July 26th - Rod and Gun Club, Parksville, BC:

On a hot summer day, you can't beat spending time over on the island... Parksville is beautiful this time of year... the Rod and Gun Club is the oldest existing club in Parksville and it actually was the fishing and hunting headquarters way back when, just like the name implies... It's quite small - maybe 120 people I'd guess - so I know it's going to be close, hot, smoky and sweaty tonight - perfect! I love it! I'm not kidding... besides outdoor festivals, these are my favourite type of places to play... it's a very intimate atmosphere that works well with our show... and this gig is special for me... my youngest son, Mathew, lives here, and he's never seen us play before... Mathew is 20 now and is special needs/mentally challenged/handicapped/handicapable - sorry, I get lost trying to keep up with the politically correct term of the day - he's just Mathew and it's awesome to have him out to the show.

Paul, his caregiver, brings him out, wheelchair and all, and sets him up beside the stage, right beside me... Mathew is having a great time, airdrumming and clapping... AND THEN! The nicest looking woman in the club (that's my boy!), comes up and asks Paul if it would be okay if she dances with Mathew... I don't think he's ever danced before and he has a great time up there, with Paul standing behind him just in case... it's amazing for me to see Mathew out there as we don't often get to spend much time together...

The gig is just as I thought... hot, sweaty etc., and a very enthusiastic audience packing the place, probably over-capacity all night long... we've got Mike Pacholuk along with us to do sound, (Trooper's soundman), and I know I've said this before, but it's great having someone out there that we can count on - it really makes such a difference - thanks Mike!

This is the second time we play one of our new songs (River of Dreams) live, and the dance floor is packed to this upbeat, ska-type song - that's definitely a good sign!

We're off to Nanaimo tomorrow night, so hardly any travelling involved - a full night's sleep - life is good!

CU there! Marc.