Just in time for Christmas...

November was awesome indeed. We officially have our brand new CD - “Live at the Orange Lounge” - available for public consumption. We are so proud of this CD as it has been a long wait to finally get it. We almost didn’t make the CD Release deadline as there were some scheduling and technical issues that had us cutting it pretty close. Luckily MMS Direct has been experiencing a faster than usual turnover and were able to manufacture our CDs really quickly. Huge love and thanks go out to Daryn Barry and Jason “Metal” Donkersgoed at the Orange Lounge for putting in copious, slave-driving hours recording and mixing with us. It was an absolute pleasure to work in that gorgeous environment with such warm people. Thanks also to Robin Aube for a great mastering job and getting it done pronto. We are truly grateful. Also a shout-out goes to Siobhan and MMS Direct for having their shit so together and getting us product in time for the big parties.

Speaking of parties… we celebrated the release of “Live at the Orange Lounge” with three nights of fun in three different locations….

Pepper Jack Cafe throw down

Thursday, November 25th the Ladybirds were at the Pepper Jack Cafe in Hamilton with our talented friend Ali Bartlett to open. Ali started things off with a witty and engaging set of her revealing original acoustic tunes. She’s quite the hidden gem and we highly suggest you hunt her down and give her your undivided attention. The ‘birds swiftly took to the stage to bust out a long set of self-indulgent banter and great original music. Thanks to Ken for always making us feel so warm and welcome at the club, leaving us with bellies full of food and drink and heads full of compliments and praise. Thanks also to Kevin for selling CDs for us. That’s a lot of disk to keep track of, brother. You do it well. We love Pepper Jacks.

A love-pile at Healey's

On Friday, November 26th, the fun(k) was unleashed at Healey’s in Toronto where the Ladybirds got to bust out an opening set before our dear Erin Smith kicked some severe funkin’ ass with Mr. Something Something backing her up and then Mr. Something Something took over with a couple of long sweaty sets of infectious and delicious afro funk. It was a legendary Triple CD Release Party as we unveiled “LATOL” to our Toronto fans, Erin unleashed her astonishing new disk “Swagger” and those cute fellas in Mr. Something Something officially released their self-titled debut. If there was any more love in the bar that night it likely would’ve spilled on to the streets of Toronto and caused quite a sticky, goopy display. The night consisted of a steady, sweaty crowd of grooving bodies, beers, too many friends and family in one place to even get a chance to make contact with everyone, Paul MacDougall of Mr. Something Something getting his head shaved by Neen and Skeet while he busted out a guitar solo, a love-pile of Ladybirds, third degree love burns, more sweat, more beer and just all around great times. Thanks to the bar staff and to Christina and Jill for selling merch for us and especially to all of the friends and fans who witnessed this show. Asian Number 9 would’ve been proud. Click here for photos!

Swanky dresses for hot 'birds

The Lighthouse Festival Theatre in Port Dover was the destination on Saturday, November 27th. By this time I think we were all feeling the affects of lots of shows and too much fun. For this show we all decided to “dress up” which worked out quite well and had all of the ‘birds and Sum Sums looking hot and edible. The ladies played an amazing set to a captive audience. The chill factor was intense, even from where we were standing. Ed did a pro job on sound with the help of Mr. Midas the Rainbow Board. Skee’s set was hot and high energy and she looked so cute that Lisa absolutely cried. We all dry humped Lease to shake away all of those sad tears. So a bunch of Wild Turkey and Sambuca later, Skee and Neen were on stage shakin’ it in their hot dresses while Johan and Mr. Something Something sexed up the crowd with their hot business. Put it in your mouth, folks. That’s what it’s for! That’s what the horny horn sexshun does. And it’s awesome. If you haven’t seen Mr. Something Something yet than you’ve totally dropped the ball. Do yourself a favour and get some of that sweet afro-funk intravenous. You’ll feel better and look better. You’ll just be a better person. Don’t screw this up.

After the show we got a little bit silly and partied-it-up at Skee and Liam’s parent’s place in the Port. Wine, hot tubs, and junk food until a bunch of passed out wookies laid splayed about all willy nilly in front of the fire. Thanks so much to our cute Rossy for covering the merch table and to Stu and Val Smith and Mr. David Kent for putting together possibly the best show that we’ve ever had the honour of playing. We had an amazing time and you guys made it all happen! We loves ya! Click here for photos!

Aloha to the world's cutest noodle

This is where things get resoundingly sad and heavy, and I’m welling up with tears as I write this. Our Skee is moving away to Maui and leaves in 20 days. She and her awesome husband Ross made the choice a while back, influenced by feeling stuck in pesky day jobs, beckoned by the sun and promise of gorgeous and inspiring surroundings and tempted by the idea of just seeing what kind of crazy things life throws at you if you take a chance on something. I’m so proud of Erin for making such a tough decision and a drastic move. I can only imagine how difficult it’s going to be for her to be away from the ‘birds, the Something Somethings, her family and friends, and even our duo project. Never in my life have I had such a close musical connection with another person as with Erin. I feel honoured to call her one of my best friends. I know that this move won’t be forever and we’re not about to let the collaborating come to a sudden hault just because a zillion miles separate us all from Erin. If everything goes according to the master plan, I’ll be travelling out the Maui early in the New Year to tour with Skee and hopefully I’ll have some Ladybirds in tow. Then we hit Japan where we begin a Ladybird Sideshow and Mr. Something Something world tour (uh, yeah!). Skee is kinda like the glue that keeps this incestuous unit so solid. Irreplaceable. Achingly beautiful. Tremendously talented. Sorely missed already. We wish you the best of luck out there, Skee. Enjoy missing a Canadian winter. But let it be known that we’ll be coming to Maui to drag you home really soon. Bank on that one, Miss Smith.

What will become of us?

So what is to become of the Ladybird Sideshow sans Skee? Well, we’ve got a great new record. All of the girls have some good things happening in their solo careers. We’re still young and good looking. Who really knows what life will bring to us. We’ll always be a group, though. That’s for sure. And before we take a little hiatus from performing live together on a regular basis, we’ve got four more throw downs to contend with. We’d love for you to join us at a show. Say “aloha” to Erin and offer up condolences to the rest of us sorry schmucks. But it’s the holidays! So let’s have a good time about it! Here’s what’s on the plate:

Thursday, December 2nd.
The Boathouse in Victoria Park, Kitchener, ON
Songwriter Series with Shannon Lyon
8pm start, cover by donation.

Friday, December 3rd.
Bookstore Cafe in Camden East, ON
With the Ladyracers.
Details tba.

Wednesday, December 15th.
Angel Cave in Hamilton, ON
405 Cumberland Avenue
With our friend Angela McKay!
Doors open at 7:30pm. Show begins at 8:00pm and ends at 10:00pm.
Cover is $15.00. Seating is very limited.
For reservations contact angelcavestudios@cogeco.ca or by phone at 905-381-0407.

Thursday, December 16th.
C'est What in Toronto, ON
Ladybird sideshow bust out their feisty festive stuff for the last official show before Skee moves to Maui...
Details tba.

Thanks so much for your support this month. We love you all!

Happy holidays,
Janine

Your LBSS Correspondent