Hi, folks.

Attention professional partiers and blues, soul and R&B lovers everywhere; it's almost Bluesaganza time again, dear people, so purchase your tickets now before it's too late! This year's show will include five alumni from legendary blues band, Downchild, who have just released 'Live at The Palais Royale' on Linus: Chuck Jackson on lead vocals/harmonica; Pat Carey on tenor sax; Michael Fonfara on keys; Gary Kendall on bass; and Jim Casson on the drum kit, as well as three members of Juno award-winning R & B band Fathead: Johnny Mays on lead vocals; Al Lerman on tenor sax and harp; and Darran Poole on lead guitar, along with powerhouse harpist/vocalist, Jerome Godboo. Dave "Limpy" Curry on guitar, from Bluesafire and the James Doolin Band, and yours truly, "Mojo Willie", host/harp/vocals, will round out the roster of musicians for this exciting show.

UPDATE: I have an exciting addition to the already star studded cast of ne'er do wells - Shrimp Daddy and the Sharpshooters!
http://shrimpdaddy1.tripod.com/

The Autism Society of Ontario, Niagara Chapter http://niagara.cioc.ca/details.asp?RSN=3512 (phone # 905-682-2776) will, for the third year, receive proceeds from Bluesaganza. Last year alone, the CAW Local 199 raised over $5,500.00 for this outstanding charity in one evening. This organization provides invaluable support to families in Niagara with autistic children. The prevalence rates of autism/aspergers appear to be far higher than any previously estimated. Please read the article I have posted at the bottom of this missive. You may even wish to contact Canada's Health Minister, Tony Clement, once you have read this.

Tickets are currently on sale through all First Ontario Credit Unions, at the CAW Local 199 Hall located at 124 Bunting Rd., as well as through the Autism Society of Ontario, Niagara Chapter. I would like to point out what to many may already be obvious; this particular line-up of all-star performers cannot be heard together anywhere else. Bluesaganza presents a rare opportunity for the discerning listener. All of this, and we have also kept the cost of tickets extremely low; a mere $10.00 in advance and $15.00 at the door. Book now, as Bluesaganza will sell out quickly. The doors will open at 8:00PM and the band will take the stage at 9:00PM.

Thank you again for your continued support of this wonderful event. I greatly look forward to reconnecting with many of my blues chums on the 5th of April.

Sincerely,

Bill "Mojo Willie" Rymer

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AUTISM: the Latest Prevalence Rates in USA - Now 1 in 175
(May 5, 2006)

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The above-noted is the latest bombshell in the USA about the prevalence rates for autism. Clearly, this is getting media attention in the USA.
We need to capitalize on this and send this information to all MPs and Senators, especially Tony Clement, the Minister of Health, and ask them for the corresponding study results in Canada and what they are doing about it.

Clearly, this would support our case that the government needs to mandate the Public Health Agency with monitoring what the heck is going on and using this data to feed into policy development.

I am asking all parents, family and friends of children with autism to send this to their MPs, and the Health Minister, with the request that the government recognize the problem and monitor the situation in Canada.

Contact info for MPs, follow this link
Contact info for Senators, follow this link
Contact info for The Hon. Tony Clement, Minister of Health:

House of Commons
Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6
Telephone: (613) 944-7740Fax: (613) 992-5092
E-Mail: Clement.T@parl.gc.ca