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Terry & Kathy's Adventure in Wonderland
(A.K.A. The Ottawa Bluesfest)
OK, Here's the Deal. Kathy and I are taking a business trip this summer, and turning it into a kind of working holiday. You see, I am not only a volunteer at CHMR, but I also work full time at Parsons & Sons Transportation. This July, I have to drive to Drummondville, Quebec, and purchase buses for the company. Then, we are taking a few days off, to attend the Cisco Systems Ottawa Bluesfest! We will be joined by our Daughter Elizabeth, and her boyfriend Jon.
This Page is kind of an online diary of the trip, so check back from time to time, between July 1st and 16th, for updates!
July 2nd, 2005; Departure
On a bright July morning, we set sail on board the M.V. Joseph and Clara Smallwood, from Argentia, in search of treasure and adventure. OK... So it was Raining and foggy, and we are on our way to Drummondville to buy buses... but at least the thing about the M.V. Joseph and Clara is true!
To save a 12 hour driver accross the island, we left from Argentia, and spent the day sailing the sea's, watching for whales, pumping Gravol into Kathy (She's prone to sea sickness) and doing what ever we could to keep from going crazy! It was a rough crossing, but we arrived late that night in North Sydney, then drove as far as Canso, before we finally settled in for the night.
July 3rd., 2005; On the Road to Drummondville
To drive from Nova Scotia, to Drmmondville, Quebec, takes almost 20 hours, but we broke the day up by stopping for breakfast in Nova Scotia and a picnic supper at a tiny road side park just inside the Quebec border. (Note the beautiful View in the background)
Late that evening, we arrived in Drummondville, and hit the proverbial hay... tired, but glad to be there
After a good night's sleep, I got up early the next morning to view and test drive several buses at A. Girardin Inc, and Autobus Thomas, before settling on the ones we are interested in. Jon and Elizabeth did some shopping, while Kathy and I checked out the buses. Then, after a late lunch, we hit the road for Toronto! Yaaaa! My vacation officially begins!
July 4th. to 8th., 2005; Drummondville to Toronto
Now to be brutally honest, I am not a big fan of Toronto as a city, (I find it rushed, and terribly unfriendly) but it has a Great Music Scene! Part of that music scene is a band called Blue Room, who just released their third CD, 'Everything but the Blues'. I had the pleasure to sit down with Paul Sanderson (that's him on the left) to talk some music. You see, Paul isn't only a great singer songwriter... he's also one of Toronto's top Entertainment Lawyers.
What's with the Rat, you say? Well... He's an impressive sight, no doubt, but I promised Paul "No Lawyer Jokes!"
Kathy and I also attended a Bar-B-Que at Terry Draper's house. He and his family were wonderful hosts, and the food was incredible! We were joined by artist Ted Jones (He painted most of the Klaatu album covers), and Jamie Vernon (the president of Bullseye Records). It was an excellent evening in a beautiful setting! My heartfelt thanks to Terry and his lovely wife Anna for their hospitality.
The next night, we had the great good fortune to catch Wild T and the Spirit live at the Black Swan Pub, in the Danforth area of Toronto. It was a great experience! Tony Springer is still the man on the guitar and an amazing performer to watch! He is also an absolute gentleman, and a delight to speak with.
The evening started with a short interview with Tony, Guenther and myself, then they took the stage, and put on a fantastic live show. The real treat of the evening for Kathy and I, was when they performed "Midnight Blue" (my personal favorite Wild T & The Spirit song), and sent it out to me. (Blush!) It was after two in the morning by the time we got to bed, but it was worth it, just to experience Wild T & The Spirit live!
July 8th. to 13th., 2005; The Ottawa Bluesfest
My last duty in Toronto was to conduct an interview with Terry Draper for an episode of the Songwriters, then the whole family piled into the little red mini van and headed north east on the legendary 401... destination, Ottawa!
6 hours later we pulled into the Richmond Plaza Motel, our home away from home for the next 5 days. We checked in, lugged in our stuff and then a quick trip downtown to the Cisco Systems Bluesfest offices to say hello to A.J. Sauve (the Media co-ordinator and one heck of a nice guy) and pick up our media passes. A quick look around, and then back to the hotel for a good night's sleep, in preparation for a busy weekend! Let's face it, if you are going to the Ottawa Bluesfest, you better be into having a good time!
Saturday morning dawn bright, sunny and hot as hell, to be Honest! Our first duty was a trip to the Ottawa Airport, to pick up my friend Craig Hilliard, who flew into the nations capital to attend the bluesfest with us. Craig is an old friend of mine, who shares my love of great Blues music. The trip was a special treat for Craig, who got the chance to meet up with Dean Dupuis, of the Mud Boys, Craig's favorite blues band, and experience the event that is the Ottawa Bluesfest.
Dean (on the right) was a total gentleman, as always, and introduced us to his new guitar player... his son, Jake (on the left). The kid got some tallent, and is a fine addition to what is already a great band. I guess it's like they say... "like father like son!" By the way... That's Craig in the middle.
