#66 - Places Dec.3rd/08

There are those places in each of our day-to-day lives that music seems an integral part of. Some public spaces like stores, malls, elevators, office waiting rooms, ice rinks each have their own subtle soundtracks that permeate our audio receptors to varying degrees of acceptance. Churches, depending on the denomination, have their own styles of music, varying from the grand pipe organs supported by large harmonious choirs, hymns led by piano accompaniment or country rooted gospel groups. As we spend more of our days on hold on the phone you’ll not.e attempts to utilize musical tracks to help keep us calm and wait patiently.
There are certain places I look forward to hearing their music. Our local Groundwaves store, for example, always seems to have music that pleases my musical tastes, as does O’reilly’s. I’ve filled this column in the past with my love of hearing music (sometime natural) in the warmer months at my camp. Cars, like the camp also seem to be a locale where I look forward to musical accompaniment, even more so because I can control what I’m listening to. I can dial in a preferred radio station, push in a cd or tape of my choosing, depending on the mood. Some can further define their aural accompaniment by turning on their satellite radio.
Rooms in our home pretty well all have some form of musical supplier. I can turn on a radio in the washroom, kitchen, most rooms, living room, rec room and even a stereo in the garage (no one ever said I was normal).
I raise all this about ‘places’ because I’ve realized smiles have taken over my face in a couple of locations recently where special moments of live music have caused memorable moments. Number one is definitely where I get spoiled every time we host a house concert and I’m able to enjoy stellar musicianship in my own living room with a house full of friends.
Just today I was reminded how the Atrium in Code’s Mill seems to be another of those special ‘places’. My parents live near Orillia, are in their 80’s and came for Thanksgiving. Generally they like to wander about beautiful town but a recent leg ailment kept my dad from doing this so they went to the Atrium, always a special ‘place’ for them to enjoy a coffee and some casual conversation. I joined them there shortly after their arrival and I found them grinning from ear to ear. It was Sunday afternoon and Clay Young on piano and a guest were playing. Dad had tears in his eyes as he attempted to describe their delight and giving thanks for being able to be in one of their favourite places and to have Clay providing live music as a bonus. That afternoon made Thanksgiving for my folks and I. Today as I was struggling to get into the Christmas shopping spirit I planned on strolling through the Atrium and came upon a wonderful choral experience. The Men of the Tay choir and a new choir, Women of the Tay were taking turns sharing their musical gifts of Christmas with myself and fellow shoppers. I’d like to congratulate Shelley McLaren for her leadership in developing these wonderful choirs that bring so much joy to their members, obvious by the harmonious exuberance and sweet smiles they’re so willing to share with the surrounding audience. Yes, the Atrium at Code’s Mill is one of those ‘places’ for me.
Last night another ‘place’ was rekindled. The Factory Grind hosted its first ‘Coffeehouse’ and a standing room only crowd was entertained by live music, poetry and storytelling. The presentations were as diverse as the age of the multi-generational performers. We were captivated by an ongoing stream of 15 minute sets offering a wide range. Country tunes, some with yodeling, some folk originals and covers as well as some good ol’ rock and roll were interspersed with a diverse mix of original poetry and some wonderful storytelling. This new opportunity to allow a place for people of all ages to expose their own or others material, to a welcoming audience in both musical or spoken word will start up again in January. Yes, yet another ‘place’ to enjoy.
Tis the season for Perth’s Annual Foodbank fundraiser, being held on Saturday December 20th at 7:30pm – Perth Legion. “The Night Before The Night Before” Fundraiser is again being hosted by Shelley Montreuil, lead singer of Tell Mama, who will be joined onstage by Prairie Oyster’s Keith Glass, the bands PUSH and Guthrie House. Comedian Deborah Kimmett will be the MC. Come on out with all your friends to help fill the Foodbank pantry.
Just a reminder to help support musicians by purchasing cd’s for your family and relatives this Christmas.
Support Live Music Everywhere