I’ve experienced a busy summer filled with live music events. I visited a favourite semi-indoor live music venue in a ‘barn’ about an hour’s drive from home. With August well underway as I write this Blog, summer’s end is in sight.

It is called “The Blues Barn.”

Let me start from the front gate. There is an old red pickup truck with “Blues Barn” lettered on the door. I swing past it to get behind the residence and enter a road that runs parallel to the ‘barn.’

Early arrivals are already parked, and folks are headed towards the Hot Mess Food Truck. I ordered my favourite, Messy Grilled Cheese with a side of home-made chips. I’m glad I brought my reusable lap protector. I opened my near-beer and dug into my sandwich. Yum.

Singer Rick Vance entertained us for an hour while we chowed down. The sun was too hot for me, so I retreated to share the shade of a vehicle with a stranger – but not for long.

I noticed he wore a Gilles Villeneuve cap. I asked him if he was a Formula 1 fan. That’s all it took. We were off to the races, so to speak. Great fun.

Then I transitioned from the outdoors tailgate party to the indoors.

The so-called barn was built for the owner’s daughter’s wedding. One half has the look of a barn- no surprise there. But the other half is clearly a music venue. The large grey door opens into a long rectangular room with a 12-foot ceiling. In one corner, a permanent stage was constructed, lifting the platform by about 3 feet.

The backdrop consists of over 15 working guitars hanging on the wall. There are two signs. One states, “Blues Barn,” and the other “My Barn, My Rules.” Enough said!

Along one wall was a modern music theme with pictures and guitars. These guitars had been cut into pieces in various ways, giving the impression of an explosion originating from inside the guitar itself. Intriguing.

The opposite wall had a farming theme with field and home accessories.

I paid my $30 admission, all of which goes to the performers.

A comfortable seating arrangement was provided, with a hodgepodge of chairs, and many folks brought their own seats. I estimated that at least 100 of us live music fans had come to see and hear Big Dave McLean, recent winner of the Juno Blues Album of the Year. He did not disappoint.  

It was made clear that this was a listening room, and water bottles may be directed towards those who speak during the performance. A nervous glance followed that announcement.

Intermission includes a walk out the back door to the two porta-potties. Then a trip to the “cashier” to purchase a 50/50 lottery ticket to support the maintenance of a local Heritage Grain Elevator

My wife and I agree that if our ticket were drawn from the 4000 sold, we’d donate our winnings to the cause. The draw date was more than two months away.

I went outside and briefly chatted with fellow live-music lovers before turning to my seat for the second half.

The host was invited to join in with the last song with a guitar solo and voice. He was not out of place.

Then it was back to the car and arrived home with a bit of daylight left in the sky.

Please give this a bit of a think. Do you have a happy place you look forward to visiting? Can you articulate why you have this connection?

I am curious about your thoughts. Please comment below or send me an email with your bit of a think.

Photo by Larry.

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glenn.walmsley@icloud.com