March 30, 2012 – Life on Mars!

Client: Mars Canada

Venue: Distillery District, Toronto

Program: URock

The folks at Mars made a great decision to use our Distillery District facility to hold their business meeting before their Rock the Stars activity began. This is a great bonus for many of our clients. The space has a great rock and roll environment but it is large, open and is easily customized.

After the meeting we introduced the program. Although we encouraged it to be a competition it was impossible for our judges to choose a favourite performance. Each band developed hilarious introductions, worked on choreography, and learned and performed two songs. An amazing afternoon event!

 

-posted by Jeff Pearce

www.rockthestars.com

March 29, 2012 – Live well, rock well!

Client: Healthcare professionals
Venue: Distillery District, Toronto, ON
Program: URock

This was an amazing day. A team that was completely functioning.  People who knew each other well and who really liked each other. No competition. In fact, no exhibition either. This was simply twelve people celebrating their team and having fun with music.

 

In the space of two hours we taught this fledgling band four entire songs. They simply devoured everything we offered them. Even better, when we finished the session with some live band karaoke they challenged us to tackle songs we had never tried before. Glass Tiger! Supertramp! Their songs will never again sound so inspired!

-posted by Jeff Pearce

www.rockthestars.com

February 29, 2012 – Bringing good things to rock!

Client: GE Canada
Venue: Queen’s Landing, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
Program: URock with lyric writing

Who ever said that “you can’t rock before five o’clock” had never met the future leaders of General Electric. Today we introduced our program at the very rock and roll time of 9AM. The bands were instructed to pick a theme related to their company, and they responded by writing about a great breadth of topics. By the end of the task they had written songs about everything from the glory of LED technology to the company’s management structure. And every song rocked.

Although the performance segment was an exhibition, not a competition, there were certain bands that really stood out. Captain Credit Crunch had undeniable stage presence, and the General Terminators showed amazing musical finesse for a band that existed for a mere 4 hours. I guess that just like LED lighting, these bands are destined to shine brightly and power down gracefully.

-posted by Jeff Pearce

www.rockthestars.com

February 22, 2012 – Clo-Rocks!

Client: Clorox Company of Canada
Program: Urock with lyric writing
Venue: Downtown Jam, Distillery District, Toronto

Another amazing example of a great company with great people. These folks tackled our lyric writing program with incredible verve, writing lyrics that were poignant and hilarious. Subjects included cleaning, deodorizing and disinfecting, which I believe could be the genesis for a new musical trend (or at least a concept album).

In under two hours we had four new bands with four new songs written, rehearsed and ready to be performed in competition. I personally was blown away by Sons of Bleachers re-imagining of “These Boots Are Made for Walking” but our guest judge for the event awarded the best band prize to Slappa Da Bass for their stunning rewrite of “I’m Gonna Be 500 Miles”. All four bands did an amazing job. Clorox rocks!

-posted by Jeff Pearce

www.rockthestars.com

February 11, 2012 – A very happy birthday!

Client: Private 50th birthday party
Program: Play with the Band
Venue: Downtown Jam, Distillery District, Toronto

Just another example of how Rock the Stars is not just for corporate clients. We also can put on an amazing birthday party. We have had the pleasure of providing entertainment for many birthday parties and we always really enjoy these. This one was no exception. With wonderful catering from Compri and at our favourite venue, Downtown Jam, this was a party that none of the guests will forget. Thanks to the hosts and guests for a great evening.

-posted by Jeff Pearce

www.rockthestars.com

February 9, 2012 – Heavy medical!

Client: Henry Schein
Program: Play with the Band
Venue: Crowne Plaza Hotel, Niagara Falls, Ontario.

This is the second year that we have been lucky enough to provide the entertainment for this event, which is a thank you party from a medical/dental distributor to its partners. And, as always, the entertainment really came from the guests. The band agreed that this particular group had more talent than we have seen in a long time. From the opening notes of “Rolling in the Deep” to the closing chorus of “Living on a Prayer”, the guests at this event kept the dance floor packed while those of us in the band just smiled and played.

Special thanks to Elena for her hospitality, and to all of the staff at the Crowne Plaza in Niagara Falls for all of their help. Its a beautiful hotel featuring some great views of Canada’s great water attraction.

-posted by Jeff Pearce

www.rockthestars.com

February 1, 2012 – Glamourous Awards Gala!

Client: A National Insurance Company
Program: Play with the Band
Venue: Office space

With awards season in full swing its not too surprising to find awards themed galas popping up everywhere. What is surprising is how this particular client managed to transform their office space into a dazzling, Hollywood-themed glamour hall, complete with towering Oscar statues, a “Cocktail” inspired cocktail bar, and celebrity look-a-likes.

All that was left for us to do was to provide the live music and the opportunity for guests to let their own rock stars out! One of the company’s directors got it started with a spirited take on a BNL classic, and the party had officially begun. Special thanks to Gene Simmons for subbing in on bass guitar!

-Jeff Pearce
www.rockthestars.com