The Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame (CSHF) is pleased to announce its newest Inductees: Ralph Cole, Paul Hoffert, Bob McBride, and Skip Prokop – songwriters and members of one of Canada’s most iconic bands, Lighthouse – who will be honoured October 17, 2022 at the 2022 SOCAN Awards, recognizing the achievements of Canada’s most prestigious songwriters, composers, and music publishers.

Lighthouse’s brand of free-wheeling, high-spirited jazz-rock-classical fusion took North America by storm starting with their debut in May 1969 at Toronto’s Rock Pile. The eclectic group of musicians included co-founders Prokop, who was a member of the psychedelic rock band The Paupers, and Hoffert, who was a classically trained jazz pianist and composer for film and theatre. Along with other members including guitar virtuoso Cole, Lighthouse would bring together their diverse musical backgrounds to form a new band and new sound. McBride, who had studied singing with Johnny Mathis and toured with Ronnie Hawkins, would join Lighthouse in 1970 as lead vocalist.

The late Skip Prokop recalls, “When Lighthouse first went out there, we were doing fusion before we even knew there was a word called ‘fusion.’”

Fast forward five decades and a storied catalogue of hits including Sunny Days, One Fine Morning, Pretty Lady, Take it Slow (Out in the Country) and Hats Off (To The Stranger), ensure that Lighthouse will deservedly take its place in Canadian music history with the inductions of Cole, Hoffert, McBride and Prokop during a celebration and tribute at the 2022 SOCAN Awards in the band’s hometown of Toronto, ON. Anthem Entertainment is the presenting partner of the Lighthouse induction.

“Lighthouse’s contribution to music is immense. Spanning over 5 decades, and still creating extraordinary works we are proud to represent the music of Lighthouse as their publisher and as their label. We are most excited about the future. Congratulations to all of the members of this iconic group, Lighthouse you are still a shining beacon of classic Jazz-Rock-Fusion and will be for years to come,” said Helen Murphy, CEO Anthem Entertainment.

“Lighthouse epitomized the musical liberation movement that came out of Yorkville’s music scene in the late 60s. They grew into a 13-member band which was unheard of at the time, were fearless in combining musical influences in their song writing, and for taking risks such as incorporating classical instruments like the flute and trombone into a rock sound,” said Nick Fedor, Director, CSHF. “Their music is emblematic of the Canadian mosaic; all of its members coming together as one, with each person contributing their unique talents and musicality.”

Prokop and Hoffert met by chance when they were seatmates on a flight to Toronto after Prokop’s last performance with The Paupers. Prokop had an idea for a big band with a huge cinematic sound. Being familiar with Hoffert’s reputation as a jazz musician and film composer, Prokop asked if this would be something he might be interested in pursuing, and the rest is history.

Prokop knew the rock scene, and Hoffert knew the classical and jazz scenes, and together they assembled a group of musicians including guitarist Ralph Cole, whose band Thyme had great success throughout his home state of Michigan. The band began performing around Toronto, and quickly gained a loyal fanbase. The band’s success at Carnegie Hall and the Boston Pop Festival led to performances at the Newport and Monterey jazz festivals – the first rock band to do so. Along the way, Lighthouse issued three albums in quick succession, and the singles Feel So Good and The Chant became their first national hits.

In 1970, New York producer Jimmy Einner, helped steer the band’s writers towards creating the hit songs that have kept Lighthouse on the airwaves for more than 50 years. At the same time Lighthouse brought in Toronto-born Bob McBride whose distinctive vocals became a hallmark of the Lighthouse sound.

With these changes in direction, the band immediately scored its first Top 10 hit, the SOCAN Classic Hats Off to the Stranger (by Prokop, McBride, and Peter McGraw). Next, Prokop’s celebratory and jazzy, One Fine Morning, charted to No. 2 on RPM and Billboard’s No. 24.

