The iconic signature tunes from the James Bond series of movies fill the Biltmore Theatre on Friday, August 18, 2023. There will be a 13-piece showband with Rebecca Noelle and Michael Hanna on vocals. Over the course of 25 films, the bombastic orchestral, theatrical 007 themes have been delivered by Duran Duran, Paul McCartney, Shirley Bassey, Lulu, Adele, Billie Eilish, Tina Turner and more. The adventures of Bond have spanned generations, and the classic intro "Bond, James Bond" is known all over the globe. But did you know it all started right here in Oshawa, not a bowler hat spin from the Biltmore Theatre either?
According to author Lynn Philip Hodgson, Bond creator Ian Fleming was stationed at Camp X, the secret military site located at Intrepid Park on the Oshawa/Whitby border. Stevenson Road, which begins just east of the Camp X site, is named for William Stevenson, an agent who was Fleming’s commanding officer and is considered a source for the James Bond character. And, of course, there is Bond Street in Oshawa, but the jury’s out on whether that's the inspiration for the name. Anyways, something to think about as you take in the big show at the Biltmore. It will be as if those songs are bringing Bond home.
Hometown Sounds continues its monthly showcase of local talent at Simcoe Blues and Jazz on Saturday, August 19. This time it is the turn of the duo; featured will be Ryan Harris and Melissa Wright, Adam Till and Myke Pulito, the Howies, and Homestead Elite.
Friday, August 18, at Simcoe Blues and Jazz, the Legends series kicks off with John Dickie of the Cameo Blues Band, John Tilden of Whiskey Howl, John Carr, Bob Tunnoch, and Dan Silver.
Also, on Friday, the Atria presents skater punk rolls on with a stacked bill of Trash Puppets, Lime Rickey, Lucid Smog Disorder, as well as Lucid Movement. On Saturday, Static Point, Beach Fox, and No More Time.
It's that time again for RMG Friday. On August 18 at the Robert McLaughlin Gallery, Willy Nilly and Matt Toppen will bring the Late Summer Chill to the newly renovated backyard.
Elsewhere around the city, Tim Zerf sets up at Cork and Bean Friday, and Another Round is at Bollocks Pub also on Friday.