Fortress Of Freedom Board

[Maurice Ali]

Dave Getchell At "Big Ronnie's"



By Maurice Ali



Dave Getchell


Totally worn out and sick as a dog; there was no way I was going to miss Dave Getchell hosting an "open mic." at Big Ronnie's here in Toronto on this day Nov. 23, 2007! This was one of the coldest days since the end of winter and one would think this would keep away much of a crowd - but I was in for a surprise.....



Dave taking center stage!

I could only stay for an hour but that hour included a mix of music and comedy which complemented each other rather well in the tavern. I came in as Dave was playing on of his songs from his album "A Slant On life and Living" and he played from his book of music by the same name.


Neil Rhodes Performing!

Next up was a comedian called Neil Rhodes who reminds me of "Jerry Seinfeld." Similar technique and very funny at times in his understated way, keep an eye on this guy!


Neil Rhodes!

But after that guy was a surprise, Dave's sister took the stage and belted out a song on her own!









Then we had another comedian named David Merheje. At first blush I thought this guy was more of the usual and I started to put down the camera. But then he went off into an ethnic bent on Middle Eastern concerns through comedy. I started to film again; as a fan of Norman Lear, you realize that people laugh hardest of the things they care about the most. If I were him I would have gone further and been a bit more cutting in my humor, but that is just me; in any event it was a promising act!





David Merheje on stage!



David Merheje!


So a successfully night it would appear for our own Dave Getchell. He has started a venue that allows local talent a chance to express themselves to their community, and allow themselves to hone their talent. That is what we do here and thanks to Dave for keeping up the tradition he hold so dear at this organization. This "open mic." may become a weekly event so don't be afraid to stop by Big Ronnie's, have a beer and watch some great entertainment!





Big Ronnie's

1162 Danforth Ave (NW corner of Greenwood and Danforth)
Toronto, Ontario



Visit Dave's Website: http://davegetchell.ca