American Airlines 1361 BNN-LAX

February 12th, 2014

I’ve typed many of theses blogs over the years from the seat of an airplane, but his marks the first time I will be uploading one from 35,000 feet in the air. Currently on American Airlines flying from Nashville to Los Angeles and for a fee of 15 bucks or so you can get on line. The novelty of it is pretty cool, I must say. I have long worried that losing my airplane time off the grid would be a negative experience but today, from seat 20C, in front of a screen playing a film I have already seen and holding a Kobo that I forgot to recharge, I am grateful for the whole deal.

Time for a quick update.

Great Big Sea is enjoying the start of a hiatus as we recharge after the most awesome XX Tour.

I’ve been busy doing some fun and rewarding charity and fundraising work. About ten days ago, myself and Chef Todd Perrin along with my Mom and Dad, headed to Fogo island Newfoundland to do a fundraising and awareness event for the Shorefast Foundation. Zita Cobb and this foundation have taken to revitalizing Fogo Island. The heart of the effort is the Fogo Island Inn, perhaps the greatest feat of architecture in Newfoundland’s history. It is an amazing place to see and stay.

I spent most of Saturday plying my normal trade, singing a few songs and entertaining the crowd from the stage. The day before was the real trip for me as I switched places with Chef Todd and I was on the line in the kitchen with the Inn’s Chef Murray and his team. I can cook a few things, but I am no Chef. I spent the whole day in the kitchen with the real Chef’s and sous Chef’s. A crash course in Professional food and Beverage preparation. Did you know that you can make your own mayonnaise? Holy Shite. Blew my mind.

For early appetizers, I made Smoked Cod Pate, and smoked Brie sandwiches, both using Mom’s Bread. For the main meal I was responsible for the Amuse Bouche (sp?), which was a twist on cod chowder where we used a fresh fried cod tongue. It was awesome.

For the main meal, I was one of the helpers on the line. I helped all the Chef’s keep their stations on time. The pressure is on when a table of 8 and a table of 6 order at exactly the same time.

For late night, I cooked midnight chicken wings and chili. I fell into bed around 2am, as tired as I’ve ever been in my life. Hats off to Chef’s and Cooks and Kitchen Staff everywhere. Hard work indeed.

On Saturday there was Ice skating and ice fishing, snowmobiling, and all kinds of winter fun stuff. I sang a few tunes and had Mom and Dad as well as my old friend and uber composer Keith Power to join in the fun. That night I sat and enjoyed Chef Todd’s cooking. With my new found respect for the skill and effort required to prepare a fine dining meal, I enjoyed every bite a wee bit more than normal.

After a snowed in bonus Super Bowl Sunday, we made our way bid Farewell to Fogo Island. I look forward to my next chance to dance there.

This past weekend, I got up early Saturday to help open The Loop, a skating facility in Bannerman Park. This outdoor track wanders through the historic park and is easily the coolest winter recreational place I’ve seen in a long time. Well done Bannerman Park folks, and special thanks to the St Paul’s Choir for letting me sing with them. They are awesome.

Saturday night was all about a fundraiser for another recreational facility. This one for Vanier Elementary School, where myself and VOCM Radio’s Open Line host Paddy Daly held court over an evening of auctions and songs to raise money for what will be a great adddtion to the school and community. Thanks Paddy for the fun chats from the stage, thanks to Greg Gill who’s awesome high notes saved me in the 80’s Hair Metal request portion of the evening (yes, it was as fun as you think) and most special thanks to Paddy and my better halfs Lie and Jo who amongst a cast of dedicated people put the whole thing together. Fun times for a good cause.

I jumped on a plane early Sunday and flew to Nashville trough Toronto. I’ve had some great chats with folks and had a blast writing with Jimmy Rankin, Gordie Sampson, and Meghan Kabrir. I am a Lucky Bastard to get the chance to work with the likes of them all.

Currently jetting to Los Angeles to more work with more talented folks, ever pressing to get my new Solo CD out in the fall, ideally around the same time the book drops in October.

Really looking forward to seeing Winters Tale, the film featuring a pile of famous people and me. Trailers look amazing. Please check it out when it comes to a cinema near you.

Alright. Keep you posted here and on Twitter as developments occur.

I must surf the web from Seat 20. Because I can,

Cheers,
Alan