BOO!!
Hahahaha….Well…here we are…..one of my favourite days of the year, and I have a cold…..Bums! Since I couldn’t go out and be Halloweeny, I decided I would be creative nonetheless. I noticed our trusty guard spider outside today working away, and videoed the process….However, it wasn’t complete on its own, so I recorded a cover of one of my favourite all time songs to go with it’s awesomeness….Hope you enjoy, and Happy Halloween!
Me and the boys (Darren Beattie and Matt Langill) reunited last week to play at Luke’s, and we’re back again tonight! Gonna wear suits…just cause we have them and never wear them! haha.
Also, I’ll be playing a fun slot on Sunday, Oct. 26th as part of the Vancouver Rock ‘n’ Roll 1/2 Marathon on the seawall near David Lam Park. Come out and say hello, whether you’re walking or running by. I’ll be playing between 10 – 11am. 
I think one of the greatest ways to experience a surprise is receiving something special through the mail. I mean, good surprises are awesome regardless, but when something arrives in your mail box you weren’t expecting, it’s the coolest feeling!
I had this happen to me the other day, and it’s really special. My last post referred to an artist – Prashant Miranda – that I met on the train. This story is from someone else I met on the same journey – a kind woman named Bev.
During one of my performances, I was speaking about my Dad’s link to CBC’s Peter Gzowski (Click here if you don’t know the back story), and shared the story of how my Dad’s song became a theme for Peter’s show for a short time frame. Now, a couple of years ago, when I was researching into my Dad’s history for “I’d Rather Walk,” I wanted to connect with Peter, but found out he had passed away a few years previous. I knew Peter was a major Canadian icon and did a tremendous amount for the arts and culture in Canada, but I didn’t know that much about him.
Back to the train – Bev, who was listening, spoke up and mentioned she new a man (R.B. Fleming) that had written Peter Gzowski’s biography, and that she would send me his book.
I am always fascinated by the timing of things – this book arrived a day before my Dad’s birthday, with a personal inscription from R.B. Fleming…..Wild!
And so the cycle of connections continues. Thanks Bev and Rae for sending this my way!
Something to do after reading this – Send someone a surprise in the mail – if you don’t know their postal code, you can find them at Canada Post online.
People often ask me if I like being on the road, and usually imply that it is a very tough go. I admit that there are times when I feel the pull of home and miss my loved ones and friends, but getting out and seeing new places brings something very special to me.
I actually love being out on the road, on the water, in the air, underground..haha…where ever you can go, I am a big fan. However, it is not for the feeling of “getting away,” or escaping as it is often referred to, that I enjoy so much. Having a career as a touring musician demands frequent travel, but beyond that, I am ultra fascinated with how things work in different places around the world. That, and meeting the people that live in all these wonderful areas that make them great.
Just wanted to take a moment to share with you something that came my way recently. During the summer, while I was performing on VIA Rail coming back from Toronto, I met a whole cast of outstanding individuals. I want to introduce you to one of them – Prashant Miranda! (Click on the photo to see his work and blog).
Prashant is an incredible water colour painter, also the fastest one I have ever encountered, a vibrant personality, and a wicked singer. One of the last performances I had on the train, he belted out a few beauties on the guitar in a group jam, and it was awesome.
Earlier in the trip, I initiated the writing of a song with the passengers that essentially took 2 days to complete. Prashant lent massive insight and inspiration into the tune, and perhaps I will post it when I make a recording of it. However, in the span of a few minutes in the first session, Prashant whipped this up – look below. Recognize that crazy character? haha. Prashant journals this way, and the whole train trip, among other adventures, is on his blog. Take a moment to check out his site and work. You may find some familiar places in his paintings :). Honour to meet you and spend time Prashant!
I am delighted to say my tour to Newfoundland and back as been a major success, and as last year, an absolute pleasure. I am so grateful for all the new friends and music family I have acquired on this trip. Thank you all for a wonderful summer.
Tonight, I leave Toronto heading west on the Iron Via Horse. Next shows are on Vancouver Island first week of September, and then into the STUDIO FOR THE NEXT ALBUM!!!! AHHHHHH!!!!! Can’t wait.
If you’re in the Ucluelet/Tofino area, stop in on these dates and places:
Sept. 4th – Black Rock Resort, Ucluelet, BC
Sept. 5th and 6th, Jack’s Waterfront Pub, Tofino, BC
Also, I just put up a new Bard’s Blog, and it’s a hilarious tale from my performance time on the Marine Atlantic Ferry. Click on the whale below for a few laughs….
See you soon Western Canada!
CHOOAWOO!!
As of Friday July 18th, I’m packing my trusty guitar on Via Rail, and headed east for a full on summer tour. I’ll be sharpening all my new songs before recording my new upcoming album in September, and I’d love your feedback! If you happen to be in any of the above locations at the assigned times, drop me a line – michael@michaelaverill.com, as I’d love to see ya. I’m going as far as St. John’s NFLD, and back to Tofino, BC, so it’s literally a coast to coast tour. Can’t wait to see some familiar eastern faces :).
Greetings, and happy June 1st!
There is going to be a very special show this Friday June 6th in Vancouver (10th and Alma) at CocoaNymph. I will be playing an intimate acoustic set along side singing/guitar wizard/Toronto native – Shawna Caspi, for what is to be the last show CocoaNymph will ever hold.
Rachel, the founder of this amazing Vancouver icon and avid supporter of community, has given so much to so many people over the years, and my heart sinks to see this venue close its doors.
Come down Friday to enjoy some heart felt songs, and to give thanks/hugs to Rachel Sawatzky and her team. They created such a positive and welcoming space for anyone to come to, and have truly had an impact on the community. Feel free to bring stories of how Rachel and CocoaNymph have positively affected you, and let’s celebrate together the old fashioned way :).
After a few weeks and a couple hundred Kilometers of adventuring, I am happy to say my Vancouver Island walking tour is complete. It was an absolute thrill to get to know the island and its lovely people, and I can’t wait to come back in the fall.
Thanks to all who were incredibly supportive and welcoming. It was amazing to make so many great new connections.
This sign I saw on one of my walks below says all that needs saying about Vancouver Island…….
I just wrote a new Bard’s Blog called “I Saw The Signs…In Comox!” that highlights a specific walk from Courtenay to Comox. Click on the above photo to read, and to see some more fun pictures 🙂
So far, totaled with last summer on the east coast, I have walked 821 km of Canadian soil! Looking forward to the next round…….
