And finally, to all Canadians: Canada is a great country, one of the hopes of the world. We can be a better one - a country of greater equality, justice, and opportunity. We can build a prosperous economy and a society that shares its benefits more fairly. We can look after our seniors. We can offer better futures for our children. We can do our part to save the world's environment. We can restore our good name in the world. We can do all of these things because we finally have a party system at the national level where there are real choices; where your vote matters; where working for change can actually bring about change. In the months and years to come, New Democrats will put a compelling new alternative to you. My colleagues in our party are an impressive, committed team. Give them a careful hearing; consider the alternatives; and consider that we can be a better, fairer, more equal country by working together. Don't let them tell you it can't be done.
My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic.
And we'll change the world.
All my very best,
Jack Layton
..............................
I am humbled and at the same time proud and full of sorrow at the loss of such a man.
I will give time to myself to grieve but not too much, there is work to do. I no longer have Jack Layton to do it for me.
Jim
Reply
A few additional thoughts:
To other Canadians who are on journeys to defeat cancer and to live their lives, I say this: please don't be discouraged that my own journey hasn't gone as well as I had hoped. You must not lose your own hope. Treatments and therapies have never been better in the face of this disease. You have every reason to be optimistic, determined, and focused on the future. My only other advice is to cherish every moment with those you love at every stage of your journey, as I have done this summer.
To the members of my party: we've done remarkable things together in the past eight years. It has been a privilege to lead the New Democratic Party and I am most grateful for your confidence, your support, and the endless hours of volunteer commitment you have devoted to our cause. There will be those who will try to persuade you to give up our cause. But that cause is much bigger than any one leader. Answer them by recommitting with energy and determination to our work. Remember our proud history of social justice, universal health care, public pensions and making sure no one is left behind. Let's continue to move forward. Let's demonstrate in everything we do in the four years before us that we are ready to serve our beloved Canada as its next government.
To the members of our parliamentary caucus: I have been privileged to work with each and every one of you. Our caucus meetings were always the highlight of my week. It has been my role to ask a great deal from you. And now I am going to do so again. Canadians will be closely watching you in the months to come. Colleagues, I know you will make the tens of thousands of members of our party proud of you by demonstrating the same seamless teamwork and solidarity that has earned us the confidence of millions of Canadians in the recent election.
To my fellow Quebecers: On May 2nd, you made an historic decision. You decided that the way to replace Canada's Conservative federal government with something better was by working together in partnership with progressive-minded Canadians across the country. You made the right decision then; it is still the right decision today; and it will be the right decision right through to the next election, when we will succeed, together. You have elected a superb team of New Democrats to Parliament. They are going to be doing remarkable things in the years to come to make this country better for us all.
To young Canadians: All my life I have worked to make things better. Hope and optimism have defined my political career, and I continue to be hopeful and optimistic about Canada. Young people have been a great source of inspiration for me. I have met and talked with so many of you about your dreams, your frustrations, and your ideas for change. More and more, you are engaging in politics because you want to change things for the better. Many of you have placed your trust in our party. As my time in political life draws to a close I want to share with you my belief in your power to change this country and this world. There are great challenges before you, from the overwhelming nature of climate change to the unfairness of an economy that excludes so many from our collective wealth, and the changes necessary to build a more inclusive and generous Canada. I believe in you. Your energy, your vision, your passion for justice are exactly what this country needs today. You need to be at the heart of our economy, our political life, and our plans for the present and the future.
Reply
My Friends, Family, Fans and Supporters..
I got up today and felt the rain in the air. The first rain in some time. It's welcomed by my garden and lawn and mother nature's timing was perfect; the day after Victoria Folk West Fest. Little did I realize how perfect the timing was.....
I awoke my beautiful Janice with toast and coffee and she logged on to FaceBook. A few moments later she called out to me and told me of Jack Layton's passing.
It wasn't a total surprise. He'd looked so drawn and worn in his last photos but still I felt tears in my eyes and they are still there as I write this to you all.
