Newfies keep turning up at the Sharbot Lake Country Inn

Jeff Green | Nov 01, 2012

Photo: Jean Hewson performed at the Sharbot Lake Country Inn for one night only

When Frank and Sandra White completed renovations to the Sharbot Lake Country Inn a couple of years ago, they thought it would be a good idea to space out some dinner and live music events throughout the year.

That decision has led to some memorable performances from Ontario and East Coast musicians, with a particular focus on Newfoundland bands who tend to tour in Ontario periodically.

But once the word got out to the tight-knit Newfoundland music community, the phone started ringing at the Country Inn with last minute requests to host shows.

For the most part, the Whites, always up for live music on a weekend evening, have said yes, and music lovers in Frontenac and Lanark County have been lucky enough to see and hear a steady stream of top-flight Newfoundland musicians in recent months.

Two weeks ago, guitarist/singer Jean Hewson and flautist Gerry Strong, two performers steeped in the traditional Newfoundland music they have each been playing professionally for over 25 years, played the Country Inn.

There is something about musicians who have devoted that much time to perfecting their craft, not so they can show off their skills, but for no other reason than to get the most enjoyment out of music that they love for its own sake.

Although Hewson and Strong have never toured together until now (they played a sold out show at the Black Sheep in Chelsea, Quebec the night after playing Sharbot Lake) they have played on each other's albums on numerous occasions.

Hewson’s singing and Strong’s flute repertoire are terrific on their own, but the interplay of the flute and guitar, as well as the flute and Hewson’s voice, make their show something special.

For those who missed Hewson and Strong, too bad.

The Once, a band that played two nights at the Country Inn back in April, are coming back on November 11 for a dinner/concert, but alas their show is sold out.

All is not lost, however, since the Dardanelles, a five-piece (bodhran/accordion/fiddle/guitar/banjo) band of young musicians, are coming to the Country Inn next Saturday, November 10.

The Dardanelles play high-energy traditional Newfoundland music with a touch of Acadian/Cajun inflection thanks to the accordion work of Andrew Collis. Tickets are $20 for the show, which starts at 8 pm. Dinner will be available before the show from the regular menu.