Font Of Fun

I don't usually go to bars in Little Italy but I dropped by Wild Indigo Thursday for some "good old-fashioned fun". Started by Elliott Loran (Ride The Cyclone) as a get-together for friends to sing and jam, Swinging Wingding has become big and popular enough to take place in a more public venue.

The 2.0 edition found musical theatre nerds and other entertainer types went up to the mic and did their thing. It was primarily singing whether it was original songs or classic standards. A few were well-prepared and professional, while most others treated as a lark to try something fun with friends. Of course, numerous sing-a-longs were encouraged (and had enthusiastic participation). There were a variety of other acts including a comic and 2 puppet troupes. One did an amusing sketch about a man, his "invisible" puppet friends, and his increasingly bemused room-mate. The other were "news reporter" who interviewed the talent. Both were funnier than the puppet slam I attended at 3030 Dundas.

It was also a cheap show, presumably because most were of the "starving artist" ilk. There was no cover, the bar had bourbon sours for $6, and a toonie got you 5 raffle tickets with over $300 worth of prizes.