Reeling from Pop Can at Nacho Daddy

I am still reeling from last night’s concert, Pop Can, at Nacho Daddy. I expected to hear a bunch of surface moldy-oldies from my Old Country of Canada. What I was not expecting was my fierce reaction to hearing them.

What set this concert apart from all others were the anecdotes of the Canadian musicians, headed by Don and Rhonda, who had worked with or close to those in the industry who created the sounds of Canadian popular music. For example: Don almost running over Randy Bachman with his van or Jenny getting stoned with Joni Mitchell. And, also the political implications (thank you, then Prime Minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau, RIP) that forced Canadian radio stations to include Canadian content or lose their licenses. Last night, Don said it was 35%; I thought it was 50, but it doesn’t matter.

I do remember the grumblings across the country, more than 50 years ago, headlines screaming about political interference. It was the best thing that ever happened to Canada, and what riches continue to flow from that legislation. Think Joni Mitchell, Bruce Cockburn, Neil Young, KD Lang, Gordon Lightfoot (RIP), et al.

It struck me last night that songwriters are our historians, and the singers who carry those songs into the future are the court jesters. These marathon runners hold the words and shout out the proclamations to anyone who can hear from the shower at home to the largest stadiums on earth.

Growing up Canadian in the 50s and 60s meant I knew all about US cities and places from the radio. I vividly remember when I was 12, hearing the lyrics, “Think I’ll go out to Alberta…” for the first time, from Ian Tyson’s timeless folk song, Four Strong Winds, and thinking, whoa! That’s where I’m from! I had the same reaction last night. It is a weird and deeply personal connection that lands in one’s solar plexus like a moral obligation.

Pop Can has three more performances: April 3 and 10 at 7 pm and April 6 at 3 in the afternoon. The band has Dannyju Lopez on drums, Arón on guitar, Rhonda Padmos on vocals and piano, Don, guitar and vocals, and two backup singers, Jenny Allen (also guitar), and Sandi D. Nacho Daddy co-owner Sean Moore brings his bluesy smoky voice onstage for a few rousing numbers.

The genres run from folk to rock and roll, blues to country and western; a couple of sad songs, a whole lotta Rise-Up rejoicing, and Canadian heart, soul, and love.

My sister Patrice arrives from the thawing north tomorrow afternoon (talk about rejoicing!). I will suggest we go and listen to Pop Can. I am curious to see if she will cry unbidden as much during the performance as Sandra Bradley and I did last night.

See you at the last NIA dance class at noon on Sunday, at the International Friendship Club Clubhouse. Until Monday morning, have a wonderful weekend.