Relish Me

Relish Me

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Carly Schofield is Relishing Saint John with...Mike Biggar!


“I will know when I am famous, really famous, not when I have body guards and swarms of people around me, but when I have to hire someone to do my own social networking. It’s ironic” – Mike Biggar


While the bitter cold January comes to an end, a brand new month is upon us. What better way to celebrate than with a nice tasty burger from Relish Saint John!
Today I was fortunate enough to enjoy lunch with Mr Mike Biggar. While Mike is a Bayview banker by day, there is no question that he is a soul sensation by night.

This particular visit was not Mike’s first visit to Relish, in fact he told me that he enjoys the restaurant very much and usually relishes The Big Texas. Both feeling a bit on the adventurous side today, we decided we would try something new. Mike ordered The Jersey City- a delicious meat patty topped with fried field mushrooms, pickled peppers, pancetta bacon, and provolone cheese. Of course every burger is also served on a fresh sesame seed bun. Mike decided to compliment his burger with the increasingly popular sweet potato fries. I chose this week’s feature burger: Under the Tuscan Sun. This unique burger is made up of sundried tomato pesto, creamy goat cheese, pancetta bacon, and balsamic syrup. This Italian inspired burger is only available from February 1st until the 7th and is sure to be a hit among cold Saint Johners looking for a little extra warmth on their lunch break.

As Mike Biggar and I began to talk I was able to learn a lot about this unique musician and his journey thus far. Growing up in West Saint John, Mike joined the seminary upon the completion of high school. He spent many years working in a church as an assistant. He was heavily involved leading the youth there and eventually formed a gospel band. He performed regularly with his wife Laura Mcneil , who is also a very talented piano player with an album of her own due to come out this April. While the gospel group did become very successful in his region, Mike eagerly wanted to get back to his Maritime roots and focus on a potential solo career.  Mike released a self titled EP in 2009. Not long after that he signed a management deal with Jeff Liberty at JLArtists. As a result Mike has been very involved in many musical events throughout the area. He was showcased at the 2010 East Coast Music Awards, numerous festivals and venues around the region, Saint John’s 225 celebrations and more recently at the Charlotte County Flood relief concert. In August, Mike also received an honourable mention ranking in the 17th Annual Billboard Magazine Songwriting competition.

Christmas 2010, was a very busy and successful time for Mr. Biggar. Besides, the usual hustle and bustle of Christmastime, Mike was able to release a full length album called The Season. This project was a tremendous success and the album became a local phenomenon. It received nationwide radio play and was embraced by many of Biggar's  fans young and old. Through CBC, Mike Biggar's  hit was  broadcasted all around the country – a big accomplishment for such a local artist!

It is no question that Mike Biggar is very talented when it comes to singing and songwriting. His powerful lyrics, skilful guitar playing and soulful voice truly makes him an extraordinary local. Aside from his musical career, Mike is a very friendly and approachable man. His positive energy and love for life is definitely shown both on and off of the stage. In addition to all of his success thus far, Mike is also encouraging his fans to check out his latest project. Centered at the Bourban Quarter, Mike will be doing a new show called “Mike Biggar and the Guest Who?” Starting on February 26th, Mike will be hosting a night of music featuring him and a special guest. It looks like Andy Brown is first on the docket, so be sure to check out this great event. Mike will also be continuing to work and record new music with plans of releasing some new tunes by the late summer. As well on April 13th he will be heading to the East Coast Music Awards in Charlottetown for the second consecutive year. For more information about Mike, his musical career and future events be sure to check out his website at http://www.mikebiggar.com/

Concluding our meeting, I think it is safe to say that we both left feeling very satisfied with the good food and good conversation. We were once again serviced by the best and both look forward to coming back for more. Mike Biggar was relished today, how can we relish you !?



 

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