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4 reasons to come to the Shadbangers Ball: July 27th
You have to admit, it's kinda catchy. "Shadbanger". It rolls off the tongue. It sounds playful and maybe a little dirty at the same time, but it's really all about fun. The origins of the word are revealed in story, a Steve Heckbert story, about the ensemble of fun-loving musicians who were there when Steve made his first recording. His cast of musicians needed a name, an identity, and out it came. And to celebrate the fun-loving spirit of the people who were there in the beginning, and to launch his second album last July, Steve coined the event "The Shadbangers Ball." If the event had been a flop, there probably wouldn't have been an encore. But you had to be there to know how big a hit it was. It was massive.
Last year it was at the Rodd. The hotel set up a stage in the largest ballroom, squeezed in as many chairs as they could, but it could never have been enough. The place was packed. As one of the guests put it, "I can't believe how many loons came out for this." He was right, there was a lot of them. At the end of the night last year, Steve, in very democratic fashion, held short meeting and got everyone's input about whether they should do it again, and how it could be different. It was unanimous that the event should be held again the following summer, and the majority decided it needed to be in a bigger venue. There was some talk of making it a 2 day event, but for the time being it is still a one-night-only tilt. Steve's website says that his plans for the event are to have it grow into a showcase for local musicians, a yearly festival nestled between the Irish Fest and the Folksong Festival.
So, on July 27th, the second Shadbangers Ball will take place the MAEA. The tickets are $25, and can be purchased at Saltwater Sounds and N&J Convenience. There are 4 good reason to attend. Here they are:
Reason #1. The Music
If you go to any events in Miramichi, it's pretty obvious the Miramichiers like to go listen other Miramichiers play music. The recent "Short-Durty-Jake" show at the civic centre is proof of that. Steve Heckbert has a stage-full of people Miramichiers will recognize, even though you don't see them playing music in public much anymore, they are still at the top of their game. Some of last year's performers included:
- Johnny Aube
- Alex Baisley
- Carter Dickson
- Connie Doucet
- Bob Ferguson
- Steve Heckbert
- Don Leblanc
- Paul Lifches
- Stephen Lifches
- Jim MacDonald
- Paul McGraw
- Aubrey Stewart
The music is all original and energetic, and last year there was a big screen with the lyrics on it, so that none of the wit, lyricism and tongue-in-cheekiness went to waste. Every song is performed so that all the musicians get a chance to showcase what they do best. It was very entertaining.
Reason #2. The People
I like music, and I cover lots of events for MO))), but at least years Shadbangers Ball I saw people at that event that I never saw any other place. The sold-out crowd was comprised of fans of Heckbert's first Album, "Bottoms Up", fans of Heckbert the man, and fans of Heckbert the myth. Steve did the best he could to get the word out prior to the event last year to make sure people were aware of it, so lots of people that he knew came and brought their friends. Other people heard about the ball and came because they knew "of" Steve. One man said he was one of the workers on the Centennial Bridge when it was being built, and remembers when Steve famously walked across the top span. The average demographic of the crowd was decidedly north of 50. They stayed late, drank lots, and talked about it for weeks. It was a great time. This year will be even better, and you'll be able to say "I was there!"
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Reason #3. The Album
This years ball will double as the launch for Steve's third album "Road to Canada". Last years album had lots of stories (songs) about Miramichi, but this album is more about Heckbert's exploits as he hitchhiked his way across the country several times. It's about the people he met a long the way, and about the places he worked and things he learned. The lyrics and some snippets of the songs are Steve's website (www.steveheckbert.com). When you listen and read, you start to think that this guy certainly has packed a lot of adventure into his life, and we are the grateful recipient of the music it has inspired.
The feel of the music is varied. It is often bluesy, a ting of country at times, some saxaphone, harmonica. A real mixed bag. But its the stories that stay with you. Steve is a storyteller in the class of his own.
Steve grew up in Miramichi. Loves this place. His work takes him around the world these days, and he can relate to the heartache and longing that comes from being separated from family and familiar landscape . The most poignant and touching song on the album, in my opinion, is "Comin' Home".
Where will his kids come home to,Seekin shelter from a storm?
Wander where thou wilt, get ready for the guilt
When the homefire’s no longer warm.
When did our hometown wither?
Where will redemption come?
Mother Miramichi, mother Margaree,
Gordie || and his mom.
The wind off the water has me grievin’
The pain in a plaintive poem
The only good thing about leavin’
Is lookin’ forward || to comin’ home.
Reason #4: Steve Heckbert
When you go to the Shadbangers Ball, take time to meet Steve Heckbert. Steve makes time for everyone, and you'll find he has time for a story, too. He is calm and patient, organized and focused, and always has an ear to ground for his next inspiration. He is very appreciative of the support for his music, and very supportive of local businesses and people when producing it. Heckbert has entrusted Paul McGraw of Saltwater Sounds with the successful marketing of his albums and the ball, and Jim MacDonald of the Packing Shed Studio has been behind the controls in the recording studio. I have been lucky enough to meet Steve through the building of his website, and the filming of last year event.
Going forward he hopes the Shadbangers Ball will be a showcase for other local artists, so it has never been all about him. He also heaps praise and gratitude on the people who back him up musically, and who have been faithful sidekicks all these years. He surprised an old friend, Blair McLaughlin, with the inaugural Shadbangers Award.
Steve may live far from home, but he embodies what everyone loves about this place. Heckbert is a true son of the river, and a faithful upholder of the Shadbangers motto - fun first!
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