Kevin Jenné - Art Attacks & Urinals

Why wait till a painter is dead to buy his work. Kevin Jenne has a story to every painting. The above painting is now a limited edition litho called "China Glow". How did this painting make it to paper is a story that involves a dumpster, rhetoricall questions and a sense of adventure. Maybe he will tell-all on his blog one day.

I have followed this artist on journeys through our favorite location: New York (Manhattann). Luckily, he was very much alive, since I find hanging around dead guys, quite stinky. Having a few pints at McSorley's Old Ale House, was the highlight. Now apart from being the oldest Ale House (over 150 years old), it does have the distinguishing mark of having the most awe inspiring urinals. After a few pints, you stagger to the urinals. What you are presented with, is beyond words. To experience this, you have to be there in person. For those who fear this encounter, visit this site for a preview of this magnificent sight. It's hard to explain, but we met this guy at Puglia's the next night (You have to go and see my man Jorge perform. We go every single time just for him! He is the best Italian non-Italian Spanish Elvis Impersonator ever!) who had a McSorley's T-Shirt (Oh yeah, they only sell them on Friday's and Saturdays, for some odd reason.). The first thing he says is: "Did you see the urinals in there. They come with handles and you can do rosaries in there." ...at which point his wife (whom we thought was his mother...) beat him up.

Speaking of urinals, another hotspot to visit is C.B.G.B.'s. See their urinal offerings at this site. It's a must visit...unfortunatly, they are currently trying to renew their lease. Help save them and bid on some cool items at CBGS. Sign the petition now! I just bid on a poster, but I can't see what it looks like...

Speaking of posters, let's get out of the urinals, and back to art. Kevin Jenne will not appear at any urinal near you. His limited lithos will be available online very soon, so pick them up while you can.

As many already know, my home in Morin Heights is a mini Kevin Jenne gallery. I have 7 works myself. Some small, some big, but every one loved.

I will post his next shows, so go encourage him...while he is still alive and visit our favorite urinals.

Social Distortion in GTO

Mike Ness (now in his mid 40s) was rocking the Kool Haus on Monday Night in Toronto.

You have to give the guy credit, to be able to play songs over his long musical carreer of over 2 decades, and they still sound relevant and fresh.

Social Distortion have this sort of timeless quality about their music. Viewing Another State of Mind and seeing Mike (1982) at the start of his career, as a young, confused kid, but with that distinctive voice, was really surprising. You would think that voice could only come from years of touring in smoky clubs, but no...

Toronto was pretty interesting this time around. We got to go to the show with Finny of The Mahones who gave us the non-tourist tour of GTO nightlife.

Fionn MacCool's (70 Esplanade 416-362-2495) was a nice pub, with great food. Finny should be playing there soon, so go encourage him, have a pint and listen to some good music.

We also checked out the downtown core. Younge street had a very New York feel to it (complete with bums). Wendy liked the H & M store, which hopefully will come to Montreal one day.

Stayed at the Novotel on Esplanade. Good clean hotel. Nothing too fancy, but having a pub across the street was great (two actually, Scotland Yards was the other). Close to downtown shopping.