The mysteries continue… MMMusicworks is offering a reward for information leading to the conviction of the villain(s) who stole our missing billboard. Situated on the north side of Highway 29 and facing west, our sign about 5 minutes out of town has been completely removed. The sign easily withstood 5 small hurricanes, one of which blew down Ron’s Fruit Stand - a much bigger edifice than our billboard. Removing the sign was no small task, and would have required a full-size pickup and probably four men - at least two very strong ones. Anyone with any information is encouraged to contact George @ 613-256-(as the sign says)-PLAY.

 MMMusicworks guitar instructor Joey Wright performed this years Ottawa Folk Festival with Ontario singer/songwriter Sarah Harmer. What an honour to play after Colin Linden - how sweet is that. The first kick at the can I gave to Sarah to get under my skin, I must admit, it went kinda by me. I gave one of her records a full spin, but it didn’t hook. But after seeing her live, what can I say? I’m a fan! And what an evening! Smack dab in the middle of a summer that feels like it’s been heralding the next great flood, lo! and behold! a pristine evening on the Ottawa River. Everything, frankly, was perfect. Dunno who was doing sound, but kudos to them. Sarah’s clever tongue was clear as a bell and not a word was lost on us, and standing in the sweet spot as we were, it was the kind of evening we’ll treasure forever. The stage lighting was deep and covered by a wide-eyed August moon. Very dramatic. The rivers pulse was a lazy dragon enjoying the show, the breeze was slender fingers in our hair, and Joey got to strut some of his stuff on mandolin, which gave the audience a rise. And on the last number he got to chicken out and deliver for fans of the guitar chop. Makes me think we should carry Sarah’s records in the store… gimme a couple of weeks…

MMMusicworks proudly welcomes Kathryn Briggs to our dynamic team as our School Director. Kathryn brings the organisational expertise required to make our school run tickety boo like a well oiled clock. Her sense of humour, attention to detail, creativity and leadership are just what the doctor ordered. Welcome Kathryn!

Wonderful news! MMMusicworks is pleased to announce the decision by The Almonte Academy of Dance to move into The Harmony Mall and thereby becoming our new neighbours. The Academy’s E.T.A. is slated for July 1st, and their welcome shall be a warm one indeed. We feel the synergy our two business shall create to be a wonderful thing. Welcome AAD!

Our sign party appears to have been an absolute success. Despite threatening rain, about 80 people showed up and helped us raise almost $300 for the family of Bruce Murray. Everybody helped put the sign back on the ground, and so far, no fines! Thanks to all who turned up to support both causes, and a special thanks to __ & __ for putting on a private concert in the store for Bruce. Mr. Murray was delighted, and so were we. It’s always wonderful to hear beautiful instruments played beautifully! Laura played one of Bruce’s fiddles and her mom played our exquisite Bluthner which looks like it’s finally found itself an excellent home. The last performance of this beautiful baby grand in this neck of the woods may well be Peter Brown’s jazz cd release party on May 25th - see the previous post for details.