May 30/12
What a month. I've been able to play with Mark Haines, Conrad Kipping, and several fiddle functions with Anne Lederman PLUS our BIG production of HAIRSPRAY at Wexford. This year I was asked to help man the soundboard rather than be up in the loft with the band. That means that I was able so see my 1st Wexford production live. It was truly mind blowing. The cast were as good as we've every had – as were the band. I'm still up in the air about it!!
Hi there –
It's been a very busy time these past few months. As most of you know, this is my teaching season = where I get to work at Wexford School for the Arts in Scarborough – as part of the music theatre team. It's a dream job – the staff are amazing and the kids audition to get into the program. This week we start our 3rd production of the semester (that's right – we start off with a big variety show, do the national show choir competition and then the musical. This year it is Hairspray – cast of 150 including our own stageband and original orchestrations by myself and Bob Johnston.
In addition to school I've been gigging quite a lot. Mostly with long time partner Conrad Kipping but also with VERY long time partner Mark Haines, Anne Lederman and recently did a gig where Conrad and I teamed up with Bill Candy and harmonica whiz Rolly Platt. It was quite an unusual combination of instruments, especially with Rolly and I both with handfuls of metal reeds and Bill and Conrad with the guitars, mandolin and other strings.
This Sunday I will be at the Galway Arms with Brian McIntyre and Ron McQuen. They have a fun pub repetoire, but what is always exciting is that Brian's Dad "Sandy" will be coming out to join us on the fiddle. Any time to hear Sandy play is a special treat.
All the best, I do hope to see you out when I play,
TOM