Wednesday’s Words of Wisdom (And Whimsy)
Posted on October 29, 2025 under Wednesday’s Words of Wisdom with one comment
Live in Moncton with Betsy and Pete
(Terry Mosh Dunbrack photo)
“What the people need, is a way to make’em smile,
It ain’t so hard to do if you know how.”
Listen to the Music – The Doobie Brothers
It’s happened so many times in my life. Sometimes it’s planned but more often than not, it is totally spontaneous, unscripted, unrehearsed, and unexpected. It happens in places where one would expect and occasionally in some of the most remote corners of the world and most unusual venues. Sometimes it happens with just one person present and other times a small gathering, and once in awhile in front of large crowds. Invariably, it brings joy.
Of course, I’m talking about music and more specifically the power of music to move the soul.
Last week, I was in Halifax at the Seahorse tavern. No. It wasn’t part of a pub crawl which was all the rage decades ago when we were university students. My son was in town with Jesse Roper and The Pretty Good Band. It was their 16th stop on a 30 city North American tour. A few family members travelled up from Antigonish to see Pete and the guys perform.
It was a long day. This notoriously early riser was on the go at 5:30 a.m., walked to school, taught grade 7 math all day and then hopped in the car for a 2-hour drive to Halifax. The performance time got shifted around and it was close to 10:00 p.m. before the boys took the stage… well past my bedtime!
I was minding my business sipping on a can of cold Keith’s when Jesse walked by and jokingly asked if I wanted to go up and sing a tune with Pete. Of course, being the shy, withdrawn type (!), it took me about two seconds to say yes. In that instant, I became part of the opening act.
Now it is safe to say that Pete and I have performed together many times so we didn’t need a formal rehearsal. We performed Neil Young’s “Old Man”, and it was very well received. For me, it was one of those magical musical moments that just appear randomly and left me feeling so incredibly lucky that I have music in my life.
I lay my head down on a pillow at 1:00 a.m. Tired but happy.
These moments are precious and have, in many ways, defined my life, a life of gratitude.
There are far too many instances of the magic of music but here are a few standouts.
. Performing “Let It Be “with 16 young novitiates in India on International Women’s Day in front of a crowd of 500 Indian women dressed in colorful saris.
. Finding a guitar in an alburgue on the Camino and singing “Country Roads” with people from every corner of the globe. It seems like everyone knows this song.
. Singing spiritual songs with elders in Kangiqsujuaq, Quebec. I was singing in English. They joined in singing in Inuktitut. Many of the women were moved to tears.
. Performing with my brothers at St.Peter’s Hall in Ingonish Beach as part of the Escorts band back in the late 60s.
. Playing for one of countless kitchen/beach parties at our summer homes in Bayfield.
. Singing in choirs and being in the presence of musical royalty such as Raylene Rankin and James MacPherson.
. Sharing my music and stories with my students at St. Andrew Junior School.
. Performing at the R.K. MacDonald Nursing Home, most notably in the Alzheimer’s unit, watching people who have lost so much, come alive when they hear an old familiar tune.
The most magical moments of all are when I watch my 4 children perform. When they were teenagers, they played at concerts and festivals. They shared the stage with the legendary Bruce Gouthro and took part in Celtic Colors International Festival as part of The Next Generation concert. They have sung at funerals for family members and friends. Some of the best times are when they’re just hanging out and they decide to do some tunes.
It’s hard to rank the very best musical memory but it would be hard to match the gig at Piper’s Pub on my 70th birthday. All of my children and grandchildren were there and at the very end, we all got on stage and sang the last song together.
Material wealth is highly overrated.
Most of us know where true wealth resides. It’s in our hearts and being in the company of loved ones.
Music has given me so much joy. I feel incredibly lucky.
Music moves the soul.
Have a great weekend.
Don’t forget to turn your clocks back this weekend.
