Listen to our live performance of our song “Mama Get the Hammer” at CJSF radio in Burnaby, B.C.  We successfully stuffed our double bass into the control room.

CJSF “Melodies in Mind” radio show, October 4, 2011

Nothing in live music matches the scene of a room full of dancers twirling about to old time contra dance.  The squares of fours and eights, the movement of the lines, and the toe-tapping rhythm against a descending bass line invites everyone to participate, regardless of whether you arrive with a partner.  The best part of the contra dance culture really is its inclusivity, a connection to times past when everyone, young and old, would come together to celebrate.

The instrumentation is traditional, with an old fashioned piano keeping strict time to allow the improvisations of fiddlers.  There can be a contemporary sound too though, as we saw last night at St. James in Vancouver’s Kitsilano neighbourhood.  There was the distinct sound of hand drums which added a cool Caribbean flair.

Contra dance: – even the screw ups are fun!

At a time when the world’s resources are facing incredible pressure, let’s take a moment to give thanks for awesome natural resources in our own province.

Rivers are under constant threat of overfishing, pollution, dams, diversions and reduced water flow from irrigation.

Let’s keep our rivers safe for everyone, especially the fish, by practising responsible stewardship.

Enjoy our song Along For Ride.  Go for a paddle!

Along For The Ride

Am I the only one struggling to adapt to the changing media landscape?

Diligently learning the vagaries of a million interfaces, hesitantly clicking tabs leading to unknown destinations and consequences, we’re now faced with the Zuckerberg Challenge of F8.

What’s the point of investing in new learning on new platforms if they are eternally fluid?

Back to the Dashboard for me.

We are privileged to tour Western Canada in our thirty year old van, meeting awesome people and seeing amazing sights.  We’ve just finished our 80th show.  Looking forward to songwriting in the fall.