Back in fall/winter 2002/3, the Songwriters Association of Canada was running a monthly open stage event at Toronto's Hugh's Room. this was welvcomed by all of us songwriters as a great spot at which toshowcase new material, or in somecases, just to showcase our abilities.

Unfortnately, when Summer arrived, they discontinued the event citing the usually low attendance rates in the summer months. It was so cool to have something early in the day and at a very accessible location.

Some of us decided this was really a shame and decided to start out own event until the next Songwriters workshops start up at Hugh's Room.

Roger Zuraw Suggested we should approach the Cafe May which is located just a short way south of Hugh's Room, at 396 Roncesvalles Ave.  I thought this was a great idea and followed up on it as quickly as possible.

I talked Cafe May's sweet little owner, Keiko, into opening up the place on Saturday's from 12 Noon til 3:00 so we could have our Outrageous Summer Open Stage, and she would be able to serve brunch.

We started in mid-June/03 and so-far it's been a hoot.  We decided to carry on the Open Stage concept into the fall, so through September, October asnd November 2003 - but because I get busy at this time of the year, the open stage is down to twice a month and in deference to the season we're calling The Outrageous Autumn Open Stage.

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From June through Octover, we've had an interesting variety of musicians and musical styles.  Jazz  and blues with pianist Jim Finlayson, Jazz, blues and folk from Mrs. Doyle; poetry, Blues and Billy Joe Shaver songs from Ray Murrray,  Alternative-pop from Emerald, Folk-rock and Psychadelic Folk from Brian Gladstone,  Singer/songwriter, blues and folk from David Newland, Wacky stories and blues from Blind Melon Davies; folk and songwriter from Michael Holtz; and jazz and classical from Michel Plourde just to mention a few.....

What I like about the open stage is that anything goes - short play, poetry, stand-up comedy, music, whatever. A chance for people to express themselves and have fun in a low pressure environment.

Keiko is great - she's pretty informal but she's a great cook and whips up what she terms as "German Breakfast" which turns out to be this humungous platter of terrific food.....

As I mentioned before...the place has a 60's vibe to it....very neat.  If you haven't been out yet, come on out, it's fun.

You can check out the Cafe May at their website