That was Mike and Declan, better known as Men About Town. They’re a pretty rockin’ duo comin’ straight outta D-town. Listen to more tracks here.   

   Another awesome band I’ve had the opportunity to see live is The Airplane Boys. They’ve had their music featured in shoe commercials and they’ve just started creeping into the Canadian airwaves. They also have a very cool fashion/lifestyle blog. You heard it here first!

   Finally, I would like to tell you about a great little play I saw called Love is a Poverty you can Sell. It was chosen as Best of the Toronto Fringe Festival, and with good reason. Set in 1920s Berlin as a cabaret homage to the music of Kurt Weill, this thoroughly entertaining production features sixteen (!) song and dance numbers and a ten piece band!   The pieces are seamlessly and hilariously transitioned with with the help of Hans and Jodel (Ryan Anning and Scott Dermody), two funny little men who provide witty banter, engaging stories and classic slapstick throughout the duration of the show. I also have to tip my hat to Justin Haigh for writing such sharp dialogue (as well as co-producing, PR, props…).  

   Why have I put reviews of two bands and a play in one post? Because, alas my friends, this is it! As of August 1st, my sweet summer gig is over. Sad, I know. But we had a pretty good run, eh?   Before I leave, I need to give multiple rounds of thanks.  

   First, my supporters. When I entered the Ridiculously, Ridiculously Good Summer Gig concert way back in November, I didn’t really think I would be the one chosen to chill in Toronto, write a fun blog and get to work with the AXE Canada team. Then my family, friends and THEIR friends got behind me. Thank you. A special kudos to my sister who helped film and create my videos during the voting period, and who also told me when my ideas were stupid. I need that sometimes (a lot).   

   Secondly, the Toronto crew. from Bri-Bri to Moi Aussi, the Burnmaster to Double L (and many more!), you guys provided me with direction, deadlines and dynamite. Huge shout outs to the rest of the IAT family, whom Jaime and I had the bonus pleasure of brainstorming and interning with. And who could forget the legal beagles?  

   Finally, the last bow goes to you, the reader. Without you, this blog would have been a bad idea. With you, I’ve got a reason to get up in the morning and write about cool bands, men’s grooming products and burlesque dancers. And if you haven’t done it already, JOIN OUR FACEBOOK GROUP! You never know what the next ridiculously good contest will be…  

   If you’re wondering what I’ll be up to in the future, I’m going back to Montreal for a month to study. This fall I will be traveling to France to live, work and travel awhile before I head back to school. I smell another blog coming on…  

   If you want to keep in touch, you can follow or direct message me on Twitter. If that fails, send smoke signals.    Alright, I can hear the orchestra playing me off. Have a good one, see you around like an orange.

-Al