Mountain Head by Drone

Kelli McRobert | Sep 07, 2022

The Alt Rock band Mountain Head put on their annual charity concert for boaters at Kash Lake in North Frontenac last weekend. Our reporter, Kelli McRobert, attended virtually thanks to drone imagery provided by the band, and then interviewed the Hannah brothers.

She wrote the article from the drone’s point of view …

I feel myself being lifted and carried, placed gently into a vehicle for a 3-hour drive. Upon arrival, I am excited, anticipating what new adventure awaits me. It has been a while since I have tasted freedom and been able to soar the skies, the wind carrying me. I wait patiently as I can hear chatter from within my muffled case. I am protected, cushioned, but longing for release.

At 3 pm, I am gently lifted from my foam lined home and my artificial brain is ignited with power. Energy surges through my propellers as my pilot prepares for our scenic journey.

As I lift off, I begin to climb. The weather is perfect, sunny, warm, and not too much breeze. I dislike the windy days as my fragile propellers are easily damaged if my operator misjudges the weather or obstructions.

Today, I am soaring above Kashwakamak Lake, White Fish Bay, just south of Bon Echo Provincial Park, for a charity event hosted by the band Mountain Head. Locals, on this day, call it Mountain Head Bay, in honour of the gathering.

I love feeling the warm breeze flow over my smooth body, as I head towards the main boathouse, nestled in the woods, where the band is belting out shoreline tunes. Their look is reminiscent of ZZ Top as their long beards and hair sway to and fro as they ‘Let it Out’ with a catchy tune that has me circling the woods back to the lakeside view.

Over 125 boats, at last count, dotted the beautiful blue lake as the band continued to entertain with tunes like ‘Soul Stain’, ‘Automatic’ and ‘Shimmy Shimmy Ya’.

This marks the 3rd year for the annual event that raised over $5000.00 for the Land O’ Lakes Food Drive, including a filled pick-up truck bed, that helps support those in need in North Frontenac. I loved skimming over the guests (600 of them) as they lounged on the lake, some dancing, some eating, and some drinking, as the one-hour concert filled the air with a rock and roll beat. Paddle boats shuttled food, raffle tickets, and funds back and forth between vessels as friends and family kept the giving spirit going, one donation at a time.

My travelling companions are brothers, Kyle, and Ben Hannah, who sing and play guitar and Kevin Farmer who smashes out the rhythm on his drums. This denim clad crew are easily distinguished by their crisp black cowboy hats and witty charm.

They have deep roots to this location and have been friends since they tore around on their BMX bikes as adventurous 10-year-olds. Charity is in their blood as Kevin just came off a 12-hour drumming fundraiser in honour of his father who has Parkinson’s disease.

As the concert continues, our other companion Jay Sachdev, from Breathe Purpose Media, can be seen taking photos and video clips from a land lubbers perspective. I, however, prefer my aerial view as I swoop past the front of the boat house as the song ‘We Stole Your Head’ emanates along the shores of the lake, and drifts over the large blow-up swan that floats past, towering over the kayak and canoe enthusiasts.

Mountain Head has been independently performing for the past 3 years and scoring charting hits in Canada on SiriusXM ‘the Verge’ and were featured by the Wu Tang Clan, along with an impressive 3 million streams online.

Their name came from life itself; it is an endless climb, an endless game, each opportunity, or challenge is like a new peak to be conquered. As my flight comes to an end, and I settle comfortably on the grassy shoreline, I take a moment to savour the fresh air, as I enjoy the last few minutes of daylight watching the sun slowly begin to set. The band has played their final song and equipment is being safely stored away until the next time. Friends and family settle beside the bonfire to enjoy the evening and share a ‘cherry kola’, and a toast, to another successful event.

I prepare to return to my cozy case, batteries charging, as I look forward to our next adventure in Collingwood, on September 10th, where my friends will headline and share their love of music with an audience in support of the ‘Save the Escarpment’ campaign.

My pilot now gently nestles me in, a perfect fit as I am supported by a synthetic hug surrounding me. I feel the rumble of the engine, as we leave the next day, headed back towards Toronto and the buzz of city life that drives us. Adventure awaits Mountain Head and I look forward to my next flight and the mountain peaks that lay ahead.

For more information on Mountain Head:

https://mountainheadmusic.com

If you would like to attend this event next year, checkout their Facebook page for more details.

Photos from the concert