It wasn't long that Igloo discovered that his humour could also charm the young ladies, and he used this charm to it's upmost. Igloo was naturally a shy boy, but he found that his sence of humour could get him past that.
Humour and jokes were always a part of his life, and his wit, sarcastic and sardonic, cruel and biting, quick and relentless, kept most of his peers on edge and his teachers ready for therapy all through public and high school.
In his mid-teens, Igloo and his cousin Mike Winegarden used to listen to MacLean and MacLean albums, which had been crudely dubbed from LP to cheap cassette. Igloo & Mike would listen to these tapes over and over and be laughing thier asses off late at night when they supposed to be sleeping! Gary and Blair MacLean were spontainous and raw, and left a lasting impression on both budding comedians. As well, Robin Williams, "Reality, what a concept" was also a very influential record. Other 'taboo' comedians were George Carlin, Eddie Murphy and Redd Foxx. (For a complete list, click HERE)
In Grade 11, Igloo was nominated by the teaching staff at North Middlesex District High School in Parkhill, ON, as one of the students who had an answer for everything, one of the best excuse makers in the school! Unfortunately he lost out to his arch nemisis, Terry Van Erp.
Igloo's first live performance was at the Grand Bend Beach, when he was about 18 years old. He debuted "Geek Boy" with a 15 minute live and spontaneous performance. (Complete info HERE)
As well, a couple of months later, Igloo sang a very original version of "I'm a little teapot" to some startled beach goers. (Grand Bend was THE place that summer!) No doubt about it, Igloo was on his way!
However college settled the young Igloo down. At Confederation College in Thunder Bay, ON, Igloo studied Film Production. It was here that Igloo developed his acting skills, performing in many of his fellow students films and video projects. Here he developed his "characters", using some more than others, such as the very gay "Serge".
After Igloo graduated from college, he did his placement at McLean's Cable TV in Kitchener, ON. This was a great expereince, but there were no job postings after the placement ended, and it was off to find a real job!
Afterwards, as he wasn't able to find work in his trade, he instead found himself going from one mundane job to another. These included...Hog Farmer, Labourer at a carpet cleaning place, Labourer at a produce plant, a Burns security guard, a paid D.J., Assistant Manager at KFC and McDonalds, Manager of a Burger King, a vacuum sales dood, a babysitter, a night watchman at a greenhouse, carpenter, landscaper, and part time arena labourer. In 1992 he got on with a music shop, and actually enjoyed that job for the most part of the 10 years that he worked there. Igloo's day job right now is an auto parts factory in St. Marys ON.
All of these jobs have given Igloo a special insight into so much of life. He is able to draw from all of this experience for his comic routines.
In May 1989 Igloo was offered a chance to appear in the audience of the then popular TV gameshow, "Test Pattern", hosted by V.J. Dan Gallagher. However, Igloo's twin half brother, Kayak, was nervous about going on TV, and in the end neither of the Harras brothers went to Toronto for the June 10th 1989 taping. At the time Igloo was convinced this would be his big break. Not quite yet.
Fast forward ten years into the future, when in September 1999 the bug is put into Igloo's ear about taking to the stage. Igloo was both nervous and excited, and had a great time with both of his Hamilton gigs, on Jan 26th and Feb 9th, 2000.
But as it happens, Igloo got caught up in life, and returned to music briefly, before deciding that he's be a real fool if he didn't try the stage again with a new direction.
On February 13th 2002, he began to write new material, which was much more focused and stronger than the stuff he had written 2 years prior. This time he wanted to be more rehearsed and professional, which he was when his debut for Round II came about.
As Igloo was figuring out where he could go to amateur nights (Toronto, Windsor or Niagara Falls), it came to his attention that his own town would be hosting a Yuk Yuk's night every Wednesday beginning on June 12th. It was meant to be! On June 19th 2002, Igloo made his Woodstock debut at Good Time Charlies. Both this gig, and the one on June 26th were very big steps in going in the right direction. And this time the real comics were giving him advice.
Then in late June 2002, he was given the opportunity to appear at the COW.a.polooza festival in Woodstock. It was at this time that Igloo came up with the "Space Igloo" concept, and began working on original props and material. His debut as a kid's performer happened on August 10th 2002, and Igloo found that to be a real true joy! Kids are so much more open minded and responsive!
As well, Igloo debuted some of his characters at amateur night in Niagara Falls on July 10th 2002. That too was a very enjoyable night!
A big break came in February 2003, when Greg Morton asked Igloo to open for him at the Woodstock Auditorium. That gig went pretty well, concidering Igloo's experience level.
After this show, Igloo planned to hit the bars, and see if he could interest them in having him come for an hour and a half show, Igloo thought this is where his forte is. His plan is to contact bars in Woodstock, Brantford, Simcoe, Port Dover, Tillsonburg, London, Maryhill, Kitchener, Cambridge, Hamilton, Turkey Point, and Ingersoll. The plan is to call this the "Talk Trash Tour". Right now, in January 2004, "life" has gotten in the way of the comedy career again, but don't dispair, Igloo might return..
Another one of Igloo's mission's was to get an Open Mic Amateur Night going in Woodstock. On September 25th 2002, Igloo designed a logo for the event, and drew up a business plan to submit to local bars. However, the interest level was not there, content was a big problem, as well as under age comics. So that idea is on the shelf for now too.
The picture below was drawn on September 15th 2002 by Grovian at the Western Fair in London. Igloo always wanted a picture done in this style,
and he thinks it reflects his fun personality!
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