Blood pumping in 4/4 time at the Carleton in Halifax

Without Those Songs by The Script

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4NJpSfVcsU

I moved to the east coast in September of 2013. I knew nobody in the city and nobody knew me. That first month was tough but that's fodder for another story, by the time October hit I was ready to follow the mantra "Sea Scene and Be Seen". I wandered and explored and while listening to the waves crashing along the shore I read a wee story that changed my life. Halifax Pop Explosion was gonna be hitting the local stages. 

It just so happened that a little piece of what I left behind in Ontario was coming to save my musical soul in the form of the Devin Cuddy Band. I was beside myself with excitement and bought a ticket before I could consider the fear. It was not only going to be my first attendance at a music festival but also the first time I attended a show at the Carleton Music Bar and Grill. Truth be told, I was a novice at the whole going to a bar alone scene. 

That night was magical. PEI balladeer Al Tuck was the opening act. Jane's Party (which included some of the members of the Devin Cuddy Band) followed before the main stage presentation of the headlining band. I sat front and centre-stage, entranced and enthralled. I didn't feel like I was alone, but with friends. It helps that I am friendly with the band members of course :) 

I felt comfortable and welcomed. The atmosphere at the Carleton was typical bar except the people were there for the music and libations and not for the standard pick-ups - although it is certainly okay if that happens ;) During the artist performance a hush comes over the room, it's both requested and courteous, for everyone then gets a chance to hear and enjoy the music. Unless of course the music is of a style that the old windows threaten to rattle right out of their frames. Overall, I think the reverence gives the artist more of the ability to interact with the audience when they know that they have their attention and aren't competing with other conversations. 

That is one of the main reasons that I like the Carleton so much as a musical venue. When I pay to see an artist live, I want to hear them also...and not the drama at the table behind me. Respect the artist. Listen to the music. 





But there are other reasons I sing the praises of the Carleton. Things like Mike Campbell. Mike is the owner of the Carleton and he has the same taste in music as I have. Bonus! Mike is not a typical bar/restaurant owner, he was a former VJ (like a disc jockey for videos), and became well connected with many musicians. You might say music is in his blood too! I respect the fact that Mike seems to genuinely care not only about promoting the local music scene, and up and coming artists but also Canadian musicians from coast to coast. New artists or artists starting anew.

Finances are the only reason that I don't attend more shows at the Carleton - or anywhere else for that matter. Although to be fair, for an intimate and interactive (sometimes) show, the prices are quite reasonable. If I could, I know there is at least a show a week that I would like to go to. 

This isn't just the Mike Campbell party however. The Carleton has a great team working the front line. Scott, Stephanie and John all help keep the place hopping in their own way. And the artists who play - they keep me coming back time and again. 

from Nova Website. Taken from Citadel Hill looking
down over Brunswick Street and down Prince Street.
The Carleton is the yellow building centre left,
below the construction site.

But there is a crisis underfoot. As you and I struggle with the bottom line, so to does the Carleton. I won't get political and rant about how the current provincial government is driving away some of the desperately needed jobs in sectors like the film industry. I'll let you research that yourself if you are so inclined. The bigger problem for the Carleton is a project that may be a real boost to the bottom line...eventually. 

The construction of the Nova Centre was begun in August 2012. It is a massive project blocking a large section of parking and accessibility to businesses in the immediate area. The Carleton is in that area. Many business are suffering due to the lack of foot and vehicle traffic and potential patrons fume over the lack of parking. Many merchants joined forces as part of the Pylon Club to try and encourage people to jump over the pylons in the construction zone and "Come On In". But the struggle continues for all the area businesses.

from Nova website. Conceptual depiction of completed project

The Nova Centre (a world class convention and event centre) was slated for a completion date of November 2014 and occupancy beginning the following January (this month). But construction delays have pushed the dates forward a full year. Occupancy is now scheduled for January 2017. This translates to a huge financial hardship for the area businesses who may have made provisions for the closure but not the delays now forecast and not promised. 

And that is why, the Carleton has begun a crowd-funding campaign to try and keep the doors open and the amps plugged in. If you know me, you know that I am not a fan of crowd funding as a rule but I found an exception to this one and have pledged my support. Because from the day I first stepped into the Carleton for that magical musical experience I have never looked back and have continuously sung the praises of this most wonderful jewel in the heart of Halifax. I hope that you can and will do the same. 

Some of the performers I have been privileged to see at the Carleton.

The Devin Cuddy Band

Jane's Party

Al Tuck

The Skydiggers

Melanie Doane

Sean McCann

Joel Plaskett

Adam Baldwin

Ron Hawkins

Matt Mays

Neil Osborne (of 54-40)

Bryan Potvin (of The Northern Pikes)

Kevin Kane (of The Grapes of Wrath)

Grey Lands

Elliot Brood

Great Lakes Swimmers

...and many not listed and many more to come!

If you believe in music...

If you want to support local musicians...

If you value a live entertainment experience...