Jack was a fighter and less than 24hrs before he died he was speaking to his party at his bed side giving them finale instructions on how to carry forward, even with his family and friends gathering for their final good bye. He also wrote a letter to us all. A letter I have copied below because I believe it is one of the most touching documents I have ever read. I believe that hope and bravery are needed in this world. We need them to stand against those that would keep us small for their own gain.
I believed, and still do believe that Jack Layton was a beacon of strength and I hold him in admiration, that he was of the mind to write this, knowing his time was near and there was still work to do. This is his letter......
Dear Friends,
Tens of thousands of Canadians have written to me in recent weeks to wish me well. I want to thank each and every one of you for your thoughtful, inspiring and often beautiful notes, cards and gifts. Your spirit and love have lit up my home, my spirit, and my determination.
Unfortunately my treatment has not worked out as I hoped. So I am giving this letter to my partner Olivia to share with you in the circumstance in which I cannot continue.
I recommend that Hull-Aylmer MP Nycole Turmel continue her work as our interim leader until a permanent successor is elected.
I recommend the party hold a leadership vote as early as possible in the New Year, on approximately the same timelines as in 2003, so that our new leader has ample time to reconsolidate our team, renew our party and our program, and move forward towards the next election.
Reply
Hi Everyone
This is a heads up reminder that Jim Moffatt (me) will be playing at Evedar's Bistro in Langford. I will be there from 6:30 untill 9:30 sharing my songs and music. Let me tell you more....
Marc and Fran Jinnouchi, owners of Evedar’s Bistro and Wine Bar, have created a warm, friendly place where guests feel welcome, comfortable and appreciated. The quality of the food and atmosphere have helped this bistro flourish as a neighborhood gathering place; and the music is very very good. (in my humble personal opinion). They are located at 2829 Peatt Road in Langford, BC and reservationa are recommended : 250 391 8636 http://evedarsbistro.ca/
Oh and by the way. If you have something else planned for tomorrow night you can always come to the James Bay Market tomorrow morning from 10am till noon. Again for those who don't know anything about James Bay Market let me tell you more...
The James Bay Community Market is an outdoor market where local farmers, artisans, musicians, and servicers can meet and sell to the public Saturdays May to October, 9am to 3pm. They are located, and I will be, at the corner of Menzies and Superior Streets in James Bay.
It would really be nice to see you at either of these if you can make it
Jim
Reply
Greeting Everyone
It's been too long sense I last wrote and I am sorry.
Things have been more than busy. I am woodsheding and at the same time, taking training for a job to help make ends meet. It's not bad doing the day job but I really begrudge the time. Then again I like food. Hummmm....write or eat and have a roof. Damn its a tough call sometimes and then I look at my Jan and our home. The yard needs work, the house paint the porch needs some new wood. yup gotta do the do to make ends meet.
I played at the local folk club a couple weeks ago. Just a spur of the moment thing. Maybe thats why I tried such a damn fool thing as playing 2 songs that were just not much more than a thought. But the muse was speaking and I listened. They liked them. A lot. Was really a great feeling to see a room full of people so quiet and listening. The words were spontanious and true. The connection between the audience and myself almost visible. This is what I do. This is what I can't stop doing. This is why I have to work a day job so I can spend time writing and finishing these songs and more like them.
I would like to tell you that I really need every one of you. Your emails, phone calls and txt messages of support help me. With any luck I will have some new songs for you soon.
Oh hey guess what. I got the contracts from Home Routes today. Its official Oct 26 to Nov 9th touring through Southern BC. What I want to do is a tour through Southern Ontario. A chance to visit home and see friends and family.
Jim
Reply
Hi everyone
Well I just wanted to let you in on what’s been going on.
A couple of week’s back I played at the Ladysmith Maritime Festival and was a great experience it was. Lots of sun and great volunteers running a wonderful stage and great sound. The music sounded great and everyone had a good time on stage. I even had a couple of ladies join me as singers on a couple of the first songs in the set. The drive up to Ladysmith and back was even worth it. I love playing festivals.
