I walked on down to Random Play during the 3:30 – 4:30 hour in order to meet my silly disciple. It turned out she was a bit late, so I spent half an hour browsing the obscure CD’s until she arrived. Once she did she introduced me to her friend Dan.
From there we went to Tim Horton’s, where we chowed down on BLT sandwiches, doughnuts and coffee. It was a better meal than I was expecting, and we ended the meal with the great idea of visiting one of the many chains of “get stuff for a buck or three” to find Wanda some hair accessories (though she did pick up some other things as well, including a Pixie Stick that will come into play later in this tale).
We treked to the venue, my beloved Marquee Club, the best place to see a concert in Halifax. We decided to take some photos outside, and the one of Wanda to the left is one of the results of that. We were the first two to show up for the event (around 7:30) and were a bit worried that Hawksley would not have the large audience he deserves. Those fears were brushed away before long, as a huge lineup formed that stretched down the block. I have never seen that many people waiting to get into an even at The Marquee. It was certainly a pleasant surprise.
Around 8:30 we were allowed into the club, had our ID’s checked and stamped with the ink of the night. We headed for the Hawksley Workman merchandise table. There were some great items on sale, including all his CD’s, shirts, belt buckles and his book. Wanda got a very cool red Hawksley shirt, and Wanda and I both chose to purchase Hawksley Burns For Isadora, his book of love letters formed with something between poetry and prose.
Here’s what Hawksley’s website has to say about this book:
It was mostly spring when I wrote these letters. In the winter prior, I went to the frozen lake at midnight and heard the ice moving. They were strange and painful sounds. I imagined whales under the ice. I imagined a lover too, who dwelled in the water. Seeing her through the ice, I asked if she needed a warm place to stay through these dark cold days of winter. I offered my bathtub. I cooked a lot that winter. I washed the dishes with hot, hot water-as hot as I could stand. Through the days I would visit the cemetery. I would cover my eyes and practice walking, just in case the day came that I was blind. When I returned home, I would brew fantastic teas of dandelion root and mint and twigs. I slept on the floor in the kitchen like a cat and woke up early most mornings. A fox would visit sometimes, but mostly the cardinal. Spring finally came. I let the water from the tub. I cried a while. Spring is filled with so much happiness. I visited the lake. I waited on the shore for my lover. The ice was out now. The fish could once again see the moon at night. I wished that I could be under there with them, with my lover. I wished I could breathe under water. I thought of how quiet it would be. I imagined I was a dirty dish waiting to be washed. Once filled with soup, then empty. I wrote these letters in the spring. Once filled with soup, then empty.
This 50 page cloth hard cover book includes 50 illustrations by Beverley Hawksley along with prose, poetry, love letters and much more all by Hawksley Workman.
We snuck up front after some minutes and slipped into standing position one layer from the stage. Mark Bragg and the Black Wedding Band were the opening act, and put on quite a good show. I have a lone song by them called “My Buick” in my collection and I hadn’t paid it much attention before tonight (I’m listening to it now and enjoying it quite a lot). They have some really interesting songs, and they were quite an animated act, especially Mr. Bragg himself. It was an act very well suited for opening at a Hawksley show. This is one local band I would enjoy watching again some day.
We waited patiently during the intermission and talked of how we had enjoyed Mark Bragg and the Black Wedding Band well enough for that to be worth the effort and ticket cost alone. That band seriously put on a much better show than I had expected. Though Wanda seemed more impressed than I, I must say that they are one of the best local bands I’ve had the pleasure of seeing live.
Hawksley Workman and the Wolves roared onto the stage after a standard break in the action, and also after much chanting of Hawksley’s name by the female members of the audience (which seemed to be the majority). His first songs were taken from the Lover/Fighter album, his newest release. It was such a strong opening to the show, and certainly brought me in instantly because of my affinity for his newer material. His vocal skills and guitar prowess were very apparent from these opening songs. He then moved on to older songs, including the classics “Jealous of Your Cigarette”, “Tarantulove” and “Striptease”, which are high on my list of favourite Hawksley songs. I had not previously listened to quite a few of the songs he played, but I enjoyed them all greatly. Hawksley is a performer that can excite an audience in multiple ways, as was evidenced by what he referred to as “a rowdy bunch” yelling out between songs.
