The Omnifarium - Ukulele

Ukulele Jam Around a Campfire

Category: Ukulele
Thu, 17 Sep 2009, 13:09

One person suggested we do "Will The Circle Be Unbroken". Another added that the last time they did that song in public, people thought they were a religious group. I then commented that my wife sometimes thinks we're a cult. But someone else pointed out that it isn't a cult until you get naked.

We sang that song anyways on the ferry ride, along with four or five others. Not a lot of people cross the Toronto harbor on a Wednesday evening in September. So at 6:15PM, just one ferry services all of the Toronto Islands' ferry docks, first Ward's Island, then Centre Island, and finally our stop, Hanlan's Point. That gave us plenty of time for ukulele playing.

We were the first to arrive at the fire pit, an hour before the official start of the evening's jam. Some of us used the opportunity to eat our dinner. For me, it was a roast beef sub. As the sky grew dark, we impatiently awaited the arrival of the bigger half of the Corktown Ukulele Jam. Rather than taking the ferry, they decided to cross the harbor on a pair of large voyageur canoes.

With all of us together, the fire was lit, and we began our evening of singing songs, telling stories, and playing ukulele. David told us stories of the feats of the voyageurs, and led us in some traditional Canadian camp songs. Various snacks, including a big bag of marshmallows, were passed around. Insects were biting, but no one complained. All too soon though, the evening had to end. The last ferry leaving Hanlan's Point at 10:15PM wasn't going to wait for us.

We all had a wonderful time. I left the gathering feeling refreshed and rejuvinated. Making music around a campfire is an almost mystical experience. Sharing music with others is uplifting to begin with. Add in the dark sky and the fire, and the experience becomes something almost religious in nature. And so perhaps we are just a few layers of fabric away from being a cult!

Anyways, many thanks to David and Steve for organizing last night's campfire jam. I can't wait to see what great ideas they come up with next!

Omnifariously yours, Hans

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