Hello IDOW, goodbye Ramblers?

It’s day one of In the Dead of Winter fest 2012 (well yesterday was, but I missed Shawn Colvin, who I hear played both Sunny Came Home AND her song from The Simpsons) and I’ve already experienced my seasonal affective disorder/folk music induced emotional rollercoaster.

Kev Corbett was taking the stage when I hunted down my pass at Eyelevel, which might I add makes just as lovely a music venue as it does an art gallery. A soft-spoken cozy and intimate crowd sat politely enjoying the space and the Kev. Sadly, I couldn’t stay long in fear of missing Coast cover model, the hype-worthy Willie Stratton and co. But I was overjoyed at the sight of this new IDOW venue.

The Bus Stop Theatre was warm and welcoming as always and I even got to catch a couple of tunes from the sweet-as-pie Jenny Berkel, who I later noticed had an amazing fur hat. I hope to see more of her Friday at Eyelevel avec Cactus Flower and Joe Grass.

Did I mention our own Tara Thorne was the master of ceremonies at the BST show? And you thought Ricky Gervais was a good host.

Next up the face-melting, lyric-belting folkster Willie Stratton and his equally as wonderful cronies Kristen Wells, Magnus von Tiesenhausen and Grace Stratton shut everyone up and used some microphones that were likely as old as their parents. Or older. I got goosebumps a few times, Willie busted his guitar, Grace rocked out so hard her drum fell off the stage and they covered a super grim song I wish I could remember the name of.

I ran across the street to the Company House thinking I’d catch Mo Kenney, who apparently owned it, but I missed her. Second chances abound at IDOW though—Mo plays at 2053 Gottingen tomorrow at 9. This mishap worked out though because I did get to see Halifax theatre wizard/heartthrob Stewart Legere sing some of his powerhouse songs, tickle the ivories ’til they cried and bring the beautiful Melanie Stone up to assist in making some flawless harmonies.

I dodged a bus and jaywalked back across to the BST to catch the Moonshine Ramblers‘ set only to find the room had transformed into a mega dance party where apparently shoes (and socks!) were optional. It was sweaty and stompy in there, and as always the Ramblers showed us all a great time.

Then, the unthinkable. I found out that this would likely be the end of the Ramblers. The final countdown. The grand finale. THEIR LAST SHOW. After this news I moped my way home so I could sob in peace. Say it ain’t so! And if it is…farewell to one of my favourite bands in Halifax, the party igniting, sock-removing Moonshine Ramblers. You’ll be missed by me and many.

If this is only one night, lord knows what the rest of the weekend will bring. And apparently we’re getting pounded with snow tomorrow, so we can all just make like we’re listening to quiet music and sipping wine in our jammies at home. Storm or no storm you should take the time, put on actual pants and check out a show or two. Then, Gottingen-wide snowball fight?

This article appears in Jan 26 – Feb 1, 2012.