donnie wallace at the horseshoe tavern

The first party was being held downtown at the historic Horseshoe Tavern, a landmark since the 40’s and the sight of many a CD release party in it’s day (including Terri Clark’s Toronto party for “Fearless” back a little while ago). We were treated to Donnie’s performance of all of the songs from the CD, got to sample the complementary items supplied by Encore Management and Aeroplane Records and mingled with some fellow music folks that we know. It’s always a pleasure to run into those you admire (and support), like performers Keith Thompson and Vince Roy – both of whom had/will be opening for some pretty heavy hitters (Keith for Lisa Brokop in February and Vince for Jamie Warren on April 6). We also got a chance to say hi to Joel Christie from 820 CHAM, another of our favourites and a staunch supporter of our talented artists. We can never have enough supporters of these amazing people in my opinion. Donnie’s manager (and fellow performer) Bill McCartney did a great job of putting the night together and everyone had a fantastic time, thanks very much Bill, Donnie (and Vicky) plus the crew at the Horseshoe for their welcome.

On April 19 the second party took place at Nashville North in Norval Ontario, with some extra excitement due to our “Donnie Wallace CD Release Party Draw” winner going in a limo as a ‘special guest’. And how! The contest we had was sponsored/provided by Encore Management and Aeroplane Records and would provide the winner with a limo ride to/from the party, a special VIP reception and a Donnie Wallace ‘gift pack’. Our winner was Beth Warren; wife/manager of Jamie Warren and no one was more shocked about the win than Beth herself. Well, like the lottery commercials say – “If you want to win, you’ve got to play”, and everyone who ‘played’ had a chance to win.

The winner duly arrived and was photographed for our report (along with her adorable hubby) – thanks Beth…and then we headed inside to see who else was there. The man of the hour hadn’t arrived back yet after the set up earlier in the afternoon, so we met up with some other friends who we happened upon. It’s always a pleasure to run into the 820 CHAM crew and there were two of them there, Bill Bown and Joel Christie. We next met up with performer Vince Roy, who’d opened at the same venue for Jamie Warren’s Birthday Bash two weeks earlier. And while we were all having a visit who should stride on by but one of my favourites, John Landry. Boy, what a sight for sore eyes – I hadn’t had a chance to see John since February and he looked GREAT! Not only is he a superb entertainer but also he’s one fantastic guy, who deserves all the success he’s got coming to him. Another treat was seeing Sheila Szabo, John’s manager and one very special lady…she’s efficiency personified.

We learned that Keith Thompson would be opening for Donnie and were looking forward to it, and we headed upstairs where the VIP reception was being held. Along the way we managed to say hello to some others we knew who’d arrived, like another guitar wizard – David Kalmusky. Steve James was another performer we’d spotted, enjoying the night with some friends and then we got to say hello to Donnie before running into his manager, Bill McCartney, upstairs. We enjoyed Keith’s show, and then they took a break before Donnie was due to go on…so, more visiting.

Well, Donnie did get up there and gave his usual heartfelt performance, which everyone enjoyed (and some even headed right to the front of the stage to get the best view). The show went off without a hitch and proved to be a great kick-off for a fantastic guy, who deserves the support and encouragement he received from all of the attendees, us included. We wish you all the best Donnie, and you should have your dreams come true…

We’d like to thank everyone who attended for the great time we had, and hope that we can run into you all again soon…months apart is far too long.

Written by Kim Jamieson

Photos by Wayne Tozzi