In This Together – Details, episodes & analysis

TOQUE /TO͞OK/

noun

• A close-fitting knitted or crocheted cap having no brim for warmth.
• A  rock band consisting of 4 Canadian musicians destined to celebrate the best in Canadian music.

In 2012, a few musicians took time out of their busy schedules playing with Slash and Kelly Clarkson to band together and play a charity event in Winnipeg, Canada. The theme of the night was to play only classic Canadian music. With a setlist comprised of tunes by such greats as, Streetheart, Queen City Kids, Kim Mitchell, Loverboy, Saga, Platinum Blonde, Harlequin and Aldo Nova they played to a packed house raising money for Cancer research.

The night was such a success that they decided to put together a record to celebrate the best in Canadian Music and remake the songs that influenced and inspired their careers. 

Toque is:

• Todd Kerns - Lead vocals and guitar
• Brent Fitz - Bass guitar and vocals
• Cory Churko - Guitar and vocals
• Shane Gaalaas - Drums and vocals

They are releasing album 2 “Never Enough” on August 28th, and the single, their first original “Never Enough For You” is available now. Digital Downloads can be Pre-Ordered at toquerocks.ca, or you can pick up a copy of their first release Give’r on iTunes.

Upcoming Shows.

August 27th – Listening Party – Nashville’s Event Centre – Winnipeg 

August 29th – Meet n Greet – John’s Music Store – Moosejaw SK

August 30th – Meet n Greet B Sharp Music Store – Regina, SK

August 31st – Shake The Lake – Regina, SK 

September 1st – Party In The Park – Calgary, AB 

I had the opportunity to sit with each member of Toque and talk about their careers for my upcoming documentary “Under Covers” about the 80’s cover band scene in the Canadian Prairies. These conversations were so rich that I asked Todd Kerns if it would be ok to release them in conjunction with the new album to give fans more intimate knowledge on where these guys came from and how that has influenced their careers.

TOQUE /TO͞OK/

noun

• A close-fitting knitted or crocheted cap having no brim for warmth.
• A  rock band consisting of 4 Canadian musicians destined to celebrate the best in Canadian music.

In 2012, a few musicians took time out of their busy schedules playing with Slash and Kelly Clarkson to band together and play a charity event in Winnipeg, Canada. The theme of the night was to play only classic Canadian music. With a setlist comprised of tunes by such greats as, Streetheart, Queen City Kids, Kim Mitchell, Loverboy, Saga, Platinum Blonde, Harlequin and Aldo Nova they played to a packed house raising money for Cancer research.

The night was such a success that they decided to put together a record to celebrate the best in Canadian Music and remake the songs that influenced and inspired their careers. 

Toque is:

• Todd Kerns - Lead vocals and guitar
• Brent Fitz - Bass guitar and vocals
• Cory Churko - Guitar and vocals
• Shane Gaalaas - Drums and vocals

They are releasing album 2 “Never Enough” on August 28th, and the single, their first original “Never Enough For You” is available now. Digital Downloads can be Pre-Ordered at toquerocks.ca, or you can pick up a copy of their first release Give’r on iTunes.

Upcoming Shows.

August 27th – Listening Party – Nashville’s Event Centre – Winnipeg 

August 29th – Meet n Greet – John’s Music Store – Moosejaw SK

August 30th – Meet n Greet B Sharp Music Store – Regina, SK

August 31st – Shake The Lake – Regina, SK 

September 1st – Party In The Park – Calgary, AB 

I had the opportunity to sit with each member of Toque and talk about their careers for my upcoming documentary “Under Covers” about the 80’s cover band scene in the Canadian Prairies. These conversations were so rich that I asked Todd Kerns if it would be ok to release them in conjunction with the new album to give fans more intimate knowledge on where these guys came from and how that has influenced their careers.

Kathleen Todoruk

Kathleen designs for the famous. You know, the woman who has spent a lifetime dedicated to her studies, her family and her dream. The famous woman we all know who volunteers her free time, works a double shift, cares for the less fortunate, elderly and anyone who crosses her path. Yes….those famous women.

