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Archives: September-December 2007
HELIUM is proud to have concluded the year 2007 at its most
popular venue. We worked very hard this year and toured non-stop. We owed it to ourselves to ring in 2008 in the company of
our friends and family. They, in turn, were glad to have us home for the special holiday. We played for a generous and happy crowd. Believe it or not,
barely any champagne was spilled and the treat of beef on a bun definitely did not go to waste. With magic flutes and party
hats in hand, as well as a fine acoustic Auld Lang Syne, the countdown to 2008 was truly delightful and heart warming
to all. We thank our buddy Johnny Sly for strumming that acoustic with class. Love ya man! This party would not have been such a success without the coordination
and cooperation of our colleagues Drew Dobson, Adam G., Christie, Paul, KJ Roundcat and Collie. A true professional bunch!
Their welcome is always sincere.
Pictures were taken by many of our friends and we’d like
to thank Marty, André, Véronique L., Paul Lauzon and Johnny for their contribution. We are still screening for the best shots
to make the site. Some are still coming in, making it very difficult to choose. We continue to thank all patrons for the tremendous support
received every time. As entertainers, we often feel like we’re the guests being entertained. Finnigan’s Pub
goers have the knack for doing that! We’re already anxious about next year’s bash. Please believe that HELIUM
will never let you down. Happy New Year everybody and all the best!!!
This was HELIUM’s first visit to The Phoenix.
Rumor has it that this venue is always bouncing. Indeed it was! The place was absolutely packed. The worst part is, it usually
gets even fuller. Perhaps the remaining of the bar regulars were busy getting ready for Xmas. We can’t wait for our
next invite to try and catch it at maximum capacity.
This gig, being our first at this location, gave us the chance
to test what kind of song selections we can get away with. Our choice of set for that particular evening proved itself to
be solid. Perhaps only a couple of tunes kept people guessing. All others kept people on their feet all night long. The stage
setting is ever so cozy and the sound projects with excellence.
We enjoyed working alongside with DJ Steve. His song rotation
was clearly well thought of and his choice of Xmas tunes near the end of the evening was perfect. We also tip our hats to
waitresses Brittany, Jessica, Shelly and Marcie for working so hard, as well as John and Chris with his team of fellow bouncers.
It was a pleasure to celebrate an early Xmas party with such a great bunch of people. We truly hope to make The Phoenix one of our best new
2008 venues. We are awaiting confirmation for additional dates real soon. Be sure to come along when we do. Until then…take
care!
We expected this gig to be a quiet one figuring that everyone
would be too busy wrapping up their Xmas shopping. To our surprise, it was fairly busy! A couple of our friends from Ottawa
joined us looking for an early Xmas celebration of their own. So…that’s what we did. Santa hats in hand and all…Hugs
to Johnny and Joanne for coming along.
There were many young rockers in the house who had themselves
a ball. We received a lot of thumbs up from one group in particular who thought they’d stump us by requesting some Offspring.
We delivered! They all went nuts on Crazy Train upon conclusion of the evening as well. It was an awesome night!
Thanks to the wonderful people of Shawville for a great time
and for showing some Xmas cheer. Kudos to the staff who kept up with the action: Amanda, Kathy, Lisa and George. We will see
you again in late February. Until then!
C’est le temps de l’année pour les « partys »
de Noël. L’organisation et le déroulement du party des employés du programme canadien de prêts aux étudiants fût un
grand succès. HELIUM était honoré d’être en charge du spectacle et d’être inclut au grand lunch, aux tirages et
d’avoir reçu des petits cadeaux complémentaires. Le lunch était fourni par le service de pourvoirie/ resto Lindocile.
Tout était absolument délicieux et très bien coordonné. On a même sucré nos becs avec de merveilleux petits désserts.
Excellente sélection de nourriture ! After a few draws and after everyone ate to their satisfaction,
we were ready to take the scene. Mr. Sean Jones initiated the music with a few Christmas songs armed with only his acoustic
guitar. His number was terrific and appreciated by all. The resonance in the St. Joseph Church basement truly is fantastic.
HELIUM kept the guests entertained with classic favorites and insisted on keeping them up on their toes. We were really impressed
with the crazy synchronized dancing we witnessed…Team spirit like we’ve never seen before. You can bet that the
Canadian Student Loans Program employees deserved this Xmas party and really took it seriously to unwind. On aimerait dire merci à notre ami, M. Robert Daniel, pour
avoir partagé sa grosse voix avec nous sur scène avec ses Calines de Blues et son Deep Purple. Le gars ne lâche
pas à nous surprendre. Finalement, un dernier gros merci à tous les organisateurs de cet événement pour un très bel après-midi.
Ca nous ferait un grand plaisir d’y retourner si le besoin se présente de nouveau. On souhaite un Joyeux Noël et Bonne Année à tous ! « Rock Style » ! Prenez
soin. PHATTY KATS - Cornwall - December 7-8, 2007 A long awaited return to the Phatty Kats it was. We had a ball, as we expected, with our pals from Cornwall. The regulars continue to cheers us on and we continue
having good times with fantastic people. HELIUM got to work alongside with DJ Hightower, Rob Rusaw, Rick Emond and Johnny
Sly all weekend. The cooperation among us truly added a certain "edge" to the group dynamic. Guests and patrons were on their toes and hoppin’ non-stop.
It was really nice to see! CWA Wrestling was also active in town on the Friday evening. We were fortunate enough to
welcome some its goers after the main event. Each had enough stamina left for one last round with HELIUM. A couple of us grabbed
some posters as souvenirs.
