POSTPONAVIRUS

09/03/2020 - 16/03/2020

I was hesitant to continue Blood any further than the first two initial shows.

It's a taxing piece and I was fully prepared to put it behind me.

A personal and professional success!

Lance Byrd, a hilarious comedian I know, told me that if the piece helped people, then I had an obligation to the theatre to continue it.  

He asked me:

"Who the fuck do you think you are?!"

He said:

"You don't get to just walk away! 

If your work helps people then you get up there and you do it!"

He was right.

(He usually is)

With Lance's words burned into my mind, I let Chris (Ragonetti) talk me into putting the show back up and began digging back into the work.

This time around I was working with my younger Sister Maggie as Director.

We were into a deep dive and it wasn't long before I found myself in a dangerous potential relapse situation.

All of a sudden, after years of sobriety, I was in serious trouble.

Trouble with the law, trouble for my Family, trouble for my work and trouble for my life.

I sought help immediately.

I sat in an hour long group information session where they told us our rehabilitation assessment dates were randomly being assigned in another room.  

The night before, I went to The Staircase Theatre in Hamilton with Chris to have a look around and speak to the booker about dates for the show.  When we were offered April 24th & 25th, I insisted we book the dates immediately.

These were the days between when my Brother died and when he was discovered.

It was meant to be.

The next day I left the medical centre contemplating an addiction and grieving counselling course.

Our group was met by a nurse in the hallway, we'd tell them our name and he'd give us our paperwork with our assessment dates out of his pile and tell us to have a nice day.  I took mine, folded it into my inside pocket and quickly found the appropriate room to piss.

Outside, I was waiting for the streetcar, when an eerie feeling came over me.

I looked around to see who was setting off my spidey-senses, but I was alone.

Or so I thought.

The sky took to a strange movement in all of its' thick greyness, and clear as day. I could hear my Brother's voice.

"Don't throw your life away over my death."

Of course, these were my own thoughts, but they were his words in his voice.

It shook me to my core.

I instantly took out my paperwork and right at the top of the first page, written in red sharpie was my random assessment date:

April 24th

The grey sky lightened, the sun came out, I got on my streetcar and went down the road.

We're all affected by this virus.

ALL the shows are cancelled now.

We don't know when or if things go back to normal.

A lot of people are losing a lot of money and the future is uncertain 

(even more than usual).

My show is very important to me and a lot of people, just like yours.

Everything happens for a reason and magic is all around us.

I believe this is a warning from the Creator.

We need to take heed.

Next time we won't get off so easy.

Please be careful and be kind to each other.

I'll see ya when I see ya.

On Monday...

• Confirmed COVID-19 / Wuhan Coronavirus cases 110,288
• Deaths from  COVID-19 / Wuhan Coronavirus 3,831
• Top 5 countries confirmed reports – China (80,738); South Korea (7,478); Italy (7,375); Iran (6,566); France (1,209)
• Top 5 countries deaths – China (3,120); Italy (366); Iran (194); South Korea (53); USA (22)
• Stock markets around the world tumbled as Saudi Arabia cut oil prices to Asia. Dow posts the biggest single-day loss since 2008.
• Israel says anyone entering the country must self-quarantine for 14 days.
• Confirmed cases now in 95 countries

On Tuesday...

• Confirmed COVID-19 / Wuhan Coronavirus cases 114,809
• Deaths from  COVID-19 / Wuhan Coronavirus 4,031
• Total confirmed cases worldwide, excluding China, is now 34,048
• The whole nation of Italy is put under lockdown and quarantined. Schools are shut nationwide, Italians have been told not to travel, all public events are stopped, restaurants must close by 6pm.
• United Arab Emirates closes ports to cruise ships.
• Top 5 nations for death totals: China 3,136; Italy 463; Iran 237; South Korea 54; Spain 31

On Wednesday...

• Confirmed COVID-19 Coronavirus cases 125,633
• Deaths from  COVID-19 Coronavirus 4,607
• W.H.O. declared a global pandemic.
• India closed its borders. All existing visas will be suspended until April 15 according to the country’s leadership.
• There are confirmed cases in 121 countries.
• Angela Merkel of Germany warned that up to 70% of her country could become infected.
• Top ten nations by death count from COVID-19: China 3,158; Italy 631; Iran 354; South Korea 61; Spain 47; France 33; USA 31; Japan 12; Iraq 7; Netherlands 5.
• Global markets tanked again on fears of the pandemic.

On Thursday...

