Phil’s Inn

in the midst of the worst rainstorm in awhile, Brad visits the Auction House to declutter the flotsom and jetsam people leave at the Inn. Lava lamps, anyone? Or David Cassidy Soap-on-a-Rope? How about a plaster cast from the Plaster Casters?

Brad, realizing he hadn't programmed a show entirely of cover versions in quite a while, heads to the Senior Baseball League's season opener, leaving behind a whole gaggle of cover versions to be played by the AI Song Generator, Chat BTO,. . . requests, of course, encouraged . . . 

With unfound broken pipes flooding most of the basement boiler room, Brad dons his waders and heads downstairs. Meanwhile, wonderful singer-songwriter Abigail Lapell spends a bit of time talking with Brad about maternity, fertility, and parenting . . . plus her amazing songs . . . 

Brad, fed-up with the dark, dreary, dismal, dank, and damp weather, decides to test drive the new Holographic Room and surround himself with a virtual English countryside. As well, comedian Eric Andrews drops in for a short visit . . . 

Famed musician and swell guy, Ken Whiteley, drops by the Inn to talk about his birthday bash next week. As well, Brad visits the stockyard in the West Side of the Inn to see how his cattle are doing. They're fine . . . 

On a beautiful sunny day, Brad decides to captain his bowling team - the Knights of the Flaming Arrow - in the Senior Bowling Round Robin Tournament. Then, lo and behold, a surprise visit from Dave O'Rama, in from Lovecast Island and bringing a ray of sunshine . . . 

Once again, folk music icon, Tom Rush, comes and visits the Inn for a spell, with stories and memories abounding. How fitting since the show examines and celebrates the music and artists of the 1960s Folk Revival . . . 

June Millington, amazing guitarist from the seminal and iconic rock band, Fanny, comes for a visit and a splendid conversation ensues. Afterwards, Brad is compelled to play a long set of music in connection to the NO KINGS global rallies . . . 

In a continuing effort to help quell the drums of war and pestilence, Brad summons the voices of angels . . .   

After much technical difficulties (damn you, Zoom !!!), Brad finally connects with famed and funny comedian Jeremy Hotz comes for a short visit to the Inn. Ther rest of the time we spend playing comic music, comics standing up, and bad jokes as a means to deflect the miserable reality the world has become . . . a splendid time guaranteed for all . . . 

Because rough beats keep slouching towards Bethlehem, Brad decides the afternoon needs music that a uplifting and life-affirming. Oh yeah - plus a visit by the director and editor of the amazing documentary "Nash the Slash Rises, Again".

With the month of February drawing to a close, Brad suddenly realizes that he hasn't really acknowledged or celebrated Black History Month all throughout February. Today, at the Inn, he solves that dilemma . . . 

Raoul of Raoul and the Big Time drops into the Inn for a visit and talks to Brad about the blues and other sundry things . . . a splendid time was had by all . . . 

A Romantic in heart and manner, Brad pulls out some songs dealing with love and all its crazy configurations. Here at Phil's Inn, we wish and hope everyone has someone to bestow Valentine's Day wishes upon. If not, love yourself . . . 

Once again, it is time for the somewhat Annual Phil's Inn Film Festival. With the temperature totally frigid, Brad is not surprised that no one showed up at the Festival. His thinking now is "Screw 'em ! More Lucky Elephant popcorn for me."

Meredith Moon, fabulous banjo/guitar/dulcimer player of Americana and original tunes drops by for a short visit and her and Brad talk about old-timey Appalachian music and stuff . . . also a surprise appearance of Jimmy Durante . . .

Esteemed pillar in the pantheon of American songwriters - Jimmy Webb - pays a short visit to the Inn and talks to Brad about songwriting, being an outsider, and what it takes to be an artist. Brad only wishes he had more to ask more questions . . . 

Brad opens the apre-ski coffee shop downstairs in the basement of the East Wing of the Inn - "Rick's Cafe Americain" - and serves up pumpkin and potato lattes, piping hot cabbage cider, and white and green bits hot chocolate with shredded coconut and old newspapers. Also members on the long-running Village Players drop in for a chat . . . 

Broadcasting from amidst a practise demonstration downtown, Brad decides to air tunes appropriate to the loudly banging of war drums this week . . . 

In spite of this morning's news about Trump and Venezuela, Brad decides to side-step the pit of despair and cynicism gaping in front of us and play things that bring a smile to our faces.  

At year end, Brad knows that though he can't offer hope, he can give comfort with his favourite cover version of 2025 . . . and a few things from du cinema . . .

With the weather dark, dank, dismal, and deary, Brad decides to set-up at the famed Phil's Inn Christmas Market and play some Yuletide tunes, something old, something new, and something blue . . . BTW - this great picture is the work of Paul Lewis, loyal supporter/listener of CIUT 89.5 FM and fellow Cabbagetowner. Remember - "the thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices" . . . Happy Holidays !!!!!

Brad sets up at the local shopping mall, succeeding in high-jacking the mall's Muzak system for a brief moment, and bumping into old friend, Christel Bartelse, who tells us about her upcoming Christmas extravaganza . . . she brought her smile and breezy personality . . .  

With yet another dark, dreary, dank, and dismal day and mood as gray as the clouds, Brad decides to just relax by the fireplace and drink Ovaltine . . .

On a dark, dank, dismal, and dreary November afternoon, Toronto Blues Legend Paul James drops into the Inn and tell stories about him and Bob Dylan, Willy DeVille, and Bo Diddley. A splendid time was had by all . . .