Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Don Messer Jubilee Tribute

Last Friday night, Richard and I went to the Don Messer Jubliee Tribute held in Maxville, about a 10 minute drive from here. If he were alive today, Don Messer would be 100-years-old so the Glengarry Pioneer Museum decided to have a benefit concert to honour his memory. The TV show Don Messer's Jubliee was a staple for Canadians growing up in the 1960s and in its heyday had over 4 million viewers.


Johnny Forrest, the only remaining member of Don Messer's band was flown in from his home in Surrey, B.C. Here I am with him on the far left and Don Messer's road manager Ken Reynolds in the middle.


Lots of local talent performed throughout the 3 hour concert. There was fiddling, step-dancing and square dancing, "quiet time" with beautiful cello music, and just plain, old fashioned country music with slide guitars, singing and of course, Johnny's accordion playing.



Here's just a taste of the opening number which was the original theme song to Don Messer's Jubilee TV show. The incomparable Bobby Lalonde pitched in on fiddle.

4 comments:

frannie said...

Wow, that was short! But I do remember the number from way back. Must have been a gas to attend.

Addison Dewitt said...

I love a man in a kilt.

Ronna said...

Frannie: My upload speed is so slow, I was afraid to try anything longer. Might tray to add another at the end of this post...

Anonymous said...

Sounds like fun. I would have loved to have been there, but without my parents, siblings & a plaid orange couch it wouldn't have been the same. :)
- Penelope

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