Yesterday I played the Lake Days Festival in Lake Cowichan. Again it was one of those events that just make me glad to be a part of it. Lake Cowichan is beautiful and the drive up there was a lot of fun with my Janice and me driving up with my partner Mike. It was fun. Another friend David was running the stage at this festival and I got to tell you all he busted his ass to make it work. The first band started late, but he got them going and they ended on time, Mike and I got to start on time and David gave a great introduction and away I went. Then the rain came, hard. As I was performing under my lovely covered stage David and the sound guy Les were busy covering everything with plastic bags that Dave got from somewhere. Then the parade went buy and for the next 35 minutes I was drowned out by fire trucks, police cars and pipe bands but Mike and I got to play on because the sound guy was on top of it he made sure the monitors were loud enough so we could hear ourselves. The good news is that we still had about 10 minutes of great stage time after the parade went by.
Oh and then the chairs for the audience arrived and again I say David swing chairs like a pro and setting them up, then the plastic walls for the green room came and again David was there working all my himself to make it good. I was totally in awe and thankful.
It is experiences like this that give me lots of material for songs but also make me realize how hard those that support our music work. If it wasn't for the volunteers at Ladysmith I wouldn't have had as much fun as I did and more so goes for special people like my friend David Lowther. I cannot believe how hard he worked to make it a great festival. You add him to the warm and friendly folk I met there and I can hardly wait to go back next year.
Well, in 2 weeks I am doing a show case at the VIMBC and I am getting totally pumped for this. It’s very important that I do well and I plan on it.
Wish me luck and talk again soon
Jim
Reply
Well other than a show announcement or two it's been a couple weeks sense I wrote so let me share with you what is happening.
I did couple of shows and one was out side at the Moss Street Market. I have played there a dozen times over the years and its usually a lot of fun but this time it was way far and above the most fun i have had in a long time. The guy who books the gig this year is a friend of mine, David. David is a good player in his own right and he and his wife Mary have a duo called Without a Net. David also liked the portable sound system I had and so stayed and played a couple tunes with me. No practice, just played and he did a good job. Thanks David it was fun. The crowd seemed to like it too and even after David left they seemed to just gather in more and more and I started to have a good time. During the break a few signed my email list and are getting their first email from me today. (HI Folks) The weather even started to clear up and there was actual SUNSHINE! Yes it has been a long winter and a rainy spring.
On a more personal note...
I had a visit to the docs office and he says I will live. No Really... I was getting some flutters in my chest and doc thinks its from stress. ("Worry? who me?" ) but not that bad and as long as I keep doing what I am doing to take care of the machine it should be OK.
I haven't heard much from Jess or Jordan but get regular FB notices and I figure they get mine too so things are percolating.
Money is real tight but that should clear up a bit soon and there are more gigs coming ...
Speaking of gigs! Check out my calendar. Lots coming and If you are in the hood come round and give a listen and above all say Hi!
Cheers for now
Jim
PS please share this posting and my music with any and all. I need the support of my friends.
Reply
What's happening? Well to start with, in Canada we had a Federal election.
The former government was found in contempt of parliament, they lost confidence and were forced to call an election. We Canadians went to the polls. Or at least 60% of us did. There other 40% were too busy watching hockey and/or drinking beer to vote. So what happened? The former Minority Conservative government who were kicked out were voted back in with a huge majority. What the ____ were my 60% thinking? What were WE thinking? I sure hope I was wrong. Well like the man says "We shall see"
As far as gigs go I have a few this month. A festival and a diner and cafe. Good gigs. See the links below for more info on 'em.
The first one will be an out door market at Moss St in Victoria. It's a great place to play because the folks there are coming to buy and if they like your tunes they buy your CD's. People like my tunes. :-)
I got my studio computer back from the builder and so far so good. I have a client in on Monday and that will be the test. It will perform or not. It does with all the tests I have run so far but I have run only the trials that I can think of. As soon as a new musician enters there will be new information to handle and record with new ideas and demands. That where any weaknesses will show. You guessed it "We shall see" :-)
I am so proud of my Janice. She did a 32k walk today from start to finish.