...Consider supporting on-line to the Carleton campaign but above all do yourself a favour and stop in at the Carleton and say hi to Mike and the staff and show your support by taking in a show and maybe a beverage and/or a bite.

Then stroll around the downtown core. Look up at the majesty of the Nova Centre and it grows and visit some of the other shops in the area. The Biscuit General Store is a unique shopping experience well worth your time. Argyle Street Street in general is a great place for a quick pub crawl, from the Carleton to the Foggy Goggle, to Durty Nelly's, The The Argyle and Grill and The Bitter End. Awesome!

Credit
The Carleton
http://www.thecarleton.ca/
The Devin Cuddy Band
http://www.devincuddy.com/
Al Tuck
http://altuckmusic.bandcamp.com/
Janes Party
http://www.janesparty.com/
Mike Campbell
http://www.thecarleton.ca/about-us/
Nova Centre
http://novacentre.ca/
Nova Centre Delays - Chronicle Herald - November 28, 2014
http://thechronicleherald.ca/business/1254169-taylor-nova-centre-delay-deja-vu-all-over-again
Patreon 
https://www.patreon.com/TheCarleton
The Skydiggers
http://skydiggers.com/
Melanie Doane
http://www.melaniedoane.com/
Sean McCann
http://www.seanmccannsings.com/
Joel Plaskett
http://joelplaskett.com/
Adam Baldwin
http://adambaldwin.ca/
Ron Hawkins
http://www.ronhawkins.com/
Matt Mays
http://www.mattmays.com/
Neil Osborne of 54-40
http://www.5440.com/
Bryan Potvin
http://www.bryanpotvin.com/
The Northern Pikes
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Northern_Pikes
Kevin Kane
http://www.kevinkanemusic.com/
The Grapes of Wrath
http://grapesofwrath.ca/
Grey Lands
http://music.cbc.ca/#!/artists/Grey-Lands
Elliot Brood
http://www.elliottbrood.com/
The Great Lakes Swimmers
http://www.greatlakeswimmers.com/
Biscuit General Store
http://www.biscuitgeneralstore.com/
Argyle Street
http://downtownhalifax.ca/news/argyle-street-looking-great-mingleonargyle
The Foggy Goggle
http://thefoggygoggle.ca/
Durty Nelly's
http://durtynellys.ca/
The Argyle Bar and Grill
http://theargyle.ca/
The Bitter End
http://www.bitterend.ca/home

Movers and Shakers!

No Regrets - Tom Cochrane

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gg8o6SfgCk0

The summer of 2015 will go down as the summer of movers and shakers. For me at least, because it seems that every other person I talk to is planning a move and before they go there is a lot of shaking going on! To be honest the shaking is probably the dust flying around upon being disturbed after so many years. I know you can all relate! :)

I moved two years ago now and always said I would write about the disaster that was that move, if only to warn people. It has been locked up (where it will continue to stay) until I feel strong enough to revisit that stressful period in my life. 

But once the moving part was settled, it was the best thing I could have done for myself - and yes, it was totally selfish. From that move came an awesome circle of friends and supporters that just seems to grow. Some say it is the nature of the east coast. Some say it's not a reality at all. I think maybe it might be the sea air and salt water! Really, I don't know because all of the good people don't have maritime blood in their veins but they do have hearts of gold.

Before I got here, one had left to go back to her home town of Boston and one had left my life but not my heart. Others I knew from years ago I have been able to reconnect with. And in this wonderful city I found other kindred spirits. One I said "farewell" to just last week.

Lake Baikal in Siberia - The deepest lake on earth

When I tell people she is moving to Siberia, nobody believes me. They make jokes like "nobody willingly goes to Siberia, they get sent there for punishment - what did she do wrong?" All I know is that she is following her love there and it is a question of work options and experience. The only thing that most people know about Siberia is that it is cold and big. I think that there are some people that think that is an accurate description of Canada as well. But first hand knowledge has taught me different - maybe her experiences there will teach me a little something about Siberia too. 

Before she left we got in as much friend time as we could and we made some fabulous memories and she left me with a broader circle of friends that I can also call my own. 

The cat doesn't understand why the hiding
places are disappearing

Her father and sister came to help her with this massive transition and to spend some extra time with her as well. Her father is European and spoke of when he made the move across the ocean to Canada and it got me to thinking about possessions. When the early immigrants crossed the Atlantic to land on the shores of this "new" country they barely had the clothes on their backs and maybe one suitcase. Everything was left behind but the basics and few mementos. It doesn't seem that there was the attachment to stuff that we have now. But is that a bad thing?

One day, the time comes for all (or most) of us to move. Even if it is just the transition from our childhood home to our own place, we have to pull our "stuff" out from the nooks and crannies where we stored it and box it up. We look at each piece and go through a gamut of emotions. A fond memory or a question of our sanity. We all have those things hidden away that we look at and go "what was I thinking when I decided to keep that". And then pretending to throw it out we toss it slyly into the box of treasures hoping that no one noticed. 

