I hope I haven’t left this too long after the events - but anyway here goes. The Gimli show took place at the Aspire Theatre, which is a historic, originally Lutheran Church. The space was intimate. There were about thirty chairs set up where the pews had been, facing a curtained stage. For my readings I sat on the edge of the stage in front of the closed curtain. For the songs, I jumped down and joined Paul on the floor in front of the stage. Both the readings and the songs were un-amplified. The small crowd seemed to like it, including a couple who had been at the Park. As I mentioned in an earlier blog, we used a Gimli Beach scene and Hopelessly Lost in Love, instead of Grad 1968 and Across the Norwood Bridge. I’ve got to thank Paul, yet again, for playing lead on the songs. At the drop of a hat, he cooked up acoustic guitar arrangements. They drew compliments from the crowd - and certainly from me. The Tergesen ladies, Lorna and Tristan, were very professional in their set-up and their intros. Thanks from a learner. Afterwards, we had a good chat with them and the folks who attended, and sold a few books. Thanks to Ray and Carol for driving up, and once again supporting the team. I was interviewed by Roger Newman of the Interlake Spectator for an article that appeared in last Friday’s (June 26) edition - with a snappy group photo!

Later that evening, an open mike started at Seagulls Lounge at the Lakeview Resort. Paul gave them a spirited set of songs, including two by the Mountain Goats. Look them up; they’re great. Ben Figler and Dylon Petrowski did a few cool numbers, and then Paul and I, with the assistance of Brian Gluck on drums, let them have Except My Love For You, Angel of Truth, and Across the Norwood Bridge. Thanks a lot Brian. Ben, Dylon, and Brian, along with Nathan Noordman and Willie Jakobson make up a band called “In Motion”. Look out, they’re comimg! Paul then had to scoot to Winnipeg. With the real musician gone, I had the nerve to sing a few covers, including Set Me Free, and Tired of Waiting. I missed my buddy Doug Anderson on lead, but I think I got away with it. Thanks, again yet again, to Frank Figler and the staff of Seagulls for putting it together (and for the drink I didn’t pay for - mibad!)

Pat and I stayed over, soaked a bit of sun, and went home tired but happy. I was going to blog about the McNally show too, but I have to go and help get the stuff together for our trip to Toronto for Kate’s wedding. In light of the wedding, please buy the book, I need the money! Just joking Kate. Check tomorrow for my blog on the McNally show (and maybe Tony’s last appearance, boo-hoo)