I just read that The New Pornographers had a gig cancelled at a college in Michigan as "the irony of the band’s name was impossible to explain to many." Ah well.

Why bring this up? Well, because we’re prepping our annual Percussion feature for the November/December 2010 issue of Canadian Musician, and alongside heavyweights like Kenny Aronoff and Keith Harris is Mr. Kurt Dahle of The New Pornographers. Drummers – get stoked. New Pornographers fans in Grand Rapids, MI – get unstoked.

This coming Tuesday, September 14, 2010, the Coalition for Music Education in Canada will be holding an event commemorating 16 new Champions for Music Education. The new Champions will add their voices to the roster of 36 Champions who are leaders in the arts and business communities. The Champion-musicians represent all facets of music, while the other Champions include Canadians who have a joy and passion for music.

The public is invited to attend the event being held at the Music Gallery in Toronto at 7 p.m.. There will be an unveiling of the 16 new Champions as well as a cabaret where many of them will be performing on stage. The Music Gallery is located at 197 John Street, Toronto and it only costs $25. Great music, great cause. Check out www.weallneedmusic.ca.