Unless you have done it yourself recently, you have no idea how much stuff can accumulate under our noses without our really paying much attention. The number of calculators, pens and tape dispensers that I came across when I packed is a classic example of how we consume and collect. You can't find tape, you buy a new one. Calculator doesn't work you buy a new one and forget to toss the broken one. It's not until you are forced to box up your life that you can take a good look at your life collection a piece at a time. Then you look back in wonder at how it all fit in that tiny space.

We are afraid to let go of friends, family, love and even stuff. The stuff is a tangible reminder of our life. When we move, we are leaving the familiar and comfortable. Our things are our safety link, they represent our sense of purpose and belonging. Our security blanket shrouding the unknown. 

It is exciting to move but it is also terrifying. New adventures and experiences lie ahead but our physical memories are left behind. The bite marks in the venetian blinds that we made as children only fit the window of my childhood home. Never again will I sit with my daughter under the tree we planted in her childhood home to commemorate her birth. Never again will I look fondly at the spot where my brother stood the last time he visited me before he died.

This is were cameras can play a crucial role. Sometimes taking a picture helps us to let go of stuff - although admittedly it is not always easy. I have tried to capture in still or moving pictures a record of the homes I have lived in. Caring for the collection of stuffed animals that my children amassed got to be too much (so we took pictures to serve as memory placeholders) and gave them away. And no I am not talking about Pink Panthers :)

Just for the record 4 large bins and 3 boxes of them and some left in storage. Don't judge me! lol!

Home - The Devin Cuddy Band

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_O76QFqcZ-g

As for the others that are moving. I have come to the decision that the home that I made for my children is being sold as the good memories have left the physical structure and remain with me and them. I am proud of what we accomplished in that modest home and if I could pick it up and move it far away from the pain that is there now I would. It's not the house, it's not the neighbours - it's the part of my life that was destroyed by those that remain nameless at my workplace.

A family member sold their home after years of saying they would, they finally took the plunge. I wonder if they will be judged as I was for having stuff? And although I haven't seen the new home it is my understanding that this move means some serious downsizing!

The mother of a friend is doing exactly what I did in reverse several years ago. She is leaving her family here and heading west. She'll be missed. She was a friend to me as well.

Miss You HM

Adding to the chaos and upheaval, the Siberia-bound friend is also selling her own childhood home with some family members. More nooks and crannies to peer into and memories to treasure. Another family will move in and find love in those walls.

One child moved to a new place a couple of months ago and the other child is soon moving to a new place. Ironically, neither moving too far from their previous address but a life change none-the-less. I wish for them that the year of Champagne Wishes carries on for a lifetime! 

As fall approaches I am sure that the upheaval will settle along with the dust and life will go on with some of us having a different view of the world. Good luck to all those in transition.

credit Where credit is due:

Siberia picture/wallpaper

http://1ms.net/lake-baikal-siberia-412962.html

So Much Music So Little Time - In The Dead of Winter Festival part 1

Hello Beautiful Life - The Skydiggers

In the Dead of Winter. 

It is my humble opinion that most people don't like winter because all they do is stand around and shiver. Maybe it was growing up in the nearly perma-frost city of Thunder Bay that did it, I don't know. But I can say that there are aspects of winter that I like. Snowball fights and lack of summer creepy crawlies being 2 of those things. 

Now there is a third thing I like about winter. That is the In The Dead Of Winter Festival (IDOW). Not only was this my first experience with this festival it was my first experience with any music festival. Yeah, I'm old...but better late than never, amiright? This particular festival celebrated it's 10th anniversary this year and boy was I glad I decided to be a part of it. 

This festival takes place in Halifax on the last weekend in January (the first weekend in February in Wakefield Quebec). It's not a big festival in that most of the venues are smaller in size but that is right up my alley. I go to concert not for the music but for the experience and the interaction of the musician with the audience. I like to be able to be close enough to see the fingers fly across the keyboard or make the tiny chord changes on the neck of a guitar. It's up close and personal and yes if at all possible I will be front and centre. Feel free to wear earplugs if you attend with me. If you want studio quality sound, stay home and buy Bose speakers. lol! 

I bought tickets for 4 events on the schedule. Some choices were based on band preferences but not all. If you bought tickets for one band you got 3 other bonus bands. Each act had about a 50 minute set, with the last headlining act taking a little more. Despite not knowing many of the bands previously, I chose not to YouTube the band before hand to get a feel for their style. I prefer to be surprised - and 99.9% of the time I am blown away. To be fair, some online videos are not of the greatest quality. 

My reviews are never based on the audience reaction, likes or dislikes of the band performance. I'm front and centre, it's rare that I look back to see if there is anyone behind me. Nor do I care. When the music starts, it's just me and the musicians - I'm entranced, nay hypnotized. All I can promise you is that if you like the style of music I write about you will probably like the artist. 

