How I just might have found my people in Newfoundland is the topic for today’s post. In last week’s post, I revealed a wee bit about my recent trip to Newfoundland and closed with a teaser asking you to look up Mummering. Well, I’m pausing that tidbit. Sorry. I feel drawn to swap it for the night we partied in a Newfoundland shed.
When we booked tickets to the Grand Old Shed Party Show in the town of Twillingate, we didn’t know what to expect. We only knew it was a singalong run by a mother and daughter team in a shed.
We were none the wiser upon arrival.
Nor was this chap of much help.
After collecting our $20 cash fee for the two hour show, the gatekeeper grinned and said,
“Best grab both a hat and a musical instrument or … you have to leave. No hat, no instrument? Bye-bye.”
I raced to grab one of the ugly sticks. Unique to Newfoundland, the ugly stick is an instrument fashioned out of household and tool shed items. They typically consist of a mop handle anchored in a child’s rubber boot, and decorated with bottle caps and a tin can and other noise makers. The musical technique? Slamming a notched stick against the mop handle while thumping the ugly stick up and down.
We were spoiled for choice when it came to the hats.
I was relieved to learn the headgear was immediately sanitized at the end of each evening and opted for a charming fuschia number. Why? It matched my sweatshirt.
A Warm Newfoundland Welcome
When we were encouraged to chitchat with nearby strangers, I began to relax. It seemed very few knew what to expect at this party in a shed.
Our hosts, Karren Churchill and her daughter Gillian Cutler, warmly welcomed the 30 of us. In addition to others from BC, there were folks from Boston, New York, Ontario, and New Zealand. Our hosts explained that at their shed, every performance was unique, with Karren and Gillian choosing the songs at whim from a setlist of over 1800.
Within minutes, we understood audience participation was nonnegotiable. You couldn’t refuse Gillian. She cherry picked with abandon and soon had folks circling about the room in a Newfoundland version of a conga line. Karren’s dulcet tones and cheerful guitar strumming melded beautifully with the jangling sounds of rattled bottle caps. As the room grew warmer, I quickly realized the ugly stick is a lot of work. My wrists ached with all the slamming and pounding, and I snuck over to the instrument wall and replaced it with a number similar to this.
I know it sounds implausible but just minutes in, everyone got it. At a Newfoundland shed party, you shed all traces of shyness and embrace the joy. You’re among friends.
Our hosts continued to treat us to some outstanding Newfoundland hospitality during the brief break by offering up a variety of hot and cold non alcoholic drinks and three desserts personally baked by Karren. Tonight’s offerings? Panloads of thick, gooey brownies, a tart rhubarb crumble and a heavenly ginger infused cake. Most folks went back for seconds of each.
Who’s In?
The break over, rather than drag folks up, Gillian called for six volunteers to perform for the crowd. “The winner will love their prize! It’s a beaut.”
Much to my daughter’s outright disbelief, I stood and marched to the front.
“Let’s give a big round of applause for our Grand Ol’ Shed Party Show Spoon Off contestants,” Gillian crowed before handing us a pair of conjoined spoons.
Sweeping her arms towards the audience, she announced, “You guys get to vote for the winner! They’ll do their damndest to entertain you, using every means to win your hearts!”
How I Just Might Have Found My People In Newfoundland
I absolutely loved the spoon off. All six of us did our best. We tapped those spoons like seasoned percussionists, bopping, swerving, dancing about the room. As Gillian and Karren lined us up again, they asked the audience to rate us by applauding.
My competitive nerves sizzled as the chap from Boston got the loudest response.
“So who’s the ultimate winner, guys?” Karren inquired, making sure she understood.
I flashed a decidedly insincere grin at the Bostonian.
The crowd roared, “PINK! The gal in pink!”
Me?
Me.
In addition to this delightful keepsake, I received a $30 gift certificate to the Scot Lewis Pencil Art Studio. I exchanged it the next day for one of Scot’s exquisitely detailed pencil artwork prints. It’s a perfect souvenir of a wonderful night at a Newfoundland shed party.
The family’s reactions to that Friday night win?
Son’s: “Those competitive juices kick in there, Kel?”
Niece’s: “I think you’ve found your people, Ahwee.”
Nephew’s: “Release the videos online. Now.”
I might live to regret it … but, yes, for your viewing pleasure:
“… Here we go/help me now …”
Next up – The aforementioned Mummering miracle. Promise.
12 Responses
Perfection! And of course you won.
Francine and Fred would be proud.
Aw, thank you. I love how you refer to them as Francine and Fred, and yes, they would be proud.
Oh my, that was amazing !! Your Mum would be so proud, and the pink hat is perfection ! You danced and played those spoons like a pro ! I can’t wait to hear how you discovered the shed party !!
Thanks so very much, Jane! I’m tickled pink you think so (ha – see what I did there?) Twillingate is tiny – population is about 2500, I think. Maybe a bit more. We popped into the tourist bureau which doubles as their city hall if I’m remembering correctly, and picked up a few pamphlets. The Shed party pamphlet was one of them.
Looks like you are a natural. If only I had know that when we were Sparks leaders
I’m rather glad you hadn’t known back then, Rainbow. Ha!
You look good with fuchsia hair.
Ha – thank you! The shed was rather dark – I’m not sure how it would look in natural lighting.
You are your mother’s daughter! I’m sure she was smiling the whole time and cheering you on.
Aw, thanks, Lisa and yes, I thought of her when I was up bopping about. When she was younger, I think she would have been the first one to volunteer!
Congratulations in your big win! This was fantastic! What an incredible experience not many people get to have in their lifetime. I love that you went all out. Deep down I would want to, but I’m not sure I could! I’m so happy you got to do this!
(I looked up Mummering. Very interesting.)
Thank you, Cindy! It was a really fun experience. I don’t think I could have done it at the beginning of the night but as we went along I got swept up in the joy and camaraderie. Our hosts were so friendly and welcoming. And yes, isn’t Mummering interesting? I love the idea. My friend who has recently retired to St. John’s, Newfoundland, is looking forward to experiencing it this December. He grew up in a lighthouse in Newfoundland and has fond memories of it.