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.com
Throughout 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
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