Thursday Night at the Bus Stop Theatre

This is a new venue for me, being on a well travelled commercial street, I didn't expect it to be a big place. I wasn't disappointed. We got there before the doors opened and tucked ourselves at a corner table where we could oversee the preparations but stay out of the way. The bartender washed the glasses to place near the water jug and sliced her lemons and limes before perching herself on the counter relaxing before the crowds arrived. Behind closed doors we could hear the tail end of the sound checks. 

Being second through the doors when they open give you a lot of options on seating choice. 7 giant "Mother May I" steps and we were at the front of the stage and there was our table. We sat across for each other and very quickly a single attendee (Darla) asked to join our table. The more the merrier, although it's unlikely that anyone would want to sit in the chair facing away from the stage. The object of Darla's musical passion was someone I was not familiar with but listening to her excitement for the performance and her willingness to attend alone spoke volumes to me. I once missed out on an awesome Meet and Greet opportunity because I was afraid to go alone. That'll never happen again!

First to take the stage was Alana Yorke. Alana is a singer-songwriter and musician that hails from Halifax. She has a clear voice that she uses to pull you into her stage-world. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire performance which was reminiscent of a 60's folk sound - but maybe the long locks flowing across the face as she played the keyboard that made me think of that...with a little Sarah McLachlan thrown in. In fact she treated us to a version of Sarah's Into The Fire that was as good as the original in a different way - more depth and body in the vocals. Like Red Red Wine, UB40 did it different than Neil Diamond and both were good despite their vast differences musically. Anthem can be found on Alana's debut release and is one of my favourite songs that she played. And for the record (if it matters to you) George Stromboulopoulos agrees as he premiered the song #1 on his Magnificent 7 list in November of 2014.

Well, if you thought you were gonna spend the rest of the night mellowing out with your glass of wine, forget it. Presenting Brinleigh! Gone was the electric guitar and in came a synthesizer. And if you were watching closely you may have noticed that the drummer from the previous act stepped up to take control of that synth - Sean MacGillivray wearing several hats. With the first notes my initial thought was a cross between Phoebe and Ross (from the Friends TV show). They had my attention! It was musically haunting and a little dark, but absolutely adorable when between songs Brinleigh paused to apologize to her mom in the audience for using an expletive in the previous song. I was really taken by the banter between songs which was almost apologetic. "Haunt Me is about missing a ghost, which is really weird." Perhaps the concept is but the song was great! 

Greg MacPherson is the artist our table-mate had come to see specifically, he was born in Sydney NS but makes his home in Winnipeg. Greg started his set by commending MacLeans magazine for an article that was published highlighting the maltreatment of Native Americans in the Winnipeg community, particularly the case of missing and murdered aboriginal women like Tina Fontaine. Greg had passion and gave us a good helping of it with his animated on-stage presence. The energy was infectious. I just couldn't get the phrase "like Neil Young on steroids" out of my head. Until that is, Greg sang "Some of us ain't got nobody and some of us don't see how much we have". Powerful!

I love the Skydiggers, one of the most under-rated bands in Canada. For that reason alone they are in good company for sure. I am continually blown away by the people I come across who don't know the Skydiggers. This band has been on the Canadian music scene for more than 20 years and almost everyone knows their song "I Will Give You Everything" when they hear it but don't make the artist connection. So I have been doing my part to educate the masses. I am thrilled when I can add another fan to the Skydigger family. Yeah Debra! 
For this performance, there was only Andy Maize and Josh Finlayson on stage - a more unplugged-type performance. And never were truer words spoken when after the first verse of Hello Beautiful Life Joshs' guitar went silent. The sound tech tried to fix the problem from the control board and when that didn't work, headed to the stage to fiddle with the wires. But by then, the duo had begun a true acoustic song. The interruption didn't even phase them, that song over they picked up on the previous song in second verse. Professional and seasoned performers!
There are a lot of musicians who can be quite animated on stage but I don't think that there is anyone quite like Andy Maize. He ripped a page out of the Chubby Checker performance book and turned it up a notch. With no guitar to hide behind or wires holding him still, that man does a twist that has his whole body in motion. He looks like he is enjoying himself...how can you not enjoy it too? 

Friday Night at the Company House

Home - The Devin Cuddy Band

The Company House is right across the street from the Bus Stop Theatre and although the bar is bigger the seating area is not. I love this place for its intimacy and friendly bar staff. The story behind the naming of the CoHo is as interesting as the venue itself.

