Summer Concert Series
June 22
By Melissa Howard
Summer may have officially begun on the 21st but it was kicked off in Waterford on Thursday night with the commencement of the 6th season of the Old Town Hall Summer Lawn Concert Series! Folks flocked to the hall, blankets and folding chairs in hand, to hear some great local music and they were not disappointed.
The Haldimand-Norfolk County Band started things off with 'Concert in the Park', a fitting tune for the occasion. Their big band sound got toes tapping with old time favourites and a medley from 'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat'.
Next up was Simcoe native John McIntosh. Though he now resides in Hamilton, McIntosh made the jaunt out to Waterford to play his own brand of feel-good folk-rock for the crowd. He also played a tribute to The Carpenters, sharing his memories of watching their variety show as a child.
Closing this week's concert was perennial favourite and series coordinator Kim Berry. Along with her band The Lost Hobos, which features Doug Moverly on bass, Ronnie Marr on electric guitar and new addition Jim Elve on accordion, Kim sang some good old country tunes, including covers by Merle Haggard and Bonnie Raitt. Features by Ronnie Marr and Jim Elve were greeted with warm audience approval and the set was closed with an original song about the Old Town Hall's gleaming renovation. Lost Hobos founding member Cliff Lawrance had a prior engagement; his mandolin virtuosity was missed by the band's many dedicated fans.
Also sharing their artistic gifts were Deb Simon, a Waterford potter who displayed beautiful work, and Gail Mottashed who tempted everyone with her chocolate confections. Each woman graciously donated a sample of their work to be raffled, as did LA Music in Brantford, who donated a collection of small instruments.
By Melissa Howard
The forecast was country with periods of rock and roll this week as four talented singers took the stage. First on the bill was Waterford local Derek Waite. Beginning his set with a popular Blue Rodeo song, Waite went on to sing a slew of country tunes, including a favourite by Alan Jackson and a catchy original, 'Absence Makes The Heart Grow Stronger'.
Next on stage was guitarist and yodeller extraordinare, Ed Proctor accompanied by upright bassist Terry Smith. A regular at the Old Town Hall concerts, Proctor played classic country songs in grand old style. As Ed yodelled his heart out the crowd was practically transported to the wild western plains.
The audience was then treated to a set by local legend Rockin' Bobby Harris. True to his name Bobby rocked the crowd with an electric mix of rock and roll hits. Along with Doug Moverly on bass, Cliff Lawrence on electric guitar and a special appearance by concert MC Kim Berry on vocals, Harris proved that rock and roll will never go out of style and neither will he.
During a break in the programming, five-year old Riley gave an impromptu performance of Elvis Presley's 'You Ain't Nothing But A Hound Dog', lending the crowd a special and entertaining insight on who might be playing on the Old Town Hall stage in later years.
Finishing off the night was Waterford's Tom Swiech, with an array of home-spun country tunes. While introducing an original, Tom joked that, for the sake of artistic licence, he had moved from county road six to three as it was easier to rhyme with. After several honest rural tunes, Tom ended with 'Roadkill Stew', a hilarious ode to a grandmother's cooking.
The artist's this week were Joanne Vegso, who displayed her beautiful watercolours, and Dean and Kathy Wardell, who displayed their vibrant glass work. The raffle included a reproduction by Vegso, an original dish and necklace by the Wardell's and a box of chocolate-covered strawberries by Gail Mottashed.
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July 6
By Melissa Howard
The sun was shining, the air was balmy and the performers were pleased to be playing to a crowded lawn this Thursday at the third concert in the summer series. Joining us all the way from Thorold was Rob Thorpe, an introspective folk singer and guitarist. After starting with Jonathan Edwards' beautiful 'Moon on the Sea', Thorpe invited to the stage Kelly Blair on mandolin and Ruth Henderson on guitar. With pleasing harmonies, the trio sang a few moving originals and ended with a Lyle Lovett favourite.
Next on stage was Selkirk group Autumn Road. As many of you may know this is my band so I'll try to stay light on the glowing adjectives. With my sister, Danielle Howard on bass and myself, Melissa Howard on guitar, Autumn Road began with a summer-y Jann Arden tune. After a few covers from U2 and Bonnie Raitt, we played some newer originals including 'You Have Me', which those of you who attended might remember was once nameless, and 'Runaway', my attempt at an oldies-tinged road song.
Closing the show were Town Hall regulars, Ezeduzit. Consisting of Jim Hodges on mandolin and sometimes guitar, Stuart McPhail on guitar and sometimes banjo, and Jeremiah Budnark McCaw steadily on bass, the band played a variety of music from folk to bluegrass to country. Listening to their melodic three-part harmonies on 'Wild Rose of the Mountain' and 'Way Downtown' nearly transported you to a Southern porch swing, with a glass of lemonade in your hand.
