Lakeside Music with R Banned!

Kelli McRobert | Aug 03, 2022

It’s the long weekend, and there are so many choices to keep me entertained for the next 4 days! How do I decide?

Well, we planned out a short route to head over to Napanee to see the fields of sunflowers at Kaiser Farms and it was a lovely location to stop and take FREE photos amongst the beautiful sea of gold rolling over acres and acres of countryside. Along the way we stopped to meet the goats at the Trading Post, who frequent the rooftop entryway and it is a favourite of ours for photos and a quick visit to see what the latest is in local artisanal gifts.

Saturday was the main event, R Banned was playing a live concert on Pond Tuned (their boat). The sun was shining, and the humidity had dissipated enough that you wanted to venture outside and explore the lakes and cottages. I packed my swimsuit, snacks, and drinks and headed off to Howes Lake in Verona. The winding roads off Desert Lake are inviting as the trees canopy the route and offer a cool comfort as I roll along with some Chris Stapleton playing on the radio. I snaked my way admiring the well-maintained yards and hidden lakeside properties that offered solitude from the frantic energy of the nearby towns and villages.

As I turned another bend the road became a lane and I gingerly approached blind hills as I ventured deeper towards the lakeside retreat. Thank goodness for signage as I veered off at the Y and came upon a makeshift campsite, trailers neatly lined up, glamping really, as eager families set up their own ‘space’ with chairs, water toys, and games. Dogs were greeting others and their pack continued to grow as they chased and frolicked chest deep in the sandy waters’ dockside. There was even a chicken or two being coaxed by a group of ducks a sharp contrast as the final bend revealed beautifully maintained homes with lush green grass and lake side decks that looked out over the still waters.

I was enthusiastically greeted by Don who introduced me to the band and a few friends that were there to enjoy the front row seats. I settled into my dockside vantage point and enjoyed the quiet, as the band prepared the boat and ensured they had adequate supplies to last the 3-hour tour…and yes, I had visions and the theme song of Gilligan’s Island running through my head, admittedly. Spectators continued to arrive, and parking became a game of Jenga as cars slid in between nooks and cranny’s so they could unload their sea-worthy (some questionable) vessels and take part in the annual Flotilla and concert.

At precisely, 1 PM, the trumpet played O Canada, and it brought a tear to my eyes (always does) as I stood proud to be a Canadian and grateful that I am a part of a sharing and kind community. The captain had been signalled to boat across the lake so he could yield the helm and guide the vessel throughout its musical journey for land and sea spectators. Within minutes, docks came to life with boats, canoes, paddle boards, kayaks and blow-up swans as residents emerged and took to the waters to enjoy the free concert. Pond Tuned headed south and serenaded the entire lake as rhythmic tunes echoed across the still waters, the occasional wake bumping the shore as keen tubers bobbed and laughed, as they were towed, refreshing spray cooling their travels and music setting the tone.

I watched the gathering grow…….. a conga line of sea faring families each with their own unique dance move, wave, or the fancy footwork of a skilled barefoot skier, who wowed the crowd as they circled past, and toddlers cooed as the waves struck the beachfront kiddy pool. Neighbours shared a drink or two and the colourful flotilla ebbed and flowed with each new tune, classics from years gone by. The songs you could hum and sing along with …foot tapping and the occasional beachfront dance not caring who was looking as the sand squished between your toes.

At 4, the Pond Tuned returned to shore and a few boats retreated to their docks to offload families and prepare for an evening of food, friends, and bonfires. The band enjoyed a well-prepared feast that the hostess, and lead singer, Wendy prepared, including baked salmon, shrimp on the BarBee and a spread of desserts that went on forever. Drinks all around to celebrate another successful event and already a conversation about plans for future happenings.

For those that missed last week’s article on R Banned, they are a group that formed in 2007 and have a passion for music and share that love annually on Howes Lake. They are also very active with charitable organizations and can be booked for private functions both on land and sea. For more information you can find them on Facebook.

Thank you for a fantastic afternoon of music, food, and friendship, it was incredible, and I hope next year brings you continued success! Well done!