Doug Henning couldn’t have provided more magic than we witnessed, thanks to Jenny Whiteley’s wonderful friends at Elphin Roots Fest.  We arrived mid afternoon to a clear sunny sky at Rick Killingbeck’s effectual setting and the fun had already begun.  From the hill as we entered, the joyous view was just a start to the magic of the day.  All I could see around me were people of all ages enjoying a variety of magical moments, each in their own way.. Art lovers were exploring the displayed crafts, parents and their young children were laughing together, discovering the kids area.  Concerned citizens were discussing the local uranium issues.  More independent kids were running around with the glee of fresh air and relaxed freedom pasted on their smiling faces.  All of this activity was to the wonderful sounds of musicians proudly sharing their gifts to an enthusiastic, attentive audience lazing in their chairs.  Though we missed Dan Whiteley and Joey Wright’s set, several people later raved about the great work this paring provided earlier.  A few said some moments outdid Joey’s recent new cd “Jalopy” for the fluidity between these two and that’s setting the bar high. Wished I’d caught them. We settled ourselves, enjoying the stylings of Kyra and Tully but their set was interrupted by lingering precipitation that decided to hang around too long to allow safe amplification.  While we tried waiting it out, sweet sounds came from under a tarp beside the stage where a wonderful jam made the waiting and getting soaked worthwhile…. Magical moment number deux. Then the real magic happened.  Just when everyone was realizing the fun of the day seemed to be curtailed by the rain, magic that can only happen in unique rural communities appeared as it was nnounced that we were all moving indoors to the McDonald’s Corners Agricultural Hall.  Many hands made light work as the sizable sound system was packed up in the truck, moved and reset into the hall.  Something like this would have been unthinkable in a more populated area where rules and regulations always seem to get in the way of spontaneity and practicality. After getting changed into dry clothes we returned to the hall to find things just getting underway again. That wonderful hall, home to so many previous musical memories was packed, kids were running around, still finding ways of entertaining themselves.  The young ones crawled into loving arms and were, like us, being serenaded by sweet tunes as they dozed off.  The true sense of real community exemplified itself in so many ways.  Wolf Island’s Chris Brown impressed me with his creativity both musically and lyrically.  Like most of the evening, musicians sat in with whomever, like a simmering stew, each adding their bit of spice to the tasty sounds.  Where else could renowned Sarah Harmer just jump up and add a bit of sensitive background harmony without stealing anything from the presenting player.  No ego’s here, just the love of playing.  Magic. Our bluegrass taste buds were magically satisfied by Leaving Train.  This duo was made up of Marlee Dyonne on stand up bass, solid lead vocal and Gilles LeClerc on guitar, mandolin and harmonies.  They were enhanced by Dan Whiteley on mandolin and Chris Barkley on dobro.  This quartet apparently is planning on playing far more together.  I could have listened to them all night long and from the applause, so could the rest of the room. Melwood Cutlery, ably backed by Joey Wright added his unique qualities to the mix for us then Luther Wright and the Wrongs serenaded us with their crafty, lick-filled tunes.  Luther’s voice just keeps getting sweeter.  Like lightning, Kingston’s duo, Sheesham and Lotus magically hit the room with their old tyme banjo, fiddle, harmonica, harmonies and antics, harkening us all back to ragtime and vaudeville.  Check these guys out next time they’re near you.  You’ll love ‘em  I’ve seen Jim Bryson quite a few times over the last few years from him having done our first Music On McLean House Concert over 5 years ago to his more usual gig these days, backing Kathleen Edwards on David Letterman, her openings for Blue Rodeo or Willie Nelson, playing  around the world.  I saw him last solo when he was part of Jenny’s Hootenanny Revue show at this same glorious hall but there was just a bit more musical magic this time.  Musical friends are pretty special so we were blessed watching Kathleen return the favour by appearing to back Jim for his portion of the show.  The magical moment wasn’t lost on her either as she commented on just that.  Her subtle fiddle, guitar and backing vocals brought Jim to a place I’d never seen him before.  All I can say is he shone and captivated the room. Just when we thought that the magic was over, on comes effervescent Sarah Harmer to send us just a bit higher.  Joey and a revolving mix of background players kept adding their sensitive touches to her vocal stylings to the point where I’m not sure who was enjoying it more, Sarah and her band or us.  Jenny … looking more motherly all the time joined Sarah for a couple of closing requests that seemed to put the closing touch to a magical day, made only more so by the drive home to the light of the big bright full Blue Moon of a dawning Canada Day ….  Thanks Jenny and friends for reminding us all what great community, whether musical or home, can do.  Sweet Magic.  You never know when more magic will hit.  See you at Bluesfest and remember to do your bit to support Perth’s own wonderful 17th Annual Stewart Park Festival – July 20, 21, 22 - by volunteering, donating generously and buying this year’s great new compilation cd.  Help keep our own bit of magic … Stewart Park Festival free.

 

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