Music

I want to celebrate all the people I know who sing and/or play musical instruments. This posting is inspired by a cousin from England with whom I reconnected a few months ago. I was a teenager when I saw him last and he taught me how to play "The last thing on my mind" on my first guitar. Jacques, an applied science teacher at London College of Fashion, recently retired but has always kept his passion for music. You can hear him sing some of the beautiful songs he wrote on his blog. The one I like most: "I think it's best"

My husband's niece, Sarah Putnam, is only nineteen and a talented singer. She was among 50 selected across Canada to compete for the role of Maria in The Sound of Music, a Mirvish theatre production that will be playing in Toronto this year.

I'm not a big fan of opera but when I saw the performance of Takako, the mother of one of my son's hockey friends, I was quite taken by her radiant presence, her voice and the mix of east and west in her songs.

Francine Labelle, a friend from my karate club, sings in Tafelmusik's choir. I enjoy listening to Francine sing, like a bird twittering in pure soulful notes. She is the second from left in this photo

Andi Duncan, a friend I've lost touch with but whom I will always remember for telling me that "It's the journey, not the destination that counts" when talking about her musical career, sang, and composed the music and lyrics on this CD

I met Russell Drago when our sons were at the same school. It was relaxing to hear him sing at Trane Studio, a jazz club on Bathurst St.

Tom Melville, a friend who works full time as a lawyer, plays the organ in a band called Tokyo Giants that consists mostly of lawyers who work full-time and manage to find time to practice and perform. Saw his band at Chick'n'deli and had a terrific time dancing to their upbeat tunes.

My cheers to all other friends who play music: Judy, Wayne, Milène ... What's wonderful about Toronto is that there are so many venues for musicians who want to perform. Music is such a wonderful outlet, a great way to unwind from stress, long hours of work. Many friends jam regularly on weekends, and even perform at parties. They share the same desire to express their inner emotions through music. A few months ago, I shook the dust away from my guitar ...