I had the honor of singing a farewell song at the funeral for Mary Bell MacDonald this past week. St Mary’s Church in Souris was packed with family and friends whose lives had been touched by the kind and generous spirit of this exceptional woman. All who took part and attended the service seemed determined to deliver a tribute worthy of such a well-lived life. Between the beautiful eulogy and the spirited music, my mind wandered as the mass was read. No one ever left Mary Bell’s house hungry. “Eat lots and give the house a good name,” she would say while serving up a meal to her house guests. I would have to think that if all things are equal in the universe, the lifetime Mary Bell spent serving others will be repaid with an eternity of peaceful rest. She will be fondly remembered and sadly missed.
The music continues this Thursday September 15 8pm at The Kaylee Hall at Pooles Corner as we count down the last three shows of The Close To The Ground Concert Series. This week hosts Fiddlers’ Sons and Courtney Hogan are joined by Cape Breton fiddler Colin Grant and piano player Jason Roach.
Colin has a long list of accomplishments for a young performer. What is more impressive is that he has juggled his music career while getting his education degree at Saint Anne’s University. His debut self-titled CD was nominated for Roots Traditional Solo Album of the Year at the East Coast Music Awards. He has toured the United States, France, China and Indonesia and his group “The Colin Grant Band” has been making waves here at home. His second release titled “Fun for The Whole Family” is exactly that and he will have copies for sale at the show. He will be accompanied on stage at Kaylee Hall Thursday night by Jason “Leaden-Left-Hand” Roach on piano. Trust me when I say that Colin and Jason are a duo that can make a pile of music for just two guys and I know they will have the hall jumping.
There are just three chances left to get Close To The Ground with us this fall at Kaylee Hall. I hope you can make it down because we are finishing up strong this season.