Just two evenings ago FiVE EASY PiECES opened for Vancouver-based band THE ABRAMSON SiNGERS @ Flin Flon’s very own Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

A small, quaint, charming space – St. George’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church was by far one of the best settings I’ve had the honour of playing in before.  Being Ukrainian myself, the sights & scents inside took me back to the many little churches like this that I have visited in my lifetime, having seen them because of my beloved Grandpa & Grandma Stan & Mary Demchinsky, who passed away in 2009.  In fact the church they are both resting outside of, which is located in vast & open landscape of Saskatchewan is a lot like this one in many respects, with all  the beautiful details.  I couldn’t help but think of them as we arrived & began stage set up; ironically I was born & raised here in Flin Flon yet I had never entered this church though I had passed it countless times though out my lifetime.

Needless to say this church set the stage for the night of music & fun that lay ahead; giving the perfect atmosphere as well as sound.  It was a treat to open for THE ABRAMSON SiNGERS, a fine band – & without doubt we were happy to play for a crowd of just under 100 people, all very warm & enthusiastic.

Thank you to Luc & Katie (of ‘BABA’S HOUSE’, respectively) & THE ABRAMSON SiNGERS for the invitation to get up & do our thing; it was a honour & pleasure to sing amongst such talented musicians.  I enjoyed meeting you & had there been more time I sure would have loved hearing more about your travels. I wish you the best on the remainder of your tour – & keep on inspiring folks with your music.

As a side-note, we of FiVE EASY PiECES were one easy piece down, as Derek Kemp was ill & unfortunately couldn’t make it at the last minute, so he was sorely missed to say the least.  Below are some images taken during set up – & one of THE ABRAMSON SiNGERS in action.  Enjoy!

Something I’d like to do a little more often in life, & particularly on this website of mine, which I tend to view as a sorta crock-pot of my world as it may be – is to honor the people, places & situtations I get to be a part of.  Trouble with that for me has always been – where does one draw the line?  I certainly don’t like sharing too much about my personal life or the personal lives of my friends & family – one ought to be mindful in sharing things with a sense of purpose.

In the case of these photos – I wanted share them as a testament to those little moments in life where I find myself surprised & touched by the love of people’s families. I have many wonderful friends, old & new – I haven’t necessarily plastered photos of their personal lives on the internet regardless of how often they inspire me yet these chosen images sum up something rather simple yet so big about life: the love of family.

I was invited by a friend to come to her two daughters joint birthday party & from it came a few colorful images of those tiny ‘moments’ that can pass all top quickly but are worth remembering forever.

Thank you friend for inviting me in – may you & your family be blessed! Enjoy these.xo

Always had a big thing for American folk singer, songwriter, activist JOAN BAEZ; a talent with a distinctively strong vibrato voice & a penchant for songs about social issues.  In my high school days I went on a Baez overload, idolizing her career performing in coffee houses, romancing DYLAN, & a lifelong commitment to political & social activism in the fields of nonviolence, civil & human rights & the environment.

A performer for over 55 years there are no shortage of classic albums or songs, but after a 10 year hiatus from listening to her I found myself humming this cover version of hers; the MiCK JAGGAR/KEiTH RiCHARDS penned ‘No Expectations‘, from the 1970 album ‘One Day At A Time’.  Well worth checking out!

Last December I was contacted by an old pal of mine named Kaj Hasselriis, whom I’d met at the age of 17 when I first moved to Winnipeg.  Kaj is a fantastic person & our friendship is unique and greatly valued.  Not only is he a friend but a very talented and adventurous free-lance writer, who although is right now living in Paris, was at the time residing in Toronto.  At the time he was writing for the publication Xtra! & he wanted to know if I’d be interested in doing a possible feature.

Though I’d done some previous media before with regards to projects I’ve worked on, I was particularly interested in taking him up on his proposal because, for one, I love and value Kaj, but two, because I appreciated the opportunity to share a little bit about my story.  Kaj’s interest was primarily in asking me about my experiences in growing up queer in a small town, only to leave & return again almost 15 years later, in my case, for professional development.  Something about timing of this year and all that I have experienced personally, professionally and creatively made the opportunity seem not only fitting but somehow serendipitous.