Lighthouse continued its winning streak with JUNO Awards three years running from 1972 to 1974, plus a JUNO for lead singer Bob McBride. In addition to their four gold albums and platinum-selling 1972 Carnegie Hall live album, they pioneered performances with symphony orchestras, were the only band asked to perform twice at the historic Isle of Wight festival, and collaborated with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet resulting in the first Rock Ballet titled, Ballet High, that swept the nation with standing-room-only performances.

1972’s “Sunny Days” made RPM’s top 10 album chart, its joyful title single (by Prokop) reaching Billboard’s No. 34, CHUM’s No. 10, and RPM’s No. 4. Other hit Lighthouse singles included Cole’s Take It Slow (Out in the Country) (written with Keith Jollimore and Larry Smith), Prokop’s Pretty Lady (now a SOCAN Classic), and McBride’s and Prokop’s I Just Wanna Be Your Friend. Five Lighthouse albums have made the Billboard 200 chart.

Although the band dismantled in 1976, Prokop, Hoffert, Cole and McBride would reunite as a 10-piece band in 1992; however, within a short time, McBride was replaced by Dan Clancy whose unique ability to capture the dynamic Lighthouse sound while maintaining his own style has kept him front and centre for the past 30 years. The current band has had few changes since re-forming. When Skip Prokop retired in 2014, the band welcomed his son Jamie who is currently on leave. With the retirement this year of Ralph Cole (guitar) and Steve Kennedy (saxes and flute), the Lighthouse family now includes Marc Ganatakos (guitar), Michael Stuart (saxes and flute), Paul DeLong (drums), Doug Moore (bass), Don Paulton (keyboards), Russ Little (trombone), Chris Howells (trumpet), Simon Wallis (saxes and flute) and co-founder Paul Hoffert (keyboards and vibes).

Lighthouse’s 40th anniversary was marked by the release of Forty Years of Sunny Days, a compilation that included 16 classic hits along with a DVD of the current band performing the same hits. A new double-album set will be released next year.

While maintaining a touring schedule with Lighthouse, Prokop, Hoffert, Cole and McBride continued to expand their horizons. Cole established a successful jingle production company, produced many artists including Shirley Eikhard and was a sought-after session musician. McBride released several singles, such as the hit Pretty City Lady, and several solo albums one of which went gold before his untimely death in 1998.

Hoffert continued to compose and conduct original music for film and television. His 1979 album “Concerto for Contemporary Violin” won a JUNO Award for best engineering. He established a research centre at York University in the 80s and his expertise in digital copyright law resulted in Faculty positions at Harvard University and the University of Toronto. Hoffert received the Order of Canada in 2004 for his contribution to music and the arts.

And Prokop released several albums including “Smoothside”, which was awarded Jazz Album of the Year at the 2012 Hamilton Music Awards. He was a producer, session player, and radio show host before passing away in 2017.

Ralph Cole, Paul Hoffert, Bob McBride, and Skip Prokop will be honoured during the SOCAN Awards on October 17th in Toronto, ON, and with a permanent exhibit inside the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame’s home at the National Music Centre in Calgary, which features a celebrated catalogue of inducted songs that fans can listen to in addition to displays, exclusive artifacts and one-of-a-kind memorabilia celebrating Canada’s greatest songwriters and Inductees.

The CSHF is pleased to acknowledge the sponsor of this induction, Anthem Entertainment.

For more information about the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame go to www.cshf.ca.

Live Nation Canada and Mr. Will want to give our Toronto Readers a chance to witness the World Premiere of WHIPLASH IN CONCERT, conducted by none other than Academy Award-winning Composer Justin Hurwitz (La La Land, Babylon). An 18-piece jazz band ensemble will accompany the simultaneous screening of the acclaimed 2014 film and this takes place October 30, 2022 at The Danforth Music Hall!

Tickets are on sale now here.

