I had way too much fun at my last Manitoba summer show at the Sandy Lake Hotel. Who doesn't love a great crowd and impromptu performances by random musicians who just so happen to be there? It's always those unplanned moments that are the most memorable. We were all treated to some mean Steve Earle covers by Riley Kling from Birtle, Manitoba, whom I met for the first time that night. Riley had come upon my music online and the next thing you know, he's at my show along with his guitar, signed by Steve Earle at the "Meet & Greet" before Steve Earle's concert a few days before in Russell, Manitoba, quietly asking if he could play a few songs in between my sets. Riley wowed us all and I look forward to having him perform with me again in the future. As the evening flowed, a couple of people put a bug in my ear that I should get Dave the bartender up to sing "House of the Rising Sun." Yep, I can play this one, but will Dave sing it? I've never heard Dave sing before, but neither had I heard Riley Kling either! There was no hesitation when asked, as Dave gave a nod and modestly stepped up to the mic, and belted it out while I hammered away on the guitar. It was icing on the cake at the end of the night: sweeeeet!
KATIE MILLER is a multidisciplinary artist from the rolling valleys of Esterhazy, Saskatchewan and is passionate about living life in the present moment and connecting with people through her photography, writing and music.
Manitoba Memories
I've been thoroughly enjoying my tour in Manitoba this summer and it's always fun playing at a new venue. My July started off at the classic "Wigwam" Restaurant at Clear Lake in Riding Mountain National Park. The Neighbourhood Bookstore & Cafe in Winnipeg was a cozy refuge on a rainy night where Oreo Cheesecake appeared to be the popular item of the night. Sam's Place in Winnipeg has the friendliest staff and I appreciated the applause from the kitchen. A highlight was playing at the Winnipeg Fringe Festival at "The Cube," in the Old Market Square, the core of Winnipeg's historic exchange district. I sat in awe the day before at the Fringe, taking in the set by "Slow Leaves," the recording name of Winnipeg's own Grant Davidson. Love his music! Farmhouse Bistro and Tavern was my next stop in Virden where I was treated like family. If you've never been there before, you are missing out on a fantastic venue just off the #1 Hwy: awesome food, farmhouse atmosphere & down-to-earth people! I'll be back at the Wigwam at Clear Lake in August and then will finish off at my favourite summer place, the Sandy Lake Hotel for their 14th Anniversary. Thanks Manitoba!
FLOWERS ON THE SUN is my favourite song on my album, A New Day, and was inspired by a note my son wrote when he was four years old, which consisted solely of those four words. I thought it was beautiful and called it his first poem. I saved the note and years later, I crafteded this song about nature, the environment, and how humankind must be proactive in protecting this beautiful planet for many generations to come. Click on the photo above to have a listen?