Many moons ago, Brian Hyland sang a song that started with the lyrics:
“Though we’ve got to say
Goodbye for the summer..”
Those words leapt into my mind as we left the Duck on Saturday. It was the second last blues jam for the Mighty Duck Blues Band before summer hiatus.
There’s one session to go on Saturday June 7th with David Rotundo, but Blues Blast can’t be there.
So a little shout out to the Duck and its great Saturday afternoon blues. For those of you that live in a cocoon and don’t know, the Duck, aka The Golden Pheasant, is located on Ontario Street in St. Catharines.
It’s a nifty little venue that features a no-cover fee Saturday afternoon of blues with the Mighty Duck Blues Band.
 Bassit Gary Kendall of Downchild fame leads the band. |
 Canada Dave Torosian on keyboards |
 Dave Curry on guitar |
 Jim Casson on drums |
These guys are all accomplished, polished musicians that you can’t get enough of.
If that’s not enough to make your head spin, each week they jam with a guest musician. Jack De Keyzer, Jerome Godboo, David Vest, Joel Johnson, Paul Reddick, Chuck Jackson and Pat Carey, Chris Antonik, David Vest, Dylan Wickens, Jimmy Bowskill are just a few of the talented musicians that have played there.
The sound quality is great as each note is meticulously mixed by Frank, the house technician. The Duck’s manager, Mike Meyers is friendly and involved – he was even out on the patio bbq-ing the hot dogs. And speaking of food, the Duck’s menu is reasonable and the food is tasty. The waitresses are friendly and somehow keep track of your needs while great music is being played.
So a huge thank you to the Duck, the Mighty Duck Blues Band, and all the great blues lovers that are regulars there. It’s been a thrill. And as Brian Hyland sang –
“See you in September!”
So what to do till September? Every Sunday afternoon throughout the summer the Bay City Hall in Hamilton features blues. The house band features Brant Parker on guitar, Dave Groove Doctor McMorrow on keys, and Alan Duffy on bass. And special guest artists will be featured each week. For information go to Bay City Facebook Page
The Blues Are Alive! 
Even Though I can’t seem to make it every week,I have Enjoyed Everything I have Heard There. Great Musicians,and Exellent Entertainment. I look forward to listening to all the Videos I have seen from there. A great way to spend a Sat. afternoon !! Thanks !!
The best blues house band anywhere . . . guest musicians say the same, that the band can’t be stumped and always in the groove. And thanks to Francis Oliver on the soundboard for making teh best even better!