Synopsis:

Whiplash centers on a promising young drummer (Miles Teller) who enrolls at a music conservatory where he encounters a cut-throat instructor (Simmons), with their intense relationship punctuated by Hurwitz’s diverse score and soundtrack. Whiplash is written and directed by Damien Chazelle, who won the Oscar® for Best Director for La La Land, his second collaboration with Hurwitz.

“It’s going to be a thrill and a high-wire act to perform all of the jazz big band and incredible drum solos in sync with the movie,” said Hurwitz. “Also, I just love this movie, have been very affected by the movie, and am excited for people to revisit Damien’s brilliant writing and directing on a big screen.”

To enter for a chance to win a pair of tickets, please click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK. Re-Tweet this Contest Tweet below for an extra chance!

Rules and regulations here.

(Photo/video credit: Mongrel Media)

HALLOWEEN ENDS nabs the #1 spot at the Box Office in its opening weekend for Universal Pictures, taking $43.4 million from 3,901 theatres. Despite reviews being less than stellar at 39% on the Tomatometer, this conclusion to David Gordon Green‘s Trilogy still has that appeal to Moviegoers. Best opening ever for the Halloween Franchise though, still goes to 2018’s Halloween which opened with $76 million in North America.

In second is SMILE, dethroned after a two week reign with $12 million from 3,612 theatres, a total $70 million over three weekends for Paramount Pictures.

Third goes to LYLE, LYLE CROCODILE with $7.2 million from 4,350 theatres for Sony Pictures. Over two weekends it has grossed $22.6 million.

Fourth is THE WOMAN KING with $3.7 million, a total $56 million over five weekends for Sony PIctures.

At the bottom of the Top Five is AMSTERDAM with $2.9 million, a two week tally of $12 million for 20th Century Studios.

Right in time for Halloween comes the Horror, PREY FOR THE DEVIL which stars Toronto’s own Jacqueline Byers as a woman who sets out to become the first female Exorcist. The Film is directed by Daniel Stamm (THE LAST EXORCISM) and is written by Robert Zappia (HALLOWEEN: H20, JACKASS 3D). 

Synopsis:

She was chosen. But who chose her? 😨 Sister Ann (Jacqueline Byers) believes she is answering a calling to be the first female exorcist… but who, or what, called her? In response to a global rise in demonic possessions, Ann seeks out a place at an exorcism school reopened by the Catholic Church. Until now these schools have only trained priests in the Rite of Exorcism – but a professor (Colin Salmon) recognizes Sister Ann’s gifts and agrees to train her. Thrust onto the spiritual frontline with fellow student Father Dante (Christian Navarro), Sister Ann finds herself in a battle for the soul of a young girl, who Sister Ann believes is possessed by the same demon that tormented her own mother years ago. Determined to root out the evil, Ann soon realizes the Devil has her right where he wants her.

Opening at Cineplex on October 28, 2022.

See the horrifying Trailer here:

(Photo/video credit: Lionsgate/Cineplex Pictures)

It’s definitely a love-hate relationship I have with UNSOLVED MYSTERIES. I remember Thursday nights as a kid panicking every time I heard that creepy theme song come on, signalling a cue to go hide in my bedroom. But I still would watch it and be mortified for days. Netflix’s latest incarnation of the True Crime/Exploration of the Unknown Series now already is in its third volume. And even well into my adulthood, I get goosebumps and anxiety every time I see that title treatment and hear that haunting theme song.

This new batch of nine mysteries range from visiting a very well-documented UFO sighting in Michigan with several chilling recorded accounts, to a missing college student whom we learn was harbouring some secrets, to perhaps the most compelling story of a woman who was murdered by her abductor some 45 years ago and despite all the signs pointing to him havine committed the crime, he still has yet to be tried for it. But get this, her spirit comes to haunt the inhabitants of her old apartment several years later, pointing them to guide the police in their efforts. If anything, the Series makes a statement about how gaps are present in the justice system and how investigations are conducted oftentime.

