Meaford Live Music

Last night’s concert at the Market Square was everything it was meant to be: a celebration of Meaford, of summer, and of local young talent.

At one point in the evening, Chris Scerri, host and organizer of the event, told the audience that he had conceived of this Meaford Summer Concert Series as a way to bring the community together on a Friday night in the downtown core and he thanked all of the sponsors who had helped make it happen, noting that, in addition to the many sponsors who’s names are on the advertising, there are others who contributed without acknowledgement, like Bill’s Valumart, who provided food and drinks for the performers and The Scarecrow Invasion who lent their public address system for the occasion.  But most of all, he thanked all the people who came out despite the threat of rain to enjoy the music and be part of a summer celebration.

The unsung here of the event was local bassist extraordinaire, Johnny Roy, arguably the hardest working volunteer of the evening.  He arrived early, sorted out the available equipment and helped the bands with their set up, mixing and matching equipment from several sources to make sure it met everyone’s needs.  He tweaked the levels all through the show, running back and forth between the mixer and out front to make sure the sound was good.  And he stayed to help pack everything up at the end of the night.  He had even brought along his guitar when he heard that the headliners might be late in arriving and some fill-in might be required.

This isn’t the first time Johnny has contributed greatly to successful events.  He arranged all of the bands on Canada Day except for the last one, played in two of them, and shepherded every one of them through the sound set ups.  He is another great local talent who deserves Meaford’s gratitude for his contribution to live music in our town.  Chances are you’ll catch him one night at Ted’s jam.  If you see him say thanks!

There was a celebratory feel about the evening.  Many people arrived early and stayed late, and were happy they’d come.  Some had responded to the advance promotion, many no doubt came to support their kids who were among the performers, and there were others who were drawn to the music when they were driving by or emerged from one of the downtown restaurants after dinner.  People were nestled under the trees or out in the open on camp chairs and picnic tables; some enjoyed the concert from their cars, like a drive-in.  Near the front a few vintage cares, bright and beautiful, added a nostalgic decoration to the evening.  Some went across to Captains Corner to bring back some take out fish and chips.  Grownups and kids were inspired to dance and Zoe Young, with a hula hoop, swayed like a candle flame in a breeze at the edge of the crowd throughout the entire evening.

Openers, The Ted Brownlow Band, despite their youth, are making a name for themselves with a sound that is still evolving as they build a following through local gigs.  They put on a confident and impressive set with material that ranged from The Pixies to Arcade Fire.

The Ted Brownlow Band

The Honeyrunners had come up through the weekend commuter traffic from Toronto, and they played two sets of music that seemed to stretch and grow as the evening progressed.  They like to vamp on a rhythmic riff, create a groove that the audience can fall in with, and then change it up with dynamics that alternately inspire foot tapping and head swaying.  Never overpowering they created the perfect mood for this night and this venue.  The rain imitated them, playing its part perfectly.  It came and went, never strong enough to send everyone running for shelter but offering a refreshing respite from the heat.

The Honeyrunners inspired dancing

Cry For Ophelia, an all-girl band, performed a relaxed set that brought a strong audience response.  Lead singer, Eden Young, at one point sat on the front edge of the stage to introduce and perform a song, her legs swinging below her, but she brought up the energy level with vocals that swelled and subsided with the mood of the songs.

Cry For Ophelia

Max Breadner was the only performer who stood alone as a solo act on the stage, with just a voice and guitar.  There is something unique in his vocal talents and he managed to inject emotion into his delivery despite the general party atmosphere of the evening.  For his last song, he was joined on stage by Chris Scerri and members of The Honeyrunners to bring the crowd back to the bigger sound.

Max Breadner with a little help from his friends

When the Honeyrunners returned for their last set they had clearly caught the mood of the evening, which was both upbeat and casual, with songs that highlighted the blend of their three voices and gave lead guitarist Marcus Bucci and keyboard player Dan Dwoskin a chance to do some impressive solos.  They also let their guest, Victoria Yeh, stretch out on a few solos on the violin.  She is such a malleable performer, at times sounding like a lead guitar and at others bringing out the real emotive qualities of her instrument.  Although she can shred a solo with fiery arpeggios, she also has that rare ability to draw out a single note with a tone that tugs at your heart.

As the night wore on and the audience drifted happily away bit by bit, the band brought it to a close with a version of The Weight that encouraged the crowd to sing along, and impressed enough that there were calls for an encore, which they happily provided.

When the music ended, more music could be heard from The Leeky Canoe directly across the street.  There was Gracie silhouetted in the window, with her acoustic guitar and her amazing voice wafting out over Sykes street.  She was playing there with Tyler Yarema and almost everyone who hadn’t left to take the kids home streamed across to carry on the party. It was a summer night to be remembered.

Don’t miss the final show in the Meaford Summer Concert Series happening two weeks from now on Friday August 26th.  It will feature Marshall Dane’s rocking country music with a special set by Abby Woodhouse, winner of this year’s GBSS Idol.

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