Unfortunately we missed our regular staff buddies: Denis, Lisa,
Kenny and Kevin. They’re all out together in the Dominican Republic having their buns shined on! Lucky sons*!
We’ll have to catch them on the rebound and demand on seeing some pictures.
Flo gave away 2 pairs of drum sticks to 2 devoted fans. The
encouragement and compliments we received during the weekend was simply incredible. It’s a great feeling indeed!
We thank barmaids Josée and Kerri for keeping up with our thirst,
lovely Christine for demanding an encore performance of our Evanescence cover, Denis, Tom, Clark, Crystal, folks from
the Corner Pub, the native fellow who insisted on getting us a round of shots, and many others whom we got to converse
with. Season’s Greetings to all and we hope to see the Cornwall
gang real soon in the New Year. Cheers!
Our first visit to the El Rangio was very pleasant.
The set-up is pretty cool with the mirrors and all. It definitely adds some glamour and pizzazz to the stage. The owner, Peter,
welcomed us with open arms and demonstrated such enthusiasm towards our music. We got a kick out of the wicked light show
he provided, as well as his DJ skills in between sets. He’s a great little dancer too! Cheers buddy! Your lovely bartender,
April is also very courteous. We appreciate great service.
We met some very nice people and fulfilled many song requests
throughout the evening. They love country music out there…so we made it a point to keep our selections on that borderline.
Fan favorites like Mustang Sally, Old Time Rock n’ Roll, Mellencamp’s, etc. kept us
alive no questions asked. We even got away with a French tune requested by Nicole. Some of our "loyals" from Smiths Falls drove out for a peek.
What a surprise! Huge thanks to Thomas, Brenda and Christel for traveling out to party with us. Christel brought her camera
along and we appreciate the souvenirs she captured. Some are sampled on this page.
HELIUM also enjoyed catching up with good buddies Ben, Bam
Bam and Richard (Wabbit), Marty, Ken & Nancy, Jo, etc. They can all be a rowdy bunch once alcohol fueled! Ha ha. We also
send our hugs and salutes to lovely Melody of the Black Cherry Band for stepping out into her backyard to see us perform.
Thanks girl, your encouragement is cherished. Some more thanks go out to Hélène, who interrupted her suitcase packing for
her trip to Puerto Vallarta in the morning. She insisted on getting one more HELIUM fix before she leaves. Hope she
has a safe and fabulous trip. Bring back souvenirs will ya?! HELIUM will be rescheduled to the El Rangio in the New
Year. It is worth the trip, so come back in great numbers. Thanks gang!
HELIUM took it nice and easy this weekend for our return to
the Penalty Shotz. Two members are still dealing with illness. This damn flu bug this year is quite stubborn and refuses
to leave. It seems that way for other people we know too! Luckily we had Dr. Paul and Joanne, as well as Nurse Megan on hand
for quick remedies. Them Cherry Whiskey and Fireball shots sure took care of those feverish "malaises". Bob ensured on bringing the mandolin along for this show as
he would have been slapped on the wrist if he had forgotten it. Acoustic arrangements are always appreciated in Cardinal as
we’ve learned over the years. The owner insists every time! Everyone had a blast and we’re very content with the
outcome of the evening.
Many thanks to all of those who attended despite having
Bon Jovi playing some kilometers away. LOL! We are coming back to The Shotz in late January. It will be HELIUM’s
first 2008 gig. Don’t miss it gang!
HELIUM had no objections on coming back to Finnigan’s
Pub so soon. It had only been 2 weeks since our last visit. For unfortunate reasons, another band had to cancel, leaving
the gig open to us. No problem at all. Two members still struggled with bad colds, yet no one could
tell. Although we’re sure they both craved their pillows, we’re proud to say that they survived a good musical
weekend nevertheless. We wanna thank all them regulars for another fun rockin’
time. Some shout outs and thanks to: Rob Niman of Solar Architect, Marty, Jesse, Stéphane, Joanne, Joelle, Mike, Tina,
Mario, Annick, Cassidy, Joan, Amanda, Steve, Francine, pretty blonde lady, Steve A. and friend, rowdy loud dude, as well as
bar staff Jay, Nadine, Paul, Tom the KJ and Mr. Doorman for another pleasant evening together and for remaining the most focused
audience in the house.
HELIUM is anxious in returning to Finnigan’s
Pub for this upcoming New Year’s Eve Party. Invites go out to all. Tickets will be available in mid-December. Expect food, champagne, karaoke, dancing,
party favors and, of course, another grand ol’ time with yours truly. We hope to see you there. Take care.
This was our first visit back to The Atlantic since
July. It was nice to be reacquainted with our friends of Alexandria. Cold and flu season hit one of the band members, but
rest assure, this didn’t affect the delivery of another great show.
Our good friends Mike and Tina stopped by to say hello on another
one of their drives. Distance is no issue for them as they are true HELIUM loyals! Thanks for allowing Brigitte to browse
through your medicine cabinet and for feeding J.P. them Coors’. Chloe, Dayna, Julie and Joanne filled the dance
floor very nicely and went a little nuts during Crazy Bitch. They sure asked for it! LOL It was our pleasure. We also
felt it necessary to dedicate a French favorite to our buddies Jimmy and France. We know how they appreciate our rendition
of Jean Batailleur. We just couldn’t let them down.
HELIUM salutes The Atlantic staff: Bridget, Richard,
Josée and Jeff, the doorman. Thanks for another awesome greeting and service. Hope it wasn’t too loud and we look forward
to another invite soon. Don’t make us wait too long this time! Until next time.
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