The show progressed with a consistant quality of musicianship from all band members, and supreme stage presence from Mr. Workman. He told us stories, made witty remarks and tossed flowers out into the audience during “Dirty and True”. His turn on the drums showed how impressive a multi-instrumentalist he is, as he performed even better than his touring drummer.
Eventually, after a lengthy set, Hawksley and band took their first step off the stage. It would not be the last, as they came back on for three fantastic encores, something I’ve never experienced before. Hawksley seemed to be very appreciative of the large and enthusiastic audience (the venue had easily sold out) and thanked us for coming out countless times. We’d made his month, or so he said. I could have stood there for hours longer, because there’s just no way to become tired of his performance and songs.
At the end of the concert Wanda and I went out behind The Marquee to wait for Dan to pick her up, and also in hopes that Hawksley would come out so that we could get autographs. We waited in the cold for a good while and became quite chilled. There was all kinds of cold out there, but we survived without suffering too much. After some time Dan, Wanda’s driver, showed up but Wanda was determined to wait to meet Hawksley and thus he returned to his car. We waited for another stretch of time with still no luck.
Then, unexpectedly, Mark Bragg came out of the back stage door and made his way down towards us. Wanda called to him and we went over. He was noticibly intoxicated but seemed to be in good spirits. She was in the middle of saying, “I didn’t have enough to get your CD tonight, but I was wondering if I could get an autograph”, in other words said, “I didn’t have enough to get your CD tonight,” when he said, “Here, have a free one.” In return Wanda offered him the Pixie Stick. At first he refused, but then asked, “Is there food in that?” and quickly changed his mind. Wanda had him sign her autograph book and while doing so he ate the Pixie Stick and scattered it into the air and onto himself due to his drunken state. When he had left we checked to see what he had signed. It read, Wanda, Thanks for the sugar, Mark.
We waited even longer, until around 3 a.m. and had given up hope of meeting Hawksley. Who should appear when Wanda had finally declared that she would not meet him but the star of the night himself. Wanda called up, “Hawksley!” to the balcony in a tiny voice that only the two of us heard. We walked closer to where he was coming down and talked with him, asking if we could get some autographs and take a photo of he and Wanda together. He was very good about it all. I’ve never met a more laid back and appreciative of his fans artist in all my life, and it was so refeshing to see someone who genuinely is doing what he does for noble purpose. He signed our copies of his book, Wanda’s autograph book, and her copy of his first album. Wanda gave him a necklace she had made for him before the concert and he seemed sincerely joyful to receive it and put it on right away. Then I took the photo of Wanda and Hawksley you see in this entry and said goodbye to him and thanked him for the show and autographs. Wanda and I were both gald we had stayed in the bitter cold long enough to have that experience. It was a great ending to a wonderful day.
We had to wait another long stretch in the biting chill, but eventually Dan arrived and Wanda departed. I made the journey home, stopping for a snack at a certain large fast food chain. There I ran into Tommy, a guy I know from university. It was cool to see him and talk for a little while, though to see him clean shaven was shocking.
I came back here and began writing this entry. Sleep soon took over and I left this to finish until now. It’s been a really terrific week, with Monday and Thursday being a whole lot of fun. There’s a lot to be said for spending time with quality people, and nearly as much to be said for hearing great music, but alas I have not the time to get it all down. I’m heading out to dinner with my parents and sister when they arrive. Ilea turned 19 today, and that’s scarier than you might think. It’s so strange to know your little sister will soon be out drinking and is moving out of that sheltered existance of youth. I fear for the world under her terrible freedom. Nah, she’ll turn out fine, I trust.
From there we went to Tim Horton’s, where we chowed down on BLT sandwiches, doughnuts and coffee. It was a better meal than I was expecting, and we ended the meal with the great idea of visiting one of the many chains of “get stuff for a buck or three” to find Wanda some hair accessories (though she did pick up some other things as well, including a Pixie Stick that will come into play later in this tale).
