Local is the New Black

Bartenders might not generally be known for their “do right” antics, but it seems that when the calendar serves up the holidays, with a lick of giving spirit, a shot of the warm n’ fuzzies, chased with perhaps a bit of seasonal guilt, and drink-slingers catch a do-gooder buzz.

Perfect example was last night in The Drake Hotel’s Underground at the first-annual Bartender’s Ball and Christmas Toy Drive. The black-tied mayhem was put on to raise money and collect toys for the CP24/CHUM Christmas Wish, a charity that last year gave 74,388 children toys for Christmas.

Hosted by two of The Drake’s notoriously rowdy shot-pushers, Simon Ho, Cameron Hutton and friend Steve Mckeon from WrongBar the night featured the dj mixing talents of Montreal’s GRANDTHEFT, and Your Boy Brian.

“Think of the children!” was a common (and loud) response to any hesitations for shot-downing.  Revelers expressed healthy enthusiasm for fund-raising throughout the night, and were rewarded with some surprisingly excellent prizes, namely a trip for two to Cuba.

“We decided to do our best this holiday season to do something good, for once,” said the tuxedo-decked Ho humbly with a smile.

And despite the gong-show appeal for industry urbanites lookin’ to knock ten back in good conscience (entrance was a $10 donation or $5 with a toy), the night was in fact a very good thing for a very good cause.

Philanthropy might not be the most common trait behind the bar, but the boys behind The Bartender’s Ball poured a tasty glass of humanitarianism, mixed with just the right amount of “any excuse to drink” last night, and everyone had a blast.

A worthy hangover indeed.

photo courtesy of Rick O'Brien

In a world of paparazzi-star turned singer, tabloid-inspired lyrics and exhausted auto-tune, it can be hard to spot natural talent in the music biz.

But Chris Caddell is the real deal.

Have a pint and listen to Chris Caddell play guitar, and you will be reminded of the craftsmanship and artful talent that used to characterized the music industry. Caddell takes his audience back to a time when guitarists were superheroes – a time when Jimi Hendrix electrified anthems and Eric Clapton sang about heaven like it was a place he’d been.

Chis Caddell is a guitarist of rare breed.  You know its Caddell on the tune, not only because of his signature raspy voice but because he makes the guitar sing too. He is an animated player and one who plays his stringed songbird (always a Fender) as if it were an extension of his arm. But Caddell’s guitar definitely has a life of it’s own.

photo courtesy of Rick O'Brien

Since arriving in Toronto in 2002, Caddell has become one of the most sought-after musicians in Canada. He has shared the recording studio and stage with the late Jeff Healey, Ian Thornley, Colin James, Hawksley Workman, Amanda Marshall, Sass Jordan, Melissa O’Neill, Rex Goudie, Tara Sloane, Susie McNeil, and Fefe Dobson.

Caddell’s debut album, “Chris Caddell and The Wreckage” is a southern rock album with all the makings of a classic. Produced by Casey Marshall (EMI Publishing), the album features co-writing credits and back-up vocals by Canadian rocker, Ian Thornley. Highlights off the album include the unbelievably catchy “Through My Hands (Electric),” the blue-collar anthem “Workin,” and “People Get Ready,” an insightful and soulful cover of the Curtis Mayfield classic.

Caddell has long been inspired by the likes of Jimmi Hendrix and is always the first to list off his music inspirations – rock gods such as Stevie Ray Vaughn, Eric Clapton,  Jimmy Page, B.B. King, Colin James and Doyle Bramhall II are frequently covered by Caddell. But fans of Chris know it won’t be long before he’s hailed in the same light.

These days true talent might seem like a myth in the music biz, but when Chris Caddell makes rock, he makes you a believer.

www.myspace.com/chriscaddell