Pat LePoidevin is one of the most unique performers I have ever encountered. Right from the moment he stepped on stage and took off his shoes, you knew it was going to be something different. Pat is a Canadian soul who can call all corners of the country his home, born in BC but having lived on both coasts and the far north of Yukon among other locales. His lyrics have that down home feel that celebrate this great country and his voice is strong and powerful enough to be heard coast to coast. With his clever use of the loop pedal, you quickly get the feel that there is more than just one man on stage giving his calves a work out as he reaches just a little higher by getting on his tippie-toes. Up and down repeatedly...no wonder he takes his shoes off...he puts whole body into his music. I was actually watching his gymnastics on stage when I noticed he almost lassoed his beer - I was poised to jump up and save it, lol. No beer was spilled in course of this musical set. Pat used some serious creativity when he turned the ukulele strings toward his mouth and sing into it and recorded it using the loop pedal to accompany himself during his song You Know Your War. What a unique sound and technique to match the powerful lyrics of this song!  

Rube and Rake. With a name like that you know it's gonna be different. I don't know which one is Rube and which one is Rake, but I do know that Andrew played the acoustic guitar and a young Alan Alda (Josh) played the banjo. Guess I dated myself a bit when I told him that right down to the headgear he reminded me of Alda as a young surgeon in the M*A*S*H* tv show. He had to Google who it was. Damn I'm old, lol! He related a little more when the younger audience members brought up the Jake Gyllenhaal resemblance. 
This duo that call St. John's Newfoundland their home play a mellow, down home music that has the feel of traditional folk. Despite different instruments their sound is like one. Despite different people, their voice is like one. A Simon and Garfunkel only more pure. The sum of both parts equals magic. 

I am haunted by the music of Rachel Ries - in a good way. Rachel has a strong, clear voice that invites you into her world. Hailing from a Mennonite community, she joked that not only her dress but her stockings were not appreciated when she visited her family. She may have left the lifestyle but the lifestyle didn't leave her. Many of her songs have a depth that can come from the simple farming and religious creed. Her stage presence and comedic flair really make the show an enjoyable venture. Alternating between the keyboard and guitar she filled the venue with clear and poignant vocals and strong musical accompaniment. I can't even imagine the depth with her whole band behind her. In her words "Am I lost if it's where I choose to be?"

The main event tonight is a band I do my best to promote. I have been following them since their first full length release. I have written about them before and it's always a glowing review. They are The Devin Cuddy Band. They are amazing. You mention the band and the first thing that is asked is about the connection with Jim Cuddy of Blue Rodeo fame. Yes father and son, but the music is his own. As much as Devin looks much like Jim when he was a young man, the musical diversity is comparable. Don't go expecting to hear the Blue Rodeo sound or Blue Rodeo covers. The talent seeping out of the fingers of these 4 young men is mind-blowing and they aren't all related to famous musicians. They do it their way and it's a good thing. 
The most common response I hear from people that I have introduced to this band is surprise that they aren't more well known. The best I can suggest is that this band is not a Top 40/follow the trends kind of band. Radio play can do a lot for a musical career. Lord knows I have tried to get the local station CKUL 96.5 to add the Devin Cuddy Band to their rotation. With a tag line of singers and their songwriters it seems like a logical fit to me. Meanwhile one friend at a time is better than nothing. So share with someone you love and tell me I'm wrong. 
A review by Exclaim suggested that the band started off slow and weak with a tired performance. Having seen Devin on his home turf, I can sure see the fatigue in his eyes but when he sweeps his hair back at the end of the song and thanks the audience his eyes light up as bright as his smile. I sense the energy in that and feel the passion. And its not just Devin, it the whole band. With no set list to follow, the song choice is decided on the fly and every song is flawless. No one that I have ever seen on stage rivals the expressiveness of Zach Sutton on drums. What a treat to watch! One of my favourite songs is Dancin' which was not played this night but I find that it is an excellent showcase of the talents of the musicians collectively and individually. From Devin Richardsons' calm demeanour as he puts the Midas touch on the bass strings and adds depth to the vocals, to the magic that Nichol Robertson effortlessly coaxes from the electric guitar. 
There is a difference between playing an instrument and bringing an instrument to life. To play like that's all you were ever meant to do. When you play to the audience that has just been listening to an evening of calming folk-ish style music, you don't come in stomping and banging away...you ease into it and showcase your broad spectrum of musical styles. At least that's my opinion. 

Part 2 includes more reviews and lots of pictures. 

In The Dead of Winter Festival
http://www.inthedeadofwinter.com/
The Bus Stop Theatre
http://www.thebusstoptheatre.org/
Alana Yorke
http://www.alanayorke.com/
Brinleigh
http://www.brinleigh.com/
Greg MacPherson
http://gregmacpherson.com/
Macleans Magazine - Tina Fontaine
http://www.macleans.ca/news/canada/welcome-to-winnipeg-where-canadas-racism-problem-is-at-its-worst/
The Skydiggers
http://www.skydiggers.com/
The Company House
http://www.thecompanyhouse.ca/
Pat LePoidevin
http://www.patlepoidevin.com/default.asp?mn=1.2
Rube and Rake
http://www.rubeandrake.com/
Rachel Ries
http://rachelries.com/home
The Devin Cuddy Band
http://www.devincuddy.com/
Blue Rodeo
http://www.bluerodeo.com/
Exclaim.ca Music
http://exclaim.ca/Music/article/devin_cuddy_band-company_house_halifax_ns_january_23

Cuddy Sandwich - a Halifax delicacy!