We treked to the venue, my beloved Marquee Club, the best place to see a concert in Halifax. We decided to take some photos outside, and the one of Wanda to the left is one of the results of that. We were the first two to show up for the event (around 7:30) and were a bit worried that Hawksley would not have the large audience he deserves. Those fears were brushed away before long, as a huge lineup formed that stretched down the block. I have never seen that many people waiting to get into an even at The Marquee. It was certainly a pleasant surprise.Around 8:30 we were allowed into the club, had our ID’s checked and stamped with the ink of the night. We headed for the Hawksley Workman merchandise table. There were some great items on sale, including all his CD’s, shirts, belt buckles and his book. Wanda got a very cool red Hawksley shirt, and Wanda and I both chose to purchase Hawksley Burns For Isadora, his book of love letters formed with something between poetry and prose.
Here’s what Hawksley’s website has to say about this book:
It was mostly spring when I wrote these letters. In the winter prior, I went to the frozen lake at midnight and heard the ice moving. They were strange and painful sounds. I imagined whales under the ice. I imagined a lover too, who dwelled in the water. Seeing her through the ice, I asked if she needed a warm place to stay through these dark cold days of winter. I offered my bathtub. I cooked a lot that winter. I washed the dishes with hot, hot water-as hot as I could stand. Through the days I would visit the cemetery. I would cover my eyes and practice walking, just in case the day came that I was blind. When I returned home, I would brew fantastic teas of dandelion root and mint and twigs. I slept on the floor in the kitchen like a cat and woke up early most mornings. A fox would visit sometimes, but mostly the cardinal. Spring finally came. I let the water from the tub. I cried a while. Spring is filled with so much happiness. I visited the lake. I waited on the shore for my lover. The ice was out now. The fish could once again see the moon at night. I wished that I could be under there with them, with my lover. I wished I could breathe under water. I thought of how quiet it would be. I imagined I was a dirty dish waiting to be washed. Once filled with soup, then empty. I wrote these letters in the spring. Once filled with soup, then empty.
This 50 page cloth hard cover book includes 50 illustrations by Beverley Hawksley along with prose, poetry, love letters and much more all by Hawksley Workman.
We snuck up front after some minutes and slipped into standing position one layer from the stage. Mark Bragg and the Black Wedding Band were the opening act, and put on quite a good show. I have a lone song by them called “My Buick” in my collection and I hadn’t paid it much attention before tonight (I’m listening to it now and enjoying it quite a lot). They have some really interesting songs, and they were quite an animated act, especially Mr. Bragg himself. It was an act very well suited for opening at a Hawksley show. This is one local band I would enjoy watching again some day.
We waited patiently during the intermission and talked of how we had enjoyed Mark Bragg and the Black Wedding Band well enough for that to be worth the effort and ticket cost alone. That band seriously put on a much better show than I had expected. Though Wanda seemed more impressed than I, I must say that they are one of the best local bands I’ve had the pleasure of seeing live.
Hawksley Workman and the Wolves roared onto the stage after a standard break in the action, and also after much chanting of Hawksley’s name by the female members of the audience (which seemed to be the majority). His first songs were taken from the Lover/Fighter album, his newest release. It was such a strong opening to the show, and certainly brought me in instantly because of my affinity for his newer material. His vocal skills and guitar prowess were very apparent from these opening songs. He then moved on to older songs, including the classics “Jealous of Your Cigarette”, “Tarantulove” and “Striptease”, which are high on my list of favourite Hawksley songs. I had not previously listened to quite a few of the songs he played, but I enjoyed them all greatly. Hawksley is a performer that can excite an audience in multiple ways, as was evidenced by what he referred to as “a rowdy bunch” yelling out between songs.The show progressed with a consistant quality of musicianship from all band members, and supreme stage presence from Mr. Workman. He told us stories, made witty remarks and tossed flowers out into the audience during “Dirty and True”. His turn on the drums showed how impressive a multi-instrumentalist he is, as he performed even better than his touring drummer.