It was a lot of fun, as well as enlightening for me to consider his questions about my background & for that I’m really pleased.  Also, while he made no promises that the article would even see the light of day, I felt a sense of accomplishment in having a platform to share but a piece of my life with a friend.

Needless to say I was pleasantly surprised to eventually learn that the feature made it into the Ottawa publications.  Thank you Kaj, for sharing the opportunity with me, as well to Darren Holmes for providing the photograph.

I enjoy when life kisses you with an unexpected surprise.  I returned from Ottawa on Mother’s Day to a slew of emails I intend on catching up on (trust me I will!); in amongst these emails was a notification from Reverbnation indicating my music currently holds the #2 spot on the Ottawa Folk/Alt-Country charts.

It reminds of a past where I never had the courage to extend himself in any capacity, much less in a way that could subject me to a lot of criticism.  I was a dreamer for sure, but I could never bring myself to fully share.  Our value is never, or should never be based on something outside of ourselves, like accolades or awards – yet there is something to be said for the feeling you derive from discovering that you can face your fears; that its ok to celebrate surprising yourself from time to time.

Here’s to surprising even ourselves!

Check out the profile below at www.reverbnation.com for an inside look & thank you to those who are tuning in as I go along.

In addition to experiencing the finer things of being home in Ottawa last week, I was also able to board that familiar bus out to Aylmer, Quebec, for a visit with none other than my friend & collaborator Darren Holmes.  Beginning in 2011 Darren and I embarked on our recording project ‘Tiny Army: The D. Holmes Sessions’ and while I’ve been anticipating the day when we can set this baby free from the get-go, I have undoubtedly been enjoying every step of its progress.

Moving to Flin Flon hasn’t slowed down that process either; in fact although much of the vocal tracks for ‘Tiny Army’ were laid prior to my leaving last July, we’ve spent a great t deal of time chipping away at the rest of production; via countless emails & several enjoyed phone calls.  I’m proud to say that it’s a real labor of love and for all of those to who have contributed to this ‘tiny army’ I am eternally grateful and inspired; roughly 2 years and 16 tracks later – it is undoubtedly something special, & I think I speak for us both.

Naturally when I made arrangements to come to Ottawa, Darren was high on my priority list of folks to see; not only had I missed our regular coffee talks but was itching to do some more work on the album & time was of essence.  I was real happy he was able to receive me & more so that we could get a couple of great mornings in to do what has felt long overdue.

It’s really difficult to put into words just what this opportunity means to me, but I will say in those brief hours of catching up and recording I was able to find great excitement & inspiration & I’m ever thankful D has welcomed me into his world, both in family and creative connection.

In addition to re-recording vox on the Aileen Martella penned ‘Open Up My Heart (You’ll See A Tiny Army)’, Holmes original ‘Meant For Me’ and my redo of ‘Illusions’ I was able to nail a newer original called ‘Hole In My Rowboat’, which I wrote in my time up North in Manitoba.  Subsequently we talked at length about artwork for the album & all that creative stuff which will help us as we prepare to package & eventually launch it.  Again, the release date is TBA but I can only say that the wait is going to be well worth it and my life has taught me a great deal about the value of patience.

Check out my little gallery below for some visuals of our time together at D’s home & studio. And stay tuned!

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 ”I long, as does every human being, to be at home wherever I find myself.” - Maya Angelou

I’m fortunate to have several ‘home’ bases in my life; born & raised in Flin Flon, & spent time in both Winnipeg & Ottawa.  Most recently I was able to return, albeit briefly, to my Ottawa home.  Some of you may know that I returned to Manitoba at the tail end of summer, 15 years since graduating and leaving after high school.   The opportunity to work in mental health up North was too good to pass up.  Regardless of how challenging it was to leave behind my boyfriend, cats and cozy downtown apartment, there was something bigger for me to experience in taking at least the year to develop professionally as well as personally.

Needless to say it’s been a stellar year; across the board with work, family, music – and there are no shortage of stories about the meaning of this return ‘home’.  On the other hand, my heart still belongs in part to Ottawa because it also holds the closest thing to ‘home’ I’ve ever had – my love, Alain.  He has been a constant source of support and encouragement on this journey, allowing me this time to grow & develop.