Kathleen has designed ready to wear for many years and found that the lack of connection to the customer felt odd. She loves couture for this reason; where she can relish in sharing her love for beautiful textiles and translating their nature to sculpt around the human form. If you’re involved with your life, you will understand her passion for design. Kathleen’s designs adorn the woman who’s insouciance for ‘what’s hot’ is relevant to her. Understanding and establishing the individual style of her client is a large focus of how she designs. Her clients have worn her designs on the red carpet, down the bridal aisle, attending conferences and to their kid’s school musical… every occasion and around the globe in everyday life.

What we talked about

• Saying No
• Retirement
• Making mistakes
• Being grateful
• Surfing

How to get in touch

• Website: www.todoruk.com
• Facebook: TodorukDesigns
• Twitter: @todorukdesigns
• Instagram: @todoruk_designs

Beverley Theresa

Beverley Theresa is a Social Media Consultant based in Edmonton, Alberta. She began her career freelancing as a social media manager and went on to start the social media department at one of Alberta’s largest digital marketing agencies. Now she uses her hands-on experience to work directly with select businesses and brands which have included Rogers Communications, Cushman & Wakefield and the Alberta Government. 

Beverley is known for her quick wit and unconventional approach to social media, she’s consistently recognized as a crowd favourite speaker and has been featured in publications such as Forbes, Business News Daily and CEO Blog Nation.

What we talked about

• Personal Brand and Being Yourself
• Offering Consulting Options
• Getting Referrals
• Going to school for Social Media
• There were a lot of giggles

How to get in touch

• Website: www.hellobeverley.com
• https://twitter.com/hellobeverley
• https://instagram.com/hellobeverley
• https://pinterest.com/hellobeverley
• https://linkedin.com/in/hellobeverley
• https://facebook.com/hellobeverley

Rob LeLacheur

If we were playing hockey, you’d be the star centre. On your wing, would be the gritty, creative, get er’ done, goes into the corner… winger Rob LeLacheur. He is the Principal of Road 55.

Rob is a business guy, family man, old hockey player, artist, comedian in hiding, event producer, community builder and connector.

If it involves business and creativity with a big splash of sales, that is where he excels. He has enjoyed over 20 years of various media sales and administrative roles which started with his first sales role at the Edmonton Sun fresh from the NAIT Business marketing program.

He has spent the past six years creating value for clients in content, enhancing the growth of businesses in both small community and large metro markets. This work has involved all aspects of traditional media along with best practices in digital and social platforms. Along with media, he has held leadership positions in the entertainment and event business, as GM of the Apex Casino along with the creation and running of events like Eek Fest, Road Rage Street Hockey tournament and the Seven Music Fest in St. Albert.

In addition to his work, he’s always been very involved in community organizations and events. He is the former chair of the City of St. Albert Brand Leadership team, which oversaw the creation and implementation of the city’s new brand. He also served as member of the St. Albert Economic Development Advisory Committee and was the President of the St. Albert Chamber of Commerce in 2008.

With a strong sports background, Rob was a member of the 1992 Memorial Cup champion Kamloops Blazers. He also was a member of both the 2002 & 2010 Grey Cup organizing committees and a founding member of the Edmonton Eskimo Gridiron Gang. Under his leadership, Road 55 is the architect of Creativity, Strategy, Execution and Relationships for the success of their clients.

What we talked about:

• 5 Days, 5 Things
• Finding your happy place
• Serial Entrepreneurship
• Shift in value of tools.

Links:

• Website: www.road55.ca
• Social Media: @rjlolly

Dan Davidson

Dan Davidson exploded onto the Canadian country scene in 2016 with the release of his second single “Found” (Co-written by Clayton Bellamy of The Road Hammers). Dan became arguably the indie story of 2016 as his single “Found” rocketed up the charts and he became the #1 charting indie artist in Canada.

