Thanks to the Canadian Consulate here, a number of fantastic shows promoting Canada are held in the week leading up to Canada Day. I have to admit, not only were these shows an incredible example of the talent in our great country, but they're made even more fun when you're admitted backstage to all of them (thank you to Jeff at the Consulate for the star treatment).
June 30th was the performance I was really looking forward to; Sam Roberts Band and the Stills at Prospect Park in Brooklyn. George and I had spent the entire day moving apartments but still managed to finish up in time to catch the Stills play their entire set. Being Canadian, and huge fans of Sam Roberts, we assumed he would be headlining and that we had arrived just in time to see both bands. But this is America and The Stills, who spent four years in Brooklyn before moving back to Montreal, are a much bigger act. So while George and I headed to an ATM figuring we'd be back in time to see SRB, the show cleared out. By the time we got back the only people left were the Consulate guests, who (led in part by Pamela Wallin) were staging an impromptu after party. Although we missed Sam play, we were fortunate enough to meet him and enjoy a conversation. Sam is as Canadian as they come: incredibly polite, totally sincere, and looks like he's just returned from a hike in the mountains. I also have to admit that I've always had a bit of a crush on him (ever since that Brother Down video where he's adrift at sea and just crying out for someone to save him and give him a good shave) so it was a real thrill to meet him and discover he's completely down to earth.
The following day, July 1st, was bittersweet. George caught a flight back to Vancouver that morning and I spent much of the afternoon wishing I could hop on a plane myself and beat him there. Once again, the Canadian Consulate came to my rescue, this time with a tribute to Canadian Song at Joe's Pub. If you are ever a Canadian in New York on Canada Day, this is THE show to see. Local New York musicians (most of them expats) played covers of everything from Avril Lavigne to Neil Young. By far the highlight was Carol Pope singing her own tune, High School Confidential. I've never been more proud.