Well done. I am so proud of you. :-)
Well my friend, how are things at your end of the world? Drop me a note. Tell me a story. I want to hear. Ya never know. Maybe you will be the inspiration for my next song.
All the best to you and yours and don't forget tomorrow is Moms Day.
Jim
Here is a free tune player from tune core of my songs. You can even pop it out seperatly and listen to music while you are doing otherthings on your computer http://www.tunecore.com/widgets/show/26363
Reply
Hi Everyone,
Just a quick note to wish you a very happy Easter and all the best family time that you may get through this holiday.
I will be having a dinner with relatives and family here on Vancouver Island and maybe even get some time to play some music with friends.
Jan and Jim on Holiday
Here is a link to a free song download
http://www.tunecore.com/widgets/show/63418.
All Peace and peace to all
Jim
Reply
Hi Everyone
Well my house concert at Karen and Ben’s home in Mill Bay was a success. I had a good time and the guests were attentive and appreciative. Ah hell, who am I kidding, I had a blast! We video taped it and when I get time I will produce it and put up some of the songs on UTube and send you all a link. We had two cameras there. One on a tripod getting the main shot and sound the other was turned on and handed to the audience to do with as they wished. Some of it was extremely funny to down right odd. Yup lots of editing to do. Jim Concert in Utah
The annual Piggy Awards are coming up and I will be doing a song in them. It’s at St. Ann’s Academy National Historic Site in Victoria BC this weekend. If you don’t know what the piggies are then come and see. It’s about 2 hours long and a bit of a lampoon but fun.
My last few weeks have been hard. Don't get me wrong I am not complaining but there is busy and then there is spinning your wheels.
With the election coming on in Canada (my home) and all the campaigning (did you ever notice how the work campaigning has that extra “g” in it? Me thinks that is to try and hide the fact that the word is really “camp-pain” which starts a whole new train of thought)… with all the campaigning going on, politicians trying to buy my vote with empty promises or just giving back a freedom that they stole in the first place, there hasn’t been much time for my music. Although I am still working with two writers groups (Art of the Song and SAC Regional Group) those account for 6 hours a month and that was all the time I spent “writing” last month. Just not enough. I am also putting up a Face Book identity for the Victoria Folk Music Society. Looking for some work and handling everything else……..I need help. There I have said it. I need help. I am not the superman I thought I was. I can’t do it all and still write, love and be happy. I need help.
If you know anything about the music. If you have time to give. If you like my music (I guess you do or you all wouldn’t have signed up for the email list). If you can assist me in any way please let me know.
What do I need you ask? Well let’s see;
You know how to edit video.
You know a venue where I could play, let them know about me or tell me and I will send them a PR Kit or better yet I will send you one and you could present it to them.
You know any musicians in my area who are looking for more in the way of a band, writing, performing let me know and tell them about me. I would love to be part of a solid performing group.
You are a bookkeeper who would like to help me with my taxes.
You are good at writing grants and have time to show me the ropes.
You would like to have me do a house concert in your home.
If non of these are your thing but you have another idea just let me know. I do need your help. I am not lazy but I just can't do it all alone. So if you have some spare time I could really use it.
At the very least how about clicking on the "widgets" in the bottom of this email and posting them in your social networks for me. Pick any one you wish and share it. Its real easy and there are directions. This will help me be heard by more folks who will like my music too and the wheel keeps turning.
The list could go on and on but I am sure you get the idea. I am not good at paperwork and there is a ton of it to do.
Oh and just to let you all know. The dates have been confirmed. Oct 26 – Nov 7th 2011, I will be doing a tour of southern BC. The exact places and times to be confirmed sometime in the next few weeks but “Home Routes” has taken me on for this tour and I will be out there. Cool ah?
Well that’s it for this time. Sorry I didn’t write sooner. Hope your life is happy and you are well.
