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11/05/2009: "It ain't chilly in my heart"
music: We Are the Same - The Tragically Hip
I haven't blogged for quite some time. And the odd thing is that I've have a bunch of stuff to reminisce about.
The Western Canadian Music Awards proved to be a great weekend, I had many delicious meals (complimentary), spent time with friends and family, met some wonderful folks, and the hotel water slide was wicked. In full disclosure I went 0-2 in the award department bringing my lifetime record to 0-3. Is there no justice in this world? I didn't think so. Actually, one of the awards (songwriter of the year) went to a friend Romi Mayes. Romi is hard working and dedicated to her craft. She is someone I admire, and who has created a life for herself. She's also super generous. Back in the day when I played the Winnipeg Fringe Festival, I had both of my guitars stolen following a show. Stuck. I casually knew Romi from the scene, and had the chance to have a beer with her on a perfect Corydon watching day in August. Not 20 minutes into our conversation she offered her guitar to me as long as I needed it. It may not seem much to anyone else, but I've never forgotten that act of kindness. It was a beautiful black Gretsch acoustic, warm tones and had been used by a bona-fide troubadour. So, when her name was called in September, no bad feelings. In the other category Pop recording of the year, if went to Marianas Trench. Them I will street fight. They have lent me nothing.
Then I headed to Ottawa for an Ontario Folk Festival conference. I was able to spend time with one of my oldest friends and eat my weight in East Indian Food (East India Company), went to my first Ottawa Senators game (Jersey, 7-1 Ottawa win, 2 shorty's, 1 hat trick, 3 fights, and free pizza for the arena), caught up with a neighbour from my childhood, and walked around the Parliament buildings. I am a self confessed political junkie, and walking the grounds gave me such a feeling of pride and happiness. It was cool that afternoon, but it wasn't chilly in my heart. If you haven't gone recently head to O-town and take it all in. The buildings are spectacular, gargoyles everywhere, and everything kept in mint shape. They are such a statement. I know that to many, all they see if crooks etc, which is true is places, but I tend to focus more on the principles behind the massive stone buildings and the jobs people have in them.
The conference was a delight as well. I have to say I'm lucky as shit to have Manitoba Music at my back. Our hometown organization is priceless. They open doors, provide unbiased feedback, and genuinely want you to succeed. The weekend consisted of a few showcases, where hotel rooms were booked on 2 floors and artists, organizations, labels etc, host concert from 11 pm - 5 am. It's an electric atmosphere and gives you the opportunity to seek out new music one room down the hall then multiplied by 40! I made some new friends from home and hopefully I'll be visiting some Ontario Folk Fests next summer, cross your fingers!
Throughout the month of October MTS tv in Manitoba was showing a concert we shot to benefit the West End Cultural Centre, and ho-shoot! it was fantastic. There was a crane and tons of HD cameras, I was so thankful to be apart of it and joining me on stage was uncle Patches, and my ever lovely, ever changing string quartet. If you can catch it, I recommend it money goes to the WECC, and their schweet new facility. Enjoy.
Lastly, I've been recording and writing new tunes, and have my hands full organizing Dec. The Hoe Hoe Hoe Holiday shows are approaching and we're heading to AB for a few days...full band. I will blog much as the new year draws near, stay tuned. Now go and hug someone and give the new Tragically Hip record a few spins. More alt-country than aggressive rock, and sooo awesome.