Drayton’s resident bassoonist Nadina Mackie Jackson invited guests to kick off their shoes and settle in for an evening of toe tapping, hand clapping, sing along music at her home studio.
A capacity crowd was on hand at the July 26 event.
Joining Mackie Jackson for the evening concert, titled Home Folk, was Canadian folk legend Valdy and world renowned Canadian pianist Karel Roessingh. The trio previously performed together in November 2016 at the Drayton studio.
Mackie Jackson, known globally for her bassoon skills, is also a visual artist and a writer. She was introduced to the bassoon during her university years and by the age of 22, she obtained a position with the Montreal Symphony Orchestra.
In 2000, Mackie Jackson began her solo career and is currently Canada’s most widely-recorded solo bassoonist. She also teaches students at the university level.
Valdy, a B.C. resident, singer, songwriter, guitarist and bassist, has been a part of the Canadian music scene for over four decades.
Valdy continues to perform hundreds of concerts each year across Canada. Numerous musical awards along with the Order of Canada are some of his accomplishments.
Songs like Play Me A Rock and Roll Song and Yes I Can continue to be fan favourites.
Pianist Karel Roessingh is also an accomplished composer, arranger and producer, with musical scores for over 500 television episodes, award winning films, documentaries and promotional videos to his credit.
After graduating with a teaching degree, his plans to teach never materialized as his music career took off. A resident of Highlands, B.C., Roessingh has a strong interest in his community, has served as mayor and is currently a municipal councillor.
The trio’s music is a mix of piano, bassoon and guitar, with jazz, classical and folk music their focus.
The concert opened with Drayton musician Lucas Rogerson performing some of his original compositions on the guitar and the piano.
Rogerson’s daughter, Caitlin, following in her father’s footsteps, sang Why Did You Come In Here Like That.
Caitlin’s public singing debut was at the July 1 Canada 150 celebrations in Mapleton Township.
On stage accompanying the pair was Daniel Rogerson on the tambourine.
Another local musician, Randy Smart, also performed during the evening.
After a short intermission the trio took to the stage and performed individually and as a trio.
Valdy sang, The Future, a song written for the Canada 150 celebrations.
“I sang this with a group of children at the parliament building in Victoria on Canada Day,” Valdy said.
“This song was created to empower children, to give them a small voice, allowing them to claim ownership and stewardship over the planet as they grow.
“It was written from a children’s perspective.”
The trio continued with various songs, including The Thrift Shop and Biodiesel composed by Roessingh.
“My wife and I love thrift store shopping, so I wrote this song,” Roessingh said.
Roessingh owns two vehicles that run on biodiesel, so he thought it would be appropriate to create a song around the concept.
During the second intermission, local artist Donna Hirtle spoke and her painting, Relax, Be Strong, Breathe was on display.
Mackie Jackson played a number of classical and contemporary compositions throughout the evening.
“Our students are our colleagues. One of my students has written and will be writing more pieces for me to perform,” Mackie Jackson said.
Other Valdy favourites included in the performance were a Stompin’ Tom Connors tribute, Rock and Roll Song and Yes I Can.
The children in the audience were treated to the trio’s version of the Teddy Bear Picnic.
The concert ended with a standing ovation from the audience.
The trio performed the following night in Midland.
Mackie Jackson’s next Drayton concert will be Sept. 29. Performing that evening will be a woodwind quintet from New Brunswick.
