Hi Folks
After a Covid-enforced “grounding” of 19 months we managed to persuade the powers that be in HSC to re-open … for fun!
SO our first event was December 3rd with Just Duets (Dave Lidstone and Andres Smith) plus the renowned Brian Robertson and Master Fiddler, Michael Burnyeat …. see “2-Minute-Tasters”
Historical note: here is a glimpse of “Folk Music in the Garden” … May 2020 … brrrr …. GLAD TO BE BACK !
Sorry if this is stating the obvious but we (Motto: “We never close”) need to suspend everyone’s enjoyment in the interests of everyone. Sad, but the only responsible thing to do.
BUT we musicians are planning to get together over the internet (using ‘Zoom’) to practise and share tunes … so watch for smaller videos from individual performers in the near future
March started for Folk Music at the Beach with a loud roar – from the Hollyburn House Band, The Irish Wakers, and Tim Readman! All to open the month of St. Patrick in fine style. We just made it under the wire – beating the clamp-down on social gatherings by just a few days (HSC’s Paddy’s Day party was cancelled a week later due to the corona virus threat.) Take a look at the “2-Minute-Taster” for some of the fine fiddling and singing that were enjoyed by all.
February saw the return to Folk-Music-At-The-Beach of Joe Charron (ably assisted by Stu MacDonald, Don Fraser and Michael Burnyeat) plus the talented songwriter, Chris Ronald. High quality music and high energy performances made sure the winter-blahs were a long distance from the sailing club!
January 2020 began early for Folk Music at the Beach – and the new decade brought a new artist to our club: singer-songwriter Karen Fowlie. Karen’s excellent voice was suitably backed by base guitarist Terri Breeze. And a huge plus for the night was the return of Soda Crackers with Sue Malcolm, Stu MacDonald and Don. Erik Molby delighted the audience at the Open-Mic session and the Hollyburn House Band set the tone with a wide ranging intro of super tunes.
They could have been billed “Duet-a-Tete” but Lynn McGown and Michael Pratt sparkled as a twosome – minus “injured” Vanessa and Brian who make up the Quartete-a-Tete – PLUS ..
…. Chris Ronald made his debut and wowed us with his songs spanning his experiences from London to the west coast of BC. (And the irrepressible Michael Burnyeat joined for a few.) Triffic night!
And Gary Poole had another DUO … with Kevin on (an excellent) guitar!
November brought in an unusually kind wind – in the shape of 2 groups – Illiteratty (Natalie Philp, Earle Peach and crew) and Lyndsay Wills with her ‘No Frills String Band’. We had 90 people in the clubhouse (OK … 25 musicians and volunteers) and, even after scrambling for chairs in the Training Room, it was standing room only.
The Scottish Celtic-Rock band ‘Skerryvore’ (Gaelic for large island) played at Centennial theatre (North Van) on October 5th. I was asked to make a video of their music and the dancing of the girls from Glengarry Dancers …. and how enjoyable that project turned out to be. will post the link to the 5-minute clip when the group’s management gives the OK. Slante, Neil.
Little Mountain Trio (Dave Lidstone and friends Kitty King and Rob Roy McGregor) featured in our pre-Thanksgiving Friday. Sweetening up the audience beforehand was the foursome Plumb Jam’ – well named for their delightful blend of harp, fiddle, guitar and bodhron.
The ‘2-Minute-Taster’ is well worth a listen!
September brought back Fraser Union (Barry Truter and Friends) and introduced a new girl – Samantha Hooey …. a night full of talent and quality musicians … and the “Indian summer” weather – perfect.