Jim Moffatt
Reply
Jim Moffatt / Blog
A Loss pg 3
And finally, to all Canadians: Canada is a great country, one of the hopes of the world. We can be a better one - a country of greater equality, justice, and opportunity. We can build a prosperous economy and a society that shares its benefits more fairly. We can look after our seniors. We can offer better futures for our children. We can do our part to save the world's environment. We can restore our good name in the world. We can do all of these things because we finally have a party system at the national level where there are real choices; where your vote matters; where working for change can actually bring about change. In the months and years to come, New Democrats will put a compelling new alternative to you. My colleagues in our party are an impressive, committed team. Give them a careful hearing; consider the alternatives; and consider that we can be a better, fairer, more equal country by working together. Don't let them tell you it can't be done.
My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic.
And we'll change the world.
All my very best, Jack Layton .............................. I am humbled and at the same time proud and full of sorrow at the loss of such a man. I will give time to myself to grieve but not too much, there is work to do. I no longer have Jack Layton to do it for me. Jim
Reply
A Loss pg 2
A few additional thoughts:
To other Canadians who are on journeys to defeat cancer and to live their lives, I say this: please don't be discouraged that my own journey hasn't gone as well as I had hoped. You must not lose your own hope. Treatments and therapies have never been better in the face of this disease. You have every reason to be optimistic, determined, and focused on the future. My only other advice is to cherish every moment with those you love at every stage of your journey, as I have done this summer.
To the members of my party: we've done remarkable things together in the past eight years. It has been a privilege to lead the New Democratic Party and I am most grateful for your confidence, your support, and the endless hours of volunteer commitment you have devoted to our cause. There will be those who will try to persuade you to give up our cause. But that cause is much bigger than any one leader. Answer them by recommitting with energy and determination to our work. Remember our proud history of social justice, universal health care, public pensions and making sure no one is left behind. Let's continue to move forward. Let's demonstrate in everything we do in the four years before us that we are ready to serve our beloved Canada as its next government.
To the members of our parliamentary caucus: I have been privileged to work with each and every one of you. Our caucus meetings were always the highlight of my week. It has been my role to ask a great deal from you. And now I am going to do so again. Canadians will be closely watching you in the months to come. Colleagues, I know you will make the tens of thousands of members of our party proud of you by demonstrating the same seamless teamwork and solidarity that has earned us the confidence of millions of Canadians in the recent election.
To my fellow Quebecers: On May 2nd, you made an historic decision. You decided that the way to replace Canada's Conservative federal government with something better was by working together in partnership with progressive-minded Canadians across the country. You made the right decision then; it is still the right decision today; and it will be the right decision right through to the next election, when we will succeed, together. You have elected a superb team of New Democrats to Parliament. They are going to be doing remarkable things in the years to come to make this country better for us all.
To young Canadians: All my life I have worked to make things better. Hope and optimism have defined my political career, and I continue to be hopeful and optimistic about Canada. Young people have been a great source of inspiration for me. I have met and talked with so many of you about your dreams, your frustrations, and your ideas for change. More and more, you are engaging in politics because you want to change things for the better. Many of you have placed your trust in our party. As my time in political life draws to a close I want to share with you my belief in your power to change this country and this world. There are great challenges before you, from the overwhelming nature of climate change to the unfairness of an economy that excludes so many from our collective wealth, and the changes necessary to build a more inclusive and generous Canada. I believe in you. Your energy, your vision, your passion for justice are exactly what this country needs today. You need to be at the heart of our economy, our political life, and our plans for the present and the future.
Reply
A Loss pg 1
My Friends, Family, Fans and Supporters.. I got up today and felt the rain in the air. The first rain in some time. It's welcomed by my garden and lawn and mother nature's timing was perfect; the day after Victoria Folk West Fest. Little did I realize how perfect the timing was..... I awoke my beautiful Janice with toast and coffee and she logged on to FaceBook. A few moments later she called out to me and told me of Jack Layton's passing. It wasn't a total surprise. He'd looked so drawn and worn in his last photos but still I felt tears in my eyes and they are still there as I write this to you all. Jack was a fighter and less than 24hrs before he died he was speaking to his party at his bed side giving them finale instructions on how to carry forward, even with his family and friends gathering for their final good bye. He also wrote a letter to us all. A letter I have copied below because I believe it is one of the most touching documents I have ever read. I believe that hope and bravery are needed in this world. We need them to stand against those that would keep us small for their own gain. I believed, and still do believe that Jack Layton was a beacon of strength and I hold him in admiration, that he was of the mind to write this, knowing his time was near and there was still work to do. This is his letter......
