Fall Update

Hello again,

I just wanted to dash off a quick note about last Saturday's show. The Pride was hired to perform for the 1 year anniversary of the Quartier Dix30, a lifestyle center in Brossard. Arriving early to set up, as we always do, we were forced to wait as torrential rain prevented us from even unloading the gear. Eventually the rain let up somewhat and we quickly emptied the vans and began setting up. As the rain tapered off, a brisk and very chilly wind began to blow and stayed with us through the entire day and evening. Now, with conditions like these, you might expect the show to be less than the usual top-notch performance we give. Not so! In spite of the cold, damp weather we had a whole lot of fun playing and gave a very energetic and exciting show for the few dozen hardy souls who braved the weather. Ordinarily we might be disappointed by the small turnout, but they were so enthusiastic that, what they lacked in numbers, they made up for in energy. The agent, who was there for the show, has assured us that we will be returning next year for the Dix30's summer season, when we might expect some pleasant weather, not to mention a much larger audience. We very much look forward to it. Finally, both our new tech assistant Miguel and a good friend of mine, John Martin, took a bunch of photos, some of which are posted on the site. Go to http://www.theprideband.com/ and visit the Photos page. Click on the most recent gallery: Festivals, Exhibitions & Misc. 6. Enjoy! Until next time...

Marc C.

Labour Day Weekend

Hi everybody,

A busy weekend for The Pride on September 1st and 2nd - 2 wedding receptions. Saturday's was a smaller, more intimate event under a tent for about 75 people. In addition to The Pride, the guests were treated to a Mariachi performance of about 45 minutes, to the delight of all.

The 4 member version of our band took the stage at about 9:30 PM and entertained the guests until past 1 in the morning. We kept everyone on their feet and, judging from the photos taken during the evening, having a great time.

At the end of the reception we tore down the gear, loaded up the vehicles and headed home for a few hours sleep before starting all over again the following morning.

Sunday's affair was more elaborate and for a larger group of guests, nearly 200 people. I must say, I've never seen such a schedule of events for a wedding reception. The couple arrived in a Cinderella-style horse-drawn carriage, to a dais elaborately decorated for the ceremony, and accompanied by a Mariachi band.

Following the ceremony guests walked over to the cocktail area outside the Chateau Vaudreuil convention hall where a Jazz trio version of The Pride performed for them. An hour or so later the guests filed into the main hall for supper. But that was not the end of the entertainment - not by a long shot! Before and during the meal a number of other acts performed including an East Indian dance troupe, a young brother & sister, who each performed a dance, a 3 member Flamenco act and Brazilian dancers.

During the cake-cutting, a final bit of pre-dance entertainment - a fireworks display, visible through the large windows all around the room!

Finally at 11:20 PM the 6 piece version of The Pride took the stage for the dance. Given the late hour we wasted no time hyping the crowd and getting them moving. From there we performed three sets until 2:15 AM! What a night!

That's it for now except to mention that I have posted a gallery of photos for each of the parties on the band web site. Here's the address: www.theprideband.com/pics.html. Click Wedding or Anniversary galleries number 4 & 5. It's getting really busy for us but I will post again soon.

Marc C.