An evening with Bob

Okay, so every red-blooded Canadian knows that Bob Wiseman was a founding member of Blue Rodeo.

And if you didn't know this, shame on you.

Blue Rodeo was formed after Wiseman met Jim Cuddy and Greg Keelor in New York City and Wiseman was an integral member of the band until he departed just before the release of Blue Rodeo's fourth album Lost Together in 1992.

"His influences were quite different, as he was more into the improv school of music and jazz, and he brought a whole new musical avenue to what we were doing," says Kellor of Wiseman's contribution to Blue Rodeo.

Although Wiseman had engaged in solo projects while playing with Blue Rodeo, his creativity and self-expression have only flourished since parting ways with one of Canada's most beloved entities.

And he has added his avant-garde touch to almost every aspect of the entertainment industry.

Wiseman has appeared as a guest musician on stage with Wilco, The Wallflowers, Garland Jeffries, Ron Sexsmith and Edie Brickell and the New Bohemians.

He's played on recordings by The Barenaked Ladies, By Divine Right, Final Fantasy and Mendelson Joe.

He has produced works by The Lollipop People, The Lowest of the Low, Bob Snider and The Bourbon Tabernacle Choir.

He's directed, acted in or supplied music for more than 25 film and theatre productions including Bruce MacDonald's 1998 film adaptation of Michael Turner's American Whiskey Bar.

He played the part of Kurt Weil in The 3 Penny Epic Cabaret in 1995, a fitting roll indeed.

Not wanting to forget old friends or influences, Wiseman reunited in 2004 with the five original members of Blue Rodeo for the production of their first DVD, In Stereovision and joined them on stage for the release party at Lee's Palace in Toronto.

In 2006, Wiseman has been touring extensively with Scott Thompson as well as Final Fantasy, including a stop in Sault Ste. Marie at Loplops Gallery-Lounge a few weeks ago.

I had the pleasure of being a member of that audience and meeting Bob Wiseman.

The show was a quirky blend of serious guitar ballads, smart and funny statements about real life, experimental accordion bits and short film.

Even more entertaining than the music and film itself was watching Wiseman react to the audience reactions as he sat on the floor in front of the screen, MacBook at his side.

Loplops will be again hosting Bob Wiseman for an evening of multimedia progressive entertainment, Thursday October 19 at 9:30 p.m.

For more Bob Wiseman tid-bits, visit his website and ask his Mom a question.