It was an intentional choice not to return to Ottawa for much of the year; having a long distance relationship comes with challenges, so in effort to fully concentrate on the task at hand – my work and family in Flin Flon – focus had to be 100% on just that.   Flin Flon home deserved this attention; and there was always a trust that Ottawa would still be there for me, despite any initial doubts or reservations.

In the case of this recent Ottawa venture home, it was time for me to turn full attention to it and the people and places that mean much to me; mainly my home with Alain.  I wanted time to do the ‘little things’ that one can only do in the city: get a hair cut from my favourite stylist, stroll down bustling streets for a coffee date, watch the passers by on the canal etc.  On a rational level I knew it would effectively bring on emotions but to actually be on my Ottawa Street, in my Ottawa apartment, with all my possessions and the touch of my boyfriend and cats – was unexpected.  With reason I had turned off, compartmentalized things like the sights, textures and sounds of my Ottawa home as a way to stay focused on the Flin Flon chapter  as it is, therefore I was immediately hit with waves of nostalgia and love.

The sights and sounds of the city are a wonderful thing; and it sure is nice to have the luxury to access the tranquility and peacefulness of quiet Manitoba life, as well as the hustle, bustle of Ottawa, to be soaked in social space on a different plain.  Neither one is necessarily better; I subscribe to both and am grateful for these homes respectively.

Below is a small gallery of my Ottawa home during this trip (as well as a few choice images from my equally enjoyed stop over in Winnipeg, where I stayed with my beloved Maggie), including some of the places and faces I was able to reconnect with, all too briefly.  It was a joy to get to see Alain in the theatre production of ‘Getting Sara Married‘ (to which he did incredibly!), hug missed friends & family members, dine out at various restaurants & just tinker around my apartment with all its gadgets, gizmos & trinkets.

I have to apologize for being unable to see everyone; then again I wanted to keep this trip on the down low as to keep my priority focused on Alain; being alone in our apartment together – and for that I hope all my friends can understand.  Highlights for me, in addition to waking up and going to bed with Alain, were snuggling with my cats, tending to my plants, walking and biking down the canal, and the brief but great chats with friends and family members.  Here’s to ‘home’ wherever we may find it!

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GREAT MUSIC HELPS A GREAT CAUSE: Jonathon Naylor

Having lost family members to the disease, Leona Kemp knows all too well the pain caused  by cancer.

But rather than dwell on the sense of loss, she is doing her part to finally eradicate the dreaded c-word.

Kemp was a driving force behind a recent coffee house mini concert in support of the Relay for Life cancer-fighting fundraiser.

“Coffee houses are getting more and more popular,” she notes.

“It’s just a fun atmosphere to be in – relaxing and fun.”

About 110 people – a sellout – gathered at the Lutheran Church hall for the coffee house on Saturday, April 20, with local band Five Easy Pieces performing.

Formed last fall, the talented band consists Ann Ross, Doug McGregor, Chad Pabianek, Derek Kemp and CC Trubiak.

“…we blend several sounds together, including blues, folk and country, ” says Trubiak.

Trubiak called it “amazing” to be a part of the evening.

“I have never felt this welcomed or involved with a community before in my life, ” he says.

From the opening song, it was clear the audience was enamoured by this new musical act.

“Anybody that misses this group should wonder, because they are awesome,” said Leona Kemp, whose son Derek is one of the members.

“There’s so many different styles of music that they play, and they’re just perfect – their voices, their music, their instruments.”

Leona was impressed when band members declined a small honorarium for their performance, donating the funds back to the cause at hand.

Through a modest admission fee, dainty sales and donations, the coffee house brought in about $1400.

That will be part the contribution that Leona’s Relay for Life team, Northern Rainbow’s Chicks, will make at the relay this September.

Other than Leona, the Chicks include Dorothy Quaal; Linda Skipper; Sandra Barr; Alvera Koop; Karen Chaisson; Carrie Stinton; Crystal Peever; Nicole Reykdal; Jana Kozeka; Amber Hay; Rella Dubie; Corrine Kerfont; Linda Lowe; Valerie Wasyliew; and Trish Thompson.

