Being a live music lover, many venues in Perth have supported my “habit” since Sue, Jodi and I lucked in moving here 24 years ago.  Sharon and Terry’s Tinker’s brought incredible musicians including the late Colleen Peterson, Jackie Washington, Bill Joslin and Georgette Fry to appreciative, packed to standing crowds.  The ol’ Maple Drop Bakery hosted many memorable concerts… Ian Tamblyn, Willie P. Bennett, to name a few. 

 

Several memorable evenings were spent back then at the Perth Mews being serenaded by the clatter of pool balls breaking and Roger Plant’s sweet guitar playin’ , Pete Bigras’ steady percussion and the rest of the Up Against the Wall gang or some variation on the theme.  I’m told the Mews was a regular stop for many good touring musicians before disco destroyed so many of the live music venues across North America. 

 

The Mews was where I hoisted what would be the first of many wobbly pops with that, back then, journalist and “soon to be” local musician and new friend, Steve Forster. We quickly realized our mutual love of ‘da blues’ and in later years he shared his passion with all of us by fronting Power Snooze.  Yeah, we all wore out a few pair of shoes dancin’ to them.  Good times.

 

I wonder how many of you were lucky enough to have caught some of the memorable  musical moments at Tiannakeems (sp?) when they hosted their Sunday Evening Open Stage.  Ottawa’s Brian Downey provided the beat for many jams including any mix of  local players … Franc Van Oort, Steve Hanna, Jeff Kohl, Cam Gray, and my late “Blues Brother” Steve. I witnessed the beginnings of at least two local musicians there.  Steve’s wife, Rachel began singing background there and now is a veteran, sharing her vocal gifts in many venues. Shelley Montreuil was a sax “newby” and is now fronting Frank Van Oort’s guitar, Ed Ashton’s bass and Brian Downey’s beat in Tell Mama. Both perform  across the eastern region. 

 

I know my memories of past magical musical moments and locales will continue to find their way to this column but, dragging my way back to the present, I wanted to let you in on some local happenings that offer you the opportunity to experience the same magic of live music I speak about.  From last Tuesday I can still remember the magical moment when finger flying playing, stellar backbeat bass and harmonies were front and center to the gentle rhythm of the tapping toes of those listening… ooh that magic.

 

Tuesday evenings at O’reilly’s is one of the best kept secrets as Brock Zeman sings his own tunes and some classics along with Keith Glass on guitar and mandolin (you gotta hear this), Peter Newsom on bass and various others who sit in to share their gifts. 

 

Young Brock Zeman walked into Valley Audio Recording Studio a couple of years ago and played owners Keith Glass and Jon Van Wingerden a few of the tunes he’d written and wanted to record.  Both Keith and Jon were blown away with this Carleton Place lad’s talent and eagerly began producing his music.  Brock currently has two cd’s out and is releasing his third in Perth on Friday December 23rd – O’reilly’s – 9pm.

 

Meanwhile I’m pleased to announce the Goodwood Oven is now starting to offer live music with Lanark lass, Peggy White kicking things off on Wednesday December 14th -7pm.

 

Congratulations to Lynn Miles on her Canadian Folk Music Awards double victory and to locals Jenny Whiteley and David Francey’s nominations. Keith, by the way, played guitar on Calgarian, Karla Anderson’s album, which won Best New / Emerging Artist.

 

Finally, from my home to yours, a safe, healthy Holiday Season and remember to support your local musicians as you do that Christmas shopping.