It's another gorgeous Saturday in Niagara. We really can't complain about the winter so far – just a little bit of snow, mild temperatures and blue skies more often than not. Although all of this comes at a price.

Climate change and what it will bring to our kid's future is always at the back of my mind. I make a conscious effort to keep informed on this subject and many others that affect our day-to-day lives, but on this beautiful Saturday afternoon I have but one thought on my mind – tapping my toes and swinging my hips to the blues.

My brisk walk to The Duck takes about 20 minutes. I love this walk that takes me through a quaint residential area. I left a little later than I originally planned but luckily The Mighty Duck Blues Band is only a couple of minutes into the first set when I arrive. The band consists of Jim Casson on drums, Canada Dave Torosian on keys, Dave Curry on guitar and Gary Kendall on bass.

There are already a couple of dozen people in the place. I see a friend at one of the front tables and join him. He is also a regular at this matinee – usually dividing his day between this one and the two other matinees happening at the same time every Saturday.

  A few of the regulars and Jack (right), the owner.

After a couple of songs, the band is warmed up and they introduce today's guest, Danny Brooks. I've seen Danny several times before but I look forward to seeing him play with this band. They're tight, polished and have never been a disappointment no matter what the guests throw at them. Today is no different. Danny gives them a few seconds of direction and then the show begins.

  The Might Duck Blues Band - Dave Curry (guitar), Jim Casson (drums), Gary Kendall (Bass),
Canada Dave Torosian (keyboard) with guest - Danny Brooks.

His performance is impeccable, backed by the expertise of The Mighty Duck Blues Band. By the second set, they are performing to a packed house of devoted followers who readily express their approval. Between songs, Danny often shares road stories and anecdotes. He communicates well with the band who have no problems jumping into songs they have never played.

The usual crowd of regulars sits around and chat with each other during the breaks, which is really my only main complaint – the first break was much too long and the last set much too short. Danny had another gig to go to in the evening and the last set felt a little rushed. Another small complaint is the lack of a dance floor. At times, guests will dance in the small aisle in front of the band but I think most people feel uncomfortable with that. In the end, we all know we've been given a gift of a perfect afternoon. 

  Communication!

The regulars just love The Duck!

After the band packs up, I stick around and chat with some of the regulars. I eat a quick supper to re-energize myself since a friend is coming back to meet me for a music-filled evening in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

The Niagara Rhythm Section has had a regular show with guests every Saturday at the Anchorage Motel Bar and Grill for over six years. Unfortunately, the establishment shut its doors suddenly last year. The band lost no time in regrouping and partnered with Corks, a restaurant on the main street in Niagara-on-the-Lake. I've not been to the new venue and look forward to seeing the guests, Lance Anderson and Terry Blersh. Lance will be the guest at the Duck in two weeks and although I knew this, I still wanted to see him backed by the Niagara Rhythm Section.

My friend arrives as scheduled, we go pick up her sister and then make our way to Corks. I had been told that the layout of the room was not the best. The restaurant is a long and narrow room and the band is set-up at the back in a somewhat separate room. The waitress tells us that she has one table for four left in that room. As it turns out the back room is very small and crammed with about seven tables which are all already occupied except for one table just beside Lance's keyboard. That's our table!

I see a few more local “blues cruisers” as well as some of the regulars from the old Anchorage show. Lance gives me a welcome hug and we joke that my chair is so close that I'll almost be sitting in his lap. I am literally less than a foot away from his keyboards. The band is squeezed into a straight line from wall to wall with Terry Blersh at the other end. The band consists of Steve Goldberger - bass and vocals, Penner MacKay – persussions, Sandra Marynissen - percussion, Dave Norris – drums. Usually on guitar is Steve Grisbrook but he is replaced tonight by Terry Blersh and usually on keys is Herb Nelson who's seat tonight is being filled by Lance.

Lance doesn't have his usual companion this evening, his B3 organ – there really is no room for it, but he will bring it for his show at the Duck in two weeks. He does, however, have his accordion and tonight's theme being Mardi Gras, it will be a fun bonus. Add to that some bongos and you've got an interesting mix.

Lance does pull out his accordion and plays in the spirit of Mardi Gras. Unfortunately, by the time he straps it on a second time, he realizes it is stuck and that’s the end of the accordion for the night. We do get to see Penner play his washboard tie, though! It’s always such a treat to see this band; it’s been close to a year since I’ve seen them and I make a mental note not to stay away for that long again.

During the break, the crowd mingles and chats. Lance talks to a few people and then joins my friends and I for a few minutes of catching up before they go back for their second and last set. The conversation is always interesting with Lance. We talk about the Harvest Festival in Fredericton, NB and how great their late-night jam is in the Farmer’s Market and how one of the organizer’s always invites a whole whack of people back to her house – a huge Victorian house in this great little neighbourhood where musicians jam and mingle until past sunrise.

The second set is just as lively as the first. The musicians and the crowd are warmed up and the dancing continues. Although it is great to be sitting so close as to be able to really see Lance play, my only disappointment is that the sound is not that great since I am behind one of the speakers.

The show ends around midnight and my friends and I stick around while the band packs up. When they’re done, Steve, Terry and Lance join us and we chat some more. We thank them all for a fantastic evening and wish them a safe drive home. Twenty minutes later I am in bed, my toes tapping as I fall asleep.

How lucky am I to have access to such great music and musicians; how lucky am I to have friends who love the blues as much as I do!