Goodbye 2009

Another year gone... and that means another holiday gig season all wrapped up. The past year, 2009, will not go down in history as our busiest thanks to the global economic meltdown and its after-effects. This is undeniable. However we did make the best of a poor situation and still managed a schedule that, while far from full, included some really good gigs - some new venues and some old favourites.

La Ronde hosts a weekly VIP party for sponsor companies of the Montreal International Fireworks Festival. We were one of three or four bands chosen to entertain at these parties... and we played at half of them. We would have done more but we had other gigs booked throughout the summer. I consider these gigs to have been a great success both for The Pride and the guests and certainly something we'd be proud to put on a resumé. It's too early to know for sure but the word was that we were being asked back for 2010. We certainly hope we are.

Nearing the end of every year means that The Pride gets busier, entertaining mostly at corporate parties and the occasional event open to the public. This year was no different and if the economic situation is cause for concern we try our best to make the guests forget about all that and just have fun for an evening. And they do.

The year ended for us once again at the Chateau Bromont. For the fourth year in a row the Chateau hired us to perform at their big annual New Year's Eve bash. We saw many familiar faces and indeed Brian and I were in the lobby when a gentleman, accompanied by his wife, approached us and, recognizing us from the previous year, said the fact that The Pride was back at this year's party was the only reason they had decided to spend the New Year's Eve there once again. Wonderful compliment...

This New Year's Eve party was as much fun as the others have been (pictures to prove it - click on Holiday Season 2009 - 4) We're very comfortable playing at the Chateau and the wonderful staff always makes us feel welcome. We look forward to more gigs there in 2010. We're also looking forward to a busier 2010. It seems that business is picking up as the economy recovers and we're hopeful that everyone's fortunes improve including, of course, our own.

In other band news we're hopeful that a new video demo will be shot this year. It's time to update. All in all we're moving into 2010 optimistic and full of energy - looking forward to a good year, lots of gigs and satisfied audiences. The Pride would also like to wish everyone much happiness, health and prosperity for 2010.

Marc C.