Matthew_Hornell_High_and_Lonesome_at_The_Rose_and_Thistle
It was about eighteen years ago when I headed East for the first time. Me and my guitar playing friend decided to journey to Newfoundland in pure adventure style, packing his '81 Firebird to the brim with amps, guitars and whatever an early 20's version of myself needed; clothes, cd's books, hope, desire and a whole lot more! My knees were pressed against the dashboard the entire journey and it didn't hurt a bit! The night before we left for "The Rock" (as I would come to learn was Newfoundland's nick name) we saw the most spectacular display of the Northern Lights, dancing across an Ottawa sky... It was a sure fire sign for me, that destination East was indeed the right direction.
A_view_of_the_St._John's_Narrows
Fast forward all these years (with numerous visits of course!) and traipsing through the streets of St. John's never felt so good! All of it's history (the OLDEST city in North America!) and all of those memories (I bought my first guitar here, and fell in LOVE with Irish/Newfoundland Trad. music among many other things) What a privilege to get back to Newfoundland & Labrador (a home away from home) to play some gigs, to spend some quality time with friends, family and the MUSIC...I am ever so grateful that I was given the opportunity all those years ago, living in St. John's, developing a great Love that continues to grow... Here are a few shots from the past few weeks....
My_beautiful_friend_Jenina_alongside_Jelly_Bean_Row
The views around St. John's are in constant change; due to wind, clouds, sky and all these fabulous salt-box houses in their colourful splendour. Every street has something new to offer but mostly HILLS!! I definitely grew some some "St. John's Legs." The hills are also a pretty great way to remove a hang-over!
Ralph_Best_and_I_cheersing_with_a_dark_rum_and_Coke
Family, friends and music. The THREE most important things to me. All of which are not lacking over there on that Island off the East Coast of Canada, standing strong in the Atlantic Ocean. There were just SO many people to see and music to hear... I don't know which photos to share! Here's one of my FAVES taken on the Folk Festival grounds, where I was lucky enough to run into some Wakefield friends... Small (and Lovely) world indeed!
Sheesham_and_Lotus_and_Son_and_Son
Music is alive and well and there are too many shows/performances to choose from, I most certainly could not be everywhere, but I tried!!!
Some_of_the_best_players_Colin_Carrigan_Graham_Wells_Curtis_Andrews_Tom_Power
Erin_Best_a_great_friend_sista_singer
There_is_something_special_about_seeing_your_poster_on_the_streets_of_St._John's
Playing my first show on Water street at The Black Sheep (with Sean Panting no less!) was a stellar night and a great introduction to my favourite Canadian city. It was so great to see so many Loved and familiar faces out there smiling in the audience... I am ever so thankful! I don't actually have a shot of me from that night, but here is one of me on my last night, singing at the Legendary Ship as part of Folk Night. It was a Lovely send off, if a little weighty with sadness.... Saying good bye ALWAYS sucks.
Singing_at_The_Ship_Pub_on_my_last_night_in_Sin_Jawns_for_awhile
So I would like to say thank you to everyone out there who made my trip East so very memorable. I am so grateful for everything!! Hopefully I can get back to you sooner than later... I will leave you with one last photo (second last!) of the BEST Seafood Chowder I have ever tasted, featuring the likes of Salmon, Scallops. Lobster, Cod, Cream and more! Thanks to my Uncle Jamie (of Nova Scotia) and his beautiful lady friend, Deb, for ensuring that my last night in Nova Scotia was also a great success....
Best_EVER_Seafood_Chowder
Lindsay_on_a_rock_on_The_Rock_out_to_Sea