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A Salute to Stompin’ Tom and the Songs of Canada
What: The spirit of Stompin’ Tom Connors will be celebrated in Carleton Place May 11 and 12 in a mini-festival weekend that includes a pair of concerts with old-style country music and local restaurants conjuring their version of “Mufferaw” Stew.
A little history: Stompin’ Tom wrote one of his biggest hits, Big Joe Mufferaw, at the old Mississippi Hotel in Carleton Place in 1967. It’s based on the tall tale of an Ottawa Valley lumberjack. The song’s “little girl in Kemptville town” was the late Lorraine Lemay, a proud supporter of Canadian country music who ran the Mississippi Hotel.
The concerts: Hosted by “Ottawa Valley Troubadour” Lyle Dillabough, musicians include down-home country artist Freddy Dixon & Friends; “Valley Darling” Darlene Thibault and her group Smokey Rose; and Henry Norwood, a 14-year-old from Perth who was a finalist in the CBC Searchlight contest to find the best new
musical act in Canada. The songs will be a mixture of tunes by Stompin’ Tom, the performers, and Canadian classics.
When & where: Concerts are at Carleton Place Town Hall, 175 Bridge St., May 11 at 8 p.m. and May 12 at 2 p.m.
Tickets: $20, available in Carleton Place at Temptations, 117 Bridge St. and SRC Music at 124 Moore St.; in the Pakenham General Store; Burns Jewellers at 66 Foster St. in Perth; or email: lyleproductions@gmail. com.
Other events: A free photo display of local musicians, history and Valley characters will be held across the street from Town Hall in the “Moore House.” Some local restaurants will create “Mufferaw stew” and offer free samples at the exhibit.
Dress code: Watch for store owners and fans in black cowboy hats and boots stomping down Bridge Street all weekend.