I am so grateful for readers who send me ideas for blogs and other publications. So thank you Ray Fletcher and Karen Pidcock who each in their own way and time directed me to The Salisbury Organist, Ben Maton. Ben Maton loves music, and sacred music in particular. He loves rural England and the west... Continue Reading →
A Michael Kaeshammer Christmas
“Something magical happens when Michael Kaeshammer sits at the piano. Sure, like all pianists, he plays 12 notes across 88 keys. But the musician and songwriter coaxes dazzling, kaleidoscopic sounds from his instrument in a way few can rival.” Thursday night’s performance at Oliver’s Frank Venables Theatre (no bad seat in the house BTW) showed... Continue Reading →
Kindness and Generosity — A Kamloops story
From Mike Miltmore, CEO/Founder Riversong Guitars, Kamloops BC. Guitar Builder, Sound Engineer, Guitar Player & Lead Drummer Story shared on Facebook by our good friend, Nancy Bepple Mike Writes: “Today a friend came to the store as superman. It wasn’t a costume; it was what he and his wife did. A short story… The Kamloops... Continue Reading →
Artists need support from the communities they nourish so that they can flourish
Summerland jazz musician Larry Crawford at a recent community centre concert event A guest blog by Susan NorieAnother in our “Little Town of Summerland” series Following a discussion covering the topic of Aging in the Arts at the Ryga Arts Festival (see Ken’s earlier blog) a broad spectrum of issues was covered at that discussion.... Continue Reading →
The Odd Couple — A musical examination
“ Two men, a neat freak and a slob separated from their wives, have to live together despite their differences.” And from here, the fun begins. [From Wiki] The Odd Couple) is an American sitcom television series broadcast from September 24, 1970, to March 7, 1975, on ABC. The show, which stars Tony Randall as... Continue Reading →
Hilltop Paradise — An August afternoon at Summerland Ornamental Gardens
It was a warm and lovely, late-August afternoon when I asked Kathie to drop me off at the Summerland Ornamental Gardens to photograph flowers. I visit the gardens several times each year and find ample subject material through all seasons. Readers of this blog will already know how I love photographing flowers in all their... Continue Reading →
In cathedrals and places where they sing
St. Paul's Cathedral, London, UK Guest Comment by Matthew LarkinSaturday, May 18, 2024 I have huge respect for Matthew Larkin. Our paths crossed briefly many years ago while he was director of music at St. John the Divine Church in Victoria BC. He is not only a brilliant musician who possesses a keen intellect which... Continue Reading →
Juno’s new toy — Chat GPT
Working with her fun friend Cameron, Juno has discovered a new toy, not as much fun as a ball, but on its own terms, quite amazing. To the prompt “sea shanty about a labradoodle named Juno” the following emerged. With minor tweaks, this would be publishable. Performance rights granted to all Labradoodles. (Verse 1)Oh, gather... Continue Reading →
UKE & ME—An Air Canada ode
With contributions from Linnea Good It’s great to come home, especially when travelling by air, whether from a holiday, a productive work-related trip, or a visit with family and friends. It’s great to return to a familiar place, to be met by familiar people, who will help you carry your luggage out to the car—that... Continue Reading →
Christmas songs for another year
We sing them every year, over and over again. We start singing sometime after Remembrance Day, in public and in private, sometimes loud and with confidence, and at other times in tones barely audible. We sing many from memory; for others we need lyric sheets. But admit it, we all sing, though this year with... Continue Reading →