| ECMAs Whirlwind Weekend 2004 |
| After supper, we went to Erin’s to see Middle Tickle, a band from Fogo Island. They were pretty good. We laughed over an advertisement for a group called “39 Toes” and wondered whose toe was missing in the 4-piece band. Shawn from the OKP and his lovely fiancee, Tash, showed up a bit later. Lillian and Tash had fun with the fake jewels on Lillian’s vest. They found their way to various places on faces. You had to be there I guess! They were both plain old silly and it was fun. It was great to finally meet Shawn after 2 years of trying. A guy named Jerry came over to introduce himself to Jim. Turns out he was a friend of a friend of Jim and Lillian’s – Steve. Steve, affectionately known as "Steve Legbreaker" (don't ask!) joined us later on and we closed Erin’s for the second night of my stay. We drove back to the house and had a little Kitchen Party till 5:30 AM! What fun! And Jerry turned out to get quite an education in Newfoundlanders and NFLD music. He learned not to use the word "Newfie" in conversation with Newfoundlanders. They can call themselves Newfies, but us Come- From- Aways should not because of the negative connotation outside of Newfoundland. I did not believe the prejudices against Newfounldanders until I had dinner with a former resident of Toronto last summer. He didn't have one noice thing to say and called anyone resideing in Newfoiundland, "Dumb drunk Newfies." I think we set him straight. *smile* |
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| Saturday Woke up around noon and went over to the Delta to get my passes and ticket to the ECMA Gala on Sunday that I was going to give to someone. I was surprised I got an ECMA bag too, just like Jim! SO I got a tambourine too! Met Jen from Michigan at the Delta when she recognized me from the GBS chatroom and called "Hi!!" Chatted with Jen for a bit and then was hungry and went across the street to the K Café. While crossing, I walked past a man whose face was awfully familiar. I smiled and nodded when I passed him and he did the same. Funny thing was, we both turned and faced each other as we reached our respective corners. I suddenly realized who it was. “Hi Stewart!” I yelled over to Stewart MacNeil of the Barra MacNeils. “Hi!” he said, “ United States! Right?” I nodded, waved back and went to eat. The food was cheap, good and I had a great seat by the window as well. I saw Murray Foster and Kris MacFarlane (from GBS) walk by as well. |
| Tash and Shawn |
| After breakfast, I drove toward O’Reilly’s, found parking not too far away and went to hear some great Cape Breton music. There was one seat left when I got there – at the bar. So I sat down behind a contingent of Cape Bretoners I knew from the Gaelic College. Turned out to be Troy, Sabra and Kendra McGillvary, Mac Morin, Pius MacIssac, and Kimberley from the GBS OKP. I later saw Stewart MacNeil come in to join his wife. I went up behind Mac to say "Hi" and the first thing he said was “Holy shit! I forgot your T-shirt!” I reminded him that he had no way of knowing I was going to be at the ECMAs and wasn’t looking for it. I told him I’d get it back in the summer. Story here. |
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| Pius MacIssac, Troy MacGillvary, Kendra MacGillvary |
| Sabra MacGillvary |
| Troy MacGillvary |
| Mac Morin |
| Two of my very favorite Cape Breton musicians |
| Matt Anderson & Stubby Fingers |
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| Colin Carrigan |
| Fergus O'Byrne |
| A Crowd of Bold Sharemen |
| I recognized Allie Bennett from the Gaelic College (he taught fiddle), but here he was playing bass for Dolores Boudreau. The man in front of me was a native of St. Peter’s on Cape Breton, but lived now in New Brunswick. The woman beside me was from Sydney and couldn’t wait for next year’s ECMAs in her hometown. I told Troy that I had come to hear him specifically. He was embarrassed and said thanks. Troy played not only a mean fiddle, but a mean keyboard too. His sisters accompanied him on the bodhran and keyboards and Sabra stepdanced also. What a feeling to hear that Cape Breton fiddle rhythm again! Boy, do I love that sound! The Cape Breton “thing” of stomping your feet as you play was evident as Troy, Pius and Dolores played on and half the audience was stomping. The floor was shaking. LOL! That happens every time in Cape Breton! This 450-pound guy named Matt Anderson from New Brunswick played with his Blues group, Stubby Fingers. Wow! Did he wail! They were the only ones that day to get a standing ovation. I am so upset that I never got a CD. They were sold out when I went to buy one. A Crowd of Bold Sharemen were last on the bill with Jenny Gear just ahead. I was not impressed with Jenny, but she had a cold. A Crowd of Bold Sharemen were absolutely wonderful. I love Fergus O’Byrne’s enthusiasm for singing and playing music and Colin Carrigan’s fiddle. Jim Payne was in good voice and Graham Wells and Gerry Strong played well too. Their set was too short and I skedaddled out of there about 4:30 PM to catch Barry Canning at the Rising Stars Showcase. |
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