Dear Friends,
Tens of thousands of Canadians have written to me in recent weeks to wish me well. I want to thank each and every one of you for your thoughtful, inspiring and often beautiful notes, cards and gifts. Your spirit and love have lit up my home, my spirit, and my determination.
Unfortunately my treatment has not worked out as I hoped. So I am giving this letter to my partner Olivia to share with you in the circumstance in which I cannot continue.
I recommend that Hull-Aylmer MP Nycole Turmel continue her work as our interim leader until a permanent successor is elected.
I recommend the party hold a leadership vote as early as possible in the New Year, on approximately the same timelines as in 2003, so that our new leader has ample time to reconsolidate our team, renew our party and our program, and move forward towards the next election.
Reply
Jim Moffat is playing twice this Saturday (tomorrow night)
Hi Everyone
This is a heads up reminder that Jim Moffatt (me) will be playing at Evedar's Bistro in Langford. I will be there from 6:30 untill 9:30 sharing my songs and music. Let me tell you more....
Marc and Fran Jinnouchi, owners of Evedar’s Bistro and Wine Bar, have created a warm, friendly place where guests feel welcome, comfortable and appreciated. The quality of the food and atmosphere have helped this bistro flourish as a neighborhood gathering place; and the music is very very good. (in my humble personal opinion). They are located at 2829 Peatt Road in Langford, BC and reservationa are recommended : 250 391 8636 http://evedarsbistro.ca/
Oh and by the way. If you have something else planned for tomorrow night you can always come to the James Bay Market tomorrow morning from 10am till noon. Again for those who don't know anything about James Bay Market let me tell you more...
The James Bay Community Market is an outdoor market where local farmers, artisans, musicians, and servicers can meet and sell to the public Saturdays May to October, 9am to 3pm. They are located, and I will be, at the corner of Menzies and Superior Streets in James Bay.
It would really be nice to see you at either of these if you can make it
Jim
Reply
Jim in July
Greeting Everyone
It's been too long sense I last wrote and I am sorry.
Things have been more than busy. I am woodsheding and at the same time, taking training for a job to help make ends meet. It's not bad doing the day job but I really begrudge the time. Then again I like food. Hummmm....write or eat and have a roof. Damn its a tough call sometimes and then I look at my Jan and our home. The yard needs work, the house paint the porch needs some new wood. yup gotta do the do to make ends meet.
I played at the local folk club a couple weeks ago. Just a spur of the moment thing. Maybe thats why I tried such a damn fool thing as playing 2 songs that were just not much more than a thought. But the muse was speaking and I listened. They liked them. A lot. Was really a great feeling to see a room full of people so quiet and listening. The words were spontanious and true. The connection between the audience and myself almost visible. This is what I do. This is what I can't stop doing. This is why I have to work a day job so I can spend time writing and finishing these songs and more like them.
I would like to tell you that I really need every one of you. Your emails, phone calls and txt messages of support help me. With any luck I will have some new songs for you soon.
Oh hey guess what. I got the contracts from Home Routes today. Its official Oct 26 to Nov 9th touring through Southern BC. What I want to do is a tour through Southern Ontario. A chance to visit home and see friends and family.
Jim
Reply
Just closing the Loop.....