• Confirmed COVID-19 Coronavirus cases 127,810 around the world. Global cases minus China – 47,014
• Deaths from  COVID-19 Coronavirus 4,716.
• Top five nations confirmed reports: China 80,796; Italy 12,462; Iran 10,075; South Korea 7,869; France 2,281
• Top five nations death totals from COVID-19 Coronavirus: China 3,169; Italy 827; Iran429; South Korea 66; Spain 55
• Saudi Arabia joins the US in announcing a ban on travel to Europe.
• China says they are past the peak of the outbreak. Chinese experts predict the worst of the pandemic will be over by June.
• Austria and Greece report their first deaths.
• Spain’s Minister of Equality tested positive for the virus.
• The Blood team met at Chris's place and decided to pull the plug.

On Friday...

• Confirmed COVID-19 Coronavirus cases 138,608 around the world. Global cases minus China – 57,793 (10,000 more than yesterday.)
• Deaths from  COVID-19 Coronavirus 5,083.
• Top 5 nations confirmed reports: China 80,815; Italy 15,113; Iran 11,364; South Korea 7,979; Spain 4,073
• Top 5 nations death totals: China 3,177; Italy 1,016; Iran 514; Spain 92; South Korea 71
• The wife of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau confirmed she tested positive for the coronavirus.
• W.H.O. says Europe is the new epicenter of the pandemic.
• Church of Latter-Day Saints suspended all gatherings at their religious meetings worldwide.
• Poland and Denmark are closed to foreigners.
• U.K delays elections for a year.
• Spain declared a national emergency.
• Venezuela confirms its first two cases of the virus.
• Ethiopia, Kenya, Guinea, and Sudan each confirm their first infections.
• I announced the cancelation of the show.

On Saturday...

• Confirmed COVID-19 Coronavirus cases 150,649 around the world. Global cases minus China – 69,825(12,000 more than yesterday.)
• Deaths from COVID-19 Coronavirus 5,619.
• Top 5 nations confirmed reports: China 80,824; Italy 17,660; Iran 12,729; South Korea 8,086; Spain 6,043
• Top 5 nations death totals: China 3,189; Italy 1,266; Iran 611; Spain 191; France 79
• Everyone entering New Zealand must now self-isolate.
• Italy’s Deputy Health Minister tested positive for the coronavirus.
• I refunded all the ticket sales.

On Sunday...

• Confirmed COVID-19 Coronavirus cases 162,959 around the world. Global cases minus China – 82,110 (The number will be updated later today when Italy’s numbers are added. We will also soon have a post here at the web site explaining why passing 80,000 minus China worldwide by March 15, is very concerning.)
• Deaths from COVID-19 Coronavirus 6,085. This number rose by almost 10% from yesterday and will grow a lot in the next few weeks as the length of time people have been sick in Spain and Italy begins converting from active cases to death totals.
• Massive crowds fill US airports as US travelers from Europe return to the US. This contradicts the strong encouragement for “social distancing.”
• The Vatican closed Holy Week to the public.
• Spain is moving toward lockdown. Thousands of businesses shut down in France as the government announced non-essential businesses should close.
• Britain is asking older citizens to self-isolate.
• South Korea’s president declared the southeastern part of South Korea as a “special disaster zone.”
• Kuwait launched drones among its population to encourage people to disperse for social distancing.
• Israel closed cafes, restaurants, shops, and theaters.
• Top 5 nations confirmed reports: China 80,849; Italy 21,157; Iran 13,998; South Korea 8,162; Spain 7,753
• Top 5 nations death totals: China 3,199; Italy 1,441; Iran 724; Spain 291; France 91

On Monday...

• Confirmed COVID-19 Coronavirus cases 182,368 around the world. Global cases minus China – 101,488. (The total confirmed reported case count increase over yesterday +11.9%.)
• Deaths from COVID-19 Coronavirus 7,143. The increase over yesterday +17.3%.
• France and Spain have sounded the alarm that their own health systems may soon be overwhelmed.
• More people have now died from the virus outside of China than died within China.
• The European Union is proposing that nonessential travel to most of the continent be restricted for 30 days.
• Scientists who have studied the data coming out of China now believe that for every 1 case reporter, there are another 5 to 10 cases undetected. 
• The EU plans to seal itself off from all international travel.
• France ordered a nationwide lockdown.
• Top 5 nations confirmed reports: China 80,880; Italy 27,980; Iran 14,991; Spain 9,942; South Korea 8,236
• Top 5 nations death totals: China 3,213; Italy 2,158; Iran 853; Spain 342; France 148
• The Canadian Prime Minister urges Canadians to stay home from the front lawn of his house where he is in self-isolation. 
• I stayed home from work.

