. Check out his Ted Talk below:

His Music

His songs are absolutely beautiful, rockin’ and often pack a punch with the underlying social commentary. He writes and sings about war, guns, life, etc. My five year olds’ fav song from his album Something Like a Storm is Bad Guys Win.

Inspiration

His music has been with me and inspired me for over 20 years. I lucked out about 20 years ago, when my sister’s friend could not attend his concert – so she offered me that ticket. I still remember seeing him in concert at the Metropolis in Montreal. It was so amazing up close and personal. Love ya Matt!

Where did Monica go?

Events/Shows, Self-Publishing (books)
illustration from winter moose visits alberta book
A little sneak peek of one illustration from Winter Moose Visits Alberta

Hi everyone! Hope you didn’t forget about me. I haven’t written much on my blog lately – but that’s because…

I have been a very busy bee, preparing for the launch of my third book, Winter Moose Visits Alberta. The book was on my back-burner and I wanted to complete and publish it this year, but of course, things happen and now I am pushed to wrap things up in a short period of time.

Following up with my Chapters’ contacts has paid off – I will participate in a couple of in-store books events this coming March.

I will be posting more information soon on my website as well:

www.CanadianAdventureBooksbyMonica.com

Reason for my push

Did I mention that I have two (yes, not one but TWO) book events scheduled at Chapters? I will be in person at the Chapters Newmarket on Saturday, March 16, 2019, and Chapters Markham (Woodbine/Highway 7) on Saturday, March 23, 2019. I will post details with address and time details once I submit my book for printing!

I am so excited! I thought what better opportunity to launch my third book than at my upcoming book events.

I hope you will be able to make at least one of the events. My sister, Juliann will also be promoting her book at the same time. Some come out and have some fun!