February 5th – 8th, 2010

I left late morning after breakfast and luck-filled goodbyes from my family. It was going to be a 4 hour drive to Nelson on the Crow’s Nest highway. A two lane highway, the Crow’s Nest is famed for being very steep through it’s mountain pass. I was in no hurry and took my time since the day was still young.

I had called Bob Keating a few days before leaving for Nelson. He told me to call him once I got in or was closer, and so I did. I also managed to book two gigs on Thursday when I got there. The first would be at Finley’s Irish Pub, on Friday, and a matinee on Saturday at the Royal Hotel. Both venues regularly have music but Finley’s has accommodations, a band suite.

A plain old fashion aimless walk around town led me to Finley’s. I had seen on a sign that they had a blues jam during the week and naturally thought I should walk in. Mindy greeted me right away and we got to talking but Brent was the person I would need to speak with for bookings. I gave her my information and left, hoping he’d be back a little later.

I continued my walk and arrived upon the Royal Hotel, a woman named Summer was working away on her computer. She was a distant person to speak with, especially since I hadn’t even talked business yet, in her eyes, I was still only a customer. She pretty much told me that the bar and the stool she was sitting on was her office and that if she was in a real office people wouldn’t be able to bother her while she worked. I smiled since customer service is the key factor in running a bar and until she did have her office she would probably have to deal with her patrons enquiries with a smile in order to sell the image of fun, especially since it just changed ownership. I knew she was the one to talk to about music after overhearing her speak about bookings but, because of her holier than though attitude, I decided to go above her head and speak directly with the new owner about having the CBC interview at his bar and about getting some camera work done.

Alex was very happy to have me play but this week was booked solid, we would have to settle on a matinee. This was fine since the barter was the same and I could do something else on a Saturday night instead of playing music. He did send me back to Summer in order to book it; and ,with a bit of a smirk I must admit, I walked over to her to discuss the agreement we’d come to. Alex let her know to her to take care of me since I was playing tomorrow.

I walked back to Finley’s afterwards and Brent was in. Mindy had already mentioned what I was doing but I reiterated the project for him again to make sure there were no misunderstandings. A big and tall type, Brent is easily mistaken for a bouncer but has the professional skills of someone who’s been working with bands for a long time. He was a pleasure to deal with and offered me the show on Friday. It would be a collaboration between the Good Faith Tour and a fundraiser that was being put on by students from Selkirk college in order to be able to go volunteer and aid underdeveloped communities in South America.

Brent asked me where I was staying for the night. When I told him about the van he ordered Rob to go make sure the band suite was ready. I could stay there for the night and after the show the next day. We shook hands, I ordered a drink, and after the room was ready, I went down to check out the situation. It was spacious for one: three bunk beds, a pull out couch, a coffee maker, lockers, a washroom with shower and it was right next door to Rob’s apartment. I could hear the video games blaring the sounds of rally race car driving. This didn’t matter since I had a space of my own for a few days to practice guitar, or to just be by myself and relax.

Friday night was just beginning to pour into the bar atmosphere as I walked in to set up. Some of the volunteers were already there doing the same as I put my guitar up on stage and wandered over to the soundboard.

After a quick sound check I introduced myself to the cash table at the door and asked if I could interview one of them to talk a bit about the program they were raising money for. Grace would be the one to grace the interview. A student from Selkirk herself, she was excited about the trip coming up because it would be a lifetime opportunity. An opportunity to help make a difference and travel at the same time.

I met quite a few people from the program that night and since the event was done early, we decided to go out after my last so they could show me around town.

The next morning I woke up in the band suite and rushed out of bed. I had to shower and get ready for the matinee. I drove over and unloaded my gear and was smart enough to order breakfast before sound check. After doing a few adjustments, breakfast was served and a coffee too. It wasn’t very busy that afternoon but it allowed Bob to do the interview. He asked me questions and I answered into his microphone which was plugged into a mini recorder. I sang a few songs onstage while he was there so he could add music to the background of the interview.

After the show I went back to the band suite and played some more music. I wanted to work on a few new songs I’d been toying with and between gigs is the only time I can do that.

I went back up to the bar later in the evening, to give Brent the key. He told me to keep it if I wanted to stick around since he wanted an act after the football game Sunday night. I took him up on it.

I called up some friends from the night before and we found ourselves jamming that evening in a living room with an acoustic guitar, a fiddle, a clarinet, a keyboard/synthesizer, and shakers.

Nelson was full of good wholesome hippie moments while drinking macha tea, walking on a rocky beach at sunset, or finding a way into a boat yard to take pictures. Life seems very relaxed there. The mountains humbling you, a river nourishing the community. Skiing, biking, any outdoor sports really is what living in the Kootenays seems to be about.

I was told the area can chew you up and spit you out if you’re not ready. Only the people who are meant to stay, do.

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