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In all the years of performing, Nash has never done a solo gig in Montreal. The times Nash played here were with the group FM, so this is really a whole new market. The club is just the right size and atmosphere for a Nash show, either Thrash or the Art show. When we first arrive, we are let into the club by Dan, a local artist who is adorning the walls with large hot-rod, monster cartoons ala Big Daddy Roth. They look just like the real thing. While Nash is setting up, Domenic the owner arrives. He immediately comes and says hello to me first. He has two dogs at home so this is a real dog-human. Montreal has always had a different vibe than Toronto. It is so much more relaxed and less pretentious. Up the street a block away is a large park where everyone lets their dogs roam leash-free. Even I can relax in the middle of this large city. It is also an attractive city to work in, and Nash meets many fans from Toronto and Ottawa that have moved to Montreal for the good jobs and cheaper rent. The bilingualism is infectious. People who speak perfect English slip into French dialogue and back to English without missing a beat. Those French who speak poor English are constantly being translated by their friends. In Montreal you are never left out of the conversation. No matter how many human languages we canines know, we all bark the same. After the evening's performance, including I'm a Canadian Band, Nash talks with Domenic. Nash is informed that the separatist topic in the lyrics is a non-issue these days in Quebec. Song-Writing Rule #34: never write lyrics about politics. It soon becomes irrelevant. Domenic is a Nash fan and wants to make this club the gig of choice. With all the initial support, things are going to happen. Thom has many cool friends here like Germ, Fred and Albert who will also spread the word. Nash connected to many old friends as well such as Farrell and Bowtie plus brothers Steve and Jeff Richardson who have been Nash fans for years. Another cool thing about Ottawa and Montreal is that both clubs have live music seven days a week and will have Nash and me visit any night of the week. This makes for a lot of versatility in the gig schedule. With the successful conclusion of our 6 day tour, we'll return to all these cities very soon. Digger |
