Monday, October 05, 2009

THE DIRECTORS SHOWBAND: Barney's Version (2010) - THE MOVIE


This year, The Directors Showband received a call from an American production team.
After many meetings, discussions and auditions, the band was cast for the upcoming feature film "Barney's Version (2010)".

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The production

For those of you who may not know, "Barney's Version (2010)" , The movie, is based on a novel by Mordechai Richler and the adapted screenplay was created by Montrealer, Michael Konvyes.

The film is directed by Richard J Lewis who credits to his name the highly popular television show "CSI" along with several emmy nominations and a host of other films and television productions to his credit.

There are some major production teams involved with the film including Serendipity Point Films, namely, film and Tv producer Robert Lantos . Also involved , Fandango from Italy.
So many were involved in the production of "Barney's Version (2010)" and all credits can be viewed at the "Barney's Version (2010)" link.

The cast

"Barney's Version (2010)" has an all star cast.
Starring in the film are : Paul Giamatti, Dustin Hoffman, Minnie Driver, Scott Speedman, Rachel Lefevre and Rosamund Pike to name a few.

As for The Directors Showband, needless to say ,it was an unforgettable experience to work with some of the best in the Entertainment and film industry.

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The Process

The process began with a recording of certain songs which were chosen by the production team.
As for which songs were chosen, that information cannot be released.
Those of you who wish to know can go and see the film once it hits theaters.

Here are a few pictures from the recording, guided by Director, Richard J Lewis.
Richard J Lewis is doubly talented. He is a highly distinguished director and is also a musician. Here he is below, jamming out before the recording began.


The Recording


The recording process took 3 days and was supremely engineered by the professional team at Studio La Majeur.
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The shoot

The film shoot took place at the Ritz Carlton in Montreal.
For the shoot, a casting session was also required. There was a certain look required for the film and some changes were necessary on part of the production and casting teams. Some replacements were necessary.

Those involved in the filming process of "Barney's Version(2010)" were: (from left to right)
Jason Lipstein (saxophone), Danny Conti (Bass), Carl Paradis (Trumpet), Tony Picciuto (Singer/ The Directors Showband), Richard J Lewis (The Director), Brent Martin ( Drums/ The Directors Showband), Randi Katz (Singer/ The Directors Showband), Michael Rien (Keyboards) and Franky B (Guitar/ The Directors Showband).

The film shoot was an unforgettable experience. Truly.


Hundreds of extras were cast to recreate the pivotal wedding scene.



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Tony and Randi from The Directors Showband with Paul Giamatti.


Tony and Randi from The Directors Showband with Scott Speedman.

There was even time for a live jam with Director Richard J Lewis.
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In all, to have lived this experience for The Directors Showband is a true honor and we are thankful to the entire professional team of "Barney's Version (2010)" for believing in us.

sincerely,

The Directors Showband

There is no official release date for the movie yet as it is still in production.
As of now, the word is, it is slated for next fall 2010.

"Barney's Version (2010)" coming soon to a theater near you!
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If you would like to book The Directors
Call Tony: 514.926.4426
Email: thedirectors@sympatico.ca

Official Website
www.thedirectors.ca

THE DIRECTORS SHOWBAND - Unlike any other band in its class
The soundtrack to YOUR next event.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

THE DIRECTORS SHOWBAND: My big fat Jewish wedding


Harvey and Taryn were married at the Shaar Hashomayim synagogue.

Upon making their entrance they began a choreographed waltz to their personal request: "Nothing else matters" by Metallica performed by The Directors Showband.


The Directors Showband began performing and no time was wasted before the dance floor began to fill with people.

The Directors have been noted as having great energy, chemistry and an ever-changing list of music catered to every age group.
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Words from the bride and groom, Taryn and Harvey, following their wedding:

Randi and Tony,

"We’ve been to many weddings and you guys are truly in a league of your own. No gimmicks, no games, just elegance, class and quality all the way. Our dance floor was packed all night, our guests had a great time, and everyone we speak to raves about the caliber of the band. We were particularly impressed by the way you felt out the crowd, played every song in a timely manner, and performed our requests as though you’ve been playing them for years. We appreciate your professionalism on and off the stage, and we’re grateful to you for making our wedding absolutely incredible."

Taryn & Harvey

The Directors Showband would like to thank Taryn and Harvey for their kind words and respond by saying: "We hope you had as much fun as we did !!".

Good luck to you both, Mazel Tov!

Special thanks to the staff at Shaar Hashomayim synagogue.
It is ALWAYS a pleasure to find ourselves in your care.

sincerely,

The Directors Showband

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If you would like to book The Directors
Call Tony: 514.926.4426
Email: thedirectors@sympatico.ca

Official Website
www.thedirectors.ca

THE DIRECTORS SHOWBAND : These magic moments


The Directors Showband have performed at many weddings over the course of the summer.
It has been difficult to keep up with the growing number of shows.
Here is another entry from their busy summer.
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Clare and Brian were married at the Hotel Nelligan located in Old Montreal.
They certainly made a beautiful couple.


The hora took flight and the crowd surrounded them.


The Directors Showband have received praise from some of the most noted and prestigious Rabbis and Cantors in the city for their hora.


Clare and Brian shared their first dance to "The way I am" by Ingrid Michaelson performed by The Directors Showband.


The blessing over the bread, translation "Motzi" in hebrew, by Brian's grandfather Irving began a beautiful serving of courses by the staff at the Nelligan Hotel.


