Canada’s Answer to the Clash

October 5, 2009, 1:42 pm

44 year old punk rocker, James, James Blonde, is packing it all in to start up a band and raise $1, 000 000 for high school music programs across Canada. He’s found band members, is raising sponsorship, and is rehearsing for his coast to coast tour. James’ band, The Saint James, will be performing 200 gigs at high schools across Canada, giving $4000 to each school to help combat government cutbacks in music programs.

Punksville, near Kelowna, B.C., October 2nd, 2009 - With government cutbacks and the arts suffering, James Blonde has decided to do something about the state of affairs in schools and their music programs. There’s only one thing a born punk rocker can do, start a punk rock band.

The entire punk rock venture will be recorded to create a feature film, a Rockamentry, working title “200 Gigs”, beginning in fall 2009 in Kelowna, B.C. To help promote the film and the cause, James approached MTV Canada with the idea of a reality show, working title “Saints or Sinners”. This will provide the viewer with a behind the scenes look at forming the band The Saint James, raising funds, writing music, booking a tour, and how to break into the music industry. James declares, “It’s a win-win-win for everyone! Kids get a high energy rock n’ roll show in their school and then receive $4000. The band goes on tour, we make a film and show the public what you can do with a little hard work and a lot of drive”.

With two projects on the go, film and TV, James approached Jon Summerland, the Okanagan film commissioner. Summerland is ecstatic, “The energy of this producer is unparallel. Has been since day one. And that’s why it’s all happening. It’s all coming together for kids in communities across Canada”. With Summerland’s help and contacts, he scouted a private facility that The Saint James is currently rehearsing in, allowing them to set up their full stage and equipment. This location is prime for both television and film footage, while preparing for the tour.

Kicking off their tour in the Okanagan in fall 2009, The Saint James and their 18 man Okanagan crew will travel west, then circle their way east, closing in Toronto in June 2010. Post production will be done in the Okanagan when the band returns in June 2010, along with a well needed rest before heading off to Europe to promote the film and first album. James notes, “People in the Okanagan have been so supportive with everyone from the Mayor of Kelowna, to fundraisers, and support crew. There are a lot of people going out of their way to help get this off the ground and start us getting much needed money directly into the schools without the bureaucracy”.

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