Home - The Devin Cuddy Band

The highly anticipated return of the Devin Cuddy Band to the east coast this past week was worth the anxiety and the wait. You know you are real excited for an event when you start scheduling your other activities around it - just to make sure that nothing can stand in your way.

And that was me with this particular show. I knew that a CD release was coming and hence a tour - I really wanted to be part of the release party that was held at the Horseshoe in Toronto. Logistically that was not plausible so I had to patiently wait my turn. I thought I might wait and buy my CD at the show but I wasn't that patient :) I was hearing snippets of songs and just couldn't stand it any longer. Great investment however you come to possess it though.

My enthusiasm spilled into my social circle and I began to form a little group of people who would join me to experience the talent that is the Devin Cuddy Band. One friends' childcare fell through at the last minute so she brought her kids to the bar so she could meet the band and try and get some sense of why I raved about this music so much. I think she gets it :) The others - if they didn't come they supported the band anyways. 

The anticipation for the evening started very early. I couldn't shake this feeling that this night was gonna be like no other. There wasn't a crowd to fight through but I walked to the Carleton Music Bar like I was late and my feet were on fire. I had to get the perfect seat. In fact I tried out 3 different tables before I finally settled on the one next to the stage with a 180 view of everything going on - I was in for a long wait and watching the comings and goings in a bar is a bit like reality TV. 

The Carleton Music Bar is one of my very favourite venues in this city. It is small enough to be personal and despite being a bar - the stipulation is that when an artist is on stage, they are to be respected and talking is whispered at best. It's a historic place that has hosted many fine musicians and is ranked as the oldest still standing building in Halifax (aside from a few really well built churches). Built in 1760 this former private home, then hotel and now apartments and bar is 254 years old!  

We were deep in conversation about this and that when I looked up to see an unassuming young man carrying equipment. Walking with a purpose, locks of wavy hair poking out from beneath the ball cap - I knew it had to be Devin, himself. Later my table mates told me that they didn't know who's face lite up brighter when they walked into the bar - mine, Devin's or Zach's but it was like a reunion of old friends. Yeah I get it - I am really old lol! 

Honestly, that is what it feels like to see these talented young men. Like an old friend that you admire and respect. There is so much talent on that little stage the four young men fill up with their gear! I did allow them to unburden themselves of the equipment before I enveloped Devin and Zach in a hug. Long-awaited and much-anticipated reunion for sure. When your friends from away come to visit, there is an excitement and pride that swells you heart and has you beaming.

One of the last items to be brought into the bar was deposited on my table. It was a poster that ironically Devin had in his possession for longer than I did. In the words of one Jim Cuddy "It was hanging around the house forever". "IT" was a poster in a cardboard tube.

Debra and her prized possession at the Cameron
House in Toronto :)

The Poster was the limited edition Molson Amphitheatre poster. My best Blue Rodeo buddy/friend Debra had bought it for me to cheer me up after a very stressful time in my life. I told Devin about it when I saw him opening for Blue Rodeo in January 2014. I expressed the desire of having his band and Blue Rodeo sign it for me. He couldn't get it done that night and the two bands were parting to do some solo shows, but he said that if I could get it to Toronto - he would get it signed. A lot of people came together to help make it happen, including the transportation to Toronto, then to the Cameron House and into Devins' hands including my son who was instrumental in making it happen. When it started coming together, I told Debra of the plan that was brewing. She got her poster to my boy and these paper treasures got to the Cameron House safely. 

Me and my prize! At the Carleton Music
Bar and Grill in Halifax. :)

We figured that the show in Ontario that had Devin Cuddy Band opening for Blue Rodeo and that both Debra and I had intended on being at would be a good time line to get them back. But poor Devin had had surgery on his wrist the day before the show and was somewhat affected by the medication lol. Not getting the posters was fine for I will never forget the puppy dog eyes when he said to me, "Liz I effed up." You just can't make memories like that up. God bless his heart for worrying about me. My uppermost concern was the wrist he had broken playing hockey. He looked so lost on the stage that night not sitting at his NoNo piano. 

After all that and the journey that poster travelled, it was all the better when Devin himself put in my hands on this night. I immediately pulled it out and had some pics taken as the boys were behind me setting up their equipment. Debra picked hers up at the Cameron House the night before - and she was beaming. It was so worth it and we have an amazing story to tell of it's journey. Icing on the cake...they are personally addressed!  


