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Readers Laud ‘Noteworthy’ Profiles

Celebrating Canadian music was always a keystone of Canada Day

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Since childhood, my own background has been intertwined with not only a love of music but of support for (especially) Canadian acts and performers.

For instance, in my previous incarnation as a drive-home host for KICK-FM in Winnipeg, for Canada Day one year my senior producer Spirited Kenny took over the studio chair for an all-Canadian music show, while I went to the party and filed live reports and interviews from the legendary Osborne Village Canada Day Festival in Winnipeg. That day, a sea of close to 125,000 happy people paraded and mingled through a 6 block stretch within view of the Manitoba Legislature and it was magnificent.

A keystone of those annual events was the food, beverage and music at the outdoor beer gardens of the Osborne Village Inn, the legendary “Zoo” operated by the Green family. I had learned how to be a passable DJ, club host, and assistant tech in the late 1990’s while learning the hotel business under their direction. From about 1994-2014, on July 1st every year, the Zoo was THE destination in Winnipeg for rock-and-roll fun and barley-based beverages to celebrate our country (and I even got to work with Dan Ackroyd on the opening ceremonies one year).

As a family that had survived the Holocaust, the Green brothers valued the opportunities Canada had provided their family and promoted a Zoo bar and Ozzy’s lounge format that was heavily invested in Canadian bands, both established and up-and-coming (“Hey Marty, have you heard of Amanda Marshall? Should we book her?”). The publicity photos of groups and performers from the past and present graced the walls of the hotel and bar and reinforced the importance of the musical heritage we promoted there, and I made a point of spinning all sorts of now-forgotten Canadian hits and novelty songs as part of the shows.

So in that spirit of support for Canadian music, once again I’d like to thank David Eisenstadt for the tremendous work he does to put together his Noteworthy profiles of musical artists from all genres and generations for the enjoyment of our readers. A sampling of the kind words he has received for those columns is herein provided, with our appreciation also to those people who have taken the time to write in to David and to TheJ.ca with their words of encouragement.

AL OSTEN & THE ROVER BOYS

That article was swell David!

I loved the Sophie Tucker part and the attached songs. 

My brother was born in 1940 and I learned a lot about music from him as his record player always played the teen hits. Graduation Day was a very familiar tune in our house and it brought back so many memories for me. His birthday is March 21 but he passed away three years ago. 

I really enjoyed your detailed biography. It must have been very difficult for a Canadian singer in the 50’s!

Thanks for this excellent, well researched piece of Canadian music history. 

Fondly

Chérie – Toronto

Hi David,

Thanks for sending this feedback.

We had a nice Zoom Seder with family and Al was able to actually go to a Seder with 4 other vaccinated friends. Looks like we’re all in for a long summer.

Just to let you know that we had some nice feedback from some current and former Edmontonians and family members on your article.

Best,

Ellen Sue – Toronto

Sophie Milman

Hi David, Very interesting to read about the person behind the voice that I have appreciated and loved listening to for many years. Thanks for sharing,

Caroline- Whitby, Ontario

Another great column in TheJ.ca. I had no idea that you were a renowned disc jockey…

Terrence- Calgary

Charles Osborne

You Did It. Excellent.

Danny Marks- Toronto

Hi David,

Nice article!

Thanks for the opportunity.

Charles Osborne- Toronto

Danny Marks

David.. I’ve been really enjoying your articles.

This week’s story on Danny Marks was really informative.

I’ve been listening to him for years on JazzFM, but did not know about his Temple Sinai roots.

Thanks

Ira- Toronto

Thanks for the memory. I remember Edward Bear from high school and a cute girl singing “You Me and Mexico”.

Gary- Toronto

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BEN MINK

Did you know that Ben Mink and Eddie Schwartz are best friends who are neighbours in Ontario cottage country? 

They started a band together called Icarus in 1970.

Marty Schwartz- Toronto

Another fun one. David, you interview all the interesting people!

Cheers

JD- Toronto

BERT PEARL 

He was a daily visitor in my house by radio. A real favourite of my Mother’s. They even went to the same Winnipeg high school. 

JerryCalgary

This is a great piece of Canadiana cuz. Nice job. 

Eric- Calgary

Great write-up David…I so enjoy this musical journey you are on. Thanks for these insights.

Laura- Calgary

ZARA NELSOVA

Hi, David,

I enjoyed the Nelsova tribute. I saw her play several times when I was playing at the Aspen Musical Festival. She dressed differently from any other female soloist I’ve ever seen. She wore long flowing gowns that spilled around her onto the floor and framed her smallish body, making her seem larger than life. She was visually striking on stage. A truly commanding presence.

Best,

David- Toronto

Beautiful and touching story…she was so fortunate to have such an interesting life and music career. I wonder what happened to her sisters?

Hugs,

Judy- Toronto

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Thank you for choosing TheJ.Ca as your source for Canadian Jewish News.

We do news differently!

Our positioning as a Zionist News Media platform sets us apart from the rest. While other Canadian Jewish media are advocating increasingly biased progressive political and social agendas, TheJ.Ca is providing more and more readers with a welcome alternative and an ideological home.

We revealed the incursion of anti-Israel progressive elements such as IfNotNow into our communities. We have exposed the distorted hateful agenda of the “progressive” left political radicals who brought Linda Sarsour to our cities, and we were first to report on many disturbing incidents of Nazi-based hate towards Jews across Canada.

But we can’t do it alone. We need your HELP!

Our ability to thrive and grow in 2020 and beyond depends on the generosity of committed readers and supporters like you.

Monthly support is a great way to help us sustain our operations. We greatly appreciate any contributions you can make to support Jewish Journalism.

We thank you for your ongoing support.

Happy reading!

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