Back from smoggy , construction booming Beijing

Just back from China, Beijing, last week, then had to rest , head cold, feel better now. Busy week and a half in BJ, packed it in.

Couple of solo gigs : one at the ‘great hall of the people’ , and the other a showcase at a great big newly opened disney-ripoff theme park in BJ, the biggest in China they say, complete with disney look alike castle , rides , mayan temple , a greek island facade with the requisite temple of olympia to pay homage to the origin of the olympics which are coming to BJ in 2008, an enormous trojan horse head , young 20 year old skate board and cycle artists and gymnasts from the ukraine, russian clowns , chinese models wearing weird fantasy outfits , the whole bit.  am gonna give them a quote to have my 4-piece band perform there in late october between 2 festivals. am still in process of stitching a 4 week tour in china.  we are looking for an angel , a sponsor to help us with tour and in return we can provide great advertizing opportunities !

Took part in Olympics related meetings on behalf of the Canadian Paralympic Committee, and also on behalf of my own aspirations with respect to performances during the 2008 Olympics. Fingers crossed .

Hey watch the CTV show in Canada Saturday 7pm – coast to coast ! From C to C, CG

12 Comments

  1. im247black@gmail.com on August 19, 2006 at 8:01 pm

    Welcome back G.

    I was born in Jamaica. I now live in Ottawa and am a Canadian citizen since 1995.

    I’m watching “chairman George” on CTV as I type these words.

    Just like you I got bit by the ‘Chinese bug’ about one year ago. I simply can’t shake it.

    I’ve been given a Chinese name by the Chinese comunity I’ve connected with here in Ottawa.

    I want to go to China soon. I not sure how. But soon…

    Connect some time…

    Marc – im247black@gmail.com



  2. Anonymous on August 20, 2006 at 2:17 pm

    George.
    I think you are the sweetest thing. Just saw the doc on CTV. I admire that you don’t take no for an answer and believe that anything is possible.
    I look forward to hear what you embark on next.
    Also, and this is not meant to offend in any way, have you ever thought about cutting your hair short? You have such a handsome face that can get a bit overshadowed by your curly locks….
    Jem



  3. Michel Di Iorio, éditeur on August 20, 2006 at 2:25 pm

    Greetings George, or should I refer to you with the title?

    I was deeply meved by your performances as well as by the sheer persistence with which you are pursuing your goal. Without realizing it, I’m sure, you are becoming, through the airing of your adventure, a role model for wannabe performers and people in general. You are living proof that persistence pays off in a big way, albeit not always in the way one would expect.

    I would like to encourage you to continue in your noble quest to gain the recognition, and eventually, the cooperation of the Beijing Olympic Authority to invite you, as a guest of honour, to perform in the 2008 Olympic Ceremonies. Not only do I feel that you deserve the consideration, but I am convinced that your performance would serve the cause of the greater good on a human level; an international ambassadorship to the new world economy and the very future of mankind’s love affair with itself.

    I feel that the youth of today would be inspired to achieve their goals and to outdo themselves in that pursuit, thereby serving the greater cause of mankind. Now, I realize this sounds a bit rosey, but the world needs an international hero – someone to look up to and emulate… that person, sir, could very well be you!

    Courage… and perseverence!



  4. Anonymous on August 20, 2006 at 2:32 pm

    Welcome Back to Ottawa,
    I just finished watching your documentary CTV.
    You are a very determined man, and you have alot of courage to go after your dream… too many of us get discourage and forget about what drives us!… good to see you going for your dream… good luck in all your pursuits.
    Je trouve que tu es un homme très passioné et sympatique evers le monde, les différentes cultures.
    Bonne chance et continue toujours à suivre ton rève.
    J’espère te voir jouer au “GreekFest06” à Ottawa.
    Salut.
    Lynne
    🙂



  5. Anonymous on August 20, 2006 at 3:16 pm

    Like others, I too had just finished watching the documentary. I have been meaning to see it but never a good time, until today. My husband and I were watching it and loved it. We admire what you went through, and loved it that a soft-drink company gave you the chance to participate in the Olympics. You have your foot in the door, so don’t give up. Love your grandmother, she’s cute. I know that her and your mother have been pressuring you to marry and start a family. I think you will have all that when the time is right. Don’t rush into things just because someone else has an idea of what your life shoud be like. Your day will come, just like everyone else. I can’t wait to hear more about your adventures. Have faith and good things will come to you. Keep us smiling!!!