Another honor bestowed on the mother and father of the groom: The Mezinka.
This happens when the last child has been married off.

Although there are no photos of it, there was a special presentation by Clare, the Bride, and her troupe of dancers who surprised guests with a dance routine in the style of river dance. Unbelievable!

The Directors Showband would like to thank the Pinchuk and Hutchinson families.
Mazel Tov to Clare and Brian.
May the next years bring much Nachus !

Thanks you also to Maddy K and The Hotel Nelligan.

Sincerely,

The Directors Showband.
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Here are few words from the Bride and groom:

"We wanted to let you know that you guys did a totally outstanding job at our wedding, we were really thrilled. The energy was great, the band sounded fantastic and the singing was amazing. We also appreciated your help with coordinating the Irish dancing, and just with the general flow of the evening. We got a ton of compliments from our friends and family about how much you guys added to our wedding."

Thank you so much,
Clare and Brian

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If you would like to book The Directors
Call Tony: 514.926.4426
Email: thedirectors@sympatico.ca

Official Website
www.thedirectors.ca

THE DIRECTORS SHOWBAND: Fairytales do come true



Tilda and Elmo's story is a real life tale of "love at first sight".
From across the dance floor their eyes met.
She saw his green eyes and knew, right then and there, with that inexplicable feeling, that this man would be the one she would spend the rest of her life with.
Sure enough, four years later they were wed.


Tilda and Elmo were married at Plaza Volare/Crowne Plaza on Cote de Liesse, on September 12, 2009.


The Directors Showband were the chosen entertainment for the evening and stopped at nothing to keep the dance floor exploding and the crowd engaged with their full variety repertoire and onstage antics.

Special moments were had throughout the night and The Directors own photographer was right in there to catch them as they unfolded..

The second opening dance: Typically called "The confetti dance".

And now for another special presentation of "Why'd they do that?"

Why do couples, mostly of Italian origin throw confetti or in this case cover the newlyweds in streamers?
The whole tradition of throwing confetti can be traced back to pagan times, when newlyweds had grain thrown over them in the hope their marriage would be as fruitful as the seeds. It’s also a way of showing the couple that you want to ‘shower’ them with blessings in their new life together.
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Back at the party, Tilda had a sentimental moment with her father.

Elmo followed with his mother....

The bouquet was thrown...

Elmo entertained guests and family with a dance of his own for the garter search...

The night continued on until the wee hours of the morning and everyone left feeling plentiful and full of love for the lucky couple.

The Directors Showband would like to wish Tilda and Elmo "Auguri !". You are a truly blessed to have found each other and we wish you only the best of luck , happiness and health that you deserve.
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A special mention goes out to the staff and management at The Plaza Volare
who truly outdid themselves and have a flawless reputation of abundance and professionalism.
There was no stone unturned here.

Another special mention to Pacifica .
Always a pleasure working with you.

Sincerely,

The Directors Showband
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If you would like to book The Directors
Call Tony: 514.926.4426
Email: thedirectors@sympatico.ca

Official Website
www.thedirectors.ca

Thursday, August 27, 2009

THE DIRECTORS SHOWBAND: A Midsummer night's dream


The Directors Showband have been hard at work all season performing in and around Montreal.
Keeping up to date on THE BLOG has been a challenge.
For this, The Directors do apologize.
After much demand, here is the latest, much overdue entry.

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The Directors Showband performed for Carey and Ben on August 9th, 2009 at the Beth Zion Synagogue.


Carey and Ben's families anxiously awaited as the newlyweds made their entrance and were welcomed with roaring applause.

Everyone rushed to the dance floor as the showstopping Hora was played out by
The Directors.



Ben was in his glory as friends and family raised him up to the sky in honor.


Carey, on the other hand maybe needed a little support...Although she still faired pretty well considering.....

Maybe having Ben join her was a good idea after all....

Yona, Ben's mother also took part...


The Directors entertained guests all evening with the best of their repertoire which included everything from classic Frank Sinatra to the best of today's hits.
The Directors Showband are always on top of what's hot on the charts.


Ben and his mother Yona were caught in action as they danced to a special request of "You Raise me up" by Josh Groban, sung beautifully by Tony from The Directors.


Carrie's family also stood proud for their beautiful daughter on the most imporatnt night of her life.


For the bouquet toss, oddly, it was Tony that somehow managed to catch it.


Ofcourse there has to be a mention of Ben's brother and his mad rapping abilities, the party just would not have been complete without it.

Here are a few words from the mother of the groom and her thoughts about the evening:

"Dear Randi & Tony,
My husband and I want to thank you for your magnificent performance at our son’s wedding on August the 9th at the Beth Zion.
Your professionalism , amazing voices , your conduct , elegance to name a few were outstanding.
Your outstanding performance made our event a memorable one and for that we are eternally grateful.
If ever you need us as reference ,please don’t hesitate to give our name .
My husband and I go to many nice events and I must say that I have yet to listen to a band such as yours.
I wish you all the success that you truly deserve and once again THANK YOU for making our simcha such a smash!"
Sincerely ,

Yona Corber

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Thanks Yona, Your kind words are truly appreciated .
The Directors Showband
had a fantastic time as well and are honored to have been a part of your simcha.

Mazel Tov!

The Directors Showband.
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If you would like to book The Directors
Call Tony: 514.926.4426
Email: thedirectors@sympatico.ca

Official Website
www.thedirectors.ca