A Brass-Filled Long Weekend: Kincardine, Swing, Sunsets, and Canada Day
It has been a wonderfully musical few days, full of brass, friendship, summer evenings, and just the right amount of ice cream. On Sunday, a few of us from Barclay Road BrassWorks set off on a little road trip to Goderich to play with the Kincardine Brass Band at the bandshell. KBB had a number of players away for various reasons, and we were happy to help fill out the band: three cornets and one baritone. “Coming to the rescue” would be overstating it, but we were glad to pitch in — and it was great fun to be part of the band for the afternoon.
There is something especially lovely about playing brass music outdoors in the summer, with the sound carrying across the park and Lake Huron not far away. Even better was being there together, catching up, making music, and sharing the bandstand with fellow musicians. After the concert, we made the very sensible decision that no summer road trip is complete without ice cream. We finished the evening watching the sun set over Lake Huron — a perfect golden ending to a very good day. I have a couple of photos to share, and they really do capture the feeling of the evening: music, friendship, and that unmistakable Great Lakes summer glow.
The music continued the next night with Sounds of Swing. It was a good concert, with lots of energy and a great crowd. One of my favourite moments was the “Frim Fram” solo-duet with Ty, captured on pirate audio and I played with canva to make a video. It was one of those happy musical moments that makes you grateful for all the people you get to play with. The evening was also bittersweet, as Gerry is retiring from the band. At 96, he has decided it is time to “sunset” his playing days with us — and what an inspiration he has been. It is not every day you get to share the bandstand with someone whose dedication, humour, and musicianship have carried on so beautifully for so long. We will miss having him in the band, but we are so glad to celebrate him. After the concert, we gathered for bevvies and nosh, which was exactly the right way to close the evening: stories, laughs, good company, and a little more lingering in the joy of making music together.
And today, of course, is Canada Day. Later this afternoon, I’ll be out with the Shriners for the parade in Stratford. There is a heat warning, so we are taking it seriously: plenty of water, some ice, and a good plan for staying cool. Summer parades are fun, but brass players know that sunshine, uniforms, pavement, and instruments can make for a very warm combination. So that is the weekend so far: road trip, brass band, ice cream, sunset, swing music, a farewell to a much-loved bandmate, good friends, and one more parade to go.
Happy Canada Day — and here’s to music, community, and staying hydrated!
— BiblioJo