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Hi everyone, I just finished writing a new original song, called 'You'. Here is just a rough recording of me playing it 'live' with a percussion track running in the background. I hope you like it, but I'd really welcome any feedback or comments before I start to record and arrange a multi-track version. Ian

I had a great new experience the other night you might like to hear about. I played with a great band on stage in front of spectators for the first time... It was super! http://liveoriginal.visitsouthgeorgianbay.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Music-Lab-Mondays-2018.pdf The Town of Collingwood Ontario is a super place for artists and musicians, both amateur and professional and the location of the Worlds biggest "Elvis Festival" . The Town Arts and Culture Department often sponsors events for musicians, and recently they have offered an opportunity called " Music Lab" , where amateur musicians can meet, jam, collaborate and showcase their material, led by a great local band of performing musicians. http://liveoriginal.visitsouthgeorgianbay.ca/ I had the opportunity to go, so, not really knowing what to expect, (and wanting to get out of the house and play with others) off I went. Well, the venue was an actual theatre with stage, lighting, PA system, seating , the works! (I was slightly apprehensive, but as it turned out, this was totally unfounded.) The band leading the event https://shipyardkitchenparty.com/listen/ was very welcoming and friendly. This folk/pop group had recently won an award of excellence from the local Arts Council. They are often featured at local events, and play many area restaurants, bars, and theatres. (they are actually a comedy troupe and play '50's 60's 70"'s cover tunes too) They played some opening tunes as people dribbled in, and then invited other performers to come on stage and play. There were several ( 5 - 6) really good singer/songwriters who performed their own material ( some weren't say, "the best" at guitar playing, but they did well just the same. No one seemed too worried about "being good enough" ) I was asked if I wanted to come on stage and perform solo... ah.... well thanks, but I wasn't really prepared for that. "No problem.... come up on stage and play with us!" I quickly looked at one of their original tunes on an IPAD, and off we went! I plugged direct into the PA system (with my Godin 5th Ave, which sounded awesome btw) and followed along playing rhythm guitar with a super female singer, drummer and 2nd guitarist. Fortunately the tune was pretty simple, ( a 1 - 4 -5 folk type song) So I kept up and got a few smiles back , and there was a enthusiastic round of audience applause ? from about 50 people . (no boo's anyway!) Then the band asked other guitarists to come on stage and play with them, ( maybe 5 - others) so, being plugged in, of course I stayed! They asked for suggestions so I just started in with a basic 12 bar Blues in E, which went over great! The singer was so good, she just made up lyrics on the fly! After that, a couple of other singer/guitar players did their songs, and I followed along playing rhythm, even daring to throw i a couple of Lead lines, (that got a wink or two...) It was maybe 1/2 hour, but it was over in a flash. Lots of camaraderie, and chat after, and a few contacts made. They have another event next month and I'm hoping to make it to that one too. Who knows; I might screw up the courage to do a song or two solo... ? If you get the chance to do something like this...DO IT! FUN! Super experience ! Sorry I dont have any pic's of me... but I assure you, I was there! this is a video clip of the band... please excuse the cell phone video quality.... they sound great in person!

Just started Session 4 today. I am pleased with my progress. Chords are a little hard for me but getting better every day. Wow some of them finger exercises are testing my hand to brain co-ordination. lol.