Hi everyone Well I just wanted to let you in on what’s been going on. A couple of week’s back I played at the Ladysmith Maritime Festival and was a great experience it was. Lots of sun and great volunteers running a wonderful stage and great sound. The music sounded great and everyone had a good time on stage. I even had a couple of ladies join me as singers on a couple of the first songs in the set. The drive up to Ladysmith and back was even worth it. I love playing festivals. Yesterday I played the Lake Days Festival in Lake Cowichan. Again it was one of those events that just make me glad to be a part of it. Lake Cowichan is beautiful and the drive up there was a lot of fun with my Janice and me driving up with my partner Mike. It was fun. Another friend David was running the stage at this festival and I got to tell you all he busted his ass to make it work. The first band started late, but he got them going and they ended on time, Mike and I got to start on time and David gave a great introduction and away I went. Then the rain came, hard. As I was performing under my lovely covered stage David and the sound guy Les were busy covering everything with plastic bags that Dave got from somewhere. Then the parade went buy and for the next 35 minutes I was drowned out by fire trucks, police cars and pipe bands but Mike and I got to play on because the sound guy was on top of it he made sure the monitors were loud enough so we could hear ourselves. The good news is that we still had about 10 minutes of great stage time after the parade went by. Oh and then the chairs for the audience arrived and again I say David swing chairs like a pro and setting them up, then the plastic walls for the green room came and again David was there working all my himself to make it good. I was totally in awe and thankful. It is experiences like this that give me lots of material for songs but also make me realize how hard those that support our music work. If it wasn't for the volunteers at Ladysmith I wouldn't have had as much fun as I did and more so goes for special people like my friend David Lowther. I cannot believe how hard he worked to make it a great festival. You add him to the warm and friendly folk I met there and I can hardly wait to go back next year. Well, in 2 weeks I am doing a show case at the VIMBC and I am getting totally pumped for this. It’s very important that I do well and I plan on it. Wish me luck and talk again soon Jim
Reply
JIm Moffatt May 20th jimformation
Well other than a show announcement or two it's been a couple weeks sense I wrote so let me share with you what is happening.
I did couple of shows and one was out side at the Moss Street Market. I have played there a dozen times over the years and its usually a lot of fun but this time it was way far and above the most fun i have had in a long time. The guy who books the gig this year is a friend of mine, David. David is a good player in his own right and he and his wife Mary have a duo called Without a Net. David also liked the portable sound system I had and so stayed and played a couple tunes with me. No practice, just played and he did a good job. Thanks David it was fun. The crowd seemed to like it too and even after David left they seemed to just gather in more and more and I started to have a good time. During the break a few signed my email list and are getting their first email from me today. (HI Folks) The weather even started to clear up and there was actual SUNSHINE! Yes it has been a long winter and a rainy spring.
On a more personal note...
I had a visit to the docs office and he says I will live. No Really... I was getting some flutters in my chest and doc thinks its from stress. ("Worry? who me?" ) but not that bad and as long as I keep doing what I am doing to take care of the machine it should be OK.
I haven't heard much from Jess or Jordan but get regular FB notices and I figure they get mine too so things are percolating.
Money is real tight but that should clear up a bit soon and there are more gigs coming ...
Speaking of gigs! Check out my calendar. Lots coming and If you are in the hood come round and give a listen and above all say Hi!
Cheers for now Jim
PS please share this posting and my music with any and all. I need the support of my friends.
Reply
What's Happening with Jim Moffatt
What's happening? Well to start with, in Canada we had a Federal election.
The former government was found in contempt of parliament, they lost confidence and were forced to call an election. We Canadians went to the polls. Or at least 60% of us did. There other 40% were too busy watching hockey and/or drinking beer to vote. So what happened? The former Minority Conservative government who were kicked out were voted back in with a huge majority. What the ____ were my 60% thinking? What were WE thinking? I sure hope I was wrong. Well like the man says "We shall see"
As far as gigs go I have a few this month. A festival and a diner and cafe. Good gigs. See the links below for more info on 'em.
The first one will be an out door market at Moss St in Victoria. It's a great place to play because the folks there are coming to buy and if they like your tunes they buy your CD's. People like my tunes. :-)
I got my studio computer back from the builder and so far so good. I have a client in on Monday and that will be the test. It will perform or not. It does with all the tests I have run so far but I have run only the trials that I can think of. As soon as a new musician enters there will be new information to handle and record with new ideas and demands. That where any weaknesses will show. You guessed it "We shall see" :-)
I am so proud of my Janice. She did a 32k walk today from start to finish. Well done. I am so proud of you. :-)
Well my friend, how are things at your end of the world? Drop me a note. Tell me a story. I want to hear. Ya never know. Maybe you will be the inspiration for my next song.
