The Snow and the Salt

In winter, here in Quebec, things change. It happens very gradually, but the business of everyday life is very different in winter months than it is in the summer.
Socks gain this new power over people. Its ironic they should cover the Achilles tendon, of all things. I needed to run out quickly, so I slipped my bare foot into my boot, and instantly felt the residual cold wet of melted snow on the laces. I immediately changed my plan, slowed down, and went on a search for socks.
Sidewalks are dusted with salt, sand, and pebbles to prevent slipping. It hurts my dog's feet. Even though she loves walking in winter even more than summer, because she tends to overheat, I need to avoid sidewalks and walk in the street to avoid damaging the pads of her paws.
I was thinking about seasons like people. Spring and Fall have the same personality, and I know those people well. They are polite, and are willing to listen, but they make it clear that they can't stay long, they have somewhere to be. They are busy. And I respect that, so I am brief with the thoughts I share with them, because I, too, am busy. Summer is like a good friend, spread too thin. I am not bothered, because my attention is as divided. Luckily, it is a season of plenty, so we are always close to contentment.I feel like my thoughts pass like wind through the leaves of a tree, or dry up in the hot sun, or get splashed and soaked in a river. I can't hold onto much or focus, but I appreciate the abundance of ideas, and the warmth.
The winter is my best friend, and my worst enemy. It is me, reflected in the ice. When I look out the window during any other season, there is always movement, and life, and intention. The winter looks back at me and just waits for my cue. It is quiet, and ready to absorb my thoughts. The problem is, the winter never agrees or disagrees. It just listens, and never responds. I can get lost in silence, or drive a single thought to the point of utter despair. Winter won't stop me, or distract me.

Video Series

Well, opening for Ashley MacIsaac was a hoot! Great guy, very down to earth, and generous with his time. He insisted we play a song together. It was a privilege to share the stage with him. I sang Fare Thee Well, Love, as a tribute to the Rankin Family, and Ashley and his band mates really brought the song to life. It was hard to maintain my composure, because I almost always perform alone. To be joined by other players, especially world renowned ones, at the top of their game, was intimidating and inspiring.

Most memorable moment? I was just about to go on, and was obviously very nervous to play for my biggest audience yet.  Ashley, in an attempt to help me relax, shared a story with me. (he tells a lot of stories, all of which are very entertaining).  The first line of the story? "This one time, when I was opening for Johnny Cash..."
I love that he thought a story like that would make me feel better. Of course, I was so busy holy shitting the fact that I was about to open for someone that opened for Johnny Cash, that I missed most of the details..

I am very excited about the release of the Heritage Tour Video Series!
When I was putting the tour together, I thought it would be nice to do a video of a performance at each venue. I met with Damon Cox, of Instead Cinema in Stanstead. He is a filmmaker, and is associated with the Centre des Arts de Stanstead. He agreed it would be a worthwhile project to support the Arts in the Townships, and to promote our cultural institutions.

I chose a song that I felt would suit each venue. There is only one song from my album, Matthew Mccully and the Matter of Principle. The other four are new songs, that I hope you enjoy.
I am very proud of the work that was done.

The Piggery-King to a Sparrow, featuring Kate Morrison
Brome County Historical Society-The Fishes
Wales Home-The Fold
Uplands Museum-Ohio
Haskell Free Library-Weights and Pulleys

Up Next

The Heritage tour is over. At least, the Townships leg of it. I really enjoyed the intimate settings, and the opportunity to connect with the audience. I will take some time now to find other interesting places to play, and polish up material for the new album.

Up next? I have the privilege of opening for Ashley MacIsaac on Friday, Oct 19 at Centennial Theatre here in Lennoxville. First time on the stage at Centennial, and first time opening for an internationally recognized performer. I look forward to it, and to seeing him perform. I'm sure I will learn a lot!

Brome County Historical Society Old Courthouse

The first show of the Townships Heritage Tour was a great success. The Piggery is a wonderful venue , and sharing the stage with Kate Morrison was a real honor.

Now, on to Knowlton, to the Old Courthouse at the Brome County Historical Society.  The building was constructed between 1858-1859. The room is complete with the Judges bench and witness stand. I have no doubt the energy will be electric in a room with that much history.

