One week passed - I arrived home from the Ottawa shows and went straight to Vancouver Island. I got together with guitarist David Gogo and worked on material for his upcoming record. I visited with my Dad and Nana. I recorded an album with Soren Lonnqvist and the 'Heartline House Band' at Soren's studio in Abbotsford. Before I knew it, it was time to leave again.
The tour resumed in a big way. I flew to Winnipeg and arrived at the Club Regent casino. What started as four sold out shows over two nights became five. Johnny - ever the humanitarian - volunteered his services to play a benefit concert for the Red River relief fund to benefit victims of Manitoba's current flood crisis. The fifth show was added on Sunday night and - according to casino box office folk - sold out in SEVEN minutes! Johnny donated all profits from the show to the fund - effectively doing the show for free.
As I write this - we have not done the fifth show but the previous four have been wonderful. It was nice to see some familiar faces and incredible Johnny Reid fans. Winnipeg holds some of the best music supporters I've ever seen (and they know who they are). It was nice to see Abby White and his gang as well - one of the nicest guys in radio.
Johnny received great support here - glowing reviews and articles and excellent crowds. What a great way to start out again after a one week break.
PS - Thanks to Johnny's donation, the people who bought tickets to the show and the Manitoba Lotteries Corporation (who matched the profits dollar for dollar), The Red River Relief Fund raised over $30,000.00. Well done. CCMA members - take note - vote Johnny Reid for the Humanitarian Of The Year award.
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