“Found” was the #1 selling Canadian country song in Canada for several weeks in July and August 2016. It had also #16 on the charts and was the 8th highest charting Canadian song in the country. The hit single also went top 50 on the Shazam charts across all formats and hit #15 on the iTunes sales charts. On just his second release ever in country music – he has a GOLD single.

Dan’s sound came together as he started writing and working on music with Toronto producer Jeff Dalziel (Washboard Union, Andrew Hyatt, Autumn Hill, Brett Kissel) and the two spent the better part of a year developing an EP that’s characteristic of Dan’s love of “good time” music.

Dan has shared the stage with Jon Pardi, Brett Kissel, Tim Hicks, Chad Brownlee, Gord Bamford, Corb Lund, The Road Hammers and so many more. 

What we talked about:

• Collaboration and Co-Writing
• Perception vs. Reality
• The importance of asking questions
• Reaching out and growing your team
• How knowing your story can open up opportunities.

Links:

• Social Media: @itsdandavidson
• www.dandavidsonmusic.com

Daniel Lenz

Daniel Lenz is an accomplished venue booker, festival producer and concert promoter. He was the main talent buyer at The Needle Vinyl Tavern, voted the Best Place to See Live Music by the readers of Vue Weekly in 2016. He was responsible for programming an average of 14 shows per week at the venue — ranging from local artists to Juno-and Grammy-winning acts. 

Over his 11-year career, he has booked hundreds of shows as an independent promoter (Blurred Lenz Productions), as well as curated his own multi-day, multi-stage music festival, Bermuda Fest, from 2012 to 2015. He is a board member and talent buyer for UP + DT Music Festival and used to sit on the board of CJSR 88.5 FM. He is also a longtime volunteer for North Country Fair and Arts on the Ave.

What we talked about

• Leaving a legacy
• Being Unique
• Listening to your clients
• Creating a plan

How to get in touch

• Social Media: @blurred_lenz

  Maddie Storvold

Raised in Dubai, Maddie Storvold grew up travelling and playing music all over the world, and is now an enthusiastic member of the Edmonton music community. Her background as a poet and a degree in English & Philosophy from Western University account for a poignant lyricism. With emotive finger picking, and a honeyed, impassioned voice, her music seeks to tell a story, to challenge us, and to touch a fragile part of the human spirit. As a live performer, Storvold has been described as having a "commanding stage presence, a quirky sense of humor, and a knack for capturing moments in song". Tough and sweet like gravel in honey, she can make you laugh and cry, think and ache, all in the same hour. 

After moving back to Edmonton in 2016, Storvold immersed herself in the city’s vibrant arts community and recorded her debut LP, The Old Brag Of My Heart in bathrooms, basements, tree houses and kitchens, seeking to capture an authentic and unedited experience of each unique song. It was released to a sold-out room, & critical recognition and acclaim in the summer of 2017 (charting Top 10 on folk/roots radio across Canada). She has since spent her summers touring and playing festivals, house concerts and folk clubs, including the Edmonton Folk Fest, Canmore Folk Fest, Tiny Lights, and Stampede City Sessions – which records and broadcasts to over 3.5 million households in the United States and Western Canada, to name a few. After receiving funding from the Alberta Foundation for the Arts, the young folk singer released her second full length album Freedom, Books, Flowers & the Moon in December 2018, will be featuring on CTV’s The Launch, embarking on a tour of Western Canada with her trio, and official showcasing at the prestigious Folk Alliance International, in Montreal. Tough and sweet, funny and fresh-faced, this story-singer is quickly gaining attention across Canada as a voice to be reckoned with, harkening in a new generation of folk icons.

What we talked about

• Cutting your teeth
• Getting rid of negativity
• Success is momentary
• Being Humble
• Perception versus reality 

How to get in touch

• Website: www.maddiestorvold.com
• Facebook: maddiestorvoldmusic
• Twitter: @MadDawgStorvold
• Instagram: @maddiestorvold