Monday, March 5, 2018

NL Trans Issues Still Low Priority for Gays?

It's no secret that the media has exploited the gay community and sensationalized the gay community all thru the 60s 70s 80s 90s. It wasn't until the early 2000s that it became politically incorrect to sensationalize gay issues. At the same time, members of the NL trans community have continued to suffer exploitation and sensationalization in the media, even today in 2018.

As this gay/trans/queer/umbrella community refocuses on asking for apologize for 1990s issues, what about the trans people who are still suffering today? Who is looking out for their best interests? Who is going to continue the fight to eliminate the unnecessary and discriminatory CAMH monopoly for access to NL trans health funding? Who is going to fight the chronic underemployment and unemployment that trans people in NL still face today? Are gay or "LGBTQ umbrella" Organizations, such as St. John's Pride, or Pflag NL, the right groups to lead this charge? Or do we need a trans-specific group to step up to the plate and make this work a top priority? #nlpoli

Saturday, January 6, 2018

Thane Dunn & the Cadillac Kings rock the Rock!

Thane Dunn of Moncton, New Brunswick is best-known as an Elvis Presley tribute artist. He brought his "Rock and Gospel" show to St. John's, Newfoundland last night for the first of a two night stand at Holy Heart Theatre.  Thane was accompanied by his backing band the Cadillac Kings, as well as with Bill Baize, a tenor singer who toured and performed with Elvis Presley from 1971-1976.

Thane has a genuine love and respect for Elvis and his talents. He made it clear that he is not some 'knock off' or 'impersonator' but wants to be accepted as a legit serious musician who plays Elvis cover tunes.  He was recognized in 2009 as the International World Champion at the world's biggest Elvis conversion, and his show certainly did not disappoint. Thane had a near-sold-out crowd captivated during his two hour set with his Elvis wardrobe, his stage presence, his sense of humour, and a strikingly similar voice.

Thane was also proud to announce his support for the local SPCA where he raffled off a guitar and a robe as a fundraiser. Thane was also joined on stage by two local Newfoundland musicians, including a bass player who graciously filled in at the last-minute because Thane's regular bass player was ill and injured. A young lady named Kim also shared the stage as a backing vocalist.

At one point late in the show, Thane brought a young man on stage who couldn't have been any older than 4 or 5 years old, who was dressed up in Elvis garb, complete with jump suit, sun glasses, side burns, and microphone.

Thane did a VIP meet-n-greet before the show with those who paid an extra small fee, (me with Thane depicted on the stage set before the show).

Setlist:

- Also Sprach Zarathustra (Fanfare) - Intro
See See Rider
I've Got a Woman
I've Got a Thing About You Baby
Jailhouse Rock
Heartbreak Hotel
Hound Dog
His Latest Flame
Little Sister - Get Back (Beatles cover) - Medley
A Fool Such as I
Peace in the Valley (duet with Bill Baize)
- See See Rider Instrumental Outtro -

- Intermission -

Polk Salad Annie
Help Me
Bridge Over Troubled Water
When It's My Time (Bill Baize on vocals)
How Great Thou Art
Suspicious Minds (with audience sing-a-long)
- Band Intros -
- Drum Solo -
American Trilogy
Johnny B Goode
Can't Help Falling in Love (1959 version)
Can't Help Falling in Love (1977 version)
- See See Rider Instrumental Outtro -
- Announcement - Elvis has left the building -