Eventually, after a lengthy set, Hawksley and band took their first step off the stage. It would not be the last, as they came back on for three fantastic encores, something I’ve never experienced before. Hawksley seemed to be very appreciative of the large and enthusiastic audience (the venue had easily sold out) and thanked us for coming out countless times. We’d made his month, or so he said. I could have stood there for hours longer, because there’s just no way to become tired of his performance and songs.
At the end of the concert Wanda and I went out behind The Marquee to wait for Dan to pick her up, and also in hopes that Hawksley would come out so that we could get autographs. We waited in the cold for a good while and became quite chilled. There was all kinds of cold out there, but we survived without suffering too much. After some time Dan, Wanda’s driver, showed up but Wanda was determined to wait to meet Hawksley and thus he returned to his car. We waited for another stretch of time with still no luck.Then, unexpectedly, Mark Bragg came out of the back stage door and made his way down towards us. Wanda called to him and we went over. He was noticibly intoxicated but seemed to be in good spirits. She was in the middle of saying, “I didn’t have enough to get your CD tonight, but I was wondering if I could get an autograph”, in other words said, “I didn’t have enough to get your CD tonight,” when he said, “Here, have a free one.” In return Wanda offered him the Pixie Stick. At first he refused, but then asked, “Is there food in that?” and quickly changed his mind. Wanda had him sign her autograph book and while doing so he ate the Pixie Stick and scattered it into the air and onto himself due to his drunken state. When he had left we checked to see what he had signed. It read, Wanda, Thanks for the sugar, Mark.
We waited even longer, until around 3 a.m. and had given up hope of meeting Hawksley. Who should appear when Wanda had finally declared that she would not meet him but the star of the night himself. Wanda called up, “Hawksley!” to the balcony in a tiny voice that only the two of us heard. We walked closer to where he was coming down and talked with him, asking if we could get some autographs and take a photo of he and Wanda together. He was very good about it all. I’ve never met a more laid back and appreciative of his fans artist in all my life, and it was so refeshing to see someone who genuinely is doing what he does for noble purpose. He signed our copies of his book, Wanda’s autograph book, and her copy of his first album. Wanda gave him a necklace she had made for him before the concert and he seemed sincerely joyful to receive it and put it on right away. Then I took the photo of Wanda and Hawksley you see in this entry and said goodbye to him and thanked him for the show and autographs. Wanda and I were both gald we had stayed in the bitter cold long enough to have that experience. It was a great ending to a wonderful day.
We had to wait another long stretch in the biting chill, but eventually Dan arrived and Wanda departed. I made the journey home, stopping for a snack at a certain large fast food chain. There I ran into Tommy, a guy I know from university. It was cool to see him and talk for a little while, though to see him clean shaven was shocking.
I came back here and began writing this entry. Sleep soon took over and I left this to finish until now. It’s been a really terrific week, with Monday and Thursday being a whole lot of fun. There’s a lot to be said for spending time with quality people, and nearly as much to be said for hearing great music, but alas I have not the time to get it all down. I’m heading out to dinner with my parents and sister when they arrive. Ilea turned 19 today, and that’s scarier than you might think. It’s so strange to know your little sister will soon be out drinking and is moving out of that sheltered existance of youth. I fear for the world under her terrible freedom. Nah, she’ll turn out fine, I trust.
8 comments on “We Can Die In Peace Knowing We Tried To Change Our Own Ways”
aww i would have loved to have seen him :/
He was really terrific. It’s a shame you weren’t able to.
Oh man…
You said it all man.
Thanks. I’m glad you think so. I did forget things like my pink pencil prophecy.
I saw him last week, and although Hawksley himself put on a great show, I thought The Wolves seemed kind of weak in comparison. What do you think?
I thought the band was dead on when I saw them, maybe they just had an off night for your show.
No – not that they were off, just that they were well below the abilities of the man himself. I mean, at one point Hawksley did a drum solo, and totally showed up his own drummer, which I don’t think is smart showmanship. The rest of the night I was wishing he would hop back on drums (he did a sweet jazz solo!)
He is definitely a better drummer (he began as a studio drummer). He did nothing but impress the audience at our show, and I found him to have amazing showmanship. I think he would be hard pressed to find a touring drummer to match his own skills, and I honestly don’t mind that.