I will share the stage with Sarah Biggs. Sarah and I go way back as far as high school, though we didn't actually meet until CEGEP. I had just started guitar lessons, and I had my guitar with me in the pub on campus in between classes. Sarah walked over to me, barefoot, and said I should bring my guitar outside and jam with everyone. Of course, I refused, because I was totally intimidated. But I did poke my head out the door to have a listen. I remember Sarah played Blackbird, by the Beatles, with a speed and effortlessness that was unimaginable to me. I left immediately-and went home-and started learning Blackbird.

Years later we met again, here in the Townships, having traveled similar paths to Vancouver and back, and both working hard on our music. Sarah recently completed her third album, Surface Tension, and it is truly beautiful.

We had some time to rehearse, so the show will have somewhat of an open door policy, where she is welcome to join in my songs, and I will join in playing some of hers.

I look forward to reviving the Old Courthouse for a night of music, and I hope to see some familiar faces in the crowd to share this unique experience.

The Old Courthouse in Knowlton,  at  15 St. Paul, corner Lakeside. The show will begin at 8pm. If you would like more information about the show, call 450-243-6782 or 819-580-0964

Piggery Theatre, North Hatley

I should be asleep right now, but instead,  I am running through my set list in my head, and preparing for the first show of the Townships Heritage Tour.
Spoiler alert if you are coming to the show!!! I have decided, at the last minute, to add a song as a tribute to Raylene Rankin, an important member of the Canadian music community, who will be missed.
I will sing Fare thee Well. the last time I sang that song was at my brother's wedding, fourteen years ago, in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia. I hope anyone familiar with the tune will sing along.

I saw a band play the Piggery years ago, and have wanted to get onto their stage ever since.  The converted barn has been hosting plays, concerts, and a variety of other performances for fourty-five years. When I began planning the heritage tour, I knew the Piggery would be one of the venues. It is on a quiet country road, a few minutes outside of North Hatley, on a hill, surrounded by beautiful views on all sides.

I am very excited to be joined by Kate Morrison, a very talented singer songwriter living here in the Townships. She has a powerful voice, and a warm presence that i'm sure will fill the room and enchant the audience.
"Inspired by everyday life experiences, but not so ordinary subjects, Kate’s song-writing takes us on a
unique journey of intimacy, humour and humanity. Her latest album, ‘’Kiss The Sky’’, is decorated
with contemporary and traditional instrumentation that supports her strong lyrics, already full of
dimension." (from her website, www.katemorrison.ca)

We will perform in a song circle format, where I play three songs, and she follows with three songs... We will also perform some material together. It is a privilege to share the stage with her.

The show will be Thursday, October 4, at 8pm at The Piggery Theatre  215 Chemin Simard,  North Hatley 
Phone 819-842-2431 to reserve tickets

Hreitage Tour Info

I just wanted to quickly mention that anyone with questions about the Heritage Tour is welcome to email me at info@matthewmccully.ca or call 819-580-0964 for details about venues and start times.

Townships Heritage Music Tour

I had a wonderful time on the Gaspe.  the tour was a great success, the people were very supportive, and I look forward to heading back next year. The fur baby met her first porcupine and was wise enough to keep her distance. My co-pilot and photographer, Jessica Renehan, received her masters in tarping, and I got my badge for fire-starting in the rain!

Now on to the next leg of the Heritage Music Tour.

I am busy rehearsing with my guest performers, and polishing some new material to play at these five unique venues in the townships.

In the coming weeks, I will provide more information about these cultural institutions, and the performers I will have the privilege of sharing the stage with.

Oct 4- North Hatley, The Piggery Theatre, with guest Kate Morison
Oct 5-Knowlton, Brome County Historical Society, with guest Sarah Biggs
Oct 9-Richmond, Wales Home, with guest Patricia Hortop-Benson
Oct 12-Lennoxville, Uplands Museum, with guest storyteller Michel Thibault
Oct 13-Stanstead, Haskell Free Library, with guest Emily Nyman

This tour was made possible with the generous support of ELAN and the Department of Canadian Heritage.

I find that in the Fall, everyone tends to move a bit faster than usual. People are rushing out to catch the last  rays of summer sun, harvest, start school, stack wood, pickle, rake, bust out the sweaters and jackets.
It is important to take a breath, enjoy the moment, give thanks for what the summer gave us, and look forward to a peaceful winter under a blanket of snow.

I invite you all to join me during this busy time, to take a breath, sit back, and enjoy some music with some talented artists, in some very unique and intimate venues.