RAMA - “I’m getting hotter than a fox in a forest fire, how about you?”
Heard from one of the performers at the First Annual PALS Music Festival in Rama, these words pretty much summed up the excitement on July 19 at the Rama Sports Grounds.
Originally scheduled for two days, the event had to be scaled back due to steady rain on July 20.
But the day before provided near-ideal conditions with mostly sunny skies, temperatures a little over 20°C, and just enough of a breeze to blow away the smoke and keep off the bugs.
“We couldn’t have asked for a better day,” said Nancy Genoway of Rama, one of the PALS (Performing Arts & Leisure Society) organizers.
In addition to helping organize the event, Genoway also sang with the Rama Rednecks. Other group members are: Elaine Head of Sturgis (piano & vocals), Judy Johnson of Preeceville (Calamity Jane & vocals) and Sheldon Landstad (guitar & vocals).
Johnson said the idea for her unusual instrument, called the Calamity Jane, originally came from Newfoundland. “This one was made out of a stick with grooves on it like a washboard, a tin can, bottle caps near the bottom, and we even put a hat and a dress on her.”
Following the Rednecks to the stage was the three-piece group, Homemade Jam, who made the trip from Naicam to take part in the festival.
The Songbirds, three female singers from Yorkton, performed with instrumental help from members of Homemade Jam and the Rama Rednecks. One of the highlights of their performance was their interpretation of the old favourite Old Macdonald Had a Farm. At one point, it sounded like there was a real-life turkey on stage.
Other performers included The Haws of Ituna, Hillbilly Highway of St. Front, Paula Stefankiw of Fishing Lake, and Shades of Blue from Wynyard.
Musicians from Rama Rednecks, Homemade Jam and Shades of Blue graciously shared their talents, backing up the other performers as needed.
Country and Gospel music were prominently featured, along with some bluegrass, as well as classics such as Let it Be (The Beatles), The Gambler (Kenny Rogers), Well It’s All Right (Traveling Wilburys), and Don’t Be Cruel (Elvis Presley).
Christa Swiderski of Rama looked after decorations for the weekend, assisted by sisters Christian and Shanae Shewchuk, also of Rama.
The dance floor was provided by the nearby Village of Buchanan, and received a thorough workout from energetic dancers throughout the day.
Darren Shewchuk of Rama constructed a shelter for anyone looking to get out of the sun
The Rama Rednecks took to the stage at 10 a.m. on Saturday and the final notes of the day were played at around 11 p.m.
Due to the rain on Sunday, breakfast was held at the PALS building on Front Street in Rama instead of at the Sports grounds.
“We were happy with the turnout,” said Genoway. “The Rama Rednecks sang gospel songs for an hour. Homemade Jam finished up with some gospel and we were all done by about noon. It was a great weekend despite the rain. Thanks to all the musicians, spectators and especially the volunteers for making this weekend possible. We’re hoping to make this an annual event.”
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