Hello Mel, Selena, Mitch and Ava (and the rest of the Home Routes crew), I just wanted to say "Thank you" for giving me the opportunity to do the Home Routes tour in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. It was one of the great musical and human experiences of my life. The hosts were friendly and accommodating, the audiences were attentive, appreciative and enthusiastic.
The opportunity to chat with the audiences after each
concert was a real treat - so many stories, so much life to share.
Every drive offered an interesting vista - it was a
delight to get to see many parts of the 2 provinces for the first time.
Some highlights included whoops and hollers and standing
ovations in Flin Flon, a Spanish gentleman who was delighted to hear Spanish
music on the guitar after 17 years in the Pas, a journalist who claimed I added
4 years to his life by providing such a relaxing, calming evening of music
(also in the Pas), 2 very young girls who listened carefully while coloring
their coloring books in McCreary, and on and on - every concert had a story.
I felt happy with every single concert from a musical
standpoint, and the audiences were a delight.
They appreciated the back-story that I was able to provide about the
pieces and composers, and often had interesting questions and comments (both
during and after the concerts). They
truly loved the sound of the guitar and the beautiful pieces that I was able to
bring to them.
I have included a review from the concert in the Pas (click here for review in Opasquia Timeshttp://www.homeroutes.ca/media/clippings/) I hope
that I have the opportunity to do this again.
I wish there were 100 more concerts to go! Please keep me in mind for any future events
and tours. If I can help in any way with
showcases or promotional events please let me know.
I wish you all the success in the world with this great
concept - it is truly the best possible way to share music.
Thanks,
Ian Hodges, guitar