...

HUGS

HUGS

25/11/2019 - 08/03/2020

When they died I wore their jackets like a warm hug.

My Brother Harold was a man of many coats, he had one for every mood and style he may be feeling at the moment.  In the short time I was aloud into his house (with his psycho girlfriend) after his death, I managed to grab only one.  I got his old green camouflage army surplus issue.  It was obviously too big for me and not my style at all, but I wore it everywhere.  

People would comment: 

"When are you shipping out?"

"Oh, I almost didn't see you there!"

"Hi GI Joe"

Countless 'hilarious' quips and 'witty' observations.

I didn't care.

I had him close to me;

I could smell him and feel his warmth and essence.

It's good, sound advice to not judge people because you never know what they may be going through.

That's why I never let my objectivity get out of reach to where I would forget that peoples' problems were not about me.

My Papa left behind a practically brand new Dakota brand black work jacket that my Cousin Jessica and her boyfriend Mike gave him.  I was over at the house with my Mom after he passed away and she offered it to me as a keepsake.  I grabbed it, put it on and have worn it every day since.  It too was not my style and made me stick out like a sore thumb at my new job in a high profile government building amongst the suits in their lower level designer clothes.

I don't care.

I had him close to me;

I could take solace in its' comfort and relief in its' rugged practicality.

In their clothes, I brought them forward with me, and I wasn't alone in the crowds of smirking, awkward strangers and seas of prying, judgemental eyes.

We're all guilty of preconception.

I know, after my crazy life, with all my scars and tattoos, I look like a maniac to some people.

I'm not.

Get to know people.

I have found that they will undoubtably, without fail, surprise you 100% of the time.

Throw away your safety net, get outside of your vacuum and give everyone the benefit of the doubt.

If you don't, you're denying yourself the countless possibilities of real true friendship staring at you right in the face.

I'm the nicest guy you'll ever meet.

Deal with it.

In November we did Blood.

We had two sold out shows at The Bad Dog Theatre with an incredible response.

(I got to experience what a standing ovation feels like, TWICE!)

I started a new job and have been underwhelmed by it ever since.

In December we had a wonderful Christmas at home with Family.

Kids LOVE Christmas and remind you how special and magic the whole thing is.

(So special, in fact, it's worth lying to your own Children about a strange man in another part of the world who can see them sleeping and wont break into their home to bring them presents if they misbehave?)

Right before the holiday, my friend Chris Ragonetti talked me into letting him produce Blood in the New Year.

In January we talked Blood and began to put the pieces in place.

We booked The Staircase Theatre in Hamilton for two shows:

Friday April 24th

&

Saturday April 25th

both at 8PM 

& 

both new and improved!

(We also booked The Alumnae Theatre for 7 shows:

July 20th-26th!)

In February we hired the guns and pulled the trigger.

I'm honoured to have my Sister Maggie directing this round!

In March...

(March hasn't happened yet, but the beat goes on!)

I hope to see you at one of the shows, I'll save you a hug!

(I'll be the one in the new jacket.)

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

BLOOD

18/11/2019 - 24/11/2019

First of all. and most importantly, let me say
thank you.
Thank you all forever.

I'm not exactly sure how i feel about it all.
I think I'll be digesting and processing this experience for a long time.
I know I feel good.  We worked hard, sold out both of our shows and the response has been absolutely incredible.  I believe I could be talked into doing a short run at another theatre.
I believe Blood is good for people, it has a healing power built into it.
I'm proud of myself for creating and performing Blood.
Steve Martin said:

“Be so good they can't ignore you.”

I don't think this show can be ignored.

I remember when Hobo Banditos were planning our first album release party.  I booked Sneaky Dees, which was primarily a spot for punk bands, which worked out fine for us because I got our friends bands who were the biggest names in punk and metal around to open up for us.  The line up was so crazy that people had to come.  

We sold out quick!

*People started talking about how they'd just watch the other bands and leave when we played.

(*people who weren't fans of rap, our group or us)

Then we combatted those rumours by letting it be known that we were gonna play at a surprise time in the order so *people had to stay for the whole show and would inevitably have to watch our set to get to the other bands.

The next murmers that came our way were that there was a fairly large group of older local 'punks' that were planning on jumping us at our show and kicking the shit out of us.

We had so much back up that night, we weren't scared, besides, we always loved a good fight.

Show time came and we could feel the tension in the air.

The place was packed and security sucked.

We waited until halfway through the night and then jumped up to do our set.

All these morons came up to the front of the stage and started mad doggin' us.