The equipment got set up, Zach assembled his drums. After a 20 hour drive, there were no roadies to help tune the guitars and lug those amps. Once the sound-check was completed - man they can set that gear up fast - we had a chance for a chat. A very dear friend was very excited to meet and hear the band that I had ranted and raved about for so long. When her childcare fell through she came with the rugrats and the most she heard was the sound check. But even if just for that to hear the magical fingers of Nichol Robertson on the electric guitar. What a treat, he is so talented. Not a real song in its entirety but the whole band got a chance to prove to her that they were more than just pretty and friendly faces. For the record, meeting Devin was the highlight the young girls life - after a Disney Cruise. We love you Devin but you aren't a princess :) 

Work done, it was time for the boys to have some space and time to eat and relax a bit before the show. In their absence Dave Borins took the stage. Not even 10 years in the business, Dave is a professional and consummate guitarist and songwriter with a comedic flair. I would strongly suggest that you give him a listen if he is in your neighbourhood or at least check out Dave Borins Sound Cloud account. Normally with a band behind him, we enjoyed the solo acoustic version of his music. I was impressed. It was a bit like two shows for the price of one, for in between tunes (and tuning) we got some comedy relief along with the back story behind the man and song. Hailing from Toronto, it's not hard to find him playing the music scene there.

Keep It To Yourself - Devin Cuddy Band

With that, Devin Cuddy, Nichol Robertson, Devon Richardson and Zach Sutton were back in the house and ready to make some beautiful noise. They started the first set off right with "She Ain't Crying Over Me". Never a set list, the bandmates decide on the fly what song is going to be played. A couple of notes or chords on the piano from Devin and everyone knows what to play. That's talent in itself. Making it look easy as Devon Richardson on the bass does is genius. His long and slender fingers pluck at those heavy strings like they are flimsy thread. I'm reminded of walking ones fingers along the desk at school when we were bored. Stop for a moment and try that again right now. Got it? Okay now go backwards? Now try a vertical climb? Suddenly my fake legs are disabled and I can appreciate even more how hard it is to play bass and how effortless Devon makes it look. Vocally he has perfect harmony with Devin. It's a melodic treat for the ears. 

Nichol Robertson is someone who I think is talented beyond his years. Nichol lets his fingers sing on the electric and acoustic guitars. And he does it with style and flair. You get a sense of the passion for the craft that he has with an underlying intensity that demands perfection from himself. He touches that guitar and I know I'm in for a real treat. I am grateful that there is often at least a little Nichol showcase in each song. As someone who has tried and failed to play the guitar - I appreciate the talent and ability that Nichol so easily demonstrates. Love to watch him play!

Zach Sutton - the very name makes me smile. He has the kindest heart and sweetest soul in someone so young. He is the drummer for the group and grabbed my attention from the first moment I saw him perform on stage. I had never seen anything like him. His style was like no other...except for maybe Animal from the Muppets show. For that was the image that came to my mind as I watched Zach that first time. Unlike Animal, Zach did not his head on the snare too many times but rather it is the expressive intensity that kindles the similarity notion. Watching Zach play is like watching a show on TV, you can't look away because you will miss one of those endearing expressions on his face. Either that or he is eating one of his drumsticks lol. I think I saw tooth marks in the drum stick he gave me :) 

But just for fun - if Zach is Animal then Devin is Fozzie Bear. Cute and cuddly, his hair flops around and over his eyes like Fozzie ears. But the similarities stop there for Devin is tall and lanky. His eyes tell you that he has deep passion for music, (well when you can see his eyes lol) and there is a wisdom that reaches far beyond his tender years. He's all class and talent - he doesn't have the over-inflated ego and abrasiveness as some of the younger musicians I have come across. I have been following Devin and his career for several years now and he never ceases to amaze me. His long nimble fingers are a pianists dream and he uses them well. It would have been easier to follow in the footsteps of the path his dad had already carved out and become a second generation Blue Rodeo. But it seems that from a very young age, Devin had a preferred style already in his mind. Mainstream pop isn't his style.

Many people have asked me, "What kind of music does he play?" I say that you can't pigeon-hole him. There is a sense of Louisiana style blues, some pop, some comedy, some country, some folk, some gospel blues. Now the last bit was mostly prevalent in this latest album and I suspect that his fine producer Greg Keelor had some influence there. That man can belt out a gospel song that'll have the atheists kneeling. Okay maybe that is an exaggeration - but not much :) 

One of the very first songs I heard by the Devin Cuddy Band was My Son's a Queer. I thought it was fabulous and brave to write about a sensitive subject like that and put a positive beat on it. It's a catchy tune and a fun sing-a-long. Just recently I came across someone who complained about the offensive nature of the song. My jaw dropped. Now I don't claim to know what goes through the artist mind when they pen a particular song and although knowing a back story adds more meaning to the song for the listener, I don't generally analyse the words of a song. My feeling when I hear a song is my feeling. The song is often open to personal interpretation. I don't believe that the tender soul behind Devin Cuddy would have a song with hate towards anyone or anything in his heart to come out on staff paper.

I'm not gonna say that I go to the Carleton a lot, but there are some there who know my name. I'm just an enthusiastic fan and enjoy sharing my love of music. I can't remember how the conversation came about, or even exactly what point of the night but an employee did make a point of coming to our table to share a bit of news. Jim Cuddy was in town and may be stopping by. Well not even the Jim Cuddy could tear me away from the Devin Cuddy Band...but when they went on break between sets I was on high eagle eye alert. 

