Tag Archives: Drew McIvor
Massie Hall Promises a Great Summer and Fall Lineup of Talent
by Bill Monahan
NOTE: Click on the album covers to sample music by that artist
Massie Hall, in the little hamlet of Massie just east of Chatsworth, has a full slate of talent lined up for the summer season. The community centre in Massie provides a small venue for these concerts. They set up folding tables and chairs, with a small stage at one end of the room. There is no bar, but snacks and soft drinks are included in the ticket price.
It’s a little stage but it features big talents. Once a month on Saturdays through the summer and fall (and one Friday) a series of high quality performers are scheduled to play. Tickets for the concerts cost $20 each but with every show offering exceptional talent, the opportunity to get a discount by buying tickets for three or more shows at a time is worth considering.
The series kicks off on April 28th with Beggars Road, with a mix of traditional and Celtic sounds blending vocal melody with powerful instrumental texturing to an original repertoire of songs that celebrate the natural beauties of our region. The band evolved from The Shards, a group originally brought together by Bob Robins to perform his original, traditional-flavoured songs. They feature vocals from Larry Dickinson and Justine Maw-Farrar.
The following month, Larry’s brother, Steve Dickinson, returns to Massie Hall for a much-anticipated concert. After several years following musical adventures abroad, recording and touring with members of Bob Segar’s Silver Bullet Band, Steve returned home last year to re-group and consider his musical future. His concert last summer at Massie Hall packed the room with an enthusiastic crowd that was blown away both by his powerful singing and his original songs. He doesn’t play often in the area, so this is a show that is a must-see.
The Barn Celebrates Sherry Snider
A delicious buffet was provided by staff and pot luck contributors
by Bill Monahan
On Sunday, March 25th, The Barn Co-op in Meaford held a special open mic to celebrate the spirit of Sherry Snider, who passed away suddenly last week in the prime of her life. This was in addition to the popular open mic that runs every Sunday at The Barn from noon to two. Organized by Jim and Mary Lang, this additional gathering allowed musicians and friends to remember Sherry, who was always present at every musical gathering at the Barn. In addition to the live music a free buffet was offered upstairs, prepared by staff with contributions from those who attended.
It is always sad when a valued member of the community passes, but it was difficult to remain sad for long on this occasion because sharing the stage with every performer was a large photo portrait of Sherry, her characteristic joy beaming with an ear to ear grin that was familiar to everyone who knew her. There were some in attendance who hadn’t known her by name but they recognized her face as the woman who was always positive and encouraging. Those who did know her knew well what a special person she was.
Clark Little recites “High Flight”
Clark Little began the proceedings with an emotional recital of “High Flight” by John Magee. The familiar poem begins with the lines “Oh I have slipped the surly bonds of earth, and danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings,” and concludes with “I’ve trod the high unsurpassed sanctity of space, put out my hand and touched the face of God.”
The “laughter-silvered wings” seemed particularly appropriate in relation to Sherry whose sense of humour was always paramount.
Meaford Musical Community Shines In “The Last Waltz”
Review by Bill Monahan
featured photo courtesy of Patti Kendall
On Saturday night at Meaford Hall, “The Last Waltz – Meaford Style” was a celebration of our musical community unlike anything that has been seen before. A complete sellout more than a month in advance, the show featured a cavalcade of home grown talent that was equal to any visiting talent that has graced this great venue, and the audience loved it.
The template for the show was the famous Martin Scorcese film from 1978 that documented the last concert by The Band, with all of the performers who had been part of that celebration represented here by local talents. It was actually the 41st anniversary of the original concert, which took place at Winterland in San Francisco on November 25, 1976. The film set the bar high for a group of local performers who had little more than a month to practice. They rose to the occasion. The band was tight, often indistinguishable from their model, and each performer who contributed tributes to the other performers did a stellar job. The energy from the audience matched that coming from the stage.
Jaret Koop photo courtesy of John Scerri
A few of the vocalists stood out with their ability to mimic the originals to an uncanny extent. Drew McIvor’s take on Doctor John’s (Mac Rebennack) “Such A Night” had that New Orleans drawl down cold, and Jaret Koop perfectly captured Rick Danko’s anguished vocals on “The Shape I’m In”.
Fran Bouwmann photo courtesy of John Scerri
Fran Bouwman did a great take on Joni Mitchell’s “Coyote” (and even looked the part), and Tom Thwaits’ version of Neil Diamond’s “Dry Your Eyes” sounded like the real thing. John Hume reproduced not only the vocal parts but the keyboards (that beautiful Hammond organ sound) with fidelity.
Sandra Swannell photo courtesy of John Scerri
Others added their own special talent to the songs that reflected what they bring to music. Sandra Swannell’s violin solos on “Acadian Driftwood” and the encore “I Shall Be Released”, and Emma Wright’s vocals on “Evangeline” were spine-tingling standouts. Chris Scerri’s vocals, of course, are 100% his. He’s a belter and his style made new versions of the songs he covered.
My Sweet Patootie and Emma Wright Join Cast of The Last Waltz
Chris Scerri is lifting the veil on more local performers who will be guests at The Last Waltz. Along with the band that plays The Band, there are many other performers to reference as part of that concert. In this tribute, all of the performers will be local stars. This week Chris announces that Emma Wright, Sandra Swannell and Terry Young will be on the program.
Canadian Folk Music Award winners Sandra Swannell and Terry Young, who live in Woodford when they’re not on the road, are currently preparing their annual Harp and Holly Concert Series. They will joining one of the world’s foremost Celtic harpists, Sharlene Wallace for a series of concerts featuring baroque Christmas songs. This is a side project from their main gig as My Sweet Patootie, the roots and ragtime band that’s attracting attention in the U.K. from their regular touring there. Their annual Harp and Holly concert was born out of a love for timeless music that evokes something about the Christmas season that live in the hearts of all of us. They’ll be playing concerts during the Christmas season at three local venues in Owen Sound, Colpoy’s Bay and Sauble Beach, as well as in Guelph and Oakville.
Being part of The Last Waltz, Meaford Style, gives Sandra and Terry a chance to share music with their community here at home.
“A sense of community,” says Sandra, “That’s what Martin Scorsese captured between the musicians, both on stage and off in the epic film The Last Waltz.”
