July 2011 – Vol. 27, No. 7

Elwood Goes to the Races: Dan Aykroyd will serve as Grand Marshal for the July 10 Honda Indy Toronto, which marks the 25th year of racing in the streets of Toronto. “I’m delighted to be a part of an event with so much history,” Aykroyd said in a statement last week. “I’m a longtime race fan and very proud to be Canadian. It’ll be nice to come home and take in a spectacular day of racing.” Aykroyd’s career highlights include being an original cast member on “Saturday Night Live,” creator of “The Blues Brothers” and his role in “Ghostbusters.” A member of the Order of Canada, the Ottawa native has also been inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame for his contributions to the entertainment industry. “We are delighted to have Dan on board,” said Charlie Johnstone, vice-president and general manager of Honda Indy Toronto. “Dan has the type of character that resonates with all Canadians. He is a big supporter of events across the country, and he will no doubt make for a great ambassador to the Honda Indy Toronto.”

Two new Acoustic Blues Series  in Manotick & Westport: James Doran, President of Choose The Blues Productions, Producer of the long-running Blues On The Rideau Dinner & Show Series at The Cove Inn, Westport and host of Inside The Blues, a weekly radio show broadcast Sunday evenings on 101.9 DAWG FM Ottawa has launched two new Acoustic Blues Series this summer – Acoustic Blue Sundays At The Mill Tavern, Manotick and Acoustic Blue Mondays At The Cove Inn, Westport. Both will feature some of Canada’s best acoustic Blues artists performing in classic venues with comfortable, friendly ambiance and both include a meal in the ticket price. Acoustic Blue Sundays At The Mill Tavern will feature Michael Jerome Browne (June 26) , Harrison Kennedy (July 31), Chris Antonik W. Josh Williams (August 28), Steve Strongman (September 25). Acoustic Blue Mondays At The Cove Inn will feature Jack de Keyzer w/ Alan Duffy (July 11), Robin Banks w/ Mitchell Lewis (July 25) , Rick Fines & Suzie Vinnick (August 8) and Roxanne Potvin w/ Christine Bougie (August 22). Visit www.choosetheblues.ca for more information on both series.