Performances by any one of Dave Gunning, Suzie Vinnick or Ennis (sisters Maureen and Karen) would be capable of filling the Princess Ave Playhouse in St. Thomas with a whole lot of great music. Bringing the three acclaimed, award-winning Canadian singer-songwriter entities to one stage was sure to create an expectation of musical excellence - their show this past Sunday afternoon didn't disappoint.
All three performers would fit, at least at times, into the folk-roots category with guitar figuring predominately, although playing a different role for each performer. Nova Scotia born and bred Dave Gunning’s voice and guitar almost seem as one. The clear, soaring harmonies of the Ennis sisters from St. John’s Newfoundland are complemented by guitar. Born in Saskatoon, living in Toronto, Suzy Vinnick’s often bluesy sound is warm and expressive – she frequently uses her guitar as an emotional punctuation.
Beyond the talented musicianship from each individual’s performance, there are also other possibilities with a song circle – the potential for magic arising from an unknown combination, mixed together and stirred. That alchemy also happened on Sunday.
Performers took turns, and then gradually began to mix it up a little and join together in different combinations, playing a few of the songs as a group. What unfolded was somewhat like a low-altitude flight over the Canadian landscape, circling over familiar places, images and themes (hockey, the weather, the now 20-year cod moratorium, Dave Gunning’s Canadian mint saga); diving low for a closer look into the very heart of a matter (grief, loss of a way of life, roots) and soaring with the inspirational.
Performers took turns, and then gradually began to mix it up a little and join together in different combinations, playing a few of the songs as a group. What unfolded was somewhat like a low-altitude flight over the Canadian landscape, circling over familiar places, images and themes (hockey, the weather, the now 20-year cod moratorium, Dave Gunning’s Canadian mint saga); diving low for a closer look into the very heart of a matter (grief, loss of a way of life, roots) and soaring with the inspirational.
The final number was a rousing, crowd engaging gospel song which seemed just right – it was Sunday after all and the Princess Ave Playhouse was once a church. This particular coming together of performers, venue and audience on an early spring afternoon after a long Canadian winter will never happen again. Hopefully other similar music happenings will be planned by organizer and guild board member Dave McCormick.
Watch for more musical events at the Princess Ave Playhouse in upcoming months, including Hawksley Workman and Sloan. Also in the line-up are the last play of the season, “Old Love” by Norm Foster, starting on May 9th and a performance by Rod Beattie of “Wingfield’s Folly” on June 9th. Find more info at www.elgintheatreguild.ca or by calling 519-633-8530. Theatre and event tickets will now be available at Bell’s Book Bin, 552 Talbot St, St. Thomas.
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