Local Talent Always Amazes Us!

Every now and then, we happen upon an unexpected experience that brings us a terrific sense of wonder and joy. 

Last week, we were on a day trip to Manitoulin Island, and made our way to Providence Bay, where there's a really nice boardwalk along the beach. We had been there a few weeks beforehand, and wanted to check out the fall colours. 

As we were progressing towards the main area, we heard the sound of music floating through the trees. The closer we got, the more it sounded like live music and, sure enough, when we turned the corner, there was an art festival set up and this young couple were just finishing off the first half of their performance. 

After a quick visit to the local 'centre', we returned to the site and were given a couple of lawn chairs right in front of the 'stage' area, where the couple were going to complete their performance after their lunch break. 

We found out that this young couple live in Sudbury, Ontario (about 2 hours away from where we live). 

Jamie was playing a harp guitar - an instrument with which we were unfamiliar. It had such a beautifully full sound and watching his fingers dance over the fretboard, as he accompanied Emma's singing, left us holding our breath at the sheer brilliance of his skill. Self taught, Jamie placed 1st  in the Canadian Guitar Festival Competition, in 2016. He also teaches guitar, and has his own YouTube page. (His cover of Queen's 'Bohemian Rhapsody' leaves us in awe!)  Check out his YouTube recordings here:

 https://www.youtube.com/user/JamieDupuisAcoustic

Emma's voice was mesmerizing as she sang her way through a variety of genres. There was almost a haunting nuance within her interpretation of the songs. We found out that Emma, also, has her own YouTube page, and we've been viewing the material she has recorded and we especially love her cover of 'Dream a Little Dream of Me'. She also writes her own music and plays the Ukelele. Check out her YouTube recordings here: 

https://www.youtube.com/c/EmmaMcDaniel/videos

Small world that it is, we found out subsequently, that Jamie actually played at a wedding that I officiated, back in 2018, in Blind River! Since I always touch base with the musician before the ceremony to ensure we are on the same page, I must have met him and chatted with him on that occasion! 

We also found out that Emma's grandparents live in Elliot Lake and are known to many of our friends. 

Cover of Elton John's 'Rocket Man'

Those who know this couple attest to what lovely people they are, confirming the impression we had taken away with us after meeting them in Providence Bay. They very kindly responded to our request for a repeat performance of the song, 'Mad World', which we had first heard echoing through the trees. Here's the YouTube recording of this song: 

When we had set out to spend a day on the Island, we had no idea that we were going to stumble upon such talent. We are hoping to have them come to Elliot Lake, once things settle re: Covid-19. We know that our town will give them tremendous welcome and support at one of our well-attended outdoor concerts. 

We're keeping in touch with Jamie and Emma, via social media. They are certainly our kind of people and, hopefully, they count us among their friends.