Sunday, March 21 - I wake up bright and early, get some household chores done and spend some time on the computer. I Google the directions and my friend picks me up shortly after 3 pm. Even though I had seen Jack just a couple of weeks earlier, I was excited about seeing him play with Jerome Godboo, Scott Shane and Al Cross. The last time I saw Jerome was at The Duck with David Rotundo during the Grape and Wine Festival last fall and the place was packed to the rafters. The last time I saw Shane, he was also playing with David Rotundo but that several years ago. Al plays drums in Jerome’s regular band but I’ve seen him play with various players over the years and he is also a founding member of Big Sugar. Neither my friend and I have ever been to the Sky Lounge so we don’t know what to expect, especially on a late Sunday afternoon.

We arrive shortly after 4 pm. We have no problems finding the place and see there are a few cars in the parking lot. The venue is very nice with a separate bar area at the back, lots of tables and booths throughout, and a stage in one corner with a dance floor in front. Although the venue isn't full, about 75% of the tables are occupied. We make our way to a table at the front but the waitress quickly tells us it is reserved. There are a series of small tables pushed together to form a table for eight. She pulls one of the tables away to make a table for two for us. If this group arrives, we will no longer be able to see the band. Luckily, by the end of the first set, the "reserved" group have yet to show and a couple at another table at the front leave and we are able to move to a better table. There are several big screens around the venue but the two closest to the band are actually showing the band live - with one being directly behind them above the stage which makes us wonder what the point of that is.  

Anyway, the band is playing when we arrive. The first set is great with Jack and Jerome going back and forth leading the band. Jerome offers some amusing anecdotes between songs and pulls out his washboard which adds much fun to his musical antics. Shane even gets a chance to sing one himself. My friend wants to dance but since no one else is, I'm a little weary of getting up and blocking the view of the band since all the front tables are along the dance floor and they are all occupied. The crowd responds well after every song. More people come in and by the end of the first set, 95% of the tables are occupied. We order diner and enjoy a good meal. I really like this venue. 

   Jack de Keyzer, Al Cross, Jerome Godboo, Shane Scott, Tommy Fyfe

Every musicians who has played this festival raves about the personal attention they received when they were there. Each band is assigned an escort (no, not that kind) who is available at all times to help with any needs or wants. There are also dedicated shuttle drivers who drive the musicians and media from the hotel to the downtown core where all the stages and venues are. Our shuttle driver took us from the Farmer's Market to the after-hours venue and the house party. I also remember the young band (wish I could remember their names!) from New Orleans who closed the Harvest on Sunday afternoon. They had ended up at the same house party at 7:00 am or so and were sitting out on the curb when we came out to go back to the hotel. They weren't sure how to get back and we told them they could join us in the shuttle. They also joined us for breakfast; it was 8:00 am and by then we were so tired that we thought everything around us was hilarious. I don't think the other patrons in the restaurant, including Nanette Workman and her band, thought we were funny though. The New Orleans boys, though, couldn't stop saying how much they loved this festival.

Off the tangent and back to the Sky Lounge. By the second set, we have moved to the other table up front. and we are now able to dance by our table and not block anyone's view, which we do most of the set and which entices others to get up and dance as well.

By that time, a couple of other players have showed up. Tommy Fyfe from Sudbury joins in on guitars and vocals. Jerome mentions he was up in that area a few weeks earlier and had played with Tommy. There is also a sax player, Glendon James, who joins them on stage. It turns out this young player is legally blind although he has some sight. A friend is there to help guide him on and off the stage. Both are really good players and the band is smoking hot. We dance up a storm.

We had not planned on staying for all three sets but we can't resist and decide to stay until the end. My friend buys a CD from Jerome and we chat for a few more minutes. Our drive back to Niagara is smooth and we're home around 9:30.

I definitely recommend this Sunday afternoon matinee at the Sky Lounge in Mississauga.

  Glendon James

 Tommy Fyfe

Glendon James and Al Cross

Glendon James, Jerome Godboo