Stereogum Home
July 6, 2007

This One's For The Children: The White Stripes Play A Toronto YMCA

Another day, another White Stripes guerrilla show. Last time, Jack & Meg helped a Winnipeg transit bus full of folks have a religious experience, and now today's report comes from a Toronto kid's camp. Via The Star:

Alt-rock duo the White Stripes thrilled dozens of children at a Toronto day camp Thursday afternoon with an impromptu gig that had the youngsters clapping their hands and wriggling in time to the music.

More than 65 children between the ages of five and 12 sat in a semi-circle on the floor to catch a five-song set by bandmates Jack White and Meg White. About 80 adults were allowed in the room, including some fans who talked their way through the door.

"This is my fifth year here and something like this has never happened before," said 11-year-old Camille, waving his hands for emphasis.

The shows are truly impromptu, location usually decided 20 minutes before go time. Of course, word travels fast within poker forums and whatnot, but the Toronto "show" was just for the kids: "100 people, dressed in the band's red, white and black trademark colours, stood grumbling in a hall outside the auditorium and out on the street."

The Star reports that YMCA spokesman thought the Stripes' request to play last minute was a prank.

"Once I found out that they were serious, I asked them why they chose the Toronto YMCA, and their manager, Gabe, told me he searched the words 'Toronto' and 'fun' on the Internet."
Fret not, unsuccessful YouTube searchers; the band's being tailed by a professional camera crew for eventual DVD treatment. Which is cool, though it's more fun to think this will be Jack and meg's m.o. from on, on every tour. And of course, we've got a wishlist of spots we'd like to see 'em crash with guits and skins...

  • Tip of a tiny flower
  • ATM vestibule
  • Croatoan Island
  • Learning Annex wealth-building seminar
  • Emergency room
  • Post your dream spots for Stripes secret shows in the comments, and we'll pass 'em on to Jack and Meg of course.

    Posted at 2:04 PM
    Tags:




    -->

    36 Comments

    What are guits?

    Posted by: dannygutters at 07/06/07 2:28 PM | Reply
    Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

    My research lab

    Posted by: madskrillz at 07/06/07 2:29 PM | Reply
    Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

    My front stoop!


    But also:
    Barber Shop
    Ice Cream Parlor

    Posted by: Rina at 07/06/07 2:33 PM | Reply
    Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

    the flying dumbo ride at disneyworld

    Posted by: andy at 07/06/07 2:38 PM | Reply
    Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

    guits = good suits

    Posted by: Jim at 07/06/07 2:41 PM | Reply
    Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

    i thought guids were those guys on the sopranos.

    Posted by: e at 07/06/07 2:50 PM | Reply
    Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

    guids = good squids

    Posted by: Jim at 07/06/07 2:57 PM | Reply
    Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

    Does anyone know if they are planning on doing these little shows at every stop of this tour?

    Posted by: Steve at 07/06/07 3:01 PM | Reply
    Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

    i'd like to see them play during a Wilco concert as means to interrupt. or at a american doll factory. or during someones weekly D&D event. or in a giant pile of sugar.

    Posted by: calebs at 07/06/07 3:05 PM | Reply
    Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

    You cant say they dont make an effort to do things for their fans....

    ..sure theres always a PR angle to these things but they are also alot of work (probaly more for the set up crew) ..but still I applaude them...

    Posted by: RT at 07/06/07 3:10 PM | Reply
    Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

    It's moves like this that convince me they're in it for the publicity.

    Posted by: Elliot at 07/06/07 3:36 PM | Reply
    Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

    In my hometown there's this little old man who sells watermelons by the highway from a white stand with a red roof. That would be awesome (but really hot and humid, since I grew up in south GA).

    Posted by: anon at 07/06/07 3:36 PM | Reply
    Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

    MY CUBICLE

    Posted by: jdubs at 07/06/07 3:47 PM | Reply
    Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

    editors: the headline reads TORNTO. i'm assuming that's a typo unless maybe it's tonto's brokeback mountain alias.

    Posted by: vinnie at 07/06/07 3:49 PM | Reply
    Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

    They played a bowling alley in Saskatoon.

    Posted by: red at 07/06/07 3:56 PM | Reply
    Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

    They should go to a barbershop in the South Bronx.

    Posted by: Mark at 07/06/07 4:06 PM | Reply
    Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

    As a former member of the Little Room (the messageboard that is receiving the alerts to the surprise shows), even I am stunned by the rapidity with which dozens of trolls made it to the site, and ontop of it, in the disturbing LR shirt attire). There seems to be a never ending supply of silent lurkers on that place who rear their heads at opportune times. Scary, these internets.

