The Start Rocks the Chaffey’s Lock Hall

The Start Rocks the Chaffey’s Lock Hall - theHumm May 2024

By Gay Henniger

The Chaffey’s Lock and Area Heritage Society (CLAHS) is thrilled to announce that they are welcoming one of their favourite bands to open the 2024 Music Events Headliner Season in the historic Chaffey’s Lock Community Hall on May 18. Hailing from Ottawa, The Start is returning with their amazing show and fantastic dance music. “This band played here for a sold-out crowd two years ago, and ever since then we have been asked ‘when are you bringing back The Start?’” notes Gay Henniger, CLAHS Music Events Coordinator.

The Start is a 5-piece professional cover band. They perform five decades of British rock, pop and R&B, covering bands such as David Bowie, Elvis Costello, Amy Winehouse, The Rolling Stones, Billy Idol, Modern English and so many more! The Start plays a selection that goes beyond typical rock standards, and most importantly this band exudes experience and energy with every performance. This is reflected in the reviews from audience members on their website wearethestart.ca . Ticket buyers should be prepared for more than a musical performance, as this band puts on a great show with wonderful music, lights, lasers, and smoke to boot!

The Start was created in 2009 out of a shared love of British music. Whether they were born there, lived there, or have simply visited, members have all found common ground in the sounds of the UK. Lead singer and guitarist Graeme Weeks was born and raised in Essex, England. He has performed in numerous outfits including The Jet 200s, before finally finding a home when he founded The Start with bassist Frank Deehan.

Lead guitarist David Little lived in the UK and finds a home in The Start with his punk and indie-influenced guitar work. David started playing new wave and punk in the late 80s and moved to Halifax to take part in the early grunge/indie explosion in 1992. He’s been in a variety of bands in Ottawa before coming back to his English roots with The Start. In true British fashion, when his amp is not cranked to 11, he can be found puttering in his garden and drinking copious amounts of tea.

Percussionist Nathan Hoedeman spent his teenage years in Glengarry County, a region renowned for the Highland Games, caber tossing, kilt wearing, scotch drinking and British music! Countless hours of being exposed to the popular British invasion hits from bands like The Who, The Beatles, The Kinks, The Clash, The Stones and Led Zeppelin fueled his passion for British music, especially for the R&B-infused songs that get people up and grooving. Nathan’s motto is simple: Life’s too short, get on the dance floor already!

Marianne Dumas started out as a drummer/percussion player, but she realized that the best possible medium to link rhythm, melody and harmony would be the piano. She pursued her musical studies in pop-jazz piano, and after perfecting her technique at the Université de Montréal she came back to Gatineau to involve herself in various projects and bands. This allowed her to discover the programming of keyboards and sound creation, while developing her live playing experience. Marianne is constantly looking for new challenges and other passionate musicians with whom to share her love of music.

Bassist Martin Newman was born and raised in Ottawa, and he began playing bass guitar at Collège Catholique Samuel-Genest. After graduating high school, he purchased his first double bass and studied privately with Steve Watson for about a year. In 1989 he completed a five-month contract on a cruise ship travelling around Europe, and his career began in earnest. Since then, he’s played every kind of gig — from bars and theatres to festival stages and recording studios — playing music ranging from folk to jazz to rock.

As you can see, this is a very talented group, and their combined experience and talent really shows in their performances. So grab a ticket and take your favourite dancing buddy, or just come by yourself! The show gets underway at 8pm on Saturday, May 18. The Chaffey’s Lock Hall attracts people of all ages, and we guarantee that your feet will be tapping and it will be difficult to stay in your seat. You can dance by yourself, with a partner or in a group — no boundaries here!

The Start is one of three bands playing in this year’s Music Series. On July 27, Toronto’s The Wanted will bring their distinct sound, described as folk & alt-country with a cool Canadian edge. Then on August 24 Emilie Steele & The Deal will come from Kingston to keep everyone up on the dance floor with their amazing sonic tapestry of indie rock and alt-country sounds.

Tickets for The Start, The Wanted, and Emilie Steele & The Deal events can be purchased online at onstagedirect.com/chaffeyslock . Ticket sales are currently open for all three events. A full list of 2024 events in the village of Chaffey’s Lock is posted at chaffeyslock.ca .

The funds raised by these events will go towards Community Hall renovations, maintenance and operation, as well as heritage projects such as the Chaffey’s Lockmaster Museum upkeep, artifact preservation and exhibits.

Special thanks to the 2023-24 local Concert Series Sponsors, as well as Heritage Canada who support our CLAHS Music Events. Thank you also to Heritage Society Members and Event Volunteers. We could not host these events without your help. The 2024 Concert Series is funded in part by the Government of Canada.

David Desormeaux — A Journey ofJoy and Discovery - theHumm May 2024

By Sally Hansen

Art… and Soul

Many books are written about the therapeutic value of creating art, and art therapy has become a respected and growing field of professional practice that nurtures emotional healing. Carleton Place artist David Desormeaux is a compelling testament to its claims. His recent immersion in the delights and challenges of watercolour painting has renewed his joie de vivre.

His eye-catching paintings bring joy to observers too. David renders familiar and frequently overlooked ob......

The Start Rocks the Chaffey’s Lock Hall - theHumm May 2024