‘It is time’
Local artist ready to make his first recording at age 58
After 41 years of playing in halls, bars, and basements, Terry Peters of Marion Bridge is about to enter uncharted territory.
This larger than life personality admits to being more than a “little nervous” about recording his first CD.
With his “Off The Wall Band” backing him up, Peters is set to take the stage on Thursday, June 1, at the Marion Bridge Recreation Hall, 7 p.m., to record live a mix of his own songs and some country favorites on a CD aptly titled, “After All These Years.”
It was during the recent May long weekend when I was able to catch up to Peters to chat about his music. I found him in his travel trailer at Two Rivers Wildlife Park, where he, his wife Debbie and fur baby Barney frequently camp. He was joined by a few close friends and was gearing up to play some tunes during a kitchen party being hosted by the park that evening.
Peters recalls his musical beginnings when at 16, he and a buddy played their first “gig” at a tavern in Louisbourg.
“We weren’t even old enough to be in the place,” he laughs.
And let me tell you, when Terry Peters laughs, the world laughs with him.
Strongly influenced by country music legend, Merle Haggard, Peters admits to shedding a tear the day Haggard passed away.
“My favorite song of his was “Uncle Lem.” It tells a touching story, but I’ve never performed it.”
At 58 and a grandfather of seven, I had to ask, why now?
“Roland told me I have to do it. I’m not getting any younger,” he says.
Peters was referring to his good friend, Roland Doncaster. Doncaster says he has known Peters for many years.
“We have played at many kitchen parties together and with his large following, it is time to make this recording.”
Peters has many friends supporting this endeavor. Terry Peters and the Off the Wall Band, have a strong Facebook following with many well-wishers offering words of encouragement.
My favorite comment on the fan Facebook page reads, “Maybe you’ll prove to be a late bloomer like Rita and your career will take off.”
The writer was referring to the fact that the iconic Rita MacNeil reached fame later in life. She was 42 when she won a Juno for most promising female artist.
The artwork for the CD jacket will feature Peters’ two good friends, Adele Warner, who Peters refers to as his “adopted sister” and Matthew Hilliard, both from Mira. It will also showcase the other passion in his life, “Alice.” No, not me, of course, but rather his 1965 GMC truck. This awesome antique is his pride and joy and named for his late mother, Alice Peters.
Peters has had a very positive impact on the lives of Warner and Hilliard. Hilliard works and volunteers countless hours at the Wildlife Park. And Warner has been known to sing with Peters on stage.
“He is a wonderful friend and good person,” Warner gushes.
Hilliard shares Warner ‘s sentiments.
“He has a good heart.” Members of the Off The Wall Band include Todd Routledge, lead guitar; Jake MacNeil, base; Paul Gartland, drums; and Wayne Quinn, steel pedal guitar.
Well-known local musicians Aaron Lewis and Mike Wadden will also lend their talents to the project, helping to produce and record the CD.
Fans of Peters and his band are encouraged to be part of this live performance and recording. The weekly Chase the Ace, benefiting Two Rivers Wildlife Park and the Marion Bridge Recreation Hall, will also be underway that evening and as an extra bonus, musician Sheldon Boutilier, of Albert Bridge, will be recording his CD.
In responding to all the kind remarks he has been receiving, Peters says he feels humbled.
“I might not be going to Nashville, but you guys make me feel like a star here at home.”
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Attention all foodies! There is an exciting new food
experience coming our way, folks. The Mermaid Mobile Catering Truck will specialize in great Cape Breton comfort food, just kicked up a notch. Owner Kara Lackie and husband Cory Blundon, residents of Gabarus, hope to host their grand opening in the Village in late June. The truck will be around the Marion Bridge area for Mira Gala festivities and the couple hope to secure regular spots at the Mira Boat Club, The Gabarus Seawall and the Sydney Curling Club.
Lackie is a graduate of the culinary school of George University in Toronto. She is a trained, head pastry chef and Blundon is an experienced short order cook. They have worked in Toronto, New Zealand and at the Fogo Island Inn, Newfoundland.
The Mermaid Mobile Catering Truck guarantees that all dishes will be made from scratch using local ingredients. There will be a breakfast, lunch and dinner menu and of course, yummy desserts.
Being a self-described “foodie,” I will keep you posted. ***
Mira Gala is making its triumphant return to celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday.
Festivities will kick off July 1 with the Canada Day parade followed by an afternoon of family fun in MacPherson’s Field and of course, the parade of sail from the Mira Boat club to Marion Bridge for the spectacular fireworks show at dusk. Lots more is planned.
The Mira Boat Club will be hosting the summer kick off party, Saturday, June 3, at 8 p.m. Gary Chew and John Kendall will supply the entertainment. The first poker run of the season will take place June 24.
For more information about Mira Gala and other events in the Mira area, please visit the web page www.marion-bridge.ca or google Mira Boat Club events.