CP Spirit Train Sept. 21-Oct.-18

My wonderful association with producers Tracey and Randall Presto and Canadian Pacific Railways continued with the CP Spirit Train. The CP Spirit Train is a program put into place to promote the 2010 Winter Olympics across Canada and to get the "spirit" going. We (Tom Mckillip, Chris Meister, Dennis Marcenko and myself) were hired to backup artists across Canada. While the entire trip was presented over three weeks, we only did 12 shows which made for a reasonably easy trip. People we backed up included Duane Steele, Tracey Brown, Marty Mcteirnan, Matthew Mukash and Kayla and Kelly Prescott.
The featured acts who played on every stop were Dallas Arcand and Sierra Noble. Dallas is a tremendous performer. Along with his guitarist/ vocalist Curt Young, they combined hip hop, country and blues with traditional aboriginal rhythm and traditions. The set culminated with a hoop dance - which Dallas is renowned for. He has won a world championship twice. Sierra Noble is a wonderful singer/songwriter/fiddler. She combines Metis fiddling with great songs - very honest songwriting. In addition she's a beautiful person inside and out. We have become great friends.
The stars of the trip were the Olympic athletes. We heard many inspirational stories of Olympic triumph from them - especially from the Spirit Train Olympic Ambassador - Paul Rosen. Paul is a Paralympic Sledge Hockey Goalie. He won a gold medal in Torino. Listening to him speak is amazing. His presentation is down to earth and speaks to everyone - whether you are an athlete or not. He was a constant ray of light on the train and a huge music fan. He gave me an autographed picture and some great memories. I look forward to watching him and the rest of his team bring home the gold in 2010.
Colin James and his band were along for the ride as well. We had some great fun hanging with those guys as well.
The trip was not without controversy - protesters appeared at almost every stop. Without going into my views on this subject, this is what makes this country great. Free speech and peaceful protesting are a right we all have - it was good to be reminded of how great we have it in the Great White North,
We had a great time in Thunder Bay and Smith Falls jamming with some local bands as well - thanks to Mark Potvin and his band as well as 'The Roadies' for letting us thrash around on your gear and letting us get our musical rocks off.
I want to write more about this trip .... but deadlines loom...must get to work. Thanks to Randall, Tracey, Cathi, Brea, Mark, the King, Kevin, Jon, Jill, Rob, Rob, Marty, Orest, Doug, the village people.... the list goes on and I'm forgetting people..... sorry....THANKS!