Hey, Saskatchewan -

We're going to the Peter Katz concert in Regina. I'm not telling you that to gloat. If you can't make it to one of his shows in the province, we've got it covered. You heard him on cbc radio, you saw him on the cover of Verb magazine, and you thought: "Hey. This guy is great. Here's someone who actually deserves the buzz." But somehow, you didn't get your act together to go to his show.

No problem, Saskatchewan. That's what we're here for. Here's what you gotta do:

Around mid-May, turn on your TV.

Hit the 'video on demand' button on your MAX remote.

Find Local on Demand.

Select the music category.

Enjoy a Peter Katz concert, on the house. While you're there, check out our other concerts from around the province. It's like being there, but you can wear your pajamas and eat any snacks you want.

The easter bunny brought a nice basket of ROCK this year, at the CD release of Despite the Reverence's new self-titled album. This is proper metal, folks - in the tradition of Judas Priest and Metallica - none of your namby pamby, crying in your red bull, post modern whine rock.

We had the very exhilarating honour of making a video of their live show at Louis' pub on the U of S campus, which will soon air on MAX Local on Demand. The intrepid Matt Altstadt (matcam) went handheld into the fray while Robbie G and Chris Stanton picked off choice shots of the band from their tripod locations.

Watch this show! It's gonna be an hour of hard rock in glorious high def with some band interview clips thrown in for good measure. Coming soon to MAX. In the mean time, check these guys out, because they are the real deal.

You can't think about classical guitar music without thinking about her - she's played for royalty and regular folks all over the world for the past 40 years. She's legendary, she's lovely, she's Liona Boyd.And she kissed my cheek!

I didn't think I would be starstruck, but these things sneak up on you. Seriously, though - I discovered her to be a gracious human being and a flawless performer. I think you'll have the same impression if you happen to check out her *beautiful concert and interview* on MAX Local on Demand - it'll be up on the channel soon.

Check out these concerts already up:

Belle Plaine - lovely jazz singer songwriter

Alexander Sevastian - accordion virtuoso who will BLOW YOUR MIND

Kirby Sewell Band - high energy blues

Boogie Patrol - funky good-time blues

Arioso and the Jazz Guise - a benefit for Grandmothers for Grandmothers P.A.

... and watch for these coming soon: 

Sylvia Chave - a high energy singalong for your kids - and you!

BC Read - exclusive in-studio blues performance

Cadence - a capella sensation live at the E.A. Rawlinson Centre in P.A.

Andrew and Zachari Smith - internationally renowned father-son folk duo

Autorickshaw - bollywood meets jazz and pop!

Peter Katz - brilliant acoustic singer songwriter

Eclipse Chorus - they always have a great time performing for you

... and many more.

Who would you like to see performing on SaskTel MAX? And, no, metal isn't out of the question.  

You think you're having bad luck, but really you're just taking the long way around to meet some really, really great people.

Yesterday afternoon, a story I'd been planning fell through. I was disappointed, but I started hunting around for a replacement. After a few dead ends, I dialled John and Elise Cormier.

Me: Uh, Mr. Cormier?

John: You've got 'im!

Me: I was wondering if, uh, you might like to be on our TV show...

John: Yep! C'mon over! You betcha!

An hour later, I was in their home surrounded by music, laughter and hospitality. They took turns telling me their *amazing* story...

I can't believe how many concerts we're shooting for SaskTel MAX this winter! I consider this a job perk, but don't tell Thirza. She thinks I'm working hard. 

First it was Royal Wood, then the incandescent Jill Barber. We've just posted the Amati Quartet's divine concert recorded in Convocation Hall at the U of S, so watch for it on SaskTel MAX channel 48 tomorrow or Monday. I just talked to Carl from Cadence - a renowned a capella group -  and they're going to let us shoot their show in Prince Albert on March 20th! Hey, Moose Jaw - we're coming your way for the 'Shake Off the Blues' night, so wave to the MAX cameras. And maybe the most fun of all will be Singing With Sylvia, a high-energy kids' concert in Saskatoon. I can hardly wait!

Fingers crossed for Liona Boyd...