    Oh and I suggest they play the Arby's located in the basement of the Manhattan Mall.

    Posted by: E.D. Pennypacker/Sonic Parthenon at 07/06/07 4:07 PM | Reply
    Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

    My pants.

    Posted by: Kurt C. at 07/06/07 4:11 PM | Reply
    Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

    Mecca, during the hajj

    Posted by: infidel at 07/06/07 4:19 PM | Reply
    Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

    In plain clothes in a subway.. with hidden cameras...to see if anyone would notice who they were

    Posted by: Joshua Bell at 07/06/07 4:40 PM | Reply
    Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

    How about Meg crashes my bedroom? Jack can wait in the car.

    Posted by: Stephen at 07/06/07 4:43 PM | Reply
    Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

    Oh NOW you picked this up guys!

    Posted by: Calliwelltoldyafirst. at 07/06/07 4:55 PM | Reply
    Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

    Yeah, I was going to make some quasi-perverted remark about how I wish Meg would play me, or something. I can see that I am now alone on that one, however. My love for her burns more deeply than all of you, though, so I should be first in line.

    *cough*

    Posted by: The Other Matthew at 07/06/07 6:44 PM | Reply
    Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

    I like that subway idea, and in Grand Central Station or Time Square. Or on the Staten Island Ferry. They HAVE to play the chorus during mass, although I'm sure Meg's bouncing would probably entice many a venial and mortal sin.

    Posted by: charlie at 07/06/07 7:12 PM | Reply
    Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

    white stripes are playing at my house! AT MY HOUSE!

    Posted by: jojo at 07/06/07 10:18 PM | Reply
    Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

    Under the Big Blue Bug in Providence, RI!

    http://www.westerlyarmory.com/Big%20Blue%20Bug%20New%20England%20Pest%20Control.jpg

    Posted by: matt at 07/07/07 3:23 PM | Reply
    Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

    My favourite quote from this White Stripes event comes from a story that The Canadian Press newswire ran that your version didn't include...

    "This is my fifth year here and something like this has never happened before," said 11-year-old Camille, waving his hands for emphasis.

    "When I saw them perform I was like, 'Wow, I really need to download these songs when I get home."

    Posted by: Dave at 07/08/07 6:59 PM | Reply
    Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

    I've followed this story a little on the net, and I love it. I wondered where they would play in Toronto ... how awesome is it, playing on a bus in Winnipeg and a bowling alley in Saskatoon!! The band also flew all the way up to Nunavut and Whitehorse! It was the first time ANYONE had played in Nunavut ... that's crazy.

    Posted by: Meliss at 07/08/07 8:46 PM | Reply
    Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

    I'd fancy a live show from inside a TV station studio control room, while said control room personnel are attempting to film them play in their own control room. The redundancy would be... delightful (a(a)

    Posted by: Nona Yubiznes at 07/08/07 10:43 PM | Reply
    Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

    Hi,

    I came across your posting as I was searching for White Stripes fans. This might be something you'd be interested in:

    We're contacting you about an exciting opportunity to talk back to the garage/blues duo Jack and Meg White from the White Stripes.

    Get in your video questions for the singers/songwriters by Monday July 23rd and they might answer them on ABC News Now.

    We are also asking you to consider posting this message on your blog or website to spread the word and inform your readers of this opportunity.

    It's easy! Here's HOW:


    HOW TO SUBMIT VIDEOS:
    1) Via cell phone
    Record a 15-45 second clip and email it to: seenandheard@abcnews.go.com

    2) Via the web:
    http://abcnews.go.com/US/BeSeenBeHeard/story?id=3279347

    Should you have any questions about this project, contact ABC News producer, Dena at 212-456-3373 or email us back at this address.
    Thanks & look forward to hearing from you!

    - The ABC News "Talk Back" Team

    Posted by: Candice ABC Digital at 07/09/07 12:42 PM | Reply
    Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

    Here's my question: What's Meg's bra size?

    Posted by: dirty old man at 07/09/07 1:52 PM | Reply
    Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

    Doing a live score to a ball game, real songs played between innings.

    or, y'know, Maxwells

    Posted by: Ben at 07/12/07 11:59 PM | Reply
    Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

    I would REALLY like them to perform at my 13th birthday party in May 2008! My friends and I are HUGE fans! I haven't decided on a location yet, but I'll bet it'll be in Tampa or Temple Terrace, Florida!

