HodgePodge: Donn concert at Creekside Theatre
HodgePodge by Charlie Hodge
What comes around goes around, or, what goes around comes around, or something like that.
Something goes around something and winds up back where it was.
Either way some things have a way of finding themselves back where they started in a bizarre scenario we label as, weird, bizarre, freaky, or even ‘meant to be’. We try and justify it by referring to it as déjà vu.
Regardless how or why these scenarios repeat themselves they largely involve people.
In my world this week that explains musician Ryan Donn.
If my planets align properly then this Saturday (November 4) my wife and I will be cozily tucked into two chairs at Creekside Theatre listening to the talented singer/songwriter. Obviously (based on this long lead in) it will not be the first time I’ve heard Ryan play – but certainly it’s been way too long since I saw him in concert. I’m thinking he’s feeling the same way.
One thing I do know for sure is I am excited about the show he has planned.
I first got to know Ryan many moons ago, long before he was ever involved in politics. He was cutting his first teeth in the music writing industry and asked me for input.
His potential and talent as a singer and writer were obvious to me from the first note out of his mouth. I still remember the small little shed the two of us crammed into while he played some of his freshly crafted songs for his first album Causewayend. Despite its cramped space infilled with boxes and stacked chairs the shed had the perfect mental and musical ambiance for a recording studio.
His first tune caught me off guard as I had not ‘heard’ his heavy northern Scottish accent (Doric) whenever he simply spoke with people.
“I tried hard back then to sound Canadian when I talked. It was a new country for our family, and we wanted to fit in, find work. I never realized at the beginning how the old voice came through when singing,” Ryan chuckles.
In later years that almost reversed. Ryan can now ‘turn on or off the charming, lyrical accent either singing or talking as he wishes.
However, on that day following the accent surprise, the ears immediately caught Ryan’s true skill with the guitar – and how it blended with a multiple range of vocal ability. Ryan dances a fine set of strings which allows him all kinds of room to direct his songs. He is comfortable enough with his musicianship to not overplay all album long with basic chord structure.
From a vocal perspective he is pretty much unlimited. He brags a catchy falsetto drop to mid-range (Keith Urban) style that raises eyebrows.
Causewayend was released in 2003 and showcased several solid songs, my favourites being Lighten Up, the title song Causewayend, and my favourite Mr. which perfectly portrays the artist’s sensitive side as he describes an elderly couple going through grief.
Following time on the road and work writing again Ryan completed his second album In This Life which was released in 2007. Even better than the first album In This Life features some great tunes including my favourites Love Will Lead you Home.
Despite great response by critiques and music fans In This Life did not reach platinum stats. With an ever-growing family Ryan happily took on a job with Festivals Kelowna however the long hours pretty much eliminated the time or energy to play music in evenings or weekends. The guitar sat in the corner.
In 2014 Ryan successfully won a spot on Kelowna City Council.
I hoped that would inspire the guitar to get out of the corner however that was not the case.
Even during the last council term, I continually harassed Ryan suggesting his musical talent was not being enjoyed by the world or himself. I repeated that I believed he was born to play and how I hoped he would get back to his craft even if just on the occasional weekend.
However, he was wisely refusing saying between council work and family his time was filled. Family was the priority (smart man).
The last time I saw Ryan we were discussing an issue at the city council table, no music involved. It was then he indicated he may not run in the next term (this one) and while I told him I would like to see him run for the city’s sake I admitted wanting to see him run from a music perspective. Either way he was sharing his talent, but few people can play music with his talent.
Sure enough when the last election rolled around Ryan decided he was tired of the political race “at least for now” and stepped aside.
I‘m not convinced Ryan is fully done with politics but I do know he was born to be a musician. We are all lucky to have him back singing and playing.
So on Saturday Ryan will be sharing his stage with a couple of other very well known and talented Okanagan musicians including Neville Bowman, Lynda Norman, Jason Cassidy, Nick Garding, and other special guests including a Marinda player. Fans should also eagerly anticipate Ryan joining the talented Shalisa for his song For You and later in the evening in a duet with Leah West for his song I Want You.
Of course Ryan retiring from politics and returning full circle to back playing music simply feels right the Creekside Theatre feels right. For me to be there cheering him on feels so meant to be.
As stated at the start if there is a deja vu then perhaps that’s what will happen Saturday night.