The artist's were Michelle Jeffries, who displayed her captivating acrylic paintings, and Jim Jackson, who showed his precise wood carvings and beautiful air brush paintings. Each artist donated a piece of their fantastic work and Gail Mottashed again gave a box of her truffles to be raffled.
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July 13
By Melissa Howard
Word is out on the Old Town Hall concerts as this week brought out radio station CD 98.9, a reporter from the Port Dover Maple Leaf and a legion of locals to watch the show! And what a show it was. Beginning the entertainment was last minute addition, Diane Dowling from the Bridge School of Music. A seasoned teacher and classically trained pianist, Dowling regaled the crowd with her memories while playing a slew of instrumental pieces. From her keyboard came the twinkling sounds of a French 'Arabesque', some Chicago style blues, and a rousing rendition of Irving Berlin's 'There's No Business Like Show Business'.
Next came the father/daughter duo of Michael Hogg and Jocelyn Hawkins, soon to be Waterford residents. Hogg began the set with three tunes, ranging from cowboy life to gospel and blues, delivered in an earnest and pure style, while Hawkins closed with a lilting Spanish folk song and a powerful mountain song. The crowd will be pleased to soon be counting such great singers amongst their already talent-rich community.
Third on the stage was twenty-something Emma Lee Rose Hogg. Her progressive folk rock originals have been a favourite of the local crowds for years and tonight was no exception. Playing songs from her newest album 'Undressed' as well as previous releases, Hogg's melodic voice sounded wonderful on such tunes as 'A Dress That's Pink' and 'Everything I Need'.
Closing the show was Waterford resident Kathy Tyrell. With guitar in hand, Tyrell's powerful voice and equally powerful songs impressed the crowd with a mix of originals, such as 'Daydream' and a sweet tune about her husband, and covers, like her stirring versions of 'Desperado' and 'Night Rider's Lament'.
The artist this week was myself, Melissa Howard. I showed a collection of photographs with subjects encompassing nature and architecture. A photo was raffled at the end of the night along with a box of Gail Mottashed truffles, an Old Town Hall hat and a collection of Hobo Stew cd's.
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July 20
By Melissa Howard
It may have been raining outside but there were no damp spirits inside the Old Town Hall this Thursday! With the audience gathered in the foyer of the hall, Claire Senko began the program with her melodic pop music. On a small keyboard the singer/songwriter played a variety of her own visual songs and a beautiful cover of 'Leaving on a Jet Plane'. For a special treat, Senko invited three of her students from the OTH Kids theatre group to join her on 'It's A New Day', the finale song of the group's popular 'Once Upon A Circus' show.
Next was Waterford local and dedicated Old Town Hall supporter, Rodger Brunning. With an easy country rock voice, Brunning sang a selection of his own well-crafted songs as well as a rousing cover of 'Crazy Love'. He also played 'Canadian Born', a song he had the opportunity to record for CKBC with a group of his Brantford school students.
Ending the concert was an OTH favourite, Tom Jordan. With his usual wit and humour, Jordan entertained the crowd with a wide selection of Irish folk tunes, including his tear inducing version of 'Danny Boy' and the audience assisted 'No Nay Never'. Jordan also invited a few impromptu guests up to perform with him; singer Claire Senko, and bassist and OTH regular Jeremiah Budnark McCaw.
The artists this week were lamp worker and jewellery maker Carolyn Muir, who displayed her gorgeous glass jewellery, and Taras Lachowsky, who displayed his interesting black and white collage works. Each exhibitor donated a piece of their art to be raffled.
July 27
By Melissa Howard
Another warm Thursday night, another hot Old Town Hall concert! What better way to kill a couple of hours then listening to Adam Dugas play some songs from his debut cd 'The Best Way to Kill 46 Minutes'. The young multi-talented singer joked about the title of his album, saying the record was only 41 minutes long but he allowed time for a snack. He performed several songs from the cd including 'First Taste', 'For All My Life' and the acoustic track 'Dance'.
Next up was seasoned performer Duane Rutter. For the attentive crowd, Rutter displayed his adroit finger-picking style of country/folk. With a wonderfully rich vocal, he sang 'The Secret of the White Wedding Dress', 'Ride with the Devil' and 'Rachel Sings', a beautiful song which recently landed him a record deal. I'm sure everyone wishes him good luck on this new endeavour!
