During a Christmastime visit to Ontario Mike O’Neill found an old book of musical notation, but it was the preface that got his attention. In reading the composers’ backstories he realized their pasts were strangely similar; these musical geniuses lead pretty tormented lives and had disappointed their moms, big time. O’Neill decided this gig called for something special and drew inspiration from his holiday reading for a “themed night.” “I’m writing six songs that are about the lives of the composers.” Between attending the Gemini Awards (he was nominated for his music on French Food at Home), working on a feature with Mike Clattenburg and finishing up a new album, we don’t know where he found time to write an entire set of songs, but we hope an elaborate costume got squeezed onto the agenda too.
Sat Jan 29, The Seahorse, 1665 Argyle Street, 10pm, $7
This article appears in Jan 27 – Feb 2, 2011.
here’s a look at mike’s composer-driven night at the seahorse, captured by the lovely sandi rankaduwa. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioLN_ZdNwaA…