Poetry to my ears

The Jack Pine Folk Club is an evocative name. It conjures intrigue and for me, curiosity. Where does this name come from? Surely not the defoliating budworm or the tree itself? No, I have a feeling given the context of the ongoing event, it’s a nod to the iconic painting from Tom Thomson. If you can’t immediately call the image to mind, look it up—you’ll likely recognize it. It’s one of the most reproduced and widely recognized artworks in Canada.

These events began back in 2021, and I have been trying to make my way there for the last six months. A story and a song always has me sold. Make that story poetry and I’ll eventually find my way there. Shane Pendergast is the procurer and host of these evenings, and with a name like Pendergast attached, you’ll either be well fed or well entertained. In this case it can be both. 

The Pourhouse seems to be the current establishment for these monthly events and in my opinion the atmosphere of it suits. I arrived a few minutes late to the prompt 7:30 pm start while Shane and fiddler Cailyn MacAulay started the night off. I don’t know if it’s just the East Coast in me, but a fiddle sure will get your head bobbing or your foot tapping. The crowd had a wide age range to it and I noted plenty of other local musicians and authors in attendance. Which both alludes to the draw of the content and the desire for it. 

Oftentimes poetry is just a melody away from being music really. Those who appreciate music with depth, can also find appreciation in the layers of language in recitations. I also find poignant new depth to poetry presents itself when listening to someone recite their pieces. John Flood performed a series of pieces inspired by paintings and the North. At ease on the stage and offering some rather amusing anecdotes about their work’s inspirations. Which is not surprising given his lifelong career of bringing great works into the public sphere. 

I love the entire premise of the Jack Pine Folk Club, poetry bookended with music. A standing event with rotating guests also keeps a kind of continuity that allows for variety to evolve in its evenings. Both within the crowd and the entertainment. 

Chris Corrigan and upright bass player Adam Hill closed out the evening. Chris is, of course, an East Coast legend so anything he plays just entrances you. You get pulled right into it. He said he wasn’t doing stage patter that evening, though we did get a smidge. The duo didn’t need it, they just communicated to us and each other through their joy of playing music. 

Jack Pine Folk Club aims to happen monthly, excluding the Summer. A midweek bit of music and poetry serves a Winter soul well. The 10:30 pm end means you can also be home in bed by 11 pm (if you live nearby).