So I had a rather interesting job offer this week, but after some careful consideration, I decided to stick with the garbage run.

I guess I should explain that this particular job offer came in the way of a prank played on me by musician, writer, and devilish practical joker Todd MacLean.

Folks who attend our concerts at Kaylee hall would know Todd as son in law of popular Island troubadour Gordon Belsher and would have enjoyed the sweet sounds of his saxophone.They might also know the back story of the ongoing practical joke feud between Todd and I that began some years ago when he made mention of my “famous green St. Patricks Day boxer shorts” in his weekly entertainment column.

I thought that Todd and I had buried the prankster hatchet this summer when his appearance at Close To The Ground passed without incident. We even shook hands and declared a truce. I now know that was all a part of his plan to lure me into a false sense of security.

That is probably why I wasn’t skeptical when I received a text message from him this week saying that he had to call me and ask me something urgent.

I pulled over to the shoulder of the road when my cell phone rang and I greeted Todd with an unsuspecting hello. He sounded nervous and a little frazzled as he told me that he was at Confederation Center with actor and artistic director Wade Lynch.

At this point he passed the phone over to Wade who sounded completely panicked. Wade almost gasped for breath as he explained how one of their actors for “The Full Monty” was terribly sick and unable to go on. He explained that they were expecting a sold out crowd for that nights' show and they were in a real bind as they had no one to fill in for the sick actor.

At this point, I was starting to wonder why they would be calling me as I have no acting experience what so ever and I told Wade as much.

He was insistent that I was the man they needed and he told me that he could walk me through the script and besides it was the last scene in particular they wanted me for - he stripping scene!

“We thought you could really benefit from the ... exposure ...” was the line that clued me in that I had been had. All I could do is laugh and shake my head in disbelief at the lengths Todd went to get me this time. He even recruited a professional actor, Wade Lynch, who played his part perfectly I must say.

What is worse is that they video taped the whole ordeal and everyone can see it for themselves on the Guardian website. Just look for “On The Scene Episode 9” with Todd MacLean. I guess I have to be a sport and give Todd credit, but I am already plotting my revenge .

It is no joke that we have an exciting line up of guests for Thursday nights at The Kaylee Hall for the month of September. We start the month off with the return of a Close To The Ground favorite. This Thursday September 1st 8pm Fiddlers’ Sons are proud to welcome The Ross Family as our special guests.

The Ross Family grew up playing traditional music together. The family band features Stephanie on guitar, vocals and step dancing, Danielle on fiddle, vocals and step dancing and big brother Johnny on piano.They play a mix of traditional and original songs, fiddle medleys and synchronized step dancing.

They released their debut CD called “Island Feet” in 2007 and followed it up with the release of “Prince Edward Island , I’m Coming Home” in 2010.

The latter earned them a nomination for Roots Traditional Group Of The Year at The PEI Music Awards. The last time that The Ross Family performed at Close To The Ground, they received a standing ovation from a sold out crowd. I am really looking forward to their return because people have been asking me to get them back ever since.

I am especially excited to welcome my good friend and former band mate Johnny Ross back to the Hall. For seven years I played alongside Johnny as a member of The Johnny Ross Band. Over the years, I bore witness to epic piano and organ solos that earned him stage names like “ The Big Ross Man” and “The Beast From The East.”

J.R. is now a member of the award winning alternative country group “Haunted Hearts.” He has toured extensively across Canada and has shared the stage with many of the Islands top performers. He is also a sought after session player and can be heard on many of the top albums released on the Island in recent years.

It makes me proud to see how my friend Johnny’s musical career has taken off in a big way. I am sure glad that he made time in his busy schedule to join us.

So come down early this Thursday night and don’t miss out. I guarantee a full house and a full night of music but no “ Full Monty “ from the garbage man. Watch your back Todd MacLean!