Folk Festival on the Canal

Last weekend, I went to the Terrace in back of the McAuslin Brewery to watch the Folk Festival on The Canal. It was a great day; good bands- a big Shout out to United Steel Workers of Montreal, Notre Dame de Grass and Rob Lutes. There were several other great bands that I didn't get to hear, because it was a hot, sunny day and you just can't leave a four year old outside from Noon to 10:30 PM.

The site was busy, with a lot of people just stopping by on the Canal to listen. Inside the paying customers were shoulder to shoulder. The organisers had thoughtfully provided a daycare crew to keep the little ones amused. The whole event felt like a really big barbeque organised by your cool, wealthy uncle- in this case Peter McAuslin.

This one of the many cultural events sponsored by McAuslin. Full disclosure, I have loved the beer since it first came on the market, and live 3 minutes walk from the Terrace. I'll try not to gush.

I had a chat with with Gern of USWM. He said it was the mellowest show they'd played in years. They must be the most raucous alt-blue grass band around then, because they added a rollicking set to a pretty energetic roster of performers. He said most of the group are local now to St.Henri and The Point. This makes them, although he's too modest to make the claim, legitimately part of the St.Henri cultural renaissance.

I'm looking forward to the second edition, next year.

Rob Lutes with Mike O'brien at the Black Sheep Inn

A big shout out to Rob Lutes who played a great set at the Black Sheep Inn in Wakefield, Québec last sunday. He's been playing with Rob MacDonald- a fine bandleader himself- for over ten years.
Macdonald says"It's almost like being married".

As musicians, they are almost like guitar Vishnu's- one super being with many hands playing together. This tightness helps propel Lute's songs, especially in a live setting, to an exceptionally passionate level.

Opening was Michael James "Mike" O'Brien a young Montréal-based singer songwriter. His deep baritone anchors his personality through the broad range of styles he embraces as a song writer. Highly recommended.