    Posted by: Casey at 10/27/07 11:49 AM | Reply
    Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

    Wait... I know I commented earlier but PLEASE DON'T IGNORE MY COMMENTS!!!!!! Okay, well, are you actually going to tell the White Stripes aabout these comments?! TELL THEM ABOUT MINE FIRST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Posted by: Casey at 10/27/07 12:37 PM | Reply
    Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

    dirty old mans a perv! So is Kurt C. and whoever said MY CUBICLE

    Posted by: Casey at 10/29/07 8:15 PM | Reply
    Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

    Theres an outdoor mall by where I live (Rancho Cucamonga, CA) called Victoria Gardens. Theres a open square place with a fountain and patio dining and stuff where they could play. Possibly for next tour???

    Posted by: Michael at 05/30/08 8:57 PM | Reply
    Score = 0 Vote up Vote down

    Leave a comment


     

    The 'Gum Drop

    Get our newsletter. MP3s and giveaways weekly.

    Search




    Sort by:date relevance

    Information

    • Contact:
    • About
    • Press
    • Advertising
    • Stereogum RSS Stereogum RSS XML Icon
    • MP3-Only RSS Stereogum RSS XML Icon

    Staff

    Founder/Editor-In-Chief
    Scott Lapatine
    Executive Editor
    Amrit Singh
    Senior Writer
    Brandon Stosuy
    Columnist
    Jon McMillan
    Technology & Operations
    Jim Jazwiecki
    Angela Williams

    The Cool Kids

    All Stereogum Posts

    Get Flash to see our mp3 player. Here are our mp3s: Hospital Ships - I Want It To Get Out (»)
    Mogwai - The Sun Smells Too Loud (»)
    Ungdomskulen - Ordinary Son (Radio Edit) (»)
    Damien Jurado - Where Lies My Tarp (»)
    Birdmonster - Born To Be Your Man (»)
    Grizzly Bear - While You Wait For The Others (Live At Morning Becomes Eclectic) (»)
    Genghis Tron - Things Don't Look Good (Rob Crow Remix) (»)
    CSS - Rat Is Dead (Rage) (»)
    James Jackson Toth - Doreen (»)
    Twi The Humble Feather - Higher Than The End (»)
    Roadside Graves - Ruby (»)
    No Age - Eraser (»)
    Doveman - Footloose (»)
    Rooftop Vigilantes - Oscar Want 7 Inch (»)
    Dr. Dog - The Ark (»)
    Oxford Collapse - The Birthday Wars (»)
    Neil Halsted - Paint a Face (»)
    Throw Me The Statue - If This Is It (Huey Lewis Cover) (»)

    Band to Watch logo

    Band To Watch: Hospital Ships

    As we pass saturation point for press coverage of Montreal, Portland, Brooklyn and et cetera, it seems Lawrence, Kansas is poised for its coming turn in the music media trend piece carousel. At least from what we're hearing; this marks...

    MORE »

    Quit Your Day Job logo

    Quit Your Day Job: Ungdomskulen

    The Bergen trio Ungdomskulen play proggy post punk, mixing chops and hooks with a sense of humor. But they don't sound like Primus. When I was in Norway a couple years ago, "Ungdomskulen" seemed to be on everybody's lips (or...

    MORE »

    Premature Evaluation logo

    Premature Evaluation: Beck - Modern Guilt

    It's been some time since we learned Modern Guilt, Beck Hansen's eighth album, would be some sort of psych rock minimalist '60s trip with Danger Mouse. Since then, we've gotten a look at the old-school jazz/Blue Note-style cover art and...

    MORE »

    Video Hangover logo

    Video Hangover: Papa Roach - "Getting Away With Murder"

    Every week, we dig in the archives for videos that we find noteworthy, memorable, or just unbelievably stupid. And then, Jon McMillan breaks 'em down for you. This week: Papa Roach lands an uppercut on the glass jaw of big oil.

    MORE »

    Oldstand logo

    OldStand: SPIN, November, 1990

    Take our ink-stained hands and join us at the OldStand, where Jon McMillan goes to remind everyone what an honest-to-goodness music magazine is supposed to look like. For the cover story, Bob Guccione Jr. himself gets in the ring with...

    MORE »

    The Outsiders logo

    The Outsiders: Vol. 15: Clark, My Brightest Diamond, Wildbirds & Peacedrums

    Not all of Stereogum's favorite sounds conform to what folks expect us to cover. In this space, resident Bananafish fetishist Brandon Stosuy usually focuses on bands, albums, singles, and villages in Sweden that may otherwise pass by unnoticed. This time...

    MORE »

    The 'Gum Drop logo

    Damien Jurado - "Murderer" (Low Cover)

    After hearing "Gillian Was A Horse" from Damien Jurado's forthcoming Caught In The Trees, we contacted the Seattle singer-songwriter and asked if he'd want to premiere a track at Stereogum. Lucky for us (and you), it turned out he had...

    MORE »