Pat Blythe – Until next year be safe, be happy, have fun……

This week of December 8 has got to be one of the craziest weeks yet this year and the month just keeps getting busier. Special functions to attend, birthdays, a show, baking, shopping, writing, editing, decorating, cleaning…..the list goes on. In the middle of this maelstrom I have to spend an entire afternoon at the ophthalmologist and another afternoon hanging around my doctor’s office (annual checkup). Time spent away from the computer and other “duties” is keeping me up until the wee wee hours of the morning.

Last week was all about the music of Christmas. Heading down that rabbit hole I learned about, and listened to, some amazing music while researching and selecting the tunes for the column. I’m not sure there’s much more I can add.

One key event I will mention is the 4^th Annual Unison Schmoozefest. Held last Monday at the Liberty Grand, it was wall-to-wall bodies, all out to schmooze, celebrate and support the Unison Benevolent Fund. See Rock Live Magazine graciously purchased my ticket and I met up with Hartley Pickens (owner of Canada Rocks Media) and drummer Oliver Salathiel of Pterodactyl Problems.

Lots of familiar faces and hugs including Sally Shaar (Monowhales), Julian Taylor (Julian Taylor Band), Eddie Bullen, Tom Cochrane, Bill Bell, Amanda Powers (Unison), Barry Roden (photographer), Jay Douglas, Bruce Bradley (Slammin’ Media), Sarah French (Sarah French Publicity). I even got the “red carpet treatment” posing with Eddie Bullen…..photo by Roden himself! A successful silent auction was held plus a separate donation of $250,000 was made. I walked into the ballroom in the middle of the presentation and after much searching on the interube am unable to find out who wrote out that sizeable cheque but THANK YOU!

I can’t emphasize enough how important the Unison Benevolent Fund is to the music community and the support it provides, both financially and emotionally. Help is just a phone call away. From their website “Unison Benevolent Fund is a non-profit, registered charity that provides counselling and emergency relief services to the Canadian music community. The Unison Benevolent Fund is an assistance program – created and administered for the music community, by the music community – designed to provide discreet relief to music industry professionals in times of crisis. There are two distinct types of support available through the fund, Financial Assistance, and Counselling and Health Solutions.” To find out more click here https://unisonfund.ca/

Our wonderful musical community needs our support…..so get out and support live music!!!

Today is my final column of the year while DBAWIS goes on hiatus until January 13. The holidays are busy for many but for others it can be a lonely and bleak time of year. Reach out to as many people as you can. Take a few minutes out of your busy life and call just to say “I was thinking about you and thought I’d check in to say hello.” It can make someone’s day just to hear your voice. We can’t always invite the world to dinner or have time to visit in person. This is NOT about texting or messaging. Pick up the damn phone, plug in your ear buds, Skype, FaceTime, Facebook chat…..whatever it takes, give them a verbal hug and wish them a Merry Christmas. I will be visiting and making a number of calls myself.

Richmond, North Yorkshire Christmas lighting, Friary Gardens

The following music is provided by the Temple Church Choir recorded in the Temple Church, London England. I wrote about the church in last week’s column. I love Christmas and especially Christmas chorals or choirs. The united voices have the power to lift you up and fill you up. Introduced to me by a very good friend, it’s one of his favourites and is now one of mine. Please enjoy!

Unto Us A Boy Is Born – Temple Church Choir

Christ Was Born on Christmas Day – Temple Church Choir

Away in a Manger – Temple Church Choir

The Holly and the Ivy – Temple Church Choir

The First Nowell – Temple Church Choir

Oh Come All Ye Faithful – Temple Church Choir

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen – Temple Church Choir

Hark The Herald Angels Sing – Temple Church Choir

MERRY EVERYTHING

HAPPY ALWAYS

Wishing you all good health, happiness and love!

Cheers!

=PB=

Pat’s column appears every Wednesday.

Contact us at: dbawis@rogers.com

In “real” life Pat Blythe has spent the past 32 years as a consultant and design specialist in the telecommunications industry. After an extended absence Pat is now heading back to the GTA clubs, immersing herself in the local music scene, tasting what’s on offer, talking to people and writing once again — sharing her passions and her deep love of music. Together for 34 years, Pat also worked alongside her late husband Christopher Blythe, The PictureTaker©, who shot much  of the local talent (think Goddo, Frank Soda and the Imps, Plateau, Buzzsaw, Hellfield….) as well as national and international acts,  Currently making her way through 40 years of Chris’s archives, Pat is currently compiling a photographic history of the local GTA music scene from 1975 to 1985. It continues to be a work in progress. Oh…..and she LOVES  to dance!