Sometimes, one day a year just isn’t enough.
On Friday, March 16 at 8 pm, a St. Patrick’s Day warm-up concert and dance will be held at the Duntroon Hall, featuring the musical (and theatrical) stylings of none other than Washboard Hank, who, with the Corn Pickles backing him up, will be playing his humour-infused, boot-stomp inspiring blend of bluegrass, rockabilly and country.
The funds raised by the event will go toward purchasing two heating units that, once connected to the geothermal heating loops installed under the playing field at next-door Islay Park, will help to heat the hall.
“We’re hoping that the community will come out to have a good time and help us to put money toward the heating system,” said Jim Campbell, who is chair of the hall board.
Peterborough-based Washboard Hank performed in Duntroon once before, at the hamlet’s 175th jubilee party in 2009. According to Campbell, the performance was met with great acclaim, making him – in addition to his selection of Irish hillbilly numbers – a natural choice for the St. Patrick’s Day warm-up event.
For years, Washboard Hank toured and performed as a member of Fred Eaglesmith’s band. Now, he performs as a solo artist, hammering out tunes on an “amazing conglomeration of bells, license plates [and] duck calls.”
As it says on Washboard Hank’s website, “if the proper plumbing supplies are available and open space allows, you can expect a solo or two on the ‘Fallopian Tuba,’ made out of 1 ½ inch PVC pipe and a stainless steel sink.”
Advance tickets cost $15 plus hst and can be purchased by calling Jim Campbell directly at 705-446-2506, by leaving a message with the hall at 705- 445-9550, or at Hennessy’s, Giffen’s Country Market, or Hamilton Brothers.