Turpin’s Trail at Perth’s Listening Room

Turpin’s Trail at Perth’s Listening Room - theHumm February 2017

Though I was born and grew older (“grew up” just doesn’t seem appropriate, my friends say) in west-end Toronto, I left the city in 1974, only to return there for specific events like work or volunteer-related meetings, conferences, family or friend gatherings, etc. From ’78 on I lived far enough away (North Bay and Perth) that accommodations were necessary, leaving many available hours for searching out live music. While most of my fellow attendees crashed in their rooms, off I’d go exploring. As I wrote a recent article about the sudden closing of the doors of Toronto’s Hugh’s Room, it made me think back on some of the other “go-to” music clubs I’d found welcoming in the GTA over the years.

Way back when I was a music snob — something I regret now, my 35 years in Lanark County having certainly broadened my interests. Blues was then my favourite genre, so that affected where I attended, as well as locales being easily accessible via public transport, the subway, bus or streetcars. It was the Colonial Tavern on Yonge where I saw Stan Getz, Rahsaam Roland Kirk, T-Bone Walker and many others; but Albert’s Hall, located above the Brunswick House on Bloor Street West, became a place I could always count on to present top quality international blues players, inexpensively. I quickly learned there to order a jug of draft and put a glass of tomato juice in it, reducing the chance anyone would “borrow” a glass or two when I headed to the washroom. Chance arrivals saw me enjoy Etta James, Sunnyland Slim and harmonica king Paul Butterfield, to name a few. Both clubs are long gone but still bring back good memories. There is still hope for Hugh’s Room, I’m hearing. I’m continuing to keep my fingers crossed, as I don’t want to lose another favourite musical haunt. The Cameron House on Queen Street West has become my current go-to Toronto oasis of musical satisfaction.

Locally, Celtic and folk-styled music will be the flavour of the month for the Listening Room Series as the wonderful Turpin’s Trail hits the stage at The Perth Tea Room (Perth Restaurant) on Sunday, February 26 at 7pm. This Kingston quintet — made up of veterans Brian Flynn, Steve Kennedy, Jon McLurg, Chris Murphy and Noah St. Amand — bring their multi-instrumental skills, along with their sweet harmonies, channelled through their self-penned and traditional tunes that will have you tastin’ sea salt. They’ve successfully toured several times to Canada’s East Coast, as well as throughout this area, thrilling crowds as they go. This year they have been chosen as the headliner for Fogo Island’s Brimstone Head Folk Festival.

Their high energy and synergy captivate crowds, and they have shared the stage with David Francey, Sarah Harmer, the late Ron Hynes, Leahy and others. We are so thrilled to be finally bringing Turpin’s Trail to Perth. Tickets are $20 and are available at the Perth Tea Room (and by calling 267–3170 to make dinner reservations beforehand) or by calling 267–7902 for ticket reservations. A portion of the proceeds will go to Perth’s “His House – Hub & Drop-In Centre” who do such good things locally. Hope to see you come out and support these hard workin’ musicians.

Support live music everywhere!

Upcoming Events

Friday, February 10, 8pm: Tim Moxam & Liz Stringer at Sharbot Lake Inn. Toronto’s Tim Moxam brings his alt/folk/country stylings together with Australia’s Liz Stringer’s folk/roots stylings for a wonderful warm up to Valentine’s Day. $15. Call Sandra at 279–2198 for reservations.

Friday, February 10, 8pm: the wonderful Sarah MacDougall at Full Circle Theatre in Perth. Sarah is creating quite a stir in the folk world and this will be your opportunity to check her out locally. Tickets are $25 in advance, available at Shadowfax or by calling 267–6817.

Friday, February 17, 7pm: Toronto’s own Hogtown Allstars at The Cove in Westport for one of their Blues On the Rideau series. A dinner and show experience you’ll enjoy. $65. Call 273–3636 for necessary reservations.

Saturday, February 18, 7pm: the 3rd annual “Fire & Ice” Dance, bonfire and fireworks with music by the Riq Turner Band at the Crystal Palace in Perth. Tickets at 267–1947.

Sunday, February 19, 7pm: Harry Manx at Sharbot Lake Country Inn. Come hear this blues/slide player offer his unique stylings. You’ll love him! Seven Maple Blues Awards speak for themselves as to the quality he offers. $70 dinner and show. Call Sandra at 279–2198 for reservations.

Wednesday, February 22, 8pm: Calling all Newfoundlanders or anyone who has attended or wanted to attend a Kitchen Party in Newfoundland. Shanneyganock rarely perform off the island, but Sharbot Lake Country Inn have them booked, so call Sandra at 279–2198 for reservations. $20.

Friday, February 24, 7pm: The Weber Brothers Trio will have the The Cove in Westport hoppin’. Peterborough’s rock & roll masters will be shakin’ the place. Call 273–3636 for more details.

Sunday, February 26, 7pm: Turpin’s Trail at The Listening Room (Perth Tea Room). See above for more details.

Paddye Mann —Speaking theLanguage of Clothing - theHumm February 2017

By — Bruce Anderson (submitted Jeff Mills)

Hummble Thought

Turpin’s Trail at Perth’s Listening Room - theHumm February 2017