I dread watching these episodes, yet cannot look away and find myself thinking about these mysteries for days on-end. While the episodes are delivered in a more Docu-Series type approach, the heart of the Series that the truth is out there somewhere, still is poignant. This is tremendous storytelling and I’m sure after some time to overcome the trauma, I’ll be able to take on more episodes. Why do I do this to myself?

UNSOLVED MYSTERIES VOLUME THREE arrives in three weekly batches October 18, 25 and November 1, 2022.

We have some new images and the official Trailer from the fifth season of THE CROWN! Imelda Staunton plays Queen Elizabeth II and Elizabeth Debicki joins as Diana.

Synopsis:

Based on historical events, The Crown dramatises the story of Queen Elizabeth II and the political and personal events that have shaped her reign.

With the new decade in its stride, the Royal Family are presented with possibly their biggest challenge to date as the public openly question their role in ‘90s Britain.

This turbulent decade for the Royal Family has been well documented and interpreted by journalists, biographers and historians. As Elizabeth Debicki, who takes on the role of Princess Diana, explains “That’s the amazing thing about playing these people at this time, because in the journey of The Crown so far out of all the seasons, this is the most visual content we have of the Royal Family. In the ‘90s everything had started to be filmed and also it was the birth of the 24-hour news cycle so there’s just this incredible amount of content that we have access to.”

With this being the final cast change, Dominic West (Prince Charles) explains “I think people understand, because the cast has changed every two seasons, that this is not an imitation,” he says. “This is an evoking of a character.”

Whilst Imelda Staunton (Queen Elizabeth II) hopes that, like her character, she has done her duty to the audience: “What has been nice, and I hope I don’t prove them wrong, is people saying, ‘I’m really looking forward to seeing her as the queen. So, let’s just hope that works out for them because I’ve done it. Nothing I can do about it now!”.

The fifth season of THE CROWN arrives on Netflix on November 9, 2022.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

Toronto’s never seen anything like this! Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson electrified the City last night in support of DC Comics’ upcoming release, BLACK ADAM in which he both stars and produces. Cineplex‘s The Rec Room housed 900+ fans and Media tonight as Johnson took to the stage with Producer Hiram Garcia to give a quick overview what to expect of this upcoming Blockbuster. Following this, he spoke to select Media outlets from across the country on the Red Carpet, before surprising even more fans at the Toronto Maple Leafs’ Home Opener at Scotiabank Arena.

Johnson took to the stage, declaring “Finally, The Rock has come back to Toronto!”, drawing cheers from the crowd before reminding us that his father is actually from here. On “Black Adam”, he says unlike Superman, his character “will kill your ass just like that”! He clarifies that the Film centers on the Justice Society of American (The JSA) whom actually preceded the famed Justice League which is comprised of among others, Wonder Woman, Superman and Batman. Garcia also says, “Black Adam” is about the usher-in a while new generation of characters and storytelling into the DC Universe… in a big way!”. And big this whole affair was indeed.

Not only did one fan get awarded a free trip to Hollywood to visit Warner Bros.’ Studio, Johnson stated that “Black Adam never goes by the rules”, then dropping the surprise that two winners in fact, will get to go on this amazing trip!

Other fans got to play “Rock, Paper, Scissors” on-stage for a chance to win Toronto Raptors tickets, and stays at the Fairmont Royal York and Shangri La Hotels. Other prizes included CineClub Memberships (courtesy of Cineplex) and a one-year supply of ZOA, Johnson’s sugar-free energy drink. The event, fittingly titled BLACK ADAM ROCKS CANADA, was brought to us by Audi, Rogers Sports and Media and Cineplex.

Check-out some highlights from the #BLACKADAMROCKSCANADA:

Some Snaps from the event:

Following this, fans marched along John Street to Scotiabank Theatre where they were able to enjoy a special Advance Screening of BLACK ADAM! Our Review to come soon.

Perhaps the greatest Fan Event this City has and will ever see!

