Slackhopper's Canada Day Week in Review

Slackhopper had a very eventful Canada Day week...yes she did. The celebration of our nation's independence lasted a week for me, and it was full of stuff and things. Those who say there is nothing going on in this city are living under a rock...here is why I say that...

It all started with Fred Eaglesmith at Loplops Gallery~Lounge Tuesday June 27. As soon as I walked through the door, the bitter sweet sound of Fred's voice engulfed me like a winding country gravel road...I was mesmerized. Thankfully I had gained permission to photograph the event from Fred's management prior to the show and managed to get some amazing shots. I was even more excited to find Willie P. Bennett playing at Fred's side. He is a true legend and I found myself nervous as I introduced myself to him after the show...I even gave him a kiss on the cheek. Loplops was packed for the show and everyone was more than entertained by the stellar music and outrageous stories. I bought $85.00 worth of merch...now THAT'S a good show...

Thursday evening a group of friends and I got together to bid a fond farewell to "Kash Paul", our so called "temporary friend". Paul was a teacher in Kashechewan when the community was evacuated. He has since moved on and we wish you happy travels and all the best in your future endeavors.

Friday and Saturday, the Inner City Surfers rocked Foggy Notions to at capacity rooms both nights in true Surfers style. They were loud, rude, having fun and the music was fantastic, as usual. They allowed me to get on stage with them to take some pictures, which worried my husband a bit. "You know you're climbing on stage with a bunch of caged animals, don't you?" he said as I headed towards the stage. I only sustained one minor injury when Dustin Jones fired a drum stick into my foot. That's what I get for wearing sandals at a punk rock show. I even heard a rumour of an up coming record deal for these fine lads. Keep your fingers crossed for them...I will. And a special note to Mrs. Hawdon; Your son did not get naked at this show. In fact, he physically fought off some audience members who were trying to disrobe him. He's a good boy.

I had a busy Saturday on top of going to see the Surfers. Craig West played a solo acoustic show at Loplops. I regret that it had been a while since I had gone to one of Craig's shows because I think he is a fantastic song writer. I have been privy to sneak previews of the up coming Startlefish recording and eagerly look forward to its release. The addition of Shane Wigglesworth to the already talented mix has evolved the band from a singer/ songwriter sound to a Pink Floyd meets U2 meets the Police rock sound...does that make any sense? It was pleasure to hear Craig again and I will be sure to make it out to more of his gigs in the future.

Speaking of Craig West, he brought home his 7 week old puppies on the weekend...I HAD to go visit. I even got to name one of them. Does that make me the pup's Godmother? Craig was calling me Aunt Donna...cute.

Saturday night also marked the forth (I believe) appearance of Mr. Something Something...no, I didn't forget their name...that is what they're called... at the Downbeat Lounge. They are definitely one of the best acts to grace the Downbeat stage...a six piece afro-funk group who have people dancing through every note they play, and that night was no exception.

Sunday night rounded off the vast musical weekend with Jon Rae and the River at the Downbeat Lounge. There are 7 people in this gospel/blues/country group and they all managed to somehow fit on the tiny stage. There was a very good crowd for them, especially for a Sunday night. Their finale was an amazing a cappella tune with no instruments aside from their stomping feet, which had the appreciative audience stomping along with them. They were truly inspirational.

What a week.

Nothing to do in Sault Ste. Marie, huh. I know all the things I did involved going to bars, but that's just me. There was also the Tug Boat Races, art shows, pancake breakfasts, and a multitude of other small community events going on. There is always something happening, you just need to look.

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