Another example of how a planner’s input can help us customize a program so it perfectly suits the group, the venue and the schedule. After introducing the program in the afternoon we sent off all the new bands with boom boxes to plan their performances. The bands found rehearsal spaces all over the convention center. Our facilitators coached each band when needed and we encouraged each band to spend some time on the stage and become familiar with the props.

Later that evening we kicked off the competition and were blown away with the complexity of the performances. There were costume changes! There were handmade props! There were tales of adultery and betrayal! In the end, after the lightning encore round, Jack and Whatevers were crowned to ultimate victors. Special thanks to Amanda for really helping us customize this program, and to everyone at the Millcroft Inn, perhaps the prettiest hotel I have seen anywhere in Ontario.

-posted by Jeff Pearce
www.rockthestars.com

We pride ourselves on being able to turn audiences into performers very quickly. Our programs are often a complete surprise, but we get people into action fast. For this event, however, we had explained the concept to the planners in advance, and they had briefed their team. So these bands arrived ready to compete. And prepared to win! They had worked out performances. They were rehearsed. They had built props. They had very specific wardrobe requests for us. Absolutely amazing!

We prepped three judges to play the roles of “Randy”, “Paula” and “Simon” and they all fell into character perfectly. In competiton the “District Chicks” narrowly beat “Mr and Mississauga” in the lighting fast encore championship round. My personal favourite performance was by “The Corndogs of Death”. Maybe the best band name ever! Great thanks to Leslie at the Renaissance Toronto for all of her help.
-posted by Jeff Pearce
www.rockthestars.com

First, I wish I had been in a band called the “Red Hot Blocks”. It is descriptive. It is solid. It sounds like it rocks. Tonight the “Red Hot Blocks” truly did rock. We created two solid bands from a group of engineers and managers, none of whom had ever touched instruments before, and in two hours had four amazing rock songs echoing down the hallways of the London Hilton.Really nice people and really great performances. They were amazed to discover how much talent each other had! I also want worth noting that its been a while since we have been in a hotel as accommodating as the London Hilton. The rooms were great and the staff was terrific.
-posted by Jeff Pearce
www.rockthestars.com

The day began at the Sheraton Centre with my “Risk, Trust, Creativity” presentation, a behind the scenes look at life as a Canadian Rock Star. It ended at Tattoo Rock Parlour with a newly minted Rock Star from Kraft proclaiming “We are Alphatoxin! We are the mold on your peanut!”. What a difference a day makes!

We love days like this; awesome client, many bands, large crew, multiple venues, presentations, trivia challenges, photo shoots. It’s like staging a mini US Festival. Thanks to Andrea for making this all happen. Also thanks to everyone at the Tattoo Rock Parlour. It is a great, vibey club and we always enjoy playing there.

-posted by Jeff Pearce
www.rockthestars.com

Our “You Write the Song” programs are always very memorable. Each band rewrites the lyric of a classic rock song, then selects costumes and creates choreography for performance. Today the bands were also judged, by the best mock “American Idol” panel we have had yet. The “Randy” and “Paula” were great, and the “Simon” was, as the real Simon would say, “spot on!”.

This was the first event we have done at the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre and it was a great venue for us. Its a beautiful facility and I enjoyed watching all our freshly created bands find nooks in which to rehearse. We have worked with Kraft many times, and we always really enjoy the people we meet. Today was certainly no exception. Special thanks to Farhad!

-posted by Jeff Pearce
www.rockthestars.com

The words “A Perfect Event” often come up in our business, from our clients to us. But we rarely throw those words around ourselves. But in this case I am going to go ahead and use them. This was a perfect event. The client was amazing, the venue was beautiful, the production was sparkling. We sometimes get a glimpse of a company’s corporate culture, and in this case we were very impressed. These people really care for each other! And do they rock!

Thanks to the entire company for welcoming us to their special night!

This was our first experience in the Magnolia Event Boutique and we were very impressed. Beautiful venue, great staff and great food. Thanks to Paul for his hospitality. Also big thanks to Rainer at RK Audio for making us sound and look great.

-posted by Jeff Pearce
www.rockthestars.com

There are many fun and interesting things about working for Rock the Stars. Sometimes the client will come to us, but on special occasions we actually get to go to them, transforming their workplace into rock and roll rehearsal and performance spaces. Hugo Boss’ Toronto office is an amazing building and was a great spot for us to do our URock Program.

Six new bands were created and were taught six classic songs. Then the performances were held in their main showroom. It was a perfect fit which I guess isn’t surprising given the tight symbiotic relationship between fashion and rock and roll. Special thanks to Laurie at Hugo Boss for her hospitality.

-posted by Jeff Pearce
www.rockthestars.com

Here is a reminder that Rock the Stars is not just about turning people into rock stars. We also turn people into Broadway stars! This evening was a perfect example of what makes our Putting on the Show program a smash hit. Six newly created casts recreated classic scenes from six amazing musicals, complete with choreography, costumes and set design.

The standout number, by many accounts, was “My Favourite Things”, from The Sound of Music. Other amazing performances included tunes from Mamma Mia, Grease, We Will Rock You, The Lion King and Jersey Boys. They say the neon lights are bright on Broadway, but tonight they sparkled in Mississauga.

-posted by Jeff Pearce
www.rockthestars.com

Another great event with another new client. This time it was the Human Resources department at 407ETR who had the Rock the Stars experience. After their annual morning meeting which we hosted at our Downtown Jam venue, we introduced the fine folks of 407ETR to the concept of playing in a rock band. Soon we had each group playing two classic rock songs.

Each group really discovered how to work with each other in new ways and their inner rock stars were revealed. “The Toll Evaders” really rocked but “Fast Lane”‘s rendition of Twist and Shout was the stand out performance for me. Although we were tempted to end with a raucous version of “Highway to Hell” we instead sent them on their way with a spirited group sing-a-long version of “Faith” ringing in their ears. Rocking and uplifting!

-posted by Jeff Pearce
www.rockthestars.com

This year Rock the Stars was fortunate to be part of a very special event, an awards gala for the Canadian Cancer Society. The award recipients are people who organize and participate in the Relay for Life events. These nationwide events help celebrate cancer survivors, remember and honour loved ones lost to cancer and fight back against all cancers.

The event was to be “respectful” but “celebratory” and the event planners completely hit the mark. As well as recognizing the efforts of the Society’s many volunteers this event was a great celebration of life. I can’t try to pick a favourite performance because they were all excellent!

Great thanks to Heidi Wilker at Blessed Events for inviting us to be a part of this, and for organizing such a wonderful night.

-Jeff Pearce
www.rockthestars.com