Live @ Water Tower Inn Thursday July 23rd:
an evening of acoustic music with Craig West, Kathy O'Neill and MD Dunn.
Three songwriters for the same low price.
When did you first start writing songs and what inspired you to start?
Dunn:
Long before I could write, I made up songs.
Some of my first memories involve looking out windows or sitting in the grass while singing.
I used to narrate everything with songs: wind, rain, bird in a tree, someone walking a dog.
As a child, after learning the basics of written language, I wrote poems, stories, and songs.
I began to learn the guitar age 13 (33 years ago).
Once the guitar entered my life, the songs were given more structure...
I started playing guitar so that I could remember the melodies of the songs...
As far as inspiration, it was just something I had to do -- like breathing and eating.
Of course, music inspired me.
I grew up listening to my older brothers' record collections and to my father's country band.
Early on, I listened to The Beatles, Joni Mitchell, Cat Stevens, Bruce Cockburn, RUSH, Charlie Pride, Johnny Cash, Cat Stevens and many others.
I used to sleep with 8-track cassettes of Cat Stevens.
We had two -- Teaser and Firecat, and Tea for the Tillerman --
and as one played, I snuggled with the other.
Those are my earliest memories.
I used to narrate everything with songs: wind, rain, bird in a tree, someone walking a dog.
As a child, after learning the basics of written language, I wrote poems, stories, and songs.
I began to learn the guitar age 13 (33 years ago).
Once the guitar entered my life, the songs were given more structure...
I started playing guitar so that I could remember the melodies of the songs...
As far as inspiration, it was just something I had to do -- like breathing and eating.
Of course, music inspired me.
I grew up listening to my older brothers' record collections and to my father's country band.
Early on, I listened to The Beatles, Joni Mitchell, Cat Stevens, Bruce Cockburn, RUSH, Charlie Pride, Johnny Cash, Cat Stevens and many others.
I used to sleep with 8-track cassettes of Cat Stevens.
We had two -- Teaser and Firecat, and Tea for the Tillerman --
and as one played, I snuggled with the other.
Those are my earliest memories.
Decter:
And what kind of shows have you put on over the years?
Dunn:
I was slow in performing. The thought of playing for people terrified me into silence.
I was 21 when I played my first show, a summer festival in Sault Ste. Marie.
Shortly after that, I moved away. For a long time, I played bars, cafes, small clubs, open stages, street corners, always as a songwriter. I came back to SSM in the late 90s.
Maria and I met at her café, The Fireball. Later, she and I hosted a concert series called Alt-Shift at the Art Gallery. The series ran for three years, featuring writers and musicians.
It was a good time. I wish we'd documented it better, but the easy of digital hadn't arrived yet...
Okay. I am rambling. The short answer is that I've played a lot of gigs and organized some.
I love to perform but also find it challenging, excruciating.
(photo: Brad Jones)
Decter:
I was 21 when I played my first show, a summer festival in Sault Ste. Marie.
Shortly after that, I moved away. For a long time, I played bars, cafes, small clubs, open stages, street corners, always as a songwriter. I came back to SSM in the late 90s.
Maria and I met at her café, The Fireball. Later, she and I hosted a concert series called Alt-Shift at the Art Gallery. The series ran for three years, featuring writers and musicians.
It was a good time. I wish we'd documented it better, but the easy of digital hadn't arrived yet...
Okay. I am rambling. The short answer is that I've played a lot of gigs and organized some.
I love to perform but also find it challenging, excruciating.
Decter:
What can you tell me about living away from the Sault
and your own perspective on local changes?
Dunn:
and your own perspective on local changes?
Dunn:
I think it is important. no matter where one is from, to go away, if even for a short time.
If one can, it's good to make home in other places, rather than just pass through.
There is much about the Sault that I have found frustrating over the years.
Not too long ago, I thought of leaving.
It can be lonely here in a way that I've not experienced anywhere else.
Yet, it is very beautiful, and there are many, many fine people...
I've felt, and have watched, the momentum building over the last couple of years.
In general, the Sault is centuries ahead of where it was 18 years ago, when I returned here. People are more interested in homegrown art/music and more supportive than they were. Some of the things I experienced in the 1990s in the Sault
are, in retrospect, astonishing and best not dwelt upon...,
I am energized by the community growth happening now, and I stand in awe at the accomplishments of the community and arts workers I've met.
Decter:
If one can, it's good to make home in other places, rather than just pass through.
There is much about the Sault that I have found frustrating over the years.
Not too long ago, I thought of leaving.
It can be lonely here in a way that I've not experienced anywhere else.
Yet, it is very beautiful, and there are many, many fine people...
I've felt, and have watched, the momentum building over the last couple of years.
In general, the Sault is centuries ahead of where it was 18 years ago, when I returned here. People are more interested in homegrown art/music and more supportive than they were. Some of the things I experienced in the 1990s in the Sault
are, in retrospect, astonishing and best not dwelt upon...,
I am energized by the community growth happening now, and I stand in awe at the accomplishments of the community and arts workers I've met.
Decter:
Your next show is on the 23rd?
Dunn:
Dunn:
23rd at Water Tower with Kathy O'Neil and Craig West;
28th at the Bondar tent, two sets solo.
If you are near Wawa, Ontario, join me at Rock Island Lodge ( Naturally Superior Adventures ) at Michipicoten River on July 31st It's a beautiful place with a warm room and fun people. Tickets: $10 and a non-perishable food item for the Wawa Food Bank.
(photo: Sandra Hodge)
28th at the Bondar tent, two sets solo.
If you are near Wawa, Ontario, join me at Rock Island Lodge ( Naturally Superior Adventures ) at Michipicoten River on July 31st It's a beautiful place with a warm room and fun people. Tickets: $10 and a non-perishable food item for the Wawa Food Bank.
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