The recently staged "Celebration of the Life and Memory of Bill McCauley" tribute compels me to publicly respond in gratitude to all those involved.
I was honoured to be able to participate in such a worthy cause and was treated to a first class experience on many levels. Having known Bill, he would have thought so too!
Organizers Neil Wodiwiss and Brian Lean were everywhere, doing everything they could to help anyone that needed anything. As usual, Terry and Linda Dolan's staff provided top notch service for the hundreds of patrons that came through their doors. Mark Roberts and Fred MacAusland were the perfect hosts, professional and personable. Tony Stoneham and the sound crew (you too Terry!) worked their tails off trying to provide the technical requirements for fifteen musical acts that performed over the weekend. Of course, the musicians and the audience played huge parts in making this fundraiser so successful. Thank you all for your efforts and contributions, the music and the memories.
For me, there were many personal highlights, of which I will share but a few. First and foremost, was seeing Bill's mom (Dot), family and friends from Toronto to Halifax, come together to celebrate the spirit of Bill McCauley. Another would be seeing students from the local high schools perform original music to an appreciative audience, some who may benefit from the scholarship set up in his name at Leo Hayes High School. Also, being able to play music with some old friends would rank high on the list.
Having received an e-mail asking if I would be interested in contributing, I quickly began to call musicians I had played with in the past. Most were thrilled and able to come, others wanted to but were regrettably unable to attend. Having not performed together in over two years didn't show, as the band (Blind Dog) played a great set to a positive response. I realized how fortunate I have been to know such fine musicians and compassionate people - friends, just like Bill.
An event conceived out of sadness has turned into an outpouring of generosity and goodwill from the community, in an effort to provide opportunities for youth to not only further their musical interests, but contribute in the process. Sounds like a winning formula to me. Hope to see you all next year!
Yours truly,
Bruce Hughes
Upper Keswick, NB
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