Once again – under the sparkling chandelier of Westboro Masonic Hall – the sheer scope of local musicianship and songwriting amazed and entertained the lucky audience who attended the June 16 edition of Rasputins Beard! First we were revved up by the energetic alt-country drive and harmonies of songwriters Cornflower Blue. Then came the sophisticated world-inflected grooves and poetic lyrics of Graham Pilkington, in his first-ever front-and-center performance as “songwriter”, with the deft support of his trio The Pilkingtones. Mary Moore’s dynamic jazz vocals took us to the wonderful land of jazz-bo, her excellent full band Jazz Latté weighing in with a wonderful quirky instrumental. Finally the sounds of Duet Cantabile’s violin and guitar took us down the path of minor-key East-European soul, winding up with some delightful pop interpretations. These shows just get better and better!

Sublime musical satisfaction until the very last note: everyone went home with their ears well-stuffed! The final tally of donations to the Ottawa Food Bank was $543.52.

Beards resume in the fall after a summer break: September 15 and December 15 = mark your calendars!