When I walk about the city with the kids, I often hand them spare change to throw in the guitar case of a musician busking on a street corner or in the City Market. I also play discs by my favourite local or Canadian musicians in the car and they often become favourites of the kids too.
The latest disc that gets played over and over again, at the kids’ insistence, is “Caught Between Shadows” by Dave Gunning. Their favourite tune on the disc is Here She Comes a Running.
“Daddy, play number 1,” screams three-year-old Ella. “That’s the one Jack and I like.” We were out for a drive one day recently, and Jack pipes up from the back seat while the song is playing, “Daddy, he is a really good singer. If I saw him play, I’d give him some money.”
It takes me a minute to realize he’s talking about coming upon Dave busking somewhere. Jack would later recount the story to Janet, saying, “I just couldn’t resist giving him money, mummy.” Dave, we hope to see you on a Saint John street corner sometime soon. Can’t promise you a big payday but you will encounter a couple of adoring, enthusiastic new fans!