  6. YANG on August 20, 2006 at 4:31 pm

    Hi,George,I’m a chinese girl who’s from Beijing, and studying at the University of Calgary right now. I just watched your documentary on CTV,and I’m deeply touched by your performance and enthusiasm . I love the way you live your life, and I’m looking foward to seeing you performance in China(or Canada) some time^^
    You’re the best.

    take care:)



  7. Anonymous on August 20, 2006 at 7:47 pm

    Hi George!
    I watched the film and it was
    quite impressive.
    Your talent, sincerity and tenacity are to be admired.
    Never say die. Good luck and God
    bless.
    Kali epitihia!

    Catherine from Montreal.



  8. Anonymous on August 21, 2006 at 1:32 am

    Hi George!
    Why you looking for sponsors?
    You have your CD, DVD…Just sell it..
    I watched your film on CTV.
    It seems like you try advertizing yourself! But for what?
    May be you can participate Beijin 2008. What next?
    Music is not a goal!
    In my opinion, you use music for your OWN purpose!
    Many people just play music..
    They may be a popular or not. They just love music. That’s it.
    But for you play music is not enough, also you want to be a worldwide popular! WHY?
    You said your wanna help people…
    But money you spent for your movie better use another way to help people?



  9. Anonymous on August 21, 2006 at 3:41 pm

    Hi George,
    I was sad that you were not invited to sing as the Olympic flag was passed from Greece to China…..I thought that was a great idea! I was impressed by your tenacity, exuberance, and respect for your elders! Keep living life the way YOU want to, you’re creating some great memories for yourself and those around you!
    ~Kerry



  10. Anonymous on August 21, 2006 at 7:42 pm

    yasso george my name is Gregorios Sophocleous im 17 and i saw your doc on ctv i am mezmorized by the bouzouki and was wondering if you were ever gonna play in london ont



  11. Amanda on August 22, 2006 at 4:26 am

    George, I was getting ready to go out for the afternoon yesterday and began to watch your film on ctv. I was immediately drawn into it by your charisma and honesty. I found the film to be fantastic in it’s earthiness and frankness. It was also well edited in the musical segments. However I believe that you made this project absolutely the great work it is. I could envision early on how you would inspire someone to follow along on your journey and document it. You are full of surprises. Your unusual dichotomy of math and music and the way you make it work and inform your life is poetry. Genius. You are inspirational beyond belief. Whatever you do will make this world a much greater place so please keep singing. Keep travelling and meeting new people and spreading the ideal that the possibity of peace and harmony is there and is in the hearts of the countless you may represent.You are also very very cute and handsome so I hope you do find time in your life for whatever you desire in the family life. But never fear the way of time and fate. It seems you also have a fantastic, lovely, loving family already, and I bet the food is good too! So please say hello to your friends and family for me also as they are stars. I would love to see more of you, can you make a follow up? Well. at least I can check here sir. Thanks for being you George! Your fan, newly but securely, Amanda



  12. amanda on August 22, 2006 at 4:37 am

    George – If you were ever in this area of the world I would love to hear about it, you could contact me.I live in the countryside, so if you ever pass through love to hear you sing by a spring or a cliff or in a forest. Can get as loud or roam as you like around here. Big old farm house and farm-i write poetry and paint and love photography also-i can only play piano and some percussion but i love it all. Anyhow, take good care. Ciao. clarka@kent.net