Took the guitar in today to get outfitted with the new iMix system that L.R. Baggs sent. Pick it up on the weekend in time for our event at the International Festival of Authors on Monday. Posted at 1:37 PM
What an amazing few days here at the Ontario Council of Folk Festivals annual conference in Ottawa. I can't possibly describe all the great music I witnessed - or even tell you who all played the Six String Nation guitar - there were just far too many in both cases.
The Gala went a bit differently than planned after Ken Whitely and Jackie Washington had to cancel. But the guitar got played by Rick Fines, Grit Laskin and Serena Ryder.
Mike Ford used the guitar at a showcase for visiting elementary school groups and it's really got me thinking about the power of this guitar as a window into history for school kids. We'll try to develop that some more. Had a few other showcases with the guitar - finally got a chance to get it into Steve Briggs' hands, which has been a long time coming. Met Christopher Ward - real nice guy. At one point, I just got stopped with the guitar in the hallway and pretty soon it turned into a rotating instant concert: Suzie Vinnick, David Gillis and his daughter Arianne, the ChoirGirlz, Songs From the Heart Winner Philippe Lafrenière and a whole bunch more. At one point a young woman came up and introduced herself as the daughter of Mark Kristmanson - our good friend from the National Capital Commission. Her name was Kyrie and I handed her the guitar and she proceeded to blow me away with a song of her own called "There Has Been an Eruption". She's unlike anyone I've ever heard - looking forward to big things from her in the future.
What else, what else? Sorry, it's all a blur.
Posted at 1:36 PM