Fulfilled a bit of a lifelong goal last night and officially performed onstage with my favorite songwriter, Ron Hynes.  Ron was the leader of the Wonderful Grand Band, a Provincial Super group in the 1970’s and 80’s.  They had a weekly Music and Comedy TV show that we watched religiously.  None of us knew it at the time, but every episode of this show reminded us that the great songs, drama, comedy, and art came from our own tiny backyards.  Quite a lesson.

Ron has gone on to record several full length albums, won Juno Awards, ECMA’s and a million other songwriting awards.  There’s a lot of great songwriters in the world, but no one can capture the heart of a moment; the tiniest moment at that, like Ron Hynes.

We were asked to do the benefit for the Artists Emergency Fund, which is made availale to local artists who find themselves I a tough spot.  I told Ron I wanted to sing one of his tunes, “No Kathleen”.  He explained that he loved “Boston and St. John’s”, and we were off to the races. 

It went well and I’m not sure how to explain the rush hearing the voice of one f of my songwriting heroes singing one of my songs.  Very cool.

For those of you in the Toronto area, I’m doing another benefit night in November.  The Company Theatre is owned by my longtime friend, Allan Hawco.  Some of you might know him as the actor dude in the “Clearest Indication” video.  His theatre company, like most, does one big fundraiser each year and I’m very excited to be hosting a buffet of Newfoundland entertainment.  The details are below.  Hope some of you can make it.

Lots of leaves in St. John’s.  My favorite season is upon us.

Cheers

Alan