Recap of the 5/4/12 Open Door

     We enjoyed yet another wonderful evening of friendship and entertainment last Friday at The Open Door.  Judy Fournier and Chris Gardner kicked off the evening with Judy's powerful lead vocals, combined with incredible harmonies and talented guitar playing from Chris.  When I complimented Chris on his harmony (he hadn't sung any other time he'd played at the O.D.), he informed me that he TEACHES harmony vocals to bands.  Well, that's something!  Why didn't I know that?

     Next up was a new addition to the Open Door family -- Linda Ray and her lovely looking and sounding dulcimer.  She told us the history of the instrument, the only truly American instrument!, and explained that "limberjacks" were toys of the period.  She played us some Appalachian tunes while her buddies (Phil Duke and Jim Lambert) made their limberjacks dance.  Phil, an Open Door favorite performer, designed and handcrafted his dancing moose!  Jim owns "Lambert Folk Art Gallery" in Hillsborough, is a juried member of the League of NH Craftsmen and has exhibited at the Sunapee Craft fair for many years.  He made the arms and legs of his limberjack, Mr. Ray, swing in time with the music, adding visual and percussion elements.

     The third act of the evening was Chris O'Connor, half of the duo The Bible Hill Boys, who are much loved by Open Door fans.  Chris did me a huge favor by filling a blank spot in the line-up caused by a brain-cramp on my part.  Thank you so much, Chris!  When he started his set with The Open Door Theme Song, lots of laughter and singing arose from the audience.

     Then it was Just Desserts' turn to take the stage.  We had a blast, of course and as always, performing for our very own Best Audience.  We did several familiar songs (Brown Eyed Girl, Dream a Little Dream, Summertime, Tennessee Waltz, The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down, and Independence Day), and one new one: Hot Rod Lincoln.  Now, I can write objectively about this one, as I saw it from the audience.  WOW!!  JP delivered the lyric so well (and it's FAST, man!), and Barbara's automotive sound effects were the bomb.  Actually, a bomb was probably the only sound effect she didn't use!  In my opinion, the best sound was the bike horn - awOOgah!  I so enjoyed watching and listening to my fellow band members having such fun and delivering a great performance.  You Guys are GREAT!!

     After an intermission, our Featured Act for May took over the room.  And that's what Big Paws does every time.  Emily Hague, Jack Bopp and Marek Bennett played their original songs in their unique way.  Emily's clear, strong voice and flute were melodious and distinctive.  Jack sang his harmonies and played his guitar with his usual flair and happiness.  And Marek played his accordion, ukulele, and possibly other instruments I don't recall now, with aplomb and enthusiasm.  The audience was completely involved in the Big Paws experience, once again.  Thank you so much, Big Paws, for another wonderful performance!

     Following our bouncy Featured Act came Sharon Dowling and her Celtic harp, Patrick, to bring us back into ourselves.  The stage was rearranged, Patrick miked, and then Sharon settled in with a story about the first song of their set.  All conversation eventually died completely as she played several ancient tunes.  The sounds that emanated from Patrick's strings filled the room and tugged at our hearts and souls.

     The last set of the evening belonged to Old Crow and his Possum Buddies which, this time, were Greg Gage, self-named "Old Crow," and Dave Wilkinson as the one and only "Possum Buddy" for the evening.  Greg's guitar, Dave's drums, and their vocal work were good listening and a sweet way to close the May 4th Open Door.

     And then ended another enjoyable evening spent with friends, enjoying local talent.  Thank you to the Open Door Community!!  See you all again on Friday, June 1st, for the last Open Door of this season.