The first band we saw perform live was "Capital B", from Ottawa. Lead by the guitar stylings of Brian McPhilips (AKA Capital 'B'), this band takes a very traditional approach to the blues, while performing mostly original matterial from their first two albums. Capital 'B', who jokingly refer's to himself as "the artist formerly known as Brian", is quite a character.
His life is an interesting story as well. He started performing at the ripe old age of 17, building a stellar reputation touring Ontario, and beyond. Then, at the age of 25, he gave up on music, sold all his gear, and started working as a television camera man. 20 years later, he bought himself a Fender Stratocaster, and started writing songs. The rest, as they say, is history... But to find out more, tune into the Songwriters in September, when Brian (Capital 'B') McPhilips, will be my guest.
The next band up on the main stage, was the new look Mud Boys! Dean Dupuis is joined by his son Jake on guitar, Eric Walker on lead guitar, bass player Joel Kane and drummer Brian Downey. "This is a totally new line up from what you saw 3 years ago" Dean told me, "but we are still the ultimate fun band." Having seen the boys perform, I cannot disagree with that!
The Mud Boys have a new album in the works as well. "We're not sure of the release date just yet, but we're figuring early next year" Dean said, "We've been working hard on it, and we feel it'll be a great album."
The next act on the main stage was a pair of performers that truely are legends of the blues! Magic Slim (on the right) and John Primer (on the left) had the crowd eating out of their hands. These guys, both deeply steeped in traditional blues, have carried the torch passed down by the likes of Muddy Waters, Willy Dixon, and Howlin' Wolf! When you experience these guys live, you are hearing real blues, true blues music, as it was meant to be shared, passed down generation to generation.
After the show, I had the great pleasure to meet and interview both men. They are an absolute delight to speak with, and can tell stories or crack jokes with the best of them! Magic Slim told me of his days on the road with some of the greatest blues players of all time, but mostly Magic Slim and John Primer are ambasador's of old time blues in a world too quick to change. "The kids these days want to change the blues", Magic slim told me, "they tries to make it into something it ain't, and that's wrong. The blues is life, and you got to be true to the blues."
"Keep it real Blues" John Primer told me as I was leaving after the interview. I promised him I would and it's a promise I intend to keep as part of the Blind Lemon Blues.
My last interview of the day was with Ruthie Foster, but an unfortunate quirk of scheduling meant that I didn't get a chance to get any pictures of her performance. She is an incredible talent, and an absolute delight to speak with! You have no worries... Ruthie will be featured on The Songwriters!
With Ruthies interview done, we called it a day. It had been over 30 degree's all day, and to be honest, we were all burned to a crisp! (Note to self; GET SUN TAN LOTION!)
Sunday was a banner day! It started off with a bang, as the Harlem Gospel Choir took to the main stage, and gave a heavenly performance! Their energy and talent is second to none! Formed on Dr. Martin Luthor King's birthday in 1986, the Choir has performed for heads of state all over the world, including presidents, royalty and even the pope! They are a great bunch of people and will be featured on a future episode of The Songwriters.
Next it was Omar & the Howlers on the main stage. Kent "Omar" Dykes is a gentleman of the finest sort, who has had to deal with the terrible tragedy of loosing his wife to cancer! "It was a terrible shock" he told me, "To have to watch someone you love go through that." Kent told me he found strength in his faith and is glad to be back on the road.
His latest album, "Boogieman" is now available, and it's a rocker. Omar and the Howlers are like no other band. Their big Texas sound makes them a killer live act... Check them out, and see.
Then it was time for Carl Weathersby, and man did he rock the place! You have to understand, just 5 years ago, after a stroke, many people thought Carl Weathersby was finished! (Including his manager and record company) But Carl Weathersby is a resilient man, with a never say die attitude!
The highlight of the show was when he got down off the main stage, and wandered among the crowd, playing and mingling with his fans, much to their delight! He made his way back onstage and was joined by Nora Jean Bruso, a woman whose voice could melt butter! They make an incedible duo! If there is music for eternity, then Carl Weathersby will be playing it!
W.C. Clark took to the stage next, but due to an interesting series of missadventures, I didn't get to see him play or to interview him. But I did do an interview, which was a case of mistaken identity. Let me explain;
My interview with Carl Weathersby was delayed, so I didn't get to go out and see W.C. Clark when he was playing. I had never actually seen the man before and was told by one of the security people that he was "a black man with a cool looking hat". So, when I was finished interviewing Carl Weathersby, I noticed a black man in a cool looking hat sitting in the hospitality area and asked him if he would be available for an interview. He said yes, and we sat down to do the interview.
