Veteran Peterborough musicians Washboard Hank Fisher and Dennis O’Toole present the Second Annual Blue Valentine, a matinee tribute to the music and life of Willie P. Bennett that takes place at the Garnet on Sunday, February 17th from 2 to 5 p.m.
The two men not only love Willie P.’s music, but were also great friends of the late great singer/songwriter. The show marks the fifth year since Willie passed away on February 15, 2008.
The matinee concert will be a chance for musicians to hear some of Willie’s songs, spanning his career.
Hank and Dennis are also happy to have other musicians play their favourite Willie tune (or their own songs too).
“We invite anyone who was moved by Willie to come out,” explains Hank.
Last year’s show was filled with love, honour, and great music and this year will be no different.
Washboard Hank first met Willie P. Bennett in 1976 at the legendary folk venue The Smale’s Pace in London, Ontario. He has been a fan ever since.
“If you were ever at a Willie show, it was like an hour of musical perfection,” says Hank.
Hank feels that Willie’s songs are as good, if not better, than Canada’s great folk figures including Murray McLauchlan and Bruce Cockburn. Willie was also the inspiration of Canadian supergroup Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, named after one of his songs.
Willie’s connection with music and performance walked the line of genius and savant. He never aimed towards fame for himself; in fact, he eschewed it, and was known for building up nervous energy in advance on his own gigs.
“There are stories about him going to Nashville, walking into a record executive office and playing him a couple songs,” Hank recalls. “And the guy says, ‘This is fantastic, come back tomorrow and we’ll sign you up for forever and ever, and for millions of dollars.'”
Part of the inspiration for the Blue Valentine show is to aid in growing Willie P. Bennett’s musical legacy. Hank points to family issues as a major reason Willie’s last recorded album has never been released. He hopes that someday it will be released to the public.
Willie is perhaps best known for his mandolin, harmonica and vocal work with Canadian folk/country troubadour Fred J. Eaglesmith. Willie first appeared on Fred’s 1987 album Indiana Road and went on to accompany him until Willie’s death in 2008.
“Willie knew what he wanted out of life and he liked being the sideman,” Hank says. “He liked not having to be perfect on stage.”
Hank points out that there was some questioning about why such an amazing songsmith would spend more time as a sideman, but Willie simply preferred that role and he made the most of it through excellent musicianship.
Clear your calendar on Sunday, February 17th from 2 to 5 p.m. and come on out to The Garnet. Peterborough is in for a real treat.
“Blue Valentine” by Willie P. Bennett
“Sometimes we fall by accident, sometimes by grand design, sometimes love’s a blue valentine.”