Next on stage was Cindy Dell and the Blue Rubies. With Dell on vocals and guitar, Jenn Ryckman on vocals, Mark Sinkowski of acoustic bass, and Johnny Frame on mandolin and guitar, the Rubies shared their unique home-spun blend of acoustic folk. Their catchy original songs, 'Come on Home' and 'Lucky Me' were hits with the crowd as was Sue Sweetman's song, written for the band by the talented local songstress.
Lastly, the Old Town Hall Choir, led by Heidi Bowman, filed onto the stage to sing some toe-tapping choral favourites. Altos, sopranos, tenors and baritones happily combined to sing a mixture of hymns and contemporary music including, 'What a Wonderful World' and canon 'Alleluia'.
The artist this week was Teresa Snively who shared her wonderful scented candles and homemade soaps. A candle was donated and raffled along with a lawn chair and Adam Dugas' cd.
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Summer Concert Series Continues
August 10
By Melissa Howard
It was a family affair this week at the Old Town Hall, beginning with artistic director Kim Berry's cousin, Dean Wardell. Guitar in hand and kazoo at the ready, Wardell favoured the crowd with a host of Canadian country classics such as Fred Eaglesmith's 'Sugarcane' and his own heartbreaker, 'Is My Babies Coming Home?'. Each song portrayed the down home quality that Wardell himself seems to possess.
Next on stage was husband and wife duo, Rob Green and Jennifer McMahon. Green displayed a variety of finger-picking and slap style guitar, McMahon tapped out a beat on her drum, and the two shared singing duty. Their vocals, his soft and sweet, hers haunting and strong, melded wonderfully as they sang a variety of earthy, introspective folk music.
Despite a late arrival in the band, All Day Breakfast was third on the bill. Consisting of David Wells on vocals and guitar, his son Matt Wells on guitar, and Colin Couch on wash tub bass, the band entertained the crowd with some catchy original folk tunes such as the media aware song 'Blondes in the Sun' and crowd favourite 'Up and Gone.' For a special finale, bassist Couch shared a poem he had found in a trucker's magazine while on his honeymoon in BC called 'Just Another Load.'
Last but certainly not least was Old Town Hall favourite, Donny Dunham. Waterford born and bred, Dunham has been playing all over Ontario for over fifty years now, delighting crowds with his trademark blend of good music and good jokes. Even with a broken guitar string and misbehaving drum machine, Dunham jumped easily from country to rock and roll to gospel, playing such hits as 'Just a Closer Walk', King of the Road' and Mountain of Love.'
The artists this week were the multi-talented Moses family. The Waterford family displayed phenomenal native bead, leather, wood and needle work as well as some beautiful basket weaving. The Moses family donated a bookmark, keychain and basket to the raffle. Other prizes included a cd package from the OTH and chocolates from Gail Mottashed.
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Click here to see this year's schedule of performers and artists.
Click here to see previous articles about this year's Summer Concerts.
August 3
By Melissa Howard
Bad luck abounded at Thursday night's concert, including pouring rain and a few cancellations, but good entertainment was still to be found inside the Old Town Hall. First to take the stage was Alfie Smith of Hamilton. With a bayou blues sound, Smith mesmerized the crowd with a combination of slide guitar and gritty, powerhouse vocals. This talented musician mixed originals like 'Soul of a Man' and 'Buckshot Blues' with a cover of Jimi Hendrix's 'Wind Cries', turning the Hall into an old fashioned revival meeting.
Next to grace the stage was storyteller Carol Steedman. Outfitted in her trademark story skirt, Steedman recited the true account of Joshua Sanderson, a labourer trapped in a well collapse for over four days. The tale of perseverance and courage no doubt inspired many. If you'd like to hear more tales from Carol, she and a few others appear at the Waterford Library on the first Saturday of each month.
Finally, filling in for the two absences, Kim Berry and the Lost Hobos took the stage for an extended set. Featuring Doug Moverly on bass, Cliff Lawrance on guitar and harmonica, Ronnie Marr on guitar, Jim Elve on accordion, and Berry on acoustic guitar and vocals, Kim and the Hobos can always be counted on to get the crowd going. With a slew of country hits such as 'Home Is Wherever You Are', 'Strong Enough to Bend', and 'Are You Gonna Be Ready?', a tune by local songwriter Sue Sweetman, the band closed the show with a well-blended, upbeat kick.
The artist this week was talented potter April Maxwell, displaying a beautiful selection of her work. Maxwell donated a lovely bowl to be raffled. Other items to be won included a lawn chair donated by Murray Real Estate, a box of chocolates from Gail Mottashed, and a CD package.