Feature Article February 20, 2003
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Abrams Family Fundraiser sells out for Heritage Societyby Inie Platenius If you ever had any doubt that Verona would turn out to hear music, you can lay it to rest today. The Lions Hall was bursting at the seams last Sunday with over 250 lucky people whod managed to buy their tickets for the Heritage Society Fundraiser before the event sold out. Why so full? They came to hear the Abrams Family & Clarendon Station, with guest Don Cochrane sing and play their down home friendly brand of bluegrass, country and gospel. Clarendon Station opened the afternoon with some gospel tunes, including Lester Flatts poignant He Took your Place, then moved into a mix of standards and originals. Mandolin player Bobby Burtchs rendition of El Comanchero was a big hit, and the audience loved papa Wayne Abrams song Mary, a tribute to his wife of 43 years. Mary herself is the groups harmony vocalist. Their son Brian plays guitar; Glen MacDonald Banjo; Jim Kirkham bass and Printers Alleys Shawn Kellett plays fiddle. Don Cochrane brought us all right back to the 60's when he took the stage to croon old standards of folk and country from Last Thing On My Mind to Lightfoots Ribbon of Darkness to his own Hey Uncle Tom. His voice smooth as Canadian maple syrup - brought home the soulful metaphors of country lyric (In the shelter of your eyes I have finally learned my song) and his Im Goin Home brought a few tears.
John
(12) & James (9) Abrams then took the stage, brought the audience
to its feet with their sweet harmonies and amazing fiddling.
From Where The Soul of
Man Never Dies to Orange
Blossom Special the
boys, backed by their dad Brian and grandfather Wayne on guitar,
captivated everyone in the hall.
There is nothing to compare with the warmth of country musicians
acceptance of each others music and talent. Every song was
credited, every instrumentalist acknowledged, and most songs evoked an
anecdote of some cherished memory watching some other performer play.
Watching Bobby Burtch watch the young Abrams Brothers sing Keep On
the Sunny Side was a study in how to pass on that tradition of
generosity and warmth.
With this concert, The Verona Area Heritage Society has set the
perfect tone for a possible series of fundraising concerts.
Lets hope they keep the momentum going! In the meantime, you
can get another Abrams Family fix at the Iron Horse Saloon in Kingston
on February 26 (see Northern happenings), and at the Blue Skies Fiddle
Orchestra fundraiser in Sharbot Lake this April.
Watch for details.