We did our thing.

Hobos message was always righteous and true.  We were more DIY and anarchistic than any of the shitty Toronto punk bands, hands down.

We could see the crowd being won over as we moved through our set.

They began to unfold their arms and nod their heads.

By the time we were finished, a whole gang of full grown (mentally and emotionally challenged) men

who came to our show with the clear and premeditated intention of beating us to a pulp, were won over by the undeniable power of the truth.

They were all rocking out with us by our last song and joining in with the crowd chanting

HOBOS!

HOBOS!

HOBOS!

pffft.

punks.

I'd like to Blood out of town at a nice theatre where nobody knows me.

I'd like to do a run of Blood at a nice theatre in Toronto and hear what the critics have to say.

I believe in its' truth and it speaks for itself.

I'd like to do other original shows and be in other people's shows.

I'd like to make some films and write some books.

I'd like to get some sleep.

No dreams to speak of, just deep, black sleep;

for a thousand years.

On Monday I spent my last day in training for my new job.

Kate and I played a competition show at The Social Capital Theatre with our improv duo Mom & Dad.
(We won first place!)

On Tuesday I started my new job.

On Wednesday we celebrated Violet's 2nd birthday!

On Thursday we did Blood!

On Friday I went to work and thought about how great I'd be at being independently wealthy.
I took a nap at Maggies and then joined up with Pepperoni Pizza Cats to play a show at Comedy Bar.
(palette cleanser)

On Saturday I took everybody out fora big brunch!

On Sunday we put up the Christmas tree, had some hot cocoa and watched
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.

PLEASE
if you have any thoughts on Blood, share them on my FaceBook page:
https://www.facebook.com/AmeroBlood/
Be as honest as you can, I'm not afraid of the truth.
Leave the show a review and/or just tell me what you think.

Who knows what happens next?
...

BLOOD

SOLD OUT!

11/11/2019 - 11/17/2019

Blood was spilled.
We were ready.
Kate and Dana and I worked on this for a good long while.
They gave it the same respect and attention I did.
We crafted this into a piece of art and we we were ready to share it.
We were completely sold out online long before opening night and I even had to scalp a few tickets to my own show as a broker between those who couldn't make it last minute and those still hoping for tickets.  I still haven't fully processed the show.
I don't think I'm allowing myself to digest it until we're through the 2nd one.
I was in a strange and brand new state before, during, after and even now.
I distracted myself away from my feelings after the show by putting the focus on the old friends, new friends and family who were all there.  I just wanted to make sure everyone knew how much I appreciated them being there; it really did mean a lot to me.
The response was incredible!
Many wonderful people have told me many wonderful things about the show.
It moved people;
it worked.
 I shared my fears and nervousness around the show with Maggie in the weeks leading up to it.
She told me that nobody could deny you as long as you were telling the truth.
She said your show could be boring or brash but as long as you were being truthful and honest you would gain people's respect at the very least.
This put me at ease because I couldn't get more honest than Blood.
Kate directed me to bring Harold forward and focus on him.
Incantation.
My people come from the Black Irish Gypsy stock and I've learned a few tricks along the way.
This show is very special to me and my Brother.
Tomorrow is sold out again in online sales before the day.
The only spot we didn't give out is Harold's.
...

On Monday we had a rehearsal for Blood.

On Tuesday I was in training for work.

On Wednesday we had our last rehearsal for Blood.

On Thursday we did Blood!

On Friday I was in training for work.

On Saturday I was home with my girls.

On Sunday I was home with my girls.

SOLD OUT!

ONE LOVE

11/04/2019 - 11/10/2019

This will be my last entry for Blood before opening night.
We sold out in online pre-sales!
(we hope to do the same for the 2nd show)
I've received some very touching messages through the course of building this show.
People sending support, commenting on the blog, sending regrets for distance preventing them from making it out and people surprising me by rallying the troops and ultimately selling out the first show.  This show is for you.


This process has been an experience like no other. 
The writing and editing was painful, infuriating, deeply satisfying and cathartic.
I've found some much needed closure and managed a lot of my grief through the creation of this story (the 2nd time around).
Moving into preparation for the performance of the show allowed me to put down the hurtful truth and begin to look at it as material to perform.  I've been able to separate myself from the subject matter enough to focus on the script as an actor.
It's been extremely convenient that I lived the subject matter and the material is all from my real life, so I can own it, but be removed from it somehow. 

Dana (lost at sea) Puddicombe
worked very hard digging into my story with me to draw out the narrative for the show.
She's going to miss the performances but I know she's rooting for us.  I'm so lucky to have her in my corner, in a word; she's the best.

