Girl About O-Town

In the end, I find that a good stretch always does me good.

When I begin, there is a distinct feeling of relief, as though I never should have waited this long to do it.  Then a sense of familiarity overtakes, and it is often totally affirming.  I am able to acknowledge that while my current position might be somewhat atypical, I am still me, and there is nothing to be afraid of.  If I continue to stretch though, a twinge of discomfort will surface, followed by pain if I go too far.  This is all the evidence my brain needs to shut down the activity at the source of the pain, and when I know my actions are actually having an effect.  Then, the stretch is let go, and I wait for the residual benefits to present themselves…

Attending last evening’s “Bands Undone” at the Canteen Art Shop & Gallery was indeed a stretch for me.  “Bands Undone” is a series of press sessions for local bloggers and media to Q&A with bands that have come to Otown to play.  To me, it seemed like a great way to hear new music, to meet a few musicians and to exchange with a few fellow creative types in the process. 

The thing is though; this girlaboutOtown is far from expert on Ottawa’s music scene!  Yes, I listen to Amanda Putz, read the Ottawa Xpress and occasionally make it out to one of the region’s most renowned venues, the Black Sheep Inn, but I am nowhere near ‘in the know’.  I only ever write about the shows I love, and I don’t follow the comings and goings of artists with the kind of feverish enthusiasm that is the hallmark of a true music fan.   I suppose this is why I felt very privileged to be invited to this enlightening event last night, and why I feel so compelled to tell of my experience.

Meadowlark Five from Sudbury, Ontario stopped into the Canteen Art Shop & Gallery for a late afternoon jam before heading over to Zaphod’s for their sound check and evening show.  Squeezed into the back of this small but eclectic gallery space, the band played an intimate set that lasted over an hour.  Uninhibited in their interactions with each other and with those of us there to witness their effort,  it was clear that the members of Meadowlark Five were having fun.   Their intriguing mix of haunting vocals and acoustic beats produced a subdued sound that was as unconventional as it was appealing.  Somehow, in this setting, I felt a part of something seriously special. 

Then, the music ended and the band dispersed.  The scene was totally laid back and friendly, and there was an overwhelming easiness to the people who stayed behind.  This was a crowd who were truly in sync with each other, and who shared much more than a single set in common.  However, like the fluorescent lights that go on after last call and harshly unravel a nighttime’s worth of assumptions, the end of the show meant my relative ignorance was soon to be exposed.  It was then that my stretch began to take effect.

I’m not normally one who struggles to make conversation, or is ever at a loss for words, but man – this music scene sure was a mystery to me!  Had the room held anyone other than musicians, writers and music lovers, I might have had something intelligent to contribute.  Instead, I barely had anything to say at all.  While the members of Meadowlark Five were completely kind and entirely capable of decent conversation, I was utterly unable to carry my own!  I seemed to stumble around my sentences awkwardly with no idea of what to aim for, and I repeatedly reverted to “so you’re from Sudbury” in a ridiculously feeble attempt to cover for my lack of savvy in this particular subject area.  Yikes, how embarrassing! 

So, before too long it was time for me to stop this personal pain and remove myself from the source of discomfort.  I smiled, wished the band well and thanked my hosts for their hospitality.  On the way out,  I hoped like hell my ineptitude would not preclude another invitation to “Bands Undone”.

As for the residual benefits?   You bet.  I found a band I’d definitely feel comfortable seeking out again, and Meadowlark Five has a new fan!

The very cool Kara Strang at the Canteen Art Shop & Gallery should be commended for her creativity.  Press sessions at the gallery are a great concept, and help to make connections between musicians, writers and the music loving community.  

Meadowlark Five includes:

• Steph Duchesne (drums)
• Danica Guenette (vocals)
• Paul Loewenberg (bass, vocals, keyboards)
• Matthew Beech (guitar)
• Clayton Drake (keyboards, vocals)
• Jonathan Danyliw (guitar, vocals, bass)