Pat Blythe – That’s A Wrap…..CMW, JRLMA and a very special concert…….

Indulge me for just a moment. I’d like to begin this week’s column with a very poignant piece my “daughter” sent me. Colleen is actually my former daughter-in-law and a young woman I continue to consider my daughter. Over the years our friendship has grown and deepened with much love and mutual respect. When she decides to return to Canada from what has now become her home base of Thailand, she bunks in at my place for sometimes as long as a month. I enjoy her companionship and miss terribly her when she is gone. Artistically creative, Colleen is a wonderful copy writer and blogger. The two of us can sit in the same room tapping away on our respective keyboards in a companionable silence that is rare. Intelligent, beautiful inside and out, open-minded, a musician (she has a beautiful voice and plays guitar), Colleen is simply a joy to spend time with. As for our lengthy discussions, nothing is off the table. Refreshing!

Pat Blythe – CMW and Playing Catchup with JRLMA, Hot Lips and more…..

It’s May!!!! Festival season has begun with Canadian Music Week (CMW) and there is something for everyone. From the neophyte to the cynical lifer, CMW includes seminars and panel discussions covering Tech, Music and Radio; Mentor’s Café; Film and Music Festivals, always something to learn.  ….and then there’s the networking…..better known as schmoozing…..done to a fine art. Once again the downtown Sheraton Conference Centre is command central and the heartbeat of CMW. It’s where all the conference sessions take place, the trade show for all things shiny and new is ensconced and of course, much meeting and greeting is done in the lobby bar.

Pat Blythe – Jack Richardson Music Awards and Music Week…What a Blast!!!

There is SO much to share with you. It’s been such an incredible week celebrating Jack Richardson. A full week of music was such a blast and the Jack Richardson London Music Awards Show……fantastic. What a fitting tribute to a such a remarkable man who was so influential in the Canadian music industry and an amazing friend to all the musicians who crossed his path. I firmly believe Canada wouldn’t be home to one of the greatest bands in the world if Richardson hadn’t mortgaged his house for that first album and subsequent number one hit. I personally salute the man who believed so much in Canada he refused to go south. One of the most respected and sought after producers in the world, Richardson dedicated his career to his mother country and I love that he settled in my home town of London, Ontario.

Pat Blythe – A Tribute to Jack Richardson, Tom Cochrane and Music

Back in London, Ontario for the Jack Richardson Music Awards (JRMA) and Jack Richardson Music Week. My home town and it’s about time I attended. There are multiple events happening every night. Great Lakes Blues Society presents Bill Durst; Doll House Showcase celebrates the Women of London in Music with Juno nominee Emm Gryner; Battle of The High School Bands in honor of Richardson’s love of teaching and encouragement of London’s young musicians ($2,500 top prize); an oral history of the London music scene from the 1960’s forward presented by Greg Simpson and Bob Klanac; Jack’s London Live….a full evening devoted to promoting live music and the live music venues in London (wonder how many I can cover in a single evening) and of course, to cap off  the week Jack Richardson Music Awards presentation and gala.