Kate Fenton picked up where Dana left off and went through the script with a fine tooth comb
(many times).
Kate is just as awesome as Dana!
She taught me to focus on intention and coached me with the acting and staging and mood of the whole show.  I truly believe we have something very special here. 
I'll never be able to thank these two beautiful woman enough for all they've done for me. 

When I started this journey, Onan said he'd do anything he could to help out along the way.
He is a man of his word, always has been, one of the best friends Me and my Brother ever knew.
Onan helped design posters and video projections and is filming the show both nights.
(etc, etc, etc...)
I wanted his style on the look of the show and he gave it. 

Kayla Dobilas and Danielle Blancher are busy-ass professionals!
They're also my friends who took the time to give me professional make-up prosthetics and photography.  Without them I never would've been able to make the show look so great.

My Mom and Sisters and my Wife are my guests of honour for Blood.
I hope they can find an ounce of the healing from watching the show that I've discovered in its' creation.

My Brother left this mortal coil over 2 years ago.
Losing him changed a lot of lives forever.
He lives in our hearts and minds where we keep him close.
Now he'll live in this show, my homage, testimony and tribute to him,
forever.
(He was always so extra)

This has not been easy, but all of you have made it worth it.
So many of you who mean so much to me have told me how proud you are of me and I just wanted to let you know that I'm proud of myself too.

ONE LOVE

On Monday I had an office visit as a part of my training for my new job.
It was weird.
(new?)

On Tuesday I was in training.
(To say I was in training is purely a filler entry;
I've been in training every day from 8:30 - 4:30 from Monday to Friday going cross-eyed staring at a computer screen for the past 3 weeks!)

On Wednesday I was lucky enough to be invited to guest on my friends' show Max Justice!
It was great to get out of my head and escape for a bit.

On Thursday I had a rehearsal with Kate.
Kate is a fantastic director and I'm proud to be able to call her my friend.

On Friday I drove to Montreal with Brad and met up with Mig & Amelia and we played a Pepperoni Pizza Cats set in the Montreal Improv Festival.  After that I met up with a bunch of The Bad Dog Featured Players and we played a set too!
My dear old friend Star came to both shows, let us crash at her place and made us an amazing breakfast before we hit the road for home.

On Saturday I took Adeline to her friend's birthday party.

On Sunday I tied up any and all loose ends for Blood.

ONE LOVE

MYTHICAL CREATURES

10/28/2019 - 11/03/2019

When we were kids, Harold and I spent a very rare occasion on vacation with our Dad.
We were driving through the Rocky Mountains on our way to Jasper Park Alberta for I guess camping?  Our Dad had a Jeep and he had the roof and door off, we thought that was cool.
Harold shit his pants in the back seat. 
He was like 2!
Our Dad sent me to clean him up.
I was like 6!
I brought him to the washroom at a rest stop and cleaned him up.
When we walked out of the washroom we saw Bigfoot!
I shit you not.
Nobody ever believes this story but it's true!
I don't lie, I speak the truth.
We could smell the funky stank first and when we looked up, he was standing just inside the tree line.
He was just looking at us looking at him.
That's it.
That's the whole story.
We saw Bigfoot.
What kind of Dad sends his 6 year old to clean up his 2 year old?
What a prick.

On Monday I was back in training LATE 10 minutes!

On Tuesday I was back in training LATE 20 minutes!
After training I rehearsed Blood with Kate. 
I had a Pizza Cats gig but had to cancel last minute.

On Wednesday we celebrated Adeline's actual birthday;
6 years old!

On Thursday it was Halloween!
We were The League of Mythical Creatures.
The League of Mythical Creatures
-Adeline = a Magical Fire Breathing Dagon
-Violet = A Mysterious Liger
-Kenny = The Elusive Jackalope
-Joe = The Alpha & Omega Notorious G.O.D.
The weather was crap but we made it around the block and 'the kids' got a lot of candy!
A LOT of people gave out plain chips this year?!
Later, we left the kids with Kenny's Dad (Ken) and went to see Joker again!
We enjoyed the film, uninterrupted and would see it again.  
Jaoquin Phoenix for the Oscar!

On Friday it was my birthday!
After training I had steak dinner and cheesecake at home with my girls!
I got my traditional hand made cards and had a lovely time with my family.
I'm very lucky.

On Saturday we ran our tech rehearsal for Blood at the theatre.
It was exciting and kind of emotional to realize how close the show is now.

On Sunday I cleaned my office and drank some wine.

MYTHICAL CREATURES