Musical guests boost caboose coffers

Dec 08, 2011

Photo: Julia Schall and Shawn Savoie

The Central Frontenac Railway Heritage Society’s latest fundraiser was an overwhelming success due to the eclectic line up of local musical guests who entertained supporters at Sharbot Lake High School on December 2 and who covered a wide range of musical stylings. Gary Giller, vice chair of the society and bass player in the host band, the Strat Cats, played two sets during the evening. The first was a more acoustic set of classic rock cover tunes by bands like the Foo Fighters, REM. The band let it all hang out when they donned generous beards for their second set, which included a number of heavier rock and blues numbers and a medley of tunes by ZZ Top. In a mellower tone was country crooner Mitch Barker, who was joined on stage by Dan Gibbs and Lorna Cooke on dobro and who stole the hearts of old time country music fans in the crowd with his version of “Crazy Arms”, and Loretta Lynn’s “Before I'm Over you” and many more.

Last but in no way least the line up was Julia Schall, who was joined on stage by her significant other Shawn Savoie on stand up bass. The two cruised their way through a number of old country and modern classics that included Hank Williams’ “I’m so Lonesome I could cry”, “Hurt”, and Neil Young’s “Harvest Moon”. Famed for her founding of Hinchinbrooke PS's School of Rock, Schall is a natural talent and one can only hope to have the chance to see the duo again in the near future .The evening musical line up had something for everyone.

Gary Giller is currently in the process of organizing the Center Stage Cafe with the hopes of offering similar evenings of musical entertainment by local amateur musicians on a regular basis. Judging by his first efforts, it looks as though there is indeed an audience eager for a night out while supporting a good cause in the community.