I needed a break too! And it was on my way back that I very nearly bumped into Jim. I took a quick step back and started pointing in his direction to alert my official photographer for the night to grab the camera and come hither. I was waiting right for him to finish with the group he was chatting with and then tapped his right shoulder to ask for a picture. Jim is so gracious to his fans! The picture was taken and I introduced myself and thanked him. He laughed when he said that Devin had the posters for months hanging around the house. I thanked him again on behalf of Debra and myself for everything that he and Devin had done for us and said that I would see him again in Truro. 

I almost let him go, and then saw Devin walking towards. I hope not too enthusiastically, but I reached for Devin and begged for a photograph with my two favourite musicians. And there I was, in the middle of both Jim and Devin Cuddy. A Cuddy sandwich it was called on the internet. My photographer did indeed get the million dollar shot! 

I have been asked, if Jim stayed for the second set and I have no idea. I know that I invited him to sit with us :) and he didn't. The thing is when the second set started it was all about Devin and his band. That's what I was there for. I hope that Jim was able to stay and listen to his boy, for being a typical parent he is proud of his son. 

Zach had asked me what I wanted to hear - Sidewalk in the South from Volume One has always been a fave. Listening to Zach count it down has always made me smile. Zach didn't know if it was set to be played but he said he'd suggest it if he could. And he came through for me...one, two, three, four! Love it. The strong piano, the beat of the bass strumming, the crash of the cymbals and the guitar solo about halfway through it's magic to my ears. Add the vocals with a hint of a drawl and and the harmonizing just bring the whole thing up to another level. 

After the show I had some more signage for the boys to do. The Kitchen Knife CD and the Carleton advertising poster. There is a decor theme going on here at home. Pink Panther meets musicians lol!

"It was a magical night in Halifax. The stars aligned and the Cuddy's were in town. I am over the moon with excitement. At the Carleton to see Devin Cuddy Band and Jim showed up." (facebook post)

From the bottom of my heart I wish to thank all the members of the Devin Cuddy Band for your music and for your friendship. You guys are the best! I would also like to thank everybody who was involved in getting the poster signed and especially the members of Blue Rodeo who made every part of this night what it was. For it is all the moments in my life that Blue Rodeo were musically a part of that pulled me through and kept me going or smile just a little broader for the past 25+ years. The Devin Cuddy Band is one of many bands I learned to appreciate through my Blue Love.

 (pictures and words are the property of the photographer/author/camera owner and may not be reproduced without permission)

Zach Sutton builds his drums!

The set and the no no piano

Dave Borins warms up the crowds with songs and laughter

And we wait with baited breath

Devin Cuddy

Nichol Robertson, Zach Sutton, Devin Richardson

Zach Sutton

Nichol Robertson, Zach Sutton, Devin Richardson

Me and Jim Cuddy in Halifax

"Cuddy Sandwich" - Devin, Me, Jim

Nichol Robertson, Devon Richardson

Devin Cuddy 

I feel it but I don't see it so clearly
Re-do Zach?

Carleton House poster

The Travelling Poster :)

THE POSTER! 

Credit
Dave Borins
https://soundcloud.com/dave-borins
Carleton Music Bar and Grill
http://www.thecarleton.ca/
Devin Cuddy, Zach Sutton, Nichol Robertson, Devon Richardson
http://www.devincuddy.com/
Blue Rodeo - Jim Cuddy and Greg Keelor
http://www.bluerodeo.com/

First Set list*: 
She Ain't Crying Over Me - DCB Volume One
Johnny from the Mountain - DCB Volume One
Forty Four - DCB Kitchen Knife

How the Other Half Lives - Jack Marks release Blues Like These
I Got a Girl - DCB Volume One
Jambalaya (On the Bayou) - Hank Williams release
Home - DCB Kitchen Knife
Take Me Back To Tulsa - Bob Wills release
Prelude - DCB Volume One
Maybe I'm Doing It Wrong - Randy Newman release
East Coast Bred - DCB Volume One

My Sons a Queer - DCB Volume One
Dancing - DCB Volume One

Second Set list*:
Town - DCB Kitchen Knife
Afghanistan - DCB Volume One
Jelly Roll
Chug-a-Lug - Roger Miller release
Maggies Hardware Store - Jack Marks release Blues Like These
Kitchen Knife - DCB Kitchen Knife
Ode to a Gypsy's Daughter - DCB Kitchen Knife
Town - DCB Kitchen Knife
When the Ship Hit the Sand - Jimmy Dickens release
Sidewalk in the South - DCB Volume One
Keep It To Yourself - Sonny Boy Williamson release
Lie To Me - DCB Kitchen Knife
Walking - DCB Volume One
Catfish Blues - DCB Kitchen Knife

*Not an official set list and subject to errors