Went to a Boogie Woogie performance at First United Church by my former neighbour, Dominik, who is an amazing pianist and has put together a bass, drums and vocalist ensemble.
As i walked into the narthex of the non-descript, ultra-functionalist 1950's building, my eye caught an elaborate parchment on the wall off to my left
As i walked into the narthex of the non-descript, ultra-functionalist 1950's building, my eye caught an elaborate parchment on the wall off to my left
FOR KING & COUNTRY
listing the names of the fallen between illuminations of roses, thistles, and shamrocks entwined with the crosses of George, Andrew and Patrick. It was not a one of those cheapy pre-printed jobs but a real, genuine illumination done by hand ... and rather well done at that. It was a bright contrast with the beyond banal boredom of the rest of the building...
...and with the pathetic excuse of a baptismal fount which was pushed into a shallow recess in the wall of the south (right) transept on which was painted the most god awful image of Jesus, who rather looked like Prime Minister Harper in a bathrobe holding an infant rag doll.
I thought it was an incongruous venue for a performance which began with Aint Misbehavin' ... but the music (sample) was good.
The crossing north took forever because of all the Walmartians and Costcoans returning home from shopping expeditions. I guess the allure of cheap trinkets in a third world country is irresistible. The idiots that really get to me (mostly Chinese) are the ones that "tank up" on cheap gas ... and by tank i mean three or four five gallon drums under the hatch and bundles of Pampers.
Contrary to myth, the U.S. border guards are no less friendly than the Canadians. The difference is more in body language than anything else, the Canadians being more relaxed. I think the relaxation has something to do with the country not being protected by layers of scanning barriers. Entering the USA has all the friendly allure of passing security perimeters to Deep Space Nine. But the personnel are usually friendly. One customs agent used to hand out treats for doggies. :)
There is of course always the occasional grouch, like the one Canadian who got mad at me for not declaring "dog food" separately from "groceries." But otherwise what set either group off are loose ends. They are much happier when everything is simple and to the point. As in,
"Anything to declare"
"No"
"Where are you coming from?"
[do not say: "that's my business, Jack."]
"From a concert at White Rock"
"Oh? Ukulele Concert?"
"No, Boogie Woogie."
"Ah..."
Who was giving a ukulele concert i wonder.
