ALMAGUIN FORESTER News ALMAGUIN FORESTER, Thursday, June 5, 2008 PAGE 10 Committee discusses support of chair – Continued from page 1 Parks said that there must be a rea- Charley Pride promises “I’ve asked for meetings more often, son why Morris feels the committee but you guys are all busy. Well, this air- isn’t behind him. port is getting awful busy.” Ivory suggested that Morris is not an Morris asked if he is supposed to experienced politician. He’s not frus- wait a month when the federal govern- trated with the rules he has to follow, 110 per cent performance ment invites him to talk about grants. and he’s upset because things aren’t BY LAUREL J. CAMPBELL “The beauty of a Charley Pride show is his Dickerson said that a phone poll moving fast enough for him. Staff Reporter ability to read his audience and instinctively would be enough. “Like in families, I think he vents on know what songs they want to hear,” said John “I don’t think it’s dissention to want the people closest to him,” said Ivory. “I NORTH BAY – The city’s Memorial Gardens Lester of Rocklands Talent and Management in to be kept in the loop,” said Ivory. can’t wave a magic wand and make the will be the scene of an evening of good old Peterborough, Ontario, the agency that books Sundridge resident Gary Parks rules change.” country music and southern hospitality on June Pride’s Canadian performances. asked if the other committee members Flying Club president Bill Brown 17 when the legendary Charley Pride makes a “His performances are also very true to the are pulling any of the weight, possibly noted that the aviation industry moves one night stop on his 40th anniversary tour of original recordings. He knows people expect to coming up with ideas of their own. very fast compared to government. Canada. Appearing with him, hear the live songs sound the The answer was that the committee has With the air cleared, the tone of the for the first time in Canada, same as what they listen to at little experience with aviation. meeting improved once again, includ- will be his brother Stephen, home, regardless of how long Schneider said that he simply cannot ing some discussion of a budget line for also a talented performer with ago a song was recorded,” Lester allow Morris to continue wearing him- committee expenses, such as Morris’ a successful regional following said. “His band, The Pridesmen, self out if something doesn’t change. trip to Ottawa. in the United States. is absolutely wonderful, and “If you don’t give him a little bit Joly councillor Tom Rheubottom, “It’s been 30 years since I the whole show remains true to of slack, I’m going to take him off the for one, found the meeting refreshing. appeared in North Bay,” Pride what Charley Pride fans expect. committee,” said Schneider. “It’s affect- He pointed out that past airport com- told the Almaguin Forester If you’re looking for good old ing his health.” mittees had done little more than rub- from his hotel room in Edmon- fashioned country music, deliv- Strong representative Merlyn Snow ber stamp things and go home. ton, “and I’m looking forward ered with humour, energy and said that he has always supported Mor- “I like to see you yelling and scream- to coming back. I think my top notch vocals and backup, you ris completely, and that there should be ing at each other,” he said. “It means music has gotten even bet- won’t want to miss this show.” no question of that. you’re doing something.” ter over the years because I’m A consummate performer “I haven’t said no to him,” agreed Visit www.almaguinregion.com for more experienced and more Pride says “my favourite venue Joly representative Bruce Baker. video coverage of this meeting. seasoned. I’m comfortable with is the one I’m performing on, myself and the delivery of the and my favourite song is the one songs people want to hear. I’m I’m singing at the time. I guess just coming to town to entertain with the best you could say I believe in living in the moment, show I can give.” if that means giving everything you have to what Known throughout the music industry as you are doing right now.” “the Pride of Country Music,” he has been a big While there’s no denying Pride’s vocal abili- hit for decades with fans who are familiar with ties have lead, in part, to his long standing fame, his countless hits like Kiss an Angel Good Morn- he has also brought a keen business mind, a true ing and Someone Loves You Honey. sense of performance, a dedication to perfec- Admitting to being over 60, with birth records tion, a quick wit, a genuine love and interest in putting him at 70, Pride says he continues to people, and a strong physique into the mix that tour because of his fans. “It’s about the fans not has lead to his success. wanting me to disappear, and still wanting to “I haven’t got a lot of education,” said Pride see a live performance,” Pride said. “No matter who left home at age 16, “but I’ve learned from whether the venue is large or small, I go where everyone I’ve met, from scientists, business pro- my fans are, and I have a lot of fans in Northern fessionals, you name it. I’ve always been curious Ontario. It’s not about performing in big places to learn what others know. The little pieces of or about the money. It’s about the fans.” knowledge I learned about this and that have Pride’s last cross-Canada tour in 1968 saw really helped me along the way.” him perform in all 10 provinces, and 40 years He says he has been “blessed with a good later he can still rattle off the names of many metabolism, and for the past 34 years I have of the towns he visited, even the smallest. “The taken part in spring training with the Texas size of the town never bothered me,” he said. Rangers. I think that helps as well.” “In smaller places, the audiences are often more “Charley Pride is one of the true original appreciative because they have fewer live enter- superstars who continues to play to audiences tainment opportunities than in bigger areas.” worldwide and is rewarded with a tremendous His memory for out of the way locations is welcome resulting in mostly sold-out perfor- part of the reason he has captured the hearts of mances,” said Lester. “Fans everywhere eagerly so many country music lovers. “I determined anticipate his concerts, and that is proof positive early in my career that I wanted to be an inter- of the special place he has in the hearts of coun- national artist,” he said. “I started out early try music lovers 40 years after his first number and I started in those smaller places. It’s those one hit.” fans that helped build my career. Of course I “I love what I do,” Pride told the Forester, remember those places because those people are “and I promise my North Bay audience that I important to me.” will give them 110 per cent.”

It’s the second annual

at the Huntsville Fairgrounds (Ravenscliffe Road, Huntsville just past the OPP station off Hwy 11) in support of the Muskoka Family, Youth and Child Services Camp Fund June 21, 2008 • Noon until 6:00 p.m Tina Turley and Loose Boots Country Bob and Burk’s Falls Express Fine Line McArthur Mills The Drama Kings Garry Wayne Viceroy Bill Butter Trippy Foot Prescription For Protest Eric Treleaven Kidz Printz - Silent Auction - Sucker Raffl e - Dunk Tank - Card Readings by Micki - Shadyzign and much much more...

HORSESHOE TOURNAMENT - PLEASE BE AT THE PITS BY 11AM OR TO PRE-REGISTER CALL 787-6023 0R 789-0326 For admission and general information contact 789-5353 or 783-5778 Free Will Donation Bring your at th Also on location The Elegant Wienie - Muskoka Fries e Gat lawn chair - Springhill Freshwater Co. - Little Place by the Lights e - K&K Sanitation

Net proceeds go toward the Muskoka Family, Youth and Child Services Camp Fund