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| GREAT BIG ROCK JAM Published by Erika The Red � 2005 (Graphic donated by Don Berryman) |
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| MAINLAND GYPSY EXPLORES �THE ROCK� A Great Big Hello to Newfoundland By Erika The Red I arrived here in St. John�s on January 7 of the New Year amid both a climatic and political storm. (This may indeed be �God�s Country�, but I believe He conceded climate control to Satan!) Having been a longtime resident of various major cities (Ottawa, Toronto, Hamilton) in Ontario, my decision to start a new life on this island, so far removed from the rest of Canada, was not made lightly. As a matter of fact, if my two young sons (now residing in Jamestown, Lethbridge) had not refused to entertain the notion of returning to Ontario, I would have preferred the much warmer climes of the West Coast for a new residential destination. That being said, I am determined to embrace the best of what St. John�s has to offer this independent, artistically-inclined, free spirit. While I am hesitant to admit that I was employed as a federal public servant over the last three decades, I am happy to say that I am now living in a Canadian city (and province) where political maneuverings do not go unchallenged. The right to speak one�s mind, whether foolishly or sensibly, is the essence of democracy; if there is one thing I abhor, it is indifference to injustice. While that reporter in Toronto is entitled to her opinion, uninformed and prejudicial as it was in its generalizations, it was heartening to hear the outpouring of response from Newfoundland citizens. Proportionally-speaking, I would think that Toronto itself has a larger percentage of welfare recipients than anywhere else in Canada, and not necessarily because of the lack of available job opportunities. Correct me if I am wrong. Putting politics aside, I am more interested in the promotion of tourism, which is generally bolstered by a vibrant arts and entertainment industry (which will surely be negatively affected by the imminent, �no-holds-barred� anti-smoking legislation, but that�s another rant). My goal as a journalist is to expose the various talented musicians and other artists within this province, and, in so doing, demonstrate to the rest of Canada that there is more to Newfoundland than highly-coveted oil wells and spectacular scenery. In that respect, your greatest natural resource is you � humourous, hard-working, compassionate and hospitable to newcomers like myself, despite your intense loyalty to your own rank and file. You have every reason to be proud of your contribution to Canadian confederation. Feel free to browse through this promotional website. While there isn't a lot to read yet about Newfoundland musicians and others, I am now extending an invitation for your submissions. All news items submitted by artists and musicians are most welcome and completely free-of-charge. Club owners wishing to submit regular listings of live performances are requested to pay a nominal monthly fee ($20) and, as a bonus, they will receive at least one monthly narrative review in this journal pertaining to their venue. Emails can be sent to [email protected]. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- My first bit of excitement in St. John's came as I (accidentally) boarded a bus heading towards The Village mall, en route to my new home, which happens to be in the opposite direction. The first thing I heard was Pink Floyd�s �Wish You Were Here� (one of my favourites), and I glanced furtively around, trying to ascertain who had their headphones turned up a bit louder than normal. It took a minute or so, but I finally realized the music was being pumped into the bus by way of a public address system. Ontario bus drivers are not allowed to listen to radios (on headphones or otherwise) while they are driving � more is the pity for them, I suppose. While I did enjoy this particular experience, I know I would not have been so pleased if the music had not been to my personal liking. [I admit to having written a previous article condemning �enforced� music-listening in the workplace or while kept �on hold� for a long period on the telephone.] ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Speaking of blues and rock music, of which I am an avid supporter, I have already had the pleasure of meeting Terry Parsons, a musician and DJ at Memorial University�s campus radio station (CHMR 93.5 FM), who invited me in as a guest on his �Blind Lemon Blues� show on Monday, January 24. It was a thrilling experience being able to announce the selected recordings I had brought in for him to air. I hope to have my own program(s) there one day! Thanks, Terry! [continued on next page] |
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| February 1, 2005 |
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