RENFREW COUNTY (Renfrew) — Brenda McLaughlin’s release party on Saturday, September 7 was held at Bastone’s Northern Ramble in Renfrew. It proved to be a delightfully entertaining evening. Rick Leben (piano) and Graham Sheppard (fiddle) opened the show with some lively tunes, reminiscent of an old-time kitchen party. Toe tapping and clapping could be heard throughout the Batstone’s Northern Ramble Music Hall. Leben and Sheppard continued to impress the audience with their own compositions and friendly camaraderie. Leben, known for hosting a radio program on Valley Heritage Radio, is currently part of a five-piece band, Low Mileage, as well as a four-piece band, The Whiskey Runners.
Sheppard won first place in the 60 and over level at the Annual Maritimes Fiddle Competition, which celebrated 70 years this summer, and was instrumental in lobbying the Canadian Federal Government to pass a law making the third Saturday in May each year as Canada’s, “National Fiddling Day”.
The audience responded favourably to McLaughlin’s original compositions and reflections of her childhood experiences. McLaughlin’s song “We Salute Our Heroes”, written to honour Canadian Military Members, was respectfully received with reverence, followed by a moment of silence by the crowd.
The CD Release Party was well attended, and feedback from the crowd confirmed they were exceptionally entertained by McLaughlin’s performance. Many volunteered they related the McLaughlin’s original melodies in appreciation of the landmarks and beauty of the Ottawa Valley, and purchased their own signed copy of McLaughlin’s 11 originals. Smiles and nods could be seen throughout the on-lookers as McLaughlin orchestrated her childhood experiences of picking “Flowers for Mother” and receiving “Pearls of Wisdom” from her Father.
The Batstones Northern Ramble music hall proved to be an ideal venue, located in McLaughlin’s home town of Renfrew. The converted church, combined with Dean Batstone’s sound system, provided exemplary acoustics, and comfortable atmosphere.
