Hair of the Dog

Click on image for more ...

Since at least 2016 Kate's brother Gord and his wife Leslie have hosted a "Hair of the Dog" party on New Years day at their home in Ottawa. They move the furniture out of the way, set up some sound equipment (mic's, amps, music stands, keyboard, etc.), and invite their musical friends over to "jam it up". Some not so musical types, like me and Kate, take in the event as well. We drove up on December 30th and returned January 2. It's a party we wouldn't miss. Of course during the pandemic the party was on hiatus.

Kate can play a bit of guitar and I'm always after her to sing a song with me (like "Dirty Old Town" or "The Crawl") but she's usually reluctant. This year was no exception. She strummed along but we never took the mic. Gord has let us know that if he ever hears "Angel from Montgomery" again he may go postal. Dang, we love John Prine.

Of the many tunes played by the many musicians I'll mention some that stand out. Gord did a rousing version of "Auld Lang Syne" in a rasta beat with a spoken interlude thanking everyone for coming. That's Gord in the photo above. A musical friend, who plays multiple instruments, did a moving version of Steve Earle's "Goodbye". Leslie did a couple — "A Bar Song (Tipsy)" by Shaboozey (apparently a big radio hit that none knew) and "Once Every Hundred Odd Years" by Silver Hearts (which I can only find on YouTube). There were some very accomplished musicians who must have put in their 10,000 hours.

We renewed conversations with guests we've met over the years and figured out some connections. Carolyn, an academic, is friends with Leslie (via CEGEP schooling) but also with our "neice" Kait through working on the homeless issue. Gord and Leslie gave a rough head count of 36 musicians and guests. Quite the gang!

As it's January 1 I'm starting my "Dry January" and kept the drinking to a minimum (unlike the night before). Our No.1 son asks if by "Dry January" I mean I'll only drink dry wines? No, Chris that's not what I mean.