All the best to you and yours and don't forget tomorrow is Moms Day.
Jim
Here is a free tune player from tune core of my songs. You can even pop it out seperatly and listen to music while you are doing otherthings on your computer http://www.tunecore.com/widgets/show/26363
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Easter High or Easter Hi You figure it out.
Hi Everyone,
Just a quick note to wish you a very happy Easter and all the best family time that you may get through this holiday.
I will be having a dinner with relatives and family here on Vancouver Island and maybe even get some time to play some music with friends.
Jan and Jim on Holiday Here is a link to a free song download
http://www.tunecore.com/widgets/show/63418.
All Peace and peace to all Jim
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April mid time to talk
Hi Everyone Well my house concert at Karen and Ben’s home in Mill Bay was a success. I had a good time and the guests were attentive and appreciative. Ah hell, who am I kidding, I had a blast! We video taped it and when I get time I will produce it and put up some of the songs on UTube and send you all a link. We had two cameras there. One on a tripod getting the main shot and sound the other was turned on and handed to the audience to do with as they wished. Some of it was extremely funny to down right odd. Yup lots of editing to do. Jim Concert in Utah
The annual Piggy Awards are coming up and I will be doing a song in them. It’s at St. Ann’s Academy National Historic Site in Victoria BC this weekend. If you don’t know what the piggies are then come and see. It’s about 2 hours long and a bit of a lampoon but fun.
My last few weeks have been hard. Don't get me wrong I am not complaining but there is busy and then there is spinning your wheels. With the election coming on in Canada (my home) and all the campaigning (did you ever notice how the work campaigning has that extra “g” in it? Me thinks that is to try and hide the fact that the word is really “camp-pain” which starts a whole new train of thought)… with all the campaigning going on, politicians trying to buy my vote with empty promises or just giving back a freedom that they stole in the first place, there hasn’t been much time for my music. Although I am still working with two writers groups (Art of the Song and SAC Regional Group) those account for 6 hours a month and that was all the time I spent “writing” last month. Just not enough. I am also putting up a Face Book identity for the Victoria Folk Music Society. Looking for some work and handling everything else……..I need help. There I have said it. I need help. I am not the superman I thought I was. I can’t do it all and still write, love and be happy. I need help.
If you know anything about the music. If you have time to give. If you like my music (I guess you do or you all wouldn’t have signed up for the email list). If you can assist me in any way please let me know. What do I need you ask? Well let’s see; You know how to edit video. You know a venue where I could play, let them know about me or tell me and I will send them a PR Kit or better yet I will send you one and you could present it to them. You know any musicians in my area who are looking for more in the way of a band, writing, performing let me know and tell them about me. I would love to be part of a solid performing group. You are a bookkeeper who would like to help me with my taxes. You are good at writing grants and have time to show me the ropes. You would like to have me do a house concert in your home.
If non of these are your thing but you have another idea just let me know. I do need your help. I am not lazy but I just can't do it all alone. So if you have some spare time I could really use it.
At the very least how about clicking on the "widgets" in the bottom of this email and posting them in your social networks for me. Pick any one you wish and share it. Its real easy and there are directions. This will help me be heard by more folks who will like my music too and the wheel keeps turning. The list could go on and on but I am sure you get the idea. I am not good at paperwork and there is a ton of it to do.
Oh and just to let you all know. The dates have been confirmed. Oct 26 – Nov 7th 2011, I will be doing a tour of southern BC. The exact places and times to be confirmed sometime in the next few weeks but “Home Routes” has taken me on for this tour and I will be out there. Cool ah? Well that’s it for this time. Sorry I didn’t write sooner. Hope your life is happy and you are well. Jim Moffatt
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