This year we had amplified sound and the weather was perfect for MHBPNA’s Second Annual Duke St. West Music Fest. On June 22, 2019 we had over 150 people drop by the Duke St. Playground between 2 and 5 pm to hear our neighborhood musicians performing and to grab some of the pizza and refreshments we offered.
We thank our neighbour Gailen for mowing the lawn at the front of the playground which made it nicer for the audience and musicians.
Performers:
As with last year, our entertainment opened with The Buddy Choir singing a few songs and they performed with energy and enthusiasm. They are sponsored by our partner Extend A Family who do great work in our community.
Frank Baker did some amusing impressions of politicians and movie folks (our favourite was Christopher Walken).
The Duke Street Alicorns performed some songs for younger people in the audience including Rainbow by Sia from the My Little Pony movie.
It was the Scott Family’s first DSWMF. They are Douglas, Jaclyn, Caelyn and Rosie and they played four songs that were all well arranged and included flute, piano, guitar, singing and misc. percussion. The songs were: Theme from “Steven Universe”, O.D.D., Doug’s composition: “Tango” and “In the Jungle.”
We were lucky that Luke Cyrus Hunter has moved into our neighbourhood. He has been writing songs for several years and has recorded CDs and his information can be found here:
All his songs had wit and energy including “Tequila, Rum and Such” which he recorded a highly entertaining video. Click on
this link to watch!
Alexis Hammer was back for her second year and was accompanied by Ted Parkinson on guitar. She chose Ahead by a Century (Tragically Hip), The Shallows (Lady Gaga) and I Want to Hold Your Hand (Beatles).
Edward Barrington played his thoughtful original songs on guitar and his artist information can be
found here.
Ted Parkinson played keyboard for his set which included his original songs about San Luis Obispo and his orange cats. He finished with a rousing boogie woogie improvisation. Information about Ted and his music can be
located here and an entertaining piano performance can be
viewed here.
The
Peanut Butter Jams are new to our ‘hood and they sang a high energy set which included:
My Friends by Hey Ocean!, Keep on the Sunny Side by Blenkhorn/Entwisle, Who Knew by The New Coon Creek Girls, Rocky Top by Felice and Boudleaux Bryant
The “Jams” can be followed on Instagram: @thepeanutbutterjams
Jakki Annerino told us about all the places she had lived in our neighbourhood over the years and then she and
Wayne Cheater played several of Jakki’s original songs including This Can Only Get Better and Dreamin’ of My Ancestors. They can be heard on her
YouTube Channel.
Jakki and Wayne have also helped run Black Walnut Open Stage at the Mill Courtland Centre from September to June for many years. The website is
blackwalnutfolkclub.comThroughout the perfect afternoon children played and residents wandered through listening to the music, sitting for a while and meeting other friends. What an amazing day.
Around the half way mark we ordered pizza from Planet Pizza because…..Pizza!
Who made it all happen? An event like this requires some time and help from many people. The overall organization and planning was undertaken by Eli Winterfeld, Ted Parkinson and Emily Slofstra (who are all on the board of the Mt. Hope – Breithaupt Park Neighbourhood Association). The City of Kitchener granted us a noise exemption permit. The keyboard and two amps were loaned by Ted, the sound system and microphones were loaned by Emily and Dan. Dan Kellar volunteered to mix the vocals, arrange the mic setup and generally help out. Extend-A-Family loaned us three tents and paid for some chips and other food. The Midtown folks loaned us their chalkboard. Claudette volunteered to emcee and did a great job. MHBPNA paid for the Portable Toilet, and the pizza and the advertising (this money is raised through programs they run like the soccer league). Other folks organized the water and glasses, helped serve the pizza and did other tasks. Ted and Joan loaned 8 lawnchairs and Jack helped carry and move lots of stuff around. Thanks to everyone who helped out and who came and enjoyed the afternoon with us.
See you all next year!
Ted Parkinson
Communications, MHBPNA