I started the interview, assuming it was W.C. Clark, and said so on tape... but it wasn't! It was Billy Branch, who had been performing on one of the other stages! (Open Mouth... Insert Foot)
He was very good about it and we conducted an excellent interview about his life, music, and his role in the "Blues in Schools" program. In hind sight, I'm glad I got the opportunity to speak with him. Billy Branch is one of a kind, an excellent musician and a fine gentleman! His dedication to his art and his willingness to share it with the next generation makes Billy Branch an important link in the life of blues music. Thank you Billy!
Having embarassed myself totally with Billy Branch, we called it a day! Besides... the 36 degree heat was getting to be too much for us. We headed back to the motel, and those wonderful two letters... AC.
Day three at the bluesfest was a Monday, which meant no bands until after 6:00pm. We spent most of the day doing the tourist thing, bumming around the city, taking in the sights and sounds of Ottawa. It is a beautiful city, and a credit to this country!
The main stage act's that day included Simple Plan, while the grass roots stage featured a music legend in Percy Sledge, so you know where I ended up! The opening act was a local band, The Hammerheads. Then, backed up by The Hammerheads, Percy Sledge had the crowd eating out of his hands! Belting out blues classics like his signature song "When a Man Loves A Woman" he received a well deserved standing ovation, and an encore!
After the show, I was scheduled to interview the Hammerhead's, which took so long, I didn't get the opportunity to interview Sledge. As much as I regret not having the chance to do an interview, it was a special treat to be able to see the man perform for the large and appreciative crowd. Kathy had the thrill of the day, as she had a moment to meet him, and get a CD signed. (Talk about excited???)
Tuesday was our last full day in Ottawa, and my last chance to do some interviews at the bluesfest. Because it was a week day, there were no bands until after 6:00 pm, so I took the opportunity to sit down with Fred Litwin, the President of Northern Blues Records, to talk some great Canadian Blues. He is a charming man, with a genuine love of the music that is evident in the growth of his label. As long as there are companies like Northern Blues Records and men like Fred Litwin, the Blues will always be strong in the great white north!
The first act on the main stage at the bluesfest that night had to win their way up there! Quarter Life won the right to open that day by winning the Zaphod Beeblebrox Showcase.
They took to the stage and perform a set of original tunes from their self titled EP and their up coming (as yet to be named) album. They sounded awesome!After the show, I had a chance to sit down with them group, and was amazed to discover that they are all under 25, and have only been together as a group for one year. I predict great things for these guys, so keep an ear to the ground for Quarter Life!
Next on stage, it was David Gogo! I have wanted to see him perform live since I first played his song 'Just Like Jesse James' on the Blind Lemon Blues a few months ago. Like I have said, time and time again, I am no expert on the blues. I have alot to learn, and the Blind Lemon Blues is as much an education opportunity for me, as it is anything else.
Having not heard of him before, I was amazed at the style and substance of his show. David Gogo is an incredible guitarist, and a darn fine singer songwriter! Part way through his show, during a lead break, he walked back to the drum riser, took a bottle of Beer, toasted the crowd with it, and then chugged the beer. To the crowd's absolute delight, he did this and didn't miss a single note. Not only that, but with the beer all gone, he proceeded to use the empty as a slide, to finish the guitar solo. If you have never seen David Gogo live, I suggest you make a point to do so... soon!
The last band I got to see at the bluesfest were not available for interviews (unfortunately) but Texas rockers ZZ Top put off a big time show, performing all their biggest hits like "Sharp Dressed Man", "Tush" and "Legs", with a mind numbing light show. They changed costumes several times during the show, and even used the fuzzy furry guitars made famous in the "Legs" video. What can I say... the crowd went Nuts!
After a final encore from ZZ Top, it was lights out for the night, and for us at the Bluesfest. A few fond farewells, and a quick visit with A.J. Sauve to say thanks and adios, it was back to the Motel to pack for the trip home.
The 2005 Cisco Systems Bluesfest was an incredible event, and I want to thank A.J., Mark, and everyone who helped make it so special! The bluesfest is the result of an amazing amount of wor, and everyone involved can be proud! it is an event like no other, and second to none! As long as I am able, I intend to make it to as many Ottawa Bluesfests as I can!
On the trip home, we stopped in at Autobus Thomas where I had a chance to check out the latest in School Bus technology, the Solaris C2. This totally redesigned bus is the result of years of consultation and planning.
Funky Looking, isn't it?
The rest of the trip was uneventful. Craig and I drove a bus home, while Kathy, Elizabeth and Jon drove home in the Van!
We crossed from North Sydney to Port Aux Basques on the MV Caribou, and actually passed through Grand Falls Windosr while the Salmonfest Concert was going on. It looked to be a good crowd... although they looked cold and wet in the fog and rain. Quite the opposite of conditions at the Bluesfest.
When we got home... Coogee was anxiously awaiting our arrival! I honestly think that cat missed me... she's barely left my side since we got back! And Meow? you'd think she had a wild bee up her little puddy tat ass!
Over all, it was a great trip, and thanks to it, the Songwriters will be amazing this fall! Check it out, starting in September. The August News Update will have a comlete fall season schedule, so watch for that as well! Happy Trails!