a"MUSE"ments: Royal Tour - from Peterborough to Halifax

Forever and Ever - Royal Wood

With a little tongue in cheek I speak about the Royal Tour to Halifax and not the royals living in a castle who also happened to visit. Less than a week ago, the Prince of Wales (Charles) and his wife did indeed leave the stone castle to take on a whirlwind visit to Canada and one stop was spending the day in this city. In three different locations in my neighbourhood I could have hob-nobbed with the blue bloods. But didn't. Leave the front row for the real keeners :)

Instead I rubbed shoulders with another Royal. Royal Wood! and Peter Katz!

I bought my ticket for this event back in mid-March when they first went on sale. From that moment one, I wasn't sure if I would make it. After the purchase that I realized the date and became concerned that it would coincide with the annual Blue Rodeo concert I attend in Ontario at that time. But dates for Blue Rodeo hadn't been released so I hung onto the ticket and waited. I was thrilled to learn that Blue Rodeo was pushed back and so I was good to go to attend both.

The real panic set in on Thursday of this week. I wasn't worried about the tickets because I knew exactly where I put them for safe-keeping. Or so I thought...lol! I looked a bit that day and just frustrated myself. I cleared the calendar for Friday and declared it "Look for Royal Tickets" day. I nearly tore this place apart and cursed myself to the depths of hell but in the last place I looked, there they were. Sigh of relief, followed by a celebratory beverage.

The day of the concert we had a really early "supper" so that we could be in line for the general admission show first. For a full hour and a half I played doorman at St. Matthew's Church for the staff entering. This marked two auspicious occasions, firstly the first time I lined up to enter a church and secondly entering that place willingly...except for weddings and funerals. Both of which left me feeling empty in one way or another.

Early fans - photo credit Radio 96.5 Halifax

We weren't in that line up 10 minutes before we were joined by another party of enthusiasts. And my favourite local radio station joined the party and added some music. Radio 96.5, plays the music I want to hear, except they could play more Blue Rodeo and add the Devin Cuddy Band...hint hint. When you are waiting for an event to start, time seems to pass very quickly because you all have one similar interest and therefore a topic of conversation. I was initially more concerned with the layout of the church so I would know which way to go to get my coveted front row seat. An early glimpse of the artists as they passed by was a bonus. The handsome gentleman who helped assure my prime viewing spot was also a pleasure.

We were a large group, so it was pretty tough to get past us to the front row. Middle centre at a concert can often offer a better acoustic experience. But I don't go to concerts for the sound, I go for the band. The closer the better because I feel more like I am a part of an intimate show...and sometimes there is dancing below the stage. We just got our seats when nature began to call. A few of us headed for the nearest washroom to the side of the stage. In my defence, I hadn't been in this tabernacle before and didn't know we were encroaching on the staging area for the musicians. So another unexpected chance to mingle with the magic of musical talent, and reminding Peter Katz to put on shoes before the show. It seems he hadn't "dressed up" yet. :) But all too quickly, "some guy" comes along and boots us out. All good, churches are a bit of a foreign land to me lately.

And then it began. Peter Katz had his shoes one, his plaid shirt was tucked in and he wore a bellboy-style suit jacket, (sorry couldn't resist). Actually the style of clothing fit very well with the style of music. From the first notes of Days and Nights, I was entranced. His voice was a pleasure to the ears and beyond the melody and the music the words hit me. In fact it was in these early notes that I began to rummage for paper and pen feeling my hearts insistence that I relate my experience. It was simply too good not to share. And it got better as the evening wore on.

Peter and Royal photo credit Radio 96.5 Halifax

Peter had an easy rapport and made a quick connection with his audience. I love hearing the relationship of the song to the creator, it gives the song more depth. And I gotta say that as amateurs we did a pretty good job when we helped him sing. We even got a preview of the main star when Royal came out for the "Brothers" duet. In keeping with the theme of getting better as the night progressed I was completely blown away by the final song that Peter Katz did in his set. It was Oliver's Tune. I've put a link to this song in the credits and I encourage you to check it out. There is a commentary regarding the origins of the song before hand. Oliver was a Canadian violinist who passed away prematurely of cancer, the song is penned in his memory. Let these simple words strung together like an orchestra sink in for a moment "I was never wrong doing what I was doing all along". This mantra would serve many well, especially those suffering. It's an awesome tune.

A quick adjustment of the stage and last minute instrument check by the roadies, heightened the anticipation that royalty would soon be among us. There is a comfort and confidence that emanates from this man as he walks on stage. But there is also the feeling that your best friend has just entered the house, you can hardly wait to hear the news he has come to share. After a simple greeting to the audience his voice finds its natural strength and beauty in song. It was honestly surprising to hear the richness of voice coming from such a slight man. It seemed to come from the very depths of his soul. He has a passion that he shares easily with the listener.

Royal Wood photo credit Radio 96.5 Halifax

Royal Wood is always aware that he is playing to an audience and engages them in song and conversation. And I for one became a part of the show when Royal began coaching the audience on singing along with him on his hit Forever and Ever. Our part was easy "Hey Hey Hey" three times followed by "Forever and ever and ever". I had been taking notes throughout the concert and was doing so during the lesson. And then I am being called out by the teacher :) The words were simple and I shouldn't have to write down the lyrics to remember them, he said with a chuckle. And then he comically back-pedalled when he thought aloud that he may have just screwed himself if I was a reviewer. What could I possibly say that was bad about this event...except that the pews, even covered with padding were hard? That's just a cornucopia of honesty :)

Music is about a connection. Between the singer and their songs and the listener. Sometimes I feel that connection very strongly, deeply and passionately. Not in the stalker "I want to be the most important person in your life" way but as an admirer of talent and grateful for the response the music allows in me. When Royal was talking about his admiration of Halifax, he said that if was to leave his home for another it would be here. I get that, because I did exactly that! Except for me the guiding force in my life is less girls and beer and more guys and beer :) When he spoke about staying in a little cottage in Ireland away from the trappings of modern society and wandering the streets in contemplation, I almost felt like I was there too. I would love the opportunity some day to do the same.

Both Peter Katz and Royal Wood made an effort to engage the city in the show. They each had a local guest vocalist join them on stage. In the case of Peter it was Kim Harris and Royal brought up Rose Cousins for some added vocals. It was a real treat when Samba Nova was invited on stage to accompany the Royal Wood band for I'll Be Gone. Samba Nova is a local percussion group who happened to be rehearsing when Royal arrived at the venue for a sound check. A collaboration was born that worked brilliantly. What a treat!

The paid for portion of the show was concluded by a fabulous encore which included Royal and Peter joining on stage to play with Betsy. Betsy being Royal's ukulele. They did Irish Road acoustically and is was amazing. Amazing show overall, kudos to the crew and the band.

There was an added bonus for everyone who attended and that was a personal meet and greet with both artists at the Merch table. Despite the long line, there was no complaints of hand cramps from signing every piece of sold or brought memorabilia. I made my contribution and even had the playlist I snagged from the floor in front of me signed.

When the last CD was signed our hearts began to beat a little faster in anticipation of the next treat for us. A photo op. The group shot with Royal. The group shot with Royal and Peter. I can hardly wait to see the pictures. An awesome memory captured forever and ever.

If you get a chance to see either of these two artists don't make the mistake and pass it up. They are amazingly talented! Listen to their music. Buy their music.