They consist of past and present employees of Leona’s store, Northern Rainbow’s End, as well as friends.

The Chicks are hoping to have another coffee house, this time at the Rotary Wheel, but no final date has been set.

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In this day & age, written communication is often lost on us; with just the flick of our fingers we can text our friend in India, log online on our friends iPhone over a coffee date so they can show us the pic of that friend of a friend, of a friend…  I know I’m not that old but I recall when I was a teenager & my cousin Shannon from Edmonton & I would write letters to each other; pages & pages, school pics & stickers – & I would be waiting for those moments mom would come home with the pile of mail & I would anticipate getting that reply letter.  It was similar in my later teens when my Uncle Sterling would send me letters & gift packages containing wonderful movies & magazines one could only find in the big city.  After all – I grew up in Northern Manitoba; & there was not a lot going on up here, or so it always felt in teenage angst.  That’s why these letters from cousin Shannon & Uncle Sterling meant so much; it felt like an honour someone would take that special time to communicate something to you – & I always loved being able to sit down & respond in a thought out manner.

Fast forward to this strange & full-circle time of being back home in Flin Flon to work this year; yes times have changed & I now have that iPhone to stay in better contact with the outside world as it is – but I still have a great appreciation for the few cards, letters, gift packages & photos loved ones have very thoughtfully sent to me in this time.

Most recently – I came home from work to find this little golden package awaiting me; my name written with such character & creativity.  Glancing over to the return address I read R.A.B. Perch / A. Peck of Ottawa, Ontario.  Of course I recognized the name immediately, thanks to Facebook where someone with a horrible memory for names like me can be reminded of people’s full or alias names each time they log online.  The R in R.A.B. stands for Robert, this I knew; & although Robert is not necessarily someone I have spent a great deal of time with in the physical sense – I have certainly become more acquainted with him via the social networking of Facebook.  Truth be told – I met Robert years ago, back in the days I frequented The Lookout bar on Wednesdays for Karaoke night; & we’re talking 7-8 years ago.  We’d both spend social nights there & of course I found Robert to be a sweet & polite guy – but I never would have known that we’d become acquainted enough over Facebook in the years to come that he’d be inspired to send me this care package up North. Inside this golden parcel was a sweetly written card & a ‘mixed’ cd of music by an artist he felt inclined to share with me; a fine singer by the name of Sarah Jaffe. of which he stated “I know how important music is to you, and I wanted to share some of my discoveries with you.  I hope you enjoy my selections and that one or two inspire you.”

I just have to say – THANK YOU ROBERT A.B. PERCH for being the kind  & thoughtful man you are; this package came at just the right time for me; as did this beautiful music for which I have been listening to all through my weekend.  Indeed I am inspired & more so, touched because of your gesture.  It reminds me that people can surprise you with their consideration in life; & that thoughtful little things like a hand written letter can brighten your day more than the quickest of texts.  You are a gentleman & it is certainly not lost on me.

Every now & then I need me a little dose of ONJ.  Depending on my mood at that given time, I may require 80′s Olivia; in full-on synthesizer & spandex mode – complete with that confident vocal she would grow into; or perhaps its faux-barnyard ONJ, delivering that crystal-clear sound that made her a hit across the world mid-70′s.  Today I feel like going even further back, to a 1972 Olivia, who was still relatively fresh in terms of style.  Prior to her country-folk-pop-rock incarnations she recorded several albums (like this 1972 album ‘Olivia’, released on Festival Records & produced by Bruce Welch) in the UK that allowed her to experiment with some alternative covers of otherwise well-established tunes like George Harrison’s ‘What Is Life’, Kris Kristofferson’s ‘Help Me Make It Through The Night’, & this Paul Simon tune, ‘Why Don’t You Write Me’.  The album as a whole is unlike any of her other albums: inherently fresh, ernest & folky. Every now & then its good to search outside the dominant hits like ‘Physical’, ‘Magic’, ‘I Honestly Love You’ & the mega hits from 1978′s Motion Picture Soundtrack ‘Grease’ & to re-explore the aspects of her expansive career.  Here’s to ONJ: a class act.