Over The Moon
Mark Leger is the editor and part-owner of Huddle. This is a weekly column that features opinion, analysis and reflections on Huddle stories, podcasts and business news in the region. It’s published first as a Saturday morning newsletter – sign up and receive our free daily newsletter as well.
In mid-April of 2007, I was living and working in Ghana when I found out New Brunswick soprano Measha Brueggergosman was coming at the end of the month to perform with an Italian chorus and orchestra. I contacted CBC Radio back home to see if they were interested in an interview with her. At the end of a chaotic and exhilarating evening out in the capital city Accra, which you can read more about here, I made my way to the dressing room at the end of the performance, just as Measha was rushing out to catch a flight to Israel.
“We’ll have to do the interview in the car on the way to the airport. Is that okay?” she asked.
I knew the performance had been a big deal; the concert hall was packed, and the president of the country was there. But it wasn’t until we left the parking lot that I realized we had a police escort. The police motorcycle led us through the city streets, the red light flashing and siren occasionally blaring when we had to cut through lanes of traffic.
Both of us were distracted, though amused, by the police escort but we managed to do the interview. We spoke about her performance and thoughts on her short stay in Accra. At the end of the ride, the reporter became her porter and I helped carry her bags into the airport. We said goodbye and I took public transit back to my apartment.
Related: A Night On The Town In Accra
This story was on my mind this week for a couple of reasons. As we emerge from the pandemic and restrictions begin to loosen, I’m feeling the urge to travel even if that still won’t happen any time soon. Jack had a friend stay overnight at our cottage earlier this week and his father stayed around to chat when he dropped him off. He was a traveller too and we sat around the kitchen table sharing stories of trips to countries in Central America, Africa, Europe and Asia.
Later in the week, I spoke with a work colleague about the upcoming AREA 506 concert series. Saint John radio station 97.3 The Wave and Huddle are media sponsors and we talked about the various performers – a roster that includes Alan Doyle, Bahamas, Classified, Matt Andersen, David Myles, Joel Plaskett, and Measha. On August 13, she’ll perform in a show that will include singer-songwriter Apryll Aileen. I told my colleague the Ghana story, something I do every time Measha’s name comes up in conversation.
After a year of living carefully, social distancing and hand sanitizing, even though I’m ordinarily a reserved guy, I feel the need to bust out, and I’m sure many of you feel the same way. We need to get back on to city streets together, and into office buildings, restaurants, bars, cafes, concert halls and arenas. All of this we need to do safely of course, but we need to get back out there.
It does indeed appear that people share my enthusiasm. AREA 506 begins next Friday on the Saint John waterfront with a show featuring comedians James Mullinger and Nikki Payne, and Grand Theft Bus. The next night will feature Ria Mae, Jenn Grant and Jessica Rhaye. Over the course of five weekends, hundreds of people will attend the outdoor shows each night; many of them are already sold out. For safety reasons, people will be organized in pods of up to 10 friends or family members and will be served drinks in their seats.
This is just the first of many outdoor festivals returning to the region after a year off. The Moonlight Bazaar that brings thousands of people onto the streets of uptown Saint John will return on August 28. The popular evening festival will feature food, drink and craft vendors, and live entertainment — and the giant moon, of course.
Related: Moonlight Bazaar Returning To Earth With August Event
In September, the Harvest Music Festival returns for its 30th anniversary. The headline acts include Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, The Revivalists, John Hiatt and the Jerry Douglas Band, and Grace Potter. As it has in the past, Harvest will take over Fredericton’s downtown from September 14-19 with performances at a Blues Tent behind City Hall, shows at the Playhouse, and other venues along with free programming in Officer’s Square.
I am feeling the need for more than just a “staycation” this year, but the festival scene will certainly help generate renewed enthusiasm for getting out and about in the region. At least I just need to cross the street, and not the Atlantic Ocean, to see a performance by Measha.
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Banner photo: Moonlight Bazaar, 2018. Image: submitted.