Father Bernard Heffernan
Thursday, august 3, 2006
as Honorary Chaplain of the Canadian Country Music association, and former D.J. of a Country music Gospel show for almost 30 years, I have frequent contacts with such performers both in Canada and the U.S.a. and sometimes invite them to come on my radio show or a live performance or assist them to get started. among those singers was Garth Brooks and Randy Travis. among such examples is a fellow that use to sell men's suits out of the back of his car – Sol Hollis formerly of London, Ontario. One day Sol met up with an acquaintance, who complained that he had a country music act that wasn't going anywhere on his tour and he wondered if Sol would be interested in buying the rest of his show dates for about $5000.00. Sol paid him and took over the act. The act was Johnny Cash.
Friday to Sunday august 4,5 & 6 - singing a 12-hour Musical Marathon daily from 10:a.m. to 10:p.m.. Closing time on Sunday evening is 6:p.m.. as Texas ambassador, Kathey will be part of the Exhibitions Opening Ceremonies. During the EX with Father Heffernan on the double keyboard and Roy Craft on sound, Kathey will sing golden oldies and country classics. Kathey Brown has met many country artists in Nashville and many movie stars from the weekly TV show - 'Dallas'.
although she comes from deep in the heart of Texas, there's another place that Kathey holds dear and that's people deep in the heart of the Kawarthas. Her memory takes her back 16 years ago when she first toured Canada, singing in Kingston, Kitchener and at the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto.
On her way to Peterborough, she stopped off at the Springville Honky Tonk and sang with Joe aylward's band. Her Cinderella carriage next stopped at the Trent Winds, where she sang big band music with Bobby Kinsman's Orchestra. Then it was on to the Douro Hall, where her glass slippers waltzed to the music of the old Tyme Fiddlers. Then she was whisked out to Bridgenorth to the Pines Pavilion to sing with Carroll Baker's Band, and to enjoy the rest of the evening with CKPT radio host Ray Hebert and his wife Penny. after midnight when fairy tale carriages are supposed to turn into pumpkins, she returned home by car.
The next day Kathey was interviewed by CHEX TV's former news anchor man, Wally Macht; Jim Higgins on Lindsay Cable TV, the Peterborough Examiner and Peterborough This Week before singing for the seniors at Extendicare, and later at Ray McGregor's Red Dog Tavern accompanied by Stu McCue's band, with Tom Barnes on steel.
During the following days she was interviewed by Father Heffernan on CKLY radio. Sunday afternoon found her in rehearsal at the Lindsay academy Theatre, preparing for the big evening show where fans turned out for the really big show, by the carload and bus load.
although Kathey was only in the Kawartha's a week, by this time, due to her engaging personality and joyful happy charisma, fans of the popular singer were following her from show to show - night after night until this final show.
a lot of great entertainers graced the stage that night but none riveted the audience like this Country Queen of Charisma. In fact, it was rumoured that show host Jim Higgins was so overcome that he succumbed to the stage floor, and never stirred till the Texas Princess waved her wand. a mixture of fun and fairy tales, it was all in merriment and laughter. Wherever she goes, whomever she meets, Kathey brings and spreads a special gift of Heavenly joy and happiness.
as usual after the show, the crowd lingered long in the theatre as if trying to hang onto that magic moment. Finally they bid adieu and Kathey departed through falling snow, as if Heaven were casting petals on her pathway of precious memories.
Kathy has always wanted to return to the Kawarthas. and she is. She'll be singing at the Peterborough Exhibition, in the big tent on the west side of the Roger Neilson Way, on the corner of Lansdowne St. For the comfort of the audience, the tent will protect from the sun and rain. There's lots of tables and chairs for you to sit in the shade and enjoy the music, food and cool drinks from nearby vendors. Kathey wants everyone to meet her. and she'll often be down visiting folks at the tables.
By Sunday evening she will have provided the Peterborough Exhibition with a three day Texas Canadian Sing along Hoe Down; a 32 hour Marathon of Music. Come and join us. Everyone welcome!
Donation basket for the seniors and the poor.
Re `live interviews' in Peterborough at the Exhibition Grounds:
Kathey arrives on Friday morning just before 10:00 a.m. and sings till 10:00 p.m. in the Tent (north end of the Roger Neilson Way). Interview her between Friday august 4 to august 6 from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (Closing time on Sunday night is 6:00 p.m.) ask Father Heffernan to arrange an interview, and you'll be talking to her as soon as she finishes her song.
For more information call Father Heffernan at 705-743-2000.
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