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Dave and David in Orillia
Dave, Richard, Liz and David, Irish Mnt.
covered bridge over the Gatineau, Wakefield
steam engine from Hull to Wakefield
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Two great weekends
That ripping sound you hear is the sound of time passing at the speed of light. We spent a weekend in Southern
Ontario, playing Swanmore Hall, Irish Mountain Folk Club, and a Toronto house concert. There was a great deal of
singing done at all the rooms, harmonies splitting off and the hair on the back of your neck rising. At least on
my neck they were. It was a pleasure to spend time with all our hosts.
While we were in striking distance of Barrie we stayed at Don Bray's house. He was heading off to the funeral
of a brother Fire Fighter on the Sunday and put on his full dress uniform, complete with his medal for bravery.
Dave and I had our pictures taken with him, on the front lawn. We felt very proud to know Don.
Many thanks to our hosts for all their hospitality and efforts on our behalf. It was a pleasure to meet and play
for all of you.
The following weekend found Beth and I at the Ottawa Folklore Centre for a songwriting workshop. We were treated
to coffee (one giant urn), biscuits and sweets - numerous bags - and a splendid time was had by all. Many thanks
to the OFC men and women for a thoroughly amiable afternoon. I heard some poignant songwriting and some strong
singing, and enjoyed the experience very much. That's the first one I've done outside of a festival setting. I'm
looking forward to the next.
The Gatineau River, Wakefield Quebec
Sunday for me was perfect - playing with Dave and Geoff at 5 o'clock at the Black Sheep Inn in Wakefield, on the
banks of the Gatineau River. The room filled with faces old and new, and Dave Clarke played some pieces from his
upcoming solo guitar CD to a rapt house. Geoff and I were the silent cheerleaders in the hall. Not a pretty sight.
The show itself was a Juno celebration and Paul Symes was good enough to fit us in. I won't tell you what I think
of Paul, it would only embarrass both him and most likely me as well. I was thinking, standing on the stage, that
this was the first stage outside of the Townships that I ever played. I can remember it clearly. It doesn't seem
that long ago. It was a good feeling to be celebrating in that room, with those people. Thanks again and good night
Irene…
Yours from the Townships,
back
home
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David, Don and Dave
Dave, David, Me, Debbie and Bill, TO
great grafitti on the Black Sheep
Geoff, David and Dave
Juno concert, the Black Sheep
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