MICHAEL SNOW

Michael Snow

SALUTE Michael Snow a Canadian Icon has passed away. Condolences to family and friends

I had the pleasure of knowing Michael personally and even attending a few of his art openings. We would often share a glass or two, and maybe even a toke or two, while listening to the talented Jazz band he would bring along. Though I must admit, I did suffer through a couple of his more experimental films. But let's not make this story about me. It's about the incredible party I was invited to after a Michael Snow retrospective at the AGO. Held in a lavish mansion in the affluent neighborhood of Rosedale, Toronto, I couldn't help but feel like a stranger in a strange land. The party had all the makings of a great time with delicious food and an abundance of booze, but it seemed like the usual crowd was missing. Even my attempts to strike up a conversation with Michael were thwarted by the never-ending line of admirers. Feeling a bit overwhelmed, I excused myself to find the nearest washroom. As I wandered upstairs, a door suddenly swung open and a head poked out, asking if I wanted to smoke a joint. Without hesitation, I followed the young man inside. To my surprise, he did one of those cool joint mouth flips and passed it to me, almost kissing me in the process. His name was George, and it finally dawned on me that he was none other than George Eaton himself. In no time, his brother Thor and his wife joined us, and we passed the joint back and forth while making introductions. Feeling much more relaxed, we floated down the stairs, thanks to the amazing cannabis. We grabbed some drinks and, not knowing anyone else at the party, followed the Eaton brothers to a cozy refuge under the stairs. As it turns out, they were not big on mingling either, and we spent the rest of the night chatting, drinking, and observing the party from our secluded spot. At one point, an elegant older lady appeared, bringing us drinks and sandwiches. It was none other than Mrs. Eaton, the mother of George and Thor. As I looked around at the surreal scene, I couldn't help but think that I have truly lived a wild and unexpected life.

Comments

Berkeley Breathed

In 1993 I was a software buyer for Wiseguy computers (5 stores) I was in Los Vegas for the computer Show and I was invited to meet Berkeley Breathed at the opening party for his screensaver in Las Vegas in 1993. it was at a hotel cottage type thing. About 50 people all ad men, promoters and other 'suits' and a dozen or so gorgeous models. Berkeley had not much interest in any of them and either did I . I was there for the week at the computer show and was glitzed out. Anyhow Berkeley and I ended up ducking out of the main room and we chatted for an hour or so and quaffed a few nice cold beers. I remember him as sort of nicely outre type guy that would come across as standoffish but we had a pleasant conversation.it was not long after this he went into a self-imposed exile for a few years.

Larry Zolf

Larry introduced me to Moses Znaimer." Do you know Ledrew I got him out of jail" Larry wrote a letter to the parole board when I was busted and never let me forget it? I went to jail for cannabis back in the dark ages. I met Larry at the Old Pilot back in the '60s. We used to have a few drinks occasionally and had many late dinners at Kwong Chows. Larry was a political Guru. Larry was fearless. I had many friends at CBC. He lasted through every change at CBC. I think they were all afraid of him. He knew where the bodies were buried. I loved sitting in Kwang Chows listening to him until the early hours. A conversation with Larry was like a contemporary history lesson with all the juicy bits left in. The barbs were obligatory. You had to have thick skin to dine with Larry but what a treat. He knew politics inside and out and he had all the real stories. I last talked to him just after Peter Gzowski died. I called to find out if he knew anything about the funeral.arranements...

Keenan Wynn

Keenan Wynn This is me with Keenan Wynn during the shooting of 'The Ballonist' a "Littlest Hobo" episode shot in my parent's home in Uxbridge Ontario in the Summer of 1980. It was directed by Allen Eastman (Alien) and Keenan enjoyed tormenting him a bit. Keenan and I spent the breaks talking about movies like 'Dr. Strangelove' etc. it was a fun afternoon. Keenan had the shakes a bit and didn't want to sign autographs, he always had the continuity girl around to take polaroids and gave out pictures instead.

Gary'sGlimpses

Search This Blog