C. Ham: Penny's show was one of the strongest, most memorable times that I've ever seen. I got a chance to speak with her backstage for a few minutes before the show, Her baby-brother, Scotty had passed away this past year, so I wanted to give her a hug...
It was one of those times where everything came together. The audience was filled with singers and musician's who sang back-up. Just beautiful. Ken Whiteley and Annabelle Chovstek opened, and then provided some inspired back-up. Mike Regenstreif was there. New job. Still one of the strongest supporters of Folk Music around. David Young, a singer/writer/web-developer, organized the dinner for about 12 people at the restuarant before the show. Spanish theme, paellas, tapas, flan(I got 2). I kept wanting to sing "boots of Spanish leather". Ha...
Penny made sure she brought along some songs written on sheets of paper. Apparently some fans had made some requests, so she didn't let them down. She really covered the bases with her "kitchen music," sing-alongs, and well-known pieces. "Get on that train to Jordan, you don't need a ticket, you just get on-board..."(People get Ready).
You see these references in Mudcat threads about "Folk Clubs", "Support", and keeping Folk music alive. It's really about Spirit, isn't it? It's about choices. Getting off the couch, and DOING it. What else would drive a woman in her mid 60's(In her heart, sweet 16, a knight would never reveal a damsels true age) to get on a plane in near winter and come to Montreal? It's way past money...
It reminds me of a story I might have told in one of these threads before. I was tired from working in a metal factory, but I wanted to play the Blues. So, I went down to Jo-Jo's, a local club that has a jam on Sundays. It was getting late, and I had to get up early the next day. The fatigue was kicking in...Then, on the wet, muddy floor(it had been snowing outside} crawling toward the stage, was a man with no legs. He had a harmonica in his hand, and wanted to play. I wasn't tired anymore. I stayed, and played...

Support Folk Music...Bruce Murdoch/Jan4/08 La Sala Rossa, 4848 St. Laurent, Montreal...

bob