Warner Bros. Pictures Canada release BLACK ADAM in theatres October 21, 2022.

(Photo/video credit: Warner Bros. Pictures Canada)

Matthew Warchus’ MATHILDA THE MUSICAL is soon before us and today we get a glimpse of the new Trailer of this grand production, based on Roald Dahl‘s beloved book!

Synopsis:

A brand new take on the Tony and Olivier award-winning musical. Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical tells the story of an extraordinary girl, with a vivid imagination, who dares to take a stand to change her story with miraculous results.

Cast: Academy Award® Winner Emma Thompson (Miss Trunchbull), Alisha Weir (Matilda); Lashana Lynch (Miss Honey), Stephen Graham (Mr. Wormwood), Andrea Riseborough (Mrs. Wormwood), Sindhu Vee (Mrs. Phelps)

Also Introducing: Charlie Hodson-Prior (Bruce Bogtrotter), Meesha Garbett (Hortensia), Rei Yamauchi Fulker (Lavender), Winter Jarrett Glasspool (Amanda Thripp), Andrei Shen (Eric), Ashton Robertson (Nigel)

So as you’re aware Just for Laughs celebrated its 40th anniversary earlier this year in Montréal and a Gala was held to celebrate that with some marquee names in-attendance. Now’s your chance to see the Gala broadcast on TV! As a TV exclusive, CBC will air that celebration for comedy enthusiasts coast to coast.

Tune in to the CBC on November 8, 2022 at 9:00 PM ET (9:30 PM NT) to watch Just For Laughs 40, the anniversary special featuring extraordinary presenters and performances from some of today’s most influential names in comedy, as well as a few surprise appearances!

Presenters include comedy superstars Nikki Glaser, Jimmy Carr, Russell Peters, Dave Merheje, and Fortune Feimster; with performances by Matteo Lane, Katherine Ryan, Caroline Rhea, Tommy Tiernan, Chris Redd, and a very special guest, Canadian comedy icon, Rick Mercer.

(Photo credit: Just for Laughs)

Emily Blunt stars in Prime Video‘s upcoming Western Series, THE ENGLISH. Here’s a look at the new Trailer!

Synopsis:

The English is an epic chase Western, from award-winning writer and director Hugo Blick (The Honourable Woman, Black Earth Rising, The Shadow Line). The series takes the core themes of identity and revenge to tell a uniquely compelling parable on race, power, and love. An aristocratic Englishwoman, Lady Cornelia Locke (Emily Blunt), and a Pawnee ex-cavalry scout, Eli Whipp (Chaske Spencer), come together in 1890 middle America to cross a violent landscape built on dreams and blood. Both of them have a clear sense of their destiny, but neither is aware that it is rooted in a shared past. They must face increasingly terrifying obstacles that will test them to their limits, physically and psychologically. But as each obstacle is overcome, it draws them closer to their ultimate destination—the new town of Hoxem, Wyoming. It is here, after an investigation by the local sheriff Robert Marshall (Stephen Rea, The Shadow Line) and young widow Martha Myers (Valerie Pachner, A Hidden Life) into a series of bizarre and macabre unsolved murders, that the full extent of their intertwined history will be truly understood, and they will come face-to-face with the future they must live. The series’ ensemble cast includes Rafe Spall (The Salisbury Poisonings), Tom Hughes (A Discovery of Witches), Toby Jones (Marvellous), and Ciarán Hinds (The Terror).

The English is produced by Drama Republic Ltd, a Mediawan company, and Eight Rooks Ltd. The series is created by Hugo Blick—who also serves as an executive producer, director, and writer. Emily Blunt also serves as executive producer, alongside Greg Brenman (Peaky Blinders, The Honourable Woman) for Drama Republic. Colin Wratten (Killing Eve) serves as a producer on The English. Global distribution is handled by All3Media International.

THE ENGLISH arrives on Prime Video